As painful as it might have been, the 4-2 defeat of the Lions by the Pharoahs of Egypt was expected. What with the confusion between FECAFOOT and MINSEP surrounding the selection of a coach? What with the poor or absence of preparation? We need to be more serious in future.

La défaite des lions
Automatically translated into French thanks to WorldLingo
Aussi douloureux qu'elle pourrait avoir été, la défaite 4-2 des lions par le Pharoahs de l'Egypte a été prévue. Ce qui avec la confusion entre FECAFOOT et MINSEP entourant le choix d'un entraîneur ? Ce qui avec les pauvres ou l'absence de la préparation ? Nous devons être plus sérieux à l'avenir.

Derrota de los leones
Automatically translated into Spanish thanks to WorldLingo
Tan doloroso como puede ser que haya sido, la derrota 4-2 de los leones por el Pharoahs de Egipto esperó. ¿Qué con la confusión entre FECAFOOT y MINSEP que rodean la selección de un coche? ¿Qué con los pobres o la ausencia de la preparación? Necesitamos ser más serios en futuro.

Sconfitta dei leoni
Automatically translated into Italian thanks to WorldLingo
Doloroso come potrebbe essere, la sconfitta 4-2 dei leoni dal Pharoahs dell'Egitto è stata prevista. Che cosa con la confusione fra FECAFOOT e MINSEP che circondano la selezione di una vettura? Che cosa con i poveri o l'assenza della preparazione? Dobbiamo essere più serii in futuro.

Niederlage der Löwen
Automatically translated into German thanks to WorldLingo
So schmerzlich, wie sie gewesen sein konnte, wurde die Niederlage 4-2 der Löwen durch das Pharoahs von Ägypten erwartet. Was mit dem Durcheinander zwischen FECAFOOT und MINSEP, welche die Vorwähler eines Trainers umgeben? Was mit den Armen oder dem Fehlen Vorbereitung? Wir müssen in der Zukunft ernster sein.

Derrota dos leões
Automatically translated into Portuguese thanks to WorldLingo
Tão doloroso como pôde ter sido, a derrota 4-2 dos leões pelo Pharoahs de Egipto esperou-se. Que com a confusão entre FECAFOOT e MINSEP que cercam a seleção de um ônibus? Que com os pobres ou a ausência da preparação? Nós necessitamos ser mais sérios no futuro.

Lionss nederlag
Automatically translated into Swedish thanks to WorldLingo
Så smärtsamt, som den styrkan har varit, förväntades nederlag 4-2 av lionsna vid Pharoahsen av Egypten. Vad med förvirringen mellan FECAFOOT och MINSEP som omger valet av en lagledare? Vad med det fattigt eller frånvaroen av förberedelsen? Vi behöver att vara allvarligare i framtid.

Поражение львов
Automatically translated into Russian thanks to WorldLingo
Как тягостно по мере того как оно могло быть, было предположено поражение 4-2 львов Pharoahs Египта. С запутанностью между FECAFOOT и MINSEP окружая выбор кареты? С бедными или отсутствием подготовки? Нам нужно быть более серьезны в будущем.

De nederlaag van leeuwen
Automatically translated into Dutch thanks to WorldLingo
Zo pijnlijk aangezien het zou kunnen geweest zijn, werd nederlaag 4-2 van de Leeuwen door Pharoahs van Egypte verwacht. Wat met de verwarring die tussen FECAFOOT en MINSEP omringt de selectie van een bus? Wat met de armen of het ontbreken van voorbereiding? Wij moeten voortaan ernstiger zijn.

أسود هزيمة
Automatically translated into Arabic thanks to WorldLingo
مثل مؤلمة بما أنّ هو أمكن يتلقّى كنت, ال 4-2 توقّعت هزيمة من الأسود ب [فروأهس] من مصر كان. ماذا مع الإرباك بين [فكفووت] و [مينسب] يحيط الإنتقاء من عربة? ماذا مع الفقراء أو غياب التحضير? نحن نحتاج أن يكون أكثر جدّيّة في مستقبل.

There is much talk today in Cameroon about the revision of the 1996 constitution, primarily to enable President Biya run for the 2011 presidential elections. I hope the President will not heed the advice of these pretenders- he needs a well deserved rest after 25 years at the helm of state affairs and practically half a century in the corridors of power. He had all the time to do what he could have done. Even if President Biya contests in 2011, his tenure will still come to an end-we all know he is a mortal like all of us.

Révision constitutionnelle
Automatically translated into French thanks to WorldLingo
Il y a beaucoup d'entretien aujourd'hui au Cameroun au sujet de la révision de la constitution 1996, permettre principalement au Président Biya de courir pour les 2011 élections présidentielles. J'espère que le président n'observera pas le conseil de ces prétendants qu'il a besoin d'un repos bien mérité après 25 ans à la barre des affaires d'état et pratiquement de la moitié par siècle dans les couloirs de la puissance. Il a eu tout temps pour faire ce qu'il pourrait avoir fait. Même si les concours du Président Biya en 2011, sa tenure immobile venu à l'extrémité-nous tous pour savoir il est un mortel comme tous les nous.

Revisión constitucional
Automatically translated into Spanish thanks to WorldLingo
Hay mucha charla hoy en Camerún sobre la revisión de la constitución 1996, permitir sobre todo a presidente Biya funcionar para las 2011 elecciones presidenciales. Espero que el presidente no preste atención al consejo de estos pretendientes que él necesita un resto bien merecido después de 25 años en el timón de los asuntos del estado y prácticamente de la mitad del siglo en los pasillos de la energía. Él tenía todo el tiempo para hacer lo que él habría podido hacer. Aunque las competencias de presidente Biya en 2011, su arrendamiento inmóvil venido a extremo-nosotros todos para conocerle son un mortal como todos nosotros.

Revisione costituzionale
Automatically translated into Italian thanks to WorldLingo
Ci è oggi molto colloquio nel Cameroon circa la revisione della costituzione 1996, soprattutto permettere al presidente Biya di funzionare per la 2011 elezione presidenziale. Spero che il presidente non faccia attenzione al consiglio di questi pretenders- ha bisogno di un resto bene meritato dopo 25 anni al timone di dichiara gli affari e praticamente la metà un di secolo nei corridoi di alimentazione. Ha avuto tutto il tempo di fare che cosa potrebbe fare. Anche se i concorsi in 2011, il suo possesso del presidente Biya tranquillo venuto all'estremità-noi tutti per sapere è un mortal come tutti noi.

Konstitutionelle Neuausgabe
Automatically translated into German thanks to WorldLingo
Es gibt viel Gespräch heute in Cameroon über die Neuausgabe der Beschaffenheit 1996, Präsidenten Biya hauptsächlich zu ermöglichen, für die 2011 Präsidentenwahlen zu laufen. Ich hoffe, daß der Präsident nicht den Rat dieser Heuchler beachtet, die er einen gut verdienten Rest nach 25 Jahren am Helm der Zustandangelegenheiten und praktisch der Hälfte ein Jahrhunderts in den Fluren der Energie benötigt. Er hatte alle Zeit, zu tun, was er getan haben könnte. Selbst wenn Präsident Biya Wettbewerbe 2011, sein Besitz ruhiges gekommen zu Ende-wir alle zu wissen werden, ist er ein Sterblich wie alle wir.

Revisão Constitutional
Automatically translated into Portuguese thanks to WorldLingo
Há muita conversa hoje em República dos Camarões sobre a revisão do constitution 1996, para permitir primeiramente o presidente Biya de funcionar para as 2011 eleições presidenciais. Eu espero que o presidente não heed o conselho destes pretenders- que necessita um descanso bem merecido após 25 anos no helm de casos do estado e praticamente de metade um do século nos corredores do poder. Teve todo o tempo para fazer o que poderia ter feito. Mesmo se as competições em 2011, seu tenure do presidente Biya imóvel vindo ao extremidade-nós todos saber é um mortal como todos nós.

Konstitutionell revidering
Automatically translated into Swedish thanks to WorldLingo
Det finns mycket samtal i dag i Kamerun om revideringen av konstitutionen 1996, i första hand att möjliggöra presidenten Biya som körs för de 2011 presidentvalen. Jag hoppas presidenten ska inte heeden rådgivningen av dessa pretenders- som han behöver en förtjänad brunn vilar efter 25 år på rodern av statliga angelägenheter, och praktiskt driver halvan per århundrade i korridorerna av. Han hade hela tiden att göra vad han kunde ha gjort. Om även presidenten Biya bekämpar i 2011, ska hans ambetstid fortfarande kommet till avsluta-oss alla vet att han är en dödlig något liknande allihop.

Конституционное изменение
Automatically translated into Russian thanks to WorldLingo
Будет много беседа сегодня в Камеруне о изменении конституции 1996, главным образом позволить президент Biya побежать для 2011 президентского выбора. Я надеюсь президент не выслушает консультацию внимательно этих pretenders-, котор ему нужны наилучшим образом заслуженные остальные после 25 лет на кормиле государственных дел и практически половины столетие в коридорах власти. Он имел полностью время сделать он смог сделать. Even if состязания в 2011, его tenure президента Biya будут неподвижное ое к конц-мы все для того чтобы знать он смертным как all of us.

Constitutionele revisie
Automatically translated into Dutch thanks to WorldLingo
Er is veel bespreking vandaag in Kameroen over de revisie van de grondwet van 1996, hoofdzakelijk om President Biya toe te laten loop voor de 2011 presidentiële verkiezingen. Ik hoop de Voorzitter niet aan de raad van deze pretenders- aandacht zal besteden hij een welverdiende rust na 25 jaar bij het roer van staatszaken en praktisch een halve eeuw in de gangen van macht nodig heeft. Hij had de hele tijd om te doen wat hij kon gedaan hebben. Zelfs als de wedstrijden van President Biya in 2011, zijn ambtstermijn nog aan eind-wij zullen komen weten allen hij dodelijk als wij allemaal is.

مراجعات دستوريّة
Automatically translated into Arabic thanks to WorldLingo
هناك كثير محادثة اليوم في كامرون حول المراجعات من ال 1996 دستور, أوّلا أن يمكّن رئيس [بيا] ركضت ل ال 2011 إنتخابات رئاسيّة. أنا آمل لن يبالي الرئيس الإشعار من هذا [برتندرس-] هو يحتاج جيّدا يستحقّ إستراحة بعد 25 سنون في الدفة من دولة شؤون وعمليّا نصف [ا] قرن في الممرات القوة. هو تلقّى [ألّ ث] وقت أن يتمّ ماذا هو استطاع يتلقّى أتمّت. [إفن يف] رئيس [بيا] مسابقات في 2011, توله يريدون ساكنة يؤتى إلى [إند-و] كلّ عرفت هو بشر مثل كلّ من نا.

THE CAMEROONIAN YOUTH : UNDERSTANDING CONFLICT , INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE AND PEACE.
Presented by AJI James, at the 1st National Conference organised by the Local Youth Corner (LOYOC) Cameroon, British Council, Yaounde
Thursday February 24, 2005.

CONTEXTUAL DEFINITIONS
YOUTH- people between the transition from chldhood to adulthood.The age bracket of 13 (for natural reasons of maturity) and 35 (the civil code reason of age limit for integration into the public service).
CONFLICT- a state of opposition betwen two parties. An ongoing state of hostility between two groups. Emphasis here is on international conflicts.
INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE- the principle of treating persons or states equally in accordance with international law.
PEACE- the abscence of war or hostilities, and the agreement or treaty to end hostilities.

INTRODUCTION
Most of the world’s history has been shaped by an ongoing cycle of peace and conflict. Over the past hundred years, however, often violent attempts by men to dominate one another have intensified, so too have efforts to thwart them. At its roots, the study of peace and conflict is the study of human nature, more specifically, how humanity reconciles its essentially selfish nature with the desire to live amongst others.
The saying that “the youth are the leaders of tomorrow”, suggests that the future of the world lies in their hands. The world is today largely characterised by conflicts of various forms: ethnic, cultural, political, or economic within or between states. Not only do these conflicts distabilise the world, they are quite costly. What is most unfortunate about these conflicts is that the youth are deeply involved in them and are greatly consumed by them.
If the world has to be a better place, then there is the need for the establishment of international justice and the preservation of world peace. Given the fact that most youth get involved in conflicts, and suffer the adverse effects, it appears but logical that they play a vanguard role in the eradication of these conflicts, and in the preservation of international justice and peace.

THE YOUTH AND CONFLICT
Conflicts essentially emanate from the differences that lead to disagreements between and amongst human beings. At the national level, the composition of a state could be a source of conflict. This is very conspicuous in plural societies where ethnic, racial, or cultural differences in the form of language or religion are often sources of conflicts. In South Africa, for instance, the differences between the blacks and the whites materialised in the implementation of “Apatheid”, and was a source of violent conflict between the two for decades. In Sudan, the religious element has largely contributed to ravage the country for the past 18 years, killing over two million people and displacing over four million others. In Rwanda, ethnic differences between the Tutsis and the Hutus led to the genocide of 1994 that still sends a cold shudder down the spines of many today. In Nigeria, ethnic differences have often led to outbursts of conflict, which are further exercebated by religios conflicts between the Christians and the Muslims. This has been worsened in recent times by the introduction of the Sharia in some of the northern states.
These conflicts at times take international dimensions, or constitute a call for concern to the international community. They either have spill-over effects in terms of armed incursions or in terms of refugee flow into neighbouring countries. The Great Lakes region is a good example of how internal conflicts easily take international dimensions. In recent times, it has become increasingly difficult to draw a straight line between internal and international conflicts, as the principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of states, hitherto sacred, is more and more beeing questioned.
What is irrefutable is the fact that these conflicts need strong and agile people to carryout and sustain the violet actions that often characterise them. Youthful exuberance is often misused in this direction. Often times the youth take part in these conflicts either because they are not educated, poorly educated, unemployed, or because of poverty. Indeed, hunger and ignorance render most youths easy prey to the manipulative tendencies of selfish political and religious leaders, warlords, and tribal kings. The youth therefore become the tool for the materialisation of the ambitions of some leaders. Whatever the reasons for youth involvement in these conflicts, the consequences are almost always disastrous to them.
Needless to say, conflicts all over the world lead to a high loss in human lives, and given the fact that the youth are the prime actors, it is but natural that they bear the loss highest than other social groups. Besides the loss in human lives, serious material losses always follow these conflicts. Damages or destruction of infrastructure and social amenities are rampant in conflict zones. Thus schools, hospitals, markets, religious houses, sports centres, amongst others, often suffer from violent conflicts. The youth bear the burden of these losses firstly because they are the primary beneficiaries of the services that the infrastructure offer, and secondly because as the future leaders, their reconstruction inevitably lies on their shoulders. Young girls bear an extra burden in the sense that in addition to the above, they undergo psychological and physical traumas such as rape. There is therefore the need for the youth to work for international justice and peace.

ERADICATING CONFLICT, ENSURING INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE AND PEACE: AN INTEREST FOR THE YOUTH.
Violent conflicts are responsible for the greatest violations of human rights, causing death, destruction, and human suffering. At any time, there are about 110 ongoing violent political conflicts in the world, and roughly 30 of these are major wars where more than 1000 soldiers are killed. Others die from the effects of war, including disease and hunger. It is partly in an attempt to redress this worrisome situation that international law has steadily gone beyond holding only states responsible for these breaches, which allowed world leaders to act with impunity because they could not be held accountable. The examples of the United Nations tribunals for Rwanda and former Yugoslavia address the legal responsibility of individuals who have cmmitted crimes of war and crimes against humanity. National courts too have exercised jurisdiction over world leaders, and some, such as former Chilean dictator, Augusto Pinochet, have been charged by courts in many countries. This does not only ensure international justice, but it helps to forestall peace.
Can the youth contribute to international justice and peace?
Some cultures in the world relegate the youth to the background in most, if not all vital issues in the society. In the African context for example, to be young sometimes means being stupid, unintelligent, and foolish. That explains why young people are often barred from some public meetings even when issues that affect and afflict their well-being are being discussed. Youth is regarded with disapproval. “The youth as the future leaders” is often interpreted to mean that the youth have nothing to say or contribute in the present situation of things. In Cameroon, a look at the Government or Parliament ties with this assertion.
But then each youth has an inbuilt potential that is definitely unique. These skills are supposed to be useful in one way or the other to the growth of the world as a whole through each and every individual’s optimistic effort backed up by the collective effort and support of the society, i.e. government, non-government, private, and corporate voluntary support which will enhance the youth for a better tomorrow.
Human history has shown that youths are a vital force in development. Thus it is essential to empower them by equipping them as individuals, youth organisations, communities, and international actors to participate in policy and decision making that affect their lives and well-being.
It was against this backdrop that 28 youths from former Yugoslavia, Greece, Bosnia, Serbia, Mozambique, Uganda, Denmark, Germany, Guatamala, Norway, Lithuania, and France, attending the Solidarity 2000 event in Copenhagen, Denmark, challenged political leaders worldwide to involve them in their quest to seek lasting solutions to conflicts, given the fact that they are the ones who suffer most from them. They equally urged youths living in peaceful nations to assist their colleagues living in conflict areas to oversee violence and create sustainable peace.
The youths can play this role by developing mutual understanding to build a true culture of peace, because we know that conflicts begin in the minds of men and it is in the minds of men that defences must be constructed. Educational campaigns among youths on the world’s cultural differences can rid them of suspicion, since cultural and ethnic differences are major sources of conflicts.
The youth also need to take their destinies into their hands and push for greater involvement and participation in the day to day administration at national levels, and make their voices heard and felt at the international level, to prevent, manage or resolve conflicts, and ensuring the maintenance of world peace and international justice.
The need to invest in the future by working hard in the present, should be a guiding principle for the youth. The circle of conflicts is likely to continue if they fail to do this. It is unfortunate and regrettable that many youths prefer the easy way out of life. They readily engage in conflicts to loot, rape, and destroy, acquiring momentary and shortlived satisfaction at the detriment of tomorrow. Many shun hardwork and engage in prostitution, feymania, and theft, which only portray youth irresponsibility. The Cameroonian youth is not spared from this curse of laziness and irresponsibility. Many, who are students, frequent night clubs more than libraries, their role models are feymen. It is because of their lazy and irresponsible attitude that they can easily be manipulated to undertake actions that are against their interests. That explains why many youths come out on National or Youth Days in party colours, when they hardly understand what the parties stand for, talk less of believing in the ideals. Many come out on hire on Labour Day to march for enterprises and companies, though they are unemployed. This type of youth is vulnerable and can easily be manipulated to take part in conflict.
If the Cameroonian youth is therefore to give its contribution to the construction of world peace, they need to sit up and demonstrate more seriousness that can also convince the decision makers to entrust the affairs of the state in their hands.
CONCLUSION
Considering that youths are the most active, dynamic, creative, innovative and flexible social sector and major stakeholders in the search for the abolition of violent conflicts and the creation of a culture of peace and non-violence as well as important actors in the construction of a participartory civil society in the world, the time has come for youths to unite in co-ordinated action to build peace in the world. A way forward is through active networking to transform the root causes of conflict and bring forward conditions to build sustainable peace. While the majority of the global community continues to erect mechanisms in order to attain the goel for world peace, the Cameroonian youth needs to synchronise national effort to educate the youth groups to view the ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversities of the country as a blessing. When this goal is attained, this can then be exported to other countries. Action on this should be NOW, not soon.
















BIBLIOGRAPHY
TEXTBOOKS
1. Denis Arielle, International Cultural Relations, Allen and Unwin, London, 1989.
2. Holsti K.J., International Politics: A Framework for Analysis, Prencetice-Hall Inc, New Jersey, 1995.
3. Rosenau James and Hylke Tromp (edited), Interdependence and Conflict in World Politics, Gower Publishing Company Ltd, England, 1989
4. Sindjoun Luc, Sociologies des Relations Internationales Africaines, Edition Karthala, Paris, 2002.
ARTICLES
1. Gurr Ted Robert, “People Against States: Ethnopolitical Conflict and the Changing World System”, in International Studies Quarterly, Vol.38, N)1.
2. Kane Ousmane, “Réflexion sur les émeutes interconfessionnelles du nord du Nigeria” in Politique Etrangère, 33 printemps,1999.
3. Pascalini Valérie, “L’évolution des conflits en Afrique”, in La Revue Internationale et Stratégique, 33 printemps, 1999.
WEBSITES
1. http://www.understandingtakingitglobal.org/peace and conflict
2. http://www.answers.com
3. www.cartercenter.org
4. www.globalpolicy.org
5. http://www.pioneersofchange.net/

The new government of President Biya, released on 8 December 2004 has virtually the same old names and faces.The "NEW" faces like Mendo Ze are in fact old faces, the real new ones like TUTU Muna are Ministers without portfolio, so i think change is yet to come.

CAMEROON’S ETHNIC AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY: A BLESSING, AN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS PERSPECTIVE.
by AJI James,
19-11-04

INTRODUCTION
Classical international relations essentially have to do with relations between states in the international system. Given the various diversities amongst states, it is difficult, if not impossible for any state to stand as an island, no matter how rich. The diversity amongst states therefore offers them the opportunity to interact with others in a give and take process. This invariably means that the identity or domestic composition of the state comes into play. This can be better understood within the framework of Rosenau’s Linkage Politics, which establishes a connection between the domestic setting of a nation and the resultant external behaviour. To Rosenau, linking is any recurrent sequence of behaviour that originates in one system and is reacted in another.
Since countries in their relations with others seek to achieve their national interests, it goes without saying that their foreign policies are definitely the product of the domestic environment, and normally takes into consideration the composition of the society and seeks to preserve and promote the values which are specific to particular communities.
Cameroon is a country with several diversities. Apart from its geographical differences, there are ethnic differences, cultural differences be them religious or lingual. This has earned her the title of “Africa in Miniature”. All these differences have an impact in the country’s relations with other countries and organizations in the international system. These diversities have been relatively well harnessed in Cameroon, and have proven to be a blessing unlike elsewhere where they are a source of problems.

ETHNIC AND CULTURAL DIVERSITIES AS A CURSE
Ethnic and cultural differences have proven to be at the root of most conflict situations, with these diversities exploited to alarming rates in many cases. As far as ethnic differences are concerned, the presence of an ethnic element in most civil wars is evident. In 1998 alone, 18 out of the 23 wars were in effect based on ethnic or communal rivalry. It was further realized that about 70 ethnic groups were directly involved in these conflicts. In Burundi, for example, since 1960, the country’s history has been characterized by the reoccurrence of assassinations of the political leaders, followed by a wave of killings because of ethnic loyalty. Burundi’s “twin sister”, Rwanda has gone through virtually the same history, culminating in the 1994 genocide. Most contemporary conflicts all over the world, especially in Africa have either an ethnic connotation or have been “ethnicised”. From the DRC to Sudan,Cote d’Ivoire to Nigeria, the story is the same.

Ethnic differences are therefore largely responsible for the numerous conflicts in the world. These conflicts weaken the states and destroy the economy of the countries, as insecurity sets in. In some cases, the states are so weakened internally that they can hardly make an impact in the international system as they rather rely on the humanitarian assistance, or outside help to bring about peace. But ethnic diversity is not the sole cause of conflicts in the world.
Cultural differences could be a source of trouble internally in countries or even at the international level. At the root of this is often religious bigotry and/or fundamentalism. Differences of religious opinion when taken to extremes can be very dangerous since a political solution is difficult to settle matters of faith. It has been asserted that a political solution keeps eluding the Middle East conflict between Israel and her Arab neighbours, especially the Palestinians, because there is an element of religion in it, and since faith largely has to do with dogmas, a solution is very slow in coming. It has also been argued that the long conflict between the Government in Khartoum and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army of John Garang has known fierce years because of the religious element that divides the predominantly Moslem North and the predominantly Christian South. In Nigeria, the crises that arose from the introduction of the “Sharia” in some states of the North, are yet to settle down, largely because of the difference in religion of Moslems and Christians. This situation is not only limited to Africa but exists elsewhere like was the case in Bosnia-Herzegovina in the 90s.
Language difference is equally an aspect of culture that could be a source of quarrels amongst communities, especially if they live or are to live together. Historically, the 1830 rebellion against the Belgians by the Dutch is a good example. The principal reason for this was that French was made the official language.

CAMEROON’S ETHNIC AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY AS A BLESSING
The above situations have not been the same for Cameroon. Instead these differences have been exploited positively and have been a source of richness for the country. The endowment of Cameroon with several ethnic groups, two official languages, and diverse religious groups have been a source of blessing as the country has in her international relations benefited enormously and asserted herself thanks to these diversities. Biloa Tang opines that these diversities make Cameroon a true “Afrique en miniature”, and that beyond slogans, Cameroon uses this to be a potential force in today’s world, and particularly in the Central African sub-region. That the diverse natural and human resources should constitute a catalyst in the country’s foreign policy as it can favour an opening up to the world.
The ethnic diversity of the country gives it an admirable coloration of many in one- unity in diversity. The several ethnic groups because they can live together, gives a picture of diversities of the world in one. Their unity gives it some power, for as Adamou Ndam Njoya notes, the harmony amongst the different elements of the state is indispensable not only for internal order but also for the affirmation of the personality of the state at the external level. Furthermore, the solidarity of a state is measured from how its government can maintain internal order and assure the realization of state functions externally.
If diversity in language has been a curse in other places, it has been a blessing to Cameroon. The country’s bilingualism stems from its colonial heritage, having been colonized by France and Britain. The official languages of Cameroon are thus French and English, being part of the most spoken languages in the world. This cultural heritage has also meant that Cameroon does not only have special relations with Britain and France, but that the country is part of the group of states of the Anglo-Saxon culture and those of the Francophone culture. In more clear terms, this accounts for her membership of the Francophonie and the Commonwealth. And as J.E Pondi says, the adhesion of a country to politically or culturally aligned institutions always has its implications, which could be cultural, technical, or diplomatic.
A look at the relations between La Francophonie and Cameroon illustrates this assertion. In fact since the country joined the organization in 1991, much fruitful cooperation has been carried out. Conspicuous amongst them are the cooperation between the Assemblée Parlementaire de la Francophonie and the Cameroon Parliament, as well as the Association Internationale des Maires Francophone and several metropolitan towns in Cameroon, amongst other institutions of La Francophonie. In fact, the domains of intervention of the organization are as diverse as its institutions.
The joining of the Commonwealth also falls in line with the analyses of La Francophonie. Cameroon’s membership to this organization was not only for prestige reasons but most especially because of the benefits which this organization offers to developing countries like Cameroon. Following her admission as the 52nd member of this prestigious club of nations in November 1995, much has been realized. As far as Commonwealth assistance is concerned, Cameroon and the Commonwealth have had major landmarks. Following her admission, the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation (CFTC) agreed to fund 31 out of the 35 projects submitted by Cameroon. The organization has marked the various aspects of live in Cameroon. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association recently organized a seminar for Cameroon Parliamentarians from 8 to 13 November 2004.
Thus Cameroon draws benefit from two diverse international organizations because of her diversity. Each year, scholarships and other form of assistance in various domains are received from both organizations. They have both become part and parcel of the life in Cameroon, no doubt therefore that they were both here to observe the October 11 2004 Presidential Election.
In the domain of religion, Cameroon’s diversity also offers enormous benefits in the field of international relations. If we take the example of the relations with the Roman Catholic Church, which in Cameroon stands out as the structure that symbolizes the moral and ethical field, we realize that these relations are very fruitful. Not only is there exchange of visits at the summit level, but there is equally a permanency in diplomatic representation between Cameroon and the Vatican. The fruits of this cooperation for Cameroon include the assistance in education from the primary to the university level (symbolized by the Catholic University for Central Africa), assistance through the Catholic Health Service, just to mention but these. These types of fruits are also reaped in the relations with other religious organizations that have links with the country, as a result of the religious plurality.
An outstanding case is the relations enjoyed with Islamic institutions. Given that a non-negligible proportion of Cameroon adheres to the Islamic faith, Cameroon joined the Organisation Of Islamic Conference in 1974. This organization has an important wing of action for development, given the fact that one of its objectives is to reinforce the cooperation amongst member states in the economic, financial, commercial, and scientific domains. It also has diverse specialized agencies, one of the most active being the Islamic Development Bank. This Bank has been participating in the financing of diverse projects and realizations in Cameroon. This was the case with the defunct Société de Cellulose Industrielle (CELLUCAM), the Song Loulou Dam, the Douala-Yaounde road, and the Kousseri Provincial Hospital, amongst others. This financial institution also assists in other projects, notably in the domains of rural water supply and electrification, or small and medium size enterprises.
In general, religious groups are appropriate avenues to reconcile the social or political contradictions of the society. The fact that in Cameroon ecumenical services are becoming a tradition shows that these religious differences are not exploited negatively but rather have a positive result.
In Cameroon therefore, an atmosphere of peace and security reigns, which is scarce within the Central African sub-region, prey to instability and conflicts. There is a culture of peace in Cameroon, which is demonstrated in the tolerance towards the many foreigners in the country.
CONCLUSION
The necessity for peace in a country and in the world in general cannot be over emphasized. This necessity becomes even more urgent in a plural society like Cameroon. Given the fact that there is no price for peace, the individuals and groups within a plural society should stop at nothing to cultivate, maintain, and promote peaceful coexistence. Tolerance should therefore be the watchword and the differences should always be exploited to the advantage of the entire country. The administrators or leaders need to know that unity can only be best achieved when social justice prevails, which ensures the equality of individuals and groups of individuals. Threats of division should be dealt with promptly, as all groups need to have and feel the sense of belonging.















BIBLIOGRAPHY
-TEXTBOOKS
1. Mouelle Kombi Narcisse, La politique Etrangère du Cameroun, L’Harmattan, Paris, 1996.
2. Pondi Jean-Emmanuel, Relations internationales africaines: Bibliographie annotée de vingt années de recherche à l’Institut des Relations Internationales du Cameroun, Peter Lang S.A Editions scientifiques européennes.
3. Reynolds P.A, An Introduction to International Relations, Third edition, Longman Group Ltd, London, 1994.
4. Rosenau James (edited), Linkage Politics: Essays on the Convergence of National and International Systems, Collier Macmillan Ltd, London, 1969.
-THESIS, MEMOIRES,INTERNSHIP REPORTS, ARTICLES
1. Biloa Tang Alain Titus, La Politique etrangère du Cameroun à l’ère de la transition vers un « Nouvel ordre mondial » (1990-2001) : Une analyse à travers le prisme des politique, Thèse, IRIC, Yaounde, 2000.
2. Gurr Ted Robert « People Against States : Ethnopolitical Conflict and the Changing World System » in International Studies Quarterly, Vol. 38, No.1.
3. Limunga Sylvie Ekinde, Cameroon and the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation, RSD/MP, IRIC, Yaounde, 1994.
4. MANIRATANGA Zéphyrin, La dynamique conflictuelle dans la régions de grands lacs: fondement de la guerre est essai d’une analyse prospective, Mémoire DESS, IRIC, Yaounde, juillet 2000.
5. Owona Zang Janvier Rigobert, La contribution de la francophonie à la lutte contre la pauvreté au Cameroun, RSD/MP, IRIC, Yaounde 2000.
6. Smith Dan, « The World at War” 1st January, Interest site of the Center of Defense Information (Washington).
7. Zingui J.M Claude, Les Relations entre le Cameroun et l’Eglise Cathilique Romaine (1960-1990), Thèse, IRIC, Yaounde, 1990.