Pleased but demanding for more, US embassy in Yaoundé-Cameroon has issued a satisfactory note to the release of embattled Opposition leader, Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM)’s Maurice Kamto. The embassy writes on Facebook;
“U.S. Welcomes Dropping of Charges against Political Opposition. The U.S. Embassy welcomes the decision to drop charges against Maurice Kamto and other members and supporters of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC) arrested following election protests earlier this year. Their release from prison today is a constructive step toward relieving political tensions and affirming the government’s commitment to respect for fundamental freedoms. We hope further measures will be taken in the wake of the recently concluded National Dialogue, leading to the restoration of peace in the Northwest and Southwest regions”.
Kamto whose case was still pending in court alongside many of his supporter’s regained freedom, Saturday October 5th just a day after a “Major National Dialogue” held in the wake of the Anglophone Crisis in the country. After his release, thousands of supporters paraded the streets in Yaoundé accompanying Kamto’s Convoy in gladness and fanfare. In reassuring them, Kamto made the declaration that he is not giving up at his initial fight to protect what he says it’s his; Victory of the October 2018 Presidential Election.
Meanwhile, anti-regime Diaspora group, Brigade Anti-Sardinard (BAS) says, Kamto’s release isn’t a show of president Biya’s Shrewdness and magnanimity but rather a result of pressure to bear on the 86 years old leader from them and the international community.
The group also notes that, the pro-independence forces fighting in the restive Anglophone part of Cameroon have been very instrumental in the release process of the CRM leader and others. They demand therefore that, the leader of the Ambazonians, Sisiku Ayuk Tabe and his followers still in jail and sentenced for life be released immediately. They also call for the release of Activist Mancho Bibixy and many others whom they say are illegally locked up and continue to demand that President Biya quits power after 37 years as President. Their press release below.
Many hands are crossed as to observing what President Biya can do to further empty his jails from wanton arrests at the wake of The Anglophone Crisis and Post electoral turbulence of 2016 till date. Though he had granted clemency to 333 Anglophone detainees earlier same week after same action in 2017, thousands are still incarcerated.
The actions are believed to be part of reconciliation of the Major National Dialogue of September 30th- October 4th, 2019, held in Yaoundé to appease Anglophone Separatists fighting for Independence though in their absence. Many have commended the appeasement move though too little as it tackle effects than causes of the conflicts in the country.
White House Chief African Diplomat, Tibor Nagy had earlier tweeted that president Biya’s actions are encouraging first moves to real Dialogue.
To the Anglophones, their struggle is rather yielding fruits elsewhere than on their detained leaders. They have vowed to continue fighting as they disregard the Dialogue that held.
