“Le Marais” A curse from the gods or a global warming hazard

By Norah -
Africa in some cases seems to have dodged the worst of the global warming. Cameroon in particular is thankful to have escaped forest fires and erratic climate changes. Seemingly free from the hazards, the issue of water locked areas in most areas of Douala, the economic capital of Cameroon is being regarded with an air of mystic.

Strange and peculiar things happening, reclaimed areas suddenly feeling up with water only at night, still dark waters swallowing up unsuspecting children never to be seen again. To crown all these bizarre incidents, the water flows forth with the colours of hell, dark, sinister and bottomless.

The suspicious minds of the Sawa people have come with conspiracy theories about the affair. Some say that it’s a curse from the gods for the crimes of modernity; others allude to it being sent mystically by the terrorist group, Boko Haram. Is this “le marais” as is locally called a curse or a natural occurrence? Is it a biological weapon from Boko Haram or a mere depiction of the narrow mindedness of the people?

The swamps in the localities of Douala have always been there, but due to overpopulation and poor drainage system. It has turned into a call for concern. The cry for help from the mothers who lost their children through drowning, the complaints of landlords who suddenly find their buildings invaded by this dirty, disruptive water. It is a national cry, it is a plea for help, it is Africa seen through the eyes of the affected, it just might be a curse from the gods.

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