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| HE Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon |
“I
have decided to convene a major national dialogue to enable us address
the aspirations of the people of the North West and South West regions.
The national dialogue to be convened by the end of the month will focus
on issues of national interest notably, unity, national integration, and
living together.” President Paul Biya announced during an address to
the nation this Tuesday, 10th September 2019.
The
President of the Republic announced that other issues what will also
feature in the national dialogue to end the crisis in the North West and
South West regions will include;
– Bilingualism
– Cultural diversity
– Social cohesion
He
announced that the dialogue to be chaired by the Prime Minister – Head
of Government. Other members who shall be part of the dialogue include
Parliamentarians, political leaders, intellectuals, economic operators
and members of the Diaspora, representatives of the Defence and security
forces, armed groups and victims.
The Prime Minister will in the days ahead engage in a board base consultation with different stakeholders.
The
all inclusive dialogue shall also feature the reconstruction and
development of conflict affected areas and displaced persons, the
education and judicial system decentralisation and local development,
demobilisation and integration of ex-combatants and the role of the
Diaspora in the country’s development.
The President of the
Republic appealed for patriotism and a sense of responsibility of all
including those of the Diaspora to steer the country on the path of
peace.
With regards to secessionist propaganda that the present
pending court proceedings in relation to the crisis as an obstacle to
peace, the president of the Republic said, “I must stress that the rule
of law and the fight against impunity are important factors needed to
uphold a state of law. In the context of dialogue and national
reconciliation, the President can pardon under certain conditions”
The
president also reassured ex-fighters, “I wish to solemnly reiterate
that those who voluntarily lay down their arms and go to the NDDRC will
be pardoned. Those who persist in criminal acts, violating the laws of
the Republic will face the law”
The entire national community
remains hopeful that the announced dialogue will close a painful chapter
for the populations of the North West and South West regions.
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