One Year Later:;The Haunting Memory of Dr. Ngong Innocent's Last May 20 as Belo Mayor

One Year Later:;The Haunting Memory of Dr. Ngong Innocent's Last May 20 as Belo Mayor

Colbert Gwain 

As a kid, I looked forward to every May 20 with uncommon excitement. For me, it was all about the campfire, eating ‘benye’ (puff-puff), sugar cane, and assorted sweeties. May 20th was about traveling from Muteff, our vibrant village, to Fundong, the Divisional headquarters, where we'd march past administrative authorities and make new friends.

The excitement surrounding May 20 was unprecedented and unrivaled, and we'd spend months, weeks, and days preparing. We'd do everything possible to scrape together money, even from the most unlikely sources, to prepare for that phenomenal day. This involved making rounds and staying late into the night at Tella Kvimteh's tailoring workshop, the only famous tailor in Muteff village, located below the Muteff market square. Our almost-tattered Catholic school uniforms needed proper patching. Tella Kvimteh, a graduate of the Mbingo Baptist Leprosy Rehabilitation and Training Centre, worked diligently despite his physical limitations due to leprosy. His chopped-off fingers and toes made him work at a slower pace, earning him the nickname ‘Tella Kvimteh’, with ‘Kvimteh’ referring to his handicapped nature.

After ensuring our uniforms were in order—a prerequisite for the trip to Fundong—we'd patch up our Dschang shoes. With a kitchen knife and fire from our mother's kitchen, we'd become temporary blacksmiths, fixing our shoes. With hard-earned coins from picking leftover coffee grains from the nearby stream and fallen cola nuts from our father's coffee farm, we'd be ready for a May 20 field day in Fundong, starting from May 18th evening.

It's likely that the childhood memories of such a day and, more importantly, his role as Mayor of the Belo Council, which covers Belo Subdivision in the Boyo Division of Cameroon's North West Region, motivated Dr. Ngong Innocent's decision to physically take part in last May 20 activities in Belo. As the first-ever CPDM (Cameroon People's Democratic Movement) Mayor in a traditionally SDF (Social Democratic Front) stronghold, Dr. Ngong Innocent boldly decided to lead the organization of National Day activities in Belo on May 20, 2024.

To ensure the day's success, he mobilized fellow elites and party members to join him in Belo days before the event. His determination to oversee every detail before the official March past led him and his aides to arrive at the event grounds early. Unbeknownst to them, they were just five minutes away from tragedy. A meticulously planned ambush, presumably set by separatist fighters who had been targeting government-organized events since the conflict began in 2017, awaited them. He died alongside Dr. Angie Aaron, Inspector of Basic Education for Belo Subdivision. 

One year later, the lack of transparency regarding the investigation's progress and the identification of the real culprits behind Dr. Ngong Innocent's assassination continues to create uncertainty and concern. It's essential for the authorities to provide updates on the investigation to bring closure to the family and reassure other local leaders who face similar threats. By demonstrating that those responsible will be held accountable, the authorities can deter future attacks. Moreover, in the context of Cameroon's ongoing conflict, ensuring the safety of local leaders is crucial for maintaining stability and promoting development.

So, to the family and followers of the late Mayor Ngong Innocent, what could be the significance of May 20 National Day? It holds a complex and emotional significance. It's a painful reminder of the tragic loss of a loved one and a leader who devoted himself to their community. May 20 is also a symbol of the ultimate sacrifice Mayor Ngong Innocent made in his line of duty, promoting development and stability in Belo. Moreover, May 20 signifies a call to justice and a reminder of the need for accountability for the perpetrators of his assassination. In the run-up to this year's National Day, this incident reminds his colleague mayors of the painful patriotism that has characterized their lives since the morphing of the Anglophone crisis into an armed conflict.

Although May 20 will likely be a bittersweet day for the family, marked by both national celebration and personal sorrow, it could become an opportunity for them to reflect on Dr. Ngong Innocent's legacy, values, and contributions to their community.

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