Squeezed by the international community over its handling of the crisis in its predominantly English speaking regions, the Government of Cameroon has dedicated this Tuesday to a roburst public relations campaign aimed at avoiding external intervention and cleaning its image, terribly battered by some national and international rights groups.
While External Relations Minister begged diplomats to allow President Paul Biya handle the crisis, the Minister of Defence organised a press lunch to “fine tune” local and foreign pressmen on the Republican role of the Army in strenthening national unity.
In a declaration to members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of international organisations, the Minister of External Relations said, Cameroon is still enjoying stability despite attempts to smear its image.
Far from reports that things are falling apart, Lejeune Mbella Mbella argues that, the country is on stable waters despite the conflict in the North West and South West regions, complying to its national and international engagements.
“Whatever be the case, the situation prevailing in the North West and South West regions, No matter how worrisome internally does not in any way represent a threat to international peace and security;” he said.
On the damaging reports indexing the military for rights violations, the minister maintained the Defence and security forces have remained professional as they battle Seperatists in the North West and South West regions.
Though the public is yet to expirience this, he said soldiers found guilty of human rights excesses have been sanctioned. Reports from some human rights organisations are only intended to cause chaos in the country, Lejeune Mbella Mbella added.
Cameroon’s foreign chief told the diplomatic corps that, figures depicting 4 million affected victims of the Anglophone crisis are unreal, basing his argument on 2015 Statistics from the Bureau of Census and Population Studies, BUCREP. Government’s humanitarian plan is in full force and out of 150.000 IDPs identified, half that number have already benefitted from the aid.
The government official has downplayed accusations that Paul Biya has opted for a military solution to the deepening conflict, stating that the head of state has always previledged dialogue and he will continue. He begged the diplomats to allow Paul Biya handle the situation, while they encourage their home governments to cut funding and prosecute those financing the Secessionists.
In a direct feedback to Maurice Kamto’s external sympathizers the minister says Paul Biya won the 2018 Presidential elections with 71.28 percent and “the debate on this issue is over and closed.”
The Minister delegate at the Presidency incharge of Defence also convened journalists to a press lunch. The convivial conclave was mearnt to edify them on the pivotal role played by the Army in keeping Cameroon one and indivisible.
Critics however argue that, the minister was instead trying to convince the press to turn a blind eye on military attrocities which have been echoed loudly in recent times.
Nsoesie Peter
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