Yaah Maggie Kilo, PhD*
In the tradition of the outpouring of emotions through all the expressions of song and dance, storytelling and now poetry, the war declared by Cameroon’s President Biya, against his country’s minority English-speaking population has delivered a burst of creativity amongst the long-suffering, determined yet marginalized population, like no other incentive in its 61 plus years of misery. Lilian Atanga and Sally Mboumien have, in this poetry collection, focused on the pain of Anglophone women.
When the Sun Turns Red is delivered in the raw, heart-wrenching cry that only the women of that desolate stretch of hills and mountains, deep valleys and fast-flowing streams, poisonous volcanic lakes, and rich arable soils can produce. The cruelty of an unnecessary war wrecking the lives of everyone in its path is exposed as only human wickedness can deliver. Such that we ask if all this demonic experience is indeed true. The pain is precisely targeted to ensure the deepest hurt by the Battalion d’Intervention Rapide (BIR), soldiers trained especially for the distribution of rape, torture, killings and burning, until no happy, well-fed family remains unserved. Cadavers of babies burnt alive, and those of the handicapped and the elderly, too. Should I read on? When will it stop? How much more savagery can you take? Why? Will the innocence ever return to the land of laughter and celebration?
One thing is clear: the women of this land are badly in need of healing. But how will it come about? Perhaps a miracle will happen. Unfortunately, I did not find the Hope I looked for. But the cries of pain and hurting and the cruelty made me fear that the place I, too, call home is dying from its despair. Or simply put from an old man’s heartless cruelty. And for such cruelty and wickedness, as is so often mentioned in the songs sung in his praise: We thank the Head of State!
*Educator/State Fragility Expert & International Development Specialist
