Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) is urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to act as the ongoing political violence in the Central African nation of Cameroon worsens.
In mid-October, Cameroon held its presidential elections with its long-serving President, Paul Biya, winning another term. However, opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary is claiming fraud, and supporters have led protests against the Biya regime. Government forces are estimated to have killed 23 people in brutal crackdowns on the protesters, but Bakary and his movement remain unbowed.
Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick praised the Cameroonian people for "their continued commitment to democracy, as shown by their participation in the recent presidential election," sharing that she is "deeply concerned by the deteriorating security situation and reports of human rights violations across Cameroon."
Because of this, the Florida Congresswoman has written to Secretary Rubio, calling on him to take action. "The United States must stand firm in supporting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Cameroon and across Africa," she urged.
Should the situation deteriorate further, she continued, American interests in the region are threatened, as Cameroon is "a critical buffer against extremist groups like Boko Haram and ISIS- West Africa Province" and "also secures key maritime routes in the Gulf of Guinea, protecting global trade and energy supplies."
Cherfilus-McCormick suggested that the United States pressure the Cameroonian government to release all political prisoners, hold human rights violators accountable, and encourage international mediation to ensure a peaceful transition of power.
In July, the United States negotiated a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, which gave America access to critical minerals in the DRC.
More recently, the Trump Administration listed the West African nation of Nigeria as a country of concern, amidst widespread persecution and slaughter of Christians in the country by Islamists.
Singer and rapper Nicki Minaj notably approved of this action, prompting United Nations Ambassador Mike Waltz to invite her for a discussion if she is ever in New York City.
