Secretary-General, Encouraged by Release of Cameroon Opposition Leader, Members, Urges Authorities to Take Further Confidence-Building Measures

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

The Secretary‑General is encouraged by the decision announced by President Paul Biya on 4 October to release Maurice Kamto, leader of the Mouvement pour la Renaissance du Cameroun (MRC), as well as 102 members of the party.  He also takes note of the release of another 333 individuals in connection with the crisis in the north‑west and south‑west regions.  The Secretary‑General encourages the Cameroonian authorities to continue to adopt further confidence‑building and reconciliation measures.

The Secretary-General also welcomes the holding of the national dialogue and encourages meaningful follow‑up.  He reiterates the readiness of the United Nations to assist the authorities and the people of Cameroon in this regard.