Politics
he President of the Fomunyoh Foundation TFF, has described the tension and violence West of the Mungo in Cameroon, as a clear demonstration of the inability of the authorities to listen to the voices of citizens and to provide appropriate platforms for meaningful dialogue.
In a statement, Dr Christopher Fomunyoh said concrete measures must be taken to ensure that compatriots feel a sense of belonging. He said the current crisis deserves proper and urgent attention from the highest level of the State and for President Paul Biya to address the nation.
Describing the situation as a general malaise that overshadows the current political environment in Cameroon, Dr Fomunyoh calls on the government not to use force against innocent unarmed citizens who peacefully advocate for their rights.
For full statement in English and French please click… Buea, Bamenda Incidents Shows Inability of Authorities to Listen - Dr Fomunyoh
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- Solomon Amabo
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There is no Anglophone marginalisation, says Cameroon's controversial Communication Minister, Issa Tchiroma Bakari, on France state broadcaster, RFI.
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- Tapang Ivo
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In the past few weeks, I have watched with utter dismay, anguish and sadness developments in North West and South West Cameroon: notably, the demonstration by Common Law lawyers in Bamenda in October and on November 8; the demonstration by Common Law lawyers in Buea on November 10; and the teachers' strike that began on November 22, and is affecting institutions of academic learning from primary through secondary and higher education in both regions of the country. These events endanger the rule of law and education, which are two very sensitive pillars of our national fabric and human development. They also bring to the fore grievances that demonstrate the disaffection of a sizable segment of our population with the manner in which the Biya government approaches governance in these critical sectors.
These very unfortunate events have also exposed to the entire Cameroonian population as well as the international community the inability of the authorities to listen to the voices of citizens and to provide appropriate platforms for meaningful discourse and exchanges that must take place in every democratic society between citizens and those that govern. Democratic governance in the 21st century entails constant engagement with citizens, providing opportunities for their grievances to be addressed, and taking concrete measures to ensure that fellow compatriots feel a sense of belonging and ownership of resulting reforms. This is the only way to restore their dignity and foster responsible citizenship. By failing to address these grievances, the government has exposed its inability to govern in an inclusive and responsive manner.
As I have said in the past, the issues raised by Common Law lawyers and now teachers and parents in these two regions of the country deserve proper attention at he highest level of the State. These issues speak to the core values that enabled the establishment of the Fatherland to which we all belong. We cannot allow for that national fabric to be undermined by the government of the day. Sadly enough, these events also mirror recent strikes in Yaoundé and threats by the Union of francophone teachers to demonstrate in coming days. There is no doubt in my mind that a general malaise overshadows the current political environment in our country.
I therefore call on President Paul Biya to speak directly to the nation to calm fears and to take concrete steps to address the expressed grievances in the most just, equitable and timely manner. I also call on the government not to use force against innocent unarmed citizens who peacefully advocate for their rights.
The government should set up a special, broad based commission to attend to the grievances raised with regards to the educational sector. It is noteworthy that these issues raised by teachers, students and parents surpass the jurisdictions of the four cabinet ministries that now oversee educational matters in Cameroon - Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of Secondary Education, Ministry of Basic Education and Ministry of Labor and Professional Training - none of which is headed by anyone educated in the Anglo-Saxon tradition. For a country that prides itself of adopting and strengthening its bicultural tradition, such a political set up does not lend itself to a proper understanding of the values that Anglophone teachers, student and parents seek to preserve.
At the same time, I call on lawyers, teachers, students and parents in the North West and South West regions to be patient and to remain open to dialogue, knowing that the vast majority of Cameroonians appreciate highly the values of fairness, justice and integrity that they seek to defend. It is only on the basis of these shared values that Cameroon will stay strong and united.
Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh
President
The Fomunyoh Foundation
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- Rita Akana
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An uneasy calm reigns in Bamenda counting day 3 of violent protests that have been met with brutal military confrontations.Economic activities gradually gain steam as well after close to 48hrs of paralyses
Many unarmed protesters have been beaten as the military is using deadly force to contain thousands of people who have been on the streets since November 21st,calling on government to pay attention to a number of issues among them the ongoing Common Law Lawyers situation and teachers.
Anxiety continues to sweep across the city as thousands of military officers are deployed.Streets are scanty and empty as many fear for their lives.Many homes have started running out of BASIC food items as no hope to dialogue with government is reached. Unconfirmed sources report of three people killed by military as live ammunitions are fired, and a police officer was shot in tubah subdivision with head quarters in Bambi and he is currently receiving medical aid at the mbingo hospital.
Reactions From International Press
From Radio France International (RFI)
La ville de Bamenda dans le nord-ouest du Cameroun, fief de l'opposition et l'une des deux régions anglophones du pays, est sous tension depuis 48 heures. Des populations y ont affronté les forces de l'ordre après un appel à la grève des enseignants.
International Business Times UK
How use of French in Cameroonian courts has sparked renewed independence calls
African News
US Embassy extends travel alert for Cameroon's restive anglophone region- Details
- Awa Mic
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Suspected Boko Haram militants launched three attacks in northern Cameroon within 24 hours, including a thwarted suicide strike on a camp for people who have been displaced by the conflict, security sources said on Tuesday.
The Islamist militant group is based in northeastern Nigeria but regularly carries out raids in neighboring Cameroon, Chad and Niger, prompting the four countries plus Benin to create a 10,000-strong joint task force.
The frequency of the attacks has dropped in recent months, although more than 1,500 people have been killed in Cameroon by such attacks, International Crisis Group said in a report this month. Attacks were happening on an almost daily basis, but have dropped to between six and eight a month, it said.
Reuters
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- Rita Akana
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Seven Cameroonian soldiers were killed in the night from Monday, 21 November 2016 breaking Tuesday, in a violent attack attributed to Boko Haram insurgents in the Northen part of the country in wahat is attributed as a violent attack in the Lake Chad district of DARAK
Among the soldiers killed is the head of the battalion, Captain Tsengue Marcel, Bewesse Ndzana, Zoua Bessala Serge, Foung Arthur, Abayatini Alawo and the head of the vigilance groupof ofDarak, Saidou Mohamed.Another civilian was seriously injured.
Shortly before before the attck, almost simultaneously, a young female suicide bomber was neutralized at the entrance of a camp at Kolofata, around 6:45 pm.
The suicide bomber was shot dead by elements of the Cameroonian military.She was loaded with half a dozen explosive which were later difused by Cameroon's Rapid Intervention unit(BIR).
Attacks perpetrated by Boko Haram are experiencing an upsurge at the end of the rainy season in Northern Cameroon.
With the drought, the flooded tracks are dried up, which makes it more practicable for the insurgents to move in and out of the Cameroonian territory.
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- Rita Akana
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Biya Article Count: 73
# Paul Biya and his regime
Explore the political landscape of Cameroon under the rule of Paul Biya, the longest-serving president in Africa who has been in power since 1982. Our Paul Biya and his regime section examines the policies, actions, and controversies of his government, as well as the opposition movements, civil society groups, and international actors that challenge or support his leadership. You'll also find profiles, interviews, and opinions on the key figures and events that shape the political dynamics of Cameroon.
Southern Cameroons Article Count: 549
.# Southern Cameroons, Ambazonia
Learn more about the history, culture, and politics of Ambazonia, the Anglophone regions of Cameroon that have been seeking self-determination and independence from the Francophone-dominated central government. Our Southern Cameroons section covers the ongoing conflict, the humanitarian crisis, the human rights violations, and the peace efforts in the region. You'll also find stories that highlight the rich and diverse heritage, traditions, and aspirations of the Southern Cameroonian people.
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