Renowned diplomat Simon Munzu has pulled out of the Anglophone General Conference that is expected to hold next week in Buea, it has been confirmed.

He pulled out of the organisation committee after several reported threats on his life and has been replaced by ace journalist Elie Smith, it was confirmed in a press conference today to assess preparations for the conference scheduled to hold on the 21 and 22 November.

Simon Munzu’s federalist stance as a solution to the crisis in the North West and South West regions has been heavily criticised by a section of Anglophone activists advocating for secession, forcing him to step aside from the organising committee of the Anglophone General Conference.

“He told us that Ambazonians want to kill him so he will not be in Buea. I told him I did not agree with the decision but I respect it. He is a great resource person for us with a rich experience,”Cardinal Christian Tumi told a press conference on Wednesday.

Speaking at a press conference in Douala on Wednesday November 14, Elie Smith said he is ready to fill the boots left by Dr. Munzu so that the conference can go on.

“Sincerely speaking, I can not replace Dr. Munzu …it is out of the situation, the persistent attacks, threats on Mr. Munzu and he also felt that it needs to come to the wheel of progress and anything that could bring peace and stability in the Anglophone regions then he has the courtesy to bow out for water to flow,” Elie Smith.

The journalist admitted it is a heavy task organising the conference but he will stop at nothing to ensure the event is a success as stakeholders move to seek solutions to the crisis rocking the North West and South West regions of Cameroon.