By Engah Peter Parkers
In a bid to quell rising tensions and potential unrests across the country, traditional rulers of Fako Division, in the South West Region of Cameroon, held a meeting in Limbe recently at the palace of the Paramount Chief of Limbe, which culminated in the issuing of a passionate appeal to the population to remain peaceful and calm ahead of the official declaration of the results of the October 12 presidential election.
The Fako Chiefs, led by Président, Chief Dr. Otto Molungu of Batoke village, urged the population to refrain from any acts of violence and provocation. As custodians of Fako culture, “We call on the population of Fako Division to remain peaceful and calm before and after the proclamation of results,” the Chiefs stated. “We urge the Fako population to heed this call for peace and stability, and to work towards a prosperous future for all Cameroonians.”
Tensions run high
The unrests were sparked by the unauthorised publication of provisional results, which showed incumbent President Paul Biya leading with 53% of the votes, while opposition leader Issa Tchiroma claimed victory based on partial results from 80% of polling stations. The Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, has warned that Tchiroma’s declaration of victory violates the country’s electoral laws.
The Chiefs’ appeal which came last October 22 is being observed as a beacon of hope for peace and stability in country.