ATTHECENTER

Cognizant of the crucial role of constructive dialogue in the resolution of any dispute, we applaud the efforts of those involved in the creation of organizations such as the Cameroon Council for Re-unification [hereinafter CAMCORE] and Southern Cameroon National Council [hereinafter SCNC]. These organizations owe their existence to the emerging consensus that the so called "Anglophone problem"[1] must be addressed expeditiously through dialogue and all inclusive engagement.  Although these efforts have taken different paths, they have one ultimate purpose - making Cameroon a veritable nation built on the rules of law and accountability. However, the divergence and at times conflicting messages of these organizations exhibit a common flaw- the inability to adequately define the root cause of the problem.

The SCNC took the first important initial step, which is recognition of the existence of the problem. It is axiomatic that in order to solve any problem, there must be recognition and admission of its existence before its root cause can be identified. In this regard, the SCNC has succeeded in launching the pad for real dialogue. Yet, notwithstanding its recognition and admission of the existence of the problem "annexation of West Cameroon by East Cameroon", the SCNC failed to effectively define the root cause of the problem.

Instead, the SCNC made an unsupportable assumption - "the gorge between the two territories is now too wide for credible dialogue". Consequently, the SCNC's prescription for the cure is secession? Arguably, this would only be as a last resort. A review of the position advanced by the SCNC since December 30, 1999, leads an impartial observer to conclude that there is a disconnect between their recognition and admission of the existence of a problem and the concrete identification of the root cause of the problem. Hence, their prescription of the solution is incorrect. Nevertheless, whether we agree with the conclusion reached by SCNC or not, their message appears to be genuine, even if often overshadowed by confusion.

CAMCORE[2] is a new entrant into the debate over the so called "Anglophone problem". This group claims to be comprised of "UK based Diaspora Cameroonians open to working with a cross section of Cameroonians and friends of Cameroon, within and out of the country. We seek to call on all Cameroonians of good will to join us in realizing "the Cameroon Dream" of a "One and Indivisible Fatherland", based on transparency, enlightenment, respect for the rule of Law, respect for human life and dignity, and above all, create an environment where all can achieve their full potential" they stated.

Unlike the SCNC, CAMCORE fails to even acknowledge, recognize and admit the existence of the "Anglophone problem". Yet, this problem is arguably the raison d'étre of its existence. This critical omission, while predictable, is at the center of the credibility issues confronting CAMCORE. Indeed, the average Cameroonian is left to ponder the real purpose of palliative, but non sequitur statements of objectives that are not focused on the critical issue at hand - the "Anglophone problem". True, ground organization is necessary for purposes of dissemination of information. However, ground organization may or may not lead to constructive dialogue; especially if the entire premise of the intended dialogue is not based on sound principles geared toward eradicating the root cause of a systemic failure.

The title of the organization reads, "Cameroon Council for Re-unification". This title is not only puzzling, but raises legitimate questions about the true purpose of CAMCORE. We will accept the ordinary meaning of "Council" as used here. However, we already know that re-unification between the two Cameroons occurred on October 1, 1961. After 50+ years what re-unification is being strutted here? What is the event that has precipitated the creation of CAMCORE? To re-unify an already existing re-unification and when did that event occur, etc..? Similarly, the phrase, "to join us in realizing "the Cameroon Dream" of a "One and Indivisible Fatherland", while appearing lofty and commendable implies that the country is divided and re-unification is now only a dream. Again, the average citizen is left bewildered and to conjecture about the real purpose and intentions of CAMCORE. Why are we still dreaming of a "One and Indivisible Fatherland", after 50+ years of independence and re-unification? The answer is simple and the title of CAMCORE says it all. When we ask the wrong questions, we get the wrong answers.

While we agree with the general proposition that Cameroon is and should be "One and Indivisible Fatherland" for its citizenry and prosperity, we are, however, concerned that countervailing forces of the status quo may be at work here. We question the timing and rush to prematurely label any group of Cameroonians terrorists, terrorist sympathizers or affiliates without clear and convincing evidence. To advocate peaceful coexistence and concurrently level or acquiesce the leveling of serious unsupported accusations of the magnitude, the "South West Chiefs Conference and the North West Fons Union, the group uncovered SCNC's links with terrorist groups" clearly undermine the credibility of CAMCORE.

The publication of this statement in this manner, even if true, further raises some critical questions. Did this allegation come from one or both the South West Chiefs Conference and the North West Fons Union; when were these links uncovered by either or both groups; and did authorities in Cameroon independently confirmed the veracity of this allegation and approved its publication? In light of the seriousness of this statement, we hope this was not the unilateral and reckless act of someone trying to score political points. Whoever is the culprit, he/she/they do Cameroon a disservice.

A statement of this nature hurts rather than advances peaceful coexistence. For indeed, if there are Cameroonians who are associated with any known terrorists group as defined under international law, then they should be identified and exposed. However, we should all categorically reject any rush to disseminate unsubstantiated allegations, witch hunts, or unsavory attempts to label citizens terrorists because they express different political views. Such questionable actions are antithesis to the objective of a "One and Indivisible Fatherland".

Conceivably, some misguided citizens may be sympathetic to the Biafra syndrome or secession, but even if such sympathies exist, they do not equate to "links with terrorists groups." In fact, the danger of a lingering of the so called "Anglophone problem" is the likelihood that it could force some desperate Cameroonians into an unholy alliance with those in Nigeria who still harbor some nostalgia of a Biafra Statehood. Thus, we must caution against reckless political machinations likely to create unintended, but dire consequences. The more time we spend on addressing the symptoms rather than the root cause of the so called "Anglophone problem", the harder it would be to promote meaningful dialogue.

During an interview with a reporter, Mr. Emmanuel Fuh Neba, CAMECORE Chief Executive Officer, said, "Cameroon's once revered traditional authorities are helplessly watching their power progressively shrink and their institutions teetering on the brink of collapse. Their powers are eroding, palaces collapsing, and there are virtually little or no stipends for them. In fact, they have been shamefully relegated to the hallmarks of 'royal beggars".[3]

Although Mr. Neba makes a correct statement of fact, he fails to elaborate on the principal cause of this malaise. Instead, he makes the leap to "CAMCORE is working on a proposal that will provide a platform where traditional authorities can be seen as embodiments of wisdom and character, preserve Cameroon's tradition and cultural heritage". Again, we applaud the sincere efforts of Mr. Neba. However, working on a proposal that may never materialize is not an offer and no one at CAMCORE really thinks a mere proposal will provide the Cameroon Nobility with a platform when their biggest one was deliberately snatched out from underneath them? The propensity to address the symptoms rather than the root cause of any problem never provides a solution and invariably leads to disillusionment. Our purpose is not to dissuade or discourage the actions of persons of good will; we are simply compelled by our obligation to alert and inform of likely pitfalls and challenges.

Although the CAMCORE and SCNC appear to have expounded different visions on resolving the so called, "Anglophone problem", their efforts have illuminated the problem. Unfortunately, the problem is apt to exacerbate unless and until squarely confronted. Current efforts are directed at the symptoms instead of its root cause; mostly because the protagonists ask the wrong questions and expect a magical emergence of the correct answers.

True, Cameroon comprises of different educational, judicial and linguistic systems, but these are the very unique characteristics that constitute the embodiment of Cameroon's uniqueness and vitality. Incidentally, there are those who are under the illusion that they can eliminate these inherent aspirational national characteristics by reducing them into one system. This is a false interpretation of the meaning of "One and Indivisible Fatherland". Such attempts are not only doomed to fail, but will continue to engender discord. No wonder then that 50+ years after re-unification, Cameroon finds herself at a cross road. Accordingly, "all Cameroonians of good will" should embrace the challenge to incorporate the dynamic characteristics of this vibrant land into a cohesive and truly democratic nation based on the rule of law. To accomplish this objective and, therefore, ensure that the country's territorial integrity remains sacrosanct and indivisible,[4] we must resolve the root cause of the so called "Anglophone problem".

[1] Some authors have referred to the "Anglophone problem" as the "Marginalization of West Cameroonians" by the government of the Republic of Cameroon.

[2] CAMCORE is a new entrant, launched in the British House of Commons on November 7, 2011 as part of the "Big Society Initiative for Africa"

[3] "50th Anniversary Celebration of Reunification: The Diasporas to Consolidate Peace and Unity" The Eye Newspaper

http://cameroonlatest.blogspot.com/2012/08/50th-anniversary-celebration-of_24.html

[4] To accomplish this goal, the Right Questions must be posed in order to uncover the right answers. If we keep asking the wrong questions we will keep getting the wrong answers. Sure, some are probably wondering what those correct questions and answers are or where they are? Well, soon we will pose the five burning questions that many in their own way have attempted to answer. In the process, we will explore the root cause of the problem and formulate definitive answers to these questions in the hope to provide a road map conducive to a resolution of the crisis which is actually broader than just the so called "Anglophone problem". We submit that any Cameroonian who does not recognize that there exist the so called "Anglophone problem", is either in denial or disingenuous.