A US elected Representative, Andre D. Carson, from the state of Indiana has said that he is worried about the oppression of Anglophones in Cameroon. The Democrat noted “Reports indicate that many demonstrators have been detained and today marks the second month without the Internet which is causing a major setback for the social and economic future of a previously dynamic region.”

The American Congressman has called on the US government for awareness of the situation prevailing in the two English-speaking regions of Cameroon.   “As with all our friends, we have an obligation to hold the Cameroonian government accountable when its actions suppress freedom of expression and do not protect minority populations. I call on President Biya and the government of Cameroon to ease tensions before the situation deteriorates further, “says the politician.

He added that the situation with regard to this Internet disruption is of particular concern given the foreign aid provided to the Cameroonian people and whose mission is to encourage socio-economic development, stability and democracy in the region. According to the NGO Internet without frontiers, the Southern Cameroons internet situation is the longest shut down on the continent.

The Internet cut has caused Southern Cameroonians to lose potentially more than CFAF 700 million (1.35 million US dollars) It should be noted that the Internet has been cut for more than 60 days in the North West and South West regions. Faced with this socio-political situation that is continuing and increasingly preoccupying international opinion, the American Congress is currently examining the outlines of the problem, given the plethora of reports that overwhelm the attitude of the Biya regime.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai with files from CIN