"We are opposed to humanitarian action and we believe the Cameroonian president, the government and the population can solve the problem without international intervention.”

These were the comments made by the Russian ambassador to Cameroon Anatoliy Bashkine (photo) before the media at the end of an audience granted with the Minister of External Relations Lejeune Mbella Mbella, on 4 March 2020 in Yaoundé.

During the audience, the two officials notably discussed the crisis in the English-speaking regions of the North-West and South-West.

 "We are observing the situation in the North-West and South-West regions of the country. The government of Cameroon has taken steps to end the conflict. These steps include the national dialogue and the gradual implementation of recommendations made during that dialogue, which granted special status to these two regions," Anatoliy Bashkine added.

The Russian diplomat also revealed that his exchanges with Minrex were also focused on cooperation between the two countries, including the rehabilitation of the National Refining Company (Sonara). Indeed, in 2018, part of the refinery was burnt down by a fire outbreak. For the renovation of the company, Russian oil and gas experts visited Cameroon two weeks ago.  

D.M.