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Trouble at Mill

3 March 2008 - 5:39pm -- Joseph

This past week has seen strikes and rioting in Cameroon to a degree not seen since the early nineties. Prompted by rising fuel prices, the taxi driver went on strike. If you think that doesn't sound like a big deal, consider that taxis make up easily 75% of all traffic in most parts of Cameroon and you will soon picture a country at a virtual stand-still.

The other major reason for the strike was that Paul Biya, who has been president since 1992, attempted to amend the constitution to allow him to stand for a third term as president. This did not fill the people with joy and they have made their feelings clear; last week was a week of unrest in the country, the death toll rumours hover around the 17 mark.

It's all very worrying. I understand the concerns of demonstrators; Cameroon is a very corrupt country where life is a struggle for those without influence (and that's most people); but the danger is that all will be achieved is the destruction of it's fragile society.

My thoughts are with all our friends back in Cameroon, I hope they all remain safe and the situation is resolved peacefully, positively and soon...

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