US Government condemns hostilities in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions, puts forth 7 point resolution towards lasting peace
September 09, 2020
By Amos Fofung
Critics think President Biya has not shown sufficient efforts and goodwill to sincerely address the crisis in the English speaking regions of Cameroon
The United States government via its senate committee on Foreign Relations has condemned in very strong terms, gross human rights abuses, and hostilities perpetuated in the two English-speaking regions of Cameroon.
In a press release dated September 8, a copy of which was sent to our newsroom, US senators among them James Risch, chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations were unanimous in condemning overt acts of war and unfathomable human rights abuses that has plagued the North West and South West regions since the escalation of the Anglophone crisis in 2016.
The senators, Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Ben Cardin (D-Md.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women’s Issues, along with Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), urged the Government of Cameroon and armed separatist groups from the English-speaking regions to end all violence, respect the human rights of all Cameroonians, and pursue a genuinely inclusive dialogue toward resolving the ongoing civil conflict in Anglophone Cameroon.
Pressing for more attention to the paid to the depleting rights situation in the Anglophone region marred by brutal attacks, arbitrary killings, destruction of villages, amputation of security forces and civilians among several other, Senator Risch pressed for the Biya administration and leaders of non-state armed groups to pursue an inclusive and constructive path toward peace and stability.
Pressing for more action from the international community toward seeking lasting peace to the armed conflict that has crippled the political and economic standing of Cameroon, Risch asserted that “resolving this conflict will allow Cameroonians to fully realize their own constitutional and democratic ideals, pursue justice for those whose lives have been lost or destroyed and restore Cameroon’s robust security and economic partnership with the United States.”
Ben Cardin (D-Md.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women’s Issues was firmed in pointing out that “America’s foreign policy should be rooted in our values, including our obligation to support human rights all around the globe. The situation in Cameroon has continued to devolve, and the United States’ Senate cannot be silent in the face of grave human rights abuses.”
“This bipartisan resolution marks Congress’ commitment to working with the Cameroonian people to put an end to violence and human rights violations, pursue justice for victims, and support Cameroon in reconciliation, development, and humanitarian efforts.”
The US Congress put forth a 7-point resolution requesting for an immediate
Ceasefire.
Guarantee unfettered humanitarian access and assistance to the Northwest and Southwest regions.
Exercise restraint and ensure that political protests are peaceful.
Establish a credible process for an inclusive dialogue that includes all relevant stakeholders to achieve a sustainable political solution that respects the rights and freedoms of all people of Cameroon.
