From: UC475653@mizzou1.missouri.edu
Subject: Re: CAMEROON: Bilingualism and Cameroon's Future...
Organization: University of Missouri
Date: Sun, 24 Jan 93 18:53:54 CST

Dear Shemlon,
do anglophones really feel inferior? This is news to me. The reason
they feel as second class citizens as you claim is simple. For 30
years now since the idea of a unitary state became reality in
Cameroon, the anglophone political elite who were suppose to articulate
and defend the interests of their constituents did not live up to
expectation. Once they became initiated in "Grand Camarade's" sacred
covenant, the accumulation of wealth together with fomenting tribal
sentiments became their preoccupation. At no time during this period
 
did anglophones see Foncha, Muna, or Egbe to name a few take public
stance in defending the interests of their constituents (West Cameroonians).
Instead, they were constantly playing one against the other to gain favor
from Ahidjo.
Let me reiterate that the problem facing anglophones in Camaroon today
is not bilingualism. Rather fracophone Cameroon is able to exploit the
weaknesses of anglophones, especially, the latter's inability to build
a strong coalition to tackle their common problems.  It is not uncommon to
see anglophones make stereotypes about one another. Who honestly will
deny the distrust that leads to such stereotypes as "seven catta," "mujili,"
or "chop broke pot." This indeed, is the reality that Cameroonians of all
backgrounds face. Any honest Cameroonian knows too well that these stereotypes
undermine sincere efforts to function as a cohesive entity.
It is therefore absurd to suggest that all anglophones feel inferior to their
fellow Cameroonians. At least, I do not.
Anglophones ought not speak French in order to earn a living. Unfortunately,
some feel compelled to do so because it has become economically difficult to
survive in many areas of English speaking Cameroon. This region has become an
economic desert because a trend was started in the early years of independence
whereby successful anglophone entrepreneurs gradually moved their businesses
to Douala. This trendously diminished the economic stature of once booming
municipalities such as Limbe, Tiko, Kumba and Bamenda. If the problem was
solely one of bilingualism, I would argue that many anglophones would have
been better off since it is obvious by ratio that more anglophones speak
French than francophones speak English.  To the contrary unemployment in
Cameroon is highest among anglophones. I should dare to say that bilingual
among anglophones is a reality.
The point about making bilingualism a precondition for elected officials is
a good one if ONLY people subscribed to high ethical standards. Again, I
would dare to say that having bilingual elected officials is a necessary
condition, but not a sufficient condition for national development. In my
humble opinion, all Cameroonians, governors and followers alike must adhere
to higher ethical standards. Hopes of building a better Cameroon are being
undermined by the lack of ethics within the citizenry. For how in the world
will any leader opt to transfer funds from the coffers of a developing
country into those of the richest countries in the world instead of investing
in the domestic economy? How can an entrepreneur decide not to pay duty on
imported goods knowing that the state relies on such revenues to improve
the national economy?  Finally, how can corruption be condone by the
majority of the population? These are the real issues we as a nation ought
address not bilingualism.