(An evocation of the Departmental Delegate ONACAM of Nyong and So'o)

Since the funeral of the veterans of Nkolmetet who died on December 29, 2021, along with one of their wives, as a result of drowning in the Nyong River, a gloomy climate of sadness has taken hold of the village of Nkol-Mvondo.

The Departmental Delegate of ONACAM for Nyong and So'o went to the scene of the tragedy to inquire about the prevailing atmosphere. But then, what a calm; the Chinese who usually exploit the sand of the river, have disappeared from the banks and even from the river. No truck, no worker is visible on the ground; the impression which emerges there lets believe that time had stopped; even the shovel-loader whose roar of the engine was heard in the distance, is parked, impotent, under a plum tree. An impressive pile of sand extracted from the waters is stored not far from there. The atmosphere is heavy; since the beginning of the current year, no activity has resumed here; but, "the famous boat of death" thrones majestically on the right bank, in defiance of the inquisitive looks of the passers-by and the harshness of the weather. Terrible means of transport made of scrap metal, "the boat of death" taunts the populations of Nkol-Nvondo, those surrounding and users of the river. Impossible!!! It is hard to believe that 17 people embarked on a suicidal crossing. Its small size and the absence of any means of rescue and protection obviously do not guarantee any safety. The macabre atmosphere remains vivid in the memories, as well as the images of the fished out bodies. In spite of the traditional rites practiced on the spot to curb this kind of accident, the village chief and the population are still in shock. We hope that life will return to normal in Nkol-Mvondo.

                                                                (é) Chef d’escadron ret.

                                                               Emmanuel AWOUMOU