Dear Fellow Cameroonians,
Now that 2017 has come to an end, I bring you strong Words of encouragement which will accompany you throughout 2018, even as we celebrate our gains and achievements, be it individually, collectively or Nationally , may we also consider the slippery paths of 2017 which our country experienced in the Socio-economic and political sectors; that even as we look to a brighter year of 2018, may we never return to such paths which greatly plundered our beloved country into untold misery, insecurity, human rights abuse, economic hardship and many more aspects not favorable for the growth and furtherance of democracy in our fatherland .
Great Nations shall forever be great Nations because they remain strong, solid, conscious and true to their own history and this great Nation called Cameroon which is abundantly blessed and rich in cultural diversity, on both banks of the Mungo, reminds us of our very unique story that makes both the citizen and the Nation great at the same time.
In the face of a tensed socio-economic and political atmosphere, the authorities are still encroaching on public freedoms: Cameroon has witnessed the longest Internet cut in history, a time also characterized by the violation of fundamental human rights by our security forces.
The emigration of young people appeared under the shameful face of the reduction of our children to slavery, far from home especially in the Maghreb and without us being able to do much, we are challenged by the drama of a system so weak that it has succumbed to both the expected and unexpected in the life of a State.
The tragedy of worn-out infrastructures makes daily life and activities extremely difficult: little or no access to transport facilities, little or no decent place for habitation, shortage of power supply and Water, a lockdown on the health and no availability of a social security system put in place to make retirement and old age enviable, talkless of the educational sector which produces certificates not often regarded as sufficient to Sit for entry into examination boards of other countries of the world .
In 2017 we witnessed a people not in-touch with their representatives whom they elected , a complete split between the people and the governing elite, with the latter being unable to satisfy the basic social aspirations of the former.
Diligent men and women of our country have fought without resilience, for the system to work for them in their daily lives but our country is essentially lagging on all fronts in the face of a competitive Africa with countries such as Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya and Nigeria working hard to eradicate corruption and under-development and although Cameroon holds a leading role in Central Africa’s economy, social and political domains, much is expected of us to move our region and sub-regions forward.
The economic crisis has lasted, oh yes, it has!
Taxes levied on the people are appalling and embarrassing, even as we find ourselves in the grip of a new structural adjustment plan imposed by the International Monetary Fund, our economy has greatly suffered severe lags, losses and non accountability for public funds; expenditures, loans and Co.
Looking back at 2017 with a heavy heart full of tears, I remember all our brothers who fell on the battle field while so fiercely defending the colors and integrity of our country; Cameroon, others who have fallen by road and sea accidents, natural causes of death and others.
At this juncture, I pray for the many bereaved families, our brave and young soldiers gone too soon during attacks by the Islamic group; Boko Haram and also during the Anglophone Crises in the South West and North West of our country.
Today is 2018, and it’s time to rebuild from our old ruins, it’s time to construct and reconstruct real time bridges; routes that will be instrumental in encouraging men and women of valor from this great Nation to invest and get involved not only in the Socio-Economic process of growth but they must also exercise their civic rights such as voting and taking part in other political processes which would be a determinant of the executive and legislative bodies of our beloved country; Cameroon.
It is indeed time for every illustrious son and daughter of Cameroon to rise up in their communities and domains; be it national or the international, to contribute each and everyone their humble quotas in time to save our Great and Beautiful Nation.
It is indeed time to repair the pains, time to forgive, time to love again and believe in each other, time to eradicate the canker-worms that are threatening the continuity of our State, jealously enshrined and honored in the Preamble of the Cameroonian constitution.
It is indeed a time for the reinstatement of the Human Dignity and the respect of Human Rights in Cameroon by the officials that be, so that every Cameroonian can once more feel that sense of belonging, security, protection from his/her Fatherland.
It is indeed time for the Cameroonian authorities to hold a frank Dialogue on the Anglophone crises with stakeholders of the civil society, the clergy and representatives of political parties who are regarded and considered by the masses, with issues such as the Cameroonian refugees in the neighboring state of Cross Rivers to be resolved with immediate effect.
It is indeed time for peace and love and for the pride of being Cameroonians to re-ignited, especially at a time when our international image has often been undermined. Now is the time to rewrite the link, which is so lacking. It is time to unlock our economic growth potential, and release our energies, 2018 is the time of the not only the better but the best choices that are long lasting and sustainable. The time of a choice for change in here.
I believe in this great Nation Cameroon, but it takes a determined YOU and ME to bring greatness and keep greatness.
Our country is destined to become more powerful than it has ever been since its births.
I dare to call 2018 a new dawn for all Cameroonians of every work of life….
I am convinced of the triumph of Unity, Peace and Progress. I wish you all and All, a happy new year 2018.
* Stéphane BOBÉ ENGUELEGUELE is a Barrister at the Court of Appeal of Amiens. He is the owner of DIKÉ-AVOCATS, a Law Firm. Stéphane has excellent managerial skills, reflected in his ability to coordinate the activities of research groups, such as the Association of Public Governance and New Leadership for whom he is responsable for scientific subjects. His Law firm is not only active in France, but also in Africa.
He has 17 years experience in defending and advocating, in reforming public policies, in improving development, in strengthening Public service delivery, and in the rule of Law. This skill culminated in a consultancy for UNDP on the situation of the rule of law and the fight against corruption in West Africa, and the drafting of a comparative study on Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Niger, Chad, Libya and Sierra Leone (April/July 2015).