"There are three kinds of people in the world: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder, "What just happened?"
It is an awesome opportunity and responsiblity to use this forum to publicly express my thoughts on the state of the Cameroon union, as Cameroon celebrates in 2010, its 50 years of independence. The identity of Cameroon as an independent people was recognized by the whole world in 1st January 1960 and 1st October 1961. This was solidified on 20th May, 1972.
At this moment, more than 45 years, we honour the heroes of Cameroon who persisted in the struggle for independence - Dr E.M.L. Endeley, Dr J.N. Foncha, Mr S.T Muna and others. We also remember the many who are no longer with us - but who dreamed of this day (Moumie, Ernest Ouandie, Um Nyombe, etc.). It is their day, too. It is important that we all salute the people of Cameroon- for the courage and perseverance they have shown. It was not an easy path to independence, it has not been an easy path to economic progress, and it will never be an easy path to economic prosperity. We should be very proud of our achievement. That a small nation is able to inspire the world as the last bastion of peace and tranquility in Africa.
While our determination has ensured the success of our cause to peace, as we set out to shape our destiny, in the decades ahead, we will face trials and challenges. Independence, reunification and unity is not an end. It is the beginning of self-rule, which requires compromise, discipline, unity and resolve, and hardwork to ensure better livelihood of all Cameroonians. While we have succeeded in one challenge - winning our independence - this only paves the way for many more.
In the decades ahead, those who are privileged to lead us will have to strive constantly to reduce poverty, disease and inequality; to provide education and good governance for all; and to uphold the rule of law. And all of us who are privileged to be citizens of the Republic of Cameroon, we will have to work hard for our nation, for ourselves, and for our friends and neighbours. Controlling our own fate requires discipline and toil. Citizenship is hard work. Economic Progress demands hard work. It means that all of us must contribute our energies and ideas to the building of our nation, just as we did during our struggle for freedom from colonial oppressors. Above all, we must remain united. Unity does not mean that only one set of beliefs is allowed, or that only one answer exists. It means celebrating a variety of views and ideas, whether Anglophone or Francophone, Northwest or Southwest - all of which can help build a diverse and creative society.
Dear Compatriots, let me reiterate that independence, reunification and unity does not mean the end of our commitment to our fatherland. We all have to work together to ensure that, after the first 40 years of independence have been years of stability and progress, the next 40 years, MUST be destined for economic progress. I have no doubt that Cameroon and its leaders will fulfil their roles - as citizens of the most stable African State - with spirit and great success. I wish Cameroon and its People a bright and secure future.© The Entrepreneur Newspaper 2010. All Rights Reserved . Follow The Entrepreneur News on Twitter. See Our Events in Face Book.
Thanks for this clarion call to concerted effort toward achieving genuine independence. Cameroonians are people of mettle and firm resolve. We must rid ourselves of deleterious mutual suspicion and hatred as we take up the cudgels to do battle for the liberation of our beloved nation from the tentacles of postcolonial machinations. We must hit the death nail on the coffin of ethnophobia and lethal tribalism. We must eschew divisive politics and, most importantly, we must get rid of the dependency syndrome that has made us beggars in our own land.
Posted by: Dr Peter Vakunta | January 01, 2010 at 06:53 PM
you are a great Cameroonian, ernest! stay away from lossers
Posted by: jackie | January 26, 2010 at 06:10 AM