Maurice Kamto Reflects on the Passing of Prof Mono Ndjana

Maurice Kamto, the President of the Cameroon Renaissance, shared his reflections on the recent demise of Professor Hubert Mono Ndjana, a distinguished philosopher in Cameroon. In a post dated November 16, 2023, Kamto expressed a mix of admiration and regret for the late philosopher’s contributions.

Describing Ndjana as a “lively thinker full of flashes of brilliance,” Kamto recalled their joint efforts to stimulate intellectual debates in the mid-1980s. This collaboration coincided with the publication of Ndjana’s book, “L’idée sociale chez Paul BIYA,” a period when the single-party system dominated the country, limiting the space for societal discourse.

However, Kamto didn’t shy away from addressing what he perceived as Ndjana’s limitations. He lamented, “His ethno-ideological bias prevented him from giving the best of his philosophical talents.”

“I regret that such intellectual vivacity was put at the service of such a bad cause. At the same time, I respect his tireless effort to think. May his soul rest in peace,” Kamto concluded.

The news of Professor Mono Ndjana’s passing surfaced on the morning of Thursday, November 16, 2023, following previous-day rumours that were initially countered by the family. Notably, the philosopher’s death coincided with World Philosophy Day, an occasion he passionately celebrated and promoted throughout his life.

In addition to his intellectual pursuits, Professor Mono was an active member of the Cameroon People Renaissance Movement (CPDM) Party. Journalist Paul Eloundou shed light on Ndjana’s involvement, revealing, “He had unnatural proposals to be at the top of this party that he participated in germinating and occupying major positions… He refused to betray himself to satisfy the pulpit. This is why he was sidelined.”

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