Malian government blacklists Cameroonians, stops issuing residence visas

Cameroonian citizens living in Mali say the Malian government has suddenly stopped issuing residence permits to Cameroonians in Mali.

Sources in Mali claim the decision has affected only Cameroonians, but not citizens from any other African country.

We spoke to a Cameroonian in Mali affected by the situation who admitted to knowing no diplomatic conflict between Cameroon. He added that it is unclear why Mali took such an action. He however did admit that it may have something to do with the fact that “Malians are treated the same in Cameroon.”

“There are rumours indicating that Malians pay for their visas to stay in Cameroon, and it seems the government tried contacting the authorities in Cameroon to no avail,” our source, a Cameroonian living in Mali explained.

Cameroonian residents have written several times to consular authorities on the issue, but are yet to receive any response, our source who is a victim added.

“We have addressed many letters to Minister of external relations, but we have never received a response,” he added.

Fear and uncertainty kick in

Cameroonians living in Mali say they are terrified about what could happen to them in Mali, given that most of their visas have expired, or approaching expiry dates.

“We are really very lucky that the Malian people are really very tolerant, they are not very strict on these things. But we think it’s prudent to have the residence visas sorted out because things may become complicated at any time,” our source, Christian continued.

They say their wish is for the state of Cameroon to find a diplomatic as soon as possible. “This problem can be easily addressed, even within a day. All that is needed is for the Cameroonian government to call the Malian authorities and thrash it out. They are a friendly nation,” our source suggested.

The Yaounde government is yet to react.

Meanwhile, Cameroonians in Mali say they are worried, and fear things may degenerate if a hasty diplomatic solution is not provided.

By Mike Klaus