Appeasement and Reconciliation:

Atanga Nji Extends Olive Branch To SW Populations

-Preaches Peace, Dialogue, Unity

By Boris Esono and Yollande Mbombe in Buea

Minister Atanga Nji extends Olive Branch as a sign of peace and reconciliation

The Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji has urged the population of the SWR to collaborate with the forces of law and order so as to drive away terrorists from the region. The minister was speaking in Buea Tuesday 27 March 2018 during a meeting with the living forces of the region as part of a two-day appeasement mission in the region.

            The minister told the people he had come to the region with a message of Peace and dialogue from the head of state. He reiterated the point that Cameroon is and must remain one and indivisible.

            He noted with satisfaction the successful holding of the senatorial election across the national territory on 25 March 2018.

“From my discussions with the administrative authorities, I go back with the conviction that the SW region is calm. Last Sunday 25 March, all the councilors voted in the senatorial election and from the evaluation that was done in Yaoundé, I can tell you that the entire process went on in perfect tranquility”.

            Atanga Nji hailed the forces of law and order and the administrative authorities for their skillfulness in managing the present crisis.

            “I thank the forces of law and order and the administrative authorities for their professionalism because since the disturbances started, they have been able to manage the situation and everything is now under control. The forces of law and order have remained level-headed despite losing some of their colleagues in their effort to contain the activities of the terrorists. They have also not done anything that could jeopardize the situation of the republic”. 

            Atanga added: “We have to bring peace and serenity to the region. What has been done so far is very good and the population should collaborate with the forces of law and order because we must all be united against the terrorists because no one can accept that disorder should continue”.

            He went on: “If dialogue is well understood, the concept of dialogue should be held within the framework of state institutions. People should understand that when things are done properly and with respect for state institutions, then we can move ahead.”

          

Mayor of Buea, Ekema Patrick welcomes Minister Atanga Nji in Buea as Councilor Barrister John Kameni smiles on

  The government will engage dialogue. But such dialogue will concern only those who believe in a one and indivisible Cameroon. We can solve our differences without burning, raping and killing one another.”

Minister Atanga Nji went on to call on all those who have taken refuge in the bushes to come back home saying the region is now safe.

            “All those who are in the bushes should come out. If you look at Manyu division, most of those who went out have started coming back which is a positive sign that things are gradually coming back to normal. It behooves the various families to carry this message of peace to their children who have fled into the bushes and convince them to come back to their various homes”.

            Reacting to the Minister’s remarks Buea Mayor, Ekema Patrick Esunge, said: “I see in him a unifier; somebody who is doing everything to reinstate the peace and tranquility in our country. I see in him somebody who understands the plight of all and sundry; someone who transcends politics. In fact he is a true Cameroonian patriot. The massive turnout of the people of Buea to listen to the Minister only shows their enthusiasm and readiness to collaborate with the government towards a return of normalcy.”

            It should be noted that Atanga Nji is the first Anglophone to head the ministry of Territorial Administration since independence and reunification.