Evelyn and George Ekontang

Evelyn and George Ekontang arrived in the UK from Cameroon in August 1993 and applied for asylum in September 1993. George was a leading figure in the Social Democratic Front (SDF) and the Southern Cameroon National committee. He has been at the centre of media attention in national newspapers in Cameroon before and after fleeing his home country.

'Le Meassager' newspaper ran an article on 15 June 1993, relating to George's arrest under the headline, "SDF youth leader held over agitation" and stated "it is rumoured that he is held under inhuman conditions . . . the police have not given reasons for George's arrest."

On 15 December 1993 a weekly newspaper "The Herald" ran a story relating to ethnic violence in Cameroon and stated "The Government has openly accused the SDF of fanning violence. continued page 2 continued from page 1 . .The Government's accusation stems from the mediation effort carried out earlier this year and led by a well known member of the publicity unit of the party, George Ekontang." At that time a manhunt was mounted for George, but the matter was never followed up as George had fled the country. His name still circulates among the police as a wanted person.

On 23 December the Herald ran a story titled 'has Ekontang fled the country?' noting that it was thought George and Evelyn were somewhere in Europe. On 17 April 1995 the Today newspaper ran a story under the headline 'Human Rights Watch-meet exiled activist George Ekontang' and stated that he has previously been detained in Cameroon and had been accused by the Cameroon Government of being behind civil unrest in 1991. The newspaper agreed with George's concern about returning to Cameroon, noting attacks by Government supporters had taken place against members of the opposition after George and Evelyn had fled Cameroon.

In refusing George asylum in the UK the Home Office accepted many facts about his case but argued he was released after 3 days in detention in 1992, and that he was able to take advantage of a Government amnesty in December 1992, as his activities had been at a low level, that he was able to travel using his own passport and left Cameroon without being arrested.

The adjudicator turned down Evelyn's claim for asylum for similar reasons.

Evelyn works for Hackney Council and is an active member of UNISON. George and Evelyn are valued members of their community.

Clearly their safety would be threatened if they were returned to Cameroon.

What you can do to help:

Write to the campaign to obtain petitions and model letters

Financial support is also urgently needed to ensure a successful campaign.

Ekontang Family Must Stay Campaign

c/o Hackney Unison, 3rd floor Netil House

1-7 Westgate Street, London E8 3RL

There will be a demonstration in support of asylum seekers from Cameroon, on Saturday 17 October: for details ring, Cameroon Asylum Seekers Defence Campaign, 0181-533-3311