Peterkins Manyong
7 March 2008
"A terrorist organisation is planning to launch attacks on government establishments and private enterprises in the Northwest Province any time from now."
This warning comes from Mezam SDO, Jules-Marcellin Djaga. During a meeting held with members of the Northwest civil society organisations, Saturday, March 1, the SDO said it was the group calling for another strike action beginning from Monday, March 3.
He warned that any demonstration or rioting taking place from that date would be viewed in the light of terrorist activities and the perpetrators would be treated as terrorists. He, however, did not disclose the base of the alleged terrorists.
The Civil society leaders dissociated themselves from any planned strike action. The SDO called on them to sensitise the population on the need for peace.The SDO issued the warning against a backdrop of serious stocking of foodstuff and other requirements by the population in anticipation of another strike action.
Prior to the SDO's meeting, civil society leaders had issued a communiqué expressing concern about the just ended strike action, which culminated in acts of destruction across the country. The communiqué recognised the grievances of youths in the Northwest and Cameroon, but cautioned that these grievances needed time to address.
It also condemned the wanton destruction of property that took place during the four-day strike. The communiqué expressed concern about the loss of lives that took place, calling on the forces of law and order to exercise restraint. It, however, cautioned the youth to refrain from provoking the forces through acts of vandalism.
The communique implicitly rejected the official position of the government that politicians manipulated those who took part in the rioting. It maintained: "the real manipulators are hunger, poverty, unemployment rising prices of basic commodities."
The communique called on administrative and political forces to bury personal differences and engage in meaningful and patriotic dialogue so that the issues caused by this strike are resolved" Signatories to the communique are Rev. Joe Set Aji Mvo of the PCC, Father Henry Tata Mbuy, John Fodje, Simon Nkwenti and Hon. Lucas Tasi Ntang.
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