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PICAM is organizing
the “International Conference on the State of Democracy in Cameroon 50 Years
After Independence” to bring together Cameroonians and supporters of
democracy in Cameroon to participate in evaluating, discussing, planning,
and re-engaging in the democratization process in Cameroon. The Republic of
Cameroon composed of the former British and French Cameroons gained
independence on January 1, 1960 and October 1, 1961 for East and West
Cameroons respectively. This conference will therefore mark the golden anniversary
(50 years) of the independence of Cameroon.
Fifty years after
independence, Cameroonians have seen only minimal changes to their standard
of living. Real democratic engagement remains farfetched; professional
development is reserved for the well connected; and basic human rights seems
to be non-existence. The conference is an important and necessary step to
address the gaping lack of democracy and human rights within both the political and civil structures in Cameroon. This Conference is also very
important considering the defining situation of the country, specifically
the highly anticipated upcoming Presidential election in 2011.
This conference will be the first 'State of Democracy' conference on
Cameroon ever and will bring together various stakeholders in a very
necessary forum to engage in frank and open discussion on the situation of
democracy and human rights in Cameroon.
The main
goal of this conference is to critically evaluate the democratization
process in Cameroon and reinvigorate national and international debate on
Cameroon’s democratization efforts by examining the best strategies to
promote and move the democratization process forward. Peculiar attention
will be paid to political dynamics specific to Cameroon and regional and
cultural context affecting the implementation of democratic principles. |
