Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Cameroon regarding reports of a recent escalation of violence directed at the Anglophone minority; and whether they have discussed with that government its obligations under international law and its own constitution to uphold the rights of its minorities, to refrain from torture, and to guarantee freedom of movement and expression to all its citizens.

The Government is deeply concerned to hear reports of deaths and injuries in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon, including reports that 17 civilians were killed by the security services and many more injured. The situation appears to have calmed down since 1 October.

The Minister for Africa released a statement on 4 October expressing the Government’s concern, urging restraint, and calling on all parties to reject violence and enter into dialogue to find urgent solutions to Anglophone grievances.

The High Commissioner in Yaoundé has raised the need for dialogue and restraint with the Cameroonian authorities, including their obligations under international law in respect to human rights. He met with Prime Minister Philémon Yang on 27 September and 10 October, the Minister of Communication on 9 October, the Minister of Defence, Director General of Intelligence, and the Minister of Higher Education on 10 October, and the Minister of External Relations on 11 October. He also reiterated the United Kingdom’s concerns in television interviews on 9 and 10 October.

The situation in Cameroon remains tense, and we urge the Cameroonian Government to accept the United Nations’ offer to support dialogue with the Anglophone community.