1/ Pres. Paul Biya's New Year's #BiyaSpeech was relatively unremarkable compared to previous years, w/ no major announcements or provocative statements that go beyond what is the norm. It is still worth examining as it demonstrates the thinking of the gov on several fronts. 2/ At the outset of the speech, a large amount of time was given to #COVID, claiming that the gov. "t is yielding excellent results," ironic given the lack of public data, & viral stories of people needing to pay to get a negative test.

1/ #BiyaSpeech on the #AnglophoneCrisis is an example of how the crisis got to where it is today. Gov of #Cameroon claims that all initial demands made in 2016 have been met- and that Anglophone marginalization is a myth- did not address the grave human rights abuses committed. 2/ Biya reiterated the claim that arson, rape, kidnappings & targeted killings have only been committed by #Ambazonia secessionists. In reality- his forces, especially the BIR, were the first to carryout such abuses, worsening the #AnglophoneCrisis .