OCTOBER 9 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION: FEAR TRIUMPHS OVER THE BALLOT

By Canute Tangwa

On the eve of the October 9 presidential election, there was manifest fear in the city of Douala! You could feel and touch it in the eyes and gestures of Doualans. Douala, la cité rebelle suddenly became la cité collabo.

Fear is the absence of hope, courage and will. Fear is acknowledgement of erosion of hard earned liberties and freedoms wrestled from the clutches of an unyielding benign despot in the heady 90s! Fear is the manifestation of uncertainty and resignation to a despoiled and tremulous fate. Fear is also an indication of what Achille Mbembe refers to as the generalized tonton-macoutization of the mindset of Cameroonians. Hence, phrases like “how we go do?” “On va faire comment?” “Le Cameroun c’est le Cameroun” “Il faut supporter” and so on.

On the run-up to the election, there was palpable unease. This was perceptible in the virtual run on the banks; reluctance of loan sharks (money lenders or shylocks) to lend money; emptying of market stalls of foodstuff; congestion at bakeries; closing of bars, off-licences, bakeries at 6 pm; increase in price of basic commodities; rumours of a curfew as well as interminable traffic jams since every one was rushing home!

The visible and menacing presence of gendarmes in the city heightened fear in Doualans. Before and during the president’s campaign stopover in Douala, fierce looking gun toting soldiers of the Praetorian Guard were posted on the streets and strategic areas of the city evoking memories of the BIR (Military Rapid Intervention Division) during the 2008 February riots. On 29 September, unidentified armed persons in fatigues pumped bullets in the air and unfolded a banner calling on Biya to leave power. Huge posters of President Paul Biya adorned streets and public places, giving the impression of Big Brother on the lookout. Thus, there was ample reason to be cautious, apprehensive and to move about like ngong dogs.

The day before the polls, we sat at an open-air joint opposite the Bonamoussadi council office. This cannot be gainsaid because the day was quite hot. Suffice to say, I was in the company of Mr Lainjo, one of the siblings of the late venerable Southern Cameroons politician Vincent T. Lainjo (last of the Mohicans), and Manna Gerard.

Before I joined the duo, the first apprehension of I-know-not-what was at home. All eyes were on me; searching, questioning and pleading. Do not forget to buy this and that. We need to stock the refrigerator because Cameroon might cease to exist tomorrow! And, do not forget the baby’s milk and yoghurt; buy as much as you can. The house was full of in-laws and neighbours who commented on the impending gloom and uncertainty that will engulf Cameroon come 9 October.

I had barely sat down, when I received the first volley. “Do you think there will be problems tomorrow?” “The way things are going, I have the haunch that we might be in for a rough ride.” “Have you collected your voter’s card?” “By the way, did you register?” “Why bother when we already know the winner.” “Il n’y a pas match.” “The opposition is in disarray.” “Don’t you think the real problem will crop up when results are proclaimed?” “People will not take it lying down.” “Let’s wait and see.”

About 6pm the barman began collecting empty bottles and packing chairs. He said the bar owner has instructed him to close because there was talk of a curfew from 6 pm! Then, I remembered that I was supposed to buy bread, milk and yoghurt. I rushed to the bakery that is just a stone’s throw. Lo! It was closed. We drove to the next bakery. Fear spreads like brushfire. The huge crowd in front of the bakery said it all. Who gave orders for businesses to close a day before the polls? That is the five francs question. Cameroun c’est le Cameroun!