More than a hundred youth turned out at the grandstand in Kumbo for the first time since the socio-political crisis creeped into the area in 2016.
Kumbo, headquarters of Bui division, North West region has been plunged into mayhem since separatist picked up arms against Yaounde – fighting for the breakaway of the two English-speaking regions – to form a state they hope to call Ambazonia.
Armed groups spawned in the area and became the new authority, and went after members of the CPDM. Militants of the ruling party fled the area or renounced the CPDM to stay safe. Courageous could only sneak into area under the heavy armed protection of the Cameroon military.
But last February 11, 2022 the new elected YCPDM President of Bui I-A section Ntumnyuy Austin mobilized youth of his section to march at the Tobin grandstand. What appeared like a dream became a reality, although guns are still smoking in Kumbo and other areas.
He says the support from the Permanent Divisional Delegation of Bui led by Asheri Kilo, who is also secretary of state in the ministry of Basic Education helped his team to mobilize the youth.
Ntumnyuy feels accomplished after several prep meetings held online and his hustle to raise funds for the event. The YCPDM President travelled from Yaoundé through the trouble-ridden Mezam and Ngoketunjia divisions to reach Bui – home to several armed groups.
Like Ntumnyuy, youth of Bui-IA were pushed away fear to testify their support to the Head of State Paul Biya, who is also the national President of their party. One of their banners that was held over head as the youth marched read: “The youth of Bui I-A stand behind President Paul Biya for peace and development”.
Peace seems possible in Bui division. Young adults are leaving armed groups in droves, Ntumnyuy said referring to his conversations with locals. The population doubts the independence of Ambazonia, and the cruelty of combatants nurses rejection from locals.
Jude VIBAN
