A soldier breaks the silence: addresses his colleagues on the situation in Cameroon

A Cameroonian soldier who is said to still be in active service has advised his colleagues not to shoot any civilian on September 22nd, day of a planned protest by the opposition in the country. “No soldier, none of us have ever been compensated or awarded for killing our own brother/sister….even if you receive a medal for killing anyone, it will be a medal of shame,” said Etame Esuno whom MMI learned is still in active service in Koutabar. Koutabar is located in the Central African Nation’s West Region.

Etame goes on to highlight the difficulties plaguing their field, “if it’s through this means that the country would be fixed, so be it,” he adds. “I know you cannot say no when asked to go to the field, but while on the streets that day, do not interrupt the people….do not shoot anyone,” he continued. Is his shocking outing a trap? It remains an unanswered question. Cameroonian soldiers have remained loyal to Paul Biya from time immemorial and many wonder how one of them in active service will speak out this boldly.

There is, however, a growing feeling that many are beginning to realise that their duty is to protect the state and not the president. Should they, therefore, act on this duty, it will be irresponsible to shoot are civilians decrying the dilapidation of the State. It remains to be seen what September 22 in Cameroon will look like, but the regime is currently having sleepless nights and mobilising people against the initiative. The MRC party of Prof Maurice Kamto which announced the boycott has not unveiled its strategy yet! Nonetheless, they have recently partnered with other political parties such as the CPP of Kah Walla, who MMI learns has been doing a lot of strategic planning under the banner of the Stand Up for Cameroon (SUFC) activist group. Mimi Mefo Info is following up developments on the ground!