Bilingualism Commission impotent to solve Cameroon's Language Problem

The recent declaration by Philemon Zo'o Zame, Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Agency proscribing the use of English at the institution has brought to focus the ability of the National Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multi culturalism to resolve issues emanating from the language conflict in the country.The Bulu native categorically told Anglophones at the Agency to either speak French or shut-up. He shamelessly affirmed he doesn't understand English and so Anglophones must toe his line.

It is clear that Zo'o Zame's declaration is  anti constitutional considering that English and French are the two official languages enshrined in the Constitution . And at a time when the country is going through a protracted stalemate as a result of the uneven use of the two languages, prompt action ought to have been taken against the official.

Almost a week after that incident, the Bilingualism Commission which claimed it is ready for work ought to have had that as its first file. But it has stayed mute,  in utter indifference to the spiral effects of such statements might result in. Not even a Communique has been issued.

As if to make matters worse, the Prime Minister, Thursday June 23 appeared to to have  confirmed how powerless the Commission is against those who violate the country's Bilingual status. While taking questions from MPs in Yaounde, Hon Paul Nji Tumasang asked the Head of Government to tell Cameroonians what punishment await those who fail to respect the equal status of English and French as prescribed in the Constitution.  Philemon Yang shockingly told the National Assembly that "...the law does not see punishment for not using the language as we speak."

Critics have been quick to conclude that Biya's Bilingualism watchdog is doomed to fail. They question why sanctions can not be taken against those who breach the constitution. Besides , the powers of the said Commission they argue ought to have been strengthened through a Bill which give it powers to enforce the equal use of both languages and sanction defaulters. It is commonplace to still see the systematic erosion of the English language in public structures nationwide, leaving them to describe Government's move to enforce bilingualism as timid and cosmetic.