Macron’s visit to Cameroon: Succession and armed conflict in Anglophone regions maybe top on discussion
Though the reasons for his visit has not been made public, it is now certain that French president, Emmanuel Macron shall visit his Cameroonian counterpart, Paul Biya on July 25-26, 2022.
The visit comes 7 years after a last French President’s state visit to Cameroon. On July 3, 2015, former President Francoise Hollande touch down in Yaounde.
During this visit answering to a question from journalists, President Paul Biya said “Only the fit can be able to stay longer in power and not those who desire”
Macron’s visit, a timely intervention from master?
Cameroon is a former French territory mandated by the United Nations under the trusteship system. But after independence in 1960, observers say the body of France has left Cameroon but the spirit still present in everyday major decision making.
The cream of delegation accompanying Emmanuel Macron leaves much to be desired. Franck Paris who is the special advisor for African affairs has an authoritative approach towards major decision making processes at Elysee Presidential Palace in African affairs.
Cameroon is going towards an uncertain destination. Paul Biya is weak, can barely rule his country.
Recently his Secretary General, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh is seen a Cameroon’s de facto leader, representing the president, signing important releases. Observers think that there is a risk war within the Unity Palace and among prospective successors who have not yet made their intentions known.
Among them, Franck Emmanuel Biya, paul Biya’s son who has recently frequent Cameroon. Franck has not reacted to the creation of a Movement in his name neither has he rejected. This leaves room for confirmation that he might be eying his father’s “throne”. Succession in central Africa has become a new normal. Gabon, Tchad, Equatorial Guinea, are all birds of the same species.
The former colonial master, France, represented by Macron could be making his own decision that will suit French interests, this is not ruled out.
Anglophone armed conflict
The 6 year old armed conflict in the Anglophone regions has exposed France’s position as many diplomatic sources have said France does not want to make a public position on it nor back talks for peace. Some of the positions of France backing talks are ssid to be lip services as they have not matched words with actions.
Ambazonia fighters have also decided to destroy anything having links with France such as sanitation company, Hysacam, Brewery company Les Brasseries du Cameroun, Alliance Franco Camerounais among others.
Macron acting fast to protect French interest maybe a stitch in time that saves nine.
France is already getting unpopular in Guinea,Central African Republic and chased out of Mali.
Macron to make amends for public comments?
From the February 14, 2020 Ngarbuh massacre to the imprisonment of opposition leader, Maurice Kamto and recently on human rights issues, Macron’s position has always irritated the Unity Palace. Yaounde in many of such outings reiterated that nobody including Macron has lessons to give Cameroon concerning human rights protections.
Such outings have strained diplomatic relations between the two countries. However this could be time for Mr Macron to make amends with his Cameroonian counterpart, Paul Biya.
