Tackling Challenging Historical Moments

Commentary

Recurrent publications and social media reports have remained awash in some circles with speculations about the evolution of events in Cameroon, especially in recent months with the unfolding situation in the North West and South West Regions. Discussions on an eventual meeting at the United Nations Security Council on 13 May 2019 to examine the case of Cameroon have even heightened the anxiety and fertile imagination taking the issues to various angles and conclusions drawn as to the outcome of the alleged UN debate.

The technicalities and depth of such UN gatherings and their impact may actually carry weight under some circumstances, but in the Cameroon context, some facts are wittingly or unwittingly being eluded. Be it with the Boko Haram extremist attacks or the ongoing tension in the North West and South West Regions, government has opted for concerted efforts especially with international partners to seek solutions to what has clearly been disturbing outbreaks in Cameroon. Several high-level international officials have been to Cameroon on the invitation of Pre sident Paul Biya.

The most recent was the four-day visit of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet. Whether with the United States Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Tibor Nagy in February, the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, The Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland QC in 2017 and others, the visits have not been limited to government viewpoints.

The civil society and opposition political parties have had the opportunity to air their concerns as well. Understandably, the intention has been to enable sceptics have a global picture of the hurdles that Cameroon is facing and not only get a clearer idea, but contribute as partners in attaining concrete conclusions.

In inviting the officials and countries interested in the situation in Cameroon, President Paul Biya is out to bring on board all viable contributions that can help in binding the country to better serve the interest of its citizens and even that of partner nations. Those who instead saw such overtures as an opportunity to set the country ablaze or sow seeds of discord and conjure apocalyptic outcomes may just be off track. No matter the arguments, the unrest in the North West and South West Regions has demonstrated that explanations are neede...