BY SANDRA LUM
Following the October 12 presidential election and mass protests across several towns around the country, a statement by a Gendarmerie officer who had reportedly deserted the military has sparked backlash from top military and administrative authorities.
Captain Marcel Ngah Tambong of the National Gendarmerie and ex-Chief of Service of Intelligence of the 5th Gendarmerie region, allegedly on a run since he was suspected of communicating and collaborating with Ambazonia separatist fighters, has, on his Facebook page, condemned injustice and open fraud during the electoral process.
He further stated that “the basis for lasting peace is truth and justice”. Describing the Biya regime as authoritarian and dictatorial, Captain Marcel Ngah Tambong said only people power can topple the regime, stating that now is the time. He called on Cameroonians to take their destiny into their hands, rise up as one man in protest to “flush out the autocratic system”.
The statement by Captain Marcel Ngah Tambong has allegedly brought about mixed feelings as some senior administrators and senior military officials have condemned his utterance as fueling rioting, because some persons look at the declaration as a positive action. Meanwhile, many are said to have used Tambong’s statement to reaffirm their position to fight for their rights.
Some top military officials are said to have allegedly accused Captain Marcel Ngah Tambong of calling for insurrection and acting against the state.
It should be noted that since the October 12 presidential election, there have been mass protests in various towns in the country. The mass protests have continued to spread across the country. In some areas, security forces have cracked down on the protests with brute force, leading to the killing of several persons. There have also been destruction of properties and lootings.
There are fears that the rising killings, lootings, destruction of properties… may lead to unprecedented mayhem that could shatter the foundations of the nation.