As the violence in the North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon continues, the European Union has reiterated its call for all parties to engage in a dialogue, which they say “is essential for a sustainable way out of the crisis and bring back peace for all Cameroonians”.
The European Union in a statement today Friday June 28th 2019, said it will continue to support efforts to this end, and in this regard welcomes the facilitation role in the crisis by the Swiss government at the request of the parties, as announced by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland yesterday.
“The European Union will continue to coordinate its actions with partners, including the United Nations, the African Union and ECCAS”. It said.
In an outing Thursday June 27th 2019, the Swiss Government declared that it was ready to facilitate talks between Cameroon and Ambazonia leaderships.
The Swiss authorities in a statement said at the request of the parties, “Switzerland is acting as a facilitator in the crisis in North West and South West Regions of Cameroon.”
“To this end, a second preparatory meeting with various Cameroonian opposition groups took place in Switzerland between 25 and 27 June 2019.”
The statement reads:
“The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), working in close partnership with the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD Centre), is committed to finding a peaceful, lasting negotiated solution to the crisis in north-western and south-western Cameroon. Switzerland was tasked by a majority of the parties with facilitating an inclusive negotiation process. To this end, a second meeting with various Cameroonian opposition groups took place in Switzerland between 25 and 27 June 2019. The aim of the meeting was to prepare the future peace negotiations between the Cameroonian government and the political opposition.
“The FDFA is concerned about the continuing violence in the north-western and south-western regions of Cameroon, which is taking a heavy toll on the civilian population. Switzerland has long been committed, both at bilateral and multilateral level, to finding a peaceful solution to the crisis and to promoting respect for human rights in Cameroon. Switzerland is also committed to providing humanitarian aid to the affected local population and has supported Cameroon in dealing with multilingualism.
“Facilitation is an instrument of Switzerland’s traditional good offices. In this role, Switzerland can establish contacts and provide communication channels. Switzerland’s good offices are open to all concerned parties who wish to participate in facilitation processes. Switzerland adheres to the principles of strict neutrality and discretion. In order not to jeopardise the process, the FDFA does not comment on the content of ongoing mediation efforts.”
In reaction, the centre for Humanitarian Dialogue endorsed the move and said it will support Switzerland in the establishment of talks between the Republic of Cameroon and Pro Independence groups of Southern Cameroon. The objective is to achieve negotiation and a sustainable settlement of conflict, it added.
Eight Ambazonian ring leaders have signed and issued a release, confirming readiness to take part in the Swiss-Led negotiation process.
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