Cameroons foreign policy regarding the Islamic World; case study: the Organization of Islamic Cooperation

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.