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Cameroon: May Day Celebrations - Youths Want Jailed February Demonstrators Pardoned
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The Post (Buea)
16 May 2008
Posted to the web 16 May 2008
Leocadia Bongben
As a sign of reconciliation and peace building in Cameroon prior to May 20 celebration, youths under the platform of a humanitarian operation, 'Collective Main Tendue', have pleaded with President Paul Biya to free youths who were jailed in connection with the February nationwide demonstrations.
Speaking for the youths, Mouafo Djontu, human rights activist and former student union leader, made the request during a debate on the perception of believers on the events of February from the perspective of the Holy Scriptures, which took place on May 8 in Yaounde.
Besides pleading for the presidential pardon, he said the platform has embarked on advocacy in diplomatic missions and human rights organisations to ameliorate the prison conditions of the youths. "We are soliciting presidential grace, medical, judicial and psycho-pastoral assistance, to the detainees."
These request comes within the backdrop of the platform's visit to the prison of Yaounde, Bafoussam, Douala and Buea. After the visit, they observed that the detainees are crammed in crowded prisons with hardened criminals, sleeping on bare floor, with no medical assistance; are malnourished and vulnerable to deviant practices and barbaric acts.
One of the panellists, Dr. Doubla Avaly, drawing inspiration from the Holy Koran, said when a people keep virtues, Allah maintains them in good condition. He said "iniquities, crimes and man's perversion attract divine sanctions."
According to Dr Doubla, Cameroon is sitting on a time bomb due to the absence of moral values, youth unemployment, generalised corruption, embezzlement of public funds, inter and intra tribal conflicts, and the weak purchasing power. He called for dialogue and reconciliation, insisting that political management must contribute to the well being of society.
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He called for the respect of such virtues as tolerance, honesty, respect for others, forgiveness, reconciliation and modesty. He said this would go along way to eradicate certain vices plaguing the Cameroonian society. He also emphasised on the need to transfer embezzled funds to youth employment and promote fraternity amongst citizens.
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