MEMORANDUM TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The Founding Fathers of the United States of America were against dictatorship and corrupt tyranny .Consequently, it is wrong for the United States to aid and abet the same bad system of government in Cameroon. The USA must correct their past mistakes by supporting our endeavors.         Dear Honorable Members of the Congress of the United States of America   My Dear Americans   It is with profound humility that I write to you to express my indignation against dictatorship on our people in the continent of Africa . As an Anglo-Cameroonian and American-Cameroonian I will like to use Cameroon as a case study in our drive for freedom from dictatorship and corrupt tyranny. I would like you to know that I was very inspired to learn that President George Washington turned down a request by the people of the United States to serve as President for the third term in spite of his extra-ordinary public service as the commander in Chief. It is amazing to imagine how his genuine and humble political character has impacted the American political culture for generations. He was truly a great inspiration to what a sound political leadership should be. Let us rise up and honor President George Washington    His modest argument was that he would be guilty in perpetuating the same tyranny they had fought to ward off from the King of England. In a case where a motion of support is well intended because there was evidence of high performance while in office, one can understand why it was necessary. Yet, President George Washington had to put the interest of the whole nation and posterity above his personal interest to remain as President only for the third term for that matter.   In the case of Cameroon and other African countries there are no basis of good performance to warrant a motion of support for the President to rule for life. President Paul Biya and his CPDM Officials have corrupted people within his party to make him President for life through a motion of support. My point is, it is first of all unconstitutional and also strange. He is no longer eligible to be President after 2011. He should step down peacefully for the sake of justice, peace, order and harmony of the whole world. Those of us who are free have a moral obligation to satisfy humankind’s longing and hunger for freedom and liberty at all times.   My letter to the Congress is legitimized by the fact that part of his government through the Cameroon Embassy Officials is present within the United States territory. Besides Pro-CPDM Cameroonians have also earned the right to be here through political asylum. These cases are cited in order to enable the Congress understand that members of his own party have created the impression that there are not safe in Cameroon , which is the main reason why they have claimed persecution. But many of them have been sneaking themselves into Cameroon through other African countries and hanging out with the same people they had alleged persecuted them. This means that the Congress might as well invite all Cameroonians who have acquired their political asylum because of CPDM regime to testify before the Congress although our presence in this country speaks for itself.   Dear Members of Congress  the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and other organizations like Vital Voices Partnership and National Emdowment for Democracy(NED) are putting lipstick on the nose of a pig  as regards their effort  to plant the seeds of democracy on African soil. My own testimony should be considered as an appraisal of the ongoing campaign for us towards uprooting dictatorship and tyranny so as to make way for democracy.But most importantly, I am someone who cannot take lipstick and put on the nose of a pig. I want you to help me achieve this vision because I was born and raised in Cameroon . I understand the society and know how corrupt the system is to the core more than any of you, members of Congress and US Ambassadors to Cameroon who were never born and raised in Cameroon.   Jesus Christ of Nazareth who happens to be one of my best teachers besides the savior of humankind espoused a philosophy of methodology through the Parable of the Sower. It  reminds me of how we ought to sow the seed of democracy in Africa . If we continue to sow our good seeds on the infertile soil of dictatorship and tyranny we will never have a good harvest. I am sure many of you really want a bountiful harvest. Jesus Christ’s conception of political freedom for the oppressed was embedded in his teaching of this parable as a moral and spiritual method not only for eternal peace and happiness but as well for the freedom of those held in captivity. What I mean is the concept of spreading democracy is admirable but the method is flawed because monkeys in the forest of dictatorship and corrupt tyranny will never be transformed into the eagles on the sky of freedom and liberty.   The difficult part of your job is that you expect some moral transformation of these monkeys to become the eagle. You are pointing them to the direction of the light of democracy but they are stuck in the darkness of dictatorship and totalitarianism. I hate to see Americans  labor in vain whereas they have good intentions. I think that it is incumbent upon me to ask you to give me the equal chance and opportunity afforded to testify before the Congress and the people of the United States of America as a political asylee.  This is my platform because political asylum is part of the history of the United States as a country of immigrants. I intend to explain to you why I am a political asylee as well as highlight the travesty in political asylums orchestrated by the CPDM regime and their supporters within the United States .   I will also argue very passionately that the claims by corrupt governments in Africa that their violent activities against the people is to serve and protect US interest is a cover up. I do not want to believe their claims because why would US interest anywhere in the world result to gross violations of human rights and enslavement of people? The United States is one nation under God with Liberty , Justice and Peace, and united we stand on the Foundation of In God We Trust. These folks are always trying to mislead us to believe that some foreign governments are the ones who are responsible for their bad behavior.   Let me say that they sort of scare some of you to think that those with progressive ideas are a threat to your interest in Africa / Cameroon . I pray the Congress and American people to discern these cover ups and understand that our craving for good governance and the rule of law is what we are called upon as human beings to do for one another. These folks are corrupt and the only way to get away with their individual corrupt behavior is to blame the White people for our plight.  There is a global dimension to our common humanity, which many of us are seeking to promote among nations and people through mutual partnership and justice for all. Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr was right when he captured the essence of justice for all when he said;   “ Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere… There lived a race of people who… had the moral courage to stand up for their rights. And thereby they injected a new meaning into the veins of history and civilization”   The injustice of the African governments against their own people of the same race is disgraceful. When Rev Dr.Martin Luther King Jr.spoke about injustice and a new history and civilization it was a cry against racial segregation and enslavement of black people within the United States. I am sure that it never really occurred to him that black people in Africa could be so unjust and guilty of the same charges he brought against the United States Government Officials. Perhaps even more severe crimes because it is a government against harmless and peaceful people entitled to life, liberty, justice, peace and happiness. It hurts when folks have vacated their children and families overseas to live happy lives while they are enslaving, torturing and killing other children and their families. It hurts right into my bone marrow.   I have been intrigued by the observations of Michael Novak in his book “ The Universal Hunger For Liberty, Why the Clash of Civilization is Inevitable”. He makes a brilliant diagnosis under the political expression of globalization of what I believe is an obstacle in the path to the universal principles and values of human dignity;   “Political expressions of globalization are multiplying beginning with the World Wars of the 20th century. In the 1920s Stalin, Mussolini, and Hitler burst on thre world stage, shouting that dictatorship was the most efficient form of government for fulfilling the general and lifting up the poor. But the world learned bitter and unforgettable lessons from the age of dictatorship. Democracy has many faults but no system yet invented better protects the human rights of minorities and individuals, both from single tyranny and tyranny of the majority. Thus nearly, nearly everywhere around the world dictatorship is failing the people, and those who can are striving to develop the political parties and coalitions that lead to government based on the consent of the governed and under the rule of law. “ The rule of law” is a system of law that looks upon all as equals, and on none with special favor”   If what Michael Novak is saying is true then we should be alarmed that from 1920 till 2009 we still have dangerous dictators in some parts of Africa bouncing on the world stage shouting that they are democrats. The yearning for democracy has precipitated a façade of democratic governments in many parts of Africa like Cameroon , Gabon , Kenya Democratic Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso and Zaire . I take the case of Cameroon where dictatorship and tyranny has been prevalent for decades resulting to the flagrant violation of human rights especially the minority Anglo-Cameroonians and exploitation of the poor. My question is how can we lift up the poor and end injustice under the reign of terror and fear orchestrated by dictators like Mr. Paul Biya and his CPDM regime against Cameroonians? How can we lift up the poor and end injustice when about 15 categories of public servants in his government have never declared their assets so that we know how they have earned their riches?  These are the people who constitute 10% of the population and hold public office.   On this platform of the rule of law set forth by Michael Novak, I am asking you to help us with our vision to free Cameroon and put it on the fast track to good governance and the rule of law. Please, we are truly desperate for your help in anyway to stop the CPDM system in Cameroon from further abusing innocent people. The best foreign assistance for us in this century is to empower those of us with the vision and ideas to build a new Cameroon society under a system of government that will be representative of the people in every region of Cameroon .   As many of you have realized, all the different charitable assistance you have been offering to us through different US foreign agents and services as well as mission works have not been helpful enough. The charities, loans and aids you offer either through the World Bank, IMF, mission churches and NGOs could make a huge difference on the lives of the people if the government was transparent and accountable. Unfortunately for us the high rate of fraud and corruption by the Cameroon officials has rendered these noble endeavors ineffective.   As a result, I feel that it is important to look at these problems with a fresh eye since any foreign assistance given to corrupt governments will remain ineffective because a few people with corrupt power will continue to exploit the rest. Many of them ironically have huge investments overseas and very juicy bank accounts out of Cameroon , which are not accountable for. These foreign investments and bank accounts are far more than what is ever given to the people through charity and philanthropy.   I am not against people investing overseas or operating bank accounts or living in affluence. I am concerned that they have tortured and killed innocent people in order to enrich themselves and their generations. Therefore, it is very hard to reconcile their corrupt behavior with the efforts you have made to help the people. I believe that it is possible for us to work together to ensure that these governments are held accountable according to the rule of law at the local and international level.   Dr S Cleon Skousen observed in his book The Making of America, Substance and Meaning of the Constitution that one of the main reasons why young Thomas Jefferson went to the Congress in Philadelphia in June 20th, 1775 was because he was fed up with the madness of the King of England against American Colonies. He was angered because over 450 Americans were shot or bayoneted and Dr S Cleon Skousen noted as follows;   “ No doubt Jefferson was among those who wondered if King George was suffering from another of his fits of insanity, which plagued him from time to time. Nothing pleased the King neither a proffered payment for Boston tea nor plea for loyal submission. He seemed determined to treat Americans as some of his most ferocious enemies”   President Paul Biya is busy mobilizing his military officials and men to intimidate and scare Cameroonians into submission as he seeks to impose himself as Life President. It is one of those his fits of Machiavellism he is suffering from otherwise why on this earth will man who has amass wealth for himself and his generations so determined to enslave others. You know after publishing his code of dictatorship he is being misguided by his followers in the North West Region of Cameroon where I come from. The North West is one of the two Anglo-Cameroon States, which is always unfairly targeted and placed under a heavy military siege once Mr. Paul Biya is confronted with the truth. He does not know how to deal with commonsense and reason.   In 1990 when the SDF party was launched he tortured and assassinated hundreds of people in the City of Bamenda .  In 1992 when the SDF won the Presidential election he stole the victory and afterwards put Bamenda under a military siege with the help of French government, which he solicited. The same thing happened in 2004 when he rigged the Presidential elections and forced himself again on the people. He seemed determined to wipe out the people of Bamenda if they do not accept him as President for life. From what is happening now he is showing up his military might against the people but my fellow Americans how can a government constantly use the military to frighten its own citizens?    We think that it is about time for this kind of military dictatorship to end. He and his government have violated the Constitution in its entirety by not declaring their assets according to article 66 for more than 30 years. It is very disturbing to be a citizen of such a country where a man and his government do not have any regards for the rule of law and the rights of the civil society to know how they manage the country. His political and military activities in my State are all tricks to cover up. After appointing a Prime Minister from my State as a strategy to cajole and blindfold the people right now he is getting his military ready in that same region of Cameroon. I want the Congress and humanity to look at these activities of Mr. Paul Biya and his CPDM regime very closely because it is totally unacceptable.   Let me argue that since the United States is involved in Cameroon since I was born, it is proper that Cameroon becomes a free society like the US . Right now, it is a dictatorship and corrupt tyranny since we acquired independence from the French and Britain on January 1,1961 . It is offensive to the spirit and legacy of the Founding Fathers who dreaded and loathed dictatorship,and tyranny of the King of England way back in the 17th century. Each time the world slides into slumber, people who have no regards for a sound system of government reinvent dictatorship and tyranny leading to the demise of minority people.   Therefore, our vision and agenda is to free and change Cameroon from the present bad system of government. We, the people must be concerned and defend the labors of the Founding Fathers who toiled so hard to establish a free world based on the People’s law. President Thomas Jefferson describes the People‘s Law in the Declaration of Independence when he said;   “To secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, driving their just powers from the consent of the governed…whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying it foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem likely to effect their safety and happiness”   Like President Thomas Jefferson, we have done enough research before developing the instinct to the task of nation building, which shapes our vision. I believe that the anxiety of the Founders of America to alter, abolish or replace any form of tyranny was well conceived and executed. Why not Cameroon today, my fellow Americans? Only unreasonable people from a tyrannical society like Cameroon can live within the United States of America or Europe for more than 5 years and not be moved by the brilliant precepts, which brought about this free world.  Yet the CPDM Party and their officials tend to be attracted to the abundance of liberty, life, happiness and prosperity within the United States but are stumbling blocks to the rest of our fellow citizens.   I cannot understand why the Pro-CPDM Cameroonians within the United States aren’t inspired by the freedom they have within North America . If the Founder were blind people I bet you that we would have no North America and come to think of a world today without the United States of America ? Where would these my fellow Cameroonians who continue to aid and abet a corrupt government under CPDM go? My fellow Americans you have always wanted us to take the initiative to lead our societies. We are ready to lead. However, we badly need your help because it will be completely coward of us to try to do this alone. I am writing to you because I believe in partnership for the commongood and because it is possible for us to become stakeholders in building a new Cameroon society.   I believe in the fiber of my being that the United States as a free world has the moral obligation toward our vision. Let me explain to you what I discovered about tyranny. James Madison was one of the most influential Founding Fathers of the United States of America and worked very closely with other Founders like Thomas Jefferson. His magic was felt during the time they were exploring different forms of Government around the world in order to build a more perfect and free society after the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. When it was his turn to speak, James Madison personally defined tyranny as follows;   “The accumulation of all powers-legislative, Executive, and Judiciary-in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny”   On the basis of this declaration by James Madison, we are ready to free Cameroonians who deserve to be free from the CPDM regime. In my personal opinion anybody who is living under a dictator and corrupt tyranny is a victim of circumstances.  My ambition for President is to lead Transitional Government for 24 months under a 33 Council for Good Governance. This link will lead you to the nature of the 32 Councils. The most recent one is the Restorative Justice and Reconciliation Council.   There is absolutely no excuse for the President Paul Biya of Cameroon and his Regime to expect us in this new age to be silent over his government that engages in the systematic torture and murder of people forcing hundreds into exile. Ironically the greatest numbers of refugees overseas especially within the United States of America are children and supporters of some of the most heinous regimes in Africa like the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM Party). They are not different from Edi Amin, Stalin, Hitler and Saddam Hussein.   I honestly wonder why up till now they have not been inducted into the hall of these heartless men on this earth. People who solely came into this world to oppress, torture, exploit and kill their own citizens and yet would bounce up and down on world stage claiming to be leaders of sovereign nations! They are trapped by the vicious systems, which they have orchestrated over the years and tend to be scared of what might happen to them if they relinquish power sooner. They prefer to die in power and subsequently hand over to their children.   Many of us are very unsettled with this trend of dictatorship and dynasty monarchy in mostly West Africa. For instance in Togo the son of the former President inherited the Presidency after his father died. It has happened in Democratic Republic of Congo and most recently in Gabon. As an Anglo-Cameroonian, I am very concerned that President Paul Biya who is Franco-Cameroonian is also headed in that same direction to make his son his successor. Democracy cannot function in any society where some people are still operating under a monarchy and tyranny.   The truth is even if some foreign corporate individuals orchestrated their atrocity against Cameroonians they were equally as greedy as their foreign partners in these crimes. After all some people could reasonably claim that justice was served since Bernie Madoff is serving 150 years behind bars as an “Investment Fraud Swindler”(courtesy of Meredith Vieira on “ Who Wants to be a Millionaire”) So why are these corrupt and fraudulent Cameroon men allowed to walk away when their misdeeds are even worst? They are not only swindlers but also murderers and killers. If there is no moral justification for killing people like in Just Wars then no government on the face of this earth that tortures innocent people be admitted among free and civilized people. If people live in fear and are not secured in the hands of their own government then it hurts a lot.   As a Sovereign nation we have a Constitution, which ought to be binding on everyone but a few CPDM officials have hijacked the country for their own selfish ends through some form of military dictatorship. As a consequence, there is absolutely no good governance because we lack the rule of law in spite of the fact that we have a Constitution. As you can tell it is sickening and unacceptable for any class of people in their minority to rely on arms and soldiers to oppress the majority through constant intimidation of the powerless citizens around election time. This is what Mr. Paul Biya and CPDM are doing right now. We must not tolerate this kind of governments again beginning as from 2010.   The historical swinging of the pendulum from colonization to dictatorship and then to enlighten despotism marked by a façade of democracy and then back to corrupt tyranny is the history of the Cameroon Revolution. When multiparty politics was forced down the throat of the CPDM regime in 1990 one was hopeful but that hope was dashed against the wall a long time ago when the CPDM Party and regime decided to cling to power through corrupt means.   In 2009, it was confirmed by Democracy Now that President Paul Biya used corrupt means to be re-elected President of Cameroon in 2004. As of now, he is no longer eligible to run for President because besides the bogus ELECAM in place he and his ministers have never declared their assets according to article 66 of the Constitution. They are liable to be charged for corruption. Consequently, none of them are fit or eligible to run for President. I believe in my blood veins that he and his government should step down and hand over to me to form a transitional government.   Our generation is the most competent Cameroonians right now in History to lead Cameroonians. I have articulated a consistent vision and have remained focused on the goals I want to achieve for the people. I am one of the few Cameroonians who has listened to the President of the United States and captured his policy speech for Africa and now ready to work with the government and people of the United States to fulfill our promise for the people of Cameroon.   My fellow free Americans, Mr. Paul Biya of Cameroon is an architect of what Dr W.Cleon Skousen describes as Ruler’s law. Paul Biya and CPDM make the Rules to suit their corrupt ways. This is what Dr W.Cleon Skousen asserts;    “In the past, ninety-nine percent of the human race has had to live out their lives under what might be described as Ruler’s Law. This is a system with all power in the ruler”   This is a befitting description of Mr. Paul Biya of Cameroon . His point is under Ruler’s Law, freedom is not considered a solution to anything. In fact the founders were never comfortable with the Ruler’s Law, which translates into corrupt tyranny. He says;   “The founders considered it to be the greatest enemy of self-government and freedom that has ever been contrived by the mind of man”   The despotic centralized government of the CPDM regime under the rule of one man for the last 28 years is an anti-thesis of the people’s form of Government marked by the people’s Law, which preoccupied the founders and brought about this great free nation on earth called the United States of America . That vision has always been behind the moral transformation of America each time human beings strayed or drifted away from its promise and ideals. For instance, slave abolition, end of civil war and the civil rights movement.   We must make the best of it and prove to free people that the more people are free the better for humanity. If this must become a modern day experiment in terms of exporting freedom, then I urge you to give us a chance and see for yourselves what will happen. You will be amazed at the outcome. We must argue that a free Cameroon society will not hurt the relations Cameroon has with Europe and North America . On the contrary it will be a magical strategy to stop the hatching of terrorism.   You know that when people are oppressed and enslaved they become very vulnerable and could fall into the hands of terrorists who have no plans to change their conditions except destroy. If you truly care about a safe and free world then please, this is the deal; free and empower people in order to win their support with a stable political system under good governance and the rule of law. The notion that anarchy, disorder, genocide and civil war are working for the best interests of the United States is a dangerous myth. You have spent more resources and money in keeping corrupt dictators than you would if you had allowed free and progressive minded people like us to lead our societies.    Our effort is only designed to take these relations to a whole new level in the 21 st century consistent with the vision to honor our common humanity accentuated by the presence of Cameroonians in these continents. A great miracle is possible again because I see great minds ready to go. My fellow people, we must be very tired of unintelligent people posing as leaders because their decisions and policies are a disaster and insult to the vision of the Founders of America. Consequently, we must consider it a moral and political obligation to free Cameroon because of the circumstances under, which one was persecuted and assaulted while in Cameroon by the CPDM regime.    I cannot imagine a Democratic Republic anywhere on this earth responsible for million of people on exile or political asylum overseas since 1982. It is very logical that any Cameroonian who acquired a green card or citizenship through Political Asylum anywhere on this earth must be embarrassed to learn that the CPDM, which persecuted them is purported to be a Democratic Republic or that Cameroon was an advanced democracy.   Democracy is never matured or premature. It is either democracy or it is not. Democratic procedures, principles and practices cannot be made different from one society to the other for convenience. I know that President Abraham Lincoln would agree with me today. We must be concerned and question the sincerity of anyone who asserts that there is a democratic process in Cameroon . We know too well that what is actually described as a democracy is a hot air hoax and we must not encourage intellectual dishonesty in this hour in history.   My fellow Americans, I  am inviting you because the “fierce sense of urgency now” requires us to take back our country from the CPDM pundits. The CPDM regime has failed to deliver to our people for the last 27 years and we must not allow them to continue their politics of manipulation, hypnotism, deception and exploitation of Cameroonians. Mr. Paul Biya deceived me as a young man to believe that a corrupt tyranny he has orchestrated since he was Prime Minister from 1975 and President from 1982 till date is a Democratic Republic!   Besides the fact that they conspired to publicly mislead us, they also used military force and the corrupt judiciary to perpetuate their outward show of a Democratic Republic. It is a serious civil crime against the civil society and humanity for such people to knowingly  frame up the Cameroon people and the International community within Cameroon . It is unethical to trick or force people to turn around and admit an opposite (Corrupt Tyranny) of what ought to be true (A Free Democratic Republic). We must pursue the truth.   One of my main motivations is political asylum. The United States Immigration and Custom Enforcement Officials granted my application for Political asylum within the United States after they examined me thoroughly. Read more about why and how I was granted political asylum on my website. My inspiration is the history of the United States and my Political Heroes are the Founding Fathers of America led by President Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. My hero in self-taught education and scholarship is President Abraham Lincoln. In this present generation, make no mistake that President Barack Obama has emboldens me in many ways and I am sure you will agree with me.   The challenge for us today is, if the Founding Fathers were here today how would they appreciate the present Union and their relationship with Cameroon ? As I explore who President Thomas Jefferson was I became very convinced that they had a great vision for freedom beyond the shores of the United States . I have captured his spirit and this is the defining moment.  Now I am asking your help to translate this vision into reality.   A leader is someone who is visionary and capable of bringing people together to listen and reason together. At last, for the first time in the history of Cameroon , those who abuse power without impunity will no longer bully us into submission. This is a period when Cameroonians will shine with their talents, skills, ideas and ideals toward building our nation for the good of everyone living within Cameroon . You are a person of interest in this movement to take our country back from irresponsible leadership. Thank you all     Jonathan Awasom

FIVE MAJOR THEMES OF ADVOCACY FOR A VIRTUOUS AND FREE CAMEROON

 Our advocacy for change  is centered on 5  major themes

 

1) Advocating for Change of President and his Government because they have violated the constitution by refusing to declare their assets according to article 66 of the Constitution. Most importantly, President Paul Biya and his government have grossly violated the human rights of Cameroonians with well documented evidence of abuse. We insist that all public servants in any society including Cameroon must be accountable to the civil society on how they serve the people. Unfortunately, this has not been the case in Cameroon with President Paul Biya.

 

He has made himself a rare dictator and tyrant by going after anybody who is opposed to his type of Machiavellian malicious and divisive politics. It is unacceptable for a President to rule people by employing divide and conquer tactics, intimidating and inciting tribal and regional conflicts, arbitrary arrest, torture and incarceration of his opponents for the sake of power and ill-gotten wealth. A new President of Cameroon and his government should be public servants with an inclusive vision to inspire, build and empower the people to be patriotic and follow his or her leadership with a good and clean conscience.

 

2)Advocating  for Change towards a new Political System because the current political system is a corrupt tyranny and dictatorship perpetuated by a corrupt judiciary and lack of separation of the three famous arms of government (The Executive, Legislative and Judiciary). The concentration of absolute powers into the hands of the President is one of the root causes of gross violation of human rights of Cameroonians. This kind of political system of government is outdated and was never embraced by the Founding Fathers of America. Therefore, we believe like President Thomas Jefferson that if a President and his government are unpatriotic and oppressive against its citizens such a government should be abolished and replaced with a new form of government that will guarantee the safety and happiness of the citizens.

 

3)Advocating for change towards  Natural and National Resources Distribution. All nations are blessed with rich natural resources from within and without which are capable to empower its citizens to reach their full potential in life. Every country has a promise, which is linked with these natural minerals. The only way to attain that promise for peace, happiness and prosperity is to use the resources for their commongood

 

Therefore, it is absolutely imperative that the President and his government as well as foreign corporations that have invested in the country should account to the citizens and civil society as follows; what are these natural resources, where are they located, who is tapping into them, who are our clients and how much are these resources worth in monetary and material terms, who are the indigenous people directly involved with these natural resources and how has the lives of Cameroonians improved as a result of these resources. Therefore, we advocate for change in the national distribution of resources so that everybody should have equal rights and opportunities to live in dignity.   

 

4)Advocating for change towards Accountability and Transparency centers on political and economic management of the country in the field of business. We believe that all State and National businesses conducted within and outside of the country should be transparent. The most plausible defense for the sovereignty of every nation is when such a nation is free from corporate globalization and exploitation of the natural resources and people through some deliberate unethical business practices in other societies.

 

When people have come together from different tribes and cultures, and agreed to live together from one region to the other within the national  territory of the country, a bond of mutual relationship of respect and acceptance ensues allowing room for their leaders to hold the people accountable. By the same token, these leaders should consciously be accountable to the people in order to cultivate trust and patriotism towards nation building. We have observed that lack of accountability and transparency has led to flagrant mismanagement in Cameroon resulting to institutionalized corruption. We should work toward making sure that the government and governed are both accountable and transparent.

 

5)Advocating for Change towards new Moral Values, Conscience and Patriotism is critical. The falling moral standards of Cameroonians from all walks of life are a very troubling trend to recognize. Perhaps owing to the fact that Cameroon was first of all built on falsehood (colonialism and neo-colonialism to suit colonizers) its foundation was never cemented with concrete moral values and spirit of patriotism. It is never going to be possible for a nation to survive on this earth if it  has no moral foundation upon, which it was built as well as the moral value system that will inspires and guide people to live worthy lives

 

In fact, corruption has taken a huge toll on Cameroonians because it is deeply engrained right into the blood veins of a child as soon as they are poorly integrated into the civil society. Almost nothing works in Cameroon without someone being forced to be corrupt just to survive. We live with corruption dictated from down to the bottom and circulated through every nook and cranny of the society making it a norm. Many Cameroonians recognize these moral problems but wonder if it is ever going to change granted the sinful nature of men and women? These are questions that others have explored in the past and they are success stories, which defeat the pessimists and have put and end to social chaos, injustice and gross violation of human rights.

 

We believe that it is possible as soon as we change the political system and leadership of the country. Then replace them with new leaders who are patriotic with a good and clean conscience, and possess a moral value system consistent with integrity, honesty and principles of human dignity. If corrupt leaders can have such a powerful negative influence on a whole nation and generations of people, it  goes without saying that good leaders with their government, too will also have the capacity and will to have a very powerful positive impact on the nation and people. If good leaders inspire citizens, then they will learn how to report corrupt practices, testify against corruption and corrupt citizens as well as internationalize a good conscience against corruption. All these and more will catapult Cameroon to the political high moral grounds of good governance and the rule of law.

 

 

Jonathan F Awasom

 

 

http://virtuousandfreecameroon.blogspot.com/

 

http://virtuousandfreecameroon.blogspot.com/

 

http://virtuousandfreecameroon.blogspot.com/

CAMEROON: "TIME OUT" FOR PRESIDENT PAUL BIYA AND HIS CPDM CONGRESS ...DO NOT REGISTER AND DO NOT VOTE FOR CORRUPT TYRANNY AND DICTATORSHIP

Cameroon: "TIME OUT" FOR PRESIDENT PAUL BIYA AND HIS CPDM CONGRESS OF INSANITY : DO NOT REGISTER AND DO NOT VOTE

Wednesday, July 27, 2011 4:58 PM

From:

"Jonathan Awasom" <cameroonfreedomadvocate@yahoo.com>

Add sender to Contacts

To:

cruza@wjpnet.org, ti@transparency.org, europarl.president.press@europarl.europa.eu, camnetwork@yahoogroups.com, cameroons_sdf_party@yahoogroups.com, jonathan_light2000@yahoo.com

Cc:"pfabie@transparency.org" <pfabie@transparency.org>, "lschuurmann@transparency.org" <lschuurmann@transparency.org>, nkostka@transparency.org, nmenck@transparency.org, sricciardo@transparency.org, mmarschall@transparency.org, cswardt@transparency.org

Bcc:

 

 

The European Parliament

The US Council on Foreign Relations

The French Embassy, USA

The US Congress

The International Civil Society

The African People for change

The Cameroon Community for Change

 

 

Time out for President Paul Biya and his CPDM Congress of crooks, embezzlers and violators of Article 66 and all laws.

 

• ISOLATE PAUL BIYA AND CPDM CONGRESS OF THIEVES
• DO NOT REGISTER AND DO NOT VOTE FOR INSANITY
• DO NOT REMAIN SILENT, SPEAK UP  AGAINST INJUSTICE
• STAND UP UNTIL PAUL BIYA STEPS DOWN LIKE MUBARAK OF EGYPT
• Pass on this REVOLUTION to everyone who must know
• Freeze all the assets of the Cameroon government officials 

 

 

Justification for President Paul Biya's Time out

 

The CPDM government intends to register about 10 million Cameroonians in the so called electoral process for Presidential elections in October ,2011. However, we must be extremely careful because out of the 10 million registered voters, CPDM with the help of their bogus ELECAM will corrupt enough Cameroonians and will register about 6-8 million of PRO- CPDM supporters. This means that the rest of the opposing political parties will share about 4 million voters registered only to boost the facade,which has been created to make it look like democracy.

 

From such corrupt activities, it will set the stage for CPDM to declare victory on election day based on the resgistered voters in their favor. Granted this state of affairs-corrupt tyranny- I believe that Cameroonians who are in the right frame of mind must not participate in any elections organized by the CPDM government and President Paul Biya. We insist that Cameroon is very ready for a period of transition to last for 24 months. I implore you to study Nancy Schlossberg transitional theory with respect to understanding the importance of transition for our country and people.

 

The best thing for us to do is isolate Mr. Paul Biya and all the fake political parties that exist.It is obvious that all the people supporting CPDM and Paul Biya have been corrupted with money, little favors and gifts to vote come what come may! So, what is the point about democracy when we allow a corrupt tyranny and dictatorship to impose on us a life President through a false exercise of democracy?

 

There is noting to complaint about after the elections results will be declared because the rigging will be carried not at the counting of ballots but right from the onset when more people were registered for CPDM than all the voters of those opposing CPDM combined. What I am saying based on the more than  200 opposition groups  is, CPDM  is unfortunately a State Party with  the ability to own about 6-8 million registered voters meanwhile 199 political Parties will share about 4 million registred voters.  This is how ridiculous it can be and who is to blame for this kind of INSANITY? All people on this earth who have a conscience and soul, must never be part of this CPDM insanity,which impedes our progress together.

 

The spirit of our forefathers and mothers is alive and strong. We will never stop seeking God's intervention in our beloved nation Cameroon. I urge all of you to continue in prayers as well as be proactive wherever you are on this earth.No weapon fashioned against us will prevail.We are bound to be free and we will not look back until we become a virtuous and free Cameroon society.

 

All Cameroonians who may be tempted to accept bribes from dictator Paul Biya of Cameroon to participate in his self-made Presidential elections to enable him remain in power for life, should be extremely careful never to regret for betraying our country. A word to a wise is sufficient because the constitution is clear that Mr Paul Biya and his government are not eligible to govern Cameroonians again. We have to learn how to be patient and not to be enticed by money that is being distributed by the state to go around corrupting and misleading people to participate in an election that will never be free and fair.

 

In 2009, I humbly launched a vision for a 24 months peaceful transitional government for Cameroon alongside 21 points and a suggestion of a 33 councils to enable a transitional government. Under this same vision, I articulated an inclusive visionary leadership to empower Cameroonians from all walks of life especially young men and women at home and abroad to be more involved and participative in politics and nation building.Yet, I also emphasized that we have to work together as a team and not as a divided house.

 

May 29,2011 marked  exactly three years of this vision amid persecution and retaliation from all angles. But I am still humble to know that the political persecution and retaliation I am undergoing here in the United States is a living testimony that the United States officials under the previous and  current administrations have been touched by the truth.

  

As your Senior Community Political Advocate and Organizer here in the Diaspora  since 2006 due to my situation , I wanted to continue to appeal to all Cameroonians  and well-wishers to rise up to this historic occasion in the life of our beloved nation Cameroon. This moment in history is very critical and we must never waver or submit ourselves to any cause of action, which we know will take us back to 1992 in Cameroon.

 

The political landscape US/Europe-Cameroon has been extended beyond the shores of Cameroon because of the presence of powerful nations as stakeholders. It is up to us to define the political terrain and as far as I am concerned, we must consider the fact that so long as CPDM regime of Cameroon is located in the societies where  we are resident as political asylees, meaning we fled from persecution, we have the absolute right to stand up and make our case known to the world. You can now understand why in spite of attempt to stop me, I have persisted because all of us must work together to change Cameroon. In my own big way, I have made my case to the United States officials involved in foreign policy since 2006 till date.My blog carries most of my advocacy and activism for a virtuous and free Cameroon society.

 

We must continue to prove to the world and especially to the State Department under Secretary Madam Hilary Clinton, President Bill Clinton, National Democratic Institute and National Endowment for Democracy that we are well educated and informed about what constitutes a democratic society. The United States, France and Britain do not need to lecture us again on what ought to be the definition of freedom, liberty, human rights ,civil rights and above all living in dignity.

 

They taught us directly or indirectly to the extent, which we are dangerously intelligent and knowledgeable with the right frame of mind set to become productive citizens of the world. We cannot spend the rest of our lives taking down notes or listening to others telling us what they feel about us and what  they think we should be doing for our own societies. We know and all we need is support and not lectures on good governance, rule of law and ending poverty and injustice.

 

To accept this kind of one way- traffic relationship is to say the least that we are babies  or puppies who should be given milk all the time. Unfortunately, our baby sitters aren't baby sitters enough to give us milk when we really are in need of milk. It reminds me of Jesus Christ who was tasty for fresh water and was instead offered vinegar! Let the tyrant and dictator  of Cameroon step down now.We cannot mistaken a humpty-dumpty anymore. THE CPDM PARTY AND GOVERNMENT ARE THE NEW HUMPTY-DUMPTY.

 

Let me reassure you without  underminding our common sense spirit that the foundation for a  solid democratic society is cemented by strong values and principles ,which prescribes fundamental democratic rules and laws drawn to uphold an even playing field for everyone.In this way, ensure that the relationship between the govern and governors is transparent and worthy of accountability

 

In myriad of ways the Cameroon administration at home and abroad have also been cornered to the extent, which President Paul Biya and his government were opened to embracing young people to seek public office for the first time  after I declared my candidacy to lead a transitional government for my beloved country, Cameroon in November, 2009 apparently, I was one of the youngest God-fearing man to stand up!

I declared my candidacy overseas because I wanted the world to know, I am within the US on political asylum because of the bad government of Cameroon.

 

For the first time in history, our political asylum was not just some kind of  prestigious award hanging on the walls or standing on the TV station in our homes but it became a cyber  grassroot political instrument for change. Oh, yes, I have argued with US officials especially religious and political personalities since 2006 that my political asylum was based on the fact that the CPDM government of President Paul Biya connived with the Church and falsely persecuted and prosecuted us.Consequently, it was appropriate to stand up for church reforms and also for  a new political system to enhance  a virtuous and free society in Cameroon, Africa, thus FREECCAM'A.

 

There is one specific objective that I wanted to achieve during my 11 years as a Senior Community Consultant ,Organizer and Political Advocate, which is to eventually educate, inspire and empower a new generation of right thinking Cameroonians/Afrcians from all walks of life to focus on nation building. This older generation of Africans are gradually passing away. 

 

Although, it has not been a smooth sail granted the obvious difficulty some people face in transitioning and worst still with some of the distractions and distortions, I must remark that there has been quite a surge in a new paradigm shift in perception and appraisal of important issues that affect our lives as a community, nation and part of the larger human family by well intentioned Cameroonians and Africans. Even neutral people had some great things to say about the work we have been doing since 2006.

 

In many and varied ways, I can humbly state with exceeding joy that we are  about  70 % successful in this vision of inclusive and visonary leadership directed to energize, organize,mobilize and empower Cameroonians to stand up as agents of change.Some of my critics eventually came to the realization that I was right to have a God-centered vision.Change happens when people are educated about why change is necessary but most importantly, when a global awareness is created in ways that it puts the corrupt tyranny and dictatorship dancing on hot bricks like horses.

 

One thing I want to share with all of you is I never ever boasted to be in charge of this vision for I know it was divinely conveyed to me  to pass it on through the wisdom that God put in my heard and the love for humanity in my heart. As we are longing for a new society,a city of virtue and freedom under good governance and the rule of law, I will never refrain from my work as a community organizer because I know it has paid up dearly.WHAT WILL THE WORLD LOOK LIKE WITHOUT COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS.

For the rest of the reasons why time is out for President Paul Biya and his CPDM congress and government, please , continue to download the 95 articles on my blog

 

To God be the Glory

 

 

 

Jonathan Fru  Awasom

 

 

http://virtuousandfreecameroon.blogspot.com/

 

http://virtuousandfreecameroon.blogspot.com/

 

http://virtuousandfreecameroon.blogspot.com/

THE FATE OF CAMEROON CALLS FOR FAITH IN GOD: BASED ON PROF KONDE'S ARTICLE

Dear Prof  Emmanuel Konde

 

" The authors of the First Amendment knew that novel and unconventional ideas might disturb the complacent,but they chose to encourage a freedom which they believed  would be essential if vigorous enlightenment was ever to truimp over slothful ignorance..."   Justice Hugo Black

 

                                                                           

 

Thanks but no thanks  for all your sweat and blood analyses explaining the CPDM  GOVERNMENT'S ELECTORAL VICTORIES IN CAMEROON in this very eloquent preamble of yours;

 

 

"Why the CPDM Will Emerge Victorious in the 2011 Presidential Election

By Emmanuel Konde

 

"Personally, my support for the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) in the upcoming presidential election is strictly based on pragmatic considerations.  I am not an ideologue, therefore, concrete empirical facts, not abstract ideals, guide my orientation to politics. Empirically demonstrable evidence shows that at this particular juncture in the political history of the Republic of Cameroon, only one political party has what it takes to win elections and to govern.  And that’s the CPDM. Alongside CPDM’s tried and tested cadre of strategists, the party has something that the more than 200 or so legal opposition political parties in Cameroon do not have.  That something is a “system of organization.”  What is a system of organization? Prof Emmanuel Konde

 

 

 

But never expect anything good from a system of  corrupt tyranny and dictatorship( system of organization).This kind of "system of organization" is never defeated at the ballot box because it was never designed to contest elections.Therefore there is nothing like" why CPDM will emerge victorious  in the 2011 Presidential election" because only ignorant people contest with a system of organized crime like corrupt tyranny and dictatorship.

 

As a Professor of history, I suppose you know that neither Thomas Jefferson, nor John Adams and James Madison ever thought in their wildest imagination before becoming Presidents  that they could compete with  the King of England at the ballot box, right? How come you seem to display total lack of understanding that it is sheer waste of time to compete with any system of organized  tyranny and dictatorship on this earth?

Victory is earned through appropriate cause of action under prescribed principles.It is not induced or forced upon someone or a political party that has no sense of competition like the CPDM Party.

 

What we see in Cameroon is a facade and that makes it even more worrisome because Mr Paul Biya does very little and most Cameroonians get to like him and are just so used to him because he is surrounded by a clique of opportunistic vultures who prey on Cameroonians and at the sametime, decieve them with very little favors and gifts under the CPDM "system of organization". This is exactly the mediocrity you are applauding without so much ease and excitement.

 

Corrupt Tyranny and dictatorship are a function of  systematic Organization.

So, I do not know what you mean by Systematic Organization by trying to justify injustice and oppression?The truth is any system of organization can be evil or good depending on what principles and values such a system is built on. In the case of Cameroon, the system of organization is driven by  corruption, greed and totalitarianism.Do you therefore credit this kind of system as authentic because it is capable to do whatever it likes to keep the statusquo? 

 

In a small country of only 19 million people, the legalization of over 200 political parties is intentionally circumvented in order to disorganize, confuse, mislead and continue to oppress the civil society. How can you explain the fact that the United States,which has over 300million people does not have up to five political parties whereas Cameroon with only 19 million citizens has over 200 Political Parties? Is it normal Prof. Konde and will you be bold again to associate with such a system of mediocrity ?  In what age are we to have people justifying  slothful ignorance in lieu of vigorous enlightenment even including university Professors?

 

What do you make of a country where people have dreams for a better future in another country? The European and American dreams  is/are what drives everyday Cameroonian including the children of Paul Biya's top ranking officials from all walks of life. Who really cares about Cameroon? May be a mere plantation where slaves are dumped there to labor and toiled day and night while the owners reap it apart and give very little to the people.

 

I don't know why you are wasting your time trying to convince anyone that CPDM regime and CPDM Party( system of organization)  have a better organizatioal structure and all that stuff. What did you expect from organized crime? It is just like saying that terrorists organizations are well organized systems. Of course criminal organizations are usually sophisticatedly organized because if they are not organized, they won't achieve their objectives. So, now you know that not everything that is systematically  organized is good for humankind. History was alarmed how slavery was well organized and executed.So, too was apartheid, racial segregation and colonization. Right now neo-colonization is taking a huge toll on us because it is transmitted this time around through corrupt tyranny and dictatorship.All these vices as defined by history have been systematically organized but there are not friendly to humanity at all. Are you morally awake now, Prof Emmanuel Konde?

 

I wonder if you really know the modus operandi of corrupt tyranny? Cameroonians who were born in 1982 have grown up to know only  President Paul Biya as President. Many Cameroonians have learned along the way that if they want to have a comfortable life inside Cameroon and sometimes even outside of Cameroon, they must be loyal to President Paul Biya and the CPDM  system of organization  whether they like it or not. This is the number one cause of corruption because it is ordained as a way of life.

 

Sometimes we blame those who are struggling to change the system of injustice without really understanding the dynamics of resistance and how complicated it is. Please, corrupt tyranny is constituted moral evil,which has been endorsed by foreigners who live happily in our country. Their presence and charitable gifts to Cameroonians as well as the frequent issuance of visas to people to travel to their countries in search for better standards has thrown the Cameroon cause into a very difficult confusion intentionally  because Cameroonians are being nourished with a false sense of hope by the presence of foreigners who live off of our people.Yet, we are very happy with them in deprivation and with a begging bowl for charity or visas to leave the country. Then when some have come here, they are denied asylums !

 

How to handle all these is not a child's play. I am speaking from experience. See, very well, many Cameroonians who were excited to join the SDF later learned from bitter experience that their loyalty to SDF was instead hurting them. Not that they hate SDF but because clearly CPDM meant business after Cameroonians. Either you belong to them and support Paul Biya or you lose your job or have no promotion or recruitment in any public service.Many have wanted to see change but had their hopes dashed against the rock because the very stakeholders in Cameroon who ought to support genuine endeavors either would back up or simply turn a blind eye claiming that Cameroon is a sovereign nation.This time while here I have pursued them until some of them have become angry and doing just the opposite of what I asked of them!

 

Most Cameroonians in the Diaspora are CPDM supporters due to the nature of corruption in Cameroon. Some of them are still on the pay roll of the government since leaving Cameroon. There are even some Cameroonians who have passed on but their names are still on the pay roll and family members are collecting these money through some very corrupt means. What I  am saying is it is hard to infleunce Cameroonians with this kind of mentality and corrupt behavior.The only way forward is to end corrupt tyranny and dictatorship. Now, the problem is how do we end the humpty-dumpty?

 

This is not to say that your analyses and insights aren't relevant. They are quite debatable and some of the points all of you are raising are useful. However, Jesus Christ lived more than 2000 years ago and had this to say about the sower. If you plant a good seed on a bad soil, never anticipate a good harvest because the bad soil will shatter the dreams of the good seeds to grow and bear much fruits that will last. CPDM is just everywhere inside Cameroon. It has entered the blood streams and veins of Cameroon like lies. Worst still Western propaganda,charity and favors to many of us to travel and seek opportunities outside of Cameroon where dreams can come true has been a serious impediment to making Cameroon a better country.

 

Corrupt tyranny and dictatorship are evil. I don't see anyone winning an election in a political system like that unless the rest of us agree that we must first of all stop and take a hard look at the current system so as to make required changes, don't expect this buffoonery to stop. I am very saddened that people within the United States, who are supposed to know their history of political freedom from corrupt tyranny and dictatorship have been friends of Paul Biya for so long and are determined to see him become life President. It is pitiful and unfortunate but this is what I see now although I am not discouraged to continue fighting.

 

Where is there is no vision, the people perish and since 1982 that Paul Biya became President, I know that he has ruled Cameroon through motions of support and decrees.

How can we at this age of  40 and above continue to engage the CPDM regime to the extent of talking about democracy with men and women who have no conscience, no soul and seem to be living like some wild beast in the forest? Look at all the opportunistic vultures who are supposed to declare their assets according to article 66 making impossible financial donations to bribe Paul Biya to remain life President. Now that money will be used to corrupt their registered militants who will vote for Paul Biya,who else can match them in campaign money?

 

CPDM will register the highest number of voters because of their ability to bribe people with a lot of money. We know that this is unacceptable but those Cameroonians are accepting the bribes and singing the CPDM anthem because the about 195 of the other political parties have also aligned with them. That is CPDM will make huge pay outs to these mushroom parties to register their members to vote for CPDM regime. It is well organized and  is done in such a manner that any betrayal is met with tough sanctions without media attention. CPDM regime smiles in broad day light but behind close doors, they have succeeded in injecting fear into Cameroonians through threats, intimidation and realistic retaliation against families knowing fully well that very few will get the attention of the justice system.

 

In a state of mediocrity where we lack the means to circulate information as well as communicate effectively granted that the CPDM controls all major communication network as far as buying the consciences of some newspapers who ought to be neutral, truth be told, we are then left in the hands of fate. How will the CPDM end? Like CNU ? I don't know but while we call for God's intervention in our nation Cameroon, we should never give up. God's time is the best and we must continue to be proactive and less retroactive. Those who dare say that we should ignore outside corrupt influence into Cameroon's affairs may be too naive because they must realize that they, too are part of the problem and if we are afraid to confront them then we are very mistaken.What do you really make of this kind of greed? Have these folks respected article 66 of the constitution,which calls for all public servants to declare their assets?  This is a typical example of what the CPDM systematic organization has the capacity to do. Does this fit into your private definition of System of organization?

 

 

 "Northwest CPDM Supporters Beef Biya's Canpaign Funds To 400M".

 

 

Jonathan Awasom

 

http://virtuousandfreecameroon.blogspot.com/

 

 

 

 

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Emmanuel Konde <ekonde07@yahoo.com>
To: Cameroon Network <camnetwork@yahoogroups.com>
Cc: "camdesg@yahoogroups.com" <camdesg@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2011 9:04 PM
Subject: [camnetwork] Fw: CPDM ELECTORAL VICTORIES EXPLAINED

 

Why the CPDM Will Emerge Victorious in the 2011 Presidential Election

By Emmanuel Konde

 

Personally, my support for the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) in the upcoming presidential election is strictly based on pragmatic considerations.  I am not an ideologue, therefore, concrete empirical facts, not abstract ideals, guide my orientation to politics. Empirically demonstrable evidence shows that at this particular juncture in the political history of the Republic of Cameroon, only one political party has what it takes to win elections and to govern.  And that’s the CPDM. Alongside CPDM’s tried and tested cadre of strategists, the party has something that the more than 200 or so legal opposition political parties in Cameroon do not have.  That something is a “system of organization.”  

What is a system of organization?

 

By system of organization I do not mean a hierarchy of officials charged with the responsibility of performing different functions.  System of organization as used here refers to the configuration of the structures of an organization, in this case the CPDM, which includes a cohesive hierarchy of officials who constitute the leadership; strategists, who generate ideas and articulate policy options; activists, who mobilize citizens to vote during elections; a method of leveraging resources; and a system for spreading ideas and dividing and delivering goods and services.  This is the required infrastructure that any political party must have in place if it prospects to win elections.  A cursory glance at the wobbly structures of all the political parties of opposition candidates reveals a paucity of any viable system of organization.

 

Symptomatic of the opposition parties in Cameroon is their reliance on demagoguery rather than on organization.  No sooner a date is announced for the next presidential election than a slew of ill-qualified individuals begin to scramble to make their presence felt and their voices heard, albeit without a system of organization. Many in the opposition desire quick fixes to intractable problems, which only a well organized political party can aspire to tackle. In view of the fact that the various opposition groups wallow in disorganized ignominy, one cannot but conclude that the CPDM presents Cameroon at this time with the best possibilities for developing a truly democratic political culture.  A brief review of the politics of the early-1990s when the opposition had an opportunity to defeat the CPDM but squandered it because of disorganization would reveal why the CPDM wins elections.

Political demagoguery

There is every indication that when people yearn for change they are often driven by some irrational impulses to support demagogues who have no track record of leadership.  Barely two decades ago the Cameroonian people were taken on a joy ride, a sentimental excursion of sorts, into the realm of nothingness via the instrument of “political demagoguery”.  Promises of “power to the people,”  an empty slogan, as this lofty promise turned out to be, was nothing but a captivating utterance designed to rally the people to a cause that had neither direction nor a system of organization to deliver the desired end of “power to the people”.  This was the case in those euphoric and deceptively exhilarating “Ghost Town” days when a novice who could churn and dish out empty slogans suddenly caught the imagination of many a gullible Cameroonian.

The early 1990s presented Cameroonians with a great learning experience in politics.  It taught many that in politics what you see is not always what you get.  On the fertile ground of sloganeering arose a “messiah” who preached a new dawn in Cameroon politics.  Unschooled and inexperienced in practical politics, the herald was suddenly thrust into the limelight of national politics. The public adulation showered on him across the land was rather overwhelming and confounding to him, so much that his message was configured around his campaign slogan and no more.  Some two decades after, the messiah is remembered today solely on his repeated pronouncement of the catchphrase: “Power to the People”. What his adherents failed to realize was that the messiah could not deliver on his promises because he lacked the necessary infrastructure through which his lofty slogan could be translated from a mere appealing idea into reality.  

I am here referring to the advent of the Social Democratic Front (SDF), headed by Ni John Fru Ndi.  Still in is embryonic stage in the early-1990s, neither the SDF nor its leadership knew what they wanted, let alone how to get it.   Indeed, those Cameroon Diaspora elements who have sought to compare the 2007-2008 campaign of then candidate Senator Barack Obama with Paul Ayah and Kah Walla’s quest for the presidency of Cameroon should look no farther than to what I have suggested above as absent in the campaign strategy of  Ni John Fru Ndi’s SDF: a system of organization, that is, the political vehicle for mobilizing and delivering votes.

CPDM electoral victories

In this elaborate system of organization, not sentimentalism and wishful thinking, lies the success of the CPDM in Cameroon politics.  The CPDM has won election after election since the introduction of multiparty competitive elections in Cameroon principally because it is the best organized party in the country.  From the Cell, Branch, Sub-Section, Section, Central Committee to Political Bureau, the CPDM is the only party in Cameroon that can boast of a system of organization that is durable, operates as designed, and actually does work.

There is little doubt that many outside forces will either converge in Cameroon in October or attentively monitor the 2011 Presidential Elections from afar. Whatever they elect to do, political pundits and election observers from around the world should be aware of the political realities in Cameroon.  Victory at the polls for the CPDM has always resulted from the party’s ability to effectively mobilize its system of organization and not from vote rigging as some disgruntled elements would have us believe. 

Politics deals with what people do, action, that is, and not what they say.  Consequently, the disjuncture between what people say publicly and what they do privately when alone in a polling booth casting the ballot, should by now be apparent to all.  Cameroonians are not by nature risk takers.  Thus, even though they sing praises for opposition candidates whom they cannot deliver on promises, when it comes to voting they invariably cast their votes for person or party they know can govern.

Cameroonian voters are pragmatists. They understand that politics involves who gets what, when, and how much.  And that the end of politics is to provide a better quality of life for citizens. Cameroonians also understand that it is difficult, if not impossible, to get anything at anytime and in any amount if there is no delivery system to facilitate the movement and distribution of what is to be had, when it is needed, and in the appropriate amount or quantity.  The science of practical politics, above everything else,  consists of the study of two things: (1) how political parties and politicians canvass for, gain, and deliver the votes of their constituents during elections; and (2) when in office, how they  divide and distribute goods and services to their constituents.    

 

"The problem of power is how to get men of power to live for the public rather than off the public." Robert F. Kennedy