Contact: Sarah Abel

Phone: 202-225-5506

[email protected]

La Crosse, WI – Today, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan resolution introduced by Rep. Ron Kind calling on the government of Cameroon, armed groups, and all citizens to respect human rights and adopt nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution in the anglophone region. The resolution was led by Chair of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations Rep. Karen Bass.

This comes just weeks after Rep. Kind went on a congressional delegation visit to the Republic of Cameroon. For over a year, the Anglophone crisis has devastated the northwest and southwest provinces of the country—including La Crosse’s sister city of Kumbo. During his trip, Rep. Ron Kind met with government officials about the ongoing crisis, its impacts on the country, and the need for peace.

“Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District and Cameroon share a deep bond and the devastation that our Cameroonian friends are experiencing as a result of this crisis is unconscionable,” said Rep. Ron Kind. “Earlier this month I had the opportunity to speak with officials on the ground, which reaffirmed the need for an inclusive dialogue to achieve a sustainable peace –I’m proud that today, Congress is sending a clear message to do just that.”

Over the past two years, tensions have escalated between the minority Anglophone population of the country and the Francophone factions that control the government. Hundreds have died and close to 500,000 have been displaced, with human rights violations alleged against both security forces loyal to the Francophone-led Cameroonian government and militant Anglophone separatist groups.

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