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Cameroon: Chief Samson N. Abangma - "We can achieve lasting peace if there is justice"
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Cameroon Tribune (Yaoundé)
OPINION
16 May 2008
Posted to the web 16 May 2008
Nkeze Mbonwoh
Chief Samson N. Abangma, Professor of Linguistics and Registrar of the University of Buea, and Paramount Ruler of the Anyang people in Akwaya Sub-Division.
«The unitary State of Cameroon, which was ushered in, in 1972 has been one of the hallmarks of the building of this country. I remember that year we were among the first Anglophones to enroll in the University of Yaounde . Some of us went there as if going to a foreign land. But ever since, we have integrated more and more to such an extent that we do not see any difference again crossing over there and they coming this way.
But I have always believed that the identity of being Anglophone should be maintained at all times. It is not, however, a question of autonomy to the extent of being a separate State. People should be given the opportunity to demonstrate, as individuals, what they are capable of doing. It is not to my mind an issue to say: if we are a separate State that is when we can do something. I think our contribution would be wider appreciated if we can make it in a wider territory of Cameroon .
As concerns worries of decentralization, I think that the case of Britain is very illustrative. Northern Ireland , Scotland , Wales and England all form the unitary State of Great Britain but remain very decentralized in terms of managing development. Why can it not be the same in Cameroon with regional and local autonomy in development? In Britain many things are done at local levels: education, health, transport ... So here in Cameroon if we can have many things done at the level of the10 regions, it will be much better than talking of a Federation. We can still have one State but more decentralized in the sense that there will be more participation and decision taking at local levels.
Talking about peace, sometimes events like in February 2008 make people to question the existence of peace but I think it is very minute. If we look at the wider context for the last years, the turmoil which other neighbouring countries have faced and are facing in many parts of the world, we have avoided this thanks to the love of peace and the way we have managed our own affairs. Nothing can be achieved without peace and so any policy which encourages peace should be a policy to be embraced and our President is very recognized for that. Internationally we have been praised for it. I also think that we can achieve lasting peace if there is justice.
In the area of development one has to be a little bit hesitant to say something. If we say, for example, that as compared to many years back there are more schools and Universities than in 1972, OK. But in the area of road infrastructure we are not making great strides. There can be no development without roads. Roads continue to be one of our greatest problems. I give you an example: you cannot drive from Mamfe to Eyumojock now at the beginning of rains. It is not only typical of Manyu, Lebialem, Ndian but of other areas too. Talking development as such, do we use our resources to the best? It seems that Cameroonians are complacent at this level. Do we put people who can do and cause things to be done in the desired places?
Concerning the question about the name of Cameroon , I ask, like Sheakspeare: what is in a name? Call the rose flower by what ever name it will still smell sweet. Whether you call it Federal Republic as it was or United Republic or even today's Republic of Cameroon, we are dealing with the same land area and the same people. I know people politicize these things and use them for their own purposes. What is important is: do we all feel Cameroonians? We must treat all Cameroonians as same and give them equal opportunities.
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In perspective I want to say that we must be competitive in order to withstand the global challenges. If energetic measures are not taken to forestall corruption and embezzlement, I think we will still have to compromise our development. We should be able to use our financial, human and natural resources judiciously and remain a State of law."
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