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Anglophone Unity in Cameroon, 1961-2020: Obstacles and Options for National Integration

Maxcel Lemola Mbanwe Ph.D Kang Olome Ghislain, Phd Candidate

Abstract

In recent times, there has been persistence of a group of Cameroonians clamouring for disintegration and restructuring of Cameroon. The clarion call suggests that unity of Cameroon is being threatened. In fact, the invective, bogus and menacing comments of some individuals and groups over the corporate existence of Cameroon need urgent attention so as to address fundamental issues in order to avert disunity of the nation. Interestingly, the unity of Anglophone Cameroonians as one great pillar of the nation is thus equally being threatened. Realizing the fact that the objective of this regime is unity and indivisibility of Cameroon, the paper critically examines factors that constitute barriers to achieving unity among the Anglophones in Cameroon. This is done with a view to using such as a panacea to addressing imminent disintegration. Using the qualitative method, the findings of the study revealed that proliferation of Anglophone organizations and societies, leadership tussle, ethnic affiliations and diverse political interests, inequalities are among the obstacles threatening the unity of Anglophone Cameroonians. The paper concludes that indivisibility of Cameroon as a virile country should be paramount to all the stakeholders. Bearing in mind that the corporate existence of Cameroon as an indivisible country is preferable to its disintegration, the paper, based on political slogans of national integration and unity, suggest a list of recommendations which include that the Anglophones, irrespective of their affiliations, should put aside self-interest, regionalism, nepotism and that Anglophone elites and leaders and their followers should respect the views and opinions of other Anglophones especially if they belong to different political parties and that Anglophones should not allow politics to divide them. These can only be done towards achieving not only unity among Anglophone but also to building a united country so that national integration and nation-building can be enhanced. The findings aim to contribute to national cohesion and peaceful coexistence in a bilingual Cameroon.

Keywords

UnityAnglophone Camerooniansnational integration

References

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