Some of the most acerbic critical opinions of the Biya regime come mainly from Cameroonians living abroad who express their rejection of the Cameroonian mode of governance, very often without any logical basis or proof. They use unorthodox and genuinely terrorist means such as attacking Cameroon’s diplomatic missions or flouring Cameroonian officials, artists or influencers labeled as pro-government.
This type of attitude seriously tarnishes the image and reputation of the country, a reputation built on an awakened political consciousness a lively intellectual acuity, all of which were acquired at the cost of heavy sacrifices, particularly with the blood and sweat of thousands of determined and courageous freedom fighters and patriots.
This paradox calls for a questioning of the dichotomy between the Cameroonian reality and the animosity of this diaspora against its country.
In the light of certain facts, there is reason to question the good faith of certain critics. Objective observation leads to the suspicion of a deliberate lack of intellectual honesty to manipulate, mislead or defend undefendable causes. In so doing they strip the reality of any scientific rigour with the consequence being a biased selection of facts, distortion of data, and accusations based on intent rather than actionable truth.
Let’s take the case of the education sector. The country has about 14 state and regional universities whose training goes up to the doctoral cycle; There are also more than 271 private higher education institutions. These institutions produce hundreds of thousands of graduates who excel all over the world. A few examples can illustrate this point. The African diaspora in the United States is largely made up of Cameroonian and Nigerian nationals.
This diaspora does very brilliantly and competently in the health care sector. According to the American authorities, 75% of these Cameroonian medical personnel were trained in Cameroon. According to available data, the number of doctors trained in Cameroon and who are working in the United States is higher than those who have remained to work in Cameroon; and to think that the cost of this training is covered by the State, the student only pays a symbolic contribution of 50,000 francs per year. A doctor trained at 50,000 francs per year in Cameroon working in an American hospital, is this not proof of the quality of the education system that trains enlightened, competent, autonomous and fulfilled citizens, capable of contributing positively to society. These compatriots impart knowledge and practical skills, as well as promote fairness.
South Africa is full of Cameroonian scholars, including Professor Atangana Abdon, one of the best mathematicians in the world, if not the best. He was trained at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Yaoundé 1, before leaving the country. Isn’t it a paradox that a country that is ridiculed by its own diaspora produces the best mathematician in the world?
Take the case of Canada, one of the world leaders in education according to the OECD. Why does this country consider Cameroon as a source of skilled labor for its economy?
Cameroon is second only to France in terms of number of immigrants to the province of Quebec, with more than 50% of African immigrants being Cameroonians. They are in all fields: medicine, education, engineering and agriculture etc. etc. Informed sources and reports estimate that Cameroon’s diplomatic mission in Canada certifies more than 200 degrees monthly, delivered by Cameroon’s universities. According to the cited sources, the distribution of professions is as follows: 23.5% are computer specialists, 21% are medical personnel, 25.5% are teachers, 18% are engineers, 9.7% are accountants and finance professionals, and 2.3% are categorized as assorted professions.
This is the paradox of a country that is disparaged by her own diaspora, but which provides trained professionals to a G7 nation. Ontario’s middle and high schools employ thousands of teachers trained at Cameroon’s Teacher’s Training Colleges. These educators also work in remote areas like Nunavut. Canadian universities, such as Université de Montréal, Université de Sherbrooke, University of Ottawa, and Université Laval, are home to numerous professors born and trained in Cameroon who have migrated to Canada in search of better opportunities.
In the very heart of Europe, France, has probably the biggest Cameroonian diaspora and the biggest Cameroonian trained professionals: medical doctors, university professors, engineers, lawyers both in mainland France and in French territories. How can anyone then want to turn a blind eye to the truth. If that is not bad faith, and political jingoism, then what is it?
There is no major country in the world where you do not find Cameroonian born and trained professionals who are excelling in their various fields.
In conclusion, governments in Europe, North America, Asia and even in Africa know that Cameroon has a high level of literacy, produces some of the best minds in nearly all fields of science, technology and culture. No one should therefore conflate pure political policy position with the reality of economic achievement.
Aspirations for change or political alternation should not obscure the truth. Only a constructive political debate can open the eyes of the people, offer them a better approach instead of dragging them into obscurantism, negativism and hatred.
Mary Ann Chofor
