A Call for a Government of National Unity in Cameroon

By Peter N Mbile*

*Introduction* 

Cameroon stands at a crossroads. In this crucial election year, the country finds itself deeply divided, raising concerns about how any victorious party can realistically achieve national unity, stability, and progress. The political landscape remains fragmented, with competition often breeding exclusion rather than fostering inclusive governance.

As an intellectual from the South West region, I make this fervent plea for a Government of National Unity—a governance system that ensures that, irrespective of which political party wins an election, public offices, ministries, and key functions are negotiated and occupied by cadres from different political backgrounds. This system is not just desirable; it is a historical necessity and a sociological imperative for a pluralistic, democratic Cameroon.

 *What is a Government of National Unity?* 

A Government of National Unity (GNU) is a governance model in which all significant political parties, regardless of electoral victories, share in the administration of public affairs. It ensures that governance is not a zero-sum game but a collective responsibility, preventing the marginalization of political opponents and fostering national cohesion.

While the regulation of the number of political parties can be a subject for future legislation, adopting a GNU would be a crucial first step toward ensuring that governance reflects the collective will of the people rather than being monopolized by any single party.

 *A Historical and Sociological Justification* 

The people of the South West region are uniquely positioned to champion this call for national unity. Having emerged from British colonial rule, we quickly recognized the limitations of multiparty politics in the African context. We saw that, rather than promoting good governance, excessive political fragmentation often led to inefficiency and resource wastage.

Unlike our counterparts from the North West, who effectively organized themselves into a single political bloc based on ethnic solidarity, South Westerners adopted a different approach. Many of our politicians aligned with the Cameroon National Union (CNU), later the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), not necessarily out of ideological conviction, but as a protective strategy.

However, this strategy has had unintended consequences. Over time, our politicians have become increasingly disconnected from their constituencies, prioritizing their relationships with the ruling party over their engagement with the people they represent. The Anglophone Crisis has starkly exposed the dangers of this approach. By relying on external political structures for protection, South Westerners—and indeed many Cameroonians—have lost their political agency, becoming strangers in their own land.

 *The Consequences of Political Exclusion* 

The absence of a governance system based on national unity has led to widespread political exclusion of free thinking intellectuals and professionals from participating actively in governance. Many of our brightest minds find themselves sidelined, unable to contribute meaningfully to national development because the current political structure does not accommodate diverse viewpoints.

Instead of fostering a meritocratic system where expertise and competence determine leadership, our governance model encourages political survivalism, where loyalty to the ruling party takes precedence over national interest. The result is a country where opposition is not seen as a necessary counterbalance to power but as a threat to be eliminated—leading to political alienation, witch-hunting, and even violence.

 *The Path to National Unity and Stability* 

A Government of National Unity offers a solution to Cameroon’s deep-seated divisions. By institutionalizing inclusivity, we can move beyond the destructive cycle of political rivalry and toward a governance system that prioritizes national cohesion.

 *Key Benefits of a Government of National Unity* 

1. National Stability: With all major political actors having a stake in governance, the likelihood of political unrest, post-election disputes, and insurgencies will be significantly reduced.

2. Inclusive Development: By harnessing the expertise and ideas of individuals from different political backgrounds, Cameroon can benefit from a broader spectrum of innovative policies and governance strategies.

3. Stronger National Identity: A GNU fosters a sense of shared ownership over national affairs, reinforcing the idea that Cameroon belongs to all its citizens, not just those aligned with the ruling party.

4. Better Governance: When opposition leaders and intellectuals are included in governance, they can contribute constructively rather than being forced into adversarial roles.

 *Rethinking Opposition in Cameroon* 

One of the greatest misunderstandings in Cameroonian politics is the notion of "opposition." In a healthy democracy, opposition parties should not be seen as enemies but as partners in governance, offering alternative perspectives and holding the government accountable. The current model, which treats political dissent as disloyalty, is costing Cameroon valuable talent, resources, and opportunities for national development.

Opposition should not be a basis for exclusion, persecution, or marginalization. Instead, it should be embraced as an essential component of a thriving democracy. A GNU would institutionalize this principle, ensuring that governance is an inclusive and collective effort.

 *Conclusion: A Call for Bold Leadership* 

Cameroon’s current political trajectory is unsustainable. The deep divisions, exclusionary governance, and hostility toward opposition voices threaten national unity and stability. The time has come for bold leadership and a transformative shift in our governance system.

A Government of National Unity is not just a political arrangement—it is a vision for a more stable, inclusive, and prosperous Cameroon. It is a system that recognizes that no single party, region, or group has a monopoly on wisdom or patriotism. It is the only way forward for a country seeking true national unity and sustainable development.

As a South Westerner, I understand that political success in Cameroon requires alliances. But this is not unique to my region—it is a reality for all social groups in a diverse and complex country like ours. A governance system that formally acknowledges this reality will ensure that all Cameroonians, regardless of their political affiliations, have a voice in shaping the nation's future.

It is time to put our hopes into action. It is time for a Government of National Unity.

*The author is an Environmental Management Specialist and commentator on Society and Politics. He is based in Yaounde, Cameroon and holds a PhD in Forest Economics and Management. The views expressed are his