Members of the Fako Conference of Traditional Rulers say as part of the upcoming Major National Dialogue, they have contacted Ambazonia fighters who say they are very much ready to dialogue with government. The said fighters seek the independence of a country they call Ambazonia, a geographical allusion to Cameroon’s North West and South West Regions.
The revelation of the chiefs is contained in a letter dated September 21, 2019 and addressed to the Governor of the South West Region through the Senior Divisional Officer, SDO, of Fako Division. The two-page document is captioned: “contributions of Fako Chiefs during the pre-dialogue called by the Governor for the Resolution of the Anglophone Crisis”.
Through the voice of their spokesman, Chief Rev. Dr. Andrew Ekoka Molindo, the chiefs say they wholeheartedly applaud President Paul Biya for convening a National Dialogue in a bid to bring the Anglophone Crisis to a peaceful end.
Molindo then went on to read the 10-point proposal of the chiefs of Fako, which they say is a product of their consultation with the population at the grassroots.
Fako chiefs say they stand for a one and indivisible Cameroon and propose ten or more federated states with elected officials.
“After contacting the boys [a euphemism for Ambazonia fighters] in the bushes, they demonstrated their willingness to participate in the national dialogue. We equally extended the guarantees for their safety as promised by the Head of State. They agreed that for a start, and to show the sincerity on the part of the army and the administration, they will first start by participating through a telephone conference call or other social media platform from their hiding place. After they might have independently assessed the safety issue, then they can participate in person. Therefore before the next meeting, adequate arrangements should be made in this direction,” the chiefs said.
Other points contained in the letter of traditional rulers of Fako Division include:-
Request general amnesty for all concerned with this crisis
We request for the revamping of the CDC and PAMOL in order to create employment for the youth
We equally implore the government to commence the construction of the Limbe Deep Seaport.
We request the Regional House of Chiefs which will enable the chiefs to fully participate in Local Government governance.
In order to cement National Unity, National Integration, the Art of Living Together and Multiculturalism, a National Youth Service programme should be created to absorb and deploy school leavers from the public and private institutions of learning to different parts of Cameroon. This will particularly cause our youths to appreciate and celebrate our diversity. It will also provide our youths with the financial base and work experience they need to start life.
We propose a regional balance and the protection of minority rights with respect to employment, appointment and recruitment.
We see that a constitutional amendment is necessary with regards to presidential term of office and rotatory presidency. We the Fako chiefs reaffirm our stand.
Cin