By RFPosted on 30-09-2019Modified on 30-09-2019 at 03:51

This Monday, September 30 opens the "great national dialogue" in Yaoundé in Cameroon. Hundreds of participants are expected to find ways and means to end the conflict in English-speaking areas, a conflict that has already occurred in 3 years, 3,000 dead, nearly half a million displaced, 40,000 refugees. This "grand national dialogue" convened by President Paul Biya generates much hope in Cameroon, but many uncertainties too.

First highlight: the exceptional exit of the head of state on September 10 contrasts with the image of a president indifferent to what happens in the English-speaking regions. The sign for some of a personal implication, a strong gesture.

Another factor of hope is the accession of a large number of actors who have responded and the mobilization of the international community.

That said, several factors push some observers to circumspection: the absence of a neutral mediator since the Cameroonian government is a party to the conflict, the absence of some of the most critical figures of the Cameroonian civil society, the absence of the leader of the opposition Maurice Kamto, who remains in pre-trial detention, and especially the absence of the main independentist leaders, for whom the conditions are not met.

We especially expect all guests to be present ...

Gregory Owona, Deputy Secretary General of the Democratic Rally of the Cameroonian People (CPDM), Presidential Party, and Minister of Labor and Social Security.

30-09-2019 - By RFI

→ Read: Cameroon: Prime Minister meets Felix Agbor Balla

" Would not it be better first to lay the foundations of a direct agreement between belligerents before convening these great meetings, " wonders a specialist mediations.

" 5 days is not much, " worries one participant. " We sometimes have the impression that the power is only trying to do a communication operation," he continues. But this process is very complex and the future of the country is at stake. "

" We are in a positive dynamic and this is the first thing to remember, " insists a source close to the government.

The preparations that have been made seem to me somewhat sloppy ...

Report: Many observers remain skeptical

30-09-2019 - By RFI

    On the same subject

    Cameroon: Prime Minister meets Felix Agbor Balla

    Cameroon: authorities refute allegations of abuses against security forces

    What can we expect from the national dialogue in Cameroon?

    Cameroon: former presidential candidate Cabral Libii ready for "grand dialogue"

    comments