Uncomfortable violence rocks Cameroon: Foreign missions worry over faith of nationals

Courtesy - Harry Ndienla Yemti

Cameroon generally considered by some to be an Island of peace in the continent of Africa, and particularly the central Africa sub-region, is today experiencing an uncomfortable state of violence. For over three days running, there has been looting, and violent destructions of both private and state properties in some major towns around the country including several people reported dead by state and local media. The situation is getting worse especially in the economic capital of Douala,as well as Yaounde, the nation’s capital where angry populations are constantly in violent confrontations with forces of law and order.

Accordingly, movements have been limited if not impossible in some areas making the country look like a state of emergency. The state of affairs which started by a taxi drivers’ strike against increase in the price of fuel since last Monday 25th February, is almost going out of hands
at this point in time. Other groups of people in country have joined with an assortment of grievances raging from; increase in the prices goods of basic commodities, massive unemployment, lack of social amenities and the much talk about amending the
constitution of the country.

Meanwhile, some foreign missions here have expressed worry over the state of their nationals. The first of which is the U S Embassy in Yaoundé. A recent warden message from the Embassy called on all U S citizens in the country to stay cool and avoid traveling within the country especially in Douala and Yaounde. The message also schooled them on the need to
be ready in case of evacuation.

In an extraordinary manner, the head of state Paul Biya made a firm statement to the people of
Cameroon on 28th February 2008. The said statement carried by local media and now widely available online was neither a message nor an address to the nation. It was a declaration giving his position as to the present crisis in the country. It was thus void of the usual national anthem both at the beginning and the end as well as long live Cameroon which usually characterize his speeches to the nations. Also absent were the traditional fellow country men.

In strict tones, the president warned those who are involved in what he described as the
instrumentalisation of the youths in their manipulation to get what they want. But was however
confident when he said “They are doom to fail” indicating that he was prepared to take some action on whatever he is talking about.

Finally, the president made it clear that legal means available to Government will be put in place to ensure the rule of law. While presenting the message, which was broadcast over state radio and TV, the president was spotting a frown on his face indicating the seriousness of the issue at hand. The declaration by President Paul Biya to the people of Cameroon was equally void of please, or pampering, let alone negotiations. It was firm and full of authority reason why some schools of thought believe the president has declared war. War which the demonstrators will not be able to stand, because as is customary, he always uses every tool at his disposal to fight public unrest.