Cameroon is not the most stable of African states of late with several secessionist rebellions springing up in the largely English Speaking Northern regions and the latest atrocity involves the kidnapping of around 80 children and teachers from a school in the major city of Bamenda. The attack occurred in the early hours of Monday morning and although no group has so far accepted responsibility it is possible that the Ambazonia Defence Forces has some involvement given that the videos sent by their captors state they have been taken by the “Amba boys”. One boy who was lucky enough to avoid capture reported extreme violence and threats were used and given they only took the older boys it is possible they are going to be used a Child Soldiers.
This is not the first such kidnapping with five High School students also being taken as recently as 19th October. Their whereabouts are still unknown and no ransom note has been issued. Given this, it may also be a rather “Ham Fisted” attempt to bring the plight of the English speaking minority to the world’s attention as there is alleged positive discrimination towards the French-speaking majority and of course Cameroons President Paul Biya who recently won a seventh term in office did so in an election marred by poor turnout and voter intimidation. Cameroon remains one of the most corrupt Countries in the world according to Transparency International who ranks it 153 out of 180 at the time of writing.
A massive search for the missing children is underway led by the Cameroonian army.
Image Natanael Ginting/Shutterstock
