Chaos reigns in Bongo Square in Buea, southwest region of Cameroon , after the explosion of an improvised explosive device as civilians finished the May 20 parade.
Thousands of people gathered at the site of the ceremony to participate in the traditional May 20 parade, which marks Cameroon’s National Unity Day when the incident occurred.
“The officials left the scene a few minutes ago, civilians had just finished the parade, when the bomb exploded near the grandstand where the authorities and other dignitaries were sitting. I was only a few steps away, “said a resident of Buea.
“I can’t say at the moment if there have been victims. We are all in fear, I thank God for my life, “he added.
May 20th remains a controversial day in Cameroon’s historical calendar, because dissatisfied English-speaking citizens believe that it should not be celebrated at all. Today’s event was marked by lockdown in several parts of English-speaking regions, while separatists fighting for an independent state called “Ambazonia” warned citizens to stay at home or to “face the consequences”.
Today’s explosion, which is not the first of its kind in Buea, has therefore not surprised many people.
“We suddenly heard a loud noise. A small merchant who was there all morning and throughout the parade had just parked his belongings and left. No one can say why and how it happened, “said a source.
The authorities have not yet reacted.
