Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Arnaud Nicolas MAWEL
Published on 2024-04-03 14:57:20
The President of the National Assembly denounced the idea of a transition proposed by some opposition members who are gathering with the aim of seizing power in 2025 or earlier.
The closing plenary session of the ordinary session opened on March 5th at the National Assembly took place in the late morning on April 3rd. On this occasion, the Chamber President, Cvaye Yeguie Djibril, summarized the outcomes of this session marked by the renewal of the National Assembly’s bureau and the holding of Congress to swear in members of the Constitutional Council. The ruling party member took the opportunity to comment on the current events regarding the formation of opposition party alliances for the presidential election scheduled for 2025. Below is an excerpt from his closing speech on this issue.
“Ladies and Gentlemen,
As usual and alongside our work, a certain event has made headlines in our country. We have heard a lot about alliances and transitions in Cameroon. Assuming that both concepts apply to the political field, especially in the context of the upcoming electoral deadlines, such initiatives should not worry the majority, in this case my party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement. These real or false alliances, in my opinion, are a sign of weakness. Obviously, those individuals seem to be in dire straits. In short, their initiatives are part of activism and agitation, worse, of political games that do not benefit Cameroonians. We are the caravan that moves forward while they bark.
Let’s talk a little about transitions or transition. Without naming names, we are familiar with transitions in Africa and we know where they are and the often painful circumstances in which they are implemented.
All of them occurred due to a breakdown, I would say, a rupture of the current power. They are, depending on the case, adulated, tolerated or accepted by the people and the International Community, but they have no legitimacy. Their main trademark is seizing power by force. This means that they have no democratic foundation. In most cases, peace, social cohesion, and development efforts are disrupted. Because they lack a real societal project, transitions usually put institutions on hold. The functioning of these institutions thus falls into lethargy.
All of this clearly does not correspond to the reality in Cameroon. We have strong institutions that function harmoniously. A recent illustration is the functioning of the Constitutional Council just 24 hours ago. We have a dynamic, diversified, and resilient economy; an enthusiastic and ambitious youth; enterprising women; well-oiled democratic mechanisms characterized by freedom of expression, freedom of movement without harassment, and one of the better-regulated electoral processes on our continent, for free and transparent consultations.
Furthermore, has our country not always been a welcoming land where populations from various backgrounds live in tolerance? Overall, Cameroon is a well-handled ship, led with method and wisdom by a Captain, a true Orchestra Conductor, Great Visionary, I named His Excellency Mr. Paul Biya, President of the Republic, Head of State. That is the strength of experience. Who can do better?
This means that Cameroon is not at a standstill. The power is in place and serenely manages the affairs of the Republic, with the support of the Cameroonian people.
So, the question arises: why a transition in Cameroon? Is it not a pointless debate? Upon observation, those who speak of a transition are evidently in a transitional phase of their own existence.
– Excellencies,
– Honorable Deputies,
– Ladies and Gentlemen
At a time when Cameroon is resolutely committed to its development and the preservation of peace, moving towards its emergence, once again, I say let’s stay vigilant. Let’s be careful of these sirens, sellers of illusions! Let’s be wary of these ill-omened nightingales! Instead, I invite you to listen to the beautiful symphony of a Cameroon moving forward against all odds, facing the multiple challenges along its path to guarantee a better future for compatriots.”
Read the original article(French) on Journal du Cameroun
