“A strict observance of the written laws is doubtless one of the high virtues of a good citizen, but it is not the highest. The laws of necessity, of self-preservation, of saving our country when in danger, are of higher obligation” THOMAS JEFFERSON
Fellow Cameroonians,
The hardest of all realities is that we are imperfect and so are our works
Be as better than the very best but know that someone, somehow, someday will be better
Time is an opportunity to do and be better.
After a very long battle between denials vs facts
Our Head of State has decided to open the door for dialogue
Yes, he finally did!
Dialogue has always been the most effective and efficient solution to any conflict resolution
I wish this had been the first and only option on the table but it wasn’t and isn’t!
Innocent Cameroonians died and are still dying
The lucky ones fled and sought refuge internally and internationally
However, there is hope in dialogue.
Dialogue is a victory for all who so advocated
It’s an opportunity for all who had given up on any chance at it
And a higher obligation to all Cameroonians in this time when our country’s fate is at stake
Beware, the hidden side of the iceberg is of a greater concern
Yes, there’s much to this crisis than one person can tell
Every Cameroonian has a burden that must be heard and potentially fairly addressed
Are we ready to make are burdens heard?
Are the mediators if any, willing and ready to listen to all Cameroonians without prejudice?
Will the voice of the people for once in our history as a nation prevail over existential politics?
This is the difficult path we’re about to take
We’re not expected to do a perfect work
Rather, we have to do our very best
Our children and grandchildren will do better in their time and way
I wish we had prepared enough for this task
But also, there’s no such thing like being prepared to stand up for your Country
Patriotism is subjective and comes calling unexpectedly
Let us choose between democracy, dictatorship and or any other form of governance
Let’s agree if we want of a for-life-Presidency, a term-presidency and or any other form of Presidentialism
Make a choice between independent judges and those who are under the influence of an invisible hand
Solve our election rigging and transparency problems
Discuss and provide helpful solutions to reduce corruption
Hold our elected trustees accountable amongst others
Yes! We’ve got a lot to work on
We can do this
We can do it better
Other countries are looking
Our children will remember us through this work in progress
Let’s make our forefathers proud
That we added value to our legacy
That Cameroon was indeed left in better hands
“Patriotism is love of Country. But you can’t love your Country without loving your countrymen and countrywomen. We don’t always have to agree, but we must empower each other, we must find the common ground, we must build bridges across our differences to pursue the common good” CORY BOOKER
Our differences shouldn’t have turned us apart
We should have built on them to make a better and stronger society
It’s never too late
Let’s make things right
Be the Cameroonians that we truly are.
*Joseph L KAMOLE is a Cameroon born Public Policy Professional currently based in the U.S.A. Citizen empowerment through Political awareness and engagement is the main focus of his works and advocacy. Also acts as Speaker and Contributor at various Conferences on Human rights, Social justice, Elections, amongst others.
