Just a day after American based Cable News Network, CNN published a story on her website on US decision to cut support to Cameroon for human rights abuses, doubts remain in the minds of many Cameroonians on the authenticity of the report.
In an emergency working session to the Cameroon ministry of Communications on Thursday February 7th, US Ambassador in Cameroon, Peter Henry Barlerin was categorical that, relation between both countries is rather witnessing progress.
Cooperation between Cameroon and United States are excellent and long standing and we intend to keep that relationship. We aren’t going to stop military corporation with Cameroon. Cameroon is a sovereign country, and USA is a Sovereign country” Henry Barlerin told national broadcaster, CRTV after meeting with communication minister Emmannuel Rene Sadi.
The Ambassador added that, he had also gone to the ministry to congratulate Rene Sadi for his last month appointment as Government Spokesman.
Henry Barlerin’s outing has brought to question the credibility of world class media CNN, Washington Post, DW Africa and many other national and international media outfits that carried the story. Pressure has been brought to bear on them to prove that The Pentagon took such decisions without informing their emissary in Cameroon.
One thing also put to doubt from Barlerin’s interview is what he defines as “continuous corporation”. Many ask if its same as “cutting support” Many too have been quick to say its diplomatic talk from the world superpower, not to openly reveal the agenda.
Since CNN made the announcement, Separatist activists in the Anglophone regions of the country have been celebrating for the fact that, according to them, weapons dispatched by US to fight Boko Haram insurgency in the north of the country are being used for the ongoing war between militia and military in that area. Government, however, has denied this claim.
Human rights violations have been perpetuated grossly in this area since civilians took up arms in 2017. Last year, Ambassador Peter Henry Barlerin had come under scrutiny and wide condemnation for questioning and pointing a finger towards the state military for human rights abuses in Anglophone Cameroon.
As Cameroonians struggle to unravel the reality of this chaotic and complex situations, some questions are hanging.
Who may have sponsored the fake news on CNN and for what purpose? Will US officials make a televise statement on the claims of withdrawal of support from Cameroon? Can Cameroon Government sue such organs for creating diplomatic hate and animosity?
