By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mimi Mefo Info (Editor)
Published on 2024-02-13 09:16:04
Cameroonian civil society activist Ndifor Richard has criticized the government for mistreating and harassing teachers who are leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad.
In an opinion write-up titled “The Unjust Treatment of Teachers at Cameroonian Airports,” Ndifor, who is also a history teacher, expressed his disappointment at the government’s actions, stating that teachers, like any other professionals, have the right to travel freely.
His reaction stems from recent reports of security officers at airports harassing teachers suspected of wanting to seek better opportunities abroad. This issue came to the forefront in late January when a Senior Police Commissioner at the Douala International Airport issued a communiqué cautioning subordinates against receiving money and allowing teachers, medical doctors, and other civil servants to leave the country without permission.
The Cameroonian government has been grappling with the challenge of ghost workers, particularly teachers who receive salaries from the state payroll but have left their jobs and traveled abroad. In response, the government has implemented a strategy to prevent government teachers at airports from leaving the country.
Ndifor, who is also a cabinet member of the Social Democratic Front Party, believes that this move is a violation of teachers’ rights. He noted that this mistreatment has led to teachers resorting to bribing airport security officials with large sums of money in order to travel.
The historian emphasized that teachers, like any other professionals, have the right to travel freely for various reasons, including international conferences, medical attention, or visiting their families. Ndifor asserted that the government should not hinder their freedom to seek better opportunities and should instead focus on understanding the reasons behind the increasing number of teachers leaving the country.
Ndifor believes that teachers are leaving due to the lack of good working conditions and that the government should work towards creating an environment that encourages them to stay in the country. He emphasized the importance of addressing issues such as low salaries, poor working conditions, and limited career advancement opportunities. By investing in education and prioritizing the welfare of teachers, the government can create an atmosphere that retains and attracts qualified educators.
Reports of individuals abandoning their duties and traveling abroad for better opportunities are widespread in Cameroon. Studies have shown that many young people want to leave the country due to poverty, corruption, conflicts, and a lack of better opportunities.
In conclusion, Ndifor Richard has strongly criticized the mistreatment of teachers at Cameroonian airports and called for the government to address the root causes of their departure and work towards creating a conducive environment for educators to thrive in the country.
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
