Yaounde, Cameroon – (African Boulevard News) – Cameroonians celebrated their National Unity Day on May 20th. The day is marked annually to commemorate the unification of the country’s English- and French-speaking regions. This year’s celebration was not without controversy as the country battles with a separatist crisis in its Western regions.
Thousands of people have been killed since 2016 after a group of Anglophone Cameroonians began to fight President Paul Biya’s Francophone government. The Anglophone separatists say they have been marginalized by the French-speaking majority and are demanding independence.
Despite the crisis, the government went ahead with the celebrations, with President Paul Biya calling for national unity. In a message on state television, he said: “Let us also remember that our diversity shall always remain our greatest strength and that Cameroon shall forever remain one and indivisible.”
In Yaounde, the capital city, a parade was held and attended by government officials, military personnel, and civilians. Citizens of different backgrounds, religions, and ethnicities came together to celebrate the country’s unity.
However, in the Anglophone regions, the celebrations were muted as the separatist groups imposed lockdowns in protest. These lockdowns prevented people from participating in the celebrations and led to a heavy military presence in the regions.
The European Union released a statement calling for the restoration of peace and dialogue between the government and the separatists. The statement noted that “inclusive dialogue, respect for the rule of law, and the protection of human rights are essential to finding sustainable solutions to the crisis.”
The United Nations also released a statement calling for an end to the violence and a peaceful solution to the crisis. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, said: “I call on all parties to refrain from acts of violence, to respect human rights, and to pursue dialogue in resolving their differences.”
As Cameroon celebrates National Unity Day, many are hopeful that a peaceful solution to the Anglophone crisis can be found. The government has made some efforts towards dialogue, including the release of some Anglophone detainees, but a lot more needs to be done to ensure lasting peace.
As Cameroonians continue to grapple with the crisis, it is essential to remember that the country’s diversity is its strength, and national unity is vital for sustainable development.
