Catholic University authorities in Cameroon has called for the mass withdrawal of its students and athletes from the ongoing university games taking place at the University of Bamenda, chief town of the North west region.

It is still not clear what prompted the reason for this withdrawal but many have opined that it is due to financial constraints and their allegiance to the anglophone protests which has grounded socio-economic activities in anglophone Cameroon for months.

Going by a letter reportedly from the catholic authorities, the authorities say it is unacceptable for them to participate in the games when their brothers and sisters have been molested, tortured, arrested and detained. Others opine the institute could have been angered by the court summons of some Catholic Bishops in Mamfe and Buea who were expected to appear before the Buea High Court on Monday April 24, 2017. Though the court case has been postponed to June 5, sources reveal the clergymen were embarrassed by this summons which came just a week after their colleagues in the North West also received a direct summons by the “Consortium of Parents” which is claiming damages to the non-resumption of classes in Catholic Schools.

The university games is an annual event which brings together all the institutions of higher learning in Cameroon. Buea Catholic University Institute was expected to kick start the games against the University of Buea. The fixtures were modified during the opening games on April 22 when no athlete from the institute showed up.  This year’s opening games observer’s hold, did not have the usual attendance and effervescence that used to characterise opening ceremony of the University games. Attendance was low and fanfare less attractive as compared to previous games.