Biya breaks ‘new year resolution’, promises dialogue on Anglophone Crisis

Barely few days after Cameroon’s president vowed to crush ‘terrorists’ in the Anglophone Regions — and thanked the US for taking legal actions against Separatist leaders, Mr Biya has made U-turn by committing to “dialogue and negotiation” as solutions to the conflict.

President Paul Biya was speaking while receiving new year wishes from the heads of the diplomatic corp and national dignitaries on Friday.

President Biya said: “I would like to reiterate here that Cameroon remains committed to the peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and negotiation.”

The conflict in Cameroon’s English-speaking Regions has claimed thousands of lives, forced over one million people out of their homes and left over 4million others, in dire need of humanitarian aid.

In his speech to diplomats and members of his government on Friday January 6th, 2023, Biya admitted that armed conflicts “affect innocent people” and have far-reaching consequences on the country’s economy.

“…it is incumbent upon every State to take the necessary and useful measures to maintain peace within its borders or with its neighbours,” President Biya said.

The head of state also launched an appeal to the international community “to pay greater attention to the crises and conflicts occurring on the African continent.”

He also underscored the need for the establishment of more coherent financing mechanisms tailored to the needs of the African continent.

“I still believe that the African continent will be equipped to finance its development if a veritable African capital market is set up,” Mr Biya said.

Mimi Mefo Info