Govt Leaving No Stone Unturned to Ensure Inclusive Dialogue to Unite Cameroonians

In a bid to steer the nation toward inclusive dialogue after post-election violence, the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization (MINAT) has been holding high-level talks. The recent talks was with the Cameroon Bar Association. The meeting, led by Minister Atanga Nji Paul and Bar Association President Barrister Mbah Eric, focused on presenting official post-election statistics and countering what officials called false and distorted figures circulating within the Bar Council.The minister presented a document detailing arrests and detentions tied to the October 12 presidential election: 1,985 persons arrested, 615 freed on bail, and 963 currently in detention awaiting charges. He urged Bar Council members to refrain from spreading misleading information that could tarnish Cameroon’s image and called on lawyers to act responsibly, including condemning actions he described as improper, such as a law practitioner breaking seals in Douala.“People arrested for looting, vandalism, and thievery will face the law,” MINAT’s chief stated, stressing that accuracy and accountability were essential to maintaining national cohesion. He also warned against media insults toward government officials.Barrister Mbah Eric acknowledged the constructive intention of engaging the Bar to disseminate correct information and foster peace. He urged the Bar to promote lawful conduct and due process, while noting that excesses were observed on the sides of security forces and some officials. Deliberations during the in-camera session were described as ongoing and productive.The exchange talks come amid days of deadly protests following the election, which opponents say was marred by rigging, a claim contested by the government. In a broader appeal, President Biya during his swearing in, urged responsibility and warned against incitement to hatred and violence, calling for unity and a cautious approach to the post-election period. The current dialogue with the Bar Council is framed as part of a broader effort to unite Cameroonians through inclusive dialogue and rule-of-law solutions.