Odeshi Fighters Versus Gov’t Forces:

Manyu Initiates Relief Assistance for Displaced Villagers

-All roads lead to Mamfe Saturday 20th January for the launching of the Manyu Solidarity Initiative

-Several millions FCFA already contributed by sons and daughters of Manyu to help in the resettlement of their displaced families

By Ojong Steven Ayukogem in Yaounde

Thousands of Manyu villagers have fled their homes and sought refuge in distant places ever since Manyu Division became the centre of hostilities between ‘Odeshi’ fighters and gov’t forces. While some families have moved to safer villages, others are now living in their farms. Yet thousands others have sought refuge in Nigeria

Sons and daughters of the Manyu division at home and in the diaspora have been urged to contribute generously to a relief aid package destined for families and persons displaced from towns and villages in Manyu division due to the ongoing fratricidal battles between Ambazonia separatist fighters and government forces.

                The project code-named “Manyu Solidarity Initiative in Favour of Displaced Persons”, was conceived by Manyu elements under the banner of their socio-cultural, economic and development associations notably the Manyu Elements Cultural and Development Association, MECDA and the Manyu Economic and Development World Conference, MEDWC.

                According to the Minister of Special Duties at the Presidency, Victor Mengot, who doubles as the Chief Patron of all Manyu Socio-Cultural, Economic and Development Associations, the project was contemplated following the head of state, President Paul Biya’s New Year Message to the nation on 31 December 2017 which was hinged among other things on the socio-political crisis in the NW and SW regions, as well as the declaration of the Minister of Defense in Mamfe, underscoring the security measures put in place to protect people and  property and inviting displaced persons in Manyu division to return to their respective places of residence.  

                In a release dated 16 January 2018 announcing the ceremony for the launching of the Manyu Solidarity Initiative, in Mamfe, on Saturday 20th January, the Manyu Patron, Victor Mengot, explained that “the Solidarity Initiative is aimed at providing basic humanitarian relief assistance in support of the resettlement effort of displaced persons in Manyu Division.”

                Minister Mengot in the release addressed a clarion call to all sons and daughters of Manyu Division, their friends and well-wishers, for voluntary contributions in cash and/or in kind towards the success of the endeavor.

                He as well enjoined Manyu indigenes, friends and well-wishers to mark their “effective and massive presence” in Mamfe, on Saturday 20th January 2018, for the official launching of the project that will kick off at 10 am prompt.

                Victor Mengot called especially on members of the Manyu Chiefs’ Conference, representatives of all Manyu socio-cultural, economic and dev’t associations, civil society actors and Mayors of municipalities in Manyu to do everything to be present in Mamfe for the event.

                Adding his voice to that of the Patron, the President of MEDWC, HRH Oruh Julius Agbor, who has been designated to spearhead and coordinate the project, prayed sons and daughters of Manyu division to demonstrate their legendary unity and solidarity and contribute voluntarily and generously towards the success of the ‘wonderful project’.

                It should be mentioned that the solidarity project has been greeted by a spontaneous enthusiasm and positive response by Manyu sons and daughters, many of whom have already contributed generously to the fund.

                “Our division has been severely affected by the ongoing Anglophone crisis. In addition to the loss of lives and property, many of our siblings have been displaced. The umbrella development association of Manyu, MEDWC, could not be indifferent to this,” said Chief Oruh in a recent release. He beckoned on all Manyu sons and daughters to show solidarity with their siblings by contributing generously to the relief package.

                It should however be made clear that the solidarity initiative spearheaded by MEDWC should in no way deter other persons or groups of persons with a similar intention from going ahead with their own projects.