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Cameroon’s army has been fighting separatist militias in its English Speaking regions for the past three years.
The end is still not in sight as numerous calls for ceasefire from home and abroad have fallen on deaf ears.
Not even the coronavirus pandemic or calls from the pope have been able to stop the fighting that has seen several rights violations committed by both parties.
In a latest move, the government said it will soon be rebuilding the restive regions, with over 36 billion FCFA (over 59 million US Dollars) allocated for the first year.
The reconstruction, it said will commence in the pacified areas and progress to the other parts.
This has been received with a lot of criticism with many accusing the government of trying to paint a false picture of the war.
In addition to the fact that the war is still ongoing, they say the billions allocated for the reconstruction project are likely to go unaccounted for much like what was set aside for humanitarian missions to the regions.
This is not the first time President Biya’s government is facing backlash over its handling of the war. In November it called for dialogue in the nation’s capital and proceeded to bring about its recommendations. This was even after separatist fighters denied to show up stating that the location was not neutral.
For the first time since the start of the war, government admitted weeks back that it’s troops were responsible for the February 14 massacre in Ngarbuh in the North West region.
The move has been lauded by many bodies and rights groups who say though government may not be willing to bend to separatists’ demands, it shows there is hope for peace in future.
Mimi Mefo Info
