Cameroon:Coalition of Federalist Groups and Activists, CCFGA Created

CCFGA is advocating for a Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission as a key aspect of the solution to the ongoing conflict in NW and SW Regions

As efforts continue to be sought to resolve the ongoing Anglophone crisis that has been raging for the past five years, Cameroonians who say Federalism is the only option have pulled together to create the Coalition of Cameroon Federalist Groups and Activists (CCFGA).

In a communiqué seen by Pan African Visions, the working group of the Coalition of Cameroon Federalist Groups and Activists (CCFGA) is manned by a nine (9) team headed by Simon Munzu (chair) and Victor F. Waingeh (Rapporteur). The others include: Atemnkeng Peter, Benjamin K. Akih, Fabrice Lena, Gabila F. Nubong, Kingsley S. Newuh, Michael E. Takie, and Ndifor Richard M.

“We believe that this system honours the historical, constitutional and contemporary character of our country and can best respond to the individual and collective aspirations of Cameroonians; assure the equal development of all regions as well as national cohesion and solidarity, and avert the break-up of our country. We are convinced that the international community will support the justified call for the re-establishment of federalism in Cameroon,” the communiqué from CCFGA read in part.

“We are committed to establishing in Cameroon, the Federal Republic that is designed to respond effectively to the needs and aspirations of citizens and is characterized principally by Harmonious management of our dual colonial heritage; judicious distribution of power and allocation of resources between the Federal, State, and Local governments; Equitable development of all regions; Accountability through independent and adequately resourced management and oversight institutions; Protection and enjoyment of citizens’ rights and freedoms; Protection of the rights and freedoms of minority groups and indigenous people everywhere in the nation…”

Among other actions toward the same, we are committed to Creating a tolerant public space for informative debates among federalists and people who hold other points of view empowering the people of Cameroon, especially those of the NW and SW Regions, to understand the need for federalism.

In 2016 teachers and lawyers called for strike action with several demands but this quickly escalate to a full-blown war in 2017 when government forces decided to use force and that has continued since then. The separatist fighters have regrouped themselves and are calling for an independent state called “Ambazonia” with the government forces fighting hard to maintain the territorial integrity of the country. The crisis has seen thousands of people killed, others have become refugees while education has been completely affected in certain Divisions.

Both warring parties (government forces and separatist fighters) have been accused of committing atrocities and the international community continues to call on both parties to come to the dialogue table and settle their differences.

The members are equally calling and advocating for a Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission as a key aspect of the solution to the ongoing conflict in NW and SW while calling on all Cameroonians, especially those of the NW and SW Regions, at home and abroad to engage and actively participate in the collective endeavour to re-establish a Federal System of governance in Cameroon.

“Whoever and wherever you are, do not be afraid to advocate and promote federalism in Cameroon. Exercise your right as a citizen to demand the amendment of a provision of the Constitution that is bad for our country. You just want the words “The Republic of Cameroon shall be a decentralized unitary State” to be replaced by “Cameroon shall be a federal State” in Article 1 (2) of the Cameroon Constitution.”

“Since 1961, this aspect of our Constitution has been amended several times. It can, and should, be amended again. Demanding this as a Federalist is not unpatriotic; it is not a crime; it is not subversion; it is not terrorism,” the communiqué concluded.

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

Source: https://panafricanvisions.com