US Introduces Visa Restrictions on Those Undermining the Peaceful Resolution of Anglophone Crisis

By Andrew Nsoseka

The US Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, has announced that the US has decided to introduce visa restrictions on Cameroon nationals, who are “undermining the peaceful resolution of the crisis in Anglophone regions of Cameroon”

In a statement released on June 7, 2021, the Secretary of State said the move to institute visa restrictions on those against the peaceful resolution of the crisis was going into effect immediately.

The statement from Blinken says the move reflects the US’s commitment to advance a dialogue to peacefully resolve the Anglophone crisis and support respect for human rights.

Read the Full Statement in its Entirety

“The United States is deeply concerned by the continued violence in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon.  We continue to call for both the Cameroonian government and separatist armed groups to end the violence and engage in a dialogue without preconditions to peacefully resolve the crisis.  It is important that children can attend school and that humanitarian aid can be delivered.  We urge all relevant stakeholders in Cameroon and in the diaspora to engage constructively and seek a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

We condemn those who undermine peace through engaging in or inciting violence, human rights violations and abuses, and threats against advocates for peace or humanitarian workers.

I am establishing a policy imposing visa restrictions on individuals who are believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the peaceful resolution of the crisis in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon. This decision reflects our commitment to advance a dialogue to peacefully resolve the Anglophone crisis and support respect for human rights.  The United States strongly supports the Cameroonian people, and we remain committed to working together to advance democracy and mutual prosperity for both our countries.”