The Chinese Province of Cameroon

By Innocent Chia
A general consensus among the cross section of Cameroonians - especially the disenfranchised, economically dwarfed and disenchanted – is that the influx of Chinese and Chinese products on every street corner is overwhelming. Most people you talk to do not know how many Chinese there are, just that it is not commonsensical to have Chinese immigrants competing for jobs in the unregulated sector of the economy – such as frying puff-puff and street hawking everything in-between. If it is the ruling regime’s idea of promoting Sino-Cameroon relations through bilateral trade, main street Cameroon is neither equipped to compete at home nor able to afford the cost of a plane ticket to China to hawk on its streets. The sledgehammer, meantime, is that shortsighted politicians may not have thought about the political ramifications of a loose immigration policy that fails to protect its citizens – the potential for an explosive Chinese-Cameroonian population to become political godfathers, kingmakers and, yes, even President of Cameroon by 2040!

Phony Immigration Numbers
When you are done calling me a lunatic, take a minute to consider the following: Between 2006 and 2008 the official number of Chinese immigrants in Cameroon had more than doubled from 1000 to over 2500, compared to the less than 100 exchange students from Cameroon in China. These official numbers are not only unbelievably phony, their omnipresence in the nation of less than 20 million has many venturing that there are over 200,000 Chinese in Cameroon.  The word on the street, probably emanating from their sheer ubiquity, is that Presidents Biya and Hu had signed an agreement in 2003 with Biya allowing for the immigration of up to 300,000 Chinese in Cameroon.

While it is one of those unsettling statements that you want so desperately to be untrue, this is the same crop of unwittingly uncaring and unpatriotic politicians in Cameroon that would rather spend insane amounts of taxpayer dollars (£25,000 a day) vacationing in La Baule, France than invest in capital projects to generate employment and reduce the 40 percent unemployment rate. Therefore, if this travesty contains any iota of truth and only 20,000 Chinese flock into Cameroon, what would that mean for a country that has been in and out of more than three (3) depressions in the last 27 years of Biya’s supremacy?

In the first place, 20,000 is a merciful ten percent (10%) of 200,000. Frankly speaking, Cameroonians are way off better contending with 20 than 200 Chinese in the homeland. 200,000 Chinese in Cameroon would represent an important one percent (1%) of the national population. While they may not yet have voting rights, they constitute potentially a loyal economic backbone - especially if threatened of losing perceived government protection - from which the ruling regime can coerce monetary support. 200,000 Chinese would obliterate the entire Cameroon Civil Service of less than 180,000; and at that number they will out-count most homogenous ethnic groups in Cameroon. For now, therefore, it is safe betting that 200,000 Chinese is more a figment of the imagination that speaks to a reality – they represent a nuisance in the national consciousness.

Chinese Competitive Edge
Even at the more realistic 20,000 Chinese on its territory, Cameroonians must still worry. And here is why: With the official number at 2500 Chinese in Cameroon, the general population is already feeling the suffocating squeeze from all ends. In retail like in wholesale, the working poor can hardly compete with the experience, resources and resourcefulness of the Chinese.

Chinese readily buy at wholesale from home in China and have access to credit purchases in all likelihood. The ordinary Cameroonian, even the top businessperson, mostly pays cash for their transactions. Cash is both an inconvenient tender in international trade and a security concern. These truths are a further set back to most any Cameroonian business operator poising to compete against their Chinese counterparts who are manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and now petty traders!

The experts will rightfully argue that any production done within the Cameroon borders adds to the GDP of the country, regardless of who does the production. They may also concede, however, that this production is done at the expense of an ill-equipped, uneducated (mostly illiterate and unskilled) population. This could be problematic if, theoretically, the Chinese were to all leave someday after gaining a controlling share of the GDP. Cameroon as we know it will seize to exist.

Cameroon has faired abysmally in maintaining the Palais de Congres in Yaounde after the Chinese handed over the keys in the mid-eighties following its construction. It is true maintenance is a huge problem in and of itself, but the Chinese exacerbate it because they build these structures with minimum local labor; a problem that is not as much Chinese as it is that of Cameroon that is not making technical education a priority.

Even when they are on the demand side of the chain there is little comfort for Cameroonians and the economy. They consume mostly Chinese products – their own clothes, eat mostly rice which they farm, eat in their own Restaurants. Reports confirm that the farmlands that the government of Cameroon provided to the Chinese have not seen the kind of exchange of know-how to the locals as had been touted. It is also obvious that indigenes are mostly used for petty tasks, unlike in neighboring Nigeria that requires a minimum 40% ownership by local entrepreneurs in any investment by foreign entities. This is difficult to decipher in the Sino-Cameroon relationship because of the secretive nature of the agreement defining the status of Chinese in Cameroon.

Chinese Colonizing Africa?
What else would explain why Chinese are flocking to a so beleaguered country? In their new country they are not under the population control restrictions of China-mainland by which a couple may only have one child. They can multiply as much as they want and as long as they can. And here belies a serious concern for Cameroon: If only 40 percent of the estimated 25,000 Chinese had children within the next year or two in Cameroon, it would be an additional 10,000 Chinese-Cameroonians. You readily see that by year 10, those numbers would shoot through the roof and every village in Cameroon will have its fair share of Chinese controlling the economy and, subsequently, the politics. We already have some of them selling puff-puff in my native Kom.

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The problem with that picture of having Chinese in my backyard is that one would expect them to come as expatriates to help the downtrodden get on their feet - not take away from the only source of livelihood they ever have known. But they really cannot help my people because they are, for the most part, certifiably not better than my people in terms of socio-economic status back in China. One needs not be a rocket scientist to figure out why a Chinese with top-notch training or education would rather go to Cameroon to razzle-dazzle with tasks and businesses that are generally the preserve of the less fortunate.

A logical reason is that Cameroon has become a dumping ground for Chinese excesses, misfits and rejects. Conversely, the question begs to be asked why America, which does far more trade with Cameroon, is not swamping Cameroon with Americans? In 2008 alone, the US trade deficit with Cameroon was $489 million, almost 198 % (from $325 million) over from the previous year, 2007, compared to a 40 % growth in business with China during the same period. Meantime,the honest answer to the earlier question will not only speak to the real intentions of Beijing to have provinces in Africa and dominate world geo-politics, it also speaks to Africa’s lack of complexity in understanding what is happening around it.

Conveniently, the Chinese government is finding much needed space in some of the corrupt States of Africa, and not surprisingly Biya is game. The experiment however, has been fatal for several Chinese. Incidents have been reported all across the country of gangs beating up the Chinese or ostracizing them from their communities. While such inhumane acts must be discouraged and condemned, the government has to take hold by incentivising its citizens, especially small businesses, with loans and access to other tools to assuage their competitive disadvantage. Such strategic planning embraces the expertise of the Department of Commerce or the Ministry of Trade. But a glance at the power delegations that have visited China from Cameroon reveals administrators that are more interested in sightseeing and pocket allowances than in the deliverables for the nation.

Public Resistance 
The sporadic clashes that have resulted in Chinese casualties are a misleading indicator of the traditional hospitality of Cameroonians. Instead, the clashes are symptomatic of what the government of Cameroon has not spent capital doing or even thinking about: preparing Cameroonians for possible social, cultural and racial integration. The biggest civilizations of our day have been grappling with the complexities of racism for centuries with mixed results. Cameroon and China, however, think they are exceptions to the rule. Mind-less about Cameroon's boiling cauldron of ethinic, cultural and linguistic jigsaws. It is only a matter of time before the Chinese will either assert themselves to become the dominant force we project they will become or be assimilated by the majority, which is rather unlikely.

If Africans stand by and watch on as the Chinese Yuan floods its shores, it will not be long before I am fighting to preserve my grandfather’s tomb from a Chinese immigrant laying claim to the land. Africans will fall in the category of endangered species needing protection in our own backyard. This is not new in World History. Caucasians did same to Native Indians in the United States. The Indians are now found in special “Settlements” in New Mexico ad some other Mid-Western States. This is not the fate we want for Africa. But when Chinese architecture begins to be the hallmark of our environments, we have to hit pause and go back to the drawing board(s).

Comments

[Va Boy]

Very thoughtful article

[Ntam]

Developed countries with their strong and booming economies, are regulating their immigration laws towards allowing only immigrants of special potentials to gain long time residence in their territory.However,there is still the influx of unskilled and lay immigrants into these countries.Checking the inflow of the later class of immigrants has been a major problem to the E U states for example and Spain has always been called upon to tighten up as she is the gateway to europe for Africans who constitute a majority of the European immigrant population.Every concerned government should be able to check the quality of immigrants entering its territory in order to guarantee some kind of fair competition in its labour market among other reasons.Bobe chia,ur worries are well understood and the the problem u are pointing out is a real one.Courage and do not stop writing.

Ntam

[Fabelos]

Very thoughtful and insightful, but I will caution that in so far the Chinese in Africa and Cameroon in particular are there legally and not breaking any laws, I see no need for Cameroonians or Aricans to panic as we will be saying tha it is ok to be xenophobic. With globalization spreading like wildfire, one will encourage our Cameroonian or African families to learn from their new neighbors and teach them also about their cultures. I believe the chinese presence in Africa can be beneficial to all Africans if they choose to learn and understand why and how the Chinese people are so hard working and determine to succeed. One thing I know for sure about my fellow Cameroonians is that Chinese or no Chinese, the informal sector was never considered important and now that the Chinese are capturing our informal sectors, should only encourage our citizens especially University graduates the importance of building your own nest egg from your basic surrounding.

There are millions of Africans, all over the world and in China also, and hence preaching or advocating any stance against the presence of the Chinese in Africa will only go forth bite us were it hurts...we should read this article and take it as an eye opener and encourage our citizens to open their eyes and learn from their new neighbors and that it is ok to wake up and find someone different from you as neighbor...The growth of the Chinese in Africa is beneficial as it has been proven in the West that they stay and invest in their new found land. The Chinese are good and hard working people that stick together, work together and succeed together which is what we lack as Africans and as Cameroonians in particular, there is not a better time than now for us to learn to live together with others as one and support each other like the Chinese do. It is sad and shameful to know that a Chinese or anyone is lynched for any reason and I think the Gv't should provide the needed support system to protect our guests and citizens alike.

[Ntam]

I understand the author is concerned about the government's immigration policy that allows unskilled immigrants to abtain long term residence permits and the impact it has on the indegenous people.It can not be,that a cameroonian for example,applies for and obtains a long term visa to travel and work in a european country as a bus driver.Immigrants who obtain long term residence permits very often offer very uncommon and hard to acquire services to the recipient country.Otherwise other groups of immigrants secure their stay via assylume laws and even then they always are a burden even to very strong economies.I think the author has a point.

Ntam

[Ras tuge]

Your remarks would have been tangible if you were in Cameroon. It is silly for you to be taking shelter in another man's country and yet pretend to care about what becomes of your own land. Ofcourse, if Cameroonians wouldn't find a reason to remain rightful custodians of their own land, then technically, others will rightfully inherit the land, and deservedly so.

This is exactly what happened to the people of Fako division, where Bakwerians are struggling to buy land from me. Ofcourse, i will only sell land to maximise surplus value for my self and my family. And if the Chinese happen to make the best offer, they get the land, period. As the indegenous people of Fako have willingly resigned themselves to hiding in their tiny villages, so shall they remain anxious spectators as others build their beautiful castles and businesses.

I personally feel more threatened by fellow Cameroonians who have vapidly ignored my rallying call for repatriation, than of the illustrious Chinese who are smart enough to realise the possibilities in Cameroon. China is able to buy Cameroon because Cameroonians have disowned the country, to go and be eternal beggars in foreign countries where they own little or nothing.

It wouldn't be long before the Chinese become landlords in Cameroon, and by the way things are going, it wouldn't be an easy ride to get rid of them. China has just found herself a new home for her excess children.

[Watesih]

Good article,but alarmist in nature. We should learn about and welcome the children of the world.But we should know who they are. The Chinese are a people with a long history,very industrious,but exceedingly nationalistic. They are also very ruthless as a result of their early frosty relationship with the West. They have come to distrust all foreigners and often refer to them as"foreign ghosts". This has also pushed them to huddle in small communities that you may call 'China town'. Their long stay in the West has often been tense,because they will go any length to spy and do other nasty things for their motherland and as a way to hit back at the West. The chinese education system is one of the worst in the world,with graduates forced to take production lines in factories for about 45 to 65 thousand francs a month.But they are also frugal savers and will always smile during rainy days. They have contributed to the economic upliftment of countries like Malaysia, Singapore, S.korea, Australia and even the US and Britain. They generally have little conderation for the environmend and can not also stand criticisms. Finally,they are incredibly gossipy and abusive. Every black is a ghost or fat black. Their presence in Cameroon is a blessing,because they are people who transform villages into cities in a matter of weeks. Most those who flock to Africa are middle school leavers,but who can build many Palais des congres when they smell money. Our only problem should be to restrict their numbers,and stop whinning about their presence. They are a force and some trouble at the same time.

[Felix]

A good point Ras tuge, as long as some of us hide in the west and pretend to fight for cameroon, the vacum created will be occupy not only by the chiness but by others.
We cameroonian are always crazy about pointing shortcommings while practising the causes of these short comming.
Nice to hear that chiness are getting greener pastures where Cameroonians have abandoned.
Its a sick mentality for most africans to haverst where they do not sow.Thanks to the treatment most of them get in Europe and America(forced down last segment of the society Cast system).
Its never too late to come back and fight to develope your country either politically and industrally.

[Bob Bristol]

When my eyes flipped on this article, I was expecting to read more on the taxing policy governing Chinese Businesses in Cameroon. If the rumour that Cameroonian businessmen are paying more taxes than the Chinese, then how can we compete with them? Hardship has transformed Cameroonians into xenophobic, uncultured and ferocious people. It takes a lot to put a genuine smile on the face of a struggling Cameroonian. If you mistakenly step on the toes of a struggling Cameroonian, be prepared to get a stream of invectives from him. And things are getting worst.

[Agbor-Balla]

Innocent, kudos for such a brilliant and erudite exposition of the situation in Cameroon. Most Media houses in Cameroon have failed to draw the attention of the Cameroonian public to the growing threat of Chinese dominance in Cameroon. Please don’t get me wrong, am not xenophobic neither am I against globalization. It’s my opinion that the playing field in the business arena between the Cameroonian Biz man/woman and his or her Chinese counterpart is not level. The Government needs to do a lot to protect small traders in Cameroon.

[kilo]

sure, in a modern state all naltionals on regular stay are supposed to be protected by the government;
however,i think its about time the state regulates the inflow of chinese in the country for its clear this is another "Libensraum" policy by Hu to lodge his unwanted human cargo.

[Dr A A Agbormbai]

A very revealing article with very shocking findings. I have been suspecting for some time that the corrupt and incompetent government of Paul Biya has been quietly selling the country cheap to foreigners.

I'm suspicious of all those agreements they've signed. They've virtually given away all our minerals and resources in exchange for private payments.

One thing is clear... Cameroon belongs to Cameroonians, just as foreign countries belong to the citizens of those countries.

Any country that has signed opportunistic agreements with Biya's government (especially in exchange for private payments) must know that those agreements will not stand.

If Cameroon has been given away for next to nothing it will be recovered and all those agreements will not be respected!

This is what happens when you have a bunch of morons running a country.

[Va Boy]

Try to start a business in Cameroon:
http://www.dibussi.com/cameroon_economy/
http://www.dibussi.com/cameroon_corruption/

For the indigenes, it is an up hill task, with all kinds of obstacles just to start and maintain the business, and then the poor access to capital. I am curious whether the Chinese and the French and others have to succumb to similar terms. Does anybody know?

[Ras Tuge]

VA Boy, my advice to you; Make a trip to Cameroon if you can afford, and find that out for yourself man.

Agbormbai, it's about time you guys stop reciting meaningless Wonderland poems, and touch base with the source. Cameroon belongs to Cameroonians bla bla bla... i can't imagine it is you uttering such idiocy! And what happens when a Chinese becomes a Cameroonian for instance?

What are you doing ina dat Bitch England then? We are all guilty of neglectful conduct to our very own motherland, as we parade the streets of this mystery Babylon, and pitifully showing off with the so-called transplanted nationalities of various imperialistic gangster nations, notably; Her Majesty queendom of treachery and rats, from where you proudly sing me a lullaby.

But forget! Forget the morons who have pocketed the money. They are free to do whatever they desire since Cameroonians no longer have any sense of belonging, apart from chanting empty choruses as they watch the cockroaches usurp their birthright from miles away. As if it is some news that Cameroon was mortgaged years before our tender lives.

Seriously, we need to stop disengaging ourselves, and set our eyes back home. The Chinese in Cameroon are just spotlight from below.

[The Entrepreneur Newsonline Inc.]

Thoughtless write-up.

The Chinese are in Cameroon for the same reason
that the writer is out of Cameroon. It seems the writer cannot come to terms with the fact that as he is living and falsifying asylum papers,
other foreigners are taking his place in Cameroon, and making it greener for themselves and their family.

Even Ants are more thoughtful,
King Solomon advised in the biblical Book of Proverbs: “Look to the ants thou sluggard; learn her ways and be wise…..”

More: http://www.entrepreneurnewsonline.com/2010/01/foreign-business-persons-invade-africas-informal-sector.html

Cameroon diaspora must grow up and return to the trenches in the battle field and graduate from this infantile wailing.....that doesn't do any good

[Bob Bristol]

Ras Tuge, please set a pace.

In all of this, the question remains that how many people can risk their hard earn cash to invest in a country with such a fragile political atmosphere. The Chinese are not investing. They are reaping from preferential political pacts.

As at now, nothing has been done to redeem the image of Southern Cameroonians within that triangle. We are still victims of politically motivated taxes. The security of our businesses cannot be guaranteed by the regime. Our educational system has made entrepreneurial skills a rare commodity. Skilled managers are lacking. Our immediate kin have failed us; even with the best of intentions. The fight against corruption has been a big failure. An above all, our status as Southern Cameroonians is yet to be ratified. We are optimistic about that.

Don't get me wrong though. If I cannot, somebody else can. But I thought we could starve the regime from the taxes that wouldn't be any beneficial to us.

[Louis Egbe Mbua]

"This is exactly what happened to the people of Fako division, where Bakwerians are struggling to buy land from me. Of course, i will only sell land to maximise surplus value for my self and my family." Ras Tuge

Well, it all depends on how you acquired the land. If you acquired it legally, fine. However, if you bought native land -- protected under international and national laws, then you have lost your money since the deal will be illegal and therefore null and void. Consequently, the land will be returned to the Bakwerians who are the actual owners. You cannot buy stolen property.

Similarly, if the present regime mortgages Cameroon's resources to foreign powers, these deals are null and void as the regime in power does not own these resources. As a result, the resources will be returned to Cameroonians. The foreign powers would then lose their money.

[Ras Tuge]

As usual, they're all always struggling to school me, as if they can't understand that they can learn from me too. But how can they even teach me when they themselves are too scared to dare to understand?.Some of them notice that i have a strong will, so they start to frighten me, hoping to spatter the bright surface of my aspirations with mud. But hey, this is a fight that i have chosen to wage, and you may not join me. So remain ina Babylon and keep on riding your horse of misery till you realise that time waits for no one. I never listen when people say it's impossible when i have a deep-rooted conviction. I just get it started, then providence moves too. Works for me.

Louis, Cameroon is no longer for boys...you must be a man to have the guts to do anything. Since 2008, i have been to Cameroon twice to study. And unlike you who come stress home people with silly questions like why dis, why dat, who dat and shit, as if you're a stranger, i live with and through the people, and they teach me plenty nice tings that i know today. While you busy asking why dem mix Waterleaf and Eru, while you chant all day long say gimme me dis, gimme me dat, gimme back me native land where you have nothing to show for it, guys are planting trees dong dey man.

I have a dream career, and i run me own business ina dis ya Babylon. No amount of government tax in Cameroon, me true home, will ever be more than the exorbitant VAT that i give away to this treacherous system. Ina di kontry dat i operate, i pay 25% VAT on every commodity, and that's huge, even fi Babylon people dem too. So, if Babylon dem run to Asia to escape high taxes, and for cheap labour, i'll go to Africa. Man you guys must start thinking this way. When i get upset, i don't care abot the bumboklaat inglish anymore.

Cameroon has become a very smart system, with brave men busy building hotels and mansions. Smart people recognise opportunity and they rush to grab it. And remember legality is good fi me to flourish. Bro, don't waste time asking dis and dat as you're so prone to. Do your best and make hay while the sun shines. Sorry say i talk about me, but i telling you di truth. Sooner or later, many will understand.

[Louis Egbe Mbua]

Ras Tuge,

I am not into chest thumping. Thump you may, your rights. But the right to thump does not equate to sense and sensibilities.

Simple: illegal Opportunity seized is likened to theft.

Buying -- wittingly or unwittingly -- property that does not belong to the seller is not only illegal but unwise.

The conclusion of the matter is this: The Chinese or French etc ownership of the diamond mines, oil etc in Cameroon; that have been mortgaged by NON-OWNERS is illegal and will be NATIONALISED in future.

Can Cameroon buy a mine in China? No. The Chinese PEOPLE own all. Any person found to corruptly sell in China is executed. Did you know that? I am not saying such act of naked barbarism be enacted in Cameroon. But all resources will eventually be returned to the people.

So what opportunity are you referring to here? In cloud-cuckoo-land? Do you realise that opportunities are reciprocal; and that they must be taken and done legally? Do you believe in land and oil rackets? What is your idea of being "smart"? Taking opportunity from and advantage of the weak and destitute? Do you know that this is oppression and tyranny -- a human rights crime? Are you familiar with the Ogoni problem; the Delta agitations and fight in Nigeria; the Bakassi problem? Do you read at all?

Furthermore, I repeat, If you bought your Fako land legally, good and fine. Otherwise, if you took the "opportunity" from and advantage of the oppressed Bakwerians to "buy" native protected (by law) land, you will return the land to the Bakwerians who are the actual owners by law; as the Chinese must return those resources to Cameroonians, and infact all Africans the actual awners by law.

Mbua

[Louis Egbe Mbua]

Son of the Soil,

Your article lacks substance and bite. Common sense tells us that you do not auction property that does not belong to you. This is theft -- day light robbery.

Consequently, the property will revert to the owner. So, if you have auctioned somebody's property, be prepared to return it.Whether the owner(s) lives in Sweden or America, Mamfe or Bamenda, Buea or Cameroon is a total irrelevance. And please, stop worshipping Paul Biya. If he is your god, do not assume that he is every person's god. If he is an oppressor, we will say so without blinking an eye lid.

Allez dire.

Mbua

[ntam charles]

The preceding article reminds me of the land reforms in Zimbabwe.

Ntam

[Bob Bristol]

"I have never come near any document that has auctioned the country to any group of nationals be they the French or the Fong kongs as the Chinese are known in South Africa" by Son of the Soil.

This statement alone shows you have a shallow knowledge of how Cameroon is managed. Like I once said, people have tried and they have failed. One of the reasons why the regime has been so long in control is that they have been able to impoverish the populace. Our economic success constitute a serious threat to their grip on power. This is not the case with non nationals.

I still can't understand why some of you guys think you are more patriotic than us. The regime's final demise is just some few steps away.
Well, if you are one of those with "god fathers" then go ahead. Good Luck!

[Louis Egbe Mbua]

The land reforms in Zimbabwe is a tragedy that should not be repeated anywhere in Africa or the world. Reverting to the original owners does not mean it should be done with violence. On the other hand this does NOT change the fact that all those auctioned minerals/land must remain with those who took it by political fiat. They should be RETURNED to the people who may now decide what to do with them in conjunction with an ELECTED government. Totalitarian regimes who agree without the consent of the people is totally unacceptable.

The Zimbabwe, Ogoni and Delta problem arose due to intransigence and greed of either the government in cahoots with foreign powers. A lesson for all Africans to learn -- that you do not appropriate what does not belong to you or claim to be "smart" and take advantage of the destitute.

If nationals dispute a deal, it is up to those in power to revise the deal with foreign powers. Refusal or failure to do so only stores trouble in the furture.

[ntam charles]

"...that you do not appropriate what does not belong to you or claim to be "smart" and take advantage of the destitude." Profound appeal,based on a good sense of justice.The consequences of not heeding to this kind of judgement,could be fatal and lamentable.
Ntam

[Sesseku Arrey.]

What a Nice and Educative Debate, well the presence of the Chinese is Advantageous and Disadvantageous in several ways. Very Disadvantageous in that the Cameroon Market is unable to compete with the Chinese goods which are comparatively cheaper as compare to the Cameroon goods and the poor populace is turning to consume Chinese goods and Cameroon Business men and women are the ones loosing and therefore weakening the Local Economy. But, come to think of it Many of our youths have got something doing by turning to the streets to hawk Chinese goods in away making some cash to take of themselves and our families. Those at first with no hopes of owning certain appliances are now in possession of many and the standards of living of some Okada Riders have change drastically, thanks to the Chinese. I prefer the Chinese than the West or Nigerians in terms of Development.Many of the roads and bridges that are under construction can never be carried out by the West OR FRANCE. It's true that the Chinese have got a strategic interest in Cameroon and Africa but that's far more better than western and American Companies who only comes to carry everything away and doing nothing about the Populace.
The Chinese are very smart indeed and i hope the Cameroon regime though corrupt but not to a fault that will be very naive not to be cautious when dealing with foreign partners.
The West and Americans have seen that what the Chinese are doing in Africa they can't do it that's why they;re doing everything possible to scare Africans assuming China to be a new Colonial power. That means that we Africans are so naive that we can never learn from the mistakes of our Predecessors, this is undermining African Intellectuals . Pan-Aficanism to getting to a high gear and such things like Colonialism will never happen away.
It's is true that we need Foreign Partners but not those coming to tell us what to do like the West and Babylon. We all need to behave as if we own Cameroon and Africa.

[Sesseku Arrey.]

What has the West and Babylon done for Cameroonians and Africans.They're only there bcos of resources.They inflicted us with HIV/AIDS and other Deadly Diseases,they use us as Lab Specimens, they made us became inferior, they left us with tribal conflicts, they took everything away, just to name a few.What did they left for us? Now China has came in changing the Infrastructural situation of the country,they;ve build Hospitals ,Schools , Roads, just to name a few. China is a Partner.