Bridget fidgets as the cramped Douala-bound minivan approaches the checkpoint. She has her identity card but she knows anything can happen.
The minivan is clandestine so the passengers are at the mercy of the whims of the gendarmerie officers. Tension mounts within the minivan.
Finally, the minivan gets to the checkpoint where it is aggressively flagged down. They halt and wait in tense silence. An arrogant looking gendarme cockily struts towards them. Without bothering to introduce himself, he demands to see all identity cards.
Filled with trepidation, the passengers shakily hand them over. The gendarme gets Bridget’s card and takes his time to peruse it.
“Bridget Arrey! What kind of name is that?”, he asks.
“I’m from Manyu sir”, Bridget responds.
“What business do you have in Douala?”
“I have an interview today sir”.
The gendarme takes his time to silently contemplate the rubber plantation on the other side of the highway. The passengers start getting restless.
“Can I have my identity card sir?”, Bridget asks.
The gendarme’s smirk rapidly changes to a scowl. He orders everyone to disembark. Bridget steps down to catcalls and lecherous looks. Surprised, she looks down on her loose-fitting knee-length gown.
READ: Humans of Hera: The Thrill of Our Road Trips
Other gendarmes take an interest and come closer. They all have comments on Bridget’s appearance.
“Are you going to Douala for sex work?”
“This interview of yours, is it at a brothel?”
“Give a piece of that ass to poor gendarmes, will you?”
“Douala boys will enjoy this body oh!”
Finally, they get bored and leave to control other cars and collect more bribes. The passengers are forgotten in the sweltering heat. They dare not move without authorization.
Finally, after an eternity, the cocky one returns with Bridget’s identity card in hand.
“You can leave on one condition. You will give me your number.”
Resigned to her fate, Bridget complies. Finally, the minivan takes off. A tearful Bridget knows she will be late for her interview. Besides, there are two more controls before Douala. Anything can still happen. Next to her, I slowly exhale and avert my gaze.
For everyone aboard the minivan, it is just another day at the checkpoint.
About Lyon Chinjong
Lyon is an auditor and jurist by day and a budding writer by night. You can read more from the Cameroonian on his blog.
We have worked with over 24 startups to drive conversions through increased community presence and relevant blog posts that we help distribute. To understand our process, book a 15 - 30 minutes meeting with us.
