Tuesday 25 September 2018

Front page


Bamenda, NW region:


Yang Lunches Biya’s Campaigns amid Tight Security
-Tells NW People Not To Vote Day-dreamers
- Cautions CPDM Militants to Avoid Provocative Language
-Prescribes door-to-door, man-to-man approach to campaigns
By a correspondent in Bamenda
PM Yang poses with Divisional Campaign heads in Bamenda Congress Hall
Cameroon’s Prime Minister and Northwest Regional Coordinator of the CPDM party, Philemon Yungi Yang, has said that Cameroon needs an experienced leader like incumbent President Paul Biya for another mandate and not day dreamers with political fantasies.
            Yang made the assertion Saturday September 22 at the Bamenda Congress Hall, as he led other regime movers and shakers of the Region to launch Biya’s campaign activities for the October 7 poll.
Held against separatists’ threats, the PM said the CPDM party stands for unity and development and this can only be guaranteed to Cameroonians by the CPDM candidate.
            He cautioned the population against voting for people he described as novices. Such, Yang asserted are carried by the imagination of their fantasies.
            The highpoint of the meeting staged under tight security was the unveiling and installation of the various Divisional Committee Heads. While installing them to enhance the party’s campaign, the Regional Coordinator prescribed the outlining of strategies that will enhance door-to-door campaigns.

Here We Are in Buea!


SW CPDM Launch Biya’s Campaign amid threats
By Boris Esono in Buea
SW CPDM bigwigs at the launching of campaigns in the Buea Mountain Hotel
With barely 14 days to the October 7 presidential election the ruling CPDM party has launched its campaigns in the SWR-becoming the first party to launch campaigns in the trouble-stricken region.
            The Regional campaign rally took place last Sunday 23 September at the Buea Mountain Hotel with the theme: “Paul Biya: The Force of Experience.”
            In his presentation, the chairperson of the Regional Campaign Co-ordination, Peter Mafany Musonge said the limited number of contesting candidates, leaves one with the impression that the 2018 presidential election is the most competitive ever.
            But Musonge said the the reality is that the other candidates are day-dreamers and schemers whose principal aim is to build a national image for themselves.
            “Some are well-known old-timers with nothing credible to show in their past and present political life. Others are big-time amateurs and unknown quantities in the political arena,” Musonge said, prescribing door-to-door, neighbour-to-neighbour campaigns and the use of SMS when necessary.
            “We have to work in partnership with partner political parties that are canvassing support for president Biya ahead of the October 7 election,” Musonge added, calling on militants to work in peace and harmony in their various teams to give victory for the party.
            “Be consistent, focused and convincing in your message to the voters by proving that our candidate is the best in the presidential race. We have to project him as the best in order to win the hearts and minds of electors towards massively renewing their confidence in him”.

Meeting with the Press:


Enow Abrams Cautions Journalists to Report ‘Lawfully”
-Says IDPs in NW and SW will vote
Elecam boss, Enow Abrams
The president of the electoral board of Elecam has assured the public that people displaced by the crisis in NW and SW will have the opportunity to vote at the polling centres that have been created in troubled zones.
            Governor Enow Abrams Egbe was speaking during a press launch in Yaounde on Friday.
            “We have put all in place to ensure that people in troubled zones vote. We have pulled together many polling stations to create polling centres in safe areas where these people can vote safely,” Enow Abrams said, noting that it was for this reason that polling centres were created near army camps where there is more security.
            The press launch gave opportunity for C authorities to meet and exchange with pressmen, clear worries and doubts and emphasize on the need for reporters to report within the ambit of the law.
            Guided by the theme “the role of the media in presidential elections”, discussions were centred on the practical measures taken to ensure a smooth, transparent and equitable election and in view of an effective collaboration between the media and other stakeholders of the electoral process, before during and after the polls.
            Governor Enow Abrams told journalists that the two organs of Elecam, the Board and Directorate General, are working in strict synergy and perfect collaboration towards a successful organization of the October presidential polls.

Cabral Libi Takes Douala by Storm

Over 10.000 people gathered to welcome Cabral Libi in Douala

It was a mammoth crowd of over 10.000 youths that converged on the Stade CICAM in the Douala 5 municipality to welcome their hero, Cabral Libi, presidential candidate of the Universe party, on Sunday. The 38-year old Etoudi hopeful used the occasion to rekindle hope in the youths, saying he is going to re-structure the country and ensure good governance, provide better opportunities for the youths in the domains of education health, economy and others.
            He promised to transform Cameroon from its present unstable state and improve on the well-being of all Cameroonians.

Joshua Osih Also Pulls the Crowds

Joshua Osih launched his campaigns in Moungo division

The Esplanade of the Douala IV municipality was the venue from where Joshua Osih, SDF presidential candidate took off to start his campaigns for the October presidential election. Osih’s itinerary took him accross the Moungo Division where he launched his campaigns in Nkongsamba.
            The Osih caravan made stopovers in Dibamba, Souza, Njombe, Loum, Manjo and Penja before rallying Nkongsamba, where the SDF national president, Ni John Fru Ndi, was there waiting to give him support in the grand rally to launch the campaigns.
            In all the stopovers, Osih told his supporters that he will be a president who will always come back to the grassroots to visit them. He promised to provide wealth and power to the people.
            He used the occasion to re-echo his campaign program which emphasizes free pre-natal care, increase in minimum wage and more.

Kamto Launches Campaign Amid Troops Deployment

Maurice Kamto defied DO’s ban and launched his campaigns in Bonaberi Douala

The presidential campaigns of the MRC candidate, Maurice Kamto, kicked off at the esplanade of the Lycee Polyvalent Bonaberi in the Douala 4 municipality, a different venue from the one mentioned on the official program.
            The rally took place despite a ban by the Douala 4 DO, who sent security forces to stop all activities in the area.
  “Cameroon is supposed to be a democratic country. I don’t know why we have to launch campaigns under military surveillance,” wondered an MRC official, as he cursed the police and gendarmes that were deployed on the site.
            Things turned sour later, when an anti-riot vehicle arrived at the scene and created commotion and uncertainty.

Visit to Dakar, Senegal:


Cabral Libi invokes Ahidjo, Reassures him of his Repatriation
Cabral Libi at Ahidjo’s tomb
Cabral Libi, leader of the Universe Party at the October 7 polls in Cameroon has triggered public sentiments regarding the controversy surrounding the possible repatriation of the remains of the country’s first President, El Hadj Ahamadou Ahidjo, after he published a picture of himself at the former leader’s grave in Senegal.
            The picture, which has gone viral across different platforms, shows Cabral, a Christian Southerner in Cameroon, in full Muslim regalia standing beside Ahidjo’s grave.
            The picture is revealing of a politician trying to connect to the history of leadership at the highest level of State.
            Issues related to former President Ahmadou Ahidjo usually generate nostalgic feelings across the board, especially within political circles.
           

Can’t beat them, join them:


At Last, Lion Hunter Ekindi, Embraces Biya
Jean Jacque Ekindi
Jean Jacque Ekindi, leader of the Progressive Movement has ended his 26 years of opposing the political ideologies of incumbent president Paul Biya.
            He has rather endorsed the 85 years old’s candidature for the October 7 poll.
            Speaking at a press conference, in Douala Thursday, Ekindi broke the news to the media that he is in support of Biya ruling Cameroon for the next seven years.
            Thursday’s pronouncement is in contrast with Ekindi’s political ideologies for over two decades since he entered the political arena.
            The MP leader said, President Biya is the man with the experience and stamina to stabilise the many challenges facing Cameroon. He said his endorsement does not mean the Biya era of leadership is void of weakness.
            Just over a month ago, the same politician had announced that, he was not going to be a candidate at the Presidential elections. Back then, he did not offer explanations over his reasons.

Opposition Cry Foul as CRTV ‘favors’ Biya

Director General of CRTV, Charles Ndongo

Opposition candidates to the October 7 Presidential election have castigated the state broadcaster, CRTV, for attributing the lion share of reporters to the incumbent Paul Biya.
            In a strongly worded statement signed by flag-bearers of five out of the eight opposition parties in the polls, they chastised the Director General of CRTV for unilaterally attributing five teams’ of reporters for candidate Paul Biya and associates, and only one each for the other eight candidates in the competition.
            Moreover, according to them, the reporters attached to the campaign teams of the opposition parties are mostly green horns in the profession, while the experienced reporters have all been reserved for the CPDM and its candidate.
            The candidates also argued that CRTV attributes more airtime to the CPDM candidate over prime time news and related programmes even though the latter has never been on the field since ELECAM retained their candidatures.
            According to them, this gives the impression that they (opposition candidates) are dormant even though they are very active on the field.
            They have requested an equitable redistribution of reporters to all nine candidates, since according to them; CRTV is financed by taxes from all Cameroonians.
            Going by the opposition, if by September 22 CRTV does not redress the situation, opposition parties would relieve the team of reporters put at their disposal, press on for the resignation of the Director General of the CRTV as well as seek other measures, the declaration stated.
            The declaration was signed in Douala on Tuesday, September 18 and as of now no official information has filtered from CRTV or the Ministry of Communication and the National Communication Council concerning the concerns raised.
            At the beginning of the month, the Minister of Communication, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, met with representatives of political parties to the Presidential election in the presence of CRTV’s management and allocated equitably airtime for campaign messages to each party on radio and television.

Agbor Balla tables Anglophone Case before UN Council

Barrister Felix Agbor Balla

Renowned human rights activist, Barrister Felix Agbor Balla, has presented a bleak picture of the ongoing Crisis in the North West and South Regions of Cameroon to the United Nations Human Rights Council.
            While making an oral presentation at the 39 Human rights session on Thursday, September, 20, 2018, the Barrister-at-Law made key recommendations for a fruitful resolution to the conflict, which he argued has led to the displacement of more than 400,000 persons internally and 50,000 in neighbouring Nigeria.
            “Grant general amnesty to all those who have been convicted by the Military Tribunal, guarantee the safe return of the more than 50,000 Anglophone refugees and 411,000 Internally Displace Persons (IDPs), grant access to the Anglophone Regions by international agencies, human rights NGOs and journalists, grant access by lawyers and family members to all those held incommunicado and implement genuine dialogue in the country,” Agbor Balla said.

Who “chopped” money for tarring of K’ba station road?


One year after the MINEPAT allocated over FCFA 545 Million for the tarring of two streets in Kumba, no work has been done on any of the streets.
By Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba
Kumba inhabitants have continued going through muddy, dusty and bumpy streets despite a special allocation since one year ago by MINEPAT of the sum of FCFA 545.684.295 million for the tarring of some two streets in the city. The two streets are the one stretching from the CPDM hall junction at Kumba Town to the SDO’s residence at up-station, measuring 3.125 km, and another from ‘RTC’ junction at Buea road to Bonakama measuring 1.150 km.
            One year after this special allocation, work on these two streets is yet to be effective for the one or even kick started for the other.
            Apart from some grading work that was done on about 100 metres on the stretch from the ‘RTC’ junction towards Bonakama, nothing else has been done on the two streets.
            The stretch from CPDM hall to the SDO’s residence has worsened. Students trek to school with difficulty as the road is mapped by very large potholes and muddy rain water that retards movement.
            The Median gathered that the contractor who won the contract in Yaoundé to tar the stretch leading to the SDO’s residence is yet to begin the work perhaps because of her alleged links to the Presidency. We learned that she hurried and signed the contract papers in Kumba and later disappeared.
            Reports hold that she has been ignoring all calls coming from the project stakeholders in Meme.  She has also not responded to sundry query letters that have been addressed to her. 

North West and South West:


Many Go Jobless as Businesses are Shutdown
The once vibrant Dream Lounge snack is now empty
The fallouts of the on-going Anglophone crisis have been felt by all the segments of Cameroon’s economy.
            Redundancy is chasing most young people as managers and employers of small business ventures continue to lay-off workers, especially unskilled labourers.
            Many youths in Buea have been given temporal leave, hoping that when things return to normalcy, they will be recalled to duty.
            Businesses in the informal sector like hotels, snack bars, restaurants, cafés, provision stores and other petit businesses have drastically reduced their staff; some are on a temporal shutdown as the crisis drags on.
            Many workers of companies owned by mostly Francophone investors have been rendered jobless as some these owners have shutdown their shops and relocated to safer Regions.
            The sacking of workers has triggered a mass exodus to other regions in search for jobs and a better livelihood.
            Many young people told this newspaper that they were dismissed without any formal notification and that their employers have promised to recall them when things return to normalcy.
            “Whilst on duty, i was told not to come back for work the next day. My manager explained the reasons for sudden dismissal and I understood with him, even though I was disappointed. I am the one providing for my siblings……this crisis has really dealt with me,” said Elias Bah, a former worker of a popular snack bar in Mile 16 Buea.

Briefs


Compiled by Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba
Gunmen Attack Mayor’s House in Kumba
Some unidentified gunmen on Tuesday stormed the residence of the Mayor of Kumba I Council, Ebako Abel Ndoh but were halted by security forces who rushed to the scene after an alert reportedly from the Mayor’s wife. The gunmen had succeeded to vandalize the gate of the house and were heading in when the security reinforcement arrived at the scene. 
            The motive of the assailants is still unknown. The Mayor was not at home at the time of the incident.
            The Mile 1 neighbourhood where the Mayor resides has since become a hot spot since the escalation of hostilities in the ongoing Anglophone crisis, with several cases of kidnap of recorded there. It was in the same area that a police woman was kidnapped and later murdered few months ago.

Separatists Attack Ekombe Military Base
The recently created military base in Small Ekombe, along the Kumba-Ekondo-Titi road in the South West Region was on Wednesday 19 September, attacked by some about 30 gunmen believed to be elements of the Ambazonia fighters.
            The gunmen blocked the main road at the Mile One Bridge and interrupted traffic before invading the base, according to a local radio report. The report quoted passengers saying that the incident was like a film and that it happened when the soldiers were not in their base.
            It is said the gunmen actually vandalised the military base.

Mayor’s Son, Driver Kidnapped and Freed 
The son and driver of the Mayor of Kumba II municipality have regained their freedom after spending hours in captivity with their kidnappers believed to be elements of the Ambazonia fighters. The two were released in the evening of Tuesday 18 September, hours after they were kidnapped.
            They were kidnapped while on their way back from the Mayor’s farm located at Matoh road in the Kosala, Kumba. It is said the Mayor’s son sustained severe injuries from the torture he received in the hands of the abductors.
            We gathered the son and driver went to the farm with the Mayor’s car to fetch firewood.  We could not independently confirm if the victims were released upon the payment of a ransom.

DO imposes dusk-to-dawn curfew in Kumba 1
            The Divisional Officer of Kumba I, Safffo Roger, has restricted the operations of drinking spots to between 7:00pm and 6:00am daily till further notice. The announcement dated September 21 calls on the proprietors of drinking spots and the inhabitants of Kumba I to respect the order under pain of facing administrative sanctions. The move is linked to the ongoing conflict in the North West and South West Regions, especially ahead of the October 7 polls.

Kumba-Ekondo-Titi Road Driver Commits Suicide
A driver plying the Kumba-Ekondo-Titi road axis has committed suicide in Kumba. Joseph Masuh said to be in his early 40s committed the act recently in a bush at Kake, believed to be his plot.
            The incident occurred few days after the said Masuh organized a heavy feast that last lasted hours to celebrate his survival in a road accident that would have taken away his life. The act has left many wondering as to what would have actually caused Masuh to take away his own life days after celebrating with friends and family members.
            The incident has left many inhabitants of the Mile one neighbourhood grip with fear. Tongues have been wagging with some Kumba inhabitants attributing it to ritual sacrifice. Masuh leaves behind a young beautiful wife in her early 30s and a fresh new born baby, we gathered.

Ekondo-Titi, Ndian:


Chief Esoh Itoh Buried
Casket bearing Chief Itoh arrives at Ekondo beach amid wailing by family members
The body of the Paramount Ruler of the Balondos, Chief Stephen Esoh Itoh, was on Friday September 14, 2018, laid to rest. Chief Itoh’s remains were flown through the high seas from Limbe to the Ekondo Titi beach from where he was laid to rest in his chiefdom.
            Security measures are reported to have been stepped up following the circumstances under which he was murdered on Sunday, August 12, while in Church.
            The unhealthy atmosphere of the Anglophone Crisis punctured what would have been a grandiose occasion for a man of Chief Itoh’s calibre. He had links within the social and political strata of Cameroon. Yet his land could not host the funeral as it would have been if the atmosphere was secure.

Traditional Healer Shot Dead in Muea

Armed security men

A man, who was allegedly preparing charms for separatists in Muea, was Friday shot dead by security officers.
            The man, whose name we got as Pa Ndang, was reportedly shot at his Lower Muea residence.
            Pa Ndang was said to be providing charms (odeshi) to pro-independence fighters to prevent bullets from penetrating their bodies.
            “Pa Ndang was sitting on his veranda with his children preparing dinner when a white Hilux full of soldiers suddenly appeared in front of his house. His children attempted to run but Pa Ndang told them not to run, two soldiers jumped out of the vehicle and shot at the man three times before speeding off,” narrated an eye witness.
            Pa Ndang died on the spot, while his eldest daughter who fainted as a result of the sound of the gun was later revived by the population that had gathered at the residence of the deceased.

Syndy Emade’s Pregnancy Pictures Spark Debate on Social Media

Syndy Emade is expecting a baby

The most famous face in Cameroon’s Movie Industry, Syndy Emade, has ignited a social media debate with pictures of her baby boom.
            The actress posted the pictures on Saturday August 18, 2018, and within hours over 1,665 viewers had already commented.
            The multi-talented Actress, Director and Movie Producer, has sparked massive debate online after sharing adorable pictures of her baby boom.
            The Producer of the famous movie “A Man for the Weekend” who has also starred in so many movies both at home and in Nollywood, sparked controversy online when she shared pictures of her pregnancy.
            Fans and critics have taken to social media to punch at the star for being a bad influence to many youths who look up to her.
            Many say it was disgraceful for the actress to publicly display pictures of a pregnancy she got when she is not married and says the regrettable move sends a wrong signal to many young girls who have taken her as their role model.
            Others were quick to remind the Cameroonian beauty about her African roots where marriage before child bearing is core to the fundamental values they share.
            However, her supporters on the other hand wasted no time to fire back, saying it’s better to keep the child than to abort the innocent baby simply because she got pregnant without being married to a man.
Other question on which statutes is it written that a girl must get marry before being pregnant? They urged detractors of the celebrity to mind their business because Emade is more than capable of providing for her child even without a father.
            The controversy has been rocking social media for almost a week now ever since her first pictures were released on August 18, 2018.

Contraband:


‘Funge’ Sale Thriving in Buea Despite Arrests
Sale of Illegal fuel is experiencing a boom in the SW region
The sale of illegal fuel is experiencing a boom in the SW region despite the sporadic raids and arrests by forces of law and order.
On the streets of Buea, youths between the ages of 15 to 25 are spotted selling illegal fuel. The activity has become the mainstay of these youths who depend on it for their livelihood.
            The boom has not left out military officers, who are also making huge financial gains whenever they pounce on a vendor.
Despite the random arrests, many youngsters are still getting more involved in the business.
            According to vendors of this fuel, most cab drivers and car owners prefer this fuel because the price is affordable and it’s more economical compared to fuel sold at filling stations.
            We gathered that the business is thriving because police officers collect money on daily basis from those dealing in such fuel.
            Pascal, one of the youngsters, who is gainfully employed by this sector, told this newspaper that when the police come for bribe and you complain that you have not sold, they threaten you with arrest.

Biya Appoints New DOs In Hot Zones

President Paul Biya

Cameroon’s President, Paul Biya, has appointed a new Divisional Officer (DO) to replace the abducted administrator of Batibo as well as others to fill positions abandoned by their predecessors due to insecurity in the Anglophone Regions.
            The President made the decision on Wednesday, September 19, 2018, just four days after returning from China. According to the Presidential decrees, Kwandze Ernest Kari, is the new DO for Batibo in replacement of Namata Diteng Joseph, who was abducted by members of the Ambazonia Defence forces on February 11.
            The new DO is not new to the violence as he is coming from Mbengwi, which has also been engulfed in violence.
            Unlike other administrative text of appointments, the decree replacing Namata did not state his mutation after leaving the post; whether he is retired, transferred or death. Paul Biya strategically left it blank even though in July the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, announced to the family of Namata that he has been killed somewhere around Nigeria. However, when the family asked the Minister to narrate the circumstances leading to his death and produce the corpse, the Minister was dumfounded.
            Still in the North West, the President replaced the DOs of Kumbo in Bui division and Njinikom in Boyo as well as the two enclaves Sub-divisions of Ako and Misaje which borders Nigeria. All these areas have been hotspots for Ambazonia fighters with fighting almost on daily bases.

Travelers Stranded After Gun Attack on Ekombe Military Base


Soldiers in a training camp 
Faceless individuals on board motorcycles are feared to have staged an attack around a military base in Ekombe, Mbonge Sub-division, South West Region of Cameroon, on Wednesday, September 19, resulting in traffic hold up.
            The attackers are said to have made attempts to attack the base at a time when the security forces had stepped out for official assignment.  Sustained gunfire for hours around the area left scores of people travelling between the Kumba-Mbonge Road axis stranded on both ends of the road.
            The Lake Site Radio Kumba in a Thursday early shift of broadcast gave details on the attack as lasting for over four hours. The media house reported that the men on board the motorcycles were armed with dane guns. The same media indicated that the yet to be identified group claimed it is part of pro-independence fighters, who are seeking a separate state for the North West and South Regions of Cameroon.
            Ekombe, a farming locality on the outskirts of Kumba, but placed administratively under Mbonge Sub- division has had one of the deadliest battles in the Anglophone Crisis.

Policeman, Three Others Arrested for Wildlife Trafficking

Three Others Arrested for Wildlife Trafficking

Four people have been arrested in connection with the trafficking and illegal sale of pangolin scales in Yaounde. The four, including a policeman, were arrested during an operation carried out by the Centre Regional Delegation of Forestry and Wildlife in collaboration with the police that found them discussing the illegal sale of the pangolin scales that were loaded in two cars. The operation was carried out with the technical assistance of LAGA, a wildlife law enforcement support body.
            They had transported thepangolin scales on board a Toyota car from Djoum, passing through Sangmelima and arrived Yaounde where they attempted to sell the scales. When they arrived Yaounde, they took up station at the Kondengui neighbourhood and would later move with the scales to the Nlongkak neighbourhoon todo business when police and wildlife officials swooped in to arrest them. One of them attempted to escape but was stopped in his tracks.
            According to sources present during the operation that spoke on condition of anonymity, a policeman, who had a jacket over his uniform was found among the suspects and arrested alongside the three others. He had accompanied them to the site of transaction. When police found the traffickers, he presented himself as a policeman but was told by his colleagues that it matters less. They were taken to the 10th District Police Station in Yaounde where legal proceedings were carried out.
The traffickers had bought the scales from local poachers in several villages in the South region, including Meyomessi, Mintom and Lele. They parked the scales in suitcases, knack sack and stuffed some in severalspacesin the car, including under the carpets of the car and other hidden corners. When they arrived Meyomessi mixed control post comprising gendarmerie, police and wildlife officials, they car was searched and found to contain the illegal cargoand they had to pay a bribe of 400 000 FCFA to continue their journey to Yaounde.

Shall Traffickers on Trial Appear at Bonanjo Court


Pangolin Scales
The case against six traffickers arrested with over 700kg of pangolin scales shall be heard at the Bonanjo Court of First Instance on September 28. This is the second hearing of  case that opened last month following the arrest of the traffickers by wildlife officials from the Wouri Divisional Delegation of Forestry and Wildlife working in collaboration with officers from the Judicial Police. Three of the six traffickers failed to appear in court during the first hearing.
            Shortly before their arrest, one of the traffickers flew in from Bangui where he had collected close to 600kg of giant pangolin scales and sent the illegal cargo by road to Douala. Helater met five others in Douala and they attempted to sell the pangolin scales. They were arrested in the act, at the Bonapriso neighbourhood in Douala.
            Three of the traffickers were later released on bail and they failed to turn up in court the next day, when the matter was first scheduled for hearing, prompting fears that they have escaped. Two of the three that failed to appear in court are from the Central African Republic where a network of pangolin scales trafficking, bought pangolin scales from smaller traffickers in the country and from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) while exporting to Nigeria via Cameroon. Their illegal activity in the DRC, according to sources close to the matter that requested to speak anonymously, was protected by some members of the ruling elite.
            The scales were generally assembled in Nigeria for export. Majority of the scales that were confiscated in Douala were from the giant pangolin which is an animal that is threatened with extinction, The operation that led to the confiscation, was technically assisted by LAGA, a wildlife law enforcement support body that assists government in the application of the wildlife law. Prior investigations showed the traffickers were linked to rhino horn and lion trophies trafficking.

Anglophone Crisis:


Scarcity of Eru & Snails in SW Markets Due to Insecurity
Eru may soon disappear on our tables
One of Cameroon’s celebrated vegetable and source of protein, Eru and snails that have gained local and international consumption is fast disappearing from the market as insecurity continues to threaten movements, farming and businesses in the North West and South West Regions.
            The National Times conducted a two months survey across villages and markets to weigh the effect of the Crisis on the availability of snails and eru on the local market.
            Scarcity of snails and eru on the market has been squarely attributed to rising insecurity. Food sellers and business persons fear the supply of both eru and snails may face out of major markets in some cities, if the situation remains out of control.
            Comfort Ayuk, a trader explained that eru harvesters in the forests of Upper Bayang, Manyu Division are now refugees in Nigeria.
            She said “the few persons that use to muster the courage to go to the bush to harvest the cherished vegetable are scared for fear of harassment from gunmen and soldiers…. Even when I manage to buy a few bags of eru… the stress on the road makes it difficult to sell and make profit… I am thinking of changing my line of business,” Ayuk stated.
            Our source said her capital of over FCFA 500,000 has diminished to less than 100,000. “Women to whom I supplied eru are out of business. Some have simply escaped and the times are frustrating.”
            Jacquiline Ngueyap on her part said she is in the worst period of her business life 10 years since she found a comfort zone trading in snails and eru.
            Her major routes have been the hinterlands of Mbonge and Konye. Today, Ngueyap is barely surviving to surface at the market with 2 bags of eru and 10 buckets of snail in the market.
            “Before now I will come to the market with about 50 buckets of snail a week. I buy eru in tens of bags… sometimes I trade between Nigeria and Cameroon. I have customers abroad who request for dry snails…all this has stopped because villagers have all escaped. You know snails are picked from the farms at night, but with this security threats… no one can go into the forest to harvest eru or pick snails,” Ngueyap stated.

MEVCUDA 2018:


Lower Mevio Cultural Festival Spotlights Agriculture, Peace
By Ticha Melanis in Ombe, Limbe
Governor Okalia visiting the stands at MEVCUDA Festival
The Governor of the SW region has hailed the traditional ruler and the population of Lower Mevio village in Limbe, Fako Division, for the successful organization of the 2018 edition of the Mevio Cultural and Development Assembly, MEVCUDA, which not only promotes culture and living together but also showcased the agricultural prowess of the Mevio people.
            Bernard Okalia Bilia was speaking recently at the Eneo complex in Ombe near Limbe, while presiding over the 5th edition of the Meveo Cultural and Development Assembly, MEVCUDA, the annual event that brings together indigenes of lower Meveo village from across the country and abroad.
            The Governor urged other communities to emulate Chief Fonderson’s good example, saying such assemblies promote peace and living together and also foster the development of communities.
            He said the government is bent on making second generation agriculture a reality in the country by providing technical assistance, inputs and equipment on a regularly basis to farmers.
            The governor enjoined the farmers to continue in their efforts towards making sure there is enough food in the market, announcing that the ministry of agriculture has donated farm inputs and equipments to Meveo farmers’ associations and other associations present.

L’be Paramount Chief-Elect Installs Traditional Council


By Ticha Melanis in Limbe
Limbe Paramount Chief poses with admistrative officials
"With my confirmation as the Paramount chief of Limbe, I will answer strongly to the question posed by Dr Ephraim Ngwafor some 13 years ago in his book titled "Shall former Victoria smile again" that yes former Victoria shall smile again God being our helper"
            The paramount chief elect was speaking at the installation of his 13-man traditional council and 18-man committees with the Government Delegate to the Limbe City Council heading the all purpose committee. The committees are composed of regional and community representatives.                         The traditional council will assist the new chief to pilot the affairs of the chiefdom.
            The installation ceremony took place on Thursday 20 September at the Limbe City Council.
            The ceremony was under the auspices of the first Assistant SDO for Fako Bejidi Otto Richard II, who was represented the SDO.
            The SDO congratulated the kingmakers and members of the traditional council. He called on them to collaborate with the administration because the development and prosperity of Limbe weighs on them. .
            He said the doors of the administration will remain open to receive constructive and positive proposals to make Limbe the place to be.
            For his part, the paramount chief  assured the administration and the population of Limbe of his willingness to work closely with the authorities in place in order to restore peace and the spirit of living together for the development of the chiefdom.
            "Mr Senior Divisional Officer for Fako, those who drink good wine know that the bottle labels also has a mention that it made from the finest grapes. Today the team we are presenting before you and a cross-section of the population of this municipality is a blend of tasted and proven men and women of excellence, character, professionalism and dedication to the development of this chiefdom."
            Chief Elufa Johnny Manga Williams said it his desire to make Victoria great again.

Wednesday 5 September 2018

Front page


Buying 15 Cars for Fcfa 700 million?


Musonge Tell Me This Is Not True!
By Joachim Arrey, PhD
Dr. Joachim Arrey: It is sheer financial Recklessness
I could have put out this piece over the weekend, but I had to do some due diligence to ensure that whatever I put out there is factual and does not bring unnecessary pain to anybody.
            This also implies that those who govern the people will and must take full responsibility for their actions. As a simple writer, I know it is my job to check my facts and I accept full responsibility for my publications.
            That said, I would like to point out that my weekend was not a good one. Before packing my old bag from my office on Friday, I saw this document signed by Peter Mafany Musonge, the Chairperson of the Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism in Cameroon.
            I honestly do not understand the role of this body within the context of the conflict that is causing Cameroonians to kill each other.
            But it is not the commission that is my problem. I can live with it. It is just another toothless bulldog created to deceive the international community. It is that document which bears very bad news for the Cameroonian tax-payer that is concern to me. I am really losing sleep over this document.
            By that document, the commission chairperson is ordering 15 vehicles for a whopping CFAF 700,000,000 (seven hundred million fcfa). This therefore implies that each vehicle will cost some CFAF 46.6 million. Some 15 commission members will be using these vehicles during their time at the commission. And what is the output we should be expecting from these people who are used to lazing around?
            In my view, this commission is irrelevant. It is costly and will not be able to help extinguish the fires that are burning in our country. I do not know if Musonge and his collaborators actually know what pain they are causing to fellow Cameroonians who cannot even afford two meals a day.
            This commission will only meet a couple of times a year. Why do they need to squander such an amount of money when the country’s economy is on life support?
            There are many Cameroonians who cannot even seek health care in good hospitals as they do not have the resources to do so. All through my life, I have always known that working for a country’s public service implies making huge sacrifices. What has happened to such a noble philosophy?
            Today, Musonge and his collaborators are running this huge monster they call a bilingualism commission whose only result so far has been a phoney report he submitted to the head of state, indicating that Southern Cameroonians were angry because Ahidjo’s corpse had not been returned to Cameroon.
            Do Southern Cameroonians really care whether Ahidjo is dead or alive? Ahidjo put them in this predicament and many will continue to blame him for the mess that is playing out in Cameroon. Ahidjo intentionally and artfully killed a union that was supposed to make our country the envy of the world.
            Mr. Peter Mafany Musonge’s decision to be reckless with the taxpayer’s money is a reflection of the disease that has invaded the country. There is no car that will cost that much. If Musonge is honest, let him contact me and I will provide him with the same cars at half the price.
            There are many car dealers in North America, especially in Canada, who will get those cars to him in less than six weeks at half the price. I have done my research throughout the weekend and I know I will save the taxpayer a bunch of money which could be used to build a good school for some kids in one of Cameroon’s many under-developed villages.
            Musonge is dishonest. I had called him to reason in an open letter in 2017. He seems to be so committed to destroying Cameroon to the extent that he does not care about future generations. I don’t live in Cameroon, but I can still feel the pain of my people.
            I do not hate Musonge. He is a fellow South-Westerner like me. But he is not an honest man. His rightful place is in Kondengui, the country’s maximum security prison located in Yaounde. He lies through his teeth and this has been hurting me for too long.
            If I don’t speak out I will be complicit. Silence could be acquiescence. I don’t want future generations to think I approved of the mess he and his generation are creating in Cameroon. As a writer, I am a society’s conscience and it hurts me when I see old people like Musonge working so hard to make life difficult for the ordinary Cameroonian.
            I am not writing this out of spite or bitterness. I seek nothing from him. I was born poor and I have opted to live a basic life. Luxury belongs to others. I don’t admire it. Musonge must repent before he dies. And my write-ups will compel him to go and see a priest or a bishop for a confession. He could even head to Rome to go and see the Pope. The choice is his.

Bilingualism Commission Beckoned:


Anglophones Terribly Sidelined in Police Exams
By Ojong Steven Ayukogem in Yaounde
DGSN, Martin Mbarga Nguele
Names of Anglophones are hard to find in the lists of successful candidates of the August and September 2017 recruitment exams into the police force that were released on 31 August by the DGSN, Martin Mbarga Nguele.
            A thorough survey of the lists of over 5000 candidates admitted into different categories of the police force including superintendents, officers, inspectors and constables revealed too few names of Anglophones candidates.
            Successful candidates are expected to start training at the Higher Police College in Yaounde, as from the 10th of September 2018 (for Superintendents) and 12 September 2018 for Police Officers, according to the release that is signed by the DGSN, Martin Mbarga Nguele.
            Other categories including inspectors and constables are to begin their training in different training centres, as from 10 October 2018. Different specialties that were recruited include computer engineers, musicians, drivers and nurses.
            Observers have not waited to point out the marginalization and sidelining of Anglophone candidates in the police recruitment exams. Many who called this reporter to announce the publication of the results, complained about the paltry number of Anglophones admitted for the training. They said the results smack of marginalization at best, and provocation at worse.
            Informed observers said the results are inimical to the rules and regulations governing admission into the public service, rules which emphasize regional balance, planning and special consideration for minorities.
            “The results of the police exams reflect what has since been happening to Anglophones or even worse,” said an informed observer, who added that the names of some candidates who failed in the written part of the exams also appeared on the final lists of successful candidates.
            What’s worse, some said the lists have been released at a time when the Anglophone community is spitting venom over what some consider as the “shabby” treatment the system in place reserves for Anglophones, and which has caused some to take up arms to fight for independence and/or secession.
            Commentators have wondered aloud whether the president and members of the Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multi-Culturalism in the country have also seen and gone through the lists. They said the police exams results are a tacit case of the discrimination and marginalization that Anglophones are currently struggling against. The commentators say the Bilingualism Commission must wade in and recommend a review of the admissions especially with respect to Anglophones.
            Yet, this reporter got it on good authority that when the exams were written in 2017 and many complaints came up about the poor translation of the exams questions from French into English, the president of the Bilingualism Commission, Peter Mafany Musonge, actually took time off and met the Police boss, Martin Mbarga Nguele, and urged him to be careful with his handling of the exams.