The celebration of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States in Bamenda has turned into a broader conversation on the future of governance in Cameroon and Africa, with scholars and public intellectuals calling for a deliberate return to civility, accountable leadership and stronger institutions as foundations for sustainable development.
Held in Nkwen-Bamenda, the symposium on "American civility and its contribution to the American dream: inspirational flashlights for African Nations" brought together academics, professionals, students and members of civil society to examine how values that have shaped the United States over two and a half centuries could offer practical lessons for African countries facing governance and development challenges.
Rather than celebrating America's military or economic influence alone, speakers argued that the country's greatest strength has been its ability to build institutions rooted in accountability, civic responsibility, transparency and respect for the rule of law.
Opening the discussions, Professor Ngam Confidence Chia, convenor of the symposium, presented the keynote lecture on American Civility and its Contribution to the American Dream, describing civility as one of the often overlooked pillars behind America's global influence and national resilience.
He maintained that while America has experienced slavery, racial segregation, political divisions and other historical shortcomings, its continuous efforts to reform laws and institutions demonstrate a willingness to improve rather than preserve injustice.
Professor Ngam Confidence argued that Africa's development challenges stem less from a lack of resources than from weak civic culture and governance systems.
Delivering the historical perspective, Professor Fi Joseph Lon traced the evolution of the United States from the Declaration of Independence in 1776 to its emergence as a global power, highlighting the principles of constitutional governance, democratic institutions and citizen participation that have shaped the American political experience.
He noted that understanding America's history provides useful context for appreciating how civic values gradually became embedded within its institutions and national identity.
Joining virtually from the United States, Dr Raymond Njinti Budi explored American Civility in Service and the Workplace, urging African public and private institutions to cultivate professionalism, merit, ethical leadership and respect in workplace relationships.
He observed that efficient public service depends not only on policies but also on everyday attitudes that promote accountability, teamwork and service to the public.
The symposium also examined the role of the media in strengthening civic values.
Presenting on American Civility and Lessons for Cameroon, Dr Bamnjo Herman Yenika stressed that responsible journalism remains central to democratic development.
He challenged media practitioners to promote factual reporting, constructive public discourse and ethical journalism capable of strengthening public confidence in institutions rather than deepening social divisions.
An interactive question and answer session followed, allowing participants to engage the speakers on issues ranging from decentralisation and corruption to youth participation, elections and institutional reforms.
Speaking to Hilltopvoices after the symposium, Professor Ngam said Cameroon should not wait another 250 years before embracing values that have already proven effective elsewhere.
"Cameroon is fortunate that America has provided a stencil," he said adding tha "We do not need to reinvent everything. We can study what has worked, adapt it to our realities and deliberately build systems based on transparency, integrity and accountability."
He warned that corruption, tribalism, nepotism, hate speech and weak institutions continue to threaten national cohesion, arguing that stronger institutions must always take precedence over powerful individuals.
"Our institutions must become stronger than the people who occupy them, Power should circulate, and every citizen, regardless of where they come from, should feel equally represented within the national project." he said.
Professor Ngam Confidence further called for civility to become part of civic education from an early age, saying schools should intentionally cultivate values of responsibility, respect, honesty and nation building alongside academic learning.
Addressing the role of citizens, he described governance as a partnership built on mutual responsibility between leaders and the governed.
Drawing from political philosopher John Locke's social contract theory, he urged citizens to actively participate in elections, respect public institutions and hold leaders accountable through lawful civic engagement.
Particular attention was also given to the role of young people.
Professor Ngam Confidence encouraged Cameroonian youth to move beyond political apathy by participating in governance, paying taxes, organising themselves around constructive ideas and focusing debates on issues rather than personalities.
"Youth must first become responsible if they want to become respected," he said, adding that lasting political influence is earned through civic responsibility and informed participation.
Throughout the symposium, speakers repeatedly argued that many of Africa's persistent challenges, including poor governance, corruption, ethnic divisions, weak judicial systems and inconsistent public policies, are fundamentally questions of values and institutional culture.
They maintained that while no country offers a perfect governance model, the American experience demonstrates how continuous institutional reform, respect for dissent, constitutional evolution and civic responsibility can contribute to national resilience.
Organisers said the symposium forms part of a wider community outreach initiative aimed at stimulating conversations on civility and public ethics across Cameroon.
The discussions are expected to continue through future public lectures, institutional engagements and policy conversations, with organisers also proposing the introduction of civility studies into educational curricula.
As the United States commemorates 250 years of independence, participants concluded that the most important lesson for Cameroon and Africa lies not in America's economic power but in the civic values that continue to shape its institutions, encourage public accountability and sustain its pursuit of what has become known worldwide as the American Dream.
By Marinette Binwie intern for Hilltopvoices Web
Tel: +237 694 71 85 77
0 Comments