Compliments of the New Year 2012: The Struggle for Democracy in Cameroon Continues

Dear Friends of Democracy,

The year 2011 was a much awaited one. The hopes of Cameroonians were high that reason would lead their politicians, especially the ruling class, to realize how destructive their actions have been to the country and its people for the past 50 years. Across Africa, we witnessed the collapse of long-time and well entrenched dictators. While calls and actions for change in Cameroon are yet to achieve their end goal, we must not minimize what we individually and collectively achieved in 2011. Our calls were louder and our actions prominent. These were good for the future of Cameroon.

Change is a process, it takes time to achieve, and we must be persistent if we want the much needed change to become reality in Cameroon. We must understand that the beneficiaries of the status quo in Cameroon are equally hard at work to counteract the varied efforts of those right-minded Cameroonians advocating for democratic change in the country. Rather than be discouraged, the challenges we faced in 2011 should make us even stronger and more determined to see that Cameroon becomes a democratic society. This can be achieved if we approach 2012 with a positive spirit and double our efforts at all levels.

When Paul Biya dubiously changed the country’s constitution in 2008 to become President for Life in Cameroon, many thought he would come to reason and not follow through on such a detestable path. But as the election of 2011 revealed, dictatorship knows no limit. Paul Biya’s action to illegally change the constitution, unconstitutionally stand for re-election, and fraudulently proclaim himself President of Cameroon has not only shredded the already frayed social fabric of the Cameroonian society, his action represents the biggest threat to the peace, security, and stability of the country, the Central African Region, and the already conflict infested African continent as a whole.

It is well understood that there is a season for everything under the sun. Now is a season to reflect and prepare, because the season for change in Cameroon is just around the corner. If we are ill prepared for its arrival, we may be doomed. We must not give up our efforts, we must continue to speak truth to power, and advocate for the general good of all Cameroonians. Above all, we must put aside individual ego and work in synergism; we must overlook individual flaws and capitalize on our collective strength; and we must avoid backstabbing and compliment each others effort if we have to succeed in ridding Cameroon of its current autocracy and put it on a path of democracy and development.

May God bless you abundantly with the wisdom, courage, and energy to continue to advocate for democracy and respect for human rights in Cameroon in the year 2012 and beyond. As we all know, the struggle for democracy in Cameroon CONTINUES.

Sincerely,

Eric NGONJI NJUNGWE.

Executive Director – CCDHR.