President Paul Biya of Cameroon has banned an event in the capital Yaoundé meant to unveil the names of over 1000 Cameroonians killed by Boko Haram since 2013.
The government, in a strongly worded letter banning the event, cited many laws dating back to 1990 and concluded that it was dangerous to national security and safety.
The event was being organised by a group known in French as “Le Collectif Unis Pour Le Cameroun”, an association of Cameroonians united against Boko Haram. The association is headed by the publisher of L’Oeil du Sahel newspaper, Mr. Guibai Gatama.
Paul Biya has been in power for 33 years and many argue that reading in Yaoundé the names of over 1000 Cameroonians killed by Boko Haram could have sent the impression that Mr. Biya had failed to protect his people away in the far north.
Mr. Biya succeeded Ahmadou Ahidjo, a northerner whose home town is near the region under Boko Haram siege. Ahidjo died in exile in Senegal many years ago while Biya has held on to power for more than three decades.
(Left) Mr. Guibai Gatama, convener of Collectif Unis pour le Cameroun, in front of names of Cameroonians killed by #BokoHaram.
