CI-NEWS

Buea CPDM uses Biya’s anniversary to appeal to separatists for peace.

2019-11-12

No: 455

Buea CPDM uses Biya’s anniversary to appeal to separatists for peace.

By Christopher Ambe.

Fako III (Buea) CPDM senior apologists, on November 6,2019,which marked the 37th anniversary of President Paul Biya’s accession to the pinnacle of power in Cameroon, used the occasion to strongly appeal to separatists to give up the fight for the independence of their putative state, dubbed Ambazonia.

The separatists, claiming to be fighting for the restoration of the independence of Southern Cameroons, a former British-UN mandated territory, insist that Buea is the capital of their putative country.

Over 2000 people have reportedly died in the two English-speaking regions of Cameroon in clashes between separatist fighters and government forces, since the eruption of what is today known as the Anglophone Crisis.

The 37th anniversary celebration in Buea was chaired by Hon. Emilia Lifaka, Vice-President of the National Assembly and leader of the CPDM Central Committee to Fako Division. It was attended among other dignitaries by South West Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai; the Minister of Secondary Education, Prof. Nalova Lyonga; SenatorMbellaMoki; Dr. Amos Namanga Ngongi,former UN Under Secretary-General, and Hon.Meoto Paul Njie,former Director of Cabinet at the PM’s office.

Speaking at the event at Buea Youth Centre, Hon. Emilia Lifaka, Vice-President of Cameroon’s National Assembly and CPDM Central Committee Leader for Fako Division, pleaded with the separatists fighters still in bushes:

“My children in the bushes, I am speaking to you like your own mother…

“The government has heard and noted your worries; please leave the bushes and return to the comfort of your homes, because there is no other better place like home.

“Please don’t terrorize your own mothers. Today mothers are even scared to go to their farms, markets or to do anything. Our children are now school drop-outs. You cannot build a community without educated people.”

She appealed to parents whose children are separatist fighters to look for a way and persuade them to drop their arms and become God-fearing. “The Bible says love your neighbour as yourself,” Hon. Lifaka remarked, begging “our fighting children, to come back so that together we can build this beautiful nation; this land of glory and promise,”

The Fako CPDM leader was very thankful to President Biya for what she said were many projects realized in Fako, adding that “we still need more” because “President Paul Biya supports us, likes our division and region.”

But Hon. Lifaka stressed that only a peaceful environment would serve as a condition to ask for more projects from the Head of State, who is also National Chairman of the ruling CPDM and has ruled Cameroon since 1982.

Speaking earlier,were Buea YCPDM president Njie Frankline Njie; Dr.Mrs.Mbua Hannah Etonde,Buea WCPDM President, and Buea CPDM section President, Barrister Mafany Namanga David.

In his address, Njie Frankline claimed that President Biya’s Achievements in his 37 years in power were superfluous.

“For his 37 years in power, we can say with all certainty that [President Paul Biya] has delivered beyond expectations. There is, therefore, no doubt that the remaining years of his current mandate will be marked with greater accomplishments that will spring the country to more economic prosperity”.

But the Buea YCPDM president called for a speedy implementation of National Dialogue recommendations and the admission of more Anglophones into national schools such as ENAM,EMIA and IRIC.

He urged Government to revive the Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC), the second employer after the state, which has been brought down on its knees by the Anglophone crisis.

Njie Frankline implored Government to “support our youths through the granting of loans from PIASSI and other state agencies charged with youth development”.

For her part, Dr. Mrs. Mbua Etonde Hannah, described as a dynamic lady and who has been President of Buea WCPDM for 13 years, commended the Biya administration for what she termed “special love for Fako”, citing improved social facilities such as hospitals and educational institutions.

She described Buea as hospitable and peace-loving subdivision and advocated more peace, as a prerequisite for more investments.

The Buea WCPDM president stressed need for voter registration in Fako.

In his address, David Namanga Mafany, Buea CPDM President, lauded the development drive of President Biya and reiterated the urgency of bringing to fruition the recommendations of the Major National Dialogue, which, many think, will defuse the socio-political tension caused by the Anglophone crisis.

He stressed that “we should collectively and individually work for social justice in Cameroon” and hoped that separatist fighters would all drop their arms.

The cutting of the 37thanniversary cake, the reading of a motion of support for the head of state and cultural dances, enlivened the ceremony.

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

Buea CPDM uses Biya’s anniversary to appeal to separatists for peace.