Oct 03, 2006

UNPO on Targeting of SCNC Representatives


The Hague, 03 October 2006 - Following arrests of SCNC Members and the recent ransacking of SCNC Vice-chairman Nfor Ngala Nfor's home, UNPO raises alarm, again, over the situation in Southern Cameroons

The days foregoing the celebration of the 45th anniversary of the independence of the Southern Cameroons Nation have seen another violation of the Southern Cameroons citizens’ rights. Armed policemen have reportedly stormed the homes of Southern Cameroons National Council (SCNC) representatives Nfor Ngala Nfor, Mr Nyah and Mr Mbinglo. This incident, conducted under the coordination of the North West Security Chief, is reported to have been carried out with the intention of seeking information to blackmail and undermine the credibility of representatives of the Southern Cameroons engaged in peaceful struggle.

The event serves as an indication of the determination of the central Government in Yaoundé to undercut efforts of the SCNC to fulfill aspirations of self-determination by peaceful means, and follows several other incidents in which members of the Southern Cameroons community have been subject to arbitrary arrests and harassment.

UNPO is alarmed at attempts to censor and silence expressions of opposition in Cameroon, a state classified by Freedom House as ‘Not Free’, in which citizens cannot democratically change their government. Rather, both presidential and legislative elections have been marred with intimidation, manipulation, and fraud. The Gendarmerie, government security forces, has frequently restricted freedom of assembly and freedom of association by members of nongovernmental organizations and entities such as SCNC.

Meanwhile, corruption is abound in national courts, various intelligence agencies operate with impunity, and opposition activists are often held without charge or disappear while in custody. The Committee of Torture, in its Concluding Observations, CAT/C/CR/31/6, assert routine use of torture and ill-treatment of prisoners and detainees.

UNPO has called for investigation into the many incidents of arbitrary arrest and targeting of SCNC representatives, including UNPO Member representatives Chief Ette Otun Ayamba and Nfor Ngala Nfor. Despite repeated requests and calls from UNPO and other entities in the international community, as well as UN mechanisms, improvement has not been recognized, with the Cameroonian government seemingly pursuing even more vigorous clamp downs.

“The policy of the government of La Republique du Cameroun in continued harassment and aggression against peaceful citizens of Southern Cameroonians has to be brought to an end. UNPO strongly condemns recent incidents and calls upon the responsibility of La Republique du Cameroon, recognizant of its Human Rights Council membership, to respect fundamental Human Rights and fulfill its obligations under international law,” affirms UNPO General Secretary Marino Busdachin. 

UNPO furthermore urges the international community to acknowledge the case of Southern Cameroons and direct efforts to address the denial of civil and political rights in general, and in particular for the Anglophone community. UNPO appeals to the people of Southern Cameroons no to let threats and suppression of voices of dissent serve to radicalize factions within the movement in Southern Cameroons, but continue the steadfast dedication to using means of dialogue and non-violence, forming the cornerstone of SCNC principles.

On Tuesday 10 October, a manifestation will be held outside the Embassy of La Republique du Cameroon in The Hague, the Netherlands.