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Central Africa: What Cemac Heads of State Failed to Discuss
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The Post (Buea)
OPINION
30 June 2008
Posted to the web 30 June 2008
Ernest Sumelong
But for another cloudy resolve by leaders of the Central African Economic and Monetary Union, CEMAC, to foster regional integration, the Yaounde Summit achieved little in many regards.
The Yaounde meeting came against a background of mutual distrust by some leaders of the bloc, gnawing poverty, poor border relations, failure to implement the resolutions of the N'Djamena Summit and the persistent cry by the inhabitants for democratic change through credible elections.
The leaders also had enormous challenges in that CEMAC is considered one of the poorest regional blocks in Africa if not in the world; its leaders are amongst the longest serving Heads of State, and governance in these countries have recorded an-all-time poor rating.
But these issues did not seem to feature as priority for the leaders, who, many consider, sidestepped the pressing issues during the 9th CEMAC Summit.Thus, the CEMAC meeting became what former Tanzanian President, Julius Nyerere, cynically said of the meetings of leaders of the defunct Organisation of Africa Unity, OAU, "An opportunity for them to congratulate each other for surviving coup plots in their countries and perpetrating themselves in power."
It is on record that except for Francoise Bozize, the heads of State of CEMAC have taken their countries hostage for some 200 years considering their various years in power. Omar Bongo has led Gabon for some 40 years; Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea took over since 1979 while President Paul Biya is serving his 27th year.
It is also known that most of these leaders used foul means to accede to power and are very unwilling to step down despite reports of inertia and popular outcry by their citizens. And nothing was said towards grooming new people to usher in change and ensure peaceful continuity or the eventual exit of the leaders.
Unlike the G8 and other regional meetings that trigger enthusiasm in many about their far reaching decisions that make a positive impact on the concerned citizens and the world, the CEMAC meeting produced contrary emotions except for the direct beneficiaries - the leaders and their cronies.
The leaders only leaned on pledges by some well-to-do entrepreneurs for financial support, but did not debate on concrete measures to combat poverty, corruption, trades in arms and persons etc.
The summit rather disappointed many who expected that resolutions from it would provide a new platform for innovative ideas to chart a new roadmap for CEMAC countries.They also did not address concrete measures to ensure food sufficiency, curb looming inflation and make the business environment of their countries friendly in order to attract investors and generate job opportunities.
Many still believe that the leaders superficially treated the issue of regional integration, even though the outgoing Chair, President Paul Biya, challenged his colleagues to be open and face the issue with boldness.
President Obiang Nguema's early exit from the meeting insinuated that he had no plans to consider allowing citizens of other CEMAC countries to share in his country's newfound oil wealth while it is unlikely that Omar Bongo would open his doors to Cameroonians, for instance, who have had a rather shabby treatment in that country lately.
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After the 9th Summit, cynics have been quick to state that the heads of state would be preparing another budget, of the tax payers' money, for another 'safari trip' whose results would not be different from that of other CEMAC Summits.
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