‘Communal Liberalism’ : Book With Timeless Relevance

Great minds can best be reflected by their views which are most often the best demonstration of their passion and convictions. In the case of Communal Liberalism, captioned by the author, Paul Biya as a “Dynamic thinking in keeping with the times”, it focuses on principles and ideological stance which the editor qualifies as an “expanded format, born of the dialogue between words and actions”. Building on such values, the author in an exclusive interview published on to Cameroon Tribune of Monday 29 September, 2025 says the essay is: “Without yielding to the pressures of being trendy, it is in an ongoing dialogue with our times.” In a complex and diverse society like Cameroon that is undergoing several mutations, a book coming from the Head of State cannot only be appreciated from the cover page. A reading and interpretation of the themes as well as the pertinence to the people and country in an ever composite world cannot be over emphasized. 

Democratisations
Many may see the introduction of multiparty politics in the 1990s in Cameroon as a new beginning because, it gave room for the expression of varied views an aspirations for the country. Each passing election since then has been the strong show by the Head of State to take the country towards a specific direction, despite the odds. That was already evident in the opening pages of ‘Communal Liberalism” when the author pointed out in the introductory chapter that: “Our continuous action has consisted and still consists in overcoming artificial schisms created by colonization, decolonizing mentalities and transcending the colonial past in order to build and consolidate, together with Cameroonians and for Cameroonians, a Cameroon that stands tall and is jealous of its freedom, as reflected in our national anthem.” Thus, it could be understood why political plurality in Cameroon came with resistance from certain party bulwarks, but President Paul Biya instead took them aback by announcing that they had to prepare for eventual competition. The scenario has almost torn the country apart due to deep-seated differences amongst divergent communities that have at times refused to sink their divisions and forge a homogeneous nation: Cameroon. Yet, in the face of the simmering atmosphere in the country particularly with the approach of key electoral consultations, President Biya has remained the pivotal figure; ensuring at each stage that the ship of the State should not be derailed. Today, Cameroon counts over 300 political parties even if most of them are invisible during electoral periods. It however gives room for freedom of speech that can best be symbolised by the bubbling media landscape in the country both in the traditional media and on digital platforms.     

National Development    
By recognising the existence of inequalities among in the country, the author is tacitly drawing public attention to his desire to pursue policies that give precedence to the wellbeing of the citizens. To attain such a goal, there is the need for peace, stability, and hard work at every level of the society. Of course, not everyone views the situation from the same perspective, especially in a context of multiple ethnicity and nepotism that are often visible in Cameroon. Again, the President in his book captures situations by saying: “I think the reason why most citizens in this country strongly reject destabilization attempts fomented by adventurers at home and abroad is that they have experienced the benefits of tranquillity and are imbued with the strong conviction that only in an atmosphere of peace and stability can they develop the numerous national resources and enjoy them in the most honest way possible.” Growing cries for good roads, schools, hospitals, telecommunication infrastructure, water, electricity, and other social amenities have remained pertinent and there is work in progress. For varied reasons, others may think there is still much to be done. Some may event think that they could do better. Whatever the position that people may want to defend, the bottom-line is that these concerns have been clearly identified in “Communal Liberalism” with clear indication as to what the country requires to surmount most challenges. 

Multiculturalism
The concept may appear new to some because of the recent upheavals in the South West and North West Regions. Yet, with a Muslim north mixed with growing Christianity, a Christian south that harbours several religious practices and an animist west that has equally imbibed Christendom, Cameroon is often referred to as Africa in miniature. Add to such a mix, is over 200 hundred linguistic groups. That is enough diversity to call for foresight and restrain i...