Cameroon: UK-based Ex-SCNC Lobbyist Campaigns for National Unity

By Christopher Ambe

Neba-Fuh and Jeff Townsend with  SW chiefs in Buea

Emmanuel Neba-Fuh, Programme Director of a London-based organization called Cameroon Council for Reunification (Camcore) recently wrapped up a week-long visit to Cameroon during which he met with NW and SW traditional rulers, political and opinion leaders as well as Government officials in Yaoundé, in line with Camcore’s campaign for one and indivisible Cameroon.

Camcore, it emerged, is a group of UK -based Diaspora Cameroonians open to working with a cross section of Cameroonians and friends of Cameroon, within and out of the country for a one and indivisible Cameroon

“Established in November 2011 following a launch in the House of Commons (UK Parliament), Camcore is committed to play an active role in ensuring that our dearly beloved country becomes a place that we can proudly call home,” Mr.Neba-Fuh said.

 “Camcore calls on all Cameroonians of good will to join us in realizing “the Cameroon Dream” of a “One and Indivisible Fatherland”, based on transparency, enlightenment, respect for the rule of Law, respect for human life and dignity, and above all, create an environment where all can achieve their full potential.”

Mr.Neba-Fuh, who was formerly an active SCNC lobbyist abroad, said Camcore was formed in response to President Paul Biya’s call for all Cameroonians at home and abroad to be strong advocates of a united Cameroon.

He was accompanied to Cameroon from London, by Jeff Townsend, who is a parliamentary researcher and Director of Global Development Partnerships, London.

 Meeting the with Southwest Chiefs at the Buea Secretariat early this month,Neba –Fuh  painted the SCNC black ,describing it as a terrorist group and, calling for its rejection by all.

He was highly applauded by the chiefs, who said they have never endorsed the SCNC.

“The SCNC has no place in the Region”, reiterated Fon Fontem Njifua, President of SW Chiefs ‘Conference. The Recorder learned that the Fons of the NW Region and other opinion leaders equally lauded Camcore’s campaign for unity.

The unity campaigner also pledged to lobby the Government for the restitution of the House of Chiefs, so to give traditional rulers the dignity and powers they had in the days of West Cameroon..His pledge was also saluted by the SW chiefs, who said they have since been requesting for the restoration of the House of Chiefs.

Jeff Townsend(left) and Neba-Fuh in Buea meeting with chiefs

  Mr. Jeff Townsend also briefly addressed the Southwest Chiefs, stressing the important role traditional rulers play in any community.

Although nothing leaked to the press concerning Camcore’s meeting with Government officials, The Recorder understands that  the Government would gladly endorse Camcore.The Cameroon government describes SCNC as a secessionist group and often cracks down on  its members.

(First published in The RECORDER Newspaper, Cameroon, of September 14, 2012)