The role of civil society in democratic transitions in Africa was the main topic of discussion at a talk organized at the Federal Quarters, Buea residence of the president of the Fako Lawyers Association, Barrister Nkongho Felix Agbor-Balla recently.

Moderated by Mr. Lifongo William, the adviser to the UN Under-Secretary on Gender issues, the forum afforded a perfect avenue for people from diverse backgrounds to proffer solutions to issues such as independence and sustainability of the civil society.

The guest speaker, Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh, who is Senior Associate and Regional Director for Central and West Africa at the Washington-based National Democratic Institute (NDI), addressed varied themes including notably “individual and collective responsibility”; “challenging times for the future of democracy”; “renewal of political leadership”, just to name these few.

According to him, political office holders should stop working for personal gain and focus on community goals which will propel their country

“Civil societies are catalysts and lubricants for any democratic society,” he added, noting that “If Cameroon neglects its civil society the country will stop functioning, just like a car will stop moving if the fuel tank is empty.”

With regards to the renewal of political leadership in the country, Mr. Fomunyoh was of the opinion that there is the need for separation of powers. He regretted that in the present dispensation the executive arm of government is too preponderant and even suffocates the legislative and judiciary powers.

Dr. Fomunyoh observed that elected officials do not serve the general public but pay allegiance to the executive branch. “How can there be a country where the president elects members of the Senate, is the head of the judiciary and also commands the legislature?”

According to BaristerLekunze, power lies with the citizens and not the government. “Anglophones should take back their power, else they will be sidelined,” he added.

For this to succeed, Barrister Lekunze insisted that there is the need to be one force; the force that will propel the civil society forward. He explained that the civil society has lost many fighters to bribery, corruption and appointments over the years.

“You cannot practice Democracy without Democrats”, Dr. Fomunyoh argued. To him, many African presidents do not believe in democracy; they practice autocracy and tyranny.

Participants were urged to reflect on the issues raised and discussed so that civil society in the coming years will be a force to reckon with.

The talk brought together key actors in the Democratic process such as Barrister Ahuntangtang Tanjong, members of the Fako Lawyers Association, Civil Society Actors, University of Buea lecturers, and Pan-African Institute students, journalists and a host of others.