Ahead of tonight’s address to the nation, the British Southern Cameroons Heritage Foundation has put out 15 points that President Paul Biya must raise to show his good faith.
The initiative to preserve and promote the heritage of the people of British Southern Cameroons through policies and strategic
initiatives for peace, justice, economic empowerment, development and democracy says no cosmetic measures will be welcomed.
Below are the 15 indicators they say every Southern Cameroonian should look for to determine whether or not President Biya is
acting in good faith:
APOLOGY
The Government of La République du Cameroon should acknowledge all transgressions since 1961 by passing legislation apologising to the indigenes of British Southern Cameroons and committing the government to the pursuit of peace and
reconciliation through non-violent means.
AMNESTY
The President of La République du Cameroon should issue a presidential decree granting general amnesty and/or clemency to all victims of political repression and Cameroonians in exile.
That decree should commit current and future Presidents of La République du Cameroon to be a guarantor for the safety and security of all refugees and internally displaced persons.
FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS
The President of La République du Cameroon should issue a Presidential decree reinforcing commitment by his government to freedom of the press, the protection of fundamental human
rights and the prosecution of violators.
RELEASE OF ALL DETAINEES
The President of La République du Cameroon should release all persons detained as a result of the Anglophone and Electoral crises.
WITHDRAWAL OF TROOPS
The President of La République du Cameroon should authorise international support to facilitate withdrawal of government and separatist troops from all population centres and rural communities within the territory of Southern Cameroons.
BUFFER ZONES
The President of La République du Cameroon should commit not to interfere with the creation of buffer zones between the people of Southern Cameroons and/or government or separatist military installations. The President of La République du Cameroon and the international force should commit to an agreement that fosters the regeneration of safe spaces within urban and rural communities. If the international force is in place, the restorationist forces should commit to a ceasefire agreement.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
The President of La République du Cameroon shall create a truth and reconciliation committee with governing membership open and limited to trusted independent local civil society leaders, international NGOs and trusted international arbiters including but not limited to the United States, Canada, Great Britain, France and the United Nations.
INDEPENDENT COMMISSIONS FOR WAR CRIMES
The President of La République du Cameroon shall create an independent and international commission to conduct and publish a public audit of all actions undertaken by both sides in contravention of the fundamental human rights of citizens and international treaties to which Cameroon is a signatory.
INTERNATIONAL APPROVAL
The governments of La République du Cameroun and Southern Cameroons should finalise a comprehensive negotiation agreement and obtain international approval.
GOVERNANCE MECHANISMS
The governments of La République du Cameroun and Southern Cameroons should implement the comprehensive agreement, with due regard to the implementation of governance mechanisms and international governance offices.
ASSESSMENT INTERVALS
The President of La République du Cameroon shall create an independent and international commission to conduct and publish a public audit of all actions undertaken by both sides in contravention of the fundamental human rights of citizens and international treaties to which Cameroon is a signatory.
RATIFICATION
The governments of La République du Cameroun and Southern Cameroons should constitute state parliaments to ensure local ratification of agreements consistent with the Treaty of Union
inherent in UNGA 1608 (XV) OR UNGA 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960 if La République du Cameroun insists on persisting with its
ongoing violation of the spirit and the letter of UNGA 1608(XV). This document contains objective requests from the international community and is intended to serve as an objective test of good faith and commitment to peace and reconciliation by President Paul Biya. If La République du Cameroun does not address any or all of these topics, Southern Cameroonians are invited to continue putting pressure on the regime and demand that these recommendations are included in future negotiations to ensure
genuine and lasting peace.
Mimi Mefo Info
