Representatives from the African Union (AU), Commonwealth and International Organization of the Francophone, commonly known as La Francophonie, came together to voice their commitment to support the peace process in Cameroon’s two troubled English-speaking regions, reported The East African.
AU Commission Chairman Moussa Faki, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland and La Francophonie Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo made the pledge during a meeting with President Paul Biya in the capital Yaoundé. The leaders were invited by President Biya to discuss the restoration of peace in the restive English-speaking regions.
“We are determined to do all we can as three organizations to support the peace process and we are encouraging everyone to put peace and good governance first,” said Ms. Scotland. “We have been clear that there have been problems and concerns and we have had that very clearly outlined.”
She added that the solutions to the problems will come from Cameroonians themselves.
Ms. Mushikiwabo said La Francophonie is willing to help Cameroon find common ground. She said the organization has an obligation to modestly contribute to finding a solution to the ongoing problem either through advice, interventions in mediation actions or on technical aspects such as bilingualism.
The three leaders also met with other stakeholders including the opposition, members of the civil society.
According to the International Crisis Group, the three-year armed conflict has claimed over 3,000 lives, with half a million people displaced from their homes and 40,000 more have fled to Nigeria.
Earlier this week, opposition leader, Maurice Kamto said his party Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC) will not participate in the legislative and municipal elections in February until the crisis is resolved.
The opposition is also demanding political reforms to level the playing field which it says has been in favor of President Biya who celebrated 37 years in power earlier this month.
