Leaders of the African Union (AU), Commonwealth and International Organization of the Francophone, commonly known as La Francophonie, have voiced their commitment to support the peace process in Cameroon’s two troubled English-speaking regions.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the African Union Commission, Louise Mushikiwabo, secretary general of La Francophonie and Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, on Wednesday expressed their willingness and resolve to assist the country in its peace process after a joint audience with Cameroonian President Paul Biya.
“Our major concern is to contribute towards peace and stability. We believe that Cameroonians do not merit any form of violence and differences ought to be resolved peacefully,” Faki told reporters.
“What is of importance is peace, security and equality and we are determined to do all we can as three organisations to support the peaceful process. This is a moment of change, an important moment which we have to seize and support in solidarity. So all those who love good governance and peace need to work hard to deliver it,” Scotland added.
The leaders will also meet with opposition parties and civil societies during their two-day mission in Cameroon.
“We believe that we have an obligation to contribute modestly through advice, interventions in mediation or on technical subjects such as bilingualism and multiculturalism,” Mushikiwabo told reporters.
Since 2017, government forces have been clashing with armed separatist forces who want the two English-speaking regions of Northwest and Southwest to secede from the majority French-speaking nation.
