Act Before It’s Too Late! - Cameroonian and African Intellectuals Write to CPDM Members of Parliament

“Our future is precious, please don’t waste it for one man… changing article 6.2 of the Cameroonian Constitution will only help weaken the country’s institutions which stand as the only barriers against barbarism”.

 
A group of Cameroonian intellectuals, writers, artists and journalists, joined by a number of their African colleagues have criticized attempts by President Paul Biya to scrap presidential term limits. They have called on CPDM members of Parliament who have a majority in Parliament to act “before its too late”.

Act Before It’s Too Late! - An Appeal to CPDM Parliamentarians

Dear Representatives:

It is not only dangerous but also criminal for the Head of State to play games with the Constitution. Attempting to amend Article 6 of the Constitution of the Republic of Cameroon which limits presidential tenure to two terms is, undoubtedly, one of those crimes for which our country shall pay an onerous price in the future. Our appeal for restraint derives not only from the articles written by our compatriots in the wake of a bloodbath that gave legal status to our country’s legal institutions in 1990; but more importantly from the protection that the Constitution and its clauses guarantee every Cameroonian against acts of barbarity. It is for the sake of social stability founded on the sacred principle of respect for legislative texts that we appeal to your conscience!

The president has availed himself of the de facto majority accorded him in the National Assembly by you, CPDM parliamentarians, to trample on the constitution of this land. Worse still, he has had recourse to armed elements of the police force to silence those dissenting voices that have dared to openly object to his scheme. Quite apart from his claim that “all the provinces are in support of a constitutional amendment”, we are aware of the fact that he has simply taken advantage of fear of the unknown that his administration has instilled in you in order to give the impression that he is the sole dependable alternative for our country in 2001.

For once show some courage; steer clear of infamy! Our future is priceless; do not gamble with it! Most importantly do not play with fire! Amending Article 6 of the Constitution of the Republic of Cameroon would weaken the institutions that protect Cameroonian citizens against act of barbaric abuse. For too long, we have lived as if we do not see the mishaps that have befallen our neighbors. Suffice it to say that recent incidents in Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Somalia, not forgetting Chad testify to the fact that a single foul play with the Constitution could plunge the entire nation into insurmountable chaos. The civil strife that these countries have experienced lends ample credibility to our conviction that Cameroon’s social stability is fragile, very fragile indeed. Cameroonians are peace-lovers; do not compromise it! Otherwise, you shall be judged in front of the tribunal of History.

Patrice Nganang, writer
Jean-Marie Watonsi, journalist   
Eugène Ebodé, writer
Jean-Marie Teno, filmmaker
Aggée Célestin Lomo Myazhiom, writer and publisher
Muepu Muamba, writer
André Djiffack, critic
Kolyang Dina Taiwé, writer
Joseph Fumtim, writer and publisher
Ntone Edjabe, writer
Léonora Miano, writer
Cilas Kemedjio, critic
Peter W. Vakunta, writer
Boubacar Boris Diop, writer
Makhily Gassama, writer
Jean-Luc Raharimanana, writer
Alain Dichant, publisher

Click here for the French version of the appeal

Comments

[La Constitution en Afrique]

Quand le Cameroun s'embrase, l'Afrique et les amis de l'Afrique sont touchés. La crise - constitutionnelle? - a dégénéré au point de semer la mort et le chaos.

Dans cette situation dramatique, il convient de se recueillir et de réfléchir.

Je me permets de vous signaler qu'une conférence publique aura lieu, ce 5 mars 2008 à Paris
¤ Révisions constitutionnelles en Afrique. Le Cameroun marche-t-il vers le chaos?
http://www.la-constitution-en-afrique.org/article-17134586.html

Au plaisir d'échanger

SB

[ETEKI ELAME]

Hi,
Leaders are annointed by God, even the President of the Repubic of CAMEROON. They deserve to be respected.CAMEROONIANS in the diaspora need to respect their leader if they love God. They need to make positve comments, comments that will help build the nation and develop it. We need to get to the status of a developed countries soon. We need your help. CAMEROON is your country too its a beautiful place. Stop running away from your country. Come back with your youthful strength. Come and help build it. Stop hiding and sending nagative write ups about this beautiful place. Stop making a fool of yourself. If CAMEROON is bad according to you, you also carry the blame if not all of it. Let me ask you a question ? What have you done for your country? If I may answer, nothing. You just hide in another man`s land and enjoyng the good fruits of their labour and you let your country rot, as you think eroneously. The youths, as inteligent and hardworking like you are, go to help in the growth of another land. Please even if your can`t help us don`t throw bombs by those negative scibbles of your. Make constructive criticism. If H. E. BIYA has to go its only the almighty God that will relieve him, and annoint another. Hope this gets to you. Stay blessed.

[E Asong]

Did Eteki Elame Emmanuel, ad adviser to the Prime Minister of Cameroon, actually write this drivel? Or is someone impersonating him? If it is the same person that I know and have respected for years, then I can say here that all is lost for our country when intellectuals (even those in the Biya regime) cannot debate issues but hide their inadequacies and failures behind pseudo patriotism and religion.

Please Dibussi, can you please confirm this person's identity (however that is done) before I take on him?

Thanks!

[Danny Boy]

Will this Elame fellow have had the same sense of outrage if these writers had been a condemnation of the the demons / apprentice sorcerers whom Biya mentioned in his speech? I don't think so. So while the Prime Minister's office is busy wasting tax money promoting the creation of CPDM branches in the US and elsewhere, a member of the Prime Minister's cabinet has the gall to question the moral fiber of those who dare question the status quo... As someone would say, cry the beloved cameroon!

[Besong Besong Thomas]

1. Victor you wrote that CAMEROONIANS in the diaspora need to respect their leader if they love God. For your information, a leader like Paul Biya who has killed more of his compatriots in a magnitude (probably comparable only to the killings of the butcher of Bagdad-late Sadam Husain) without regard to God does not deserve to be respected for fear of God. Get this right!!

2. You also wrtte that Cameroon needs to “get to the status of developed countries soon.” True, but how do we get there when selfish individualistic and opportunistic people like you would agree with Biya-the devil to change the limitation clause of the Cameroonian Constitution? You want us to be like any developed country, yet developed countries like Franca, USA, Germany and just to name a few have limited mandates for the President. What Biya has not achieved in 25 years, he cannot accomplish even if “God anointed” (to use your words) him again for one additional week. So Victor, we would get there when Biya would finally go and we would do all it takes to remove him. This is the only point we have reached that is not negotiable. OK???

3. You also said people should “stop hiding and sending negative write ups about this beautiful place?” If your perception of the worldwide condemnation of Biya’s devilish and selfish plans to change the constitution is that people are getting “negative,” then you need some lessons in civics. You better ask your boss to stop giving Biya negative and false advice about what it is that Cameroonians expect of Biya. Better still, tell Biya Cameroonians see him as part of the bigger problem, so in order to resolve it; he needs to step down constitutionally in 2011.

4. “Stop making a fool of yourself.” This is the insult Victor directed to all of us in the Diaspora. We thank you Victor and hope you will never one day become one of us. But for your information, we are not fools. From your write up, you look like the fool whose brains have all been consumed by your closeness to a failed leadership and regime. Even your English in this short email you have written leaves a lot to be desired. One wonders with such display of deficiency in the English Language how you were appointed principal of a bilingual school. Worse still, how on earth you can even be an advisor to the Prime Minister. The only conclusion is that fools like you and Biya need to go and give way to better educated and knowledgeable Cameroonians to lead.

5. Did you also say if CAMEROON is bad according to you, you also carry the blame if not all of it! It’s a pity Elame Victort because with this kind of mindset, added to your poor communication skills as displayed in this sentence: “Please even if your can`t help us don`t throw bombs by those negative scibbles of you.” You have simply reinforced the point why Biya including you and your supervisor must go and leave Cameroon to more competent Cameroonians to lead. Victor, if only I could caution: You should never again accept to do such a dirty job when you are sent to write. Try and see Cameroon beyond your “star building office” because Cameroon is bigger than you, your boss, including Paul Biya. Without this kind of understanding, you are not qualified to address us just as you lack the ability to defend a job as high as the one you hold.

6. You even had the edacity to go as far as to say” If H. E. BIYA has to go it’s only the almighty God that will relieve him, and annoint another. Hope this gets to you.” Victor Elame: I will hold my response to this statement till Biya goes or I meet with you-which ever happens first because,. Like Biya, you also deserve a place in hellfire.

[Dr. J. Tembei]

Mr. Eteki,

No leader in the 21st century is annointed by God. Leadrs do not deserve respect. They earn the respect of their citizens. In a situation where the citizenery is agonizing over how to get their next meal, a leader talking to his people has to bear in mind and tries to understand why the citizens are hurting and talk to them to calm down and reason with him. Then this leader can earn the respect of his citizens by getting to work to solve the people's problems. That's what a true leader does to earn respect.

I often don't respond to inflamatory accusations as labelled at Cameroonians in the diaspora. Some of us did not leave Cameroon out of a choice between leaving or staying to build up Cameroon. Some of us have talents rightly so that would be helpful to build up some niche of ideas in Cameroon, but the Cameroon system shuts us out. Especially those of us who do not have a "God Father" in the Cameroon government. You may be comfortable where ever you are in Cameroon, but the experience of Cameroon that I know hunts me everyday because of the treatment I got in Cameroon when I came back home to help in my area of expertise to build up Cameroon as you suggested. America gave me the education. I did not have a scholarship from Cameroon to study here. My wife and I worked day and night to make our American dream happen. Hard work pays dividends in the USA, but hardwork in Cameroon is degraded and one is sometimes admonished for that. I remeber my director in Cameroon admoshing me for wanting that we work hard to see a project succeed.

I could have chosen to stay here and work at a good job and make a living for my family, but I took off for Cameroon at the first call to come home and help with a project in Cameroon. I worked for 2 years and never received a franc in compensation from the government that called me to Cameroon in the first place. Yaounde's bureacratic system drove me "nuts". A "Chef" in Younde would not process my documents to enable me receive a salary because I came from the "wrong tribe". After working for 2 years (and with my American work ethic I went to work everyday) without getting paid I did the right thing and left Cameroon. I can say truthfully that I was driven out of Cameroon by a system that is staffed by people who think like you.

I just wish to let you and others who think like you know that it takes an open and well managed society for that society's citizens to stay home and help Cameroon. Take away the road blocks to success in Cameroon and some of us will pack our bags and come home to Cameroon immediately. It is amazing that I have earned the respect of my now host country, but I still do well to help with situations in Cameroon than some of you who claim to hold the mantle of Cameroon just because you are living & enjoying the fruit of Cameroon that was denied to so many of us in the diaspora. This statement would be true for most Cameroonians in the diaspora. Take care.

[Bessong Bessong Thomas]

Please, read above name as "Emmanuel Eteki Elame" - not "Victor". You can go to the link bellow for his full names and other public information about him.

Elame, please, don't forget to show this reply to PM Inoni. Let him see how you were smashed, so that next time he is sending you, he knows what awaits you all in return.

Eteki Elame Emmanuel - Attaché - Cabinet of the Prime Minister

http://www.spm.gov.cm/showspm.php?module=showfct&lang=en&Encours=Pm

[Innocent Ndifor Mancho]

Mr Eteki Elame,
It is with grave concern that I respond to your posting above. My definition of patriotism is seemingly different from yours and the rest of your team mates in the Essigan brotherhood.

The love for ones country is not dependent on the simple fact that one was born in a particular country. What have you Eteki Elame done for Cameroon? Your presence in Cameroon is and will remain an obstacle to national reconstruuction and nation building as long as you and your mates of the brotherhood control the reins of power.

Those in the diaspora have contributed alot more to building an international presence for cameroon abroad than your absentee Maitre Sorcier has done in 25years.

The diaspora sustains the purchasing power of the average Cameroonian through regular financial assistance to families that the dog allowance your government pays out to civil servants. The diaspora steps in to provide medical assistance to the ordinary cameroonian who has been robbed of any social care by your government. The diaspora provides funding/school fees for at least 4 out of ten students in cameroon who other wise would not have a chance at attending school because their families cannot afford the cost of educaton.

What have the diaspora done for Cameroon? Your government has done worse for cameroonians. Where do you expect the youthfulness of the diaspora to fit in the system when in the 21st century you are still talking of a leader annointed by God? If the president is God chosen then all ministers and directors are also God chosen. Since the god you serve is the essigan deity every chosen one must belong to that sect. The diaspora don't belong to the essigan brotherhood therefore they don't have a place in the system

I am making a more valuable contribution to Cameroon while hiding in the diaspora than i could ever make from the grave. Eteki, you know as much as I do how many Cameroonians you brotherhood has killed and how many you are willing and ready to kill if they don't worship your deity and chief priest, Biya.

I will return when God has given us another leader who is willing to value our contribution to the reconstruction process on the basis of merit than on allegience to some sorcery club. Whether for political or economic reasons, a Majority of cameroonians in the diaspora were forced from Cameroon. They were chased out because they were either too good to be corrupt; to patriotic to partake in the destruction of their fatherland; too intelligent enough to know that they were more valuable to Cameroon alive than dead; too proud to sell themslves for nomintaions and appointments. Eteki, when the annointed one shall leave where will you and your generation be?

LET HISTORY BE OUR JUDGE

[ETEKI ELAME]

Dear Hostile Contributors,
I enjoyed your attacks both to my person and your President. I don`t think I hate editing espesially those filled with profane comments. I am sure it makes someone to sit up. You have all been useful.
I regret to say that I still consider you all as quitters. Try to become on the spot nation builders. You all have the potentials. You can`t correct if you don`t know your country. Its better to see the problem or rather live the enigma on the spot.
Luckily, this blog writeup is not perceived by the electorate, CAMEROON being highly illiterate and impassive, or having other fishes to fry, or unenlightened like some of those who wrote to me overflowing with rectifications, rightings instead of addressing the issue at stake. That was being low. I am sure the important aspect is to communicate especially to failures who have run away from their land because they could not make it.I didn`t espect marks from you anyhow. Is this where you prove your intelligence.
Well there is nothing you can do to stop the good things from happening to CAMEROON with your evil hearts. If H. E. Paul BIYA was not a great leader he would not stay there for 25 years with honour. Stay blessed.

[Macadamia Cake]

Elame Man----

1) Behold the only book you ever read.

2) When you kiss ass, you need extra strong breath freshener

Your so called illiterate electorate has the sense to target the symbols of exploitation and to put them to the torch. Be careful Elame, they might come after the oppressors and their dimabola choir yet.

You stay put to kiss ass, because you have no balls to survive abroad and have no self regard.

I am sorry, I realized belatedly that it was an attempt at satire on your part.

[tim eyambe]

Elame, whatever you call yourelf,your english tells me that you have a lot of friends in very low places. who let you use a computer in the first place?

[Kevin Komepule]

Dear all,

The various comments made above, reflect how disagreed we are, at home and abroad about the issue of the limitation of the presidential term in Cameroon.

I am of the view that the 1996 Constitutional law requires profound revision. Was it not Thomas Jefferson who stated that "The Constitution belongs to the living and not to the dead" this statement reflects the idea that the constitution, even in Cameroon must be able to withstand social and political changes and adapt to them. If the constitution has to endure, it must maintain a certain flexibility that allow for changes to be made.

That aspect of the constitution that makes it effective is its flexibility. The document which is the cornerstone of our institutions must be plaible or else it will crumble under the fluctuating pressure of change.

Focusing the debate only on the mandate of the President of the Republic, reveals that only power interest many actors of the national political scene.

For instance, article 6(4) of the Constitution states that in the event of vacancy of the office of President of the Republic, the polls for the election of a new President of the Republic must be held not less than 20 days and not more than 40 days after the office becomes vacant.

It is commonsense that given the logistic and administrative outlay and the remotness of most of our territory, it is not possible to organise free, fair and credible elections within the period stated above. Several other articles present similar lacunae and ambigiousness and need to be tidied.

Limiting presidential tenures is not a political panacea, by universal suffrage, free, fair and transperent elctions, we can put to an end all terms by voting. It is therefore recommended that the on-going exercise to put into place Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) should be taken seriously, and all stakeholders in the process ought to get on board, for a viable, credible and honest election organising body.

[Willie]

Elame,
Your write up paints the stereotype of a typical Biya scholar. You think hand picked words from dictionary will scare any one here. It's folks like you that make Cameroon remain poorer, undemocratic, high level of employment, bribery, most corrupted nation in the world with one of the worst human rights records in modern Africa. You go to work with your suit and tie, seat comfortably in an office with a nice job I suppose you got by acquaintance as it is usual practice in Cameroon. Do you know even there in Yaoundé the capital, there are people who fetch drinking water from streams? votesizing.
Have a look at those faces who work at the prime minister’s office UNBILIEVABLE and tell me if this is not Cameroon money poured down the drain, 4 special advisers, 8 technical adviser, 30 “charge de mission” whatever that means, uncountable attaches etc etc. What do they really do? Can you tell me what your job is? A tiny Country like Cameroon has 60 Ministers when hundreds of thousands of graduates ply the streets with no jobs. Most Cameroonians who make it in the country today are either in the CPDM or give a blind eye to what goes on around them. This is one of the main reasons the large masses of the poor who constitute the majority of the Cameroon population went on the street. Have you ever thought if one of those underage was one of yours that was gunned down for asking for their daily bread? Of course not, you have a white collar job, consequently your children will never be on those streets. While others grieve you will never understand what they go through. One thing though for sure like we use to sing in my school days is “No condition is permanent”. This same government has gone as far as threatening journalists, brutalising media practitioners who speak the truth, shutting down TV and radio stations and trying to cover up the truth that more than 100 people lost their live in the recent riots gunned down by ARMED FORCES sent by the same criminal you glorify. The government puts this figure at 17 which is far from reality what a shame!. Tell me how any normal human being can respect such devilish band of criminals, and you included. Man, there is one thing I can tell you for sure. There is blood in your hands. Tomorrow might seem far for you but you will be accounted for these deeds. The fun is you have the guts to muddle up God and criminals like Biya, someone who practices cultism.
My friend let me tell you something, the remittances of Diasporas constitute a significant chunk of Cameroon Economy today. Many families in Cameroon today rely entirely on money sent from abroad by their love ones. Go to most western unions branches around the country and see the long cues. Live abroad couldn’t be easy without hard work and dedication. Ask yourself why children as young as 13 will go to the street to strike? This is the last level of social instability. A resounding warning that the days of this regime are drawing near. Be my witness.

[George Motto]

1. Kevin wrote: “Was it not Thomas Jefferson who stated that "The Constitution belongs to the living and not to the dead" this statement reflects the idea that the constitution, even in Cameroon must be able to withstand social and political changes and adapt to them. If the constitution has to endure, it must maintain a certain flexibility that allow for changes to be made.” Kevin, while I agree with this quotation, it is not sufficient to quote Jefferson without explaining the “social and political changes” in Cameroon that warrant your paymaster – Biya to change the fundamental law of the land he was responsible for changing again in 1996. Can you please, explain what these changes are before I respond?
2. “Focusing the debate only on the mandate of the President of the Republic, reveals that only power interest many actors of the national political scene.” Kevin, here you wrote like a player repeating after his coach. The focus on 6(2) is because it prolongs the mandate of a man who has ruined the country for 25 years, a man who has more blood in his hands than any existing dictator, a man who has crippled a whole economy, a man who has institutionalized corruption, poverty and misery, a man who has rigged elections so many times without fear or shame, man who has brought his country to its knees, yes a man who must go in 2011.
3. “For instance, article 6(4) of the Constitution states that in the event of vacancy of the office of President of the Republic, the polls for the election of a new President of the Republic must be held not less than 20 days and not more than 40 days after the office become vacant.” Kevin, instead of quoting article 6(4), to justify an unconvincing scenario. Tell Biya to put in place the Regions, the Senate and the Constitutional Council that the 1996 constitution provides for. Yet, Biya will not do it because these organs if put in place would help defeat his selfish idea of dying and going to hell as President. Let me tell you Kevin, Biya is not smarter than all Cameroonians (except you and those around him) and if you are sent to this forum by your boss to make insubstantial arguments that show a sharp contrast between you (the sharp Kevin we know) and the devilish regime in place, then your hands are also bloody, and you would also be held accountable when Biya and Inoni would have gone and Cameroonians take stock of who did wrong. Hence, the time to distance yourself is now and stop doing their dirty job foe them.
4. “Limiting presidential tenures is not a political panacea, by universal suffrage, free, fair and transperent elctions, we can put to an end all terms by voting. It is therefore recommended that the on-going exercise to put into place Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) should be taken seriously, and all stakeholders in the process ought to get on board, for a viable, credible and honest election organising body. Kevin, first these words are all not your words, you plagiarized and stop it. Second, you agree with all Cameroonians that “free, fair and transparent elections have no place under the Cameroonian tyranny’s regime. We have tried this several times and it has not worked. Rather Paul uses the military as his backup to kill and capture the armless who want him out of power through the democratic process he pretended to have put in place in 1996. Hence, “the on-going exercise to put into place Elections Cameroon (ELECAM)” cannot be taken seriously because it is intended to placate observers and in the process legitimize the criminals maneuvers to die in office.

[Kevin Komepule]

My Dear George,

Thats a good one there, and I think your remarks are very pertinent and useful as a contribution to the on-going debate on the socio-political problems in Cameroon.

i) Jefferson's quote aside, you cannot be oblivious of the political and social changes in Cameroon. Our country men are now fully aware of their rights and liberties than they were before, happenings in the internatinal arena such as in Kenya are setting new examples, the persistent oil shocks are impacting on the national economy, standards of living are falling and unemployment is rife.

The 1996 Constitution, in my opinion is the bedrock of all our problems toward democratisation. It was conceived at the time, to entrench the powers of certain individuals or group of individuals and not for the general interest of Cameroonians. We must therefore use the opportunity which has been presented to make a general overhaul of this document without the fear of what certain individuals intend to do with the end result of the process. If we make a solid and respectable fundamental text, individuals would not violate it for selfish caprices.

ii) My dear George, I do not want to be drawn into this debate of linking a possible Constitutional amendment with an individual - Paul Biya. It is possible that he might take advantage of the amendment of Article 6 (2) but it is not automatic, it is probable, but it is not certain. I am weary of linking a general norm such as the Constitution to an individual.

iii)I am using only my words, spare me the Obama/Clinton plagiarism issue, I am a honest and independent minded person. I insist, free, fair, transparent and competitive elections are the panacea to the thorny issue of alternance in Cameroon. Observers are not easily placated as you think; probably in the short run. Wait and see what ELECAM would become.

George, otherwise, I have you are doing fine all pressures notwithstanding.

[Concerned Cameroonian Employee]

Hello Mr. Kevin Komepule,

1. Kevin, what makes your response to Mr. George Motto the more fascinating is your silent acknowledgement that Biya’s focus on 6(2) is because it prolongs the mandate of a man who has ruined the country for 25 years, a man who has more blood in his hands than any existing dictator, a man who has crippled a whole economy, a man who has institutionalized corruption, poverty and misery, a man who has rigged elections so many times without fear or shame, man who has brought his country to its knees, yes a man who must go in 2011.”

2. Your lack of arguments to counter the following paragraph from Mr. George is equally remarkable and satisfying: “Tell Biya to put in place the Regions, the Senate and the Constitutional Council that the 1996 constitution provides for. Yet, Biya will not do it because these organs if put in place would help defeat his selfish idea of dying and going to hell as President. Let me tell you Kevin, Biya is not smarter than all Cameroonians (except you and those around him) and if you are sent to this forum by your boss to make insubstantial arguments that show a sharp contrast between you (the sharp Kevin we know) and the devilish regime in place, then your hands are also bloody, and you would also be held accountable when Biya and Inoni would have gone and Cameroonians take stock of who did wrong. Hence, the time to distance yourself is now and stop doing their dirty job foe them.”

3. Above all, your helplessness to withstand and respond with substantive arguments to the allegations that “you agree with all Cameroonians that “free, fair and transparent elections have no place under the Cameroonian tyranny’s regime. We have tried this several times and it has not worked. Rather Paul uses the military as his backup to kill and capture the armless who want him out of power through the democratic process he pretended to have put in place in 1996. Hence, “the on-going exercise to put into place Elections Cameroon (ELECAM)” cannot be taken seriously because it is intended to placate observers and in the process legitimize the criminal’s maneuvers to die in office” equally serves as eloquent testimony that Biya has started a debate he would never win even if he employ’s your help and Elame’s. Hope George finds time to properly educate all of us with little or no bias about this whole Biya outfit. The last time I consulted this blog it was Elame whom they sent, since yesterday and today it has been Kevin. Who knows who the PM would send next? See how you are being kicked on the net like football. I work in the PM’s office for your information and I can’t pretend all is well. My causing was shot and killed last week by this power drunk regime, who knows whose blood they will next spill? People in the diaspora help us speak out because our lips are sealed. And if not for fear of a backlash, I would say my names here and accept to be fired. But all the world can be assured of is my collaboration with any information from the PM’s office (including any office in Yaounde) that I belief would help change Cameroon.

[Bessong Bessong Thomas]

Dear Kevin,
before I take you on the "social change issues" you have blindly and with brazing intent forgotten to point out in an an attempt to continuously cover your master's shameless ass, I invite you to read the article bellow and tell me/us if considering these truths, in your humble opinion Biya should still be a free man plying the streets rather than be in Jail till death:

by Hinsley Njila (A princereport contributor)

Whenever anyone points out things that need to be corrected in Cameroon, it’s become Cameroonian and fashionable even for people who clearly have not benefited from the corrupt system that Paul Biya has championed to criticize them for doing so. You can’t be surprised where this type of attitude comes from especially after reading the president’s reaction to the recent strikes all over the country. For these people so critical of anyone who dares to point out the truth about our country, I ask you a few questions;

- Are you proud of your country when your President gets on television and insults the youth for seeking a better society with less police brutality, better schools, better teachers, employment, better healthcare, justice for all etc?

- Are you proud of Cameroon when Transparency International conducts research, which showed that 75% of all Cameroonians bribed a public official for service in 2007?

- Or maybe you are proud of Cameroon when international media (CNN, BBC, Youtube etc) are showing young defenseless Cameroonians being killed by an uneducated, overly brutal and senseless police.

- Oh wait; it could be that trying to qualify, as one of the world’s poorest countries for debt relief purposes is something that any Cameroonian should be proud of.

- How about Cameroon being one of the most corrupt countries in the world for the last five years or so

- The World Bank has also asserted that Cameroon’s business climate ranks among the least welcoming in the WORLD. In fact, the US Ambassador to Cameroon rightfully pointed out to Cameroonians last year that while it takes 5 minutes to register a business in Singapore, that same business being registered in Cameroon will take 444 days and millions in bribes if at all.

- Maybe the fact that young smart, vibrant, energetic, hardworking, able bodied Cameroonians would rather die in the North African desert trying to get to Europe for a better life even if that means clean toilets and stay in unwelcoming environments, than remain in Cameroon is something you’re proud of.

- Also, maybe the fact that your child /brother/sister/relative/neighbor etc was denied entry into University because a less qualified person took the spot, or that your kid in college is using the same books you used when you were in the same grade and not catching up with changing knowledge makes you proud.

- Or maybe the fact that ALL private radio and television stations can be closed in one day for correctly reporting and showing images of the government mercilessly killing innocent youths makes you proud.

Now, I can see you arguing against any of these points if you’re a member of Biya’s immediate family who I can assume have benefited from his incompetence and disregard for human suffering over the years. Everyone should be quite concerned for the sake of justice. Like Dr. King said during the civil rights struggles, ‘injustice anywhere is threat to justice everywhere.’ Like you, I’m embarrassed for my country, but lets all have a healthy debate so HOPE can finally in our lifetime be something that ALL Cameroonians, young and old get to live and dream about.

[paulo laurent]

AFTER ALL THESE WHALALA OF THE CAMEROUNESE
STEWARDSHIP OF FRENCH PROVINCE OF CAMEROUN AND MBIYA PAUL, LETS NOT BE TOO CARIED AWAY INTO DEEP WATERS OF THEIR EMANCIPATION
WAR. LETS NOT MOURN, LOUDER THAN THE CHIEF MOURNER. OURS IS SOUTHERN CAMEROONS, WE MUSR UNITE TO FIGHT TO DRIVE THEM OFF OUR LAND ONCE AND FOR ALL,
BELIEVE ME BROTHERS, THE FACT IS THAT WE DONT HAVE ANY WEAPONS AND AMMUNITION S,
BUT THAT DOESNT MEAN WE CANT, WE MUST BE ORGANISING. CONTRIBUTING TOWARDS THIS END.
NOT UNTILL WE START, NO NATION WILL COME TO OUR AID, WE HAVE A CAUSE, BUT WE MUST NOT ONLY TALK THE TALK, WE MUST WALK , THE WALK.

PAUL BIYA. AND HIS COUNTRY PEOPLE HAVE NEVER ADDRESSES US IN ENGLISH, SOO ALL YOU READ IN ENGLISH ABOUT HIS ADDRESS TO CAMEROUN WAS IN FRENCH, AND WAS MEANT TO THE 10 M, CAMEROUNESES.

A WORD TO A WISE IS ENOUGH

[Kevin Komepule]

Dear George, Thomas and the "concerned Cameroonian employee",

Your responses are very interesting, and I wish to reinterate to you, that I am not a Biya apologist.

I also agree on several points with the "concerned Cameroonian employee", but unlike all of you, I don't easily give-up. I live on hope. Even in the hardest of times, I still see a flicker of hope for Cameroon with, or without Biya.

It would seem you all are quitters; allowing the destiny of your country to be held hostage and then you offer no alternative to ransom than blood. This is unfortunate. Two wrongs, do not make a right.

It is all these your loud talks and hot air, and no action that has lead to the eternalisation of this regime in the first place, and now you offer no credible alternative than violence and bloodshed.

You are not even courageous enough to use your real identities, probably fearing to be identified, as the true cowards you are.

I do no profess that our syetem is the best, but I suggest we make realistic proposals, making this forum, and many others, points for constructive debates amongst reasonable people.

For me, I see Cameroon as a going concern, and not an entity which will cease to be as soon as Biya leaves office.

I wish to also inform you all, that my contributions in this bog, are not part of my official assignments. I do not write to please anyone, nobody has instructed or intimidated me to express certain views, I hold them freely, I am a classic civil servant who strongly feels, he/she should be neutral and ready to serve whatever Government. Unlike you all, I am nobody's praise singer, neither the SDF or the CPDM I know most of you belong to both. You dine with one during the day, and the other at night. You are however exercising you inalienable rights to freedom.

I bow out of this debate, and wish you all God's speed in all your endeavours.

[Samuel Chidong]

I think Mr. Komepule is right! two wrongs to do not make a right. George Motto and Bessong Bessong Thomas what do you propsoe as solutions to Cameroon's problems.

Stop preaching blood shed. The consequences would be grave on you all even if you hide your indentities.

Though I am against the amendment of article 6(2) of the Constitution, I sue for constructive debates in this blog and not insults, and talk that smells of bad breath.

[ETEKI ELAME]

Hi My Dear Willie,
Be bold enough to disclose your full identity. What are you hiding. Don`t fear, there is no butcher in CAMEROON. Its such a nice place to live,with all freedom and security.
You write to tell the world that underaged were gunned down because they were begging for their daily bread from government, in the streets. Wrong boy. We all know that underaged are supposed to be taken care of by their parents. Cameroon isnot a whelfare state , I guess. Cameroon has grown today thanks to agriculture. The fertile farmlands are now abandonned to very aged and weary workers. Howmuch can they produce. Our young and energetic are all in Foreign lands either sweeping the streets or undertaking another mean job. Youths who cannot afford to go overseas run to DOUALA and other towns in search for jobs, to find white or blue collar jobs and abandonning the fertile farms. When they don`t find anything useful they wait for such oportunities to loot shops, what a shame.
You send money to CAMEROONIANS as you claim through western union. Have you heard of the CHINESE saying "Give a man fish , you feed him for a day . Teach a man how to fish and you feed him for life." Examine your concience, are you doing the right by sending fish through western union. Please sponsore your young ones to school , ie the underaged and keep them out of the streets and do them some good and alongside CAMEROON too. An idle mind is the devils workshop. Underaged should not roam the streets, they should be in school and under the supervision of parents.
Sending money to your relations does not contribute anything to the economy. An economy is one that is productive. Invest that money to make it have a multilpier effect, in order to help not only you and the economy, but porr me too.
The soldiers and policemen are not there to harm anyone.They are there to control human behaviour. All government require citizens to surrender some freedom in the process of being governed. Most people do not like being told what to do. Fewer still like being coerced into acting a certain way. Yet every day, thousands of CAMEROONIAN motorists dutifully drive on the right-hand side of the street and obediently stop at red lights. The coercive power of government is at work. If people do not like being coerced. why do they submit to it? So why do we have a goverment? Why do people surrender their freedom to this control. It is to obtain the benefits of government. Look at our President as a real leader, who maintains order ie. preserving life and protecting property, providing goods, and promoting equality.
The key and legitimate function of our beloved President is to redistribute income, taking from the wealthy to give to the poor.
Salaries of poor civil servants has just been increased by 15% and rents by 20%. Kep your fingers crossed maybe we will soon start sending you money overthere.
Don`t you also see that there is freedom here. There is freedom of religion fredom of speech, freedom from fear, and freedom from wants. Where else and under whom can you find this. You don`t seem to know what you are missing living out of Cameroon.
God bless you.

[Ngu Abrams]

This has been a very interesting debate. I just want to commend Mr. Kevin Epule for sticking to the issues throughout his contributions. I don't agree with his ideas but I definitely appreciate his attempt to elevate the debate.

And after a rather beligerent tone of his initial emails, I am pleased to see the Mr. Elame's most recent contribution has generally focused on issues. I don't share his views about his "beloved President" but at least we are focusing on the issues.

And talking about issues, he raises the issue of Diaspora contribution to the devlopment of Cameroon. I will simply tell him that just as Western Union doesn't do the trick, so too do the measures he propose fail to really help Cameroon. This is where the government of Cameroon should look for innovative strategies for tapping into the skills of the Cameroonian Diaspora without the usual political baggage and/or blackmail. Once that is done, then it will be to the benefit of all Cameroonians.

Countries such as India and even Ghana have been able to turn their Diaspora communities into assets instead of enemies. And this is because of clear policies and strategies put into place by the governments in those countries. So I advise Mr Epule and Elame to initiate that discussion with the Prime Minister whom, if what is written here is true, they both work for... Cameroon can continue to ignore its vibrant Diaspora community at its own peril.

[Kevin Komepule]

Dear Mr. Ngu,

Thanks for the compliments, but I wish to say that I do not think the Government of Cameroon holds such a condescing view of its Diaspora community.

Cameroonians of good faith, living abroad have contributed immensely to the social and economic development of their Fatherland in several ways. In my view, Cameroonians and the Government are definitely appreciative and are proud of the activities of some of their compatiriots abroad.

However, what is disturbing, is this penchant for descrediting the image of Government abraod, by its own citizens. I am of the opinion that holding desmonstrations in the capitals of western metropolis has never offerred solutions to our political and economic problems. Rather, it dampens donor and private initiative to do business with Cameroon resulting to an enormous impact on the poorer segments of our population, which could have benefited from the advantages of direct foreign investments in the form of employment, fall in the prices of goods and services etc...

May be that by holding rallies infront of our chancelleries abroad could be a method of getting the host Governments to be interested in the political and social issues at home, but it does not appear to be a workable appraoch. Bilateral relations are conditioned by many other factors other than the domestic situations of state actors.

It is recommended that, if our Diaspora community, could constitute themselves as a strategic lobby, and considering their contributions to national development, they could become a powerful negotiating body with Government on various issues (Human Rights, democracy, good governance and other issues of development).

The move towards development in Cameroon is inclusive of the endeavours of all its sons and daughters, no matter where they may be. Our vibrant Diaspora community, cannot therefore be ignored.

[ETEKI ELAME]

Dear M. NGU,
No one ignores anyone not even the dull and the ignorant, they must have their own story, as someone said so nicely. So don`t expect that the vibrant diaspora can even be ignored. I believe they are the ones who think that Cameroon is no longer their bush. The government is very willing, if I may dare speak for them, to work with all Cameroonians, even those abroad. Thats why we have embassies.
Thats why in the days ahead the government needs to ammend its constitution to help keep abreast of the changes in political thinkings, to correct deficiencies in government structures. You may notice that the constitution remains silent on many issues. For example, it is reserved about political parties yet they have exercised considerable influence in Cameroon politics. The constitution was designed to strike seperation of powers into legislative(law making), executive(law-enforcing),and judiciary(law-enterpreting)branches. I think the constitution really needs more lucidity on these issues.
The constitution is supposed to aim at structuring a national government strong enough to maintain order but not so strong that it could dominate the provinces, especially as dicentralisation is the preoccupation of the state in the days ahead. The constitution is not supposed to infringe into individual freedoms, as limiting the mandate of the presidency is limiting the democratic rights of the people who choose their leader. The constitution should not limit any leadership, this should be done by the people and through the ballot box. If elections are free and fair, a people will always have who they want as their leader. It is thus the interest of the nation to focus on how to get ELECAM in place and the laws that will meet their aspirations.
The constitution is for all of us not for the president of the republic. It is the people who put in place its president who has to be guided by the constitution, not the otheway round. If you have a good constitution you have a good president. So lets ammend our constitution to meet our present aspirations.

[Ma Mary]

Eteki Elame, you are the FIRST Southern Cameroonian true believer I have ever encountered. Could it have something to do with your proximity to your "beloved president". Could it be part of your job to "white wash" reality? You people live in a cocoon and are not in tune with ordinary people, unlike hard working diasporans who work hard for their every penny. Who would want to sink hard-earned dollars or euro into that morass of corruption? Your boss said he was going to fix corruption. Has he? And by what measure? Can he dare to confront those Beti pythons with enormous appetites and potent connections? What about your bosses boss, you "beloved president"; the python of pythons. Can he declare his assets?