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Traditional Cameroon Rulers Refuse to Return to Crisis Zone

Moki Edwin Kindzeka

   YAOUNDE, CAMEROON - Cameroon's government this week called on hundreds
   of traditional rulers who have fled separatist conflict areas to
   return, assuring them that the palaces, markets, schools and roads
   destroyed by separatists would be reconstructed. But the traditional
   rulers have refused, saying they are still threatened by fighting
   between government troops and anglophone rebels.

   Deben Tchoffo, governor of Cameroon's English-speaking northwest
   region, said by messaging application from the regional capital Bamenda
   that the government will ensure the rulers' protection from separatist
   fighters from the moment they return.

   "They should not be afraid. Instead of running, they should come back
   to face the realities," Tchoffo said. "The population are there,
   eagerly waiting, longing to see them. Some of them have gone [been out
   of their palaces] for many years. They are awaited on the spot. We are
   there, and we are there to secure them. Whatever will happen, we are
   there to stand by them, to support them and accompany them."

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