Human Rights Lawyer Tells PM: National Dialogue Must Tackle Form Of State, General Amnesty

Human rights Advocate and President of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa, CHRDA, Barrister Felix Agbor Nkongho, has told Cameroon’s Prime Minister, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute, to include discussions on the form of State and general amnesty on all political prisoners during the Major National Dialogue.

He tabled his proposals to the PM at the Star Building, September 24, during pre-consultative talks, days to the commencement of the National Dialogue convened by President Paul Biya.

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According to Agbor Balla, the form of State is the key issue to the crisis rocking the two Anglophone Regions.

“We therefore, strongly recommend that the form of State be placed on the agenda of deliberations at these talks, and that the views of minority Anglophones on this issue should not be overshadowed by the Government party or by stakeholders from outside both Regions,” the Human Rights Lawyer stated.

The Barrister at Law further urged the Government to make a clear and visible effort to reach out to separatist groups that still embrace non-violence so that the restorationists’ view can be part and parcel of the search for a long-lasting solution to the current conflict.

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On the nature of dialogue, Balla recommended that there should be equity in representation, while stressing that “Overrepresentation of any party or key stakeholder to these talks could result in a breakdown in the talks. Pro-government bias in the selection process should be avoided.

“We strongly recommend that resolutions on the form of the State be submitted to the people for a vote via a referendum.” He said.

Among other recommendations tabled by CHRDA President, was a general amnesty for political prisoners, the investigation into human rights abuses and the inclusion of language translators.

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