Cameroon Implodes After Imposition of French

Yaounde — THE African Union has been petitioned to intervene and address the deteriorating relations between English-speaking Cameroon regions and the government. This comes in the wake of tensions after government imposed the use of French in schools and courts of Northwest and Southwest, which are largely populated by Cameroonians using English as the second language. The banning activities of the Cameroon Anglophone Civil Society Consortium (CACSC) and the arrest of leaders of the group for leading protests against government, which is accused of tribalism, has worsened matters. Felix Agbor-Balla, president of CACSC, and Dr Fontem Neba, Secretary General, have been arrested. Protesters have been shot at and several killed. Internet access has been cut in the volatile regions. The African Freedom of Expression Exchange has subsequently (AFEX), on April 13, 2017 petitioned the AU special rapporteur on freedom of expression and access to information, Faith Pansy Tlakula, to intervene in the deteriorating situation in the two Anglophone regions. "We express deep concern about the deteriorating freedom of expression and human rights situation." A majority of Cameroonians, including President Paul Biya, speak French. - CAJ News

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