The political capital of Cameroon, Yaoundé, specifically an area called Mimboman, has been hit since December 2012, by a number of deaths of young girls aged 15 to 25. Many have concluded that these deaths are ritual killings especially as the young girls died in similar circumstances, with their sexual organs missing.
Perplexed by such mysterious acts especially at the beginning of an electoral year, a prominent journalist and specialist on supernatural happenings, Begnono Bengono was interviewed on national television, Cameroon’s Radio and Television network. Bengono asserted that this is not a strange phenomenon in Cameroon. According to him, during every electoral year in Cameroon, young people die. It is believed that certain parts of their bodies are used for rituals to enable politicians remain in power or win elections.
Cameroon will host municipal and legislative elections this year. Many government big guns are visiting soothsayers so as to remain in power. This view was corroborated by Dr Ateba Ayene, outspoken member of the Central Committee of the ruling political party in Cameroon, the Cameroon Peoples’ Democratic Movement. According to Ateba, who was recently interviewed over a private television network, Canal2, such acts are demonic acts and contribute to the degradation of the fabric of society.
Forces of law and order have been carrying out investigations on these killings. It is disturbing to know that this neighbourhood is cut off from other neighbourhoods in the nation’s capital, especially as it has no good roads, it is plagued by water and electricity shortages, and it has no police station. The population of Mimboman remains in disarray and fear.
The case of Mimboman in Yaoundé is a vivid example of the consequences of big government especially in Africa. The State in Cameroon is a preferred means by which certain individuals have enriched themselves at the detriment of others. Some individuals even go an extra mile to adhere to demands from soothsayers just to remain in power.
African states especially the government of Cameroon need to revisit the raison d’etre of the state. One of the major duties of the state is to ensure that the citizens are safe and sound. It is unbelievable that there is no police station in this area of the city. Action needs to be taken by the authorities that be, to ensure that the population of Mimboman is safe.
Roads as well as power and water are important requirements for life. The population of Mimboman lack these facilities. There is a local council in this area, which has remained dormant for a long-time due to the fact that funds meant for development do not trickle down from the central government to the local government in Mimboman. There is need for the central government to give a chance for communities to develop by ensuring that funds meant for development are judiciously utilised.
If the idea of limited government is inculcated in Cameroonians and they are encouraged to be business orientated, then there will be no need for such outrageous crimes. Of course, the idea of limited government is not enough. It is important for the state to give room for the private sector to thrive. The private sector in Africa in general and Cameroon still suffers enormously from government cohesion, making many Cameroonians to find solace in politics and government positions. If Cameroon needs to contribute to Africa’s renaissance, then it is time not only for a mind-set change, but concrete action on the ground.
Chofor Che is an integral part of African Liberty’s Voice of Liberty Africa project. He is also a Doctoral candidate at the Community Law Centre, University of the Western Cape, South Africa. He blogs at choforche.wordpress.com
