THINKING ALOUD

                    “NEED FOR A THIRD FORCE”

To remain relevant in any endeavour is to keep making impact. Lack of impact erodes relevance thereby making change inevitable. Change is not necessarily due to obsolete, the need therefore for a

third Force in Cameroon’s political trajectory. It can not be more necessary than now. By this third force, I mean a formidable political force that will fulfill the yearnings of the people for good governance and other dividends of democracy.

In 1985, the existing force now holding sway changed nomenclature and became the First and only force. This change in nomenclature was somewhat heralded by the people, with expectation of ripple effect – that the change would reflect on socio-political governance and economic wellbeing. It seemed so, but soon, appearance and reality maintained their difference. The change conundrum became enough on logo and personality. “Democratic movement” became mere appellation, as the First Force brandished its own form of democracy coloured with impunity, arbitrariness and high handedness. A poisoned silence prevailed over the entire political space, mistaken of course for peace. People groaned for real change but none could dare the status quo, where all and sundry belonged. It was the only force, so you either agree voluntarily with subtle pressure or angled as an enemy. During elections or voting, the people had just one choice, yet perpetually impoverished and brazenly manipulated by politicians who cruised to positions of influence riding on their permissive will. The people were coerced to submit, hoodwinked by lies and bogus promises, induced with cash – dangled at them like a piece of fish set to trap an erring domestic rat.

Then the Second Force came into being, in the midst of glaring inner turmoil and grave yard peace. Like Moses in the liberation of slave burdened Jews, the Second Force was triggered by the wave of change and political pluralism across most part of the globe in the 90’s. It was as if the masses had been waiting for a lead. Their break-forth from fear, sycophancy and flattery, and a fast switch to the new Second Force seemed a turn around in their captivity like the biblical Zion. They were willing and ready to call a spade a spade. Their patriotic spirit was re-enacted. They wanted change at all cost and gave unalloyed support to the change crusaders.

For the first time, I saw fellow compatriots resolute and firm, even at very close range with gun trotting security operatives released against them like hunting dogs. They were a little combative. Blood spilled and wanton destruction seen on the side of the state. The masses vented their anger and pitched tent with the Second Force which emerged as aftermath of events of that moment. It cut across the east and west, far beyond language and cultural affiliations: the “Francos and Anglos” in cordant tunes like when the national football team is in a competition.

The Second Force was embraced and earned the people’s trust and basked on this good will and became the people’s hope for change. That hope had become forlorn since they digressed into secret hub-nub and hypocrisy, enjoying the assemblage and financial support of state machinery controlled by the First Force, in utter disregard of playing the watch dog which they even abandoned for sudden wealth. Some of them who used to be average career men and women with integrity are lifted to elite class of ‘neaveau riche’ - now parading in affluence. Their lifestyle reeks of ills and they are indiscreetly disjointed from the people’s expectation - like the biblical Joshua the high priest with the filthy garment which put him at a distance from God’s presence. The Second Force fast became ordinary, in similitude to other lesser forces who are confused, without clear-cut direction either to the left or right; more of appendages of the First Force.

The Second Force could have provided an alternative choice if their slogan of ‘power to the people’ is anything to go by. They are complete leftist with seeming territorial spread but the nuances with the First Force are not so glaring. It has been the same lies and deceits, same unfulfilled promises, same nepotism or support for those considered cronies, same venal kleptocracy, and same autocracy in internal processes: one Lion King on the saddle for too long, in charge of the zoo and charging for the jungle, holding both the oath and promise. Transparency is voided and tribal stronghold lingers – with streams of exodus and abdication. Theirs has always been threats and clamour, preferring the argument of force than the force of argument; all signifying nothing.

The people’s grief deepens yet the Second Force plays to the gallery until recently a bold baby Loin decided to challenge the status quo. Then another baby Lion, an off-shoot of the Lion King harps that the Lion King will not present self in contest for the jungle, giving the baby Lion the leverage to indicate interest for the jungle context. I heard another voice is added but whether he is a baby Lion, a hyena or hippopotamus remains to be seen.

However, as laudable as this move seems, it is coming rather too late when hopes had risen and fallen, and expectations skewed. It is still perceived that the Lion King may have hidden strings to rally forces around him and maintain relevance. It is believed he wants to give up one and holds another – being in charge of the Second Force for Life? May be he is giving up another for age constraints? The skeptism here stems from the fact that there is no paradigm shift because when a bird perches from one branch to another of the same tree; it is still on the tree.

What is required in the country’s political space is not a new wine in an old keg. There are possibilities of the new wine being contaminated. A formidable Third Force is needed that will chart a new course, ready and willing to give direction to the masses, and with the prevailing tension in the jungle, renew hopes for better future. A Third Force should usher a new way of doing things, with a complete departure from the old. Instead of clusters of insignificant political associations some without definite locations, coalition is possible beginning point for the Third Force, where strengths will be properly harnessed for numerical advantage. It should be a new set up driven by new breeds with passion for service in leadership. Men with scrupples

The level of political consciousness is high, all thanks to important roles played by mainstream and social media. So, dissenting political voices are not easily cowed. There are potentials in the country.  Human and material resources are also there. What I can’t vouch for is if the political will is there. It’s not about clamour, liberal platitudes on topical issues and overt criticism of the old order. It is about action, triggered by vision.

When a legal eminence recently declared interest as a new breed to participate in the jungle context, I thought he would walk in this line: rally like minds across parts of the jungle, beyond cultural influence, using his vast experience and foreign connect. But the euphoria came and soon nose dived. Little is heard about his moves and intentions, whether to the left or to the right. I pray we hear and see much of him soon.

In either case, the time for a Third Force has come. The set time is now because First and Second Forces have outlived their relevance.

By:   Godycreative

                                                                                                                              @Godycreative