After the re-election of President Paul Biya as Head of State, Cameroonians have gone back to their day-to-day life, looking forward to the fulfilment of promises made.
However, all is not yet rosy as some areas of the nation continue to stage sporadic and discomforting actions that pose as a draw backs to the growth thus; making peace still a little fragile. The nation has continued to experience such threats to its peace since October 13th in some areas. Recently, following an altercation at the Meinganga checkpoint, a group of truck drivers blocked the road, seriously disrupting traffic in a corridor that accounts for 35% of the GDP of Cameroon and Chad for three days, disregarding the enormous economic losses. Despite negotiations that ultimately devolved into political demands, law enforcement had to forcibly remove the dozen or so trucks blocking the vital corridor. While the corridor was blocked, disruptions to rail transport were also reported. While the public is still trying to understand the situation, the Garoua market has erupted in flames. Meanwhile, in the world of football, the same groups have resumed their harmful agitation, further inflaming tensions just days before the start of the Africa Cup of Nations. All of this is happening in a context where some accuse the state of having « assassinated Anicet Ekane » and are calling for an uprising to protest against the regime.
Paul Biya, known for his ability to keep his word promised to work and ensure peace for Cameroon in this mandate. He has and continues to call on everyone to join him make Cameroon an even more beautiful country. “…as I begin a new term of office, by the will of God and of the sovereign people of Cameroon, I would like to reach out to each and every one of you. Together, we must lay the foundations for an even more promising future for our beloved and beautiful country, especially for our youth. Even though we have accomplished a great deal, we still have so much to achieve, together, for ourselves, but also for future generations. I am therefore appealing for a united front. Join me so that, together, in peace and harmony, we can meet the daunting challenges facing our country”.
The strong call for the youth to join him build cannot be overemphasized. It is important for all to let go of the hurts that came with the election, and dare to contribute their quota in moving the nation forward for good with the assurances that the Head of State has given with as watch word; peace.
Irene Aweneg
