Santa farmers beg separatist fighters to let them work
Farmers and and other youths took to the streets of Santa on January 04, 2023 holding peace plants and chanting words like “we want Bamenda back, we want to farm in peace”.
“It has been over 5 years and more that we the people of Santa, Bamenda, have suffered more from this crisis than any other town. If Santa has to stop producing farm products like irish potato, cabbage, green spices and lots more then the entire Cameroon is crippled. Why will our own children go to our farms and loot our products, threaten us with guns and even kidnap and flog old mothers? So what then are we fighting for? I think this struggle took a different turn long ago and we just want peace restored since we are already out of what we have been fighting for,” one of the protesters told CNA.
“Some times we go to Batibo, Bali and Pinyin to buy because we fear buying around Santa but we still can not even travel there to buy else we risk getting kidnapped,” Edwin Nwafor who is a trader from Santa said.
Santa is highly known for its agricultural produce. For anyone who has ever traveled to Bamenda, Santa is a beautiful place with also a stop allowing every passenger to purchase farm produce at cheaper prices.
“A bucket of Irish potato that cost 7000frs in Buea we sell here in Santa for 3500frs at most sometimes 3000frs even. If we can not be allowed to farm and help our lives and that of others then what exactly are we living for? Farming is what we best know and even our children help us in the farm after school or holidays so why will the unknown not let us farm in peace?” another protester cries out.
“We want peace! We want peace! Please drop your weapons and let your fathers and mothers farm. I think this whole thing has dragged too much and we are tired. Our children should join us to restore peace. We want normalcy in Santa,” Edwin Forjindam, a youth leader Santa said.
Santa is one of the country’s major suppliers of irish potato.
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