Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the passing of resolution S.Res.684 on 1 January by the United States Senate relating to violence in Cameroon, what discussions they have had with the government of the United States about relations with the government of Cameroon since the resolution; and what assessment they have made of (1) the impact of this resolution on the human rights situation in that country, and (2) the willingness of that government to revive the peace process.
The UK Government remains deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in the North-West and South-West (Anglophone) regions of Cameroon, including about reports of human rights abuses and violations by both armed separatists and the security forces. As Rita French, the UK's International Ambassador for Human Rights set out at the UN Human Rights Council session on 15 September 2020, those who have abused and violated human rights in Cameroon must be held responsible. The UK Government regularly raises the crisis with international partners, including the United States, and in multilateral fora. Given the short period of time since resolution S.Res.684 passed, it is too soon to determine what impact it will have. The UK Government will continue to monitor the situation closely.
We urge all sides to remain engaged with the Swiss-led process to facilitate talks. The Minister for Africa spoke to the Prime Minister of Cameroon, Joesph Ngute, in December 2020 to stress the need for inclusive dialogue and a peaceful solution which addresses the root causes of the crisis.