Death of George Floyd: Cameroonians Join Protest Against Discrimination
The death of the Black American, George Floyd on May 25, 2020 that led to street protests all over the United States has not left Cameroonians indifferent.
Social media platforms especially WhatsApp profiles have been saturated with the phrase, “I can’t breath”, last words of George Floyd.
Reactions on Twitter and Facebook have been raining with the chorus, “Justice for George”.
At home and abroad, the name “George Floyd” has been used to illustrate injustice; injustice that others transpose to Cameroon’s police force.
This transposition has however invited discontement from other Cameroonians who consider this, a pretext.
They argue that the death of an innocent man in USA should not be an occasion to reopen old wounds.
George Floyd: The 46-year-old who Presently Signifies Resistance
A shop owner called the Police on George Floyd accusing him of using a $20 counterfeit bill in a market in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
In the process of arresting him, Derek Chauvin one of the officers on duty contained him in a kneck-to-knee position for eight minutes.
George cried out “I can’t breath,” several times as well as “Mama” and “Don’t kill me” before he eventually died.
Police Officer, Derek Chauvin was later arrested, charged with third degree murder and second degree manslaughter.
The Symbol of Solidarity
The protests that ensued were witnessed not only in all states in the USA but most of Europe and other continents in solidarity with blacks.
His death is a sad reminder of racial discrimination in America and other countries.
Minorities have flooded the streets to clamour for justice for George and a system with equal opportunity for all races.
Eleanor Ayuketah Ngochi