Southern West Cameroon Revisited (1950-1972) Volume One: Unveiling Inescapable Traps

Chapter 2 - Reunification Account: Setting Basic Records Straight

23 Chapter 2 Reunification Account: Setting Basic Records Straight So far it is obvious that there was indeed not only a plethora of indictments but as well, several controversial topics which sprang out from the epic Summit Magazine interview. The bulk of these will be dealt with later in the course of this exposition. Nevertheless, there are a few pungent ones which call for urgent preliminary examination to clarify issues fundamental to the themes that resonate throughout the discussion. Together with these, are generic expressions which need to be harnessed for common understanding. The idea therefore is to simplify these disparate topics so that everyone is taken on board. The preliminary challenges raised touch on: the intrinsic historic notion of “reunification” seeded in the “Kamerun idea”; the indisputable political maturity of Southern Cameroonians; the identification of victims from predators and oppressors in Southern Cameroons history; the place of bad faith and lack of political will in the Ahidjo Regime; the uniqueness of the Summit Magazine as a journal and a brief check out on who John Ngu Foncha was in the context of this essay, since he is at the heart of the indictments in the discussion. An early X-ray and proper situation of these lurking hurdles in their proper Cameroon historical context would facilitate the sense in which they are used in this work. This ensures that controversial interpretations are reduced to the barest minimum. Golden Jubilee Celebrations Whet Appetites Beyond the glitter, glamour, nature and expectations of the political setting of the public festivities marking the Golden Jubilee celebrations, there has been a heightened awareness coupled with anxiety, curiosity and great expectations, especially among Cameroonians of the North and South West Regions about the circumstances surrounding their rather misty common past. Many of the educated and enlightened elements think that it is also an 24 opportune moment to stop and deeply reflect on: how and why we got here and who really is responsible for all that happened at reunification and has continued to be experienced since then. These are legitimate concerns which constitute the recurrent substance of discussions, gossips, questions and worries raised by inquisitive individuals, students, civil society organs and more vehemently by radical political movements at home and abroad. These vocalized anxieties and complaints range from feelings of: discrimination, marginalization, assimilation and perceived annexationist tendencies, as well as questions of the citizenship status of former Southern Cameroonians within the State of the Republic of Cameroon. Put together, they constitute the so called “Anglophone problem”, their woes so to speak.35 In all of this, fingers are continually pointed at the majority French Cameroonian political elite but even more significantly, inwardly, the extent to which the Southern Cameroonian political leaders themselves were answerable for their own predicaments. The magazine interview liberally wrapped up numerous controversial issues thus laying bare, grey historical areas that necessitate attention and clarification. Open reactions to it so far, have been made by eminent scholars, historians, jurists and the public at large in diverse ways and at different levels, which academically, should be stimulating, enlightening and welcome.36 Having said that, in anticipation of the mega celebrations marking the event much ink continues to flow but nothing as rocking as the Summit Magazine interview, also, perhaps because it fired the first salvo that has initiated the discussions. 35 This essay is not about the socio-political and economic achievements made or not made by Southern Cameroons over the past fifty years but focuses on the leadership and institutions as portrayed in the interview that were responsible for determining their woes. This clearly defines the boundaries of the discussion. The emphasis on woes is indicative of the looming lapses largely in the sphere of autonomy, governance and equitable distribution of national resources. 36 Prominent among them are Prof. Fanso, Prof. Jonny Nfonyam. The latter gives a critical legal touch to the criticism in The Post Newspaper No, 01266 ofFriday , 22 July 2011. 25 Distinction of the S Summit Magazine interview By and large, three qualities mark out that interview as being unique: firstly, that it was granted by the Summit Magazine, a journal of choice for many, highly rated, exalted and acclaimed nationally and internationally. On initial encounter, it strikes one as an attractive, glamorous and an accomplished journal, which in essence produces articles of class. It further distinguishes itself in bringing out to the public arena the biographies and...