May 2020 - Southern Cameroon Updates
By: Editimfon Ikpat, Junior Research Associate, PILPG-NL
THIS POST COLLECTS UPDATES FROM THE PAST MONTH CONCERNING RELEVANT DEVELOPMENTS IN SOUTHERN CAMEROON. THE INFORMATION IS DRAWN FROM LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL ONLINE SOURCES.
COVID-19 response and opposition participation
The Cameroonian government has limited the participation of the opposition in contributing to COVID-19 response measures. Volunteers of the “Survive Cameroon Survival Initiative,” a fundraising initiative created by the opposition leader – Maurice Kamto – to respond to health emergencies relating to COVID-19 were on May 11, 2020 arrested while distributing free protective mask and hand gel sanitizers. Although subsequently released, the volunteers were being charged with rebellion, where guilty, could have been sentenced to about four years imprisonment. Also, almost two weeks after the incident, on May 23, 2020, three other volunteers of the Initiative were also arrested while distributing face masks and hydro alcoholic gels in the city of Sangmelima.
Prior to the arrests being made, the Cameroonian government through the Minister of Territorial Administration – Paul Atanga – on April 7, 2020, informed Cameroonian citizens to stop fundraisings in relation to COVID-19, and instead make their contributions to the “Special Fund of National Solidarity” created by the President – Paul Biya. Subsequently, accounts belonging to the Initiative were ordered to be closed, the money frozen, and investigations to be made on the Initiative.
Degrading treatment of detained Ambazonian Leader
Human Right Watch has condemned the treatment of detained separatist leader, Blaise Sevidzem Berinyuy, also known as Shufai. Due to his failing health, Shufai was transferred from prison to the hospital for an illness not related to COVID-19. However, despite his critical condition, Blaise was handcuffed to the hospital bed in the night, which made him immobile. He was subsequently returned to the high security prison in Yaoundé due to pressure by the head of the detention facility. His return to prison is seen to be a threat to his health and life as he is immunocompromised and therefore at risk of being infected with COVID-19, in an overcrowded prison.
Mayor of Mamfe killed by armed separatist fighters
The Mayor of Mamfe, Ashu Prisley Ojong, one of the restive divisions in the South West Region of Cameroon, was killed by armed separatist fighters on May 10, 2020. It is alleged that his murder is premised on the call made by a US-based Cameroonian activist, Eric Tataw, who on April 12, 2020 via Facebook live asked members of the “armed militias to ‘take out’ mayors, councillors and staff of councils in Cameroon’s North West and South West Regions”, as they are not representing Ambazonia. The deceased Mayor ran on the ticket of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM)
COVID-19: Cameroonian President finally addresses the country
After about two months of silence, the Cameroonian President – Paul Biya – on May 20, 2020, has finally addressed the country for the first time since the outbreak of Coronavirus in Cameroon. This address came as he was cancelling the celebrations of this year’s National Day due to the ban on public gatherings. The president urged people in Cameroon to stay calm, trust the government and join the fight against the disease.