Deserted streets in Bamenda as women celebrate national day
By Nukapuh P.
Major streets in Bamenda, the chief town of the North West region are completely empty, as the world celebrates the 2023 International Women’s Day.
Walking through major roundabouts like Mile 2 to Mobile Nkwen and to Miss Ngeng junction, you could barely see a few persons trekking. Meanwhile, taxis and motorbikes are nowhere to be found.
Business persons and the population of the town have halted their activities and sat at home as usual on such national and international days in what is commonly called ‘ghost town’
Such days usually come with a lot of fear and panic as the population is afraid of being victims of gun battles between government soldiers and separatist fighters. Only those who are brave are seen on the streets and talk less about going to the ceremonial ground.
Since the start of the Anglophone armed conflict in 2016, which has claimed more than 5,000 lives, according to humanitarian reports, separatist fighters always sent frightening messages to the population on such days, warning them to stay home.
On March 8, 2020, during activities of the international women’s day in Bamenda, an explosive went off at the ceremonial ground at Commercial Avenue. Several soldiers and civilians were injured in the incident claimed by separatists.
The 2023 international women’s day is being observed under the theme “digitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”
This year’s celebration took place in the presence of North West Governor, Adolphe Lele Lafrique, where some women were awarded for their selfless and outstanding efforts in the region in the domains of technology, sports, arts, culture, and others.
Though the population has drastically dropped, the 2023 international women’s day celebration in Bamenda still brought together some women’s groups and associations who braved the odds and came out to celebrate their day.
