Federalism is the most sustainable solution to the problems of Cameroon –Federalist Group
By Nfor Hanson Nchanji
During the virtual press conference, held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, the Coalition of Cameroon Federalist Groups and Activists, CCFGA, to sell the federalist agenda, said federalism remains the best solution to Cameroon Anglophone regions hit by an armed conflict and governance challenges faced by all regions. But they insisted that though they are pushing for this agenda, only the people can decide their fate, “We are not here to take decisions on behalf of the public, however, we also understand the importance of what number states a federal system has…Cameroonians will decide on what they will like,” the group’s coordinator, Michael Takie, told the media.
The CCFGA recognized that protests in the North West and South West regions started as a means to express frustration with the mismanagement of the reunification federation and the unconstitutional termination of the federal system in 1972.
“Neither separation nor unitary state can resolve issues affecting Cameroon. No to violence and no to use of force, no to a military solution,” the group expressed its stance.
Return of Normalcy?
The group’s event Coordinator, Philomina Cho, said “Normalcy has not returned because military and other forces continue to violate the human rights of people,” therefore it is time to abandon “failed solutions and embrace the federalism option.”
Separation, an illusion
The CCFGA, also noted that the Ambazonia Separatists, fighting for the independence of the two Anglophone regions in Cameroon, do not have diplomatic support. “They have unrealistic chances of success, inflicting pains on the people of Cameroonians,” complicated by the fragmentation of separatist camps with numerous irreparable lockdowns and conflicting positions on forced school closures.
The Secretary General of the CCFGA, Dr. Ben Akih, noted that the Federalists propose the creation of a truth, justice, and reconciliation commission to deal with crimes and material losses experienced by families in former southern Cameroon.
He insisted that the push for federalism must become and force in the political space though they are not a political party. Dr. Akih expressed worries over voter apathy among Anglophones and Cameroonians in general which he said is also linked with several irregularities and the absence of national identity cards.
ID cards should be a national crisis that demands an urgent solution because people may want to register and vote during political decision-making processes but do not have valid ID cards, he insisted.
Asked by a CNA representative on how the CCFGA plans to convince Anglophone Cameroonians to join the train when in 2019, the late Christian cardinal Tumi said 69% of a 1000 respondent survey, said they wanted independence; Michael reminded that even though Cardinal Tumi carried out the research, he was still a Federalist.
The CCFGA believes that most of the people who supported secession got it all wrong because it was at the peak of the conflict.
“That was at the peak of the conflict and what we are saying is that the positions of the separatists and that of the government are unlawful – there is evidence that the people will join them.”
Created in 2021, the CCFGA hopes to be fully registered in Cameroon as a civil society organization whose main aim is to galvanize support from Cameroonians of all walks of life to push the federalist agenda and call for quick political decisions that will take Cameroon back to the federal system.
