The U.N. special envoy for Central Africa visited Cameroon this week to seek an end to the months-long stalemate on the strike and unrest in English-speaking parts of the country.
Francois Lonseny Fall, special representative of the U.N. secretary-general and head of the U.N. Regional Office for Central Africa, called on the government of Cameroon to take two steps to facilitate the reopening of dialogue with strikers in the English-speaking regions.
The United Nations cannot be indifferent when there are issues that could threaten the peace and stability of a sovereign state, he said, recommending that all detainees be liberated. He said the U.N. believes that if detainees are freed, peace will quickly return to Cameroon.
By Moki Edwin Kindzeka
Government spokesperson Issa Tchiroma declined VOA's request for comment on the special envoy's Wednesday statement, but said President Paul Biya is aware of the situation.
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| Cameroon: UN Envoy - Govt Should Release Detainees, Restore Internet, Open Dialogue to End Strike |
Tensions began in November when English-speaking lawyers and teachers in the two regions refused to work, demanding reforms. The situation intensified as the strike pulled other activists who say the country's English-speaking minority is marginalized and those regions should declare total independence.
Biya has ruled out any discussion on the question of national unity.
The U.N. special envoy told reporters that the U.N. will not get involved on questions of secession or a return to federalism in Cameroon. He said Cameroon has strong institutions and a functioning democratic parliament to address political matters.
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