Following another wave of human rights abuses against citizens of Southern Cameroons over the past few weeks, the Southern Cameroons National Council (SCNC), along with representatives from the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO), yesterday gathered outside The Hague Embassy of La Republique du Cameroun.

Having originally made arrangements to receive representatives from SCNC in order to discuss matters relating to the ongoing abuses in Southern Cameroons, representatives of the Embassy regrettably declined this opportunity to begin a process of constructive dialogue.

Left with no alternative, SCNC representatives decided that if they could not be seen, they would certainly be heard. Joined by UNPO General Secretary Marino Busdachin, they therefore gathered outside The Hague Embassy of La Republique du Cameroun, filling the air with boisterous songs from their homeland for several hours.

Interested onlookers and passers by were rewarded with first hand accounts and given information about the ongoing abuses, as part of an effort to turn international attention towards the forgotten people of Southern Cameroons. Only international attention could significantly impede the relative ease with which the central government of La Republique du Cameroun is at present able to violently undermine peaceful efforts in the pursuit of basic human rights for the people of Southern Cameroons.

SCNC finally delivered their appeal in the form of an official letter to the Embassy, requesting a process of consultation and dialogue to help move Southern Cameroons through “the darkest period in its history”.

SCNC will also remain persistent, hoping for the eventual possibility of beginning such a dialogue aimed at resolving the present and untenable status of Southern Cameroons. Representatives of SCNC stressed their recognition of the importance of conducting such negotiations under international auspices, and of considering obligations outlined by existing international treaties and institutions designed to govern territorial disputes of this nature. They will also continue drawing attention to abuses as they occur, suggesting the air outside Embassies of La Republique du Cameroun might sometime very soon, once again be filled by song.

Southern Cameroons National Council Liberty Song

Courage brother do not stumble,
Though thy path be dark as night;
There is a star to guide then humble:
Trust in God and do the right.

Let the road be rough and dreary,
And its end far out of sight;
Foot it bravely; strong and weary:
Trust in God, and do the right.

Perish policy and cunning,
Perish all that fears the light!
Whether losing, whether winning:
Trust in God, and do the right. 
 
Some will hate thee, some will love thee,
Some will flatter, some will slight;
Cease from man, and look above thee:
Trust in God, and do the right.

Simple rule, and safest guiding,
Inward peace and inward might;
Star upon our path abiding:
Trust in God and do the right.

Courage sister do not stumble,
Though thy path be dark as night;
There is a star to guide the humble:
Trust in God and do the right.