National Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism Begins North West Sensitization Mission

By Wirngo Peter Tardzenyuy

The North West Regional chapter of the judiciary on Monday hosted members of the National Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism as the institution launched the first phase of its working visit to the region aimed at strengthening the use of Cameroon’s two official languages within public institutions.

The opening session of the mission took place at the Court of Appeal in Upstation Bamenda where judicial officials, including magistrates, court personnel and legal practitioners, engaged in exchanges with the visiting delegation led by Benjamin Mutanga Itoe, member of the Commission and team leader of the delegation.

The discussions focused on the promotion of English and French in the administration of justice, with emphasis on the respect of the country’s bilingual character in judicial procedures and communication.

Addressing the gathering after the session, Benjamin Mutanga Itoe expressed satisfaction with the level of participation and engagement shown by the judiciary of the North West Region.

He particularly commended the leadership of the Court of Appeal for mobilizing judicial staff to take part in the sensitization exercise, noting that the mission of the Commission is to deepen the culture of bilingualism across all sectors of public life.

“We have come here to deliver a message and to implant the culture of using the two languages which have been declared official in all spheres of public activity, including the judiciary,” he stated.

The former Minister of Justice stressed that both English and French must be treated equally in the functioning of courts and investigative institutions, pointing out that judges and judicial police officers are expected to apply the law while respecting the country’s linguistic diversity.

According to him, the mission also seeks to ensure that existing laws governing the use of official languages are effectively implemented within the justice system and among law enforcement authorities.

Though he refrained from revealing specific recommendations made during the exchanges, Mutanga Itoe disclosed that the Commission received constructive contributions from judicial officials in the region.

“The messages were received and the contributions we have had from the judges have been very constructive. We are taking home a baggage of suggestions which will improve on the culture of bilingualism in our country,” he added.

Officials of the Court of Appeal equally described the interaction as fruitful, highlighting the importance of continuous dialogue in promoting national cohesion and mutual understanding through bilingualism.

The Bamenda session marks the first day of the Commission’s tour in the North West Region. The delegation is expected to continue its consultations with the gendarmerie on Tuesday before holding similar exchanges with the police on Wednesday as part of ongoing efforts to reinforce the implementation of Cameroon’s bilingual and multicultural policy.

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