-Says situation in the South West and the North West is stabilizing
-Calls for responsible internet use
BY ATIA TILARIOUS AZOHNWI
President Paul Biya has in his traditional Youth Day Message to the youth on February 10 said tensions in the North West and South West Regions have abated. He went on to congratulate the country’s military for successfully curbing Boko Haram atrocities among others.
President Biya thanked the Cameroonian youth, saying they have been instrumental in bringing peace and order along the northern border with Nigeria, where Boko Haram has been active, and in the North West and South West Regions where complaints by teachers and lawyers about the overbearing influence of the French language degenerated into separatists calls for independence that resulted in armed conflicts with the military.
“The situation in the South West and the North West is stabilizing. Indeed, the characteristic resilience of the Cameroonian people deserves to be hailed once again. Allow me once again to underscore the heroism of our defense and security forces, mostly young people,” he said.
He said the present situation now makes it possible for the National Commission on the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism to set in to address the root causes of what is now known as the Anglophone crisis.
Hear him: “the situation in the South-West and North-West Regions is stabilizing, and the Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism should thus be able to delve into the crux of the problem.”
In his speech, Biya urged the youth to prepare for the decades ahead, when they will be leaders. He said they need to be up for the task and acquire the necessary skills and experience.
The President acknowledged that economic growth had slowed due to outside factors, but said he would forge ahead in various sectors of development. He said 2018 will mark the completion of his major road and hydro power development projects.
Cameroon has been enveloped by the Boko Haram insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives on its northern border with Nigeria, displaced hundreds of thousands of people, and pushed 80,000 Nigerian refugees into its territory.
The central African state also is affected by the crisis in neighbouring Central African Republic, with regular attacks and kidnappings for ransom in its territory. And, recently, the crisis in the English-speaking regions of the country have led to hundreds of people, including about 23 policemen and soldiers, being killed.
In spite of the continuing threats from Boko Haram and the separatists which opposition political parties say may hamper the organisation of elections, 85-year-old President Biya, who has served for 35 years, insisted that elections will be held this year since peace is returning.
“2018 will be an important election year and all youths aged 20 years and above should be able to — or rather should — exercise their right to vote because by voting, they will be performing an act of responsible citizenship and, thus, participating in forging their destiny,” Biya said.
The president called for a responsible use of the internet.
His words: “In this regard, your favourite platform of expression is the social media. Whenever at a click, you access these communication highways that give you global visibility, you must bear in mind that you are not exempted from fulfilling civic and moral obligations, such as respect for others and your country’s institutions. Be patriotic Internet users working for Cameroon’s development and influence, and not passive followers or naive relays for staunch critics of the Republic.”