By NOELA EBOB BISONG
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet as well as the Secretary-General of The Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland have both expressed their hope in the just ended Major National Dialogue, to go ahead in addressing the root causes of the socio-political armed conflict still ongoing in Cameroon’s North West and South West regions.
The Major National Dialogue, announced by President Biya on September 10 to seek lasting solutions to the crisis and address other issues of national interest, ran from September 30-October 4, at the end of which some recommendations were outlined by participants which now await implementation by President Biya and his team.
On October 8, 2019, a statement released by Michelle Bachelet read that: “I hope that this decision taken by the Government opens the door to longer-term constructive dialogue that enables Cameroon to tackle the root causes and underlying grievances of significant elements of the population, who have been feeling excluded.”
On her part, the Commonwealth SG, Patricia Scotland states that “I hope that the outcomes of the recently concluded five-day National Dialogue will be meaningfully implemented in a manner that addresses the fundamental causes of the conflict and its devastating impact so far.”
Michelle Bachelet however sounds optimistic that “Cameroon has an opportunity to leave behind years of conflict and confrontation and enter a new era of peace and prosperity, where human rights are respected and protected, and we will do everything in our power to help make that become a reality.”
While being realistic that “There will, no doubt, be many difficulties along the road”, she emphasizes that “but if the will to find solutions remain strong, and if the Government abides by its commitments, the country as a whole could and should benefit substantially.”
Michelle Bachelet expressed her delight in the steps being taking by Biya to address the issues plaguing the two regions: “During my visit to Yaounde in May this year, we discussed the way forward to overcome the various human rights problems in the country, and we agreed that national dialogue and reconciliation were essential”. She says “I am very pleased to see that President Biya is acting on his commitment to look for solutions to the problems that have beset Cameroon in recent years.”
The Commonwealth scribe, Patricia Scotland has reaffirmed that “The Commonwealth stands ready to provide any support that may be required” in rebuilding Cameroon’s peace, stability and serenity, while urging all parties to work earnestly together to achieve lasting peace. The statement also reads that “The release of Mr Kamto, several of his supporters, as well as 330 persons who had been detained in connection with the ongoing political crisis, is an important goodwill and confidence building measure towards building trust among all stakeholders in addressing the conflict in the North-West and South-West regions.”