The United Nations Human Rights Commission has said in a statement released on November 10, 2017, that Yaounde should lift all restrictions on the freedom of assembly in Southern Cameroons and review the so-called anti-terrorism law enacted by the ruling CPDM crime syndicate.

In the UN fifth periodic report on La Republique du Cameroun, the Committee of experts asked the Biya Francophone government to “take the necessary measures to ensure equal treatment of the English-speaking minority and guarantee its rights of expression and assembly”.

The United Nations confirmed that Southern Cameroonians are discriminated upon when it comes to employment and also in the running of the country.  The Committee noted that it has received reports of “attacks on the freedom of assembly and excessive use of force by French Cameroun police officers resulting in deaths and injuries during the events of October 1, 2017 in Southern Cameroons.

UN human rights experts urged the French Cameroun authorities to promptly carry out impartial and effective investigations and bring those responsible to justice in all cases where there has been excessive use of force.

In addition, the United Nations was also concerned about the anti-terrorism law adopted on December 23, 2014. According to the Organisation it is a provision introducing new grounds for the death penalty.

By Rita Akana