A Journey To Yaounde (1): Cameroon O'Bosso Na Mbussa

 

Louis Egbe Mbua (originally published in Living Lights)

 

On a second visit to Cameroon this year, it won’t have been appropriate, I thought, to leave without making a sortie to Yaoundé, the Capital City of Cameroon. One had read; and heard of the accident-prone highway that links Douala, the commercial hub in the Gulf of Guinea, to the city embedded in the middle of Cameroon. Where does one board a coach to Yaoundé, I inquired. In Akwa, I was informed by old hands of the Douala gentry. There is a company located in Akwa; it is very efficient and provides express service; but you have to arrive early to catch the express service, they opined. What is the name of the Company? Guarantee was the name. How apt: I will be guaranteed a good and safe journey, I said to myself. So, early on the 25th of July 2009, I dressed up after the London business suit fashion, and found myself in the coach station in Akwa.

A nearby kiosk was playing a Cameroonian number in this manner: Pompez, les pompiers; la maison c’est brule . Who wrote and played this song? I asked the man next to me in the seat at the hall way in the station. Hugo Nyame: C’est Padonne Madame, he replied in a knowing and sure disposition. My niece had arrived earlier, arranged for the tickets, secured the seats; and then we sat down in the station to wait for the bus to begin this strange journey. The driver of the Coach signalled that he has to leave in time; at 8:30 am. We climbed into the high-staged design coach; and took our seats.

 

The man who sat next to me asked: Tu es Anglophone? Oui, je suis Anglophone, I replied. I didn’t have to respond with a similar investigation since only a Francophone Cameroonian would pose such a question in French. Mais, est-que tu viens de Buea ou bien de Bamenda? J' habite ici a Douala, was the answer coming from me.

 

Non, Tu ne me responds bien. C’est bien que nous sommes tous a Douala. Mais ca ne signifie que nous sommes de Douala. Moi-meme j’habite a Douala mais je ne viens de Littoral. Que j’habite a Douala ne signifie pas que mon village c’est ici a Douala. Mon village, s’Il vous plait, c'est situe a Bandjoun.

 

This was not the kind of discussion one wished in the beginning of a long journey. However, I decided to answer his philosophical point as he seemed an insightful man; and a man of intelligence. If that is what you mean, then I am travelling from Buea, I responded. Oh! You are an Anglophone Whiteman then, the man exclaimed. Well, you can see that I am not a White person, I said. The man looked bemused on this reply.

I agree with you that your village is within Bandjoun, but this is the 21st century, I continued. It is important that you identify yourself with where you grew up; and where you earn your living as well as your village of origin in Cameroon. The point here is that you have settled in Douala where, you are supposedly, are earning a nice living; well, judging from your wonderful pair of shoes and clothes. The point is not whether I am an Anglophone or you a Francophone but that we are of the same country; and that we all should enjoy the benefits of this land. Consequently, it is of utmost importance that you consider your village as well as where you are presently residing in Cameroon. This is because you have the advantage of a two-pronged opportunity which may make you rich; and as a consequence, the entire Cameroon.

 

What do you mean by “a two-pronged opportunity”? The man asked. Well, you have the opportunity of having to live in two lands. There is the idea of The Two Lands since ancient times.

How? Asked Le Camerounais. In ancient Africa, I replied, there was a King called Menes, the ruler of Egypt about 4500 years ago, who brought about this idea of unity into the world. We do not know how he came about this idea. However, we know for certain that he united the two lands of Egypt: Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt. These lands were of completely different geography, ethnic and possibly linguistic make up. After this act of genius, people from both parts of the united lands had a two-pronged opportunity since they could carve a career in any of the two regions; at the same time could return to their area of origin where they could again advance themselves because they were known there. Due to the uniting of the two lands, the Egyptians were able to harness their people into a critical mass of talent. The result is still there, in the two lands, for the entire world to see today. Remember that connections are as important as an institution. It seems the early Cameroon leaders had this idea or might have read of them from ancient books or might have some kind of links with ancient Egypt – it is Africa after all. The important point is that, I continued, the Egyptian priests and rulers were wiser than us.

Now, my brother, you are trying to compare 2500 BC to the 21st century, he composed. Your comparison does not add up; and invalid. The Egyptians lived in their time. We are living in the 21st century where there are computers and Aeroplanes. So, this ancient “two-pronged” approach can neither fit in this era nor is it feasible. Besides, why do you believe (if we may consider your opinion a belief in the first place) the Egyptians wiser than us? Surely, they never created the computer nor did they go to space, did they? What you are saying is illogical unless you provide a further explanation to buttress your reasoning. As far as I can see you will have great difficulties in crafting an acceptably justified defence in this instance. The Cameroon situation is different because we are one and indivisible from the beginning. As a result, the unification that happened in 1961 cannot be likened to that of the ancient Egyptians despite their considerable success in art, technology, agriculture, architecture, religion and culture. If we examine the matter very closely, we may realise that we might have achieved a similar feat in Cameroon. The Edea Dam, SONARA in Limbe [Victoria]; Douala City and where we are going; Yaoundé. The point of the matter is that we do what we can at this time; and then leave the rest to the future generation. It is true that unity is good but we may not be able to achieve everything dans cinquante ans de L’independance. Cela c’est impossible! Cameroun O’ Bosso*!

You have spoken well mon frère, I emphasised. It is true that Cameroon, and in fact Africa, has made considerable stride in civilisation. However, I won’t agree with you that the stated advancement is of the same stature of achievement as the ancient United Lands of the North and South. The Egyptians appeared to be more enlightened than we are in the 21st century. I agree that they never invented any computers or went into space but they seemed to have understood the psychology of man. I say this because they, apparently, were fair and just to the very best of their abilities in antiquity. For, instance, they knew about women’s rights and the rights of the minority in their Kingdom. The same cannot be given to the present Cameroon. In the present climate, it seems those who purport to be leaders lack this fundamental understanding. For instance, it is not important for you to judge me as an Anglophone or for me to judge you as a Francophone, but that you are a human being who can think and act in a positive way; to affect all Cameroonians and indeed the world. Now, if we have rulers who believe that they must first satisfy their villages before they think of the entire Cameroon and the world, then we cannot actually meet up with Egyptian standards. The Egyptians never did such a thing. While I will not venture to vociferate that the Egyptians were perfect, one is hard pressed to find a leader, in Cameroon, who is wise as was as Hephaestus, the Egyptian queen who built the classic temple at Thebes. Our leaders have failed to emulate these great leaders: they have been involved in discrimination and grandiloquence. Even if the Re-unification was a good idea, they failed to institute social justice in the entire territory as the Egyptians did. As a result, we have a breakdown of morality; and the marginalisation of Anglophones, who form part of the two lands, in a clearly illegal act which must be redressed before we may compare and contrast with the ancients. What we have, therefore, is Cameroon O’ Bosso na Mbussa*; and not actually Cameroun O’Bosso!

The man was shocked at this reply. A woman at his side – presumably his wife – seemed to crave attention; and the discussion was further interrupted when the bus began to move on. Noticing this state of fluxing affairs, I thought it wise not to usher any further commentaries on this matter. I had borrowed a book from my uncle. I opened the page where I had ended my musing of Mbella Sonne Dipoko’s Because of Women and began to read: Ngosso had paddled his canoe......or something of that sort.

*O' Bosso: Getting ahead

* O' Mbussa: Getting behind

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Comments

[Ma Mary]

Louis Mbua, you are a captivating writer. Keep them coming.

[Vincent Wetiah]

Bottom line

Mr. Egbe Mbua has written a beautiful article which captures a climate we are all familiar with. How come Dr Dipoko rants and raves, gesticulates and throws punches left and right over the issue of the cleanliness of Francophone cities as opposed to the "dirtiness" of Anglophone towns. The bottom line of our brother's article is this:

“Even if the Re-unification was a good idea, they failed to institute social justice in the entire territory as the Egyptians did. As a result, we have a breakdown of morality; and the marginalisation of Anglophones, who form part of the two lands, in a clearly illegal act which must be redressed before we may compare and contrast with the ancients. What we have, therefore, is Cameroon O’ Bosso na Mbussa*; and not actually Cameroun O’Bosso.”

I can't believe that Dr Dipoko's write-up is based on this very article, for he misses the point by a country mile, hurling insults at bloggers for no obvious reason. If the absence of hygiene among your in-laws is something you feel so strongly about, why not treat us fellow bloggers to a write-up on the issue rather seek to muddle up the crucial points raised by Mr. Egbe Mbua. If in your heart of hearts you believe that social justice, morality and equality do prevail in Cameroon and that Mr. Egbe Mbua is off the mark, that is your alienable right. Remember, however, that we’ll have to bequeath this land to our children and they will hold us accountable for not speaking out against the cankerworm that is eating into the very fabric of our society. The problem cannot be resolved simply by hushing down the likes of Egbe Mbua. Let the praise-singers continue to say that all is well in the best of all possible worlds. Only time will tell.

[The herald]

IT'S HIGH TIME DIPOKO STOPPED DECEIVING THE WORLD

"Even in London, there are corrupt police officers and politicians. Here in America, the situation is even worse. Apart from taking bribes, post office delivery men and women sell cocaine while delivering mails"

Dipoko from the above quotation you failed to mention the number of times Britain and America have received the cup of the most corrupt countries in the world.Cameroon has been honoured with it twice.Your comparism is therefore incongruous.

The government doesn't have sources to raise fund for equitable development through out the country but it has enough revenues to squander abroad and the rest for your uncles and cousins to stuff their pockets with.

By the way I should equally read the names of your uncles,cousins etc.who have overflooded the banks of the prison of konangui for charges of embezzlement.

Did I hear you mention the office of the Secretary General of the presidency of the Republic of Cameroon?What good can come out of it? That office itself depicts corruption.

We are not the ones telling you but the world itself is revealing it.

Even Barack Obama who is the world's top model has been criticised here and there but with you everything is always alright in Paul Biya's country as your comments have shown through out this forum.All the times you have been calling black white.Who are you deceiving,yourself or the world,and for what purpose?

[Vincent Wetiah]

Dipoko is once again up to his usual tactics of distraction. He blatantly states untruths, so that while you are disproving them, you are distracted from real issues. The so-called list of those who brought Cameroon Bank to ruin is proof of that. Look at the list carefully; it contains the names of people who were still in form two secondary school when Cameroon Bank went under. Dipoko will have a hard time convincing anybody that huge loans were given to twelve-year-olds. What is he out to prove? That Cameroon Bank, the Produce Marketing Board, Power Cam, the Limbe Deep Sea Port, the Tiko Airport, and many other facilities that were the envy of the world because of the proper management were suddenly ruined by the Anglophones themselves, that is, by the very people who had run them so well prior to the arrival of the marauding Francophones? Try another story. By over-playing your hand you have destroyed your case: primary and secondary school children ruining a bank! And curiously or, should I say cleverly, enough, the list features no Francophone! You need to return to the drawing board and concoct a more credible story. Tell the world how many Anglophones had loans with Credit Agricole, SCB, BICIC, etc. Tell us how many of these banks were managed by Anglophones. If theft is not primarily of Francophone origin, tell us how many Anglos are among those jailed in Kondengui for stealing billions from the State at a time when it is considered a heavily indebted poor country.

[felix]

Alain Dipoko, Yabassi Boy ,
I am sure biya personally appoints you as his government spoke man on the Angolphone issue.You bear his 27 years trade mark.
Kindly help yourself by reviewing your write ups for say 3 times before posting them other wise i am afraid you will soon join your uncles in Kondengui but this time for stealing billions of facts from the cameroon the state.("mass deception" Consult kontchu for Advice "zero mord").

[Ma Mary]

Alain Dipoko. We do not want to be with your kind. It is that simple. You talk like a 19th century European colonialist. That stuff is illegal, outdated and it will not stand. We shall throw you our of our country, come hell or high water. Stinking frog.

[The Entrepreneur Newsonline Inc.]

The write-ups will not be complete without a section or chapter from our African author on his contribution to take the nation state forward...Afterall, he was educated with millions of tax payers' pounds. He can't afford to write like a distant vietnamese...those cocoyam shillings could have built public libraries and community halls and emancipate his tribesmen on the blue print of development....perhaps the opportunity cost of Cameroon's underdevelopment is his state sponsored education.....you see why you can't absolve yourself?

[Danny Boy]

The entrepreneur,
you write, "perhaps the opportunity cost of Cameroon's underdevelopment is his state sponsored education.....you see why you can't absolve yourself?"
For your information, there are hundreds of Cameroonians that the State sponsored abroad currently working in Cameroon. What has been the success of the new found knowledge they brought back? At best marginlalized! Some are still there trying to change the spots on a leopards skin! Others have chosen to leave that hell-hole, and why not?
In the eighties, a minister told me the business of government is to educate but not to employ! I reminded him of a certain contract between the Government and those who benefited from her largesse, so to speak! He simply laughed! Read into that as much as you, and stop that your nonsense about opportunity cost!

[The Entrepreneur Newsonline Inc.]

.....deserter.....!

[The Entrepreneur Newsonline Inc.]

.....you replied and pointed out only stumbling blocks......your chinese peer will not reply like you....your north korean colleague will not see stumbling blocks...

....the education you received ought to have equipped you to circumvent the challenges you will meet...if at all you have a mission at hand....

........your reply indicates you expect a red carpet treatment...simply because you have received certificates sponsored by government....

......see, government could still sponsor your education...then airlift you and dump you in a jungle like a millitary parachutist......and if your education was worthwhile and your patriotism ingrained....you will find your way out of that jungle or perhaps start or a new city with barehands in that wilderness like Noah....

.....don't bother to reply...because we think on different wavelengths....since when did Che Guevara and deserters in Miami operate on the same frequency?...........

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Pierre Lebon Elanga and the emaciated CRTV viewers were not trusted with the ability to handle the truth. What truth? According to our inside sources, influential Biya zealots feared that a loss and disqualifier on national television would not only cause disenchantment of fans but ignite a popular uprising against their dictator in the 2011 presidential election.