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On January 23, the Cameroonian government contradicted Canada’s foreign minister over a role as ” moderator » for which Ottawa says it has been tasked in the conflict that has plagued Cameroon’s two English-speaking majority regions, the Northwest and Southwest, since 2017.
The government of Cameroon contradicted Canada’s statements on January 23, 2023 to initiate a peace process for regions with an English-speaking majority.
After several days of not responding to Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly’s comments on Jan. 20, Yaoundé issued a press release stating that she had not appointed anyone, and neither did she, have the role of mediator or mediator in this matter Third country nor to an external body.
” It is primarily due to the Cameroonian people, institutions and leaders […] to seek suitable ways and means to solve the problems of our country. »
Press release signed by the government spokesman, Minister René Emmanuel Sadi, who recalls that there was a major national dialogue in 2019.
This statement by Yaoundé, which contradicts Ottawa’s three days later, raises questions.
► Also read: Anglophones Cameroon: Canada officially announces a peace process
As a reminder, on the night of January 20-21, the head of Canadian diplomacy had the approval of the ” conflict parties to begin a process with Canadian facilitation. A process to comprehensively resolve a conflict that has been ongoing since 2017.
Several English-speaking movements admitted to having taken part in preparatory meetings on Canadian soil.
For observers, the fact that this press release from Yaoundé says it did not ask anyone for help highlights internal tensions between supporters of a hardline against separatist groups and those who want a new dialogue.
Faced with this contradiction, Canada’s Foreign Ministry says it is in contact with authorities and insists it wants to support the peace effort. Ottawa reiterates that three meetings with representatives of Cameroon have already taken place in Canada.
What I think we are witnessing is the showdown between the regime’s hawks and the progressives who want things to work. It’s also a battle for leadership after Biya. Because otherwise everyone wants a peace process! Civil society, religious leaders, traditional leaders all welcomed Canada’s announcement. It was euphoria. Everyone wants peace. we need peace We must end this crisis. But unfortunately, the regime’s hardliners say no.
Felix Agbor Balla, Director of the Center for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa
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