5 TRUTHS ANGLOPHONES IN CAMEROON DON’T WANT TO HEAR.
Sometimes, the greatest obstacle to a people’s progress is not necessarily their oppressor but their unwillingness to confront uncomfortable truths within their own community.
For years, the Anglophone crisis has been characterised by legitimate grievances, political frustrations and demands for self-determination. These issues deserve attention. However, while we debate our political future, there are difficult questions we must also ask ourselves.
1. OUR ELITES ARE AMONG THE BIGGEST OBSTACLES TO OUR DEVELOPMENT.
We cannot continue blaming Yaoundé for everything while ignoring the role our own political, traditional and business elites have played in our underdevelopment. Where are the industries, sustainable investments, quality schools and employment opportunities? Too many have prioritised personal advancement and political appointments over transforming their communities. Accountability must begin at home.
2. INDEPENDENCE IS NOT AS SIMPLE AS WE ARE MADE TO BELIEVE.
Somaliland declared independence in 1991 and spent decades without international recognition. Northern Cyprus declared independence in 1983 but remains recognised only by Turkey. Western Sahara’s self-determination question remains unresolved. South Sudan attained internationally recognised independence in 2011, yet has experienced civil conflict, economic instability and institutional challenges.
These examples should make us think. What happens the morning after independence? How do we finance a government, secure our borders, sustain our economy and build functional institutions? Who guarantees that the emerging political class will be any different from the one we complain about today?
Independence does not automatically mean prosperity. Without a credible economic, diplomatic, institutional and security plan, it risks becoming an expensive political experiment. We must discuss the destination, not just the desire to leave.
3. OUR CHILDREN’S EDUCATION IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANY POLITICAL AMBITION.
What exactly are we fighting for if an entire generation is denied the opportunity to prepare for its future? Our children need education, skills and opportunities to become doctors, engineers, teachers, entrepreneurs and future leaders. No legitimate political grievance should become a justification for sacrificing an entire generation’s education. A political victory that leaves our children educationally disadvantaged would be a hollow victory.
4. OUR INTERNAL DIVISIONS ARE A BREEDING GROUND FOR UNDERDEVELOPMENT AND POLITICAL EXPLOITATION.
We are divided along tribal, regional, political and ideological lines. We spend more time fighting one another than building common ground. Opportunistic politicians and individuals seeking relevance exploit these divisions while ordinary citizens bear the consequences. We do not have to agree on everything to agree that our communities deserve better schools, hospitals, infrastructure and economic opportunities. A divided people are easier to manipulate.
5. PARTS OF THE DIASPORA ARE BENEFITING FROM A CRISIS THAT ORDINARY PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING FROM.
While families are displaced, businesses destroyed and young people killed or traumatised, some individuals have found opportunities through asylum claims, fundraising, political visibility and personal influence.
Seeking genuine asylum and supporting affected communities are legitimate. But when people’s suffering becomes a source of personal financial gain, political relevance or influence, we have a problem. Where is the transparency? How are funds raised in the name of suffering communities being utilised? The diaspora must be part of the solution, not an interested stakeholder in the continuation of the crisis. Most French Cameroon families are exploiting the plight of the suffering Anglophones claiming asylum in the USA and Europe without genuine reasons.
None of these arguments invalidates the legitimate grievances of Anglophones or absolves the government of its responsibilities. But we must stop pretending that every problem has an external source.
We need accountability from our elites, realistic political conversations, protection of our children’s education, internal unity and transparency from everyone claiming to represent our interests.
The question is not only what Cameroon has done to Anglophones. It is also what Anglophones are willing to do differently to secure a better future for themselves.
@breakingnews.PetertanchongwaSebastian Amabo Enderly
