Kumbo Grapples With Surge in Violence, Abductions
A surge of violence has gripped Kumbo, the second-largest town in Cameroon’s North West Region, over the past two weeks, marked by kidnappings, arbitrary arrests, and property destruction amid a notable silence from administrative authorities and humanitarian organizations.
The escalating unrest is attributed to the ongoing Anglophone crisis and heightened tensions following recent presidential elections, with accusations of abuses leveled against both separatist fighters and government forces.
Separatist groups in areas including Riba-Kumbo, Kikaikom, Gwarkang, and Faa Kuiy are reportedly responsible for numerous civilian abductions. In the last two weeks, 34 civilians have been reported kidnapped. Among the grave cases is that of Kumbo’s Inspector of Basic Education, who was reportedly removed from a vehicle en route to Kumbo and taken to Faa Kuiy, where he allegedly endured severe beatings and a machete wound to his leg. Some of his teachers were also reportedly abducted and taken to the same camp.
Additionally, five teachers from Government Primary School Njavnyuy were allegedly abducted and taken to Gwarkang, where separatist fighters are demanding ransoms of 3.4 million francs CFA per teacher. Nsotaka Patrick and Faay Baa have reportedly been held by separatists for 25 days, accused of associating with Hon. Tobias Mbuwir, the Parliamentarian for Kumbo Center. Nchadze Isidore, organizer of a local football competition aimed at easing tensions, is also among those reportedly targeted. Another 15 civilians are reportedly held by Kikaikom separatist fighters for participating in the presidential elections, with some released after paying substantial fines.
Government forces, deployed in central Kumbo prior to the presidential elections, have also been accused of perpetrating violence. Following attacks by separatist fighters, the military has reportedly retaliated against the civilian population through random arrests, shootings, and the seizure of livestock. Seven days ago, military personnel discovered and detonated a suspicious bag of improvised explosive devices, warning the population to evacuate the area. The explosion reportedly damaged windows of nearby buildings.
Both military personnel and separatist fighters are reportedly exploiting the local population.
Shey Rudoff Dinka reporting from Tobin – Kumbo.
