After Ngarbuh Massacre:

Catholic Church Urges Biya to Dialogue with Separatists

By Doh Bertrand Nua in Yaounde

At least sixteen Bishops from the Roman Catholic Church across the world grouped under the “Global Campaign for Peace and Justice in Cameroon” have in a letter dated Monday 17 February 2020, addressed to President Paul Biya, urged him to accept the Swiss-led negotiations with separatist leaders as a means towards finding lasting solutions to the ongoing crisis rocking the Anglophone regions.

                The Bishops in their letter, a copy of which was sent to the Pope, noted they are touched by the constant suffering of unarmed civilian population caught in the violence between in the two regions pitting government security forces and separatists fighters.

                “There will be no military victory for any side. A lasting solution to Cameroon’s problems must come from a mediated process that includes Anglophone armed-separatist groups and nonviolent civil-society leaders. If all parties treat each other as they wish to be treated, a solution is possible,” part of the letter read.

                “We believe the proposed Swiss-led talks offer the best path to an appropriate political solution through inclusive negotiations,” said men of God who, added, that “the success of these talks will be critical in Cameroon’s journey towards ensuring pace and your legacy as an effective leader in a troubled region.”

                The Bishops appreciated government’s initiative to hold the Major National Dialogue to seek solutions to the crisis but say the move isn’t good enough to stop the current crisis. They believe government should engage in the proposed Swiss-led dialogue and be sure to come up with appropriate political solutions.

                “Violence and atrocities on all sides have forced 656,000 Anglophone Cameroonians from their homes, kept 800,000 children from school (including 400,000 from Catholic schools), caused 50,000 people to flee to Nigeria, destroyed hundreds of villages and resulted in a death toll of at least 2000,” they disclosed, adding, that “Each of these lives is precious, and we mourn their suffering and wish to prevent more loss of life and innocence”.

                The letter comes in the wake of worldwide condemnations following the death of several civilians including children and pregnant women in the locality of Ngarbuh in Ndu, Donga Mantung Division in the troubled Northwest region.