CI-NEWS

Some 87 refugees, ex-fighters return from Nigeria.

2020-01-08

No: 464

Some 87 refugees, ex-fighters return from Nigeria.

The first contingent of 87 Cameroonians who took refuge in neighbouring Nigeria to escape from the socio-political and security crises in the North West and South West Regions and ex-fighters in the crises, landed at the Yaounde – Nsimalen International Airport on December 31, 2019 to a heart-soothing and memorable reception.

The returnees who got back home in a chartered flight experienced the warmth and delight of the entire nation as some cabinet ministers, administrative officials and other State dignitaries led by the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, shook hands with and welcomed each of them. The emotions made some of the returnees who were comprised mostly of young men, women and children to shed tears of joy for having finally got back to the fatherland. Equally present were a battery of pressmen and women who struggled to take photos and images of the event and to interview the ex-combatants and refugees in order to immortalise the event which marks a giant step in ongoing efforts to resolve the crisis rocking the English-speaking North West and South West Regions of Cameroon.

After the airport procedures that took place within the context of some security measures, the returnees were taken to Yaounde on board four special buses. Information from dependable sources indicates that after the arrival by air of the first contingent of refugees and ex-fighters, others will follow by land.

The ex-fighters appear to have yielded to the Head of State, President Paul Biya’s persistent calls for the combatants who have been misled to lay down their arms, leave the bushes and forests and return to normal life in order to contribute to the process of nation-building. The sources disclosed that government will help the refugees and ex-fighters to resettle.

Culled from Cameroon Tribune

“Governments has given sign of peaceful resolution”

Success Nkongho, ex-fighter.

“I fell so honored for the VIP reception that has been given all of us who have come in. I wish to thank the government of Cameroon because it has given a sign to the World that it is willing to have a peaceful resolution to the crisis in the North West and South West Regions of our country. I started the first defence group in what we know as “Ground Zero” as far back as February-March 2017 in the name of the Eyumojock self-defence force. At that time we fought so hard. But today I have made an about turn after observing the activities of the struggle of the Southern Cameroons. I noticed in 2018 that we had not made any progress. By nature and culture, I am a realist. I do not think and believe in things that do not exist. When I noticed that we had not made any progress so far, I made a live broadcast and I said we were in a state of stagnation or political state of emergency. Prior to the Major National Dialogue, I sensed a high level of sincerity from the government. I was invited for the dialogue though I never came. We have come home and I plead that my fellow ex-combatants and refugees be given a sense of belonging.”

“Let us make peace”- Mwete Marie-Nash, refugee.

“I have been in Nigeria for over one year. I escaped from Kumba to Nigeria because of the war. I never wanted to die. I feel so happy to come back to Cameroon. I experienced a lot of things when I was in Nigeria. Because of the war we escaped to Nigeria. I just thank God because they want to bring peace to Cameroon and I am very happy for that. I want everybody in the forest to come back so that we should not fight again. Let us make peace. The life in Nigeria is difficult”.

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Some 87 refugees, ex-fighters return from Nigeria.