Some Cameroonians from the diaspora launch assaults on diplomatic representations in search of the head of state who has been away from Cameroon for 53 days.
Cameroonians from the diaspora who are members of the Anti-Sardinard Brigade have just resumed demonstrations in front of Cameroon’s embassies in some European countries. Declaring themselves to be searching for the president of the Republic, they storm diplomatic or consular representations, sometimes forcing their way into the headquarters of these institutions. Once inside, they subject the occupants to pressure and interrogation about the head of state’s stay abroad.
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According to consistent foreign sources, they have made such visits to institutions representing Cameroon in Belgium and Switzerland. Their goal is to pressure the institutions in general and the president of the Republic in particular so that the latter returns to Yaoundé, the seat of the institutions of the Republic of Cameroon. His presence in Europe is costly for a state struggling to ensure the best living conditions for its population.
Images shared by these compatriots from the diaspora show their anger and conquering spirit. Ready to resist any actor who tries to block their way, they are committed to preventing President Paul Biya from staying in Europe. Often present at the Intercontinental Hotel in Geneva to demand the departure of the president of the Republic, they have sometimes faced strong resistance from Cameroonian forces ensuring the security of the head of state.
Enjoying the freedom to demonstrate guaranteed in European countries, they do not hesitate to use it as a lever to overturn the governing system in Cameroon. The prolonged stay of President Paul Biya in Europe without explanation seems to be the reason for the increase in their raids on embassies in recent days. The specter of violence that their action casts recalls the break-ins and vandalism of embassies that occurred following the October 2018 presidential election.
However, freedom of expression and demonstration should not be confused with the right to loot and destroy. While the debate on the prolonged absence of the head of state continues within public opinion, actors from all sides are called upon to exercise restraint, transparency, and respect for the laws, under the risk of setting the country on fire and bloodshed and continuing to damage its image internationally.