In lighter mood, we have chosen the “RESURRECTION’ in quotes, as the caption of our editorial this week. This is so simply to reflect the mood of the nation during the past few weeks or months. The rumour machine was in full motion, milling various versions of the interpretations for the President’s absence from public view, as well as a protracted silence over a tormenting issue such as the raging Coronavirus.
To some, “Biya had died”. To others, “his health condition had deteriorated virtually beyond repairs”. Be it for those who thought he had died, or those who believed his health condition had deteriorated beyond repairs, we can only express our relief that he is alive. After all, his ultimate appearance on TV to address the nation on the occasion of the uncelebrated 20th May, national day, did put an end to all speculations centered on the where about of the president.
However, having expressed our relief from the fear of what might have actually occasioned such a disposition at a time of grief and uncertainty, following the outbreak of the deadly COVID-19, it is pertinent to wish that may it not happen again. For, no matter how good or bad a regime may be, the people must not find themselves abandoned like a rudderless ship in the middle of a gale. It is indeed troubling, especially in a sky infested by hawks, crazy for power.
We think this is exactly where we found ourselves engaged in such wild speculations as we have just experienced. We must not forget that we are cramped between the Anglophone problem, which has degenerated into a bloody war, on the one hand, and the now devastating COVID-19 VIRUS attack, both of which are certainly no welcome visitors in our midst. We therefore strongly believe that, this is no moment for any leisurely approach to serious issues, but rather, a very solemn call for prudence in their management.
We however appreciate the president for his speech to the nation last Tuesday, May 19, in which he focused on the raging Coronavirus, laying stress on the need for all Cameroonians to unite and fight this common enemy. We indeed agree the COVID-19 pandemic is a common enemy to fight with all zeal and urgency. But we in this Newspaper cannot hide our disappointment that even though the head of state was addressing the nation on the occasion of the National Day, which is purported to bear the emblem of a now fragile unity, the president made no mention of the real issue that is relevant to the Day being commemorated as a day that is expected to pin us down to our unity.
We are talking here of the Anglophone crisis, which has completely tarnished the image of a once peaceful, prosperous and united country. A crisis that has brought shame, instead of honour, to the people of this country who have now resorted to killing themselves, because those who are expected to manage this crisis situation, allow themselves to be guided by arrogance, selfishness, and a careless attitude toward handling a crisis which didn’t need to have gone this far.
What is clearly discernable here is that, there is little or no justification at all, for the president to have appealed for what he called “Union Sacre” in his speech, when in fact, part of those who could have responded to his call, are still not being thought of, or considered to be part of the whole. If the silence over the current crisis is intended to give the impression that the situation in the two Anglophone regions has been brought under control, then, what can be said about the killings that have continued to crush all hopes for a genuine and lasting solution for peace to reign.
Take for example, even on the day the president was addressing the nation on Television, gun shots were being head in Muyuka, Kumba and several other parts of the South West region. What of the killing of the Mayor of Mamfe, what of similar bloody incidents reported in many parts of the North West region? Are these signs of peace? The answer is certainly No! Again we reiterate our appreciation for the president’s concern for the welfare of the people as concerns the war against the invading Coronavirus, but this should not eclipse other devastating issues that beckon for similar attention.
The Coronavirus is not likely to live forever. Neither will it consume an entire humanity. When it shall have been fought to finish, or brought under control, like many others before it, it shall only form part of the history of pandemics for future generations. But the blood of innocent people, who were targeted and slaughtered in a senseless war, will continue to remind survivors of the carnage, that the journey towards peace is still long and the tears of suffering will tell the whole story.