By NOELA EBOB BISONG
The d-day is here. As announced by the Head of state, President Paul Biya, last September 10, 2019, the Major National Dialogue has commenced, to seek lasting solutions to the crisis in the country’s two English-speaking regions (North West and South West) and other national issues, for a better country.
Some are in Yaounde to make their voices heard and help shape the destiny of the country. Many are back in the regions, especially in the North West and South West, to diligently follow-up events happening in Yaounde. Others are beyond Cameroon’s borders, yet distance is no barrier. The nation is on edge, in hope, aspiration, anxiety etc. What takes place during these five days (September 30-October 4) is of great importance to the entire nation, The SUN has gathered.
A lot has been said prior to the big event, it is expected that much more will be said for burning issues to be ironed out. A total of 500 delegates are to be present, with 300 of them representing the North West and South West regions. Some have expressed happiness considering the number of Anglophone delegates, for the regions must be prioritized at the major national dialogue table, they say.
Eight commissions have been created including: Bilingualism, Cultural Diversity and Social cohesion; Educational System; Judicial System; Decentralisation and local Development; Reconstruction and Development of Crisis-Affected Regions, Return of Refugees and Internally displaced persons; Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration of Ex-combatants and the Role of Diaspora in the Crisis and its contribution to the country’s Development.
Some received the news of the creation of the afore-mentioned commissions as a way of censoring the dialogue, holding that crucial subjects have been left out, notably the ‘Form of the state’. The form of the state has been acclaimed by a majority of those in the two restive regions, as the number one aspect where the ultimate solution to the crisis lies. Some have gone ahead to provide what is best for the situation, mentioning federalism and even going ahead to state what kind of federalism. Without a commission bearing discussion on the form of the state, some are already losing interest in the dialogue, holding it may not bear much fruits after all.
However, others have remained hopeful and prayerful, that something big, great and mighty comes out of the dialogue, which will go to put smiles on the saddened faces of many in the troubled regions, present a serene and safe atmosphere, rebuild the shattered towns and villages of the North West and South West which currently wear a sorrowful and dead look and most of all, bring alive Cameroon’s cherished peace for many years, which other countries were for long envious of.
It should be noted the talks are being chaired by Cameroon’s Prime Minister, Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute, while George Ewane Ngide has been named the official spokesperson of the national dialogue that aims at resolving the Anglophone crisis. George Ewane is a journalist with state-run TV- CRTV and a Lecturer of English at the Yaounde University of Yaounde I