CLARIFICATION AND REASSURANCE ON THE ESEKA COMMUNIQUÉ: A STEP TOWARDS PROTECTION AND SOCIAL COHESION
Following concerns raised over the recent communiqué issued by the Divisional Officer of Eseka regarding the identification of persons from the North West and South West Regions residing in the locality, I undertook direct engagement with the competent administrative authority to seek clarity and provide accurate information to the public.
The communiqué in question called for an urgent census of individuals originating from the North West and South West Regions within Eseka. Given the current national context, such a message understandably generated fear, concern, and varying interpretations, particularly among affected communities.
After a direct exchange with the Divisional Officer of Eseka, it has been clarified that the intention of the communiqué was not to target, stigmatise, or expose individuals from these regions to harm. On the contrary, the measure was taken as a preventive and protective action in response to a specific incident and a growing climate of suspicion within the locality.
According to the information provided, a formal complaint was lodged by Mr. Figna Cavel Basil, an Anglophone resident who reported being physically assaulted, threatened, and forcibly expelled from his village of residence (Limoug-Lihog), where he had lived for over a decade. The complaint, supported by a medico-legal certificate, detailed acts of violence and intimidation allegedly linked to his identity as an Anglophone.
In response to this incident, the Divisional Officer convened a meeting with local traditional authorities, including the representative of the village chief, notables, and community members. During this meeting, firm instructions were issued:
A clear warning against any form of discrimination or violence targeting individuals from the North West and South West Regions
A strong reminder that all Cameroonians have the right to live peacefully anywhere within the national territory
A formal warning issued to the local authority figures implicated in the incident
It is within this context that the administrative authority deemed it necessary to identify and map individuals from these regions, with the primary objective of ensuring their safety and preventing further incidents.
It was further explained that explicitly stating “protection” as the motive in the initial communiqué could have been misinterpreted by some local populations as an accusation, potentially triggering further tensions. This communication gap unfortunately contributed to the anxiety and escalation observed.
This situation highlights an important lesson:
in sensitive contexts, the intention behind administrative actions must be matched with clear, transparent, and inclusive communication.
At this stage, it is important to reassure all concerned populations, particularly our brothers and sisters from the North West and South West Regions residing in Eseka, that:
The measure is not a targeting mechanism, but a protective one.
Their safety, dignity, and rights remain a priority.
Administrative authorities have taken steps to address and prevent any form of abuse.
At the same time, this moment calls for vigilance, restraint, and responsibility from all:
– Communities are encouraged to avoid spreading unverified information that may fuel fear or division,
– Authorities are encouraged to prioritise clarity and trust-building in their communication,
All stakeholders must remain committed to preserving social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
In a context where tensions can easily be inflamed, dialogue, transparency, and mutual respect remain our strongest tools for peace.
We owe it to the affected populations, and to the nation as a whole, to ensure that every action contributes to rebuilding trust, not weakening it.
The peaceful coexistence of all Cameroonians, regardless of region or identity, must remain non-negotiable.
Omam Esther Moeneni & Eringo
Executive Director, Reach Out Cameroon
Global Peace Champion
Country Chair – G100 Mentoring & Motivation (Cameroon)
