Governor Adolphe Lele L’Afrique has revealed that peace is gradually returning to the restive English-speaking North West region of Cameroon. The governor noted that several communities are actively disengaging from what he termed as “terrorist elements” by cooperating with defence and security forces.
The region has been one of the hardest hit in the ongoing separatist war, which started in 2016. For nearly eight years, separatists have been fighting for an independent state called ‘Ambazonia’.
“At least 6,000 civilians have been killed by both government forces and armed separatist fighters since late 2016 in the North-West and South-West regions, as armed separatist groups seek independence for the country’s minority Anglophone regions,” a Human Rights Watch report said last year.
While chairing an inaugural preparatory meeting in prelude to National Unity Day, Governor L’Afrique underscored the importance of using this year’s event to showcase the region’s progress towards normalisation.
Unity Day is celebrated on May 20th every year. It is also a controversial date and event in Cameroon.
Addressing the assembled stakeholders responsible for organising the civilian segment of the national day event, L’Afrique emphasised the need for a “distinctive and impactful celebration” this year. He cited improved mobilisation efforts and challenged officials to mitigate any potential disruptions to the May 20th festivities. He also noted a growing collaboration between the populace and the defence and security forces.
“This year’s celebration occurs against the backdrop of communities rejecting separatist elements and terrorists disrupting peace in the region. Our preparations aim to demonstrate to the nation that despite challenges, peace is gradually returning to the region,” L’Afrique maintained.
Odilia Fri Mbanwie, the regional delegate of youth affairs and civil education for the North West, further disclosed that this year’s national day will spotlight campaigns promoting civic and rural values, as well as combating corruption and the misappropriation of public funds.
Massive boycotts and attacks have plagued the event in some Anglophone regions over the past few years.
