Deeply Concerned about Cameroon Situation, Secretary-General Urges All Parties to Refrain from Actions that Could Escalate Tensions, Violence

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the situation in Cameroon, including with regard to the recent security incidents in Bamenda and in Douala, and mounting tensions in the south-west and north-west regions related to planned events on 1 October.  The Secretary-General has encouraged the Cameroonian authorities to continue their efforts to address the grievances of the Anglophone community.  He urges the authorities to promote measures of national reconciliation aimed at finding a durable solution to the crisis, including by addressing its root causes.  The Secretary-General supports upholding the unity and territorial integrity of Cameroon and urges all parties to refrain from acts that could lead to an escalation of tension and violence.  The Secretary-General believes that genuine and inclusive dialogue between the Government and the communities in the south-west and north-west regions is the best way to preserve the unity and stability of the country.

The Secretary-General stands ready to support these efforts, including through the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA).