50th Anniversary Reunification: And if Biya Were Dribbling Cameroonians…
YAOUNDE - FEB. 7, 2013
© Valentine MULANGO | Cameroon-Info.Net
Several
projections and inconsistent reports on the level of preparation and
the setting of a possible date for the celebration of the 50 anniversary
of Cameroon’s reunification has left many Cameroonians wondering over
whether President Biya is not into a Hide and Seek game. On a working
visit to Buea last month, Public Works Minister, Patrice Ambassala, said
all contractors have until March 2013 to complete all projects meant
for the anniversary. On several occasions, South West Governor, Bernard
Okala, the man whose region is to host the historic event, expressed
dissatisfaction with the low pace at which the projects are being
executed.
Biya the Dribbler?
The 2013 New Year address to the nation by the Head of State has come and gone but old worries of reunification anniversary still looms with two years of feet dragging and Cameroonians are still waiting and expecting as usual the celebration of 50th anniversary of reunification. October 1, 1960 to October 1, 2012 is 52 years since the English part of Cameroon decided to reunite with La Reublique du Cameroun or better still French Cameroon.
In 2011 when the country was supposed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this bond, President Paul Biya on December 31, in a traditional end-of-year address to the nation was unequivocal when he said “the fiftieth anniversary of our reunification, which took place on October 1, 1961, will be celebrated with all the necessary solemnity.” According to Mr. Biya, it could not be celebrated “because the event had to take place at the same time as the presidential election. It will take place in Buea, as soon as possible, with the desired dignity and fervor”
One year after, December 31, 2012, the Head of State in another address to the nation did not fail to mention the issue but did it in another style. “I am pleased to announce that within the next few months, the right conditions should be in place for us to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Reunification with all due solemnity.” Paul Biya told millions of Cameroonians.
Note these two phrases employed by Mr. Biya each time he has an opportunity to talk about a possible date for the celebration of fiftieth anniversary of our reunification. The first is “as soon as possible” and the other is “within the next few months.” You will agree with me that these are all sentences of uncertainties. This is the president’s standpoint; a stand viewed by many from different spectrums.
Social Critic on Biya’s Stand
According to George NGWANE a social critic and political analyst, Cameroonians are not only looking forward to reunification but to a specific date of celebrating its 50th anniversary. “We cannot delve into a lot of projections when there is a possibility for us to know that there is a calendar that we have to put ahead of us.” He says. He further explains that we cannot claim that it took us unaware that we are going to be 50 years old when we know that we are two years behind schedule. To this Pan Africanist, President Biya should “put his finger on the real date” that the anniversary will be celebrated so that we can stop talking about reunification but seeing the souvenirs that goes with that reunification.
Historian on Biya’s Stand
Asked by cameroon-info.net whether the inability of the state to lay hands on a precise date is not a sign of negligence, Dr. Divine NGWA, a Historian and university lecturer, declared: “the state takes time to plan for something which is important.” If we are going by the definition of reunification, we will say that there is some delay on the way which cannot really be appreciated he said. Dr. NGWA went further explaining that if we go by the importance of the anniversary event, then is not late because it is better to plan for something which is important and will have an impact.
What ever one may think or say, may have little or no weight regarding the issue. Cameroonians are left with arms folded waiting in anticipation for the right conditions to be in place for us to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Reunification with all due solemnity as the Head of State has said.
© Valentine MULANGO | Cameroon-Info.Net
Paul Biya unable to set a date
Photo: © V. K. M.
Photo: © V. K. M.
Biya the Dribbler?
The 2013 New Year address to the nation by the Head of State has come and gone but old worries of reunification anniversary still looms with two years of feet dragging and Cameroonians are still waiting and expecting as usual the celebration of 50th anniversary of reunification. October 1, 1960 to October 1, 2012 is 52 years since the English part of Cameroon decided to reunite with La Reublique du Cameroun or better still French Cameroon.
In 2011 when the country was supposed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this bond, President Paul Biya on December 31, in a traditional end-of-year address to the nation was unequivocal when he said “the fiftieth anniversary of our reunification, which took place on October 1, 1961, will be celebrated with all the necessary solemnity.” According to Mr. Biya, it could not be celebrated “because the event had to take place at the same time as the presidential election. It will take place in Buea, as soon as possible, with the desired dignity and fervor”
One year after, December 31, 2012, the Head of State in another address to the nation did not fail to mention the issue but did it in another style. “I am pleased to announce that within the next few months, the right conditions should be in place for us to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Reunification with all due solemnity.” Paul Biya told millions of Cameroonians.
Note these two phrases employed by Mr. Biya each time he has an opportunity to talk about a possible date for the celebration of fiftieth anniversary of our reunification. The first is “as soon as possible” and the other is “within the next few months.” You will agree with me that these are all sentences of uncertainties. This is the president’s standpoint; a stand viewed by many from different spectrums.
Social Critic on Biya’s Stand
According to George NGWANE a social critic and political analyst, Cameroonians are not only looking forward to reunification but to a specific date of celebrating its 50th anniversary. “We cannot delve into a lot of projections when there is a possibility for us to know that there is a calendar that we have to put ahead of us.” He says. He further explains that we cannot claim that it took us unaware that we are going to be 50 years old when we know that we are two years behind schedule. To this Pan Africanist, President Biya should “put his finger on the real date” that the anniversary will be celebrated so that we can stop talking about reunification but seeing the souvenirs that goes with that reunification.
Historian on Biya’s Stand
Asked by cameroon-info.net whether the inability of the state to lay hands on a precise date is not a sign of negligence, Dr. Divine NGWA, a Historian and university lecturer, declared: “the state takes time to plan for something which is important.” If we are going by the definition of reunification, we will say that there is some delay on the way which cannot really be appreciated he said. Dr. NGWA went further explaining that if we go by the importance of the anniversary event, then is not late because it is better to plan for something which is important and will have an impact.
What ever one may think or say, may have little or no weight regarding the issue. Cameroonians are left with arms folded waiting in anticipation for the right conditions to be in place for us to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Reunification with all due solemnity as the Head of State has said.