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G20 Hails Biya’s Anglophonization Project

Led by their spokesperson, Dr. Enow Benz Bate, the G20 leaders Friday expressed total support for President Biya’s pardon of 289 Anglophone detainees and his creation of the Disarmament Commission

By Tanyi Kenneth Musa in Yaounde

G20 Hails Biya’s Anglophonization Project

Leaders of the 20 political parties in support of President Paul Biya reelection during the October 7 presidential election otherwise referred to as the G20, have applauded the president for authorizing the release of 289 Anglophone youths that were arrested and imprisoned in connection with the ongoing crisis in the Northwest and Southwest regions.

                The G20 leaders expressed their appreciation at a press conference they called on Friday 14 December, in Yaounde.

                In his opening remarks at the Press briefing, the President of the G20, Dr. Enow Benz Bate, who doubles as the President of the Cameroon Democratic Party, CDP, said the gesture of the head of state is a clear indication that the war in NW and SW is over.

                “I am happy because President Paul Biya has done it again. He started with his humanitarian plan of action in which more than 300,000 IDPs have benefited government’s assistance.  Yesterday, I could not go to my village for fear that I risked being killed or kidnapped. But today, President Biya has saved my life by declaring 289 detained activists free. We want to see these people get back into society and restart personal lives, contribute in nation building and make Cameroon stronger. Cameroon is one and indivisible. I stand for a United Cameroon,” said Electrical Engineer Enow Benz, who is also a successful businessman.

                Justifying the reason for the Press Conference, the G20 leaders said, it was aimed to review some issues that preoccupy the country at the moment such as the thorny problem of the withdrawal of the 2019 AFCON from Cameroon; the Presidential decree No 2018/799 of 30 November 2018 establishing the national committee for disarmament, demobilization and re-integration; the decision of the head of state on December 13 ordering a stop to proceedings in military courts against 289 detainees arrested within the context of the crisis in the English-speaking regions of the  country among others.

                Concerning the National Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Commission, the G20 expressed reservation about it, saying such a decision should have been made following the recommendations of an earlier meeting of leaders of the warring parties and after a negotiated peace accord.

                The political leaders however, expressed the hope that by that decision, the President of the Republic has used his discretion to extend an olive branch to the separatist fighters who are still in in the bushes.

                The G20 used the opportunity of the press conference to beckon the Amba fighters to seize the opportunity that the head of state has offered them and consider dropping their guns and return to normal life.

                To the G20, President Biya will remain in history as the apostle who ensured peace in Cameroon. They showered praises on the president for working towards a united, free, peace-loving and prosperous Cameroon.

                Unfortunately, not all the members of the G20 were present at the conference. Sources suggested that there might have been a split in the group perhaps due to tussles for power and recognition.

                However, the about 10 members present reaffirmed their commitment to continue supporting the head of state and his ideals in-so-far as they can form a quorum.

                “No member of the G20 is bigger than the group,” Dr. Enow Benz Bate maintained, noting that he has vouched to stand by President Biya come rain come shine, and nothing can stand on the way of the G20’s resolve to fulfil their pledge and commitment to the president.