Rationalizing CEMAC

One of the challenges African nations have faced since the attainment of political independence has been the consolidation of regional and Sub-regional economic groupings to keep them alive and viable. The problems that threaten the smooth functioning and viable productivities of these economic groupings are common at national and sub-regional levels although the gravity of the threats or problems may vary. 

The central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) has faced, and is still facing its own challenges, but fortunately, its Heads of State and commission heads do not relent their efforts when it comes to identifying these problems and seeking their solutions. 
The 15th Ordinary session of the Conference of Heads of State of CEMAC which held in Yaounde, Friday 17 March was one of these sustained efforts by leaders to keep alive what the member states need for their nationals, the sub-region, the rest of Africa and our global village at large.     
Responsibly attended by all the six Heads of State of the Sub-Regional Economic Community; Paul Biya of Cameroon, Theodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, Denis Sassou N’Guesso of Congo, Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon, Faustin-Archange Touadera of the Central African Republic, and Idriss Deby Itno of Chad these leaders in the one-day marathon session proved that they are indeed committed to the socio-economic needs of their Sub-region. 
Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, as Chair of the outgone executive had in his opening speech made it clear to participants, and colleagues in particular that our global village, in the face of global threats ranging from disease and poverty to insecurity, and devastating wars like the Russia-Ukraine type with deadly effects on world economies, challenges nations to constantly seek ways of effective mitigation of insecurities, and other societal ills that destroy the spirit of cooperation and effective integration. 
Without this spirit, much of what is discussed and resolved in important summits such as the 15th Ordinary Session of CEMAC that has just adjourned in Yaounde, could be relegated to ostentatious undertaking, despite the peoples’ socio-economic needs. Yet, the right spirit can be embraced by CEMAC member states, if at national and sub-regional levels sustained efforts are made to relinquish the retrograde ills that render insecurity, destabilization forces, selfish politicking, separatist moves, corruption, and...