National Dialogue My take

By Pedmia Shatu Tita*

Today at NDEFCAM Radio Bamenda on one of the most listened talk show program in the region Press and Associate, I was part of the team that examined issues around the much talked about National Dialogue.

These are the things I said; I still feel that we are not yet ready for dialogue the people who matter in this crisis are not mentioned any where. We have cajoled this situation for 3 whole years can we be serious? There is a representational gap because I still don't see who is representing the boys. We must remember that this national dialogue is because of the guns in the hands of these fighters and if they are not represented at the table what difference will it make when those "represented" comeback to deafening gunshots? The content on the dialogue table still remains worrying to me. Why are some issues taboo subjects? Place all on the table and tell me reasons why you think I should not choose Federation or Secession rather I should choose one and Indivisible....
The number of delegates going for this dialogue to me is an empty crowd. I would've preferred a 10, 20 or 30 man dialogue with people who matter in this problem, who pull the shots at that point, we would've been looking for lasting peace. Many are so excited like it was a festive period, I even hear some say it's a "National Jamboree"😭😭😭😭

At this point I want us to reflect on baby Martha who was shot in Muyuka, Eileen whom a stray bullet got her in the eye right inside their house, the old woman roasted like cocoyam in Kwakwa, children living in thatches in the bushes, children given birth too in the bushes in the heart of this rainy season, thousands of refugees in neighboring countries, children orphaned by this war, women widowed etc Now I ask you all Does this still look like a Jamboree to you?

To think of a Gala Night. What's that about? Do we already know the outcome of the Dialogue that warrants a Gala Night?.Another mistake made was the abduction of Abdul Karim. To me these are the people the government should exploit given their following and bring them on the dialogue table.

I could write on and on but my humble plea is this Your Excellency President Paul Biya, the dialogue table is not set, the people to be on that table have not been contacted, reduce the crowd take those who matter, postpone the dialogue and give time for consultations. I wish that we take time and do it right.
Pedmia Shatu Tita* is a journalist, blogger, Communication officer and content manager,
Assistant Director at Cameroon Internet Governance -Camig

Comments

Breaking the Cycle: Confronting Gender-Based Violence and Drug Abuse in Bamenda

In a bid to tackle the pressing issues of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and drug abuse, the "Adjust for Me" project, implemented by Common Action for Gender Development (COMAGEND), has been making strides in the Ntarikon 2 community, Bamenda. The project, which aims to raise awareness and educate the community on the causes, consequences, and prevention of GBV and drug abuse, has been well-received by community members. According to Nde Christopher, a community spokesperson trained within the context of the project, the initiative has been instrumental in sensitizing the community on the ills of GBV and drug abuse. "We have organized door-to-door sensitization efforts, reaching many community members and educating them on the importance of addressing GBV and drug abuse," Christopher explained. The project has also provided a platform for community members to share their experiences and concerns regarding GBV and drug abuse. Swirri Adeline, a community member who parti...

The Reign of Terror in Menchum: A Horrific Encounter on the Wum-Bamenda Route

The reign of terror in Menchum once again manifested itself in horrific fashion on the Wum-Bamenda road on Wednesday 5 June 2024, turning an ordinary morning journey into a nightmare. As passengers like Pa Cheghe Bang Mathias left Wum and the surrounding area s for Bamenda, they found themselves trapped in an ambush by a band of armed men claiming to be Amba fighters. The peaceful atmosphere of dawn was transformed into a scene of panic and desperation as the assailants, armed with violence and brutality, demanded the ‘support’ of the travelers . Witnesses revealed that the attackers targeted one bike rider in particular . Using the opportunity , the attackers rob bed passengers of their valuables, including phones and personal belongings. (C) Credit Photo anonymous The desperate attempt by the bike-man to flee from the assailants ended tragically, with the passenger, Pa Cheghe Bang Mathias, being shot, while the rider ...

Traditional Leaders Urge Government to Address Drug Abuse in Ntarikon 2 Community

On November 20, 2024, community spokespeople from the Adjust for Me project engaged religious and traditional leaders in an open discussion during a door-to-door sensitization campaign in Ntarikon 2. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about the growing concerns of drug abuse and gender-based violence (GBV) within the community. Through this dialogue, the project sought to educate both youths and religious leaders on the dangers of substance abuse and to address how gender-based violence can be reduced in both the church and local communities. Many religious leaders expressed that while some progress has been made, the increasing prevalence of drug abuse among young people remains a pressing concern. "Our youths are falling victim to drugs, and it's taking a toll on their health, well-being, and futures," one community leader remarked. The discussion linked the rise in drug abuse to the economic challenges and ongoing socio-political unrest that have left many youths ...

OJ SLIM MEDIA

Search This Blog