On Tuesday 24 April 2018, the President of the National Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism (NCPBM) H.E Peter MAFANY MUSONGE, accompanied by all the members of the Commission as well as the Secretary General of the Commission began a “Listen to the People’s” Mission to Buea;headquarter of the South West Region.
The NCPBM embarks on a listen to the people’s mission in the ten regions.
Launching the mission in Buea, South-West region, commission President, Peter MAFANY MUSONGE defines its objectives and spells out expected results.
On the 25th of March, the NCPBM President, Peter MAFANY MUSONGE, at the Buea Council hall launched the listen to the people’s mission. In attendance were administrative authorities, traditional leaders, members of the civil society, religious authorities, representatives of commercial motorcycle riders, “Bayam-Sellams”, taxi-drivers and students.
To the more than 400 people present, the NCPBM President said the Commission which will move to the ten regions, was in Buea to listen to the people of the South-West, without distinction of tribe, religion or social status.
The NCPBM wanted them to freely and without fear express themselves on issues of Bilingualism, Multiculturalism and Living together.
He said their mission was also wanted to identify the factors that could constitute obstacles in the process of promoting living together, such as tribalism, isolationism, and the disrespect of others’ opinions.
People then took the floor to air their views on the crisis in the North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon. These included: the poor practice of Bilingualism with a predominance of French, the over centralization of economic and political power, lack of basic amenities, Youth unemployment, bribery and corruption and insecurity which has forced many into hiding in the forest and others fleeing to Nigeria.
They also raised concerns over the treatment of the anglophones in government competitive examinations where the ”quota system” is not respected.The afternoon period and the following day were dedicated to audiences and working sessions at the Buea Mountain Hotel. The audiences were granted by the President of the Commission to some personalities while the three working groups that are Bilingualism, Multiculturalism and Living Together, held working sessions with some target groups.
Some of the proposals made to end the crisis included a plea to government to organize frank and sincere dialogue with all Cameroonians, including those of the Diaspora, put in place effective decentralization, make way for more security, so that those who have fled from their homes can return.
The people of the South-West region also called on the Head of State to come to the region and address ”his children”.
