A HISTORICAL ANALYSIS OF THE REASONS BEHIND THE SUSPENSE OF PROCMURA IN CAMEROON AND STEPS TOWARDS ITS SUSTAINABILITY.

Abstract

The program for Christian-Muslim Relations in Africa (PROCMURA), committed to promote peaceful co-existence between Christians and Muslims began work in Cameroon in the 1960s and by the late 1970s, PROCMURA’s activities in Cameroon were suspended. The Suspense of PROCMURA’s Work in Cameroon slowed down the conscious promotion of Christian-Muslim Relations which was started in the 1960s. All attempts to revive PROCMURA in Cameroon in the 1990’s proofed futile. Concerted efforts enabled it to be revived in 2013, amidst fear that it might go on suspense again if the new spirit that is generated is not nurtured to blossom. The main objective of this dissertation was to investigate the reasons behind the years of suspense of PROCMURA’s work in order to guard against future recurrence and place PROCMURA in Cameroon on a sustainable path. The research which on account of its focus was naturally based in Cameroon is a qualitative research that employed the historical research design, to look back into the history and development of PROCMURA in Cameroon. The main instruments for data collection were archival materials and interviews. Secondary data such as published books and articles were consulted. Data was analyzed and interpreted using the descriptive analysis techniques. The findings were grouped in themes and presented in tables and charts for discussion and interpretation. Findings revealed that lack of finances to run PROCMURA’s activities coupled with ignorance about the importance of Christian-Muslim Relations by religious leaders contributed greatly to the suspense of PROCMURA’s work in Cameroon. In order to sustain PROCMURA’s work in Cameroon, the dissertation argues that the PROCMURA Area Committee in Cameroon must work towards financial sustainability and take seriously, issues related to human resource development. The study concludes that, the administration of PROCMURA was handed over to Cameroon when the locals were not prepared in all dimensions to move on with its activities. On women representation, the dissertation argues that women are poorly represented in the newly created Area Committee and that something has to be done to ensure that their numbers appreciate. The sustainability of PROCMURA, the dissertation contends, largely depends on the active participation of religious leaders. On financial sustainability, the study recommends that a day should be set aside yearly by each church denomination to raise funds for the activities of the PROCMURA Area Committee. At least one woman should be added to the newly created PROCMURA Area Committee. The studies in Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations should be initiated in all theological institutions in Cameroon as part of the human resource development towards the sustainability of PROCMURA’s work in the country.