Cameroon, as many say, is the land of wonders yet everything in the country has been politicized to a disturbing degree.
Today is May 1st, an Internationally celebrated day as laborers of every discipline, race and culture in the entire world commemorate the World Labour Day.
It is an annual holiday to celebrate the achievements of workers. Labour Day has its origins in the labour union movement, specifically the eight-hour day movement, which advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.
It’s a day campaigners and trade unionists use to push for increase in salaries, better working conditions and a rise in minimum wages.
In some areas of the country, especially the restive Anglophone regions, some of those taking part in the march pass are yet to have jobs, however, they were spotted taking the front lead of the parade posing as employees.
While they embed themselves among actual workers who work under slave-like conditions with embarrassing pay checks, many Human Right campaigners worry that the Cameroonian youths are nullifying the idea of the day.
In a country where people are frequently hired by the ruling CPDM party to march for a course many don’t believe or identify with, it’s no secret that many will take to the street for less than 5 USD to fill-up the ceremonial ground and pose as workers to give the impression of normalcy in this crisis hit regions.
The International Labour Organisation defines employment as all persons of working age who, during a short reference period (one week), were engaged in any activity to produce goods or provide services for pay or profit.
