This is contained in a position statement dated Saturday, August 10, 2019 released shortly after the National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting that took place in Douala under the chairmanship of Ni John Fru Ndi, National Chairman of the SDF.

The National executive Committee of the SDF “reminds the national and international communities that the ongoing civil war in the North West and South West Regions in Cameroon was declared by the President of the Republic, Mr. Paul Biya, on 30^th November 2017 at the Nsimalen Airport on his return from an official trip to Abidjan.”

The SDF position statement reads in part: “This declaration of war sparked a spiral of violence which has led to disastrous consequences: maiming, rape, torture, kidnapping, mass killings, looting, destruction and torching of schools, hospitals, houses and the razing of entire villages. This has caused thousands of casualties and the displacement of persons, who today, are refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), paradoxically fulfilling the secret assimilation agenda of Anglophones, especially the annihilation of the educational and Common Law systems.”

After urging President Biya to ensure a speedy return to normalcy, the SDF went on to indict the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement, CPDM, for making political gains out of the ongoing socio-political upheavals.

The party states as follows: “The SDF calls on the CPDM Senators, CPDM Members of the National Assembly, CPDM Mayors and CPDM Councillors of the North West and South West Regions who have exhibited disturbing indifference and support to the oppressive government irrespective of the frustrations and atrocities inflicted on the Anglophone people whom they purport to legitimately represent, to stop using the Anglophone problem for political ends.

“While we acknowledge the existence of the Anglophone problem which has unfortunately pushed the Anglophone separatists to take up arms, we urge them to exercise restraint.

“The SDF reminds our Francophone brothers and sisters that the Anglophone crisis is a national issue which, if not well and urgently addressed, will lead to irretrievable separation of the country.

“Finally, the SDF vehemently condemns the irresponsible and incendiary narratives pouring from the diaspora that further exacerbates the situation.”

President Biya’s November 30, 2017 message

On his return from Abidjan on Thursday 30 November 2017 where he participated at the 5th African Union – European Union Summit, the President of the Republic His Excellency Paul BIYA, made a brief declaration to the press following the assassination of four soldiers and two police officers around Mamfe.

The Head of State said it was with profound emotion that he learnt that four Cameroonian soldiers and two police officers were killed in the South West Region of our country.

He expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the valiant soldiers and police officers, as well as to all the defence and security forces.

The President emphasised on the fact that Cameroon is repeatedly under attack by terrorists operating under the ambit of a secessionist group.

The Head of State firmly assured the Cameroon people that all measures have been taken to put an end to these acts of aggression, and to ensure that peace and security reign all over the national territory.

His words: “I learned with emotion the murder of four Cameroonian soldiers and two policemen in the South West of our country. Following the disappearance of these six brave military and police officers, I would like to express my condolences to the families and to our valiant defense and security forces. I think things are now perfectly clear for everyone. Cameroon is the victim of repeated attacks from a band of terrorists running a secessionist movement. In the face of these acts of aggression, I wish to reassure the Cameroonian people that all steps are being taken to hunt down the criminals and to ensure that peace and security are safeguarded throughout the country.”