DR. Chris Fomunyoh edifies Buea discussion
forum
By Ajongakou Santos & Boris Esono in
Buea
Dr. Fomunyoh Christopher |
The role of civil society in democratic
transitions in Africa was the main topic of discussion at a talk organized at
the Federal Quarters, Buea residence of the president of the Fako Lawyers
Association, Barrister Nkongho Felix Agbor-Balla, on Monday 13th June 2016.
Moderated
by Mr. Lifongo William, adviser to the UN Under-Secretary on Gender issues, the
forum afforded a perfect avenue for people from diverse backgrounds to proffer
solutions to issues such as independence and sustainability of the civil
society.
The
guest speaker, Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh, who is Senior Associate and Regional
Director for Central and West Africa at the Washington-based National
Democratic Institute (NDI), addressed varied themes including notably
“individual and collective responsibility”; “challenging times for the future
of democracy”; “renewal of political leadership”, just to name these few.
According to him, political office holders should stop working for personal
gain and focus on community goals which will propel their country forward.
“Civil
societies are catalysts and lubricants for any democratic society,” he added,
noting that “If Cameroon neglects its civil society the country will stop functioning,
just like a car will stop moving if the fuel tank is empty”.
With
regards to the renewal of political leadership in the country, Mr. Fomunyoh was
of the opinion that there is need for separation of powers. He regretted that
in the present dispensation the executive arm of government is too preponderant
and even suffocates the legislative and judiciary powers.
Dr.
Fomunyoh observed that elected officials do not serve the general public but
pay allegiance to the executive branch. “How can there be a country were the
president elects members of the senate, is the head of the judiciary and also
commands the legislature?”
According
to BaristerLekunze, power lies with the citizens and not the government.
“Anglophones should take back their power, else they will be sidelined,” he
added.
For
this to succeed, Barrister Lekunze insisted that there is need to be one force;
the force that will propel the civil society forward. He explained that the
civil society has lost many fighters to bribery, corruption and appointments
over the years.
“You
cannot practice Democracy without Democrats”, Dr. Fomunyoh argued. To him, many
African presidents do not belief in democracy; they practice autocracy and
tyranny.
Participants
were urged to reflect on the issues raised and discussed so that civil society
in the coming years will be a force to reckon with.
The
talk brought together key actors in the Democratic process such as Barrister
AhuntangtangTanjong, members of the Fako Lawyers Association, Civil Society
Actors, University of Buea lecturers, and Pan-African Institute students,
journalists and a host of others.
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