President Paul Biya has addressed his countrymen, saying
tensions in the English-speaking regions that began more than a year ago have
abated. Biya also congratulated his military for successfully curbing Boko
Haram atrocities.
Paul
Biya, in a nationwide message, thanked the country's youth, saying they have
been instrumental in bringing peace and order along the northern border with
Nigeria, where Boko Haram has been active, and in the English speaking northwest
and southwest regions where complaints by teachers and lawyers about the
overbearing influence of the French language degenerated into separatists calls
for independence that resulted in armed conflicts with the Cameroon military.
"The
situation in the southwest and the northwest is stabilizing. Indeed, the
characteristic resilience of the Cameroonian people deserves to be hailed once
again. Allow me once again to underscore the heroism of our defense and
security forces, mostly young people," he said.
In his
speech, Biya urged Cameroon's to youth prepare for the decades ahead, when they
will be leaders. He said they need to be up to the task and acquire the
necessary skills and experience.
Biya
acknowledged that economic growth had slowed due to outside factors, but said
he would forge ahead in various sectors of development. He said 2018 will mark
the completion of his major road and hydro power development projects.
Cabral
Libii, a 38-year-old Cameroonian who has announced his intention to run for
president and challenge Biya this year, said he had expected Biya to call for
reconciliation to solve the long-standing problems his country has been facing
but feels that Biya instead gave an impression all was well and launched his
campaign for this year's presidential election.
Libii
said Cameroonian youth only have residual roles to play in Cameroon politics
and at the same time they face rising unemployment, a questionable education
system, and an underperforming health care system. He said a majority of young
people are in despair and suffocating under Biya's regime, which does not want
to leave power. Libii said the youth should be ready to sacrifice to stop
Biya's long hold on power.
Cameroon
has been enveloped by the Boko Haram insurgency that has claimed thousands of
lives on its northern border with Nigeria, displaced hundreds of thousands of
people, and pushed 80,000 Nigerian refugees into its territory.
The
central African state also is affected by the crisis in neighboring Central
African Republic, with regular attacks and kidnappings for ransom in its
territory. And, recently, the crisis in the English-speaking regions of the
country have led to hundreds of people, including 23 policemen and soldiers,
being killed.
In
spite of the continuing threats from Boko Haram and the English speaking
separatists which opposition political parties say may hamper the organization
of elections, the 85-year-old president, who has served for 35 years, insisted
that elections will be held this year since peace is returning. Biya has said
party supporters have urged him to run again.
"2018
will be an important election year and all youths aged 20 years and above
should be able to — or rather should — exercise their right to vote because by
voting, they will be performing an act of responsible citizenship and, thus,
participating in forging their destiny," said Biya.
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