Release Kah Walla
Melysa Sperber, Director of the Alliance to End Slavery and Trafficking (ATEST), issued the following statement in response to the reported arrest of Kah Walla, President of the Cameroon People’s Party (CPP). Ms. Walla was apparently arrested in Younde, Cameroon earlier today after inquiring with police about the detention of members of the CPP and the Movement for Cameroon’s Renaissance (MRC). The opposition groups had apparently staged a demonstration decrying controversial government plans for to amend the modification of the constitution and demanding provision of water and electricity for the many people of Cameroon who are deprived of these vital resources.
“The Alliance to end Slavery and Trafficking (ATEST) is deeply concerned about news of the arrest Kah Walla, President of the Cameroon People’s Party (CPP). Ms. Walla is visionary political leader and fierce advocate for the people of Cameroon. She is also a brilliant strategist who has worked with our organization and many others to become more effective in pursuit of a more just world. Ms. Walla’s arrest, apparently for supporting protesters demanding water and electricity for the people of Cameroon, is a chilling reminder about the bravery of human rights defenders worldwide. We urge the U.S. Government to use its diplomatic strength to help secure Ms. Walla’s quick release.”