South West Governor Raises Concern Over Lockdown Efficacy; Urges Regional Elites to Intensify Efforts
The situation in Cameroon’s South West region has become a focal point of concern due to the effectiveness of a separatist-imposed lockdown. The governor, Bernard Okalia Bilai, has voiced his alarm over the shutdown’s impact on the region’s social and economic activities, particularly highlighting the disruption of educational services with schools being unable to resume for two weeks.
The separatist lockdown, which was initially targeted at the school resumption period, has led to a broader halt of activities, causing significant distress among the population. The governor’s call to action for the region’s elites underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for concerted efforts to restore normalcy.
The ongoing Anglophone Crisis, which began in 2016, has seen a series of escalations, with separatists fighting for a breakaway state. The recent lockdown is a continuation of the unrest that has deeply affected the English-speaking regions of Cameroon. The separatists’ actions, including the lockdown, are seen as a form of protest against the government, with the education sector being a particular point of contention.
The governor’s remarks came during the third ordinary session of the South West Regional Assembly, where he expressed his frustration and called for a collective response to ensure that children can return to their classrooms. The situation is a complex one, with both security concerns and the right to education being critical issues at stake.
The conflict has had a profound effect on the civilian population, with reports of attacks on schools and civilians following the killing of a rebel leader known as Bitter Kola. The government’s stance is that the separatists’ actions are detrimental to the population, particularly the children whose education is being compromised.
In response to the governor’s call, there is a need for dialogue and action from all stakeholders, including regional leaders, civil society, and the international community, to address the underlying issues of the crisis and work towards a peaceful resolution. The governor’s plea is a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the people of the South West region and the collective responsibility to safeguard the future of the next generation.
