Armed Conflict In Southern Cameroons: Ambazonia Leaders Welcome Swiss-Led Mediation Process
Ambazonia leaders have said as a matter of “Good Faith”, they will take part in the Swiss-led negotiation process to end the conflict in Southern Cameroons and restore her independence. In a 4 page documents released on Friday 1 AM Geneva time, they said the Cameroon Government should also show “Good Faith” to see the total independence of Southern Cameroons. The leaders also recognized the Centre for humanitarian dialogue, HD as Switzerland’s strategic partner in the process.
The leaders who met in Canton Valais, Switzerland for a second capacity building workshop from June 25-27, 2019, called on the international community to support the Swiss-led talks.
They also said the room is still opened for other Ambazonia groups fighting for the liberation of Southern Cameroons.
Earlier on Thursday afternoon , the Swiss Government confirmed her role in the negotiation process, revealing that she has received the mandate form both parties.
SWISS STATEMENT
Bern, 27.06.2019 – At the request of the parties, Switzerland is acting as a facilitator in the crisis in north-western and south-western Cameroon. To this end, a second preparatory meeting with various Cameroonian opposition groups took place in Switzerland between 25 and 27 June 2019.
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), working in close partnership with the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD Centre), is committed to finding a peaceful, lasting negotiated solution to the crisis in north-western and south-western Cameroon. Switzerland was tasked by a majority of the parties with facilitating an inclusive negotiation process. To this end, a second meeting with various Cameroonian opposition groups took place in Switzerland between 25 and 27 June 2019. The aim of the meeting was to prepare the future peace negotiations between the Cameroonian government and the political opposition.
The FDFA is concerned about the continuing violence in the north-western and south-western regions of Cameroon, which is taking a heavy toll on the civilian population. Switzerland has long been committed, both at bilateral and multilateral level, to finding a peaceful solution to the crisis and to promoting respect for human rights in Cameroon. Switzerland is also committed to providing humanitarian aid to the affected local population and has supported Cameroon in dealing with multilingualism.
Facilitation is an instrument of Switzerland’s traditional good offices. In this role, Switzerland can establish contacts and provide communication channels. Switzerland’s good offices are open to all concerned parties who wish to participate in facilitation processes. Switzerland adheres to the principles of strict neutrality and discretion. In order not to jeopardize the process, the FDFA does not comment on the content of ongoing mediation efforts.
The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, HD, working in collaboration with the Swiss Government, has also confirmed her engagement in the entire process. A statement on the website of the NGO stated that, “The Centre for humanitarian dialogue (HD) has been tasked by Switzerland, with the consent of the parties, to support the establishment of talks between the Republic of Cameroon and the pro-independence groups of Southern Cameroons with a view to achieving a negotiated, just and sustainable settlement of the conflict.”
