ABSTRACT

The purpose of this research is to analyze the diplomatic cooperation between Cameroon and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This type of multilateral cooperation between Cameroon and this intergovernmental organization is to preserve and enhance Islamic social and economic values; promote solidarity amongst member states; increase cooperation in social, economic, cultural, scientific, and political areas; uphold international peace and security in Cameroon and besides improve the rapprochement of diplomatic cooperation with the Maghreb countries and other countries of the Arabian Gulf, notably that of Cameroon-Arab cooperation, which has started since 1966. The research tends address problems such as; Islamic Radicalism (extremism), Israelo-palestinian, Poverty and economic dependency and more so. Which subsequently leads to our main objective which was to study the attitude of the state in serving national interest through its cooperation with the OIC. This was possible through a methodologic research with eligible respondents valuable to the research with answers carried out through interviews and the use secondary data to back up the validity of their responses while compiling and examining the results for more veracity and reliability. It resulted from the research key findings that this strengthens Cameroon’s presence in the diverse universe of the Arab world which as a result enhances diplomatic relations, based on human factors, to expand and develop to commercial, socio-political, cultural and human factors. Lastly, with the given finding, research gaps and shortcoming were observed and outlined from the various challenges observed in the cooperation and recommendations were subsequently provided as notably the need for a peace force to provide security, political and peace-building support to help countries make the difficult, early transition from conflict to peace which would could come as a remedy to the various wars and political instabilities in which major OIC members are been victims.

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

• BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Cameroon as a sovereign State, presents itself as a major player in International Relations mainly attributed to its geographical location and its natural features which make it a potential geostrategic point and foreign partner in various domains. It maintains not only bilateral cooperation, such as Cameroon-France cooperation or United States, but also multilateral cooperation with many organizations such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which places particular emphasis on the promotion of the Islamic Values; indeed, the OIC is a significant player on the international scene, in view of the number of members they have and especially the economic weight of some of their members, represent important partners for Cameroon. This chapter argues that although Cameroon is perceive frequently as referred to as “timid” in its pursuit of foreign policy, it uses international organizations as “shields” in three ways: To shield it from its history of isolationism; To shield it from economic and security volatility; and to shield it from international interference in its domestic affairs. It is therefore by this means that the state of Cameroon perceives this organization as an important structure for development. However, we would like our country to derive sufficient benefit from this multilateral relations without its cultural values being compromised. However, it should be noted that its structures contain many advantages among which, at the time of globalization and the primacy of the strategy of large grouping, the OIC appears as a real circle of solidarity, in which Cameroon has established strong ties of friendship and cooperation and enjoys strong international support for the defense of its interests on the international scene.

The OIC is an international organization of Islamic solidarity which brings together all the States of the world entirely or partially of Muslim faith. It is concerned with defending the values of Islamic civilization and promoting peace and development of the Member States. It was created on September 25, 1969 in Rabat, Morocco. Its charter adopted in March 1972 assigns it, in addition to religious goals, political economic and social objectives. It has 56 member states. Its operating organs are; the conference of kings, heads of state and government which is the supreme body, the conference of foreign ministers and the general secretariat. Cameroon joined the OIC in June 1974, at the 5^th Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (AMCEN) held in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) from 21 to 25 June 1974. This position of Cameroon to the OIC and to the Islamic Community the (Ummah) has given rise to debates within the scientific community. Some authors believe that Cameroon would be attracted by the wealth of the Arab states. In addition, Hamadou Adama, professor of Modern History at The University of Ngaoundere in Cameroon estimates that “long before the arrival of the first Europeans in the Lac Chad Basin at the end of the 19th century, relations were established between the Lac Chad Basin and the Arabian Peninsula and the roads to Mecca”. The two sides have since developed cooperative relations in the political, economic and cultural fields.

For a better understanding of the relationship between Cameroon and this organization, the study will revolve around Cameroon’s attitude towards the OIC.

• PROBLEM STATEMENT

The State of Cameroon and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have both undertaken and continuously undertake numerous activities which favor and promote common interest within their cooperation. However, various challenges threatened or uneased this cooperation, and where some still confront both partners and affects the international relation Cameroon may have with its common members. The State of Cameroon actually records and comprises challenges which hindered or threatened its national interest in respect to the OIC’s objectives and principles;

1. The state of Cameroon and the OIC are both confronted to Islamic Radicalism (extremism).
2. Israelo-palestinian issue has been of a primordial debate between Cameroon and the Arab community.
3. Poverty and economic dependency remains a main concern between both partners.
4. Education, culture, religious and health accessibility compose the main focus of the cooperation.

• RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The present research is aimed at studying the political behaviors the State of Cameroon displays on the International scene in respond to its cooperation with the OIC. Hence, the study focuses on questions which poses concern to Cameroon’s foreign policy with the Islamic World under the case study of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. This can be answer through the research question;

General question.

1. How is Cameroon’s foreign policy with the OIC serving national interest?

Secondary questions, which are;

1. Which role does Cameroon plays in the cooperation with the OIC?
2. How is Cameroon’s foreign policy with the OIC favors its relations with the Islamic World?
3. What are the advantages/benefits of Cameroon’s cooperation with the OIC?

• OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

Cameroon’s membership of the OIC since 1974 stems mainly from the importance of the Muslim community residing there (especially in the northern part). Since then, Cameroon has been quite active in its participation in the various activities of the OIC. This cooperation takes place in both directions, that is to say, everyone contributes to the cooperation. Here, we analyze the reasonable factors and objectives which aliment the foreign policy the State of Cameroon implements with the OIC in its search for more political influence in the International scene with respect to her National interest (J.Takaugang, 19). This goes in line with the corresponding variables in respond to the substantial problematic belonging to this study and can be briefly identified in the following analyses;

Main objective

1. Study the attitude of the state in serving national interest through its cooperation with the OIC.

Specific objectives comes as follow;

1. Discover how far does the state of Cameroon partakes in the OIC’s activities.
2. Study the role of the OIC in favoring harmony and friendship between State members.
3. Examine the socio-economic and cultural impacts of the OIC in regards to Cameroon.

• RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

            Regarding the problematics surrounding the nature of the foreign policy Cameroon adopts and implements in its cooperation with the OIC. For years now, various debates surround the reasons behind the attention Cameroon has regarding the Islamic world and its resulting foreign policy. In this effect, Mrs. CHEFOR Mercy APIAMBOH, Head of Office in charge of Foreign Affairs Attaché of Archives Office under the Sub-Directorate for the Relations with the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation at the MINREX, states “each states undertake actions to impact the choices of their partners in the international scene with aim to fit their interests.” Hence, one can conclude this foreign policy revolves around the acquisition, use and influence of “power” through various means. Thus, the given hypothesis can be advanced as variables to the questions stated above.

General hypothesis.

1. Cameroon’s foreign policy with the OIC serves in preserving her sovereignty and influence the international scene.

Specific hypothesis.

1. Cameroon’s constant solidarity towards the OIC
2. Bilateral Cooperation with various Arab states in the world
3. The cooperation favors socio-economic and cultural development.