Publisher/Editor: OJONG Steven AYUKOGEM. Tel: (+237) 77 07 27 79. E-mail: themedianpaper@yahoo.com
Tuesday, 26 August 2014
Poverty in the midst of plenty
What future for the poor in Cameroon?
Rather than celebrating Barack Obama’s package for Africa, Cameroonians, whose country is beset by poverty, neglect and myriad social ills, should rather be asking themselves what the future holds in store for them. Just take a look at the picture below. Take a really hard look at the picture and tell me what you see…
Let me help out. What you see is not an abandoned latrine. It is a school: Government School (GS) Pomla near Figuil in the North region of Cameroon. That building serves as classroom for all the different grades of the school. The blackboards (or what passes for that) for different classes are pasted on different walls and at different angles of the classroom. That’s the face of poverty in most parts of the Greater North of Cameroon. Other parts of the country are not too different.
Rather than celebrating Barack Obama’s package for Africa, Cameroonians, whose country is beset by poverty, neglect and myriad social ills, should rather be asking themselves what the future holds in store for them. Just take a look at the picture below. Take a really hard look at the picture and tell me what you see…
Let me help out. What you see is not an abandoned latrine. It is a school: Government School (GS) Pomla near Figuil in the North region of Cameroon. That building serves as classroom for all the different grades of the school. The blackboards (or what passes for that) for different classes are pasted on different walls and at different angles of the classroom. That’s the face of poverty in most parts of the Greater North of Cameroon. Other parts of the country are not too different.
Discomforting message for Biya
Obama sends warning to sit-tight African leaders
In his remarks to African leaders during the recent US-Africa leaders’ forum, US president Barrack Hussein Obama said that America was firmly opposed to presidents who would want to change their constitutions to permit them stay longer in power. Obama warned that the days of sit-tight presidents are numbered.
It was certainly not a comforting message for Cameroon’s Paul Biya, who amended the country’s constitution in 2008 to enable him succeed himself in 2011. The message was also not soothing for other African leaders including Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Denis Sassou Nguesso of Congo, Idriss Derby of Chad, Blaise Campoare of Burkina Faso, Theodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea and several others.
By these remarks, president Obama was simply emphasizing a point he made in one of his rare visits to Africa. In his address to Africans during a visit in Ghana in 2009, Obama said: “Africa needs strong institutions not strong men”.
In his remarks to African leaders during the recent US-Africa leaders’ forum, US president Barrack Hussein Obama said that America was firmly opposed to presidents who would want to change their constitutions to permit them stay longer in power. Obama warned that the days of sit-tight presidents are numbered.
It was certainly not a comforting message for Cameroon’s Paul Biya, who amended the country’s constitution in 2008 to enable him succeed himself in 2011. The message was also not soothing for other African leaders including Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Denis Sassou Nguesso of Congo, Idriss Derby of Chad, Blaise Campoare of Burkina Faso, Theodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea and several others.
By these remarks, president Obama was simply emphasizing a point he made in one of his rare visits to Africa. In his address to Africans during a visit in Ghana in 2009, Obama said: “Africa needs strong institutions not strong men”.
Topsy-turvy relations
Must Biya continue coping with Hollande’s arrogance?
French President Francois Hollande has not stepped foot on Cameroonian soil since he became tenant of the Elysee Palace some three years ago. Hollande’s predecessor, Nicolas Sarkozy also never visited Cameroon throughout his 5-year mandate as president of France between 2006 and 2011. On the contrary, Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has honoured all invitations from his French counterparts and has visited France on more occasions than he was invited. Commentators contend that the evident lack of enthusiasm for Biya by successive French presidents is eloquent proof of their unwillingness to continue to endorse the CPDM regime. Observers are wondering why President Biya should keep going to France even when his French counterpart is not willing to reciprocate?
By Ojong Steven Ayukogem in Yaounde
President Paul Biya is certainly not the darling of French president Francois Hollande at the moment. Unlike was the case with successive former French presidents – Francois Mitterand and Jacques Chirac especially, the sitting French President, Francois Hollande and even his predecessor, Nicolas Sarkozy, have spared no opportunity to prove their love-lost for President Biya.
In fact, it is now eight years and counting since a French president ever visited Cameroon. The last time a French President visited Cameroon was way back in 2006, when Jacques Chirac led a high-powered French delegation to Yaounde.
Chirac’s successor, Nicolas Sarkozy never made even one stop-over in Yaounde for all his 5 years in office. Sarkozy’s successor, Francois Hollande has also not stepped foot on Cameroonian soil since coming into office in 2011.
French President Francois Hollande has not stepped foot on Cameroonian soil since he became tenant of the Elysee Palace some three years ago. Hollande’s predecessor, Nicolas Sarkozy also never visited Cameroon throughout his 5-year mandate as president of France between 2006 and 2011. On the contrary, Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has honoured all invitations from his French counterparts and has visited France on more occasions than he was invited. Commentators contend that the evident lack of enthusiasm for Biya by successive French presidents is eloquent proof of their unwillingness to continue to endorse the CPDM regime. Observers are wondering why President Biya should keep going to France even when his French counterpart is not willing to reciprocate?
By Ojong Steven Ayukogem in Yaounde
President Paul Biya is certainly not the darling of French president Francois Hollande at the moment. Unlike was the case with successive former French presidents – Francois Mitterand and Jacques Chirac especially, the sitting French President, Francois Hollande and even his predecessor, Nicolas Sarkozy, have spared no opportunity to prove their love-lost for President Biya.
In fact, it is now eight years and counting since a French president ever visited Cameroon. The last time a French President visited Cameroon was way back in 2006, when Jacques Chirac led a high-powered French delegation to Yaounde.
Chirac’s successor, Nicolas Sarkozy never made even one stop-over in Yaounde for all his 5 years in office. Sarkozy’s successor, Francois Hollande has also not stepped foot on Cameroonian soil since coming into office in 2011.
Open letter to President Paul Biya
H.E. The President of the Republic of Cameroon
Office of the President
P.O. Box 100, Yaoundé
Subject: A Patriotic Call to Our Head of State: Act on Our Salary Situation Now!
Your Excellency,
We, representatives of the Councilors of the North West Region, wish to inform your high office that after the intensive and fruitful workshops that were organized by the Ministry of Territorial
Administration and Finance, the councilors of nearly all the Regions organized themselves into organizations to do follow-ups on issues concerning them and the welfare of their peers at the workplace. Excellency, sir, we did this, knowing that the Union of Cities and Councils of Cameroon (UCCC) exists. But, we hasten to note here that UCCC deals more with the units called councils and cares less about the plight and welfare of councilors and mayors. That is why for all these years, Cameroonian councilors have never been considered when treating issues of salaries and wages. Someone may not be telling Your Excellency the bare facts that these Cameroonians, elected after very serious campaigns and having proven to the populace that they can stand for them and work for them, end up depending only on some meager allowances, in some cases and in most cases, running below the “Minimum Wage” of 36.000 fcfa (Thirty Six Thousand Francs)!!!
Office of the President
P.O. Box 100, Yaoundé
Subject: A Patriotic Call to Our Head of State: Act on Our Salary Situation Now!
Your Excellency,
We, representatives of the Councilors of the North West Region, wish to inform your high office that after the intensive and fruitful workshops that were organized by the Ministry of Territorial
Administration and Finance, the councilors of nearly all the Regions organized themselves into organizations to do follow-ups on issues concerning them and the welfare of their peers at the workplace. Excellency, sir, we did this, knowing that the Union of Cities and Councils of Cameroon (UCCC) exists. But, we hasten to note here that UCCC deals more with the units called councils and cares less about the plight and welfare of councilors and mayors. That is why for all these years, Cameroonian councilors have never been considered when treating issues of salaries and wages. Someone may not be telling Your Excellency the bare facts that these Cameroonians, elected after very serious campaigns and having proven to the populace that they can stand for them and work for them, end up depending only on some meager allowances, in some cases and in most cases, running below the “Minimum Wage” of 36.000 fcfa (Thirty Six Thousand Francs)!!!
Southern Cameroons
Stand up against the “colonization” of GCE Board
By Ajong Manfred Oweni in Buea
Beginning from 1996, we started chronicling in various newspapers, the surreptitious manner in which La Republique was taking over the GCE Board. And as always, in doing so they do not hire mercenaries, but use only pure blood citizens of Southern Cameroon. As soon as they suddenly appointed late Dr. Herbert Nganjo Endeley chairman of the GCE Board, the machinery was already in place. They starved the Board of much needed operational funds but vulnerable people of Southern Cameroons instead vilified the only person who has led a successful revolution in this country, Mr. Azong Wara by claiming that he embezzled the money. Up till today nobody has ever been able to substantiate those claims but the effect was that the very teachers who helped to get the Board created, now made the task of taking over the GCE Board easy for La Republique by vilifying the very soul of the Board in the person of Mr. Azong Wara Andrew.
By Ajong Manfred Oweni in Buea
Beginning from 1996, we started chronicling in various newspapers, the surreptitious manner in which La Republique was taking over the GCE Board. And as always, in doing so they do not hire mercenaries, but use only pure blood citizens of Southern Cameroon. As soon as they suddenly appointed late Dr. Herbert Nganjo Endeley chairman of the GCE Board, the machinery was already in place. They starved the Board of much needed operational funds but vulnerable people of Southern Cameroons instead vilified the only person who has led a successful revolution in this country, Mr. Azong Wara by claiming that he embezzled the money. Up till today nobody has ever been able to substantiate those claims but the effect was that the very teachers who helped to get the Board created, now made the task of taking over the GCE Board easy for La Republique by vilifying the very soul of the Board in the person of Mr. Azong Wara Andrew.
Volte-face
Adeline Mbenkum renounces Tutu Muna, embraces Ndedi Eyango
The emblematic gospel music singer-composer and founder of the legendary choral group Tribute Sisters, Adeline Mbenkum has rallied both male and female Cameroonian musicians in support of Prince Ndedi Eyango and his ideals. This is happening at a time when Eyango and Tutu Muna are virtually at daggers-drawn and have consummated their enmity in the public eye.
By Steve Macquens Balemba in Yaounde
The current is clearly not flowing between Adeline Mbenkum, the acclaimed gospel music singer-composer and the minister of Arts and Culture, Ama Tutu Muna.
Barely months after the minister annulled the elections that saw Ndedi Eyango elected as president of the musicians rights body – SOCAM and after Eyango protested vigorously and even went to court to seek legal redress for what he considered as the minister’s volte-face, Adeline Mbenkum who hails from the North West region like Tutu Muna and who should naturally be considered as a sister to the minister, has sided with Eyango in preference to Ama Tutu Muna.
Adeline Mbenkum has launched a new association of musicians and says the association seeks to defend and support the ideas and ideals of Prince Ndedi Eyango.
The emblematic gospel music singer-composer and founder of the legendary choral group Tribute Sisters, Adeline Mbenkum has rallied both male and female Cameroonian musicians in support of Prince Ndedi Eyango and his ideals. This is happening at a time when Eyango and Tutu Muna are virtually at daggers-drawn and have consummated their enmity in the public eye.
By Steve Macquens Balemba in Yaounde
The current is clearly not flowing between Adeline Mbenkum, the acclaimed gospel music singer-composer and the minister of Arts and Culture, Ama Tutu Muna.
Barely months after the minister annulled the elections that saw Ndedi Eyango elected as president of the musicians rights body – SOCAM and after Eyango protested vigorously and even went to court to seek legal redress for what he considered as the minister’s volte-face, Adeline Mbenkum who hails from the North West region like Tutu Muna and who should naturally be considered as a sister to the minister, has sided with Eyango in preference to Ama Tutu Muna.
Adeline Mbenkum has launched a new association of musicians and says the association seeks to defend and support the ideas and ideals of Prince Ndedi Eyango.
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| Issa Tchiroma Bakary |
By Ojong Steven Ayukogem in Yaounde
For a government that is traditionally silent on important public issues, the minister of communication, Issa Tchiroma Bakary deserves enormous praise for his efforts at getting the public to know the government’s position on many issues especially issues of controversy.
Until Tchiroma became communication minister and spokesperson (some people say he auto-proclaimed himself spokesperson) for government, the government rarely communicated on public issues, even important and sometimes very controversial issues.
This silence of government only created an atmosphere of uncertainty and lack of direction. In fact, it only left the wider public especially the press, with no other option than to speculate. Rumour mongering and speculation easily became the order of the day in Cameroon.
NW combat ready against Ebola
By Njodzefe Nestor in Bamenda
Information which became viral in Bamenda last week about the detection of a patient with the Ebola virus at the Bamenda General Hospital has officially been confirmed as false by North West Governor, Adolf Lele L’Afrique. However, a contingency plan to fight against this virus has been made public to the population of the North West region.
The plan was presented August 14, 2014 by the North West Regional Delegate of Public Health, Dr. Ndiforchu Victor during an emergency crisis meeting on the outbreak of the Ebola virus in some West African countries chaired by Governor Adolf Lele L’Afrique,
Information which became viral in Bamenda last week about the detection of a patient with the Ebola virus at the Bamenda General Hospital has officially been confirmed as false by North West Governor, Adolf Lele L’Afrique. However, a contingency plan to fight against this virus has been made public to the population of the North West region.
The plan was presented August 14, 2014 by the North West Regional Delegate of Public Health, Dr. Ndiforchu Victor during an emergency crisis meeting on the outbreak of the Ebola virus in some West African countries chaired by Governor Adolf Lele L’Afrique,
Task force against human trafficking and Child Labor
By Atemnkeng Evaristius in Kumba
Magistrates and State Counsels in the South West Region in particular and Cameroon at large, have been urged to go an extra mile in order to fish out cases of trafficking in persons and slavery in and around their spheres of jurisdictions so as to bring the perpetrators to book. The call was made by the President of the "Task Force" for the fight against trafficking in persons and slavery in the South West Region, Justice Gang George, during their mid-term evaluation meeting that took place at the Kumba City Council Hall Friday August 8, 2014
Magistrates and State Counsels in the South West Region in particular and Cameroon at large, have been urged to go an extra mile in order to fish out cases of trafficking in persons and slavery in and around their spheres of jurisdictions so as to bring the perpetrators to book. The call was made by the President of the "Task Force" for the fight against trafficking in persons and slavery in the South West Region, Justice Gang George, during their mid-term evaluation meeting that took place at the Kumba City Council Hall Friday August 8, 2014
Ultra Modern Library in Kikaikelaki
By Njodzefe Nestor
In a move to instill a reading culture on inhabitants of Bui Division in the North West Region of Cameroon, an ultra modern community Library will be launched in Kikaikelaki on August 29, 2014 in a colorful ceremony to be attended amongst others by His Excellency Roger Miller, the SDO for Kumbo, Nzeke Thoephile and His Royal Highness the Fon of Nso.
The launching ceremony will also feature live music by some renowned musicians like Prince Emil and Richard Kings.
In a move to instill a reading culture on inhabitants of Bui Division in the North West Region of Cameroon, an ultra modern community Library will be launched in Kikaikelaki on August 29, 2014 in a colorful ceremony to be attended amongst others by His Excellency Roger Miller, the SDO for Kumbo, Nzeke Thoephile and His Royal Highness the Fon of Nso.
The launching ceremony will also feature live music by some renowned musicians like Prince Emil and Richard Kings.
Poor GCE results are due to low quality of teachers - Sir Mbenkum
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| Mbenkum Williams |
Results of the GCE exams for both the A and O levels have just been released. What is your appreciation of schools within your area of jurisdiction?
I thank you very much journalist of the Median newspaper for making this outing here to Bui. You know the Bui Divisional Delegation of Secondary Education remains very sensitive by virtue of the number of schools and by virtue of its brilliant performance at the level of the GCE. I just want to state that the results have just been released, you the journalist are aware of the fact that the detail results were only accessed by the various candidates and we are waiting for the slips and when we get the slips and the results in their entirety we shall be able to access the position of Bui division and then we shall be able to answer your question very elaborately. But it suffices to know that the O Level results were bad in the overall percentage and that is also how we have bad results in some schools. From the newspapers we are told GBHS Mbiame has 10% in the O Levels, Ndzeng, 7% and other results. But that not withstanding, ST Augustine Nso, PCHS Kumbo, GBHS Tatum, GBHS Kimbo are some of the schools in my list that has given us a lot of pride. Our main school here GBHS Kumbo did not score up to 50%, I am told they have about 48% which is still above the national average. That is why we are at least fine globally.
Back to School
Would you prefer your child to go to school or learn a trade?
Minimal education is necessary
Awasum Cornelius
A child should get some minimal education, at least ‘O’ levels before he can decide to learn a trade. A tradesman who is illiterate is a danger to society and himself. If a tradesman has minimal education he can socialize freely and without complex. A tradesman should be able to at least prepare his bills and read and understand contracts before signing them.
School above all
Ashu Godfred
I will prefer sending my child to school rather than make him learn a trade. It is necessary for the child to be educated first and then look for a means of survival later. Education is very necessary and should be the first investment of every parent for their child.
Minimal education is necessary
Awasum Cornelius
A child should get some minimal education, at least ‘O’ levels before he can decide to learn a trade. A tradesman who is illiterate is a danger to society and himself. If a tradesman has minimal education he can socialize freely and without complex. A tradesman should be able to at least prepare his bills and read and understand contracts before signing them.
School above all
Ashu Godfred
I will prefer sending my child to school rather than make him learn a trade. It is necessary for the child to be educated first and then look for a means of survival later. Education is very necessary and should be the first investment of every parent for their child.
Cameroon suspends flights from Ebola-affected countries
Cameroon is to suspend all flights from Ebola-affected countries, to check the spread of the disease into the Central African country.
Sources told The Median that the decision was announced on Thursday at the end of a meeting between officials of the Health and Transport ministries.
Sources told The Median that the decision was announced on Thursday at the end of a meeting between officials of the Health and Transport ministries.
Nkambe, Donga-Mantung
Peaceful coexistence between Nigerians and Cameroonians
The Nigerian Consul General for the North West and South West regions of Cameroon, Dan Wari Nwazim, has lauded the friendly co-existence of Nigerians and Cameroonians in Nkambe, Donga-Matung Division describing the Nigerian Union there as the most united and organized in Cameroon.
He made the observation on August 8, 2014 in a reception given in his honour by the Nigerian Union in Donga-Matung.
Dan Wari Nwazim who was visiting Nkambe for the very first time since he assumed duty in December 2013, was on a meet the people tour which took him from Buea to Bamenda, Kumbo and Nkambe.
Giving his impressions to the press after the visit, the Nigerian Consul General said he was satisfied with the level of organization and oneness of Nigerians in Nkambe. He also appreciated the contribution of Nigerians towards the development of Nkambe noting that he will enjoin other Nigerian Unions in other parts of Cameroon to emulate the example of Nkambe.
The Nigerian Consul General for the North West and South West regions of Cameroon, Dan Wari Nwazim, has lauded the friendly co-existence of Nigerians and Cameroonians in Nkambe, Donga-Matung Division describing the Nigerian Union there as the most united and organized in Cameroon.
He made the observation on August 8, 2014 in a reception given in his honour by the Nigerian Union in Donga-Matung.
Dan Wari Nwazim who was visiting Nkambe for the very first time since he assumed duty in December 2013, was on a meet the people tour which took him from Buea to Bamenda, Kumbo and Nkambe.
Giving his impressions to the press after the visit, the Nigerian Consul General said he was satisfied with the level of organization and oneness of Nigerians in Nkambe. He also appreciated the contribution of Nigerians towards the development of Nkambe noting that he will enjoin other Nigerian Unions in other parts of Cameroon to emulate the example of Nkambe.
Monday, 11 August 2014
Ban on CDC land surrender
Irate Fako chiefs storm Y’de to protest minister’s order
Some 20 Fako chiefs spent three days in Yaounde last week moving from one office to another protesting what they described as the misguided and preposterous decision by government to place a ban on the surrender of lands to villages in Fako Division by the CDC.
According to information we gathered, the chiefs came with a memo to present to the Prime Minister Philemon Yang, but the PM refused to grant them audience on Wednesday 6 August 2014. He rather directed them to go and present their grievances to the Minister of State Property and Land Tenure who issued the circular suspending registration of lands surrendered by the CDC.
The Minister, Catherine Koung A Bessike, received the chiefs very briefly early on Thursday morning. But nothing filtered from the audience, especially as the chiefs preferred to maintain sealed lips after the meeting. All efforts by this reporter to get the chiefs to talk were futile.
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| Fako chiefs |
According to information we gathered, the chiefs came with a memo to present to the Prime Minister Philemon Yang, but the PM refused to grant them audience on Wednesday 6 August 2014. He rather directed them to go and present their grievances to the Minister of State Property and Land Tenure who issued the circular suspending registration of lands surrendered by the CDC.
The Minister, Catherine Koung A Bessike, received the chiefs very briefly early on Thursday morning. But nothing filtered from the audience, especially as the chiefs preferred to maintain sealed lips after the meeting. All efforts by this reporter to get the chiefs to talk were futile.
Chief Ayamba, the SCNC, and the CPDM Regime
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| Dr. Peter Chesami Forchu |
By Tazoacha Asonganyi inYaounde
The CPDM regime wrote a “Vision-2035” in which it considers its first challenge to be the consolidation of democracy and the enhancement of “national unity” in a “united and indivisible nation enjoying peace and security.” “National unity” is said to be a “permanent and ambitious goal” in a country where “threats, risks and obstacles” include the management of the “dual Anglophone-francophone heritage,” having succeeded to ensure “original cohabitation between the English-speaking and French-speaking systems…” Although there have been “divergences as seen in the violent representation of remote identities as well as outbreak of tensed or even irredentist conflicts,” they were contained by a “pro-active and strong state, capable of containing centrifugal forces and enhancing national solidarity…”
The “consolidation of democracy” is said to imply “the existence of a constitutional state, (and) promotion and respect for individual and collective freedoms.”
Cameroonian priest dies of Ebola virus
Rev. Dr. Patrick Nshamdze, 57, an alumnus of Bishop Rogan College Soppo, Buea, reportedly died at the St. Joseph Catholic Hospital in Monrovia, Liberia. He was buried in a mass grave alongside other Ebola victims.
By Njodzefe Nestor in Bamenda with additional reports
The deadly Ebola virus that has been a cause for concern in many parts of Africa has claimed the life of a Cameroonian missionary in Liberia. Bro/Dr. Patrick Nshamdze, 57, before his demise was the Chief Administrator of the St. Joseph Catholic Hospital in Monrovia, Liberia.
Dr. Nshamdze, whom sources say preferred to be called “Bro. Patrick”, was a member of the Catholic Community Brothers of St. John of God. He was one of the missionaries assigned at the St. Joseph Catholic Hospital in Congo Town in Liberia. He was also one of the very reliable medical practitioners who kept the hospital intact and running.
According to The Observer, Bro Patrick had contracted the disease from a pregnant lady, who had been transferred from another health facility to the hospital. According to this source, the lady, who also later died of the virus, came bleeding and it was Bro. Patrick, who worked on her.
By Njodzefe Nestor in Bamenda with additional reports
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| Dr. Patrick Nshamdze |
Dr. Nshamdze, whom sources say preferred to be called “Bro. Patrick”, was a member of the Catholic Community Brothers of St. John of God. He was one of the missionaries assigned at the St. Joseph Catholic Hospital in Congo Town in Liberia. He was also one of the very reliable medical practitioners who kept the hospital intact and running.
According to The Observer, Bro Patrick had contracted the disease from a pregnant lady, who had been transferred from another health facility to the hospital. According to this source, the lady, who also later died of the virus, came bleeding and it was Bro. Patrick, who worked on her.
Boko Haram Scare
Villagers fleeing in Extreme-North Cameroon
-As attacks by Boko Haram terrorists has become somewhat a daily affair
Seemingly in response to threats from Cameroon’s president, Paul Biya, Boko Haram has once again attacked on Cameroonian soil, this time in the Zegague locality in the Far North region of the country. They launched the attacks on Wednesday August 6 at about 2pm; three days after the head of state vowed that the Cameroon army was going to stop their insurgency and boasted of reinforced security in the northern parts of the country.
The Senior Divisional Officer for the Logon and Chari division under whose jurisdiction the attacked village is situated confirmed the attack on the 8pm news over state radio. He said causalities were recorded on both sides.
Reports say a soldier of the Rapid Intervention Battalion BIR unit of the Cameroonian forces was killed, alongside a police commissioner. Some six truck drivers plying Cameroon and some neighbouring countries were reportedly killed in the attack while the insurgents took along with them one child and vehicles, as they ran helter-skelter following a sustained reaction from the Cameroonian forces who outweighed them in the confrontation.
-As attacks by Boko Haram terrorists has become somewhat a daily affair
Seemingly in response to threats from Cameroon’s president, Paul Biya, Boko Haram has once again attacked on Cameroonian soil, this time in the Zegague locality in the Far North region of the country. They launched the attacks on Wednesday August 6 at about 2pm; three days after the head of state vowed that the Cameroon army was going to stop their insurgency and boasted of reinforced security in the northern parts of the country.
The Senior Divisional Officer for the Logon and Chari division under whose jurisdiction the attacked village is situated confirmed the attack on the 8pm news over state radio. He said causalities were recorded on both sides.
Reports say a soldier of the Rapid Intervention Battalion BIR unit of the Cameroonian forces was killed, alongside a police commissioner. Some six truck drivers plying Cameroon and some neighbouring countries were reportedly killed in the attack while the insurgents took along with them one child and vehicles, as they ran helter-skelter following a sustained reaction from the Cameroonian forces who outweighed them in the confrontation.
Preserving cultural heritage and treasures
US gov’t sponsors
rehabilitation of Bafut Palace
By Njodzefe Nestor in Bamenda
The Achum House at the Bafut Palace promises to be a touristic jewel when the FCFA 30 million cultural preservation project sponsored by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs will be completed.
The project will employ local artisans to restore and reinforce the palace’s structure, as well as collect, catalogue, and display relics of the 600 year-old Bafut Kingdom. The artisans have been trained to maintain and rehabilitate other buildings in the palace complex.
According to Matthew McKeever, Chargé d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Yaoundé, “This program, funded through the Ambassadors’ Fund for Cultural Preservation like others before it, demonstrates our respect for Cameroon’s unique national heritage treasures.”
rehabilitation of Bafut Palace
By Njodzefe Nestor in Bamenda
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| Partial view of the Bafut Palace |
The project will employ local artisans to restore and reinforce the palace’s structure, as well as collect, catalogue, and display relics of the 600 year-old Bafut Kingdom. The artisans have been trained to maintain and rehabilitate other buildings in the palace complex.
According to Matthew McKeever, Chargé d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Yaoundé, “This program, funded through the Ambassadors’ Fund for Cultural Preservation like others before it, demonstrates our respect for Cameroon’s unique national heritage treasures.”
Gov’t decries sub-standard hotels in Manyu
By Ekumtambe Eku in Mamfe
Some hotels and hotel owners in Manyu Division have been fined heavy sums for failing to up-grade their services to meet recommended standards. Almost all the over 32 registered hotels in Manyu were found to be sub-standard by a visiting team of experts from the Ministry of Tourism and Leisure in Yaounde. The managers of these hotels risk paying up to FCFA 2 million for flouting the regulations guiding the Tourism industry in the country.
The Government decided to impose fines to defaulters as a means towards forcing the hotels in the country to rise up to stipulated standards. The decision was arrived at after several years of intensive field campaigns to sensitize hotel dealers on the need to up-grade standards and improve on the quality of their services, according Mrs. Rose Tarh, Divisional Delegate for Tourism for Manyu.
Some hotels and hotel owners in Manyu Division have been fined heavy sums for failing to up-grade their services to meet recommended standards. Almost all the over 32 registered hotels in Manyu were found to be sub-standard by a visiting team of experts from the Ministry of Tourism and Leisure in Yaounde. The managers of these hotels risk paying up to FCFA 2 million for flouting the regulations guiding the Tourism industry in the country.
The Government decided to impose fines to defaulters as a means towards forcing the hotels in the country to rise up to stipulated standards. The decision was arrived at after several years of intensive field campaigns to sensitize hotel dealers on the need to up-grade standards and improve on the quality of their services, according Mrs. Rose Tarh, Divisional Delegate for Tourism for Manyu.
US-Africa leaders summit
Barack Obama hails 'new emerging Africa'
US President Barack Obama has hailed a new emerging Africa, on the last day of the summit in Washington DC with 40 African leaders.
Wednesday's talks covered security concerns and corruption - two areas the US administration says are holding back growth and investment in Africa.
US firms pledged $37bn (£33bn) in investment during the summit.
Closing the summit, Mr Obama said the leaders had held "genuine discussions" and pledged to hold another gathering.
"I'll strongly encourage my successor to carry on this work because Africans must know they will always have a strong partner in the United States of America," he said, describing the three-day summit as "an extraordinary event".
US President Barack Obama has hailed a new emerging Africa, on the last day of the summit in Washington DC with 40 African leaders.
Wednesday's talks covered security concerns and corruption - two areas the US administration says are holding back growth and investment in Africa.
US firms pledged $37bn (£33bn) in investment during the summit.
Closing the summit, Mr Obama said the leaders had held "genuine discussions" and pledged to hold another gathering.
"I'll strongly encourage my successor to carry on this work because Africans must know they will always have a strong partner in the United States of America," he said, describing the three-day summit as "an extraordinary event".
US – Africa leaders forum
Did Biya lead case against Wildlife Crime?
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) called on Cameroon’s President Paul Biya to take leadership against illegal wildlife trafficking at the US-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington last week, by pushing for concrete high-level measures to combat this serious crime.
WWF International Director General Marco Lambertini urged President Biya to appeal for a United Nations General Assembly resolution that would provide a political platform to support existing international resolutions and commitments in a bid to firmly confront this “serious organized transnational crime.” The resolution would reinforce cooperation between illegal wildlife source, transit and destination countries, and support existing mechanisms to fight this crime.
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) called on Cameroon’s President Paul Biya to take leadership against illegal wildlife trafficking at the US-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington last week, by pushing for concrete high-level measures to combat this serious crime.
WWF International Director General Marco Lambertini urged President Biya to appeal for a United Nations General Assembly resolution that would provide a political platform to support existing international resolutions and commitments in a bid to firmly confront this “serious organized transnational crime.” The resolution would reinforce cooperation between illegal wildlife source, transit and destination countries, and support existing mechanisms to fight this crime.
Michael Hoza is new U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon
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| Michael Hoza |
The 57-year-old career diplomat, married and a father of two sons was nominated by President Barack Obama on July 30, 2013, but internal wrangling in the U.S. Senate delayed his posting to Yaounde. This left the central African country without a full U.S. diplomatic representative, especially at the height of insurgent attacks from Boko Haram in its northern borders with neighbouring Nigeria.
However, a July 29, 2014 Senate voice vote in Washington D.C. validated the appointments of Michael Hoza to Cameroon; Larry Andre to Mauritania; and Joan A. Polaschik to Algeria.
Befitting retirement for a trusted ally
Why Benjamin Itoe was made CDC chairman
Given a regime that deliberately makes the marginalization of Anglophones a key policy, and one that offers the most lucrative jobs and favours to friends and privilege relations, Chief Justice Benjamin Itoe had the privilege and opportunity to be among the lucky few Anglophones in the inner circle of President Paul Biya. And he did not waste the opportunity!
By Ojong Steven Ayukogem in Yaounde
How else can someone be compensated for honest and loyal services to his boss and the nation? For a system that is known to use and dump its allies in the abyss of oblivion, Chief Justice Benjamin Motanga Itoe has every reason to be happy and to thank President Paul Biya for this mark of renewed trust and recognition, following his recent appointment to the covetous position of Board Chairman of the CDC. The CDC it should be noted, is the biggest employer in Cameroon after the government. It is also the biggest agro-industry in the Central African sub-region.
To the informed observer, the appointment of Benjamin Itoe is not by chance. If any thing it is based on merit. Some commentators even say it is a mark of recognition and compensation for the honest, loyal and meritorious services that this illustrious son of Bombe Bakundu in Meme Division of the South West region, has rendered to his boss, president Biya in particular, and the CPDM regime and the Cameroonian people in general.
As one of the very few Anglophones ever to have handled three successive ministerial portfolios (he was successively minister of Transport; Justice and Keeper of the seals, and Minister of Tourism), apart from other top positions he held in the Cameroon judiciary, one would not be wrong to conclude that Benjamin Itoe is in every way a regime insider, and in any way a Biyaist. This is true especially when one recalls that Benjy, as Justice Itoe is also fondly called, is also a former deputy chief judge of the Supreme Court of Cameroon and former president of the administrative bench of that court. He was also Procureur-General of the North West province (now region). In his capacity as deputy chief judge of the Supreme Court he was the second magistrate in the country in terms of seniority after the Supreme Court President, Chief Justice Alexis Dipanda Moelle.
Given a regime that deliberately makes the marginalization of Anglophones a key policy, and one that offers the most lucrative jobs and favours to friends and privilege relations, Chief Justice Benjamin Itoe had the privilege and opportunity to be among the lucky few Anglophones in the inner circle of President Paul Biya. And he did not waste the opportunity!
By Ojong Steven Ayukogem in Yaounde
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| Benjamin Itoe |
To the informed observer, the appointment of Benjamin Itoe is not by chance. If any thing it is based on merit. Some commentators even say it is a mark of recognition and compensation for the honest, loyal and meritorious services that this illustrious son of Bombe Bakundu in Meme Division of the South West region, has rendered to his boss, president Biya in particular, and the CPDM regime and the Cameroonian people in general.
As one of the very few Anglophones ever to have handled three successive ministerial portfolios (he was successively minister of Transport; Justice and Keeper of the seals, and Minister of Tourism), apart from other top positions he held in the Cameroon judiciary, one would not be wrong to conclude that Benjamin Itoe is in every way a regime insider, and in any way a Biyaist. This is true especially when one recalls that Benjy, as Justice Itoe is also fondly called, is also a former deputy chief judge of the Supreme Court of Cameroon and former president of the administrative bench of that court. He was also Procureur-General of the North West province (now region). In his capacity as deputy chief judge of the Supreme Court he was the second magistrate in the country in terms of seniority after the Supreme Court President, Chief Justice Alexis Dipanda Moelle.
Withdrawal of CDC from Manyu:
Manyu chiefs to storm C.D.C head office
By Ekumtambe Eku in Mamfe
A high-powered delegation of Manyu chiefs led by the newly elected president of the Manyu Chiefs Conference, HRH General James Tataw, will pay an urgent visit to the C.D.C Head Office in Bota, Limbe, to find out why the Corporation wants to pull out from Manyu Division.
We learnt that the strong delegation will include H.E. Prof. Chief Peter Agbor Tabi, ASG of the Presidency and chief of Ndekwai; former minister and ambassador, HRH Nfor Micheal Tabong Kima of Bakebe; Senator Chief Ndiep Nso TabeTando of Batchuo Ntai; Senator Chief Anjia Simon, and Chief Justice Bechem amongst others.
The decision to make the trip was taken during a recent meeting of the Manyu Chiefs Conference, after the Chiefs were hinted by one theirs that the C.D.C was planning to withdraw from the division for yet unknown reasons.
By Ekumtambe Eku in Mamfe
A high-powered delegation of Manyu chiefs led by the newly elected president of the Manyu Chiefs Conference, HRH General James Tataw, will pay an urgent visit to the C.D.C Head Office in Bota, Limbe, to find out why the Corporation wants to pull out from Manyu Division.
We learnt that the strong delegation will include H.E. Prof. Chief Peter Agbor Tabi, ASG of the Presidency and chief of Ndekwai; former minister and ambassador, HRH Nfor Micheal Tabong Kima of Bakebe; Senator Chief Ndiep Nso TabeTando of Batchuo Ntai; Senator Chief Anjia Simon, and Chief Justice Bechem amongst others.
The decision to make the trip was taken during a recent meeting of the Manyu Chiefs Conference, after the Chiefs were hinted by one theirs that the C.D.C was planning to withdraw from the division for yet unknown reasons.
From political tyranny to legal imperialism:
PhD reseach exposes imperialism in int’l criminal justice
-In his research for a PhD in International Criminal Law at the University of Buea, Dr. Eugene Ndzeghan Fai, cautioned African leaders to be careful when they embrace universal jutisdiction for the prosecution of international crimes.
By Sarah Nkongho Ojong in Buea
“Immunities of state officials, international crimes and the exercise of universal jurisdiction” was the topic of the 208-page thesis submitted and defended by Dr. Eugene Ndzegham Fai, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy PhD in Public International Law, at the Faculty of Laws of the University of Buea, on Wednesday 30 July 2014. The work elucidates and clarifies very succinctly the conflicts between the notion of immunities of state officials and the principle of universal jurisdiction in the prosecution of international crimes.
-In his research for a PhD in International Criminal Law at the University of Buea, Dr. Eugene Ndzeghan Fai, cautioned African leaders to be careful when they embrace universal jutisdiction for the prosecution of international crimes.
By Sarah Nkongho Ojong in Buea
“Immunities of state officials, international crimes and the exercise of universal jurisdiction” was the topic of the 208-page thesis submitted and defended by Dr. Eugene Ndzegham Fai, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy PhD in Public International Law, at the Faculty of Laws of the University of Buea, on Wednesday 30 July 2014. The work elucidates and clarifies very succinctly the conflicts between the notion of immunities of state officials and the principle of universal jurisdiction in the prosecution of international crimes.
African leaders should not embrace universal jurisdiction blindly
-Dr Eugene Ndzeghan Fai
Congratulations doctor on your brilliant PhD defence!
** Thank you editor-in-chief
“Immunity of state officials, international crimes and the exercise of universal jurisdiction”, what informed the choice of this topic for your PhD research?
** I chose the topic for two principal reasons: First, during my M. Phil I worked on the institutions that handle international criminal justice; and during that research work I came to realize that the immunities of state officials posed a serious impediment to international criminal prosecution. So, during my PhD I decided to research on the correlation between the two notions. But over and above, and as a jurist from the developing world I realized that the western world was using universal jurisdiction as an arm of somewhat legal imperialism. So I decided to research on this, so as to educate the public on the practice.
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| Dr Eugene Ndzeghan Fai |
Congratulations doctor on your brilliant PhD defence!
** Thank you editor-in-chief
“Immunity of state officials, international crimes and the exercise of universal jurisdiction”, what informed the choice of this topic for your PhD research?
** I chose the topic for two principal reasons: First, during my M. Phil I worked on the institutions that handle international criminal justice; and during that research work I came to realize that the immunities of state officials posed a serious impediment to international criminal prosecution. So, during my PhD I decided to research on the correlation between the two notions. But over and above, and as a jurist from the developing world I realized that the western world was using universal jurisdiction as an arm of somewhat legal imperialism. So I decided to research on this, so as to educate the public on the practice.
Manyu’s cocoa and coffee sectors doing great
By Ekumtambe Eku in Mamfe
A visiting three-man delegation from the ministries of Commerce, Agriculture and the program SIF/FODECC respectively, has expressed satisfaction with the performance of the cocoa and coffee sectors of Manyu Division. This was at the end of an evaluation mission they led to the Division.
The team was visiting the Region to evaluate the implementation on the field of various actions taken by the ministries of Commerce, Agriculture and Rural Development as well as scientific Research and Innovations, in the education of cocoa and coffee farmers on sustainable farming methods and market trends.
At the Divisional Delegation of Commerce, Mamfe, the Delegate, Njock James Orock Manga brandished documents showing actions jointly carried out by the various actors to mobilize cocoa farmers in the Division. The actions include: visits to farmers groups in villages, sensitization programs on radio to educate cocoa and coffee farmers as well as farmer’s cooperatives in the division.
A visiting three-man delegation from the ministries of Commerce, Agriculture and the program SIF/FODECC respectively, has expressed satisfaction with the performance of the cocoa and coffee sectors of Manyu Division. This was at the end of an evaluation mission they led to the Division.
The team was visiting the Region to evaluate the implementation on the field of various actions taken by the ministries of Commerce, Agriculture and Rural Development as well as scientific Research and Innovations, in the education of cocoa and coffee farmers on sustainable farming methods and market trends.
At the Divisional Delegation of Commerce, Mamfe, the Delegate, Njock James Orock Manga brandished documents showing actions jointly carried out by the various actors to mobilize cocoa farmers in the Division. The actions include: visits to farmers groups in villages, sensitization programs on radio to educate cocoa and coffee farmers as well as farmer’s cooperatives in the division.
100% realization of PIB projects in SW
This was echoed by the Regional Delegate of Public Contracts during the 3rd co-ordination meeting that took place in Mamfe recently.
By Atemnkeng Evaristus in Mamfe
The South West Regional Delegate of Public Contracts, MINMAP, Shey Ebuwir Tobias, has disclosed that the region is on the good footing in the realization of the 2014 Public Investment Projects. He expressed confidence that by the end of the 2014 financial year the region would have hit its target of 100% realization of public investment projects. The delegate was speaking in Mamfe, Manyu Division, during the third co-ordination meeting of officials of the regional delegation of public contracts for the south west that took place recently.
Shey Ebuwir Tobias noted that many contractors were still to understand the new procedures put in place by government in the award and monitoring of public contracts but assured that with the transparency, objectivity and accountability that characterize the procedures, the realization of the projects dotted all over the Region can be guaranteed.
By Atemnkeng Evaristus in Mamfe
The South West Regional Delegate of Public Contracts, MINMAP, Shey Ebuwir Tobias, has disclosed that the region is on the good footing in the realization of the 2014 Public Investment Projects. He expressed confidence that by the end of the 2014 financial year the region would have hit its target of 100% realization of public investment projects. The delegate was speaking in Mamfe, Manyu Division, during the third co-ordination meeting of officials of the regional delegation of public contracts for the south west that took place recently.
Shey Ebuwir Tobias noted that many contractors were still to understand the new procedures put in place by government in the award and monitoring of public contracts but assured that with the transparency, objectivity and accountability that characterize the procedures, the realization of the projects dotted all over the Region can be guaranteed.
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