Education

US Urges School Resumption in Cameroon’s Anglophone Regions

The U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé has issued a press statement calling for the effective resumption of school in Cameroon’s troubled Anglophone regions. This appeal comes amid a two-week lockdown imposed by armed separatists, known as Ambazonia fighters, aimed at disrupting the start of the 2024/2025 academic year.

According to the national academic calendar, schools are scheduled to reopen on Monday, September 9, 2024, across the country. The U.S. Embassy emphasised the importance of education, stating, “As classes resume in the coming days, we cannot forget that every child has a right to an education.”

For the past eight years, armed separatists have weaponized education for political leverage, targeting teachers, students, and educational institutions in the ongoing conflict. The U.S. Embassy reiterated the sanctity of educational spaces, noting that “schools are sanctuaries for learning, and children must not be prevented from attending classes.”

The embassy also strongly condemned “all forms of violence against civilians” and expressed deep concern over recent incidents and threats in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon. “We reaffirm the need for peaceful approaches to address complex political and security issues,” the statement concluded.

The calls by the US authorities reinforce the many voices that have been condemning the use of education as a political tool by the Ambazonia separatists. It is not clear what objectives the separatists hope to achieve by preventing school resumption for two weeks. However, in the past, such orders have resulted in schools being attacked and many civilians injured or killed.

Mimi Mefo Info

David Atangana

David Atangana is a journalist with an interest in politics, human rights, corruption, crime, conflicts, and development.

Recent Posts

British Tourist Arrested in Namibia on Allegations of Child Exploitation

65-Year-Old Faces Multiple Charges Including Rape and Indecent Assault

1 hour ago

Tottenham Remporte Son Premier Succès Européen en 41 Ans

Dans une soirée marquée par l'intensité des émotions, Tottenham a réalisé un exploit mémorable en…

15 hours ago

Cameroonian Veterans Football League: A New Chapter in UK Grassroots Football

The Cameroonian Veterans Football League (CVF) has recently commenced its inaugural season in the United…

17 hours ago

National Day Celebrations Record High Turnout in Buea

Cameroon’s 53rd National Day was marked by a significant public turnout at the Buea Independence…

20 hours ago

André Onana entre dans l’histoire du football européen

Ce soir, le monde du football sera témoin d'un moment historique lorsque André Onana, le…

20 hours ago

L’hôpital Laquintinie fait des précisions pour le don de sang

L'hôpital Laquintinie de Douala rappelle les informations essentielles concernant le don de sang, une démarche…

20 hours ago