Lagos – The Consul-General of the Republic of Cameroon
in Lagos, Dr Paul Ekorong a’Dong, on Monday said that his government had
no intention to repatriate Nigerian refugees currently in various camps in Cameroon.
Ekorong a Dong told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that it
would be unfair for the Cameroonian government to repatriate those
Nigerians that had fled to Cameroon for safety.
The Consul-General said that his government would continue to respect
the existing strong regional cooperation between Nigeria and Cameroon, and
would, therefore, not treat the Nigerians badly.
“Let me say without hesitation that the rumour that the Cameroonian
government plans to repatriate Nigerian refugees is completely wrong.
“What my government and the Nigerian government are jointly working on
is to find a lasting solution to how best to bring them back and get
them re-integrated into their communities.
“So, we do not see this as any kind of repatriation. Repatriation has
to do with the deportation of people.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560″]
“But this is not the case because our two governments are already
discussing on the most appropriate process for them to return to their
communities,’’ he said.
Ekorong a’Dong said that the Nigerian Minister of Interior had
recently visited Cameroon and had fruitful discussions with his
Cameroonian counterpart and the Prime Minister on the issue of the refugees.
The Envoy, who said that some of the refugees had started returning on
their own to their communities in Nigeria, added that his government
had not requested the refugees to leave.
“The Nigerian and Cameroonian governments are still working on the
appropriate measures and solutions for bringing back those who are
eager to return to their communities.
“We are looking at a situation where those who still want to stay in
Cameroon can stay, and those who want to return to their communities are able
do so at their will. We are not forcing any of them to leave,’’ he said.
Ekorong a’Dong added that his government would continue to cater for
the 6,000 Nigerian refugees currently in its established camps,
until both countries are able to conclude their plans. (NAN)
