U.S. Ambassador Janet E. Garvey: Cameroonians Should Take Ownership of their Country

"For the last several years, the Cameroonian Government has spent less than 75% of the money it has budgeted for investment.  The money is there, the needs exist, so why are these funds not being spent...?"

"The World Bank’s Doing Business report has shown that the business climate in Cameroon has gotten worse over each of the last few years, at the same time that Cameroon’s peers were making tremendous improvements.  This trend cannot be blamed on the economic crisis!"...

"...the biggest obstacle to Cameroon’s development, the biggest obstacle that prevents Cameroon from achieving its full potential, is Cameroonians’ lack of ownership for their own nation, their own government, their own communities."

"I am troubled by the spirit of resignation, almost of despair, that seems to prevail among many of my Cameroonian friends these days."

Remarks by the U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon H.E. Janet E. Garvey To the American Chamber of Commerce - Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Good afternoon, and thank you for inviting me to address you this afternoon.

I am always happy to come speak to the American Chamber of Commerce because you all always eat so much better than we do in Yaounde!

Truly, though, I am always excited to attend these meetings because it offers me the opportunity to meet with you, to hear about the successes of American business in Cameroon and, of course, to hear about the challenges you face.

And I do not need to tell you that these are challenging times.  Sometimes the news is slow to travel from the center of activity here in Douala to Yaounde, but I can assure you that officials in Yaounde are now recognizing just how much the global economic crisis will affect Cameroon, Cameroonian households, Cameroonian companies, and the government’s ability to implement its ambitious agenda, known as Vision 2035.

You may recall that at one point some months ago, there were those in Cameroon who said that the crisis would not have an impact in Cameroon, that Cameroon was insulated from the financial crisis because Cameroonian institutions were not linked into the global financial system.

Some of these same voices are now complaining that Cameroon is suffering from an economic crisis it did not create.  They say Cameroon’s economic woes are not Cameroon’s fault; they say Cameroon’s economic problems are someone else’s responsibility.

It is certainly true that Cameroon did not “create” the global economic crisis.  And I think we all recognize that U.S. economic problems have had a broad-reaching impact.  President Obama has spoken about the failure of responsibility in managing the U.S. economy, and he has called for a “new era of responsibility” in the United States.

In his inaugural address to the nation, Obama said:

"What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition on the part of every American that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task."

President Obama has returned repeatedly to the theme of responsibility.  He did so again last week, in his speech in Cairo.  He has not sought to find excuses or scapegoats for the economic crisis and he has emphasized that we each bear responsibility for our own lives. 

So how would we apply this call for responsibility to Cameroon?
First, we should be adamant that poor management decisions and irresponsibility in the U.S. do not excuse poor management decisions and irresponsibility in other countries, including in Cameroon.

A message of responsibility in Cameroon would emphasize that Cameroonians--in government, in business, in civil society--are ultimately responsible for the destiny of their country.

On the economic front, Cameroonians have the ability to make their economy more diverse and less dependent on oil revenues.  Cameroonians have the ability to orient the economy towards its neighbors, to protect it from the inevitable swings in the global economy and commodity prices.  Cameroonians have the ability to demand that their budget be transparent and well-spent.

For the last several years, the Cameroonian Government has spent less than 75% of the money it has budgeted for investment.  The money is there, the needs exist, so why are these funds not being spent and, more importantly, what are Cameroonians in and out of the government doing to change the situation?

The World Bank’s Doing Business report has shown that the business climate in Cameroon has gotten worse over each of the last few years, at the same time that Cameroon’s peers were making tremendous improvements.  This trend cannot be blamed on the economic crisis!

All this is to say that, if the economic crisis is beyond Cameroonians’ control, no one but Cameroonians can take responsibility for Cameroon’s economy.  In my view, there are steps that Cameroon can take, of its own accord, to strengthen the economy during these difficult times and to prepare it for the economic rebound when it does happen.

And the rebound will happen.  That is something I think many people miss.  The time to think about the economic crisis is not now.  Now, it is too late.  The time to think about this crisis, in Washington and in Yaounde, was five years ago, when prices were high.  Now is the time we should be thinking about the rebound.  In Cameroon, that means thinking about how to position Cameroon to benefit from the rebound when it occurs, because it most certainly will.  The price for aluminum will likely rise again.  The demand for timber will rise again.  The demand for rubber will rise again.  What are Cameroonians doing, now, to prepare to be sure Cameroon is well-positioned for the next five years?

Cameroonians can influence the policies their government enacts to shape the economy.  Cameroonians can control their country’s preparedness to take advantage of global economic good times and to ride out global economic bad times.

Notice I say “Cameroonians” and not “the Government of Cameroon.”  I am saying that on purpose, to emphasize the fact that Cameroonians are the master of their own destiny.  We all know the imperfections of Cameroon’s democracy, which I will not dwell on today.  Nevertheless, the Government is responsive, even if imperfectly, to the demands of Cameroonian stakeholders, whether they be university students, labor unions, taxi drivers, or the business community, which includes you, the American Chamber of Commerce.

Too often, people coming to the Embassy ask us what we are doing to fight corruption, to build roads, to improve infrastructure and education.

I will increasingly respond with a question of my own: What are you doing?  What is the American Chamber of Commerce doing to make its views known to the Government regarding the pressing need for infrastructure improvements?

You will notice a common theme in the public statements that I and other U.S. officials will make in Cameroon over the coming year.  We are going to focus on this theme, that Cameroon belongs to Cameroonians, that Cameroonians possess the power to shape the course of their own nation, that Cameroonians should stop talking about their country as though it is separate from them, their government as though it is not their own.

Often, when the Government of Cameroon takes a particular decision, we receive phone calls, emails, letters and personal entreaties asking us to pressure the Government of Cameroon to change its decision or to take a new decision. 

Cameroonians call on the U.S. Embassy as though we are the appropriate way to influence their own government, as though we should be the ones to speak and act for them.

That is not to say that we do not take an interest in the challenges that confront the Cameroonian people.  We are proud of the strong and growing friendship between Cameroon and the United States.

But the biggest obstacle to Cameroon’s development, the biggest obstacle that prevents Cameroon from achieving its full potential, is Cameroonians’ lack of ownership for their own nation, their own government, their own communities.

This is not a dilemma unique to Cameroon.  Barack Obama reenergized the United States with his determined insistence that “Yes, We Can.”  “Yes, We Can” is more than a partisan political slogan, and its significance is more lasting than a presidential campaign.  It is an affirmation of hope, of responsibility, of ownership.  When we say “yes, we can,” it means also, that yes, we should, and yes, we will.

I am troubled by the spirit of resignation, almost of despair, that seems to prevail among many of my Cameroonian friends these days.  Like everyone else in Cameroon, I was disappointed that the Indomitable Lions did not notch a victory in Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium last Sunday.  But I was amazed to see how many people were ready to give up, to say that it is all over, that Cameroon is finished.  There are still four games remaining, and Cameroon’s prospects are still very much alive.  I am looking forward to the next match, with a spirit of “Yes, We Can!”, and I believe Cameroon should still be aiming to be a part of the World Cup next year in South Africa.  I hope that Cameroonians—the players on the pitch and the supporters cheering them on—will adopt the same attitude, not just for football, but for all of the challenges that confront Cameroon today.

I know the obstacles that exist in Cameroon as they do in every country around the world.  After almost two years in Cameroon, I know about the problems, but the problems do not interest me any longer.  I am more interested in learning what Cameroonians have in mind as solutions, how Cameroonians intend to take charge of their country’s destiny.

It was the great American businessman, Henry Ford, who said “Whether you think you can, or think you cannot, you will be right.”

This is a message I hope to deliver throughout Cameroon over the coming months, and I deliver to the American Chamber of Commerce today.

Your membership represents diverse nationalities and a broad range of sectors, but you have a shared stake in the future of Cameroon and a shared responsibility to do what you can to help Cameroon recognize its potential.

The global economic crisis has, in fact, presented you with an opportunity that I hope you will seize.  With a renewed focus on how to jumpstart economic growth and create jobs, Cameroonian decision makers will be more open than ever to the recommendations of the business community.  The AMCHAM, this room, is filled with leaders who possess invaluable knowledge, who can provide wise advice about what steps are needed to put Cameroon on better economic footing.  What are you doing to be sure your wisdom is heard?  What are you doing to be sure Cameroon is better positioned for the next global economic swing, whatever it may be?

I will admit: I am not coming to you with solutions.  I am coming instead with a call to action.  The AMCHAM has a responsibility to advance American business interests in Cameroon, but that entails a broader responsibility, to help Cameroon recognize its potential as a leader in the region.  The AMCHAM can play a crucial role in shaping Cameroon’s future for the better.  I hope you all will take on that responsibility.  Thank you.

Originally published on the US Embassy website

Comments

[Joe Fomunung]

When there shall have established real democracy, independent judiciary and an independent parliament whose budget shall not be decided by the presidency,and when the security forces will have learned to protect and serve the people,not one man,legitimacy would engender confidence, participation and investment flows. Until then,both Cameroonians and foreigners shall continue to be apprehensive about investing in Cameroon.The inpspectors of taxes descend on new enterprises like flies over shit. That scares off investors.

[Joe Fomunung]

When there shall have established real democracy, independent judiciary and an independent parliament whose budget shall not be decided by the presidency,and when the security forces will have learned to protect and serve the people,not one man,legitimacy would engender confidence, participation and investment flows. Until then,both Cameroonians and foreigners shall continue to be apprehensive about investing in Cameroon.The inpspectors of taxes descend on new enterprises like flies over shit. That scares off investors.

[faison]

>

Where is the road to Nigeria, which is potentially our biggest trading partner? Not France, not China!

In order for people to take control, they need to behave like Iranians. They have tried it before and there was a backlash.

[Dr A A Agbormbai]

A great speech!

[Ras Tuge]

Hmm, seems like the Ambassador read my mind!This is exactly what i have been trying to remind my home boys and girls about, but many still take me for a simpleton. Well now, see the way Babylon people think! Since Africans in general and Cameroonians in particular never believe in people who look like them, i hope they'll take this lady seriously. I have said this many times before.

[Totalsuccess]

The tide has turned folks. TA new era of responsibility is upon us. A new wind of change is blowing over Africa and the world.

Be wise and listen up. Hers was a clarion call for action. Empower yourself now and take control of your destiny.

The lines have been drawn it is now up to you. You, who has ached for change in Cameroon.

www.totalsuccessinsight.com

[asafor valentine]

This is a hard one. And a call for cameroonians to wake up from their slumber.For more than 30 yrs cameroonians have been larmenting in the hands of the french government.I solemnly invite all cameroonians to borrow Obama's words we can do it and rise as one man and say no to corruption,no to ethnic politics, no to political vandalism.No to the french government and military pact. Cameroon is not in war with any country, why military pact. On a positive note we should be talking Economic coroperation, the building of hospitals, Roads,No to political dynasty in Cameroon etc.

[Bob Bristol]

A great speech indeed! But let this not sound as if Cameroonians have been very dormant. The All University strike of 2005 and the February 2008 general uprising were not only meant to address the plight of the students or to topple the regime. We need a fair taxing rate and a conducive business atmosphere. I think Cameroonians are very willing to exploit investment opportunities but continues government measure are being used to render the people POOR and LESS FOCUSED.

With a heavy heart, I'll urge the people to take on the streets once more. This time not in a radical manner but in a mournful portrayal of disgust over the deterioration of a BELOVED COUNTRY at the peak of destruction. A revision of the fiscal and economic policies should be at the centre of their requests.

[asafor valentine]

Facing the fact,Cameroon politics is divisive and repressive,lifting all trade barriers will provide dynamic boost to cameroon fortunes. Infact cameroon has not been a victim of globalisation. Government does not encourage foriegn and private investors. missmanagement of everykind,has murdered the image of the country.A dizzying taxes,outlandish regulations, administrative inertia. The legal systerm very corrupt,The labour code very complicated,for instance jobs for life still rampant in cameroon. Monopolies,Dishonesty amongst government officials, indiscipline ministers and their head of state.Solution is, we all should be patriotic and love Cameroon.

[DANGO TUMMA]

cameroun ,cameroun, which cameroons is it?
thie is a french colony, that have is is attempting toswallow another former british colony .to fool the internationalcommunity tobeliev that its just ONE NATION,COMMON GIVE ME A BREAK, NOT UNTILL EVERY ONE RETUTNS TO THE VERY BRICK AND MORTAE, THAT FAITHFULL DAY JANUARY 1ST 1960 FOR LA REPUBLIQUE DU CAMEROUN AND OCTOBER 1ST FOR SOUTHERN CAMEROONS, AND BUILD FROM THERE ON THE AMBASSADOR IS JUST AS CONFUSED AS EVERY ONE ELSE ON THIS FORUM,SOUTHERN CAMEROONS OUGHT TO BE INDEPENDENT AND RULE ITSELF, SOOTOO IS FRENCH CAMEROUN, THEN CAN THEY SET THINGS RIGHT

[asafor valentine]

Hey boys, am a southern cameroons,and very much in support of the struggle. However lets be a little serious,I abandoned my job after working for 8yrs because most of us southern cameroonians were treated as secondclass citizens in the company. Promotion was base on who you know, and not on what you know.I left for Nigeria,spend a month in nigeria, hoping to meet the Niger deltas guys, for us to negotiate on how to liberat southern cameroon from the bondage the ransom the guys demanded i could not afford it. I abandoned the project and embark on an unforseen trip, to come back for the liberation of the beloved country. Remember, the world is talking globalisation,and cameroon cannot be left out.We are fighting a war on two front.We have done much to inform the international community on this sensitive issue. What is left now should be an arm struggle,freedom is never awarded a word to a wise is enough.

[asafor valentine]

I do not hide my identity. you can talk to valentine using this number 003530874112613. thanks

[Kelvin Ross]

When cameroonians are beaten and murdered on the streets as they protest injustice, when students are shot death, brutalized and raped on their campuses as they protest corruption and when Biya and his ethnic oligogues empty cameroon's treasury and stash their offshore bank accounts and the US and it allies stay silence, then cameroonians cannot be blamed for not taking responsibility Mrs Ambassador. You know how cameroonians have and are still sacrificing with blood and tears to establish democracy in cameroon, but France wouldn't let them.
So help us God!

[ERYTHREAN G.]

Asafor, if u want to be serious, ur unforseen (sic)journey should lead u but to Erythrea and learn liberation warfare from them: they were in same position like you, attached to and subjugated by Ethiopia, they chose the argument of force and the worldd heeard them as u rightly know. there was east timor and there was kosovo just yesteerday: nothing came on the negotiation table, the battle front does it! koffi annan told/advised your seccessionists that they should treasure the peace reigning in cmaeroon, that he & the UNO were bbusy with other hot potatoes! meaning: become a hot warring potato and the UN & international community will listen. force on with argument and you will be indulging in you own monologue. and curse ur own self forever if ur people dont understand this!

[Walah Kah]

I hate when people mention the case of Erythea because that country has become one of the most repressive and despotic countries in the world. If that is the example that a "Free" Southern Cameroons will use as a model, then I'll rather stay put with Biya or even prefer to join Equatorial Guinea.

[Southern Cameroonian]

Correctimundo, Mrs Ambassador. Southern Cameroonians have no stake in la Republique and Eritrea is not our model, no thank you sir Walah Kah. There are many other beautiful models of countries that broke out of the embrace of colonial annexation.

[Peter Ngosa]

Madam Ambassador: Thanks for your activism.
Cameroon's history should reveal to you that
English Cameroon was stolen by tricking Dr. Foncha
and Mr. S.T. Muna & others were killed like Mr. Jua
To we need permission of the franco-phones to oepn
even a common school in the English parts.
We have been 90% marginalized . We are the
only formal British United Nations Protectorate
that is yet to become an independent country.
WE WANT OUT OF FRENCH CAMEROON