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New Horizons with the Commonwealth
By Martin Nsuh Awah

Cameroon joined the 'Commonwealth Gentlemen's club' in October 1995 as the 53rd member of this prestigious gathering, but the message of the Commonwealth has not yet spread to all corners of the country. The main focus on Commonwealth activities are centred within the major cities and capital of the country like Yaounde, Douala, Limbe, Bamenda and Dschang.

The Northern parts of the country in the arid tropical savanna region with a sudano-sahelian climate is yet to be affected by the Commonwealth. The people of this region are mostly Muslims with Islam as the main religion, and are also within the predominantly French-speaking zone where English, one of the official languages, is yet to make an impact.

After five years of membership Cameroon has appointed a Minister Delegate in the Ministry of External Relations in charge of the Commonwealth, Chief Joseph Dion Ngute but the benefits are yet to be experienced by all, especially where the need is greatest.

Inhabitants of the three northern provinces of Cameroon who form about one-third of the whole population are handicapped by illiteracy and so communication, even in French, is still a far-fetched dream. Talking in English, although it is one of two official languages, is still shunned by most Francophones.

Illiteracy and discrimination