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Entrance Exam to Kondengui Prison:

Francophones (Betis) Excel, Anglophones ‘Marginalized’

Beti indigenes overwhelmingly outnumbered indigenes of other tribes in both the admitted candidates and the candidates on the waiting list in the results of the entrance exams into Kondengui Prison released by the Special Criminal Court TCS.

By Tanyi Kenneth Musa in Yaounde

Five government officials arrested and thrown into the Kondengui prison in Yaounde last week were all Francopones from the Beti-Bulu clan.

            Bruno Bekolo Ebe (former rector of Douala University (2003-2012), Dieudonne Oyono, (former Rector D’la University 2012-2014), Louis Max Ohandja Ayina (former Director of the Institute of Technology at Douala University), Jean William Solo (former GM of Camwater) and Jean Dieudonne Maah (former finance director at Camwater) were all taken to Kondengui on Wednesday 21 march 2018.

            They descended to Kondengui after spending two days at in the detention cells of the Special criminal Court (TCS) in Yaounde. During the two days at the TCS, they went through serious grilling by the examining magistrate of the corruption court to establish their charges.

            Rumour about the imminent arrest of some top state personalities had been making the rounds in Yaounde following the cabinet shake-up of 2 March 2018 that saw big names like Mebe Ngo’o and Atangana Kouna ejected from government.

            The rumours gained in intensity when some leaked security cables indicated that frontier police and Gendarme agents had been instructed to monitor some government officials and make sure they don’t go out of the country.

            It later emerged that some of the names cited in the leaked security cables were among those that were actually arrested and dumped in Kondengui.

It emerged that Bruno Bekolo Ebe, a Beti native, had since been audited by agents of the Supreme State Control, CONSUPE, and found guilty among other things of “executing expenditures without justification and of violating the circular sanctioning execution of the budget.” This was during the period between 2007 and 2010. The management errors were said to have caused the state to lose over 2 billion fcfa.

Operation Sparrow Hawk:

Kondengui Welcomes Four New ‘Big’ Tenants

By Innocent Kum in Yaounde

Atangana Kouna is presently at the SED

At least four former top government officials were last week arrested and detained at the Yaounde Kondengui maximum security prison.

            The four senior government officials including former water and energy minister, Basil Atangana Kouna, Louis Max Ohandja who served as secretary of state to the minister of Public Works in charge of roads, Jean William Sollo, former GM of the Cameroon water utilities company, CAMWATER and Bruno Bekolo, one time rector of the University of Douala were arrested separately by security operatives.

            All four personalities were grilled by investigators at the special criminal tribunal in Yaounde before being whisked off to the Kondengui detention facility.

            It remains unclear why the four officials were picked up but The Median understands that the move is not unconnected to allegations of financial malpractices.

            We gathered from sources at the Special Criminal Court, TCS, that the arrested individuals are accused of embezzlement, but the amounts allegedly swindled will not be known until the judicial process opens any time soon.

            Before his detention Friday, Basil Atangana Kouna had just been flown home from Nigeria earlier on Thursday, by elements of the interpol.

Operation Epervier:

Kondengui Welcomes Three New ‘Big’ Tenants

Add caption

Three Cameroonian public figures, including a former minister, were jailed in Yaoundé for alleged financial malpractice in connection with the anti-corruption operation “Epervier”, reports said Thursday.

            Louis Max Ohandja, former secretary of state to the Minister of Public Works, in charge of roads, Jean William Sollo, former GM of the Cameroon Water Utilities Corporation, Camwater, and Bruno Bekolo Ebe, former rector of the University of Douala, were placed on Wednesday evening in pre-trial detention in the Kondengui maximum security prison in Yaounde, the reports said.

            “They are accused of financial embezzlement, but the amounts will not be known until the judicial information has been opened,” explained an official of the Special Criminal Court (TCS), the court that tries cases related to misappropriation and embezzlement of public funds.

            William Sollo is reportedly charded with the alleged embezzlement of funds at Camwater, where he was GM between 2012 and 2016.

Meme Division, SW Region:

Soldiers Rescue Three Hostages After Gun Battle with Ambazonia Fighters 

By Innocent Kum in Yaounde

Tunisian citizen rescued from captivity by gove’t forces

Three hostages taken hostage near Bole Bakundu in Meme division, on 15 March, by suspected Ambazonia fighters have been freed.

            Security forces secured the released of the hostages from the hands of their kidnappers last week after a gun battle lasting several hours.

            The three kidnapees including a Tunisian and two Cameroonians are employees of a road construction company.

            The operation leading to their release unfortunately led to the death of another Tunisian engineer, government spokesman, Issa Tchiroma, said in a statement. Four of the kidnappers were neutralized, the statement added.

Terror in the land:

Amba Forces Execute Suspected Traitor in Market Square

-An Eyewitness Report by Franklin Sone Bayen

Flasko was smiling when his abductors with guns rode with him back to the village, but few minutes later they shot him dead in front of a multitude of villagers on Market Day.

            In the morning of Wednesday, March 14, the Secretary of the Traditional Council of Ayong, a village of the Upper Balong clan in Nguti subdivision, was shot dead in cold blood at his home, in front of a multitude of villagers and people from elsewhere who had converged there for the weekly Market Day.

            Mr Akum Zaccheus Nangwe, popularly called Flasko, said to be in his 60s, had been taken away only minutes after dawn by unidentified men, believed to be Ambazonia fighters, some of them with dane guns, who came on five motorbikes and surrounded his house.  They took him away on one of the bikes. His bewildered wife fled to Manyemen, minutes’ drive away, to report what she called the “kidnap” of her husband, to friends and family members and to seek help from who could offer to secure his release.

            Thirty minutes to one hour later, two gunmen returned with Flasko on a bike; one riding, the other sitting behind Flasko who was thus sitting between them. Few minutes later, Flasko was shot dead.

            Besides his functions as secretary of the Traditional Council, Flasko was also the local Civil Registry Officer. It is not clear why he was targeted but some accounts say the gunmen accused him of being a “blackleg” who identifies and reports local people to government security and defence forces as collaborators of Ambazonia fighters. Some say he had been accused some three months ago of betraying local bush meat dealers who use the Ayong road which is a branch off between Talangaye and Ebanga villages. Witnesses say the seizure of bush meat which means huge losses for local boys, intensified with the present armed skirmishes.

CPDM Bracing Up To Fete Senatorial Victory in SW

By Boris Esono in Buea

CPDM Scribe, Jean Nkuete, congratulates SW CPDM senatorial candidates in advance, as Regional Torch-bearer, Mafany Musonge looks on. This was during a stop-over that Jean Kuete made in Buea
Thursday to put finishing touches to the CPDM campaign

The secretary-general of the CPDM Central Committee, Jean Kuete, has left Buea reassured that his party will carry the day in the senatorial polls that took place yesterday Sunday, 25 March 2018. Jean Kuete made a stop-over in Buea Thursday to rally his troops and take the temperature of campaigns ahead of the election. He also had occasion to give the candidates and councilors (electors) the special message from the president of the party, Paul Biya, who was out in China on a state visit.

            Jean Kuete’s stopover in Buea also gave him opportunity to know the CPDM candidates in person and encourage them as they headed for the challenge that promised to be tough.

            Holding at the Buea Mountain Hotel, the meeting with the party scribe provided occasion for the head of the CPDM Permanent delegation to the SWR, Peter Mafany Musonge to give a situation report of the campaigns and the preparedness of the troops for the challenge.

            Musonge noted that despite the difficult circumstances prevailing in the region, marked by deadly violence, hostage taking and killings, the regional campaign teams could still go ahead with their work of convincing the electorate to vote for the CPDM list. He reassured the party scribe judging from the work they had done and the response from the electors Jean Kuete can return to Yaounde rest assured that the CPDM will carry the day on 25 March.

 “No election is won in advance. But with the present crop of senatorial candidates and with the work we have been able to do on the ground we can rest assured that the CPDM will pass the test.  We are going to win the election because we are politically more mature, dynamic, responsible and well grounded in the politics of the region,” Musonge said, underscoring the important role the senate has to play in the decentralization process and why the SW region must produce needed victory if she must accompany the head of state in his efforts to uphold and protect the peace, development and harmonious living together of Cameroonians.

Hitch-Free Senatorial Election in NW & SW

CPDM Senators for the SWR hoping for a clean sweep

The General conduct of the senatorial election on 25 March has been described as smooth, serene and transparent by authorities of the Elections management body, Elecam and by national and international observers.

            Shortly before the close of polling stations in Yaounde at 6pm yesterday, Abdoulaye Babale, GM of elections, told CRTV that after monitoring the situation in Yaounde and judging from reports from his collaborations in other parts of the country, he could state without fear of contradiction that the general conduct of the election was good and calm.

            Abdoulaye Babale boasted that by every reckoning the senatorial polls this year were better organized than that in 2013.

            First impressions by some national and international observers all indicated that the election was free and fair.

            In the SW and NW where there were threats and calls for boycott by Ambazonia separatists, reports said the elections went on in calm and serenity, save for some mild disturbances in Bangem in Kupe Muanenguba and Menji in Lebialem divisions.

Missed opportunity to Reconcile:

Benjy Itoe & Nfon Mukete disagree to agree, Meme CPDM Suffers

-Militants disappointed, confused as Itoe boycotts reconciliation meeting called at Nfon Mukete’s palace Thursday

By Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba

Benjamin Itoe presents Senatorial candidate, Otte Mofa to public as Nfon Mukete
watches on. The current is not flowing between the two giants

Militants of the ruling CPDM party in Meme Division will continue to wallow in an orgy of confusion and uncertainty as the two major players of their in Meme have disagreed to agree.

            The visibly anxious and enthusiastic militants could not conceal their disappointment following the absence of former Minister, Justice Benjamin Motanga Itoe, and some of his followers at a crucial meeting called at Nfon Mukete’s palace, at the behest of the militants, on Saturday 24 March 2018.

            A CPDM insider who pleaded to remain anonymous disclosed to The Median that the militants decided to call the in camera meeting after concerting with the party bigwigs. The militants had unanimously noted the dwindling fortunes of their party, which they blamed on the politics of camps and exclusion masterminded by the Mukete and Itoe camps.

            The militants said they thought it expedient to hold a meeting and reconcile feuding camps and sub camps prior to the celebration of the party anniversary. They said the meeting would also provide occasion for them to brainstorm on how to pick up the broken pieces of the party and seek ways to forge ahead in renewed harmony. But the meeting turned out to be a missed opportunity after all. Benjamin Itoe and his disciples all elected to stay away.

            The Meme CPDM Permanent Coordinator, Justice Benjamin Mutanga Itoe technically avoided Nfon Mukete’s reconciliation overture despite being present in town. The former minister (no other Meme son has been minister after him) reportedly left Kumba at the eleventh hour to the start of the reconciliation meeting, on the pretext that he was attending an urgent meeting with the Governor in Buea, we learned.

            Our source revealed to us that the reconciliation meeting at the palace was decided not by Nfon Mukete, but by militants of the party, whilst attending a campaign meeting with the Secretary General of the party, Jean Kuete, in Buea, earlier on Thursday.

            Though Benjy Itoe was unrepentantly opposed to the suggestion of the militants in Buea, he did not give reasons for his renunciation, our source said, who revealed further that in the heat of the debates and arguments that ensued in Buea, Benjamin Itoe was visibly overpowered by the militants, the majority of whom insisted on holding a reconciliation meeting ahead of the senatorial elections in Kumba.

            Other party bigwigs that boycotted the palace meeting included notably Hon. Atinda Martins Mboni and Madam Ndoh Beltha Bakata, both of whom are understood to be allies of Benjy Itoe. 

Kumba, Meme Division:

Ambazonia Scare Takes Away The Fanfare

from CPDM 33rd Anniversary Celebration 

-Militants attend celebration stealthily and in assorted dresses

By Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba

Ambazonia Defence Forces are terrorizing the SW and NW regions

Militants of the ruling CPDM party in the entire Meme Division have witnessed what many have described as the worst anniversary celebration of their party, in the Kumba, following sustained threats from ‘Ambazonia’ separatist fighters.

            Despite the fact that for the first time in the history of the party the five sections of the party in Meme; Meme 1A, Meme 1B, Meme 1C, Meme II and Meme III converged at the party house in Kumba for the anniversary celebration, barely less than one hundred militants took part in the celebration that lasted for slightly over one hour.

            In his remarks at the rather low-key meeting, the host section president, Tabot Lawson Bakia aka Njalla, urged party militants to get up from slumber and shun fear if they want peace to return to the division that has been hard hit by the ongoing Anglophone crisis. Njalla urged the militants be proud of their party at all times and in all circumstances. He condemned the shy attitude of militants who refuse to wear the party uniform for fear of being attacked by ghosts.

            For his part, the permanent divisional coordinator of the party, Benjamin Mutanga Itoe, noted that the CPDM was not only celebrating its 33rd anniversary but the successes of President Paul Biya, who has transformed the country in the domains of democracy and development projects.

World Water Day:

MTN Foundation Brings Portable Water to Distressed Cameroonians

Since 2006, MTN Cameroon’s social commitment through its Foundation has made it possible to deploy 46 drinking water points in rural areas, according to a release issued on 22 March 2018.

By Innocent Kum in Yaounde

Students at an MTN Foundation Water Point in Adinkol, East Region

MTN Foundation, the first corporate Foundation in Cameroon has joined the national and international community in celebrations marking World Water Day on 22 March 2018, stated a release, which added that it was an opportunity for MTN Foundation to reassert its commitment to contributing and easing access to drinking water by disadvantaged populations in Cameroon, while also drawing their attention to the need to take care of this indispensable resource.

            MTN Foundation has so far helped to build 46 drinking water points for the benefit of about 170,000 people in several regions of Cameroon, according to the release, which adds that these drinking water points are deployed mostly in rural areas where access to drinking water constitutes a great challenge to the population, exposing them to waterborne diseases.

The potable water points built by MTN Foundation are of several types:

            -           Manual pump wells realized in partnership with the Otele Potable Water Project (PEP Project)

            -           Several boreholes realizedin partnership with various bodies such as GIZ

            -           Full potable water supply projects with distribution networkssuch as the one realized in the locality of Nzemelem, 25Km from Dschang in the West Region or those ongoing, with the “Villages des Jeunes Agriculteurs” project led by the Ministry of Agriculture in Nlobesse (South Region) and Wassande (Adamawa Region).

Water Scarcity in Buea Blamed On Deforestation

By Yuni Shantal and Mesumbe Neville in Buea

Populations battling to access water source in Buea

As the world celebrates the 25th edition of world water day under the theme “Nature for Water”, attentions has been focused on the importance of water and how we can use nature to overcome water challenges in the 21st century.

             Though clean water is a necessity, its availability is limited to few individuals in urban Centres like Buea.  In an exclusive interview with the Head of Department for Agriculture of the University of Buea, Dr. Stephanie Mvodo, she declared that deforestation is the main cause of water scarcity in Buea as it allows indiscriminate evaporation of water into the atmosphere.

            “Farmers always fell down trees for cultivation and burn bushes to harvest honey. These activities kill grasses and expose the soil to the scorching heat of the sun. The impact of this is very devastating on the water table as it triggers massive evaporation," she says.

            Dr Mvodo further surmised that water planning in Buea was poorly done from the onset.

            “The stakeholders did not foresee that water pipes would be quite small. As today’s population increases, the pipes cannot contain enough water that meets the needs of inhabitants in the locality. This is the major reason for the scanty nature of the water flow.” 

            Some agricultural practices do not only trigger water scarcity but also pollute the available ones. According to the agric don, the wrong use of fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides contribute to pollute water sources.

Brasseries Agent Promises more jobs for Anglophones after Winning SWELA Award

By Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba

Deputy SWELA Scribe, Prince Nasako hands Excellence Award to Les Brasseries Chief of
Commercial Service for Meme, Tchinda Evelyn Ngwe.

The Kumba Chief of Commercial Service for Les Brasseries du Cameroun has promised on the behalf of the Brasseries Regional Director to increase the number of job opportunities for Anglophone Cameroonians in the two English speaking Regions.

            Tchinda Evelyn Ngwe Tita made the promise on Friday March 23, 2018 at the Brasseries headquarters in Kumba, at an occasion organised by Prince Nasako Molondo Daniel, deputy SWELA scribe in charge of the Meme Division. The event was aimed to recognize the contributions of Les Brasseries du Cameroun towards the socio-economic development, humanitarian work, peace and culture promotion in the SW Region and their participation in nation building.

            Tchinda Evelyn who also controls Muyuka, Ekona, Mbonge and Ekondo-Titi, told reporters that the plea by the SWELA deputy scribe for Les Brasseries to recruit more Anglophones falls in line with the goals of the company regarding recruitment.

            “SWELA’s plea falls in line with the recruitment strategy of Les Brasseries and its general manager, who had already contemplated increasing the number of Anglophone workers in the company in the soonest future,’’ Tchinda revealed.

Buea University:

Newly Appointed Officials Installed

By Boris Esono and Mesumbe Neville in Buea

Installed UB officials pose with VC, Dr. Orace Ngomo Manga (3rd from right)

Over 80 newly appointed officials in the University of Buea have been commissioned into their posts of responsibility. The installation ceremony chaired by the vice chancellor of the institution took place on Wednesday 21 March 2018 in the Dorothy Limunga Amphitheatre.

            In his remarks at the two-fold ceremony, Prof. Horace Manga congratulated the newly appointed officials for the confidence bestowed on them by hierarchy. He enjoined the laureates to uphold the good image of the institution.

            “Any time there are changes, we expect that the individuals will come to those jobs with new impetus and dynamism. We expect the newly appointed to be animated by the desire to ensure that UB achieves better results,” the VC said, reminding the appointees that they will obviously be faced with numerous challenges especially the act of managing their subordinates.

            As a way out, he advised them to study and understand their subordinates and device strategies to work in harmony with them.

             “For those of us that have been maintained, we should continue to work inexorably to win the confidence of the higher authorities.” The don advised.

Accounts session:

Ndu Council Laments Drastic Drop in Revenue

Councilors of the Ndu council have adopted the 2017 administrative, management and stores accounts. This was on 20 March 2018 in the Ndu council hall.

            In his remarks while opening the session, the mayor of Ndu, Bunyui Emmanuel Nyugap disclosed that the 2017 accounts witnessed a drastic drop which he blamed on the current crisis in the North West and South West region.

            Bunyui said the sum of FCFA 445.338.247 was collected as revenue in 2017 down from FCFA 571.484.058) of 2016. He noted that Ndu council suffers the same challenges like most councils in Cameroon given that the council is unable to generate up to 15% of its projected revenue.

Technical Education:

Educationist laments sub-standard HTTTC graduates

By Kehdinga Fabris in Bamenda

The principal of Government Technical High School( GTHS) Bamenda Seka Gamsi Samuel (Shufai Nsulong) has called on government to stop creating  more technical colleges in the country and concentrate on equipping the existing ones.The principal  who was speaking during the celebration of the 2018 Open Door Day in GTHS Bamenda pointed out that it has being noticed by heads of technical institutions that  more than  fifty-percent of the graduates from the  Higher Technical Teachers Training College(HTTTC)  Bambili and Kumba are not worth the salt.

            “They recruiting and train teachers in specialties that do not exist in many schools. Some departments in the HTTTCs cater just for a single subject, at the detriment of real technical specialties needed on the field. The ball is now in the court of those managing these schools to match training and recruitment of students into these schools with the real demands on the field,” noted Seka Gamsi.

            While addressing the guests to the open door days, he called on the government to re-instate the allocation for training materials to what it used to be.

Boyo Fons Union Elects New Exco

New President of the Boyo Fon's Union

The Boyo Fons Union now has a new executive committee. The ten man executive was elected 17 March 2018 in Laikom, Boyo Division of the North West Region of Cameroon.

            The executive is led by HRM Ngochia Charles Mboine Ahidjo, Fon of Mejang village. Fon Mbah Solomon of Ake is Vice President while Fon C. N Suzang IV of Mejung is the Secretary General.

            Other elected executive committee members include Fon Teteji Ivo Muh of Achain as Vice Secretary, Fon Ngieh E. M II of Sawi as Treasurer, Fon Gitang Michael of Kimbi Financial secretary, Fon Wainbeng Azembi Vincent of Baicham as Organizing Secretary, Fon Njong Gilbert of Mbessa as Dispute Officer, Fon Nsah Ngong Stephen of Saff and Fon Ntam Joseph Munchim of Jull Advisers.

            The new bureau shall pilot the activities of the Union for the next five years.

            It should be noted that Fon Ndzi Clement of Kom was unanimously designated as honorary president of the union.

            The president-elect has promised to uphold unity, pace and development as the watch word during his tenure of office.

Two stand trial in Djoum for trafficking hundreds of ivory tusks

Ivory found in a Army Colonel’s car

The Djoum court of first instance shall hear the matter against two arrested in December last year for trafficking in 216 ivory tusks that were found inside a gendarmerie colonel’s car.  The colonel has been summoned to appear in court.

It shall be the fourth hearing of the case that has held some observers spellbound following the involvement of a top military official whose car was found transporting the ivory. A total of 216 ivory tusks and 81 elephant tails were recovered by wildlife officials from the car. Two were arrested and charged with illegal possession and commercialization of parts of protected wildlife species.

“Family reasons” pull Yaya Toure out of Ivory Coast return

Yaya Toure says he pulled out of the Ivory Coast squad for their forthcoming matches against Togo and Moldova due to family reasons.

The Manchester City midfielder was due to return to the international fold after reversing the retirement decision he made after leading his country to the 2015 African Cup of Nations title.

            However, Toure, who has 102 caps, did not turn up as anticipated on Tuesday and has informed the Ivory Coast Federation he will not be linking up.

            Earlier this week the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) confirmed the return of Yaya Toure to the Elephants squad for this month's friendlies in France.

            Named in a 24-man squad for fixtures against Togo on 24 March and then Moldova three days later, FIF officials had said they were looking forward to his return after a three-year absence.

William Troost-Ekong ‘Honoured’ to Lead Nigeria to Victory vs. Poland

William Troost-Ekong is ‘honoured’ to lead Nigeria to a 1-0 victory over Poland in a friendly outing on Friday evening.

            In the absence of the Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel, owing to work permit issue at his base in China, the Bursaspor defender was given the responsibility to lead the team against Adam Nawalka's men.

            Victor Moses’ strike from the penalty spot made the difference as Gernot Rohr’s side continued their World Cup preparations on a positive note.

Front Page

Terror in the Land:

Ambazonia forces kidnap GCE Board Chair Leke Tambo

Prof. Ivo Leke Tambo

The Board Chair of the Cameroon General Certificate of Education Board, Prof. Ivo Leke Tambo has reportedly been kidnapped in Lebialem by Ambazonian Defence Forces.

In a video making rounds on social media, the board chair is seen stripped almost naked in a bush in the presence of faceless gunmen. The Median can however not independently verify the authenticity of the video.

            Another video also showed the ‘Amba Tigers’ molesting the occupants of a passenger bus. The driver of the bus had been put to the ground and was begging the assailants not to kill him with their gun. “Spare my life i beg of you; I am innocent.”

            The “Lebialem Ambazonia Forces” said they were taking the passengers hostage and that they were expecting a response from Menji.

            According to sources in Lebialem, Prof. Leke Tambo was leading a delegation on Saturday morning to his native Lewoh (Menji) to organize a ceremony to thank the Head of State for his appointment and that of Paul Tasong, the new Minister Delegate in the Ministry of Economy and Planning.

            The delegation was stopped on the road by the gunmen as they left Alou for Menji. Heavy fighting reportedly ensued between the Amba forces and the few gendarmes who struggled in vain to defend the delegation.

Council of Ministers:

Biya Down-plays Growing Insecurity in NW & SW

By Innocent Kum in Yaounde

President Biya Presided the Council of Ministers on Thursday

President Paul Biya has urged members of government to redouble efforts in providing solutions to the multiple challenges faced by the country.

            Addressing a ministerial council meeting Thursday March 15 in Yaounde, President Paul Biya said team work and commitment is vital to the country’s drive towards emergence. 

            Before tasking the ministers during the Unity Palace meeting which came a week after the 2 March 2o18 cabinet shake-up, Biya congratulated those who were newly promoted, as well as those who were maintained. He urged them to strive to be worthy of the trust bestowed upon them.

            “I urge you to work diligently so that, together, we can meet the multiple challenges confronting our country. Our people expect nothing less from us,” he added, before stating that “...Despite an unfavourable global economic context, the consolidation of our economic performance, the improvement of our people’s living conditions and the fight against unemployment must remain the Government’s core priorities.” 

            He continued: “In this light, it is necessary to pursue the smooth implementation of the Program concluded with the IMF. There is also an urgent need to finalize the implementation of major structuring projects, the Emergency Growth Acceleration Plan and the Special Youth Plan. The operationalization of the Kribi Deep Sea Port and the second bridge over the Wouri augur well in that regard.” 

            The president was quick to add that “Despite these excellent performances, we must not forget that much remains to be done. As I underscored recently in my message to the Nation, the Government should continue to put a special focus on outreach services, such as water and electricity supply, health, and road infrastructure.”

Council of Ministers Meetings:

Security, Decentralization, Elections Top on Agenda

All 68 Ministers were present at the Ministerial Council Meeting

The President of the Republic, Paul BIYA has on Thursday 15 March 2018 chaired a Council of Ministers meeting at the Unity Palace. It was his first contact with Members of Government after the 2nd March cabinet reshuffle.

            In his message to the ministers, the Head of State laid emphasis on the need to: combat insecurity in the Far North, North West and South West Regions; accelerate the decentralisation process; and ensure the smooth organisation of upcoming elections in Cameroon.

            The putting in place of the Constitutional Council and the hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations were also highlighted.

Kumba Bike Riders in a Dilemma:

‘Amba’ Hit Boys Threaten- If you respect the ban on ‘Okada’ you will hear from us

The president of one of the three bike riders’ unions in Kumba has told The Median that bike riders have been threatened with death by ‘Ambazonia hit boys’ if ever they respected the ban order by the government.

By Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba

Kumba Bike Riders Facing Threats From Ambazonia Tigers

The president spoke to this reporter after a meeting of Kumba bike riders with Meme SDO, Chamberlin Ntou’ou Ndong to seek better ways of implementing the decision of the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji and that of Southwest Governor, Bernard Okalia Bilai suspending motorbike taxis in Kumba.

            “We are facing death threats from Ambazonia odeshi boys who have entered Kumba and are threatening us for accepting to get our bikes duly registered before they can circulate in and around town,” said the bikers’ president, noting that they are now caught in a dilemma because if they flout the instructions of the administration they would be considered by government as supporting the separatists, while if they obey the SDO’s orders they are tagged as ‘blacklegs’ by the ‘Ambazonia fighters’.

            The bikers’ president noted that they have been pushed to a very tight corner, even as they are sensitizing their colleagues on the importance of identifying themselves before plying the streets with their bikes.

Gov’t to Pursue Crack- down on Ambazonians

President Paul Biya Thursday convened a cabinet meeting and vowed to push ahead with a military crackdown on English-speaking separatists in the majority francophone country.

            Cameroon has had a tortuous colonial history that saw it pass from German rule to French and British hands and the Anglophone minority complain of being marginalised by the French-speaking elite.

            “The efforts (of the security forces) must be continued, especially to ensure a return of normal economic and social activity,” Biya told the first cabinet meeting held since 2015.

            On October 1, separatists declared two regions as the self-proclaimed republic of “Ambazonia”, marking a turning point for the country’s English-speaking minority, which makes up around a fifth of the population.

            Biya dispatched troops, combat helicopters and armoured vehicles to root out the dissidents, forcing tens of thousands to flee to neighbouring Nigeria.

            At least 28 soldiers have been killed in the violence, according to an AFP tally, and two state employees have been kidnapped.

            The civilian death toll remains unclear, as non-governmental organisations and independent media are barred from the area.

Biya Says the Gov’t is Winning the War Against Ambazonia

President Paul Biya, on Thursday held his first cabinet meeting since 2015 and on the back of a recent reshuffle. The event took place at the Unity Palace in the capital Yaounde.

            According to a statement on the website of the presidency, Biya’s address to his appointees centered around security, decentralization, upcoming elections and the hosting of the African Cup of Nations among other issues.

            There was no explanation as to why he called the session and no other officials were permitted to speak about what went on in the conclave.

            Portions of Biya’s address focusing on security said the government was winning the fight to secure the country’s Anglophone regions and the Far North – which is riled by incessant attacks from the Boko Haram group.

            “Thanks to the firm action of our defence and security forces, we have been able to drastically curb the atrocities perpetrated by criminal groups in the Far North, North-West and South-West Regions.

            “Efforts in that regard need to be continued, especially to ensure that economic and social activities return to normalcy,” he added.

            The president had told his cabinet that “the best way to serve the country is to do everything, to make all the sacrifices that are needed,” the prime minister said.

            “There are a lot of things to do,” Biya had added, singling out the Africa Cup of Nations annual soccer tournament that Cameroon is to host next year, and the presidential election in October this year.

            Biya has ruled the Central African nation since taking over from a retired predecessor in 1982 and then winning six successive elections.

            The meeting came as Cameroon faces a violent separatist movement in its western Anglophone region that a military crackdown has failed to quell. The rest of Cameroon speaks French. In an apparent attempt to smooth it over, Biya appointed two officials from the region to top positions earlier this month.

Worsening crisis:

Ekondo-Titi Mayor Buried in K’ba, as ‘Amba Hit Boys’ Block Road to Ndian

-Reports say travel to Mbonge subdivision and Ndian division was impossible throughout the weekend as Ambazonia fighters mounted road blocks and collected tolls from commuters

By Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba

Ekondo-Titi Mayor Mbongo Alfred Ngoe has been buried in Kumba

Elements of the ‘Ambazonia Defense Force’, ADF, rendered thousands stranded in kumba and Ekondo-Titi last week after they blocked circulation of vehicles along the Kumba-Mbonge-Ekondo-Titi road. The road block followed the administrative ban on motorbikes across some towns and divisions in the Southwest Region for a period of 7-10 days renewable.

            The ‘Ambazonia’ soldiers for all throughout last week blocked the road thus making circulation of goods and persons impossible between Meme and Ndian divisions.

            They first blocked the road on Saturday 10 March 2018 leaving commuters stranded for hours in both Kumba and Ekondo-Titi.

            They blocked the road again on Friday 16 March 2018 for close to six hours, thereby compelling family members to bury the Mayor of Ekondo-Titi, Mbongo Alfred Ngoe, in Kumba. The Mayor died on Friday 2 March 2018.

            Sources close to the family of the late Mayor told The Median that when they learned of the road block by the Amba guys some family members proposed that they seek military assistance from the Meme SDO to escort the corpse to Ekondo-Titi. Yet others suggested that they avoid the risk and bury the corpse in Kumba.

            It is however not immediately clear if the military assistance was denied them. But we can confirm that no mourners could travel to Kumba from Ekondo-Titi to witness the coffining of the corpse at the Kumba Mortuary on Friday.

Matters Arising:

Buea DO Chides Prof. Ephraim Ngwafor Over “Illegal” SOBA Meeting

The DO has in a release, declared the SOBA EGA on 10 March 2018 in Buea ‘illegal’ and ‘suspicious’, saying any furtherance of its outcome will be considered a threat to public peace and security and treated as such.

By Ojong Steven Ayukogem with reports from Buea

Some Sasse Old Boys in Group Photo After Their EGA at BIROCOL Soppo-Buea,
with Prof. Ngwafor on Front Row, 1st From Right

The DO of Buea, Kouam Wokam Paul, has fired a stinging rebuke at the president of Sasse Old Boys Association, SOBA, Prof Ephraim Ngwafor, condemning some members of the otherwise highly respected alumni association for ‘forcefully holding an undeclared meeting’ of SOBA at the campus of the Bishop Rogan’s College, BIROCOL, Small Soppo-Buea, on Saturday 10 March 2018.

            The Buea DO says his vexation is grounded on the fact that SOBA had on 2 March 2018 received an authorization from the DO of Douala 5, to hold an Elective General Assembly EGA within his administrative unit on Saturday, 10 March 2018, but that the same DO withdrew his authorization on the basis of a court judgment (No HCF/037/M/2018 of March 8) from the High Court of Fako in Buea, which court judgment was served the Principal of Sasse College, and which the very learned and respected law Professor, Ephraim Ngwafor, also confirmed receipt of a copy in Douala.

            In his strongly-worded rebuke to Prof Ngwafor dated 13 March 2018 and with the SW Governor, the Fako SDO, the Bishop of Buea, the Principal of Sasse and the Chairman of the care-taker Committee of SOBA copied, the DO noted that “the administration of Buea was very vexed and disillusioned in the fact that very responsible persons from the prestigious Sasse College should engage in disrespecting legal jurisdictions as well as violating court judgments”.

Senatorial Election:

CPDM Campaign Gets Unenthusiastic Response from Buea Councilors

Invited for a campaign meeting through a bailiff, the councilors of the Buea Municipality snubbed the invitation, saying due procedure was not respected. They rallied instead with the Mayor for a parallel meeting at the City Hall.

By Boris Esono in Buea

David Mafany Namange, CPDM Fako III-Buea Section President has said he would invite
the Buea councilors properly next time

Councilors of the Buea Municipality stayed away from a meeting called by the Buea CPDM section president to launch senatorial campaigns in Buea, last Thursday, 15 March 2018, preferring instead to attend a parallel meeting at the city hall called by the Mayor, Patrick Ekema Esunge, on the same day.

            The Median learned that 33 of the 38 councilors of the Buea municipality snubbed David Mafany Namange’s invitation and stayed away from the meeting at the CPDM secretariat, while only four honoured the invitation. The four included Prof. Victor Julius Ngoh, Dr. Mrs. Ojong-Nkpot Comfort (4th deputy Mayor), WCPDM President Hannah Etonde Mbua and Chief Njie Mandengue.

            It emerged that the 33 councilors did not take kindly the fact that they were served invitations for the meeting through a bailiff, something which they considered unedifying.

            “Why should bona fide supporters of the party be served invitations for a party function through a bailiff? Is that what the party texts stipulate?” wondered one of the ‘dissident’ councilors, extrapolating that the president by his action did not trust that they would attend the meeting if ever he invited in the appropriate manner.

            Reacting to the boycott by the 33 councilors, the section president, Mafany Namange told reporters in Buea that it was a non-issue. He said it was a campaign planning meeting which did not require all the councilors to be present.

            Mafany said he invited just the CPDM section executives and the Mayor and his assistants for the meeting. He however regretted serving them the invitations through a bailiff, promising to invite them properly for another meeting billed for Tuesday 20 March.

            “Councilors were not expected to attend this meeting. The meeting was just a gateway for us to meet them in person on a later date. We invited only the section executives and the Mayor and his deputies. It is unfortunate that the mayor and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd deputies did not show up. But the meeting went on as planned,” noted Mafany Namange, adding that “in every human society there are discrepancies from time to time.”

            He called on the various campaign stakeholders to start working immediately, noting that the time ahead of them is short.

“We might not be friends or acquaintances in the quarters but we are militants of the same party and we should all work for the interest of the party. We should have respect for party hierarchy and texts; we should build bridges and not create division. We should always put the supreme interest of the party above individual interests,” prayed the rather benign and soft-spoken Mafany. 

            Meanwhile, the Buea Mayor also said in a release sanctioning his meeting that he too invited the councilors so that together they could brainstorm on the forth-coming election and also discuss other issues affecting them as councilors.

            Patrick Ekema during the conclave at the council chambers cautioned the councilors to demonstrate a high sense of maturity, consciousness and dedication during ‘these trying and defining moments’, as well as eschew all forms of provocation, slander and intimidation.

Senatorial elections in NW:

CPDM Sure of Victory, SDF & UDP Strategizing

By Njodzefe Nestor

UDP’s President, El Hadj Lawan Bako during his campaign launch

Campaigns to woe councilors in the 34 councils in the North West region have reached a decisive phase with party officials and list leaders of the parties that invested candidates for the upcoming senatorial elections in the region crisscrossing the various divisions with “lofty promises”.

            Despite the “sins” of the outgoing CPDM Senators, the party is confident that they will still win again. The SDF has however promised that they will crush the CPDM given that they have had a “horrible report card” from their last mandate. They UDP even though without a single councilor in the region is challenging councilors to shun the so called party discipline and vote for the UDP.

            The list leader of CPDM Regina Mundi, during the launch of campaigns in the North West region by Prime Minister Philemon Yang said they are into the race to take care of the interests of youths and women in relation to certain laws that protect them in the society.

            The seasoned pedagogue and astute politician dismissed as rumours what had hitherto been making rounds in the region alleging that CPDM councilors within Mezam are demanding FCA 1 million each before they go to the polls.

            Asked to evaluate the mandate of the outgoing senators, Regina Mundi was outright that it was not a moment to judge who did what and where but a time to work for progress.

Dialogue & Reconciliation Mission:

Paul Atanga Nji Enters Bamenda in Triumph

-Tells his NW kindred: “Disorder and violence do not pay”

Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji visited the NW region
 from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 March 2018

Few days after his official installation as Minister of Territiorial Administration and few hours after receiving directives from President Paul Biya, Minister Atanga Nji Paul was in the North West region on what he described as “a 3-day mission of sensitization and dialogue” at the behest of President Paul Biya.

            While in the region he boasted that the president has addressed more than 90 percent of the demands raised by Anglophone teachers and lawyers.

            “The Head of State has instructed me to discuss and dialogue with you; to have all your worries and send to him. But one thing is obvious, all the worries that started from the lawyers and teachers, i can tell you with confidence, that the Head of State has solved more than 90%. He has even gone above what the teachers and lawyers were asking," he revealed.

            Minister Paul Atanga Nji who is also the permanent secretary at the National Security Council said his maiden visit to his native region after becoming the MINAT was also provoked by the unending security concerns in the region. It is worth noting that two government officials have been kidnapped in the region with many military officers murdered by unidentified persons.

High points of the visit were in camera meetings with different stakeholders amongst them the NW Governor, SDOs, DOs, forces of law and order, religious authorities, leaders of various teacher trade unions, Bike riders, leaders of political parties, economic operators etc.