Cameroonian officials denounce violence against police

By Aurore Bonny

DOUALA, Cameroon (AA) - Cameroonian officials on Friday condemned violence against police by drivers.

"The public opinion and the administrative authorities denounce the violence inflicted on the security forces doing their duty," Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji said at a news conference.
The violence is intolerable, he said, and noted that "no citizen has the right to exercise violence on a police officer in the exercise of his function, regardless of his social rank."

HE quoted the penal code and indicated that any individual obstructing the functioning of police will face the law which only authorizes officials to take punitive action against an officer.

"It is unacceptable for a civilian to take violent action against any police officer," he said.

Officials also announced "firm instructions" to regional governors to deal with cases of people who attack officers.

"Irresponsible and derogatory behavior toward security guards will henceforth be punished in accordance with the laws in force," they warned.

Samuel Ivaha Diboua, governor of the coastal region, during a meeting on Thursday with opinion leaders in Douala, decided to raise public awareness of the importance of respecting state institutions and police.

These statements come days after clashes between civilians and police occurred in various cities.

Videos on the internet highlight scenes of fights between drivers and police.

Cameroonian deputy Nourane Foster had a violent altercation with police on July 20 in Bafoussam in western Cameroon when she was trying to take a path that police blocked.

Claiming her status as a deputy, she retaliated against the order by shouting and pushing the officer.