Cameroon president Paul Biya says he is very sensitive to the worries of English speaking Cameroonians and he is ready for dialogue with separatist elements to end the ongoing security crisis in the affected regions..

In his New Year address to the nation, Biya said he is ready to engage with persons with goodwill to end the crisis that has been going on since October 2016.

Hear him: “I had the opportunity to express myself regarding the issues concerning them. I stated and I reaffirm my deepest concern for the populations of these two regions. I am very sensitive to their worries about their safety and their aspirations for a return to calm and normal social life.”

President Biya however warned that if his appeal is not heeded, he will use drastic measures..

“If my appeal to warmongers to lay down their weapons remains unheeded, the Defence and Security Forces will be instructed to neutralize them. I am well aware of the distress these rebels are causing the populations of these regions. This situation cannot be allowed to continue.”

“In a spirit of national harmony, I decided to set up a “National Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Committee” to avoid the use of extreme measures. The duties of this body, which is under the authority of the Prime Minister, are to organize, supervise and manage the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants of Boko Haram and armed groups in the North-West and South-West Regions willing to respond favourably to the hand of peace extended to them”.

“I wish to emphasize that this initiative provides a dignified way out for ex-combatants and prospects for social reintegration, and should pave the way for a return to calm and normalcy”.