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Cameroon: Government Reduces Fuel Prices
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The Post (Buea)
28 February 2008
Posted to the web 28 February 2008
Orock Eta
After a meeting between Government officials and some leaders of transporters syndicates in Yaounde, the government of Cameroon, Wednesday, February 27, reduced the prices of petroleum products
Petrol, which sold at FCFA 600 saw a 6 franc reduction to FCFA 594, Gas oil from FCFA 600 to FCFA 545 and the price of kerosene came down from FCFA 400 to FCFA 375. Government also promised to offer free training to some urban transporters and lifted an ordinance where drivers had to pay an FCFA 25.000 for being wrongly parked.
In another development, the Government announced the construction of the Yaounde-Douala high way by a South African company to begin in June, 2008. The government called on Cameroonians to go back to work after a two-day economic slump.
Early this Wednesday, a few students who struggled to attend classes were seen coming back home since their lecturers couldn't make it to school. One could also hear the forces of law and order firing teargas canisters around Buea. Reports say it is the same in most places all over the country.In Douala, activities at the airport have been paralysed. Many more people have been killed, especially in Douala.
In Kumba, it is said the Divisional offices of Basic Education, Town Planning, Lands, Welfare were looted and burnt down Yesterday. Two Total fueling stations were also completely looted and destroyed. A safe in the Treasury was also broken and money carried away by protesters.
Police were pushed right into their offices on the first floor as protesters burnt down the police canteen and another building used by the Special Branch and Territorial Surveillance services. Rioters also put part of the main police building on fire and released all persons from the cell. Police only fired in the air from their cover.
A pickup load of soldiers was drafted into town about 4.00pm and the opened fire at a maddening crowd that had surrounded the police station. Two persons received bullets are are being treated in the Presbyterian Health Centre in Kumba now.
Many others also sustained serious injuries from the commotion. More forces drove into town at about 8.00 pm. and are today stationed in front of governments offices and courts and around the main market that remains closed today.
While it is calm today in one part of the town, Buea Road, with a few commercial bikes and private cars moving around. Roads in Fiango remain barricaded. All business places in town are still closed and the streets are crowded with pedestrians moving up and down.
The Strike is far from over
The population say they will continue the strike because the amount reduced is very insignificant and all their problems have not been addressed.The strike led to the absence of basic commodities. There was no flow of goods in and out of major towns, stores, offices and business places were all locked. Bars were the most populated areas and it was observed in the days ahead, they might run short of available stock since supplies can't reach them at this moment.
People lost trust in the official media whom they say doesn't give the real situation in the field. With the emergence of private radio, TV stations and cell phones, people where abreast with the tempo of affairs from the various provinces. In Buea, there has been an exchange of teargas and stones between law officers and the population.
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They still mount barricades on the high way as they descend towards Molyko, while a contingent of mixed forces clear them off. The Police also forcely open stores along the road to get out protesters and to molest onlookers.
The streets of Buea are completely empty and reports say one person was shot dead a few hours a go. The forces of law and order seized this reporter's camera, telling him to clear-off some of the debris mounted by protesters.
He was also asked to delete all the pictures he had taken in the course of the strike. However, after negotiations with one of the top military officers the camera was handed to him.
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