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RAMBLE in the JUNGLE

We have been scammed!

By Wanaku Verdzekov · · The Cameroons

Tags: statehood, decolonization

Every citizen of the Cameroons under 35 years of age has known no system of governance in this sub-region other than the CPDM/Biya-type regime and its stories. So there is an obvious dearth of patriotism for the State of former British Southern Cameroons. That is understood.

What type of system is it in the Cameroons? Franco- or Anglo-Camerounese, or both? Who did the math? You tell me.

But the facts pointing to the truth of our history dictate that our people and their future generations are ENTITLED to a little more than being citizen-passengers in the current state of the Cameroons.

State of British Southern Cameroons scammed out of self-rule

We are entitled to statehood. And (if you ask me) the people of the State of former British Southern Cameroons have been scammed, big time.

Over the past 50+ years, gross injustices have been meted out to our people because of a bungled decolonization process and a dishonest, cheating post-colonial partner. If we do not recognize that, and redress it with a complete overhaul that entails the restoration of the State of former British Southern Cameroons, then we will have what we have: scammed second-class citizens living in perpetuity under the Franco-Camerounese republic that became independent one year before us. An unchangeable truth.

We did not become independent until 1961, October 1st.

Oh! My mistake: we never became independent.

— Wanaku Verdzekov

Reading & grammar

Reading level: Gr 9–11

Understand

  1. Why does the author say there is a "dearth of patriotism"?
  2. What does the author think citizens are entitled to?
  3. What is ironic about the last two lines?

Grammar focus: self-correction for effect. "We did not become independent until 1961, October 1st. Oh! My mistake: we never became independent." A mock self-correction delivers the real point as a surprise.

Try it: Write a two-line statement that ends with a mock self-correction.

Discuss: What does independence mean: a legal date, or real control of one's own affairs?