Armed conflict in NW, SW: Diplomacy to do what I say, not what I do.

Truth Column

“When we're trying to solve difficult national issues, it’s sometimes necessary to talk to adversaries as well as friends. Historians have a word for this: Diplomacy”. That is a quote borrowed from Madeleine Albright, who served as the 64^th United States Secretary of State from 1997 to 2001.

I could spot that out at last Friday’s presentation of New Year wishes to President Paul Biya, by the diplomatic corps.

First the dean, representing Gabon military ruler, which "democratic countries" are grudging, read the speech by virtue of being the longest-serving Ambassador in Yaounde.

The letter of credence of Ambassador Paul Patrick Biffot, was received on January 3, 2013, so he is automatically Dean as most countries limit their envoys to six years or even less. 

He was thus the voice of 38 heads of diplomatic missions and 38 representatives of international organisations that do not see eye-to-eye in conflicts like Russia-Ukraine, Gaza-Israeli, and others in Africa. 

There were also those who are at variance with each other over same sex marriages and other global issues such as military and "democratic corps d'etat".

But by some traditional diplomatic maneuvers, they agreed on the text of the speech Ambassador Biffot presented. I learnt from some diplomatic sources that the speech is usually prepared by a handful of select senior diplomats who take into considerations all the divergent issues at stake and once agreed upon, the Dean reads it.

It illustrates the spirit of give and take, reconciliation and peace which are the nexuses of all development.

In his speech to the diplomats, President Biya indulged in a sermon of peace, reviewing the deadly conflicts around the world, such as those in the horn of Africa and Lake Chad where Cameroon is not spared from a series of deadly Boko Haram violence.

“It is obvious that the multiplication of these threats to peace and international security has negative consequences on the development of certain countries and therefore the well-being of the population,” Biya said. 

“It is therefore imperative, as I have recalled on various occasions, that dialogue and reconciliation take precedence over confrontation and confrontation. It is essential for the survival of humanity that the weapons remain silent and that the voices of wisdom and reason finally rise,” he added. 

Ironically, in his speech to the nation with regard to the separatist fighters in the North West and South West Regions, he ruled out dialogue recommended by the international community.

“I reiterate to the armed groups my call to lay down their arms and join the disarmament, demobiliSation and reintegration...As for those who persist on the criminal path, whether it is terrorism...the fate that awaits them is not enviable. They must know that our unwavering desire to ensure the security of our fellow citizens will not weaken,” Biya noted.

But his namesake Paul, the dean, said the diplomatic corps remained willing to cooperate and consolidate its efforts alongside the government to promote peace and stability in these Regions. “We hope that 2024 will be a year of renewed peace,” stated. 

I hope too so, but during the festive season I spent in Fako Division, which is one of the "safest", a CBC pastor was kidnapped in Muea as well as three other lecturers. 

Punitive ghost towns on Mondays have not been exorcised and failure to put the conflict on the international diplomatic radar to me remains troubling for those who live it in the Regions concerned.

Postscript: Diplomacy is the art of telling people to go to hell in such a way that they ask for directions -Winston Churchill.