Cameroon National Anthem

Religious study is required in schools and is usually, but not exclusively, Catholic. In the first half of 2001, some schools considered banning a number of Jehovah's Witnesses students from class after their teachers complained that the students would not sing the national anthem. Discussions between the Minister of Justice and Religion and the students' parents resolved the issue. ... [Read More]

Rwanda

There were no reports of any action taken against local defense unit members responsible for killing civilians in 2000. Unlike in the previous year, there were no reports that rebel forces killed civilians in the country. b. Disappearance Unlike in the previous year, there were no reports of politically motivated disappearances within the country; however, there were numerous credible reports that RDF forces in the DRC seized and transferred to the country numerous Banyamulenge prisoners following the revolt of Banyamulenge Commander Masunzu against the RDF in late January. Several hundred RCD/Goma soldiers in the DRC suspected of sympathizing with the revolt reportedly were disarmed and sent to the country in May for forced "retraining." There was no further information on the soldiers; many suspected they were killed or remained in secret detention in military camps or prisons. T ... [Read More]

Equatorial Guinea

International electronic media is available and includes Radio France International, which broadcasts in Malabo, and Radio Exterior, the international short-wave service from Spain. Radio Exterior often broadcasts news about the country and interviews with the opposition politicians. It is virtually the only means for the opposition to disseminate its views and positions widely. Its editorials, like those of most of the Spanish media, frequently are highly critical of the Government. The Government regularly accused Radio Exterior, sometimes with justification, of misrepresenting the situation in the country. ... [Read More]

Burkina Faso 2000 Post Report

U.S. Postal Service regulations prohibit sendingregistered or insured mail via diplomatic pouch. Advise correspondents and mail-ordercompanies accordingly. Local postal facilities are reliable for airmail letter service.International airmail for a letter to and from the U.S. may take 10 days to 2 weeks.Packages from the U.S. arrive in 3-4 weeks. International airmail for packages sent to theU.S. is quite expensive and not always reliable. Surface mail is even less reliable.Packages sent to or from the U.S. by surface mail may take three months or more to arrive.Service and customs fees of 60% of package value are charged for receipt of packages fornon-diplomatic persons. Packages take 1-5 days to clear Burkina customs. Postage is about$.85 cents per ounce to the U.S. Burkina stamps are available in the mailroom. The addressfor international mail is: ... [Read More]