CAMEROON COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES

CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Cameroon’s membership in both the Commonwealth and the Francophonie reflects its unique linguistic and cultural heritage. As noted by Atangcho Nji Akonumbo and Jacqueline-Bethel Tchouta Mougoué in their article “The Francophonie and the Commonwealth in Cameroon: A Critical Reflection” (2018), Cameroon’s membership in these two organizations highlights the country’s “bilingual and bicultural identity.” While the Francophonie emphasizes the French language and culture, the Commonwealth is focused on promoting English language and culture. As such, Cameroon’s membership in both organizations allows it to engage with a diverse range of countries and cultures.

The Commonwealth’s emphasis on promoting democracy, human rights, and economic development is also important for Cameroon, which has faced numerous political and economic challenges. As noted by Akinwumi A. Adesina (2016), the Commonwealth’s focus on promoting inclusive economic growth, good governance, and human development aligns with Cameroon’s own goals for development. Through its membership in the Commonwealth, Cameroon can benefit from the organization’s resources and expertise in these areas, and can work with other member states to address common challenges.

Cameroon’s colonial history has played a significant role in shaping its relationship with the Commonwealth. As noted by Mireille Fanon-Mendès-France (2003), Cameroon’s colonial past under both British and French rule has influenced its political, economic, and cultural ties with both organizations. Cameroon’s membership in the Commonwealth after a 23-year absence reflects its desire to strengthen ties with the English-speaking world and diversify its diplomatic relations.

Following independence, Cameroon sought to maintain its ties with both the English-speaking and French-speaking worlds, leading to its membership in the Commonwealth and the Francophonie. The Commonwealth, composed largely of countries that were formerly part of the British Empire, emphasizes the promotion of democracy, human rights, and economic development. On the other hand, the Francophonie highlights the French language and culture, with an emphasis on linguistic diversity and cultural exchange among French-speaking nations.

Cameroon’s initial membership in the Commonwealth in 1961 demonstrated its desire to establish links with English-speaking nations and benefit from the economic and political support offered by the organization. However, due to political differences, Cameroon withdrew from the Commonwealth in 1972 (Kiven, 2010). The decision to rejoin the Commonwealth in 1995 reflected a renewed commitment to strengthen ties with the English-speaking world and diversify its diplomatic relations. It also signaled Cameroon’s recognition of the Commonwealth’s potential contributions to its development efforts, particularly in areas such as inclusive economic growth, good governance, and human development.

Since rejoining the Commonwealth, Cameroon has leveraged its membership to access economic and technical assistance from the organization, including support for infrastructure development, education, and healthcare. The Commonwealth has also played a role in promoting democratic governance and human rights in Cameroon, although there have been concerns raised by some member states regarding Cameroon’s human rights record and treatment of political opposition.

The complex historical context, linguistic diversity, and colonial legacy have shaped the prospects and challenges of Cameroon’s relationship with the Commonwealth. The country’s membership in both the Commonwealth and the Francophonie allows it to engage with diverse countries and cultures, but it also presents unique dynamics and expectations from each organization. Exploring the multifaceted dimensions of this relationship is crucial to understanding its impact on Cameroon’s political, economic, cultural, and social spheres, and to provide recommendations for strengthening and improving the ties between Cameroon and the Commonwealth.

The economic and political challenges that Cameroon has faced since gaining independence have also influenced its relationship with the Commonwealth. Cameroon’s membership in the Commonwealth has provided it with opportunities for economic and technical assistance, as well as support for democratic governance and human rights Kiven (2010). However, Cameroon has also faced criticism from some Commonwealth member states for its human rights record and its handling of political opposition.

This study will explore the prospects and challenges of Cameroon’s relationship with the Commonwealth, with a focus on the political, economic, cultural, and social dimensions of the relationship. The study will examine the historical background of Cameroon’s membership of the Commonwealth, and will analyze the opportunities and challenges that membership presents for Cameroon. The study will also assess the impact of the Commonwealth on Cameroon’s development and diplomacy, and will provide recommendations for improving the relationship. The study will draw on relevant literature, including scholarly articles, reports, and policy documents, as well as on interviews with key stakeholders, including government officials, academics, civil society actors, and Commonwealth representatives.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The membership of Cameroon in the Commonwealth presents a multitude of prospects and challenges that warrant thorough examination and understanding. Therefore, the problem addressed in this study is to assess the prospects and challenges of Cameroon’s membership in the Commonwealth and explore how this relationship impacts the country politically, economically, culturally, and socially. As such, the study aims to assess the potential benefits and drawbacks of Cameroon’s affiliation with the Commonwealth and delve into the various ways in which this relationship influences the country politically, economically, culturally, and socially. By undertaking this analysis, the study seeks to identify the critical factors that shape the outcomes of Cameroon’s engagement with the Commonwealth, determining the success or failure of this association. Moreover, the study will generate recommendations aimed at enhancing and fortifying the relationship between Cameroon and the Commonwealth.

1.3.  Objectives of the Study

In this section of our work we are going to try to bring out the objectives of our study. We shall divide them into the main research objective and two other specific research objectives.

1.3.1. Main Objective

To examine the prospects and challenges of Cameroon-Commonwealth relations.

Specific Objectives

To investigate the human rights situation in Cameroon and its impact on the country’s relationship with the Commonwealth.

To assess the economic challenges facing Cameroon and

to identify ways in which the Commonwealth can assist in addressing these challenges and promoting sustainable development.

1.4.      Research Questions

1.4.1.   Main Research Question

What are the prospects and challenges of Cameroon-Commonwealth relations?

1.4.2.   Specific Research Questions

What are the human rights concerns in Cameroon and how do they impact the country’s relationship with the Commonwealth?

What are the economic challenges facing Cameroon and how can the Commonwealth assist in addressing these challenges and promoting sustainable development?