Publisher/Editor: OJONG Steven AYUKOGEM. Tel: (+237) 77 07 27 79. E-mail: themedianpaper@yahoo.com
Sunday, 24 September 2017
Way forward for Anglophone Crisis:
Release all detainees, address the nation, convene genuine
dialogue
-Ntumfor Nico Halle
suggests to President Biya
By Boris Esono in Buea
 |
| Bar. Ntumfor Nico |
The President of the General Assembly of the Cameroon Bar
Association has said that with the rapid decay of the crisis in the English
speaking regions of the country it has become more and more imperative and
urgent for the “Father of the Nation”, President Paul Biya, to consider
addressing his children, if only to foster and uphold the peace and unity that
Cameroonians so much cherish.
Ntumfor
Barrister Nico Halle was speaking in response to questions from this reporter
on his suggestions for a way forward for the present uprising in NW and SW,
which unfortunately, has assumed a more widespread and violent turn lately.
The
peace crusader and human rights actor of international renown, first suggested
that as “father of the nation”, President Biya should address the nation and
call on his aggrieved children of the two Anglophone regions to drop the
hatchet and give peace a chance.
“I once
more go down on my knees and plead with the head of state, President Biya, who
is father of this nation, to come down from his high pedestal and talk to his
children. The President should address the nation and tell Cameroonians that he
has listened to them and has now understood what they desire. He should admit
that certain wrongs have been committed in the course of building the nation,
but that he has decided to look into these wrongs and correct them,” Ntumfor
Nico Halle suggested, urging the president to at once, also consider extending
his magnanimous amnesty to all those who are still languishing in jails and
others who escaped into exile in connection to the current crisis.
Literally on bended knees, Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle,
said, like he started doing ever since the crisis started in 2016, he is once
again pleading with the President to, after releasing the detainees, also open
up for genuine, frank, sincere and an all-inclusive dialogue, as this to him is
the only way of seeking a lasting solution to the present stalemate.
“If the
President can do all the things I have listed above then I have the unshakable
conviction that all other things will fall into place: peace will return;
violence will cease to be and parents will decide once again to send their kids
to school,” Nico Halle prayed, noting that “there can be no state authority
without peace and justice.
Anglophone Uprising:
Thousands of protesters storm Nso, Mankon & Nkwen
Palaces
Thousands of Southern Cameroons protesters Friday, marched
on the palaces of the Fons and Chiefs urging the occupants to demand for
independence and the unconditional release of Anglophones in detention.
The
protesters defied an intimidating presence of security forces and the arrest
and detention of Anglophone secessionists.
The
protests began in the Southwest with social media inundated with images showing
mammoth crowds demonstrating on the streets in towns like Muyuka and Ekona.
The
thousands of protesters marched along the streets carrying tree branches and
chanting liberation songs and asking for the release of all persons detained in
connection to the Anglophone uprising.
Images
later came in from Limbe, Ndu, Kumba,Kumbo, Jakiri and many villages including
Kembong, Ewelle, Tinto, Ossing, Njeke, Djottin and Weh.
In the
NW the protests took the crowds to the palaces of Fons who under the auspices
of NOWEFU have since called on Preisdent Paul Biya to run again in next year’s
polls.
Thousands
stormed the palaces of Nso, Mankon and Nkwen as was the case in other villages
and cities with some MPs notably Hon.Mbah Ndam of the SDF and the MP of Belo
stepping out to join the protesters.
At
about 10am in Bamenda, which is said to be the epicenter of the Anglophone
struggle, the protests gained in intensity and popularity. Thousands of
protesters blew whistles, honked motorbikes and chanted songs of freedom as
they moved down the streets.
From
Finance Junction, they marched up to Station Hill that was briefly blocked by
soldiers in full combat gear. The protesters could be heard chanting “No to
violence, No to violence, no to violence” and “how many people Paul Biya go
kill ooo.”
We Are All Beggars for Peace
- President Paul Biya
Being A STATEMENT by the Cameroon President at THE 72ND UN
GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOLDING IN New York, From 13 to 24 September 2017
 |
| President Paul Biya |
I congratulate you, Mr President, on your election as chair
of this session of the United Nations General Assembly. I do believe you be
served by your rich experience in successfully steering our proceedings. You
can count on the full cooperation of my delegation.
My
congratulations also go to Ambassador Peter THOMSON, your predecessor and key
mastermind behind the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, on his outstanding
achievements.
Lastly,
I would like to congratulate Mr. Antonio GUTERRES on his unanimous election as
Secretary-General of our Organization.
Mr.
Secretary-General, please rest assured of Cameroon’s constant support in the
performance of your lofty and delicate duties.
This
session is being held within a global context marked by multiple hotbeds of
tension worldwide, where terrorism continues to affect thousands of people,
human activity is causing climate disruptions, and poverty is far from
declining. However, it is also taking place in parallel with laudable efforts
towards implementing the Sustainable Development Agenda designed for Humanity’s
fulfillment to ensure that no one is left behind.
Hence
the full pertinence of the general debate under the theme, (I quote) “Focusing
on People: Striving for Peace and a Decent Life for All on a Sustainable
Planet”.
Our
debates and, especially, our conclusions will constitute a litmus test of our
commitment to the ideal of the peoples of the United Nations who, in the
preamble to the Charter, state their resolve to save succeeding generations
from the scourge of war, and to promote social progress and better standards of
life for all peoples.
Anglophone uprising:
 |
| Lebialem division: Menji women led the march to the SDO’s office to demand the restoration of Southern Cameroons independence |
Protesters defy military presence, inundate streets in NW
and SW
Popular uprisings were reported Friday all over the former
British Southern Cameroons with mammoth crowds comprising of the old, the young
and frail taking to the streets demanding an end to the union with La Republique
du Cameroon.
Despite
the heavy presence of military forces in the streets of major towns and cities
and in some rural areas, thousands of protesters took to the streets chanting
songs of freedom and demanding the restoration of the statehood of Former
British Cameroons.
The
protest marches which started in the early morning on Friday, 22 September,
were reported in towns and villages including Eyumojock, Ekona, Kumba, Ebonji,
Buea, Muyuka, Fontem and many others in the South West region.
In the
Northwest region the protests were reported in Bamenda, Kumbo, Batibo, Widikum,
Santa, Ndu and many other localities.
In
Ekona in the SW, thousands of people took to the streets bringing traffic on
the Kumba-Buea highway to a standstill. Some wore T-shirts with inscriptions
such as “I stand with Mancho BBC”. Others told The Median that they want all
Anglophones jailed in connection with the current crisis to be freed. The
placards also carried strong messages calling on Yaounde and the United Nations
to restore the independence of Southern Cameroons.
On tour in the Americas:
Ambazonia leader, Sisekou Ayuk Tabe endorsed by Manyu USA
 |
| USA-based Sisekous endorse Sisikou Ayuk Tabe |
On a recent visit to Houston, Texas USA, the Chairman of the
Southern Cameroons Governing Council was received at the Houston airport by
traditional leaders from Southern Cameroon based in Texas, including those from
Manyu, Lebialem, Mezam and Momo Division. As a traditional leader himself,
Sisekou Ayuk Tabe Julius felt very much at ease with other leaders who had come
to receive him at the Houston airport.
The
Ekpe group led by Sisikou Dr Mathias Egbe, came on the spotlight by decorating
Chairman Sisikou Julius Ayuk Tabe, who is one of their own, with symbols
befitting his title.
During
an informal discussion with the Chairman, Mr. Thomas Tabenyang, a fervent
activist and former SDF Provincial Chairman vehemently condemned the deployment
by government agents of Epke to intimidate and harass the population of Manyu
Division.
Mayor Patrick Ekema denies accusations he shot at protesters
The residence of CPDM Mayor of Buea, Ekema Patrick Esunge,
came under attack from angry Southern Cameroons protesters on Friday 22
September 2017. The protesters vandalised the mayor’s fleet of cars including
his beautiful villa.
Reports
on social media said the mayor, caught here on camera with a rifle, reportedly
shot and killed one of the demonstrators. But Ekema has denied the accusation,
saying the allegation is false and that no shootings ever took place in his
residence despite the attack by the marauding protesters.
Governor calls Anglophone activists ‘dogs’
 |
| Bernard Okalia Bilai |
Anglophone crisis turns terrorist with bombings
The long-drawn crisis in Southern Cameroons has taken a
dangerous turn with bomb explosions targeting local security officials, and as
protests become increasingly widespread and vociferous.
Renewed
protests broke out early morning on Friday 22 September in major towns and
villages across the North West and South West thousands of aggrieved
populations taking to the streets with tree branches, placards, whistles and
flags of Ambazonia; a country they plan to create when they secede from the
Republic of Cameroon.
Security
forces responded with bullets and teargas, injuring some protesters in Santa,
Kumbo and Bamenda in the North West and Mamfe, Ekona, Buea, Muyuka and Buea in
the South West.
The
security reprisals did not deter the protesters as they moved towards public
places, hoisting blue-white flags and seeking to meet with administrative and
traditional authorities.
The
protesters poured out on the streets hours before the President of the
Republic, Paul Biya was scheduled to address the United Nations General
Assembly.
Anglophone
protesters put up a similar show at the precincts of the UN headquarters in New
York, we can confirm.
The
call for peaceful protests was from the Ambazonia Governing Council SCACUF and
was amplified on social media by Southern Cameroons independentists in the
diaspora.
The
widespread protest are said to be a foretaste of a planned declaration and
celebration of Southern Cameroons (Ambazonia’s) independence on 1st October.
The
Anglophone crisis is escalating and decaying despite a discriminate amnesty
granted some jailed Anglophone activists by President Biya.
Many
said the continued detention of Mancho Bibixy (leader of the Coffin Revolution)
and some about 30 others has provoked the mass protests, which have taken a
radical and/or terrorist turn with bomb explosions.
The
latest of the bombing explosions was on Wednesday morning Sept. 21, when an IED
controlled from a mobile phone was activated at Hospital Roundabout in Bamenda.
Three police officers were reportedly injured.
Another
bomb explosion was recorded Thursday at a petroleum depot in the economic
capital city Douala.
Earlier
on September 11, an improvised explosive device targeting security agents on
patrol was activated at Mobil Nkwen in the city of Bamenda. Five days later,
another IED damaged a dormitory at Sacred Heart College Mankon, still in
Bamenda, but no human losses were recorded.
Uprisings in NW and SW:
Musonge Commission, a toothless paper tiger
 |
| Senator Peter Mafany Musonge |
The Bilingualism and Multiculturalism Commission that was
created by President Biyaon 23 January to resolve the Southern Cameroons crisis
has existed for eight months already with nothing to show so far, save for its
ability to secure its funding (a budget advance of 700 million cfa) from the
state.
23
September 2017 will be nine months since the rather budgetivorous yet
irrelevant Commission was created. But apparently the Commission for the
Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism (CNPBM) exists only on paper.
Apart
from the installation of its members and permanent secretary, and maybe two
inconsequential sessions it has held, the institution headed by Senator Peter
Mafany Musonge is virtually non-existent.
Established
to examine several issues related to the linguistic and cultural diversity in
the country especially in the wake of the Anglophone crisis, the Commission has
gone comatose. A planned visit by the Commission to the NW and SW last June
never took place.
Announced
as part of a “facilitation mission” to the two aggrieved regions, Musonge and
his men until now have still not officially set foot in Southern Cameroons.
Security stepped up as another explosion rocks B’da
 |
| Three bombs have exploded in Bamenda in one week |
The Governor of the North West region Adolfe Lele Lafrique
has expressed disgust over an attack on police officers and has promised that
government will step up security to avert such attacks.
The
attack took place at Hospital Roundabout in Bamenda around 9.30 am on Thursday
September 21, 2017, where a locally made bomb exploded, leaving 2 police
officers severely wounded and properties damaged. The locally made explosive
according to the governor composed of a cooking gas cylinder carefully planted.
“This
morning, we have witne ssed a terrorist
attack on the symbol of the State, those were police men doing their job. They
were targets and as a result of that two were seriously wounded and are taken
care of at the regional hospital. Like I disclosed to you last time, we are
going to step up our security tactics to face that new situation.” remarked the
Governor.
He
further warned that the State of Cameroon wouldn’t bow to such actions as it
will put all measures to counter such attacks. Eye witnesses at the scene
recounted how the area targeted has a shop that usually played host to police
officers on ghost town days.
B’da bomb blasts panics Biya
 |
| President Biya and his delegation to the UN General Assembly |
President Biya was informed of the explosion of an artisanal
bomb in Bamenda as he entered his hotel suit in New York City after
participating in the 72nd General Assembly of the UN, Cameroon Concord reported
Friday. The Britain-based news outlet said it learned from an inside source at
the presidency of the republic that President Biya panicked on hearing the bad
news.
“We
could see panic in his eyes,” Cameroon Concord quoted a Biya aide as saying.
Paul
Biya, after a short telephone conversation with the Secretary General at the
Presidency, prescribed a reinforcement of security measures.
Biya’s computer gift:
Fame Ndongo’s April fool’s stunt?
 |
| Minister Fame Ndongo |
The Minister of Higher Education, Jacques Fame Ndongo has
told the Prime Minister and Head of Government that 80,000 of the 500,000
computers promised to Cameroonian students will be available as of November
2017. Fame Ndongo made the revelation during an extraordinary cabinet meeting
that held on the 19th of September in the Prime Minister’s office in Yaoundé.
Minister
Ndongo assured PM Yang that he had put in place a transparent distribution
mechanism that will take into account enrolment through the biometric system in
all the universities.
“The
computers will be delivered to the students from November 2017 onwards. The
Ministry of Higher Education will simply dispatch the computers to the students
who will be registered beforehand by the biometric system in order to avoid
fraud or fraudulent distributions.”
Notorious Bafaw-Mukonje land saga:
Chief Ebanja drags lawyer to court for defamation
By Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba
 |
| Barrister Awuta Philip |
Just when many people thought the dust might have settled on
the long-drawn dispute between the Bafaws and the Mukonjes over the land
earmarked by government as the permanent site of the Higher Technical Teachers
Training College, HTTTC Kumba and the parcel lying opposite the site extending
to the Kumba railway station, the matter has rather taken a new twist, with two
protagonists in the drama haven simultaneously dragged each other to court on
allegations of defamation.
While
the two warring factions await the final verdict of the matter at the level of
the administrative court, the recent wave of development amongst some actors
involved in the set land saga is making a lot of headline news in Kumba. Two
prominent actors in the land matter have dragged themselves to court on
allegations of defamation.
The
lead counsel of the Bafaw traditional council, Barrister Awutah Philip Atubah
has sued the Chairman of the Mokunje traditional council, Otto Alexandre Abange
for defamation while Chief Ebanja Gabriel, traditional ruler of the Mukonje
clan has also sued Barrister Awutah Philip for defamation, we learned on good
authority.
These
developments are coming up even when the Administrative Court is expected to
rule on a matter bearing on the cancellation of six land titles brandished by
some Mukonje people, who are claiming ownership of the land, and barely weeks
after the Minister of Higher Education laid the foundation stone for the
construction of the HTTTC.
Meme SDO to seal shops that respect Ghost Towns
- Government Delegate and SDO reportedly disagree over
controversial decision
By Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba
 |
| Meme SDO, Chamberlin Ntou’ou Ndong |
The Senior Divisional Officer for Meme Division, Chamberlin
Ntou’ou Ndong has declared he will close all shops, stores and businesses
places in Kumba whose owners respect and observe calls for ghost towns by the
outlawed Consortium.
Chamberlin
Ntou’ou Ndong made the disclosure as he installed the new Divisional Officers
of Kumba I, II and III Sub Divisions.
He told
the population that what has delayed his reaction towards business persons who
observe ghost towns was the fact that he wanted to install the new DOs into
their functions before taking action.
“As
from Monday September 25, 2017 I will be in the streets to wage a relentless
war on everyone who wants to continue respecting ghost towns,” Ntou’ou Ndong
said.
Declaring himself as a strong fighter, the SDO told the
owners of business premises in particular that he and his new DOs alongside the
forces of law and order will permanently seal all the shops in Kumba that
continue closing their doors on ghost towns days.
The declaration
of the Meme SDO was received with mixed feelings by both the population and
elites present at the different ceremonial grounds. Some said the SDO is
embarking on a lost war as similar missions have all failed woefully in the
towns like Limbe, Bamenda and Buea.
Mamfe meeting of lawyers foiled by threats
 |
| Barrister Charles Njualem |
A meeting of Common Law lawyers in Mamfe has been foiled
amidst allegations that it is called to get lawyers back to the courts and end
an 11 month strike by Anglophone lawyers.
A
statement from the Mamfe Divisional Officer declaring permission for the
meeting, reads in part, “I, the undersigned Mochi Johnson Malafa, Divisional
Officer for Mamfe Subdivision acknowledge receipt of a declaration of a public
meeting in Mamfe Town submitted by members of the Cameroon Bar Association
resident in the Southwest and Northwest Regions, represented by Barrister
Ngualem Charles, Nzoh Mboke Divine and Ebah Ntoko Justice.”
The
release states further that the meeting holds on September 23 in Mamfe Town
Hall premises and starts at 8a.m through 5p.m.
“Barrister
Ngualem Charles and Co,” the DO states, “shall be responsible for maintaining
law and order during the said meeting in accordance with the provisions of law
No. 90/055 governing Public Meetings, Processions and Manifestations.”
But at
press time yesterday, The Median could not confirm the meeting took place. We
learned the chief convener Barrister Njualem had distanced himself from the
meeting.
However,
several lawyers of the Common Law hinted us that the main agenda of the meeting
was to debate the suspension of the lawyers’ 11month old strike action.
The
debate within the lawyers as disclosed to us is that the strike was allowed to
drag this long because of the arrest and detention of Barrister Agbor Balla and
one other lawyer. But that since the two have been released, and some of their
other grievances addressed, they ought to return to court.
Since
the announcement of the Mamfe gathering, Common Law Lawyers have split into two
camps, between those for and against the call off of the strike.
Poor gabbage disposal:
Biya sends Hysacam to K’ba to avert looming epidemic
By Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba
 |
| Hysacam workers collecting refuse in kumba |
President Paul Biya has rescued the Government Delegate to
the Kumba City council, Ngoh Nkelle Victor from sundry venomous vituperations
directed at the city council over his inability to get the services of the
waste disposal and management company, Hysacam, to help clean the town and save
it from a looming epidemic.
With
HYSACAM now in Kumba, Ngoh Nkelle victor can now heave a sigh of relief
especially as he had been severally reprimanded by the Meme SDO and even the
elites and populations of Kumba for beimg unable to maintain hygiene and
sanitation in Kumba.
While
officially launching HYSACAM services in Kumba on Wednesday September 20, 2017,
the SDO for Meme, Chamberlin Ntou’ou Ndong revealed that a new day is dawn in
Meme following the benefit of Kumba from the action plans of greater realization
of the Head of State, H.E Paul Biya. He said in line with the national policy
of an emerging nation come 2035, it is important that Kumba takes its place as
an emerging modern city even before the period under review.
Ntou’ou
Ndong expressed gratitude to President Paul Biya for ensuring the timely
kickoff of HYSACAM activities as well as thanked the Director General of
HYSACAM and his team for responding promptly to the orders of the Head of
State.
The SDO
also used the occasion to underscore the need for proper hygiene and sanitation
while reminding the population that HYSACAM has come to clean streets and not
to build toilets and clean private homes.
After talking with gov’t:
Road transporters cancel planned strike
A planned nation-wide sit-in strike announced by road
transport syndicates for Monday 25 September has been called off. The
transporters withdrew their strike plan after holding talks with government
authorities at the weekend.
In a
communiqué deposited at the Cabinet of the Minister of Trade on Saturday, 23
September, some over 10 leaders of transporters syndicates said they had
decided to withdraw their call for strike beginning 25 September. They said
after discussions with government they were convinced solutions are being
sought to their objective grievances which include among others unacceptable
fuel prices, widespread clandestine transport in cities and towns, poor working
conditions of drivers and inadequate regulations sanctioning professional
driving in the country.
Momo Elites Reinforce Back To School Campaign
Parents, traditional authorities and school heads in Momo
Division of the North West region have been challenged to restore the integrity
of the people of division by shunning fear and manipulation and sending their
children to school.
This
was the main take home message from Elites of Momo belonging to the ruling and
opposition parties during an evaluation and sensitization meeting at the
Mbengwi Council conference hall on September 13, 2017 to champion the
resumption of schools for the academic year 2017/2018.
This
new campaign comes after Momo recorded the lowest school resumption statistics
in the North West region as opined by its Senior Divisional Officer, Monono
Absalom during the sensitization meeting that took place after a series of
campaigns for same purpose.
As at the 13 of September, nine days after schools resumed
on September 4, statistics from educational stakeholders reveal that out of
43000 children attending school in Momo only 130 had started school.
These
statistics were read in the presence of Minister Mbah Acha Rose, Senators,
Parliamentarians, mayors that make up the 5 villages of Momo.
The SDO
lambasted politicians from Njikwa for being low spirited in encouraging their
subordinates to make a difference by sending their kids to schools.
He most especially blasted the CPDM section president for
Njikwa, Ofeh David who had demonstrated some weakness and defeatism in his
presentation. Mr Monono said Njikwa was the last in the Division and the
so-called CPDM leader should have doubled efforts to make a change, but failed
to do so.
He
urged party officials to bury their differences and focus on the current
objective of seeing at least half the number of children in schools.
Baby mandrill rescued, two appear in court
 |
| Baby mandrill rescued |
Two people appeared at the Yaounde centre administrative
court of first Instance following their arrest at the Elig Edzoa neighourhood,
on September 12, for wildlife trafficking. The two, a man aged 23 and a woman,
22, were arrested by the forces of law and order as they attempted to sell 40kg
of giant pangolin scales and a baby mandrill.
The
young couple had travelled from Mintom to Yaounde to attempt selling the
wildlife according to sources close to the matter. The woman travelled first, a day earlier with
the pangolin scales and was later reunited with the man who travelled with the baby
chimpanzee on the day of the arrest. The pair set out for the transaction that
was supposed to take place at the Elig Edzoa neighbourhood and was stopped by
the police as they rode in a hired car. They were searched and the mandrill
found in a little bag that was carried by the man.
The man
who led proceedings against the traffickers, Jean Ngnondete, Controller No.3 at
the Centre regional delegation of forestry and wildlife shortly after the
arrest said; “we had credible information and accompanied by LAGA, we stopped a
car and arrested these suspects who had suspicious looking bags. On verifying
the cargo, we found a mandrill and [40kg] of pangolin scales, all forbidden by
the 1994 law”. The operation that was carried by the Centre regional delegation
of forestry and wildlife was technically assisted by a non govermemental
organization called LAGA with the collaboration of the police.
“Education is Passport for tomorrow”
-Fuh Calistus
tells Donga Mantung people
 |
| Fuh Calistus campaigning for massive back to school |
Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry, Secretary of State for Mines,
Industries and Technological Development has said that education is the
passport for tomorrow. Minister Fuh Calistus made the statement during a
sensitization on school resumption, development projects and industrialization
programme that took place at the Nkambe community hall on September 8, 2017.
After
presenting government development projects allocated to the population of Donga
Mantung Mantung Division, Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry said “we can have all, but if
we cannot provide the human resources, we have failed”. He pleaded on the
population not to compromise in this point, adding that education is the
passport of tomorrow while urging all the parents to send their children to
school.
Dr. Fuh
Calistus Gentry also emphasized on the fact that the Head of State has reacted
to the worries raised by the teachers and lawyers and that the people should
understand that all societies have problems of different dimensions reasons why
he is appealing on the population to give President Paul Biya reason.
“Some
issues concerning aspects of National life, particularly the Education and
Legal sectors have been raised in the Northwest and Southwest Regions. The
President of the Republic as guarantor of our Constitution listened and acted
and will continue bringing more solutions to the issues raised. No society is
perfect" Fuh Calistus emphasized.
Reward for honest hard work:
Tikum Mbah Azongah heads VEA Program
By Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba
The French University of Robert de Sorbon has extended her
La Validation des Acquis de l'Experience
(VAE) program translated in English to mean "The Validation of
Acquired Experience" Degree program to Cameroon by appointing university
lecturer and journalist, Dr. Tikum Mbah
Azonga as their representative in West and Central Africa.
Dr.
Tikum Mbah Azonga appointed in April this year in a press conference on
Thursday September 14 at Azi Motel Kumba disclosed that he has been chosen to
see into it that the good initiative instituted by the Ecole Superieur Robert
de Sorbon is extended to Cameroonians who have put in so many years of work in
different fields of study without any academic degree to back it up or match
their experience.
The
West and Central African representative explained that the VAE program is a
great opportunity for persons who thought retirement is all for their career to
get additional certificates that match the years spend working on specific
domains. He added that the program gives people the opportunity to do further
studies without getting to a traditional means of study by returning to school
to write exams, do research works, thesis defence. He further clarified that
the VAE program helps people to be directed towards degree programs that help
reflect their skills and experience in the different domains they have worked.
Dr.
Tikum Mbah expounded that with the VAE program, after Advanced level; three
years of work experience is equivalent to a single year in a university
classroom. As such for one to be awarded a Bachelor's degree through the VAE
program he/she must have put in nine years of work experience in a particular
field backed by proves and evidences of competence. In the same light, fifteen years of work
experience is needed for someone with 'A' levels to be awarded a Master’s
degree and 24 years for a Phd. The procedure he revealed is determined based on
the level of education and number of years put in doing a particular job.
“You are appointed to posts of responsibility not posts of opportunities”
-UBa VC tells appointed officials
By Njodzefe Nestor
 |
| Vice Chancellor of the University of Bamenda, UBa, Prof Nkuo Therese Akenji |
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Bamenda, UBa, Prof
Nkuo Therese Akenji has reminded some 125 newly appointed officials of the
University that their appointments are not an opportunity for them to exhibit
their opportunistic and selfish tendencies but a call to service for the
general good of the university largely referred to as the “University of the
Future”.
While
installing them to their functions on September 15, 2017 at the University
Campus, the VC also prescribed “honesty, respect for hierarchy, and commitment”
as their watch words.
The 125
officials comprising of Deputy Directors of Schools, Vice Deans of Faculties, Directors
of Studies, Secretaries General, Heads of Department, Heads of Division,
Coordinators amongst others were appointed by Ministerial Decree number
17/0079/Minsup of August 21, 2017.
“The
confederation of those appointed attest to the fact that they come from various
backgrounds: University Lecturers, Secondary School Teachers, Contract Workers
and State Agents. By and large, the appointment has taken cognizance of the
socio-cultural and socio-linguistic exigencies of our Cameroonian society”, observed
the VC in her installation speech.
Before
proceeding to install them, Prof Nkuo Therese Akenji congratulated the
officials for coming to value the confidence bestowed on them by the Minister
of Higher Education, Prof Jacques Fame Ndongo, Chancellor of Academic Orders”
while imploring them to work hard to justify the confidence.
“You will be expected to be self-disciplined
and not fall prey to certain malpractices which the University generally
considers unacceptable. Resist all temptations towards corrupt practices or any
unethical behavior that can attract disciplinary sanctions you” Prof Akenji
warned.
Anglophone uprising:
How did we get there? What way forward?
By Joachim Arrey, Ontario, Canada
 |
| Thousands took to the streets in major towns and villages in NW and SW |
It is heart-rending to see Cameroon go down the path of
chaos and conflict. Many African countries have walked this path and their
experience has been anything but pleasant. Their different experiences indicate
that it is not an honorable path that any responsible government should design
for itself. Cameroon has been the oasis of peace in a desert of chaos for many
decades, but things are gradually spiraling out of control as Anglophones are
increasingly becoming restive in a union that has felt more like a prison to
many of them than a smooth family relationship. Injustice, disrespect,
discrimination and outright government-orchestrated marginalization have pushed
the Anglophone minority over the edge. They now feel they are on a wire without
a safety net. Their anger derives from many reasons and they hold that no
matter how hard they try, they will never cohabit peacefully with Francophones
whose perspective of life is diametrically different.
They
point to injustice, arguing that the errors of the past have been intentional.
They argue that no Anglophone has ever been appointed to head the ministries
finance, defense, territorial administration, communication and foreign affairs
and this cannot be considered an error after fifty-six years.
They
also argue that Francophone ministers such as Fame Ndongo, Laurent Esso and
IssaTchiroma are clearly to blame for the escalation of the problem. Their
public declarations have given Anglophones the feeling that they do not belong
to Cameroon.
They
hold that Anglophone Cameroon accounts for more than 60% of the country’s
wealth and the citizens of this region should be treated with respect like
their Francophone counterparts. It should be recalled that Cameroon’s oil and
gold fields are lodged in the country’s Anglophone region, precisely in Ndian
division, where poverty – that which dehumanizes and robs people of their
dignity – has taken root. But the most vexing issue is the fact that 95% of
staff at the country’s lone oil refinery, SONARA, are Francophones who have the
nasty habit of treating the locals with disdain and this has fueled the anger
that is currently boiling over.
To many
Anglophones, the time has come for a rethink of the union. It is time to come
out of the 56-year jail term; a period during which the government has reduced
them to second-class citizens. Years of complaints have never really resulted
in any improvement as the
Francophone-dominated
government has always argued that there is no Anglophone problem and any
Anglophones who talk of an Anglophone problem are immediately considered as a
handful of trouble-makers who need to be taught a lesson, using outdated and
intimidating laws. To them, Cameroon is one and indivisible, but the country’s
indivisibility has been tested over the last year. Only the blind cannot see
the cracks on the wall. Anglophones are honestly not part of that Cameroon that
is one and indivisible and they have clearly demonstrated that over the last
year.
Friday’s
(September 22, 2017) demonstrations in almost every Anglophone city are
confirming that the foundation on which that one and indivisible Cameroon is
built is not solid. The demonstrations are unfortunately throwing up a grim
reality that will be hard for the indolent Francophone-dominated government in
Yaounde to handle.
The
government has clearly lost its authority over the English-speaking minority.
Friday’s demonstrations have taken place in the presence of the police and
gendarmes and the massive attendance clearly points to the fact that the wall
of fear has collapsed. The people want to take charge of their own destiny, as
the government has failed to deliver prosperity and opportunities to the ever
growing and increasingly demanding youths of the Anglophone region.
New B’da II DO tasked to calm “restive strikers
By Njodzefe Nestor
 |
| New B’da II DO, Rogvecegnol Akwo Tanyi |
The new Divisional Officer of Bamenda two Rogvecegnol Akwo
Tanyi has been challenged to calm restive strikers, install street lights,
bring potable water, ensure the rehabilitation of roads, tighten security, ,
supervise clean up campaigns, fight against the illegal sale of drugs and fuel
and above all work in collaboration with traditional rulers for the peaceful
settlement of land conflicts.
The new
D.O was also made to learn about the nature of inhabitants in his jurisdiction
during a ceremony that marked his installation on Wednesday September 20, 2017
at the vicinity of the Bamenda two
Council in Mbengfebie, Bamenda.
He was
installed by the Senior Divisional Officer of Mezam Pierre Rene Songa on a
sunny afternoon that was graced by colour and fanfare highlighted by the heavy
presence of friends, family and colleagues.
In his welcome speech, the mayor
of Bamenda II Council Fidelis Balick Awa defined the nature of the Bamenda man
“The people of this sub division have a tradition of
simplicity, transparency, truthfulness and love for one another. They belief in
one for all and all for one so much so that anything that touches on A touches
B, C, and D. They are heterogeneous. They can react very violently anywhere and
at any time when any of their rights are infringed. They would neither accept
nor compromise with anything that touches on their rights, freedom, culture or
tradition. The incidents of November and December 2016 are clear examples which
resulted in many deaths by the military on armless citizens”
The
mayor continued to caution that “No matter how united the population is, one
must always have gossips and blackmailers. To this Mr. D.O, I pray you not to
listen to gossips and blackmails from people who would be knocking at your door
to tell one lie or the other against this man or that man” he warned.
LETTER OF THANKS
Sunday, September 24, 2017;
 |
| Barrister Nkongho Felix Agbor-Balla, advocates for federation, dialogue, non-violence |
My brothers and sisters in the Good Lord who never fails his
own,
If it
were not for the Good Lord and the faith of good people like you, I will not be
here with you today.
I stand today in humility and gratitude to thank the
Almighty God for his love towards us.
I thank
you for the support, sacrifice and prayers extended to all persons who were
arrested and detained in pursuit for justice, equality and the respect for
minority rights. Our detained and incarcerated brothers and sisters through my
voice owe a huge debt of gratitude to you.
Over
the last 3 weeks, I have had time for reflection, consultation with my
colleagues, family, other leaders, former and current detainees, and all
stakeholders. Thank you is too little to say.
My
deepest condolences to all those who were shot and killed on Friday, September
22nd, 2017. I extend my heart to your families during this time, your
sacrifices will never be forgotten.
Our
deepest thoughts and prayers go to the families and friends who have lost loved
ones during our rightful struggle for recognition as a people with a distinct
and unique heritage.
The
past 11 months have tested us and been very challenging to us as a people, a
community, and a nation. But we as a people have stood firm. You have
demonstrated unrelenting steadfastness and resolve because you believe in what
is just and right. Our cause is morally right and our thirst for justice is
insatiable.
As a
lawyer and in my capacity as President of FAKLA my focus has been to use these
platforms to fight against injustices in our judiciary system and the systemic
and sustained marginalization of the Anglophone minority in Cameroon. With the
support of the Common Law Lawyers we took that determined step to protest
against injustices in the Justice sector in Cameroon. We were later joined by
the teachers in a coalition of the Cameroon Anglophone Civil Society Consortium
to address the issues plaguing the justice and education sectors. What started
as a trade union protest evolved into a generalized movement of civil
disobedience; our people have been hurting and quickly identified with the
issues raised. Our peaceful demonstrations were met with high-handed military
and police action. Things quickly got out of hand and on 17th January 2017, Dr.
Fontem and I, respectively Secretary General and President of the CONSORTIUM,
along with other members of our community, were wrongfully arrested and
detained and the disconnection of the Internet ordered in the SW and NW
Regions.
While some
of us have been released, others are still languishing in jail. We must never
forget them in our prayers and we owe them an endless duty of care and the
responsibility to secure their release. I will not relent in this regard.
Having been in detention with my courageous brothers and sisters I am totally
mindful of its implications.
I can assure you that the time spent in jail has reinforced
my beliefs and quest for justice and fairness and I remain more than ever
before committed to stand alongside my community and my people in the face of
adversity. Despite all efforts to shut us down through incarceration and
technological means, you have instead raised your voices. We cannot
underestimate a people when they decide to raise their voice. As you know in
biblical times, the walls of the great city of Jericho fell down when the
children of Israel praised God through their voices because the voice of the
people is the voice of God.
Should Christians defend themselves in Cameroon?
By Prof. Tatah Mentan, USA
 |
| Prof. Tatah Mentan |
Good Christian? Bad Christian? It all depends on who’s doing
the evaluating. Human rights abuses including security force killings, wanton
night raids of homes, arsons, torture, beatings, rape, , and other abuses,
particularly of detainees and prisoners; harsh and life-threatening prison
conditions; and arbitrary arrest, extortion, and detention of citizens
advocating freedom, local human rights monitors and activists, persons not
carrying government-issued identity cards, and others. There are numerous
incidents of prolonged and sometimes incommunicado pretrial detention and of
infringement on privacy rights.
The
government harasses and imprisons journalists, restricts freedoms of speech,
press, assembly, and association, and impedes freedom of movement. Official
corruption is pervasive at all levels exemplified by civil administrators
shooting and killing unarmed citizens like what happened in Mamfe on September
22, 2017. Sexual violence and discrimination against women, cultist murders and
removal of organs for ritual activities, trafficking in persons (primarily
children). Politically motivated killings and politically motivated
disappearances are rife and no longer news in Cameroon. Even Bishops and
priests have not been spared.
Can a
Christian be authorized by the Bible to engage in Self-Defense in Cameroon?
Self-defense
here is defined as “protecting oneself from injury at the hand of others.”
Self-defense is not about taking
vengeance. Self-defense is not about punishing criminals.
Self-defense involves preserving one’s own health and life when it is
threatened by the actions of others. When we speak about using potentially
lethal force in self-defense, we’re talking about using weapons to protect
ourselves and others, even if the weapons used could kill the attacker.
MTN Foundation offers scholarships to underprivileged children
 |
| Speech delivered by an MTN employee during a hand over ceremony |
Douala, 18 September 2017 – MTN Foundation, first corporate
foundation in Cameroon, announces its new formula of providing support in the
enrolment of underprivileged children. This new approach implemented since the
2017-2018 back-to-school, shall enable to assist more than 2500 students
throughout the 10 regions of Cameroon.
On one
hand, MTN Foundation offers scholarships to 2100 children in the Logone and
Chari division, Far North Region of Cameroon. This is the continuation of an
initiative launched in 2013 to take care of the primary education of less
privileged children, mainly girls, of this education priority zone.
Sunday, 10 September 2017
Fire on the Mountain:
Biya’s envoy
exposes cracks in Fako CPDM
Technical
Adviser at the cabinet of the Presidency of the republic, Churchill
Ewumbue-Monono has lashed out angrily at CPDM leaders in Fako Division, calling
them ‘hypocrites’ and accusing them of employing divisive antics that only help
to fragment the party and put a dent in President Biya’s popularity at the base
By Boris
Esono in Buea
 |
Churchill Ewumbue-Monono, disgusted
by the attitude of Fako politicians
|
In what
political watchers have described as coming out forcefully from his reserve,
Churchill Ewumbue-Monono, Minister Plenipotentiary of the Cameroon Diplomatic
Corps and Technical Adviser at the Cabinet of the Presidency of the Republic,
has fired a grim message to members of the CPDM establishment in his native
Fako division. This was after the Fako CPDM leaders last week boycotted two
significant events that had the blessing and support of the head of state,
President Paul Biya.
The first event was an
ecumenical service, in the morning of Saturday 2 September 2017, at Mile 29,
near Muyuka, where 19 young men and women had lost their lives in a ghastly
accident that occurred on 19 August 2017. Jointly organized by the Buea and
Muyuka councils and attended among others by SW governor, OkaliaBilai, who was
personal representative of the president of the republic, the event witnessed
the reading of the condolence message from President Paul Biya and his wife
Chantal Biya, to the bereaved families.
The second event thesame day at
the Buea Council Chambers was a ceremony to handover FCFA 20 million, being
President Biya’s financial assistance to the bereaved families. The money was
handed to the families by the Fako SDO, in the presence of the president’s
envoy, Churchill Monono and the etat-major of the SW region.
Intriguingly, the leaders of the
CPDM in Fako including members of central committee, politbureau, section
presidents, senators, MPs (save for Hon. Fritz Etoke), mayors (save for the
Limbe Government Delegate Andrew Motanga) all boycotted the two events.
Unable to bear the
embarrassment, Churchill Monono, who was President Biya’s envoy to the dual
events, wasted no time to condemn the attitude of the Fako CPDM leaders, saying
their boycott action was not only out of place but smacked of disrespect for
the President of the Republic, who was showing his compassion for the families
of Cameroonian citizens who had lost their lives.
Sounding somewhat of a
pedagogue, Monono exhorted members of the Fako CPDM establishment to “stop this
nonsense and learn to do the right thing and at the right time”.
Tagging the CPDM leaders as
‘hypocrites’, Monono said very soon the same people who boycotted the
president’s gesture will be the first to hurry and write motions of support
thanking the president for the gesture.
Churchill Monono’s vexation with
his fellow Fako CPDM elite was more so perhaps because of the many accidents
that had occurred around the country in the past recent weeks and which have
claimed the lives of over 116
Cameroonians (official figures), it is the Mile 29 accident that has
attracted a special attention from President Biya.
Reason why Churchill Monono
lashed out on his Fako CPDM brethren, questioning why they had to snub this
special gesture of the President; a gesture which, according to him, presented
Fako with a golden opportunity to once more express their unreserved
appreciation and gratitude to the President for all the things he has done for
the division.
“These same people who today
have boycotted the President’s gesture are the ones who tomorrow will want
their names to appear on top of the list of signatories to motions of support
to the President… They are those who will write motions of support even for the
most trivial reasons. Yet they do not see it necessary to acknowledge a big
gesture from the president. I hope after boycotting these two events they will
also refuse to acknowledge it in the next motion of support that they will
write and send to the President,” remarked Churchill Monono in utter
disappointment and annoyance.
Monono wondered further: “Why
should people who have received almost everything from President Biya now turn
their backs on him and at a moment when he expects to see their appreciation?
Why should Fako people deny an opportunity to give gratitude to president Biya?
Why should they refuse to acknowledge the President’s gesture to Fako?”
Churchill Monono extrapolated
from the attitude of the Fako CPDM establishment that maybe it is packed with
people who only support the president when it is convenient to them and when
they are sure that their personal interests is protected.
“By boycotting this gesture of
the President Fako elite have shown to the wider public that they support the
head of state only when it is convenient to them and when they are sure to make
personal political capital out of it,” Monono regretted, hammering that the
Fako CPDM establishment is composed essentially of hypocrites.
Cameroon-US Cooperation:
Outgoing US
Ambassador predicts bright future for Cameroon
The President
of the Republic, Paul BIYA has granted a farewell audience to the outgoing U.S.
Ambassador – H.E. Michael Stephen Hoza, at the Unity Palace on Wednesday 6
September 2017.
Speaking to reporters after the
audience, Ambassador Stephen Hozaemphasised that the U.S. will prolong its
partnership with Cameroon – “a country with a bright future”.
Cameroon-U.S. cooperation
currently stands on a solid pedestal. H.E. Stephen Hoza noted that he was
“proud to say that the United States and Cameroon broadened cooperation in
numerous areas, such as in security, politics, economics, health, education,
and the environment.”
Arbitrary arrest and detention:
Ayah Paul
sues Cameroon gov’t, claims Fcfa 100bn
 |
| Ayah Paul paid a visit Friday to Anglophone activists in Kondengui |
The Popular
Action Party PAP has issued a release concerning the release of its president,
Justice Ayah Paul Abine (retired). According to the release signed by the
party’s General Secretary, Akoson Raymond, PAP has seized the African
Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms over the arbitrary, abusive arrest and
detention of its President, Justice Ayah Paul Abine, by the State of Cameroon.
PAP is claiming the Cameroon government FCFA 100 billion as damages for the
injustices suffered by its President.
The party has also suggested the
following if the Cameroon government must come out of the present impasse in
the two Anglophone regions: the release of all persons still imprisoned in
connection to the Anglophone crisis; payment of compensation to families who
have lost members during the crisis; permit the return of all those who exiled
themselves because of the crisis; rapidly demilitarize the two Anglophone
regions and the convening of an all-inclusive, frank and genuine dialogue.
New Musical Rights Corporation, SONACAM:
Fan Thomas,
Adeline Mbenkum elected President and VP
 |
| Sam Fan Thomas |
The
Cameroonian Association of Musical Artistes, SONACAM, has finally taken off
following the election of veteran artiste, Sam Fan Thomas as President of the
Board of Directors of the new association. Sam Fan Thomas and his Vice, Adeline
Mbenkum were chosen consensually during a marathon and heated General Assembly
that took place Saturday at the Yaounde Conference Center. The General Assembly
was supervised by the Minister of Arts and Culture, Prof NarcisseMouelle Kombi.
Comprising over 1500 artistes,
SONACAM is a fusion of the former CMC and SOCAM. It is now the lone association
licensed to manage author’s rights of the musical category in Cameroon.
“It is a new dawn for artistes
with the advent of a new musical rights corporation. With SONACAM we hope to
correct the mistakes of the past because all the problems we had before were
due to bad governance and mismanagement,” said the new VP of SONACAM, Adeline
Mbenkum.
Visit to Kondengui:
Agbor Balla
vows to fight for Mancho BBC’s release
 |
| The leader of the Coffin Revolution, Mancho Bibixy, is still in detention |
The leader of
the outlawed Consortium of Anglophone Civil Societies, Consortium for short,
has said he would not go to sleep until all those detained in connection to the
Anglophone crisis are released.
Barrister Nkongho Felix
AgborBalla made the solemn pledge in a post on his facebook page, after a visit
to Yaounde last week.
Balla during his rather charged
itinerary in Yaounde, paid a visit to the 10 Anglophones detained at the Prison
Principale and the 27 others kept in the Prison Centrale, both in Kondengui,
Yaounde.
Whilst with the detainees, Balla
assured them he would not allow himself to go to sleep whilst they remained in
jail. He promised to use every means available to him to secure their release.
The Median learned that the
emblematic leader of what is now known as the coffin revolution, ManchoBibixy,
almost burst into tears when he saw Balla. He reportedly ran up to the
Consortium President and embraced him warmly, before urging him to do everything
to make sure he and the other detainees regain their freedom. Balla assured
Mancho he would do just that.
Uneasy calm returns to Kumbo after hostilities
Calm has
reportedly returned to Kumbo in Bui Division, North West region after gendarmes
shot and killed a 19 year old boy whose names we got as Sevidzem Cyprian in
Kifem and another 35 year old father of four whose name we got as Abdul Aziz in
Tobin on Monday September 4, 2017.
In an official statement, the
Minister of Defense Joseph BetiAssomo, said the boy in Kifem was shot
accidentally after villagers attacked gendarmes with locally made guns,
wounding one of the gendarmes. The defense minister said the gendarmes were in
Kifem on an anti-drug operation and that they opened fired in self-defense. A
claim greatly debunked by eyewitness’ account in Kumbo.
Gendarmes reportedly had a
tip-off that the nicotine-containing plant was being grown in the area and went
to apprehend the suspect. When they got to the scene and could not immediately
find the drug-containing plant, they are reported to have proceeded to rounding
up the man’s goats.
Cyprian, angered by what he saw,
raised an alarm, alerting other villagers who descended on the scene and got
into a scuffle with the red-capped officers. In the heated struggle with
tempers flaring, shots were fired and one hit Cyprian.
Cyprian’s body was being brought
to Kumbo a few hours after his murder by an irate mob of youths who went through
the town chanting songs but the mean company commander and his men used teargas
and gun shots in attempts to disperse the swelling crowds and “seized”
Cyprian’s body and took it to the
hospital.
Road accidents claimed 116 lives in August – Official
 |
| Colonel Tchinda Henri |
The National
Gendarmerie has revealed that a total of 116 people were killed in the month of
August 2017 on the main roads in Cameroon. A spokesperson for the Gendarmerie
force, Colonel Tchinda Henri noted on Sunday via Canal Press program on Canal 2
International tv that 90% of these accidents were due to human causes and 10% were due to
environmental issues.
Cameroon Concord News gathered
from the televised presentation that human causes were mainly the imprudence of
drivers with recklessness manifested through speeding, dangerous overtaking,
poor parking of vehicles and driver fatigue.
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