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Cameroon Says Conflict Destroying Anglophone Regions' Economies

Moki Edwin Kindzeka

   YAOUNDE - Cameroon says the economies of its troubled English-speaking
   western regions are collapsing as a result of the country's four-year
   separatist conflict.'¯Officials say the ongoing fighting has made tax
   revenues in the English-speaking Northwest region drop from
   $800,000annually to just $1,000 last year. The lack of government funds
   has had devastating effects on the region.'¯

   Fotso Dominique, the most senior government economic official in the
   English-speaking Northwest region, says separatist fighters have
   succeeded in chasing customs and tax officials from almost all crossing
   points along the border with Nigeria.

   Speaking on Cameroon state television, Dominique said there has been a
   90% drop in imports of building materials, drugs, vehicles, electronics
   and basic commodities from Nigeria. This, he says, while civilians have
   been deprived of basic supplies and state coffers left with huge
   shortfalls.

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