Anglophone crisis: Government denies ceasefire talks with detained separatist leaders

Government has denied having discussions with separatist leaders for a possible ceasefire deal in the Anglophone regions of the country.

The past few days have been filled with buzz in Cameroon as news broke out that the government was negotiating a ceasefire with separatist leaders.

The hopes have however been dashed to the rocks as the government says the information is “not consistent with reality.”

In a communiqué issued today Monday, communication minister, Rene Emmanuel Sadi said: “the government reaffirms its readiness to seek peaceful solutions to the crisis in the North West and South-West regions particularly through dialogue”.

He Noted that the state remains open to initiatives geared towards a lasting solution to the crisis.

Through the communique, the government again appealed to armed groups to put an end to the atrocities being committed against the civilian population as well as the destruction of development infrastructure and to accept the peace offer made by the Head of State”.

With regards to its troops fighting in the regions, the government said it “will in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Republic continue performing their duty of protecting citizens and their property in a professional manner”.

The recent turn of events comes as a surprise to many who were already hoping it was setting the stage for a return to normalcy.

Speaking on Equinox television last night, Colonel Atonfack Serge refused to comment on the rumoured ceasefire talks, stating that the role of the army is to execute orders they are given.

Over 3000 persons have lost their lives since the war started close to four years ago. Several efforts at seeking peace including a UN call for a global ceasefire in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic have failed.