Hon. Cabral Libii, the president of the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation (PCRN), addressed the nation on December 31 in a speech that has raised concerns among the English-speaking population of Cameroon.
He delivered the address, lasting 18 minutes and 53 seconds, entirely in French, leaving out English.
Hon. Libii, who has often criticised the Biya regime’s leadership of Cameroon, has consistently shunned the English language.
Upholding Cameroon’s Bilingualism
The move contradicts Cameroon’s constitutional principle of bilingualism, critics say.
Cameroon is officially a bilingual nation, with both English and French enshrined as its official languages in the Constitution.
This bilingual identity is a cornerstone of national unity, especially in a country that has experienced heightened tensions over the marginalisation of its Anglophone population.
Hon. Libii’s decision to ignore the English language during his address for years now has drawn sharp criticism.
Some Cameroonians, particularly from the English-speaking regions, feel excluded and question whether he can represent the interests of all citizens should he ascend to the presidency.
Cabral Libii was among nine candidates who contested for the presidency at the 2018 elections.
He emerged third in the race, and speculations are high that he would run again in this year’s elections.
He, however, appears disconnected from the English-speaking population of the country.
“I expected better from someone who claims to unify Cameroonians,” remarked Delphine Ngam, a resident of Bamenda in the English-speaking North West Region.
“This raises serious doubts about his commitment to inclusivity and his ability to lead a bilingual country.”
Cabral Libii’s address focused on key national issues, but the choice of language overshadowed the content to those who couldn’t understand French.
Social media platforms have since been flooded with reactions, with some accusing Hon. Cabral of marginalizing the Anglophone population.
However, critics insist that symbolic gestures like respecting bilingualism are crucial, especially during critical national addresses.
As the 2025 presidential elections approach, this incident adds to the growing scrutiny of Hon. Cabral Libii’s leadership style and political agenda.
Whether he will address this criticism or maintain his current stance remains to be seen.