Commonwealth Week 2001
in Cameroon

MEN'S OPINIONS
By Norbert Tchana

History of the Commonwealth

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Roger, journalist
We consider the Commonwealth Day as the day when all countries that have English as the official language celebrate the Commonwealth. On this occasion, Cameroon joins other countries belonging to the Club of Gentlemen to celebrate the event. Our country is bilingual.

Blaise, business man
"It's a day that's important to all Cameroonians because we enjoy historic ties not only with France, but also with the British"

Emmanuel, member of parliament
The Commonwealth is a family of English speaking countries that recognise the Queen of England. Cameroon joined the Commonwealth because of its bilingual state - given that the country is made up of francophones and anglophones.

This has enabled the country to develop and intensify relations with other commonwealth countries. Democracy is the basic requirement to be met by any country that wishes to joint Commonwealth. As regards Cameroon, a country that has experienced dictatorship for a period with repression camps in Tchollire, Mantoum and Yoko etc., it was unthinkable that Cameroon be admitted into the Commonwealth.

This is why Cameroon's request to join the organisation was rejected for some time. I believe that with the advent of democracy despite the electoral fraud in our country, significant steps have been made. To encourage our country to move ahead, other countries of the commonwealth validated admission, but this does not mean that all is perfect, especially in the area of democracy.