By Nchem Sandra Lukong
The regular Cameroon Military that is permanently stationed in the area called “Squares” in the center of Kumbo town in the restive North West Region of Cameroon is notorious for very controversial outings; since operating there for the last four weeks, civilians have testified to CNA
“Their coming has instead raised tension and animosity rather than peace that we were told they were stationing here to bring…” A trader confided in a CNA Correspondent in Kumbo.
On October 24, Separatist fighters came around the area called Dolé Market, fired in the air, and ran away. The military descended on the area, broke into two homes, and looted. They also entered the pig pen of a man just nearer to the area, shot his pig at close range, and took it away.
This came after three weeks, when the same military men shot and killed 26 goats tethered around the Kumbo Central town and took them away.
The BIR and Army Commander in Kumbo promised the local population that the act was going to be investigated and the culprits were to be booked, and the owners of the goats compensated. This latest breaking into homes and stealing of a pig casts further doubts on the seriousness of the two Commanders
Owners of shops in the Center of Kumbo Town are a bit uncomfortable with the presence of the military at Kumbo Squares because shops in this market area were looted and burned down by the regular military in 2019, and none of the victims were ever compensated.
