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Mixed Reaction to Cameroon's Renewed Threats to Separatists

Moki Edwin Kindzeka

   YAOUNDE - There have been mixed reactions in Cameroon to President Paul
   Biya's renewed threat to crush separatist fighters in the country's two
   English-speaking regions. Many Cameroonians were expecting Biya to
   announce new peace measures in an end-of-year message.

   President Biya said the security problems in the Northwest and
   Southwest regions remain the most urgent issue to be tackled in the new
   year.

   He said he had taken several measures allowing armed groups and
   fighters to lay down their weapons, but said the fighters, who are
   mostly youths, have been brainwashed by Cameroonians in the diaspora.

   Biya said his military will henceforth show no mercy for those who
   continue to refuse to surrender and be forgiven.

   "We will have no other choice than to combat them in order to protect
   allour fellow citizens," he said. "Our Defense and Security Forces
   will, once again, perform their duty with restraint, but without
   weakness. I wish to reassure them of my fullsupport and high esteem."

   Biya accused Cameroonians in the diaspora of funding violence back at
   home by continuing to buy weapons and said they should, out of
   patriotism, refrain from destroying their country.