“The Untold Story of Cameroon Reunification” rated a Must-read at launching

  By Christopher Ambe Shu

A  book, authored by Professor Victor Julius Ngoh of the University of Buea,titled ‘The UNTOLD STORY of CAMEROON REUNIFICATION:1955-1961” published  this year in French and English was last week aunched  in Buea under the patronage of the Minister of Higher Education, at a massively attended ceremony. 

Various reviewers at the ceremony, which took place at the Amphi 750 of University of Buea, described the book as a MUST- READ.The 115-page book, dedicated to late renowned historian and professor, Z.Njeuama, has been published separately in French and English.It sells at 5000 Fcfa

Professor Vincent Titanji, Vice-chancellor of University of Buea, who chaired the launching on behalf of Minister of Higher Éducation Jacques Fame Ndongo, praised the author for painstakingly carrying out such important historical research work.

Professor Titanji noted that it is through research works like Professor Ngoh’s own that the real colours of the actors of Cameroon reunification are made public. He said the University of Buea welcomes enthusiastically book launches, and hoped that the book would stimulate debates and further research.

In his review, Daniel Abwa, professor of History, from the University of Yaounde 1, remarked, “The Book has been written with all the methodology imposed on historians in carrying out research”. He said the book analyses the untold history of the Foumban conference, which was intended to decide on the kind of Cameroon, Southern Cameroons and French Cameroon wanted to construct. “It is a very good book of Cameroon history, whose sources are the British Archives and Cameroon”

Professor  Emmanuel Pondi of IRIC, University of Yaounde 2, in his brief comments, said he knew little about Cameroon history, until when he read through “The Untold Story of Cameroon Reunification:1955 – 1961”.He challenged Cameroonians to rush for their copies, describing the book as a must-read.

For his part, Barrister Eta Besong Jr, president of Cameroon Bar Association, speaking authoritatively, stated, “No book has ever come out with such accurate reporting of the history of Cameroon as “The Untold Story of Cameroon Reunification” of Professor Ngoh has done”.

Nfon Victor Mukete, aged over 90 years, who is paramount ruler of the Bafaws in Meme, and who was a key actor in Cameroon reunification, described the book as “wonderful research”.

Also speaking,Mola Njoh Litumbe, Anglophone rights activist and chairman of the LDA party, said the book has confirmed that  La Republique du Cameroon only annexed Southern Cameroon. He insisted that ,the  Biya Administration   should immediately dialogue  with “Sothern Cameroonians” for the interest of peace and development.

The Chief launcher of the book,Mr. Dima Gabriel, founder of FIFFA SA,who was represented, donated 750,000Fcfa to encourage the author. Another Chief launcher, his majesty Tabe Tando,CEO of EUroil,chipped in 300,000Fcfa.In all, the purchase of the book on the spot generated  several millions of Fcfa.

In his response, Professor Ngoh said the massive turn out was testimony that Cameroonians want to know their true history.He reiterated that he painstakingly for years researched and analyzed authentic documents to come out with the book.