By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mimi Mefo Info
Published on 2024-02-02 16:03:22
While a meeting aimed at raising fuel prices was held today between the Minister of Trade, the Minister of Water and Energy, in order to discuss the topic, civil society as well as internet users believe that discontent could lead to a widespread movement.
Will history repeat itself as in 2008 when a social crisis shook Cameroon after the increase in fuel prices? Civil society, as well as internet users, are concerned. While a meeting aimed at raising fuel prices was held today between the Minister of Trade, the Minister of Water and Energy, the representative of the CSPH, as well as the police and gendarmerie, in order to discuss the topic, civil society as well as internet users believe that discontent could lead to a widespread movement.
In a post on his Facebook page, Deputy Cabral Libii wrote: “what do they want to force Cameroonians who have suddenly become “partners” to swallow? Undoubtedly a swindle. There is no need to create a social crisis”. A few days earlier, the national president of the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation had expressed his firm opposition to this increase, stating that the state should not tell lies to Cameroonians to justify the increase in fuel prices. According to him, “the state has other ways to control the subsidy, it is enough to put an end to the incompetence, establish transparency and rationality. Thus, there is no need to create a social crisis.”
In an open letter dated January 12, committed members of civil society in Cameroon had already warned the President of the Republic against nationwide peaceful demonstrations in response to the planned increase in fuel prices. The signatories, including consumer rights advocates and patriots, expressed their concern about the impact of this increase on the purchasing power of citizens.
The letter reminds the government of the food riots of 2008, caused by protests against the high cost of living. With an increase in the prices of essential goods of at least 30%
On social media, this concern becomes a reality through the multiplication of comments pointing towards a risk of social implosion after a possible increase in fuel prices.
Joseph Essama
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
