Mezam: SDO prohibits undeclared meetings, public manifestations.

While no specific incident has happened in Bamenda that necessitated such a decision, it is believed that the SDO is acting to frustrate any potential separatist activities today October 1.

It is a day that has for decades now been used by separatists and those who claim to be fighting for the restoration of the former Southern Cameroons to stage illegal activities.

Simon Emile Mooh is noted to have signed similar Prefectural Orders within the same period since the conflict in the North West and South West regions went deadly in 2017.

In addition to this, security forces have also been extra vigilant anytime October 1 is around. Within the context of the crisis in the North West and South West Regions, some separatist foot agents have also attempted to hoist separatist flags every October 1.

Special night patrols across administrative units in the North West and South West regions have always also characterised the build up to October 1.

The decision of the Mezam SDO comes weeks after his counterpart of Manyu Division in the South West Region, Awounfack Yves Bertrand, signed a decision restricting the circulation of commercial motorcycles. Owing to the decision, motorbikes stop circulating at 8 p.m. and resume work after 5:30 a.m. 

The SDO had also imposed dust-to-dawn curfew of all leisure joints within his area of command. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3246 of Tuesday October 01, 2024