One people one power:

Anglophone Journalists in solidarity with C.L. Lawyers

By Johnson Batuo

The ongoing strike by Common Law Lawyers has received the backing of Cameroon Association of English speaking Journalists (CAMASEJ) Meme, KupeMuanenguba and Ndian chapters.

                In a communiqué issued on Tuesday 5 November a copy of which was sent to The Median newsroom, Camasej states inter alia that after a careful evaluation of the Common Law lawyers strike, she has resolved to endorse the strike, in line with section II, Article 2A of the Camasej constitution.

                The communiqué jointly issued by CAMASEJ Meme, KupeManenguba and Ndian chapters noted that CAMASEJ is backing the lawyers because their demands are legitimate and constitutional and because the strike so far has been peaceful.

                Common Law lawyers are asking for better treatment of the common Law sub-system, the translation of all important legal texts in English and the revert to federalism among others. The lawyers have announced the creation of a Common Law Bar to protect the Common Law in Cameroon.

                “We consider it unacceptable for the New Deal Government to continue marginalizing and hampering justice in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon with the appointment of magistrates with mastery of neither the English Language nor the Common Law,” stated Camasej in the communique, noting that journalists and lawyers have a common mission to watch over the society and speak for the less privileged in society.

                The release added: “CAMASEJ Meme, Ndian, Manyu, Liebialem and KupeManenguba chapters are by this press release “endorsing the strike action and will use all means at their disposal to fight the Anglophone course in Cameroon”

                The communiqué signed by the chapter presidents and their secretaries also called on all “journalists and media practitioners to stand up and add their voices to the good course of the Common Law Lawyers.