US diplomat says government action on Ngarbuh massacre is early sign of peace

Anglophones in Cameroon are becoming fed up with separatist fighters, says US diplomat, Herman J. Cohen.

Appreciating what he says is “transparency” in the Cameroon government’s handling of the Ngarbuh massacre inquiry commission findings, the former assistant secretary of state for African affairs says it is a sign of “elements of peace starting to come together in Cameroon.”

On the other hand, he says, “Anglophone citizens [are] becoming fed up with extremism of separatist militias. Let the US-led talks” begin he adds.

Separatist fighters like government forces have been accused of carrying out several human rights abuses including kidnappings, burning of villages as well as killing civilians.

Cohen who has been following happenings in the North West and South West regions, in particular, has been one of the most outspoken diplomats critical of the Biya regime’s handling of the anglophone crisis.

Following the termination of Cameroon’s benefits from the Africa Growth and opportunities Act, AGOA late last year, he had said it was a “signal to the Biya regime that increased pressure will be applied if a negotiated settlement to the insurgency in the Anglophone regions is not reached soon.”

Mimi Mefo Info