It was a day meant for peaceful protests both in Cameroon and in the diaspora. The protests were called by Professor Maurice Kamto, the winner of the October 7th Presidential elections in Cameroon, which was rigged by the incumbent, Dictator Paul Biya. The objectives of the protests were two fold: To Say NO to Electoral Hold UP and to ask for an End to the Violence in the NW and SW Regions of Cameroon.

As the people in Cameroon started their peaceful protests, it was met with the usual violent response from the Cameroon police. As the news spread across the diaspora that Barrister Michelle Ndoki and the Activist Celestine Djamen had been shot with live bullets, the anger of the activists of the Brigade Anti-Sardinard became palpable.

From the United Kingdom, to Germany, USA, France and other places where the BAS has its units, the firm decision was taken that it will not be a day of action like others. There was bound to be a response to show the Regime in Yaounde that shooting at peaceful protesters was never going to stop the winds of change sweeping across Cameroon.

It came therefore as no surprise that by the evening of January 26 2019, the BAS took over the Cameroon Embassy in Paris. The activists took down the effigy of Biya, set it on fire, while passing on the message that he was no longer the President of Cameroon. Reports indicate that efforts are also being made to take over the Consulate in Marseilles.

This is a developing story, as it is expected that the BAS has got more actions planned, that are aimed at stopping Cameroon’s diplomatic engagements with the rest of the world, with the sole objective of forcing the Biya Regime to hearken to the voice of the people and leave power.

Biya has been in power for over 36 years with little to show for it in terms of development and security of persons. About three years ago, the English Speaking Regions of Cameroon started protesting peacefully, demanding for change in living conditions. This was met with the same high-handedness, and it has escalated to a full blown civil war.

If the Biya regime thought that their violence against the English-Speaking population will quell the thirst for change, they were grossly mistaken, as the baton has just been passed and Cameroons across the language divide are all uniting with one voice to say – ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! & BIYA MUST GO!

Published by Kingsley Sheteh

View all posts by Kingsley Sheteh