Once again a distant government resorts to violence in the wake of price hikes, unresolved national inequalities, and a disregard for human rights.

Below is an excerpt of a press release released by the Southern Cameroons National Council:

We have in recent memory issued countless Press Releases and Communiques condemning the use of disproportionate and excessive force by the […] troops of la Republique du Cameroun, aimed at silencing any dissenting voices by the peace loving Southern Cameroonians protesting against […] oppression and suppression.

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Since President Paul Biya acceded to the presidency a little over 25 years ago, the people of his country […] have experienced lots of political, social and economic problems such as systematic rigging of elections, corruption, embezzlement […] inflation, growing unemployment of the educated youths, tribalism, discrimination and sharp increase in the prices of basic commodities such as fuel, cement, zinc, flour, rice etc.

Faced with the inability to cope with the situation, leaders of drivers trade unions called for a reduction in the price of petrol, which has witnessed frequent and some times unannounced price hikes. They issued a warning to the authorities that if there was no reduction in the fuel prices, they would park their vehicles and stop work beginning Monday 25 February 2008.

It was on that day that frantic government officials met with the leaders of drivers’ trade unions and agreed on the meager reduction of 6 francs [€ 0.009] per liter of petrol.

Dissatisfied with the insignificant price cuts, the inhabitants of Douala and Yaounde went to the streets […] From Douala and Yaounde, the demonstrations spilled over to other major towns of la Republique du Cameroun and in Bamenda, Kumba, Buea, Tiko and Victoria in Southern Cameroons.

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Addressing the nation briefly on radio and television on 27th February, President Paul Biya failed to pacify the people.  Displaying unprecedented arrogance, the head of state accused the opposition calling them “apprentice sorcerers” who were manipulating the youth to unseat him.

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On 28th February 2008, a contingent of military personnel arrived Bamenda from the Koutaba military base in la Republique du Cameroun to reinforce the forces in Bamenda […] these […] troops shot and killed: 

1.      Fontoh Ashley Neba (14)

2.      Forchu Anthony Triya (mid 20s)

3.      Emmanuel Che (24)

4.      Devoline Awa

5.      Nyetedem Peter (30)

6.      Bernard Ngwa

Many were wounded among whom are Gerald Nchia and Janet Nimbong who have been hospitalised.

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Over a hundred people were allegedly arrested, tortured and detained.

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The situation in Kumba, Buea and Victoria in Southern Zone was similar to that of Bamenda.

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In Victoria five demonstrators were shot dead [including…] Richard Tangie Nwafor (32) a petty trader.  In Kumba, seven were killed among whom are Anya Eyong and Chika Paul, a Nigerian while two were shot in Buea.

In Kumba alone over eighty (80) youths, who have never known descent [sic] life were arrested.

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We call on the youths of Southern Cameroons to take cognizance of the fact that they are victims of mass unemployment, discrimination, and […] their bright future lies with the liberation and restoration of the statehood and sovereign independence of Southern Cameroons.

[W]e implore all democratic friendly countries to […] grant assistance to the people of Southern Cameroons in their non-violent struggle for freedom, justice and sovereignty.  The instance of Kosovo is still fresh in our minds and our case is so distinct that if we were similarly supported in our struggle, […] we can take our rightful place in the community of independent nations and shape our destiny.

Meanwhile as we issue this Press Release, it is pertinent to point out that […m]any if not all the suspects have not been allowed access to a lawyer, although la Republique du Cameroun boasts it is a democratic state where the rule of law prevails. 

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We urgently invite national and international human rights organisations and the diplomatic community in Yaounde to thoroughly investigate the flagrant violations of human rights in Southern Cameroons and bring la Republique du Cameroun government to book for flouting its international obligations.

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