Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Cameroon.
The British Government remains deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in the North-West and South-West (Anglophone) regions of Cameroon. We continue to raise these concerns at the highest levels, including with the Government of Cameroon, at the UN and with international partners. During briefings on conflict prevention, peace and security at the UN Security Council in October, the UK welcomed the National Dialogue that took place in Cameroon from 30 September – 4 October as an initial step to bring parties together to work towards peace. The subsequent release of 333 prisoners arrested in connection with the crisis was also a welcome step. We hope these developments will build confidence among all parties to engage in efforts to bring peace to the North-West and South-West regions. Inclusive discussions about the root causes of people’s grievances and follow up on recommendations made at the National Dialogue are urgently needed to maintain momentum.