The Cameroonian Diaspora

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 YAOUNDE 000827

STATE FOR S/GPI
DEPT PASS TO USAID

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: BEXP BTIO EAID OEXC OIIP PGOV PHUM PREL SCUL SMIG
TSPL, EINV, CM

SUBJECT: The Cameroonian Diaspora

REF: STATE 78535


1. Post offers the following in responses to reftel request:

A. There are several different diaspora groups scattered over the
U.S., France, and other European countries. Some of the more
significant groups in the U.S. include: the Progressive Initiative
for Cameroon (PICAM),a civil society think-tank that works on
seeking ideas for a better Cameroon; the All Cameroon Cultural And
Development Fund (ACCDF),working to protect and promote Cameroonian
culture from all regions; the Southern Cameroons National Council
(SCNC); and the Civil Society Platform for Democracy in Cameroon,
Platform USA Branch. The ruling political party, the Cameroon
People's Democratic Movement (CPDM),and the main opposition Social
Democratic Front (SDF),also have branches in the U.S.


B. Cameroonians in the diaspora keep ties with their families by
sending them remittances, participating in village development
programs, and making direct contributions to educational
institutions through book donations, for example.


C. The GRC has had minimal formal engagement with the diaspora in
the humanitarian realm. Cameroon's new Ambassador to the United
States, Joseph Charles Bienvenu Foe-Atangana, recently addressed the
Cameroonian diaspora at a National Day reception in the following
terms: "I call upon you to use your Embassy as a facilitating place
for your American connections to converge in our strategy to drive
investments to Cameroon."


D. Diaspora investment is difficult to track systematically, but
many believe most of the best real estate in Cameroon is owned by
members of the diaspora. Some have created small to medium sized
businesses in Cameroon to take advantage of relatively cheap labor.



E. There is little or no diaspora involvement in the scientific,
engineering, medical or educational institutions. Recently, a
"telemedicine" center was created in the East Region, envisioning
cheap, long distance consultations and diagnosis. In addition,
medical exchange programs initiated by Cameroonians in the diaspora
have recently brought health professionals to provide free medical
care. Some members of the diaspora have founded small development
NGOs in order to provide humanitarian assistance to their home
communities.


F. The diaspora does not seem to be engaged in conflict resolution,
other than exhorting the current regime to reform politically to
avoid a repeat of the violence in 2008.


G. See E above.


H. Cameroonians in the diaspora exert some influence on internal
politics. The major political parties have overseas arms that rally
sympathizers among the diaspora and provide some financing.
Diaspora groups are active in the realm of political commentary and
expression. For example, in early August 2009, a Cameroonian
journalist who lives in New York wrote an editorial in a prominent
independent daily newspaper in which he opines that terminating the
presidential regime would solve many of Cameroon's problems. In
March 2008, following the February 2008 riots, Platform USA Branch
wrote a letter to Cameroonian Parliamentarians urging them to
consult with their constituents before passing the constitutional
reform bill to preserve the peace. They also demarched President
Biya, through a Memorandum presented to Cameroon's ambassador in
Washington.


I. The GRC does not dedicate resources to the Cameroonian diaspora.
During a forum of the Cameroonian Diaspora held in France in July,
2008 called "DAVOC" (Draw a Vision of Cameroon),the government
representative announced the future creation of a High Commission or
a High Authority of the diaspora that would liaise between
Cameroonians living abroad and the government. The General Manager
of the National Employment Fund (FNE),a government agency, also
announced the creation in 2010 of an Agency for Migration Fluxes
that would allow the government and citizens from the diaspora to
work together to finance projects and attract investment.


J. Ambassador Garvey and former Ambassador Marquardt have
occasionally addressed groups of Cameroonian diaspora leaders when
in the United States. For example, Post organized a diaspora
meeting in Washington in 2006 in which Ambassador Marquardt
addressed the Cameroonian community. Topics included returning
talent to Cameroon, bringing more investment, being involved in the
political evolution of the country, and involving women in diaspora
affairs. Ambassador Garvey will also address a group of
Cameroonians on October 8, 2009 when in Washington for the AF Chiefs
of Mission conference.


K. Most requests received are related to business inquiries. Many
Cameroonians in the U.S. are seeking investment and trade

YAOUNDE 00000827 002 OF 002


opportunities with Cameroon. Post responds to them in the same
manner as it responds to every request for assistance by American
businesses.


L. Post has not created customized public diplomacy programs for
the diaspora community, other than the events listed in section J.


M. A most useful tool for post would be a database of Cameroonian
organizations in the U.S., including a description of activities and
the major figures associated with the organization.

PETERSON