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Monday, 17 November 2014
3 Senators die in 7 Months
No quorum by end of mandate?
By Franklin Sone Bayen in Yaounde
Senator Professor Stephen Yeriwa Jikong from Nwa, Donga-Mantung in the North West, died 15 November in Yaounde. He was 69. Jikong died the same day another Senator, Bochong Francis Wainchom Nkwain was laid to rest.
I wish the rest of them long life, but the way and pace at which things are going, that house of advanced senior citizens may end up without a quorum (two-thirds of its members) if not less, by 2018 when its mandate runs out!
That may just befall the Senate if up to 34 of its 100 members died during the mandate. At this rate, that is not far-fetched, especially so as death becomes more likely by the month, if not by the day, as third age people get older.
Jikong becomes the third Senator to pass on in seven months. Fon Lucas Njifua Fontem of Fontem, Lebialem in the South West opened the way in April, followed by Francis Nkwain in October. Nkwain was laid to on 15 November. He was 84.
By Franklin Sone Bayen in Yaounde
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| Stephen Yeriwa Jikong |
I wish the rest of them long life, but the way and pace at which things are going, that house of advanced senior citizens may end up without a quorum (two-thirds of its members) if not less, by 2018 when its mandate runs out!
That may just befall the Senate if up to 34 of its 100 members died during the mandate. At this rate, that is not far-fetched, especially so as death becomes more likely by the month, if not by the day, as third age people get older.
Jikong becomes the third Senator to pass on in seven months. Fon Lucas Njifua Fontem of Fontem, Lebialem in the South West opened the way in April, followed by Francis Nkwain in October. Nkwain was laid to on 15 November. He was 84.
After Mendo Ze’s arrest
Epervier now targets Anglophones?
- Who are they?
By Macquens Balemba in Yaounde
The number of Anglophones to be roped in by the dragnet of the anti-corruption drive codenamed “Operation Sparrow hawk” is likely to increase in the weeks ahead, if reports coming from the Special Criminal Tribunal in Yaounde are anything to go by. After the arrest and imprisonment last week of the former general manager of CRTV Prof. Gervais Mendo Ze, that of a sitting Anglophone minister and a former government delegate may follow suit.
The Median has been informed that Laurent Esso, the minister of Justice, has already been informed of charges brought against Paul Atanga Nji, minister of special duties at the Presidency of the Republic, and which has to do with the alleged misappropriation of funds he collected from the defunct Postal Savings Bank (Cheques Postaux) in Yaounde over a decade ago.
- Who are they?
By Macquens Balemba in Yaounde
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| Gervais Mendo Ze |
The Median has been informed that Laurent Esso, the minister of Justice, has already been informed of charges brought against Paul Atanga Nji, minister of special duties at the Presidency of the Republic, and which has to do with the alleged misappropriation of funds he collected from the defunct Postal Savings Bank (Cheques Postaux) in Yaounde over a decade ago.
Jerome Mendouga
Another Epervier victim dies in detention
Jerome Mendouga, former Cameroon ambassador to Washington DC, USA, died at the Yaounde General Hospital on Saturday. Reports say he was admitted at the hospital since 26 October when his health deteriorated critically at the Kondengui prison in Yaounde. Jerome Mendouga was put in pre-trial detention at the Kondengui prison, in April 2009, because of his alleged role in the failed purchase of President Biya’s private jet, the Albatross.
French language daily Mutations, reported in its issue of Friday 14 November that Mendouga’s health situation got so critical and pre-occupying forcing hospital officials to bar members of the public from having access to him.
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| Jerome Mendouga |
French language daily Mutations, reported in its issue of Friday 14 November that Mendouga’s health situation got so critical and pre-occupying forcing hospital officials to bar members of the public from having access to him.
Insecurity in Far North
Civil society want clarifications from Biya
Members of the confederation of civil society organizations in Cameroon, known by the name Dynamique Citoyenne, have expressed serious worries and discomfort about the way the government is handling the insecurity situation in the Far North.
Dynamique Citoyenne notes with dismay that the head of state has not thought it expedient to address the nation and clarify public opinion on the government’s perception of the Boko Haram phenomenon.
In a release that was sent to our newsroom by Dynamique Citoyenne and signed by its national president, Jean Mark Bikoko, the confederation of civil society organisations noted that “at a time when Cameroonians are asking questions as to the origins and the causes of the insecurity in the Far North region, information given by the press, both national and international press talk of a rebellion intended to destabilize the Yaounde regime.”
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| President Dynamique Citoyenne Jean Mark Bikoko |
Dynamique Citoyenne notes with dismay that the head of state has not thought it expedient to address the nation and clarify public opinion on the government’s perception of the Boko Haram phenomenon.
In a release that was sent to our newsroom by Dynamique Citoyenne and signed by its national president, Jean Mark Bikoko, the confederation of civil society organisations noted that “at a time when Cameroonians are asking questions as to the origins and the causes of the insecurity in the Far North region, information given by the press, both national and international press talk of a rebellion intended to destabilize the Yaounde regime.”
Catholic University Buea
Nico Halle fires motion on morality to freshers
By Nyah Penn in Buea
This academic discourse comes in a time where the Catholic University Institute of Cameroon (CUIB) ‘’The Entrepreneurial University’’, matriculated over 630 freshmen into the university on Saturday 15th November, 2014.This discourse was delivered during the matriculation ceremony as the Catholic Institute of Cameroon (CUIB) looks forward to a formidable future for the students. Barrister Nico Halle in his keynote address stated clearly that the entrepreneurial university empowers students not only to compare but succeed thus, distinguishes itself from other state universities.
By Nyah Penn in Buea
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| Barr. Nico Halle talks to the press at CUIB matriculation |
CIUB matriculates over 630
By Nyah Penn in Buea
In just about four years, the Catholic University Institute of Buea with slogan ‘the entrepreneurial university has achieved a lot. Saturday November 15, 2014, saw the first matriculation ceremony of the 5th batch of freshmen admitted into the 17 newly created faculties at the Catholic University Institute (CUIB) Buea. The first part of the event started with a solemn high mass presided over by His Lordship Immanuel Bushu, the Bishop of the Diocese of Buea, who is also the Proprietor and Chancellor of CUIB. Bishop Bushu called on the students to be morally upright.
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| CUIB freshers pose for a photo with officials after matriculation |
Extreme North West
Blood shed feared as Fonfuka and Misaje quarrel over land
Tempers are reported to have flared last week between the two neighboring municipalities in the North West Region.
The Senior Divisional Officers for Donga Mantung and Boyo Division visited the disputed piece of land. The place known as Chiako by the people of Nkanchi and known as Kichiako by the people of Bum became the centre of controversy between the two neighboring villages.
Matters came to a head recently between the two villages. For over four months now, an atmosphere of stale familiarity looms large between the two. It is alleged that the problem escalated when the people of Fonfuka opted to construct a school on the said piece of land.
Tempers are reported to have flared last week between the two neighboring municipalities in the North West Region.
The Senior Divisional Officers for Donga Mantung and Boyo Division visited the disputed piece of land. The place known as Chiako by the people of Nkanchi and known as Kichiako by the people of Bum became the centre of controversy between the two neighboring villages.
Matters came to a head recently between the two villages. For over four months now, an atmosphere of stale familiarity looms large between the two. It is alleged that the problem escalated when the people of Fonfuka opted to construct a school on the said piece of land.
In Brief
Officers schooled on intelligence gathering
A two-week training workshop for military officers opened at the Military Academy EMIA in Yaounde on Tuesday 11-November 2014. Jointly organized by the Cameroon military and the US military cooperation, the training is intended to overhaul the skills of the officers in the domain of intelligence gathering and management, as a means towards fighting armed terrorism.
According to Cameroon’s chief of military intelligence, Navy Captain Ousmanou Mbouombouo, participants will during the workshop be schooled on effective collection, packaging, management and dissemination of intelligence data. Ousmanou Mbouombouo said the training will equip the trainees with what it takes to better understand the Boko Haram phenomenon. It will also help our defence forces to put up a better resistance against the insurgents.
A two-week training workshop for military officers opened at the Military Academy EMIA in Yaounde on Tuesday 11-November 2014. Jointly organized by the Cameroon military and the US military cooperation, the training is intended to overhaul the skills of the officers in the domain of intelligence gathering and management, as a means towards fighting armed terrorism.
According to Cameroon’s chief of military intelligence, Navy Captain Ousmanou Mbouombouo, participants will during the workshop be schooled on effective collection, packaging, management and dissemination of intelligence data. Ousmanou Mbouombouo said the training will equip the trainees with what it takes to better understand the Boko Haram phenomenon. It will also help our defence forces to put up a better resistance against the insurgents.
Entry into public service
Over 100.000 candidates compete for 3500 places
For any body who wants to have a picture of the unemployment rate in Cameroon today, it suffices for you to take a leisurely stroll around the “province” neighbourhood in down town Yaounde and witness the number of persons that are struggling to certify documents to enroll for one or more of the recently advertised entrance exams into the public service.
A rough estimate puts the number of candidates who have already completed and submitted their application files at something over 10.000 for the centre region alone. Workers of the SDO’s office in Yaounde project that about double this number would have applied for the different concours by the time the deadline expires in about a week’s time.
For any body who wants to have a picture of the unemployment rate in Cameroon today, it suffices for you to take a leisurely stroll around the “province” neighbourhood in down town Yaounde and witness the number of persons that are struggling to certify documents to enroll for one or more of the recently advertised entrance exams into the public service.
A rough estimate puts the number of candidates who have already completed and submitted their application files at something over 10.000 for the centre region alone. Workers of the SDO’s office in Yaounde project that about double this number would have applied for the different concours by the time the deadline expires in about a week’s time.
Work to start on B’da- Mbouda road
By Njodzefe Nestor in Bamenda
The Mbouda-Bamenda ring road that was being constructed by the French road construction company Razel but was stopped will soon be restarted.
These are the fallouts of Governor Awa meet the people tour of his region of command that took him to the four sub division of the division, that is Babadjou, Galim, Batcham and Mbouda central that serves as the head quarter of the Division.
In Mbouda like in Babadjou, Galim and Batcham, Governor Awa Augustine was reminded of his cultural back-ground. He was told that Mbouda in particular and the west as a whole are grass field cultural brothers and are bound to reason as one.
In each of the four sub division governor Awa Augustine was presented with a numerous problems like road infrastructures, chieftaincy conflict, water and electricity matters, land Saga and above all, health matters.
The Mbouda-Bamenda ring road that was being constructed by the French road construction company Razel but was stopped will soon be restarted.
These are the fallouts of Governor Awa meet the people tour of his region of command that took him to the four sub division of the division, that is Babadjou, Galim, Batcham and Mbouda central that serves as the head quarter of the Division.
In Mbouda like in Babadjou, Galim and Batcham, Governor Awa Augustine was reminded of his cultural back-ground. He was told that Mbouda in particular and the west as a whole are grass field cultural brothers and are bound to reason as one.
In each of the four sub division governor Awa Augustine was presented with a numerous problems like road infrastructures, chieftaincy conflict, water and electricity matters, land Saga and above all, health matters.
Reaction
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| Prof. Mike Yanou |
You just ended a seminar with representatives of the administration of universities and lecturers. What was the objective of the seminar?
We wanted University lecturers to understand the basic dynamics for dialogue; we wanted them to ensure that whenever there is a crisis within the university community they should be able to dialogue. We want teachers of universities to always resort to dialogue and not strikes, and for the university administration to know that dialogue is strength and not a weakness. We want our colleagues to inculcate the values of conciliation rather than rush into crisis. We also expect the university administration to see the need to talk with their colleagues of the trade unions because talking is not weakness but strength.
Crisis at UB
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| Dr. Nalova Lyonga |
Lecturers of UB last week confronted the Minister of Higher Education, Prof Fame Ndongo and prayed him to step in and save the careers of their two colleagues who are being “persecuted” by the university administration.
By Ojong Steven Ayukogem in Yaounde
In Cameroon, unlike in most anglo-saxon countries vice-chancellors of universities and even deans of faculties and provosts of specialized institutions of higher learning are appointed by the president of the republic and not elected by their peers. This creates a situation whereby appointed university managers pay allegiance only to the head of state, who appointed them, and never to their peers, and at times not even the supervisory minister of all universities- the minister of higher education.
It is against this backdrop that this reporter is wont to ask the question whether the vice chancellor of the University of Buea, Prof. Pauline Egbe Nalova Lyonga, will heed an appeal by the minister of higher education for lecturers and the administration of Universities to adopt dialogue as an instrument of administration and crisis management.
The VC has killed dialogue in UB
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| Dr Fontem Neba |
I saw you a while ago in a heated discussion with the Minister of Higher Education. What were you talking about?
We wanted the minister to have a true picture of the atmosphere that prevails in UB; we wanted him to know that the administration of the University of Buea has distorted the facts against two of our colleagues with the aim of punishing them unjustly. So, we presented the correct facts to the minister. Happily he has promised us that he will look into the matter. So we are waiting for that moment.
Over the past several years there have been recurrent strikes at the University of Buea. What is the fundamental problem in that university?
The fundamental problem is the absence of dialogue. The vice chancellor of the university has eschewed dialogue, she avoids dialogue by every means and we think that she is making a sad mistake. The avoidance of dialogue has landed us in needless quarrels and strikes, and we have wasted valuable time that we could have used to do many great things. I seize this opportunity to come back to the case of our two colleagues because it is a potential source of trouble at the University. Lecturers are grossly displeased with the manner in which the VC is running the university. We think that the VC is too authoritarian. We accepted her as a mother on the very first day she was appointed. But over time our disappointment was total and complete when we realized that she was all out to dispense with the teachers’ union. She went out on a punitive expedition to persecute our members especially members of the executive for yet unjustified reasons. These two colleagues are actually the 1st vice president and the welfare secretary of SYNES UB chapter. The lies that have been fabricated with the intention of destroying the careers of these two colleagues are just what we cannot condone. That is why we are doing everything to make sure that it doesn’t land us into yet another crisis.
Kumba City Council
Gov’t delegate at war with SDF grand councilors
By Johnson Mbu in Kumba
The antagonism between the Gov’t Delegate of Kumba and grand councilors of the three SDF-run sub divisional councils of Kumba appears to have assumed a preoccupying dimension. During a City Council Session on 7 November 2014, the Gov’t Delegate, Victor Nkele Ngoh chastised the SDF grand councilors for not serving the interest of the Kumba City but only their own selfish interests.
Speaking at the session, Nkele Ngoh said during this end of year session the grand councilors were expected to analyze the progress of revenue collection, deliberate on new rates for park fees and the acquisition of a FCFA 400 million FEICOM loan for the construction of commercial stalls at the Buea road park. He said earlier, during the mid-term session in July 2014 the councilors adopted a supplementary budget for the council.
By Johnson Mbu in Kumba
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| Gov't delegate, Victor Nkele Ngoh |
Speaking at the session, Nkele Ngoh said during this end of year session the grand councilors were expected to analyze the progress of revenue collection, deliberate on new rates for park fees and the acquisition of a FCFA 400 million FEICOM loan for the construction of commercial stalls at the Buea road park. He said earlier, during the mid-term session in July 2014 the councilors adopted a supplementary budget for the council.
32 years of New Deal
Tiko CPDM in coma
-Youths blame situation on visionless elders
By Francis Lenjo in Limbe
Nyam Calvin, the Sub-Section President for Tiko Central in the Fako 4 CPDM Section has proposed a formula to bail out Fako 4 from what he calls a comma. He reminded that a couple of years back he had referred to the party in Tiko as a snoring party. Now he said, the party is in a comma and needs an immediate cure.
He was speaking recently at the Tiko Holtfort field during the 32nd anniversary celebrations of President Biya’s coming to power. The CPDM he said had been divided but today the militants have decided to prevent the party from crumbling. “We have to keep the flame of the party burning,” he said, noting that President Biya during the past 32 years had kept Cameroon in peace.
"For 32 years we have enjoyed peace and we know that without peace, nothing can be done. I call on the party structures to be respected in Tiko. There are some charlatans who come in only during periods of elections and insist that they want to run for council or Parliament. This cannot be. You need to grow within the party to understand how it functions. People should not think that with bags full of money they can fight people who have exercised patience and stayed in the party for years."
-Youths blame situation on visionless elders
By Francis Lenjo in Limbe
Nyam Calvin, the Sub-Section President for Tiko Central in the Fako 4 CPDM Section has proposed a formula to bail out Fako 4 from what he calls a comma. He reminded that a couple of years back he had referred to the party in Tiko as a snoring party. Now he said, the party is in a comma and needs an immediate cure.
He was speaking recently at the Tiko Holtfort field during the 32nd anniversary celebrations of President Biya’s coming to power. The CPDM he said had been divided but today the militants have decided to prevent the party from crumbling. “We have to keep the flame of the party burning,” he said, noting that President Biya during the past 32 years had kept Cameroon in peace.
"For 32 years we have enjoyed peace and we know that without peace, nothing can be done. I call on the party structures to be respected in Tiko. There are some charlatans who come in only during periods of elections and insist that they want to run for council or Parliament. This cannot be. You need to grow within the party to understand how it functions. People should not think that with bags full of money they can fight people who have exercised patience and stayed in the party for years."
Babessi Council adopts 2015 budget
By Njodzefe Nestor in Bamenda
The sum of FCFA 625.081.000 balance both in revenue and expenditure has been adopted as the 2015 budget of Babessi Council. This was during the council’s budgetary session held recently and chaired by the 2nd assistant Senior Divisional Officer for Ngoketunja and attended by administrative, religious and traditional authorities of the division.
The 2015 budget of the council witnessed a remarkable increase of FCFA 274.831.000 up from that of 2014. According to Mayor Choh Bouba, the reason for the increase is that the present 2014 budget execution as at 31st October 2014 stands at FCFA 355.701.444 realization before the financial year ends saying more revenue will be collected. He went on to explain that the Council has budgeted new heads in revenue and expenditure and shall intensify revenue collection for 2015 budget. The budget, he said, is going to involve more revenue generating activities than social amenities contrary to the case with the 2014 budget.
The recurrent revenue he said is FCFA 417.981.000frs representing 66.9 percent while investment revenue is FCFA 207.100.000frs representing 33.132 percent of the total revenue. Meanwhile, operating expenditure he said stands as FCFA 303.581.000 representing 48.57% of the total expenditure, while investment expenses will stand at FCFA 321.500.000 representing 51.43% of the total revenue. The budget is backed by a plan of action that was adopted by the councilors during the council session.
The sum of FCFA 625.081.000 balance both in revenue and expenditure has been adopted as the 2015 budget of Babessi Council. This was during the council’s budgetary session held recently and chaired by the 2nd assistant Senior Divisional Officer for Ngoketunja and attended by administrative, religious and traditional authorities of the division.
The 2015 budget of the council witnessed a remarkable increase of FCFA 274.831.000 up from that of 2014. According to Mayor Choh Bouba, the reason for the increase is that the present 2014 budget execution as at 31st October 2014 stands at FCFA 355.701.444 realization before the financial year ends saying more revenue will be collected. He went on to explain that the Council has budgeted new heads in revenue and expenditure and shall intensify revenue collection for 2015 budget. The budget, he said, is going to involve more revenue generating activities than social amenities contrary to the case with the 2014 budget.
The recurrent revenue he said is FCFA 417.981.000frs representing 66.9 percent while investment revenue is FCFA 207.100.000frs representing 33.132 percent of the total revenue. Meanwhile, operating expenditure he said stands as FCFA 303.581.000 representing 48.57% of the total expenditure, while investment expenses will stand at FCFA 321.500.000 representing 51.43% of the total revenue. The budget is backed by a plan of action that was adopted by the councilors during the council session.
Buea
250 graduate from BIAKA nursing school
By Nyah Penn in Buea
Nursing is a noble profession. It was on Saturday 14 November, 2014 that the Regional Delegate of Public Health for the South West Region, Victor Njie Mbome made this declaration on the Convocation ceremony of the first batch of midwifes for the Saint Veronica’s Medical Centre, BIAKA in Buea. In an interview granted to the press, he stroke hard on the fact that the Ministry of Public Health, recognizes and appreciates the tremendous and relentless efforts of BIAKA over the close to 250 medical health professionals who graduated in different domains.
He stated emphatically that ‘’Nursing is a noble profession as nurses work to save the lives of sick persons.’’ He advised the graduates not to go in only for government jobs, but also seek employment in the private sector especially now that there are many private clinics around.
By Nyah Penn in Buea
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| Graduating nurses take Florence Nightingle oath |
He stated emphatically that ‘’Nursing is a noble profession as nurses work to save the lives of sick persons.’’ He advised the graduates not to go in only for government jobs, but also seek employment in the private sector especially now that there are many private clinics around.
PCC Bastos counts achievements at 57
By Cyprian Ntiamba Obi Ntui in Yaounde
Fifty seven years ago, the Basel Mission Church of Switzerland, founders of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon granted the local church full autonomy. By then, the PCC was found only in the English speaking regions of the country. Today, the PCC is planted in all the ten regions of the country while its membership has grown to over two million faithful.
To celebrate these achievements, the Yaounde Bastos Congregation yesterday 16 November, organized an open air service at its premises. Many church events are organized in Yaounde every week, but not many of them can carry the spiritual content that this event carried. In this regard, and to achieve the aim of feeding souls and not the flesh, an array of choral groups graced the event with soul touching renditions.
To kick start the occasion, the congregational choir sang, praising God for His goodness and compassion. With the song ended, various dignitaries who graced the gathering were recognized after which the Christian Women Fellowship choral group sang. This was followed by announcements before the Douala choir sang in a local language.
Fifty seven years ago, the Basel Mission Church of Switzerland, founders of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon granted the local church full autonomy. By then, the PCC was found only in the English speaking regions of the country. Today, the PCC is planted in all the ten regions of the country while its membership has grown to over two million faithful.
To celebrate these achievements, the Yaounde Bastos Congregation yesterday 16 November, organized an open air service at its premises. Many church events are organized in Yaounde every week, but not many of them can carry the spiritual content that this event carried. In this regard, and to achieve the aim of feeding souls and not the flesh, an array of choral groups graced the event with soul touching renditions.
To kick start the occasion, the congregational choir sang, praising God for His goodness and compassion. With the song ended, various dignitaries who graced the gathering were recognized after which the Christian Women Fellowship choral group sang. This was followed by announcements before the Douala choir sang in a local language.
No man died of Ebola in Ndop
- NW health Delegate
By Njodzefe Nestor in Bamenda
The North West regional Delegate of Public Health, Dr Ndiforchu Victor has dismissed as false a rumour which made rounds in Ndop and Bamenda and was reported by some Media houses that a boy who was admitted at the Ndop hospital on Tuesday Nov. 11, 2014 and died a day after had the dreaded ebola virus.
Dr Ndiforchu in a press release revealed that Medical officials at the Centre Pasteur in Yaoundé had confirmed the boy didn’t die of the Ebola virus as was initially feared.
According to Cameroon Journal an online portal that extensively reported on the issue, the boy, Etome Edeme, 22, had been brought into Ndop District Hospital from a Yaoundé hospital after falling sick and manifesting severe Ebola-like symptoms for six days. He arrieved the Ndop hospital Tuesday Nov 11 and the following day Wednesday Nov 12, he died and was hastily buried by officials of Ndop Council.
According to the portal, Etome Edeme was brought into Ndop from Yaoundé had been suffering from fever for about six days. He was admitted at the Ndop hospital and because of the Ebola-like symptoms that he was manifesting, the medical director; Dr. Bambo Emmanuel Ngala, for safety reasons resolved his case be treated as one with Ebola until proven otherwise.
By Njodzefe Nestor in Bamenda
The North West regional Delegate of Public Health, Dr Ndiforchu Victor has dismissed as false a rumour which made rounds in Ndop and Bamenda and was reported by some Media houses that a boy who was admitted at the Ndop hospital on Tuesday Nov. 11, 2014 and died a day after had the dreaded ebola virus.
Dr Ndiforchu in a press release revealed that Medical officials at the Centre Pasteur in Yaoundé had confirmed the boy didn’t die of the Ebola virus as was initially feared.
According to Cameroon Journal an online portal that extensively reported on the issue, the boy, Etome Edeme, 22, had been brought into Ndop District Hospital from a Yaoundé hospital after falling sick and manifesting severe Ebola-like symptoms for six days. He arrieved the Ndop hospital Tuesday Nov 11 and the following day Wednesday Nov 12, he died and was hastily buried by officials of Ndop Council.
According to the portal, Etome Edeme was brought into Ndop from Yaoundé had been suffering from fever for about six days. He was admitted at the Ndop hospital and because of the Ebola-like symptoms that he was manifesting, the medical director; Dr. Bambo Emmanuel Ngala, for safety reasons resolved his case be treated as one with Ebola until proven otherwise.
National Symbols, the State and the Nation
By Tazoacha Asonganyi, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria
We shall never tire of reminding us that the nation has two components: society and the state. The sovereign people are in society. It is the sovereign people that delegate their power to the state, and government’s role is to regulate the activities of society using what is usually banally described as the authority of the state. The relationship between the citizen and the government is usually conflicting because government always seeks to expand its power by encroaching on the freedoms of the sovereign citizen.
I say all this because I watched a person who was described on Canal 2 International Television as “Maitre Laurent Bondji” say that national symbols like the flag and the national anthem are the preserve of the government (or the state) or something of the sort. In other words, according to him, those who sing the national anthem at their political party meetings or village meetings or other occasions, to express the fact that the effort they are engaged in, is for the good of their country, do so in violation of some sacred code. In fact, during his declarations, pictures of political parties singing the national anthem at their party meetings were shown, probably to send the veiled message that what they were doing was not right.
Just before the World Cup in Brazil, Samuel Eto’o Fils, as Captain of the National Football Team, refused to take the Cameroon Flag from the Prime Minister. At that time, I said that the refusal - in protest - was a supreme act of political expression. This is because the flag is not an expression of state authority; it represents much more than that. Since the declarations of “Maitre Laurent Bondji” appeared to bear the stamp of the law because they were utterances of a “Maitre” (a lawyer), we shall borrow from the legal milieu to make the point that “Maitre Laurent Bondji” was wrong in stating that our national symbols are the preserve of the state and not of the nation.
Gregory Lee Johnson burned the American flag during the 1984 Republican national Convention in Dallas as a sign of his criticism of government and the Republican Convention’s actions. That started what has come to be known as the “flag burning” case in the US. In lower courts, he was convicted of violating a Texas law prohibiting any person from desecrating the American flag in a manner that would greatly offend others.
The conviction was appealed up to the Supreme Court. The Court ruled against the conviction on the ground that the flag (like other national symbols) reflects the principles of freedom and inclusiveness; it is a symbol for certain national ideals. Only treatment of these symbols that sends a message that is contrary to these ideals (of freedom and inclusiveness) is reprehensible.
The Court decision led to outrage especially in Republican circles, and Congress was pushed to enact the “Flag Protection Act of 1989.” The Act was promptly challenged in 1990 through a test case known as United States v Eichman (1990). The Supreme Court ruled that the Flag Protection Act was unconstitutional because it suppressed expression out of concern for the message expressed. The venerable Justice William J. Brennan Jr. is fondly remembered for these rulings of the Supreme Court.
The protected freedoms include speech, press, religion, assembly, association, and petition for redress of grievances. The US Supreme Court was indeed saying that even burning the flag was a form of protected speech; it was also sending a strong message that although government can regulate the exercise of these freedoms, it has no power to prevent them. This is because sovereignty is of the citizen, not of the government.
Wikipedia tells us that national anthems are national songs that are patriotic musical compositions that evoke and eulogise the history, traditions and struggles of its people. They are played or sung in various contexts, including during national events. National anthems are among the national symbols of a country. They belong to the nation which is owned by the sovereign people, not to the state or government which is an emanation of the people. Nobody can separate the national symbols from the sovereign people without devaluing the reason for which they exist.
We shall never tire of reminding us that the nation has two components: society and the state. The sovereign people are in society. It is the sovereign people that delegate their power to the state, and government’s role is to regulate the activities of society using what is usually banally described as the authority of the state. The relationship between the citizen and the government is usually conflicting because government always seeks to expand its power by encroaching on the freedoms of the sovereign citizen.
I say all this because I watched a person who was described on Canal 2 International Television as “Maitre Laurent Bondji” say that national symbols like the flag and the national anthem are the preserve of the government (or the state) or something of the sort. In other words, according to him, those who sing the national anthem at their political party meetings or village meetings or other occasions, to express the fact that the effort they are engaged in, is for the good of their country, do so in violation of some sacred code. In fact, during his declarations, pictures of political parties singing the national anthem at their party meetings were shown, probably to send the veiled message that what they were doing was not right.
Just before the World Cup in Brazil, Samuel Eto’o Fils, as Captain of the National Football Team, refused to take the Cameroon Flag from the Prime Minister. At that time, I said that the refusal - in protest - was a supreme act of political expression. This is because the flag is not an expression of state authority; it represents much more than that. Since the declarations of “Maitre Laurent Bondji” appeared to bear the stamp of the law because they were utterances of a “Maitre” (a lawyer), we shall borrow from the legal milieu to make the point that “Maitre Laurent Bondji” was wrong in stating that our national symbols are the preserve of the state and not of the nation.
Gregory Lee Johnson burned the American flag during the 1984 Republican national Convention in Dallas as a sign of his criticism of government and the Republican Convention’s actions. That started what has come to be known as the “flag burning” case in the US. In lower courts, he was convicted of violating a Texas law prohibiting any person from desecrating the American flag in a manner that would greatly offend others.
The conviction was appealed up to the Supreme Court. The Court ruled against the conviction on the ground that the flag (like other national symbols) reflects the principles of freedom and inclusiveness; it is a symbol for certain national ideals. Only treatment of these symbols that sends a message that is contrary to these ideals (of freedom and inclusiveness) is reprehensible.
The Court decision led to outrage especially in Republican circles, and Congress was pushed to enact the “Flag Protection Act of 1989.” The Act was promptly challenged in 1990 through a test case known as United States v Eichman (1990). The Supreme Court ruled that the Flag Protection Act was unconstitutional because it suppressed expression out of concern for the message expressed. The venerable Justice William J. Brennan Jr. is fondly remembered for these rulings of the Supreme Court.
The protected freedoms include speech, press, religion, assembly, association, and petition for redress of grievances. The US Supreme Court was indeed saying that even burning the flag was a form of protected speech; it was also sending a strong message that although government can regulate the exercise of these freedoms, it has no power to prevent them. This is because sovereignty is of the citizen, not of the government.
Wikipedia tells us that national anthems are national songs that are patriotic musical compositions that evoke and eulogise the history, traditions and struggles of its people. They are played or sung in various contexts, including during national events. National anthems are among the national symbols of a country. They belong to the nation which is owned by the sovereign people, not to the state or government which is an emanation of the people. Nobody can separate the national symbols from the sovereign people without devaluing the reason for which they exist.
Enhancing councils’ performance towards an emerging Cameroon
By Cyprian Ntiamba Obi Ntui in Yaounde
Any keen observer of the way councils operate in Cameroon will agree that a certain docility envelopes them. They are not just lukewarm, but they function as though there is nothing at stake so there is no need to be worried. But there is a need not only to be worried but also to be in a hurry because underdevelopment is a disease that is killing masses of Cameroonians everyday.
The ineptitude of councils in Cameroon is not unconnected with the fact that the central government (Yaounde) has not yet thought it fit to maximally empower these institutions. Councils are supposed to be purveyors of development at the grassroots. What councils do or do not do in Cameroon touches the ordinary citizen directly. So if Cameroon has to emerge or if it has to assume the status of an emerging nation in twenty years time, then the present status quo must change.
Councils, whether urban or rural need to be active participants in the drive to pull Cameroon out of the morass of underdevelopment. Underdevelopment is indicated in widespread poverty and misery among a greater part of Cameroon’s population. It manifests in the absence of basic infrastructure like roads, electricity, portable water supply, affordable healthcare and so on. These are all taken for granted elsewhere. The phenomenon is also indicated in the malfunctioning or outright inability for these basic necessities to function even where they exist.
Any keen observer of the way councils operate in Cameroon will agree that a certain docility envelopes them. They are not just lukewarm, but they function as though there is nothing at stake so there is no need to be worried. But there is a need not only to be worried but also to be in a hurry because underdevelopment is a disease that is killing masses of Cameroonians everyday.
The ineptitude of councils in Cameroon is not unconnected with the fact that the central government (Yaounde) has not yet thought it fit to maximally empower these institutions. Councils are supposed to be purveyors of development at the grassroots. What councils do or do not do in Cameroon touches the ordinary citizen directly. So if Cameroon has to emerge or if it has to assume the status of an emerging nation in twenty years time, then the present status quo must change.
Councils, whether urban or rural need to be active participants in the drive to pull Cameroon out of the morass of underdevelopment. Underdevelopment is indicated in widespread poverty and misery among a greater part of Cameroon’s population. It manifests in the absence of basic infrastructure like roads, electricity, portable water supply, affordable healthcare and so on. These are all taken for granted elsewhere. The phenomenon is also indicated in the malfunctioning or outright inability for these basic necessities to function even where they exist.
Former lion, Valery Mezague found dead
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| Valery Mezague |
This was made known in a release by Sporting Toulon Var: ‘It is with great sadness that Sporting Toulon informs you of the death of Valery Mezague.”
According to reports by the French police, Mezague’s death has not being treated as suspicious, but an autopsy will be carried on Monday to determine the cause of the death.
“ An autopsy will take place on Monday, but at the moment we don`t believe the death to be suspicious,” said a spokesman for the Toulon prosecutor`s office.
The 30-year-old midfielder, who was part Sporting Toulon in the French fifth division, has made seven appearances for the Cameroon National team from 2003-2004.
SW DII Mini- Interpools
Treviso FC faces best stars FC in finals
The finals of the Southwest Regional League Mini-interpools which took place on Thursday, November 13, pit newly promoted Treviso FC of Kumba against Best Stars of Limbe at the Molyko Omnisport Stadium.
Treviso FC that were considered as wet nose before the start of the tourney, turned out to be the giant slayers. In their campaign in the tourney, they defeated favorites Buea United 1-0 at the quarter finals and later on Cinyodev with the same score line at the semi finals to set up their first Mini-interpool finals in the club’s history against Best Stars fc.
The finals of the Southwest Regional League Mini-interpools which took place on Thursday, November 13, pit newly promoted Treviso FC of Kumba against Best Stars of Limbe at the Molyko Omnisport Stadium.
Treviso FC that were considered as wet nose before the start of the tourney, turned out to be the giant slayers. In their campaign in the tourney, they defeated favorites Buea United 1-0 at the quarter finals and later on Cinyodev with the same score line at the semi finals to set up their first Mini-interpool finals in the club’s history against Best Stars fc.
Lions defeat DRC 1- 0, qualify for 2015 AFCON
The Indomitable Lions have defeated Dr Congo 1-0 to qualify for the African Nations Cup after to consecutive failures. Aboubakar scored the goal that Liberated Lions at the 64th minute into the encounter just some minutes after replacing Choupo Moting who apparently was not in his element.
It was during this second half that the game gathered some steam after a lackluster first half in which the Lions shot right into the waiting hands of Congolese keeper, Kidiba Robert with a unique hairstyle.
During this time Cameroon goalkeeper, Fabrice Ondoua was idling in his post and only got busy in the second half.
Ondoua got rattled when he made a poor appreciation of the ball and missing his save collided with Congolese attacker.
It was during this second half that the game gathered some steam after a lackluster first half in which the Lions shot right into the waiting hands of Congolese keeper, Kidiba Robert with a unique hairstyle.
During this time Cameroon goalkeeper, Fabrice Ondoua was idling in his post and only got busy in the second half.
Ondoua got rattled when he made a poor appreciation of the ball and missing his save collided with Congolese attacker.
Monday, 10 November 2014
Lessons from Burkina Faso
Biya has legality but not legitimacy
-Albert Ngome Kome, former minister and former DG
A couple of years ago, BLAISE COMPAORE was re-elected president of BURKINA FASO by over 80% of the electorate. How come that the same people who are supposed to have voted him to power are the same people who have chased him out of power? This is sure proof that elections in Francophone Africa with a few exceptions (Senegal, Mali…) are a sham! The President who organizes the elections always ends up winning. This explains why they stay in power for decades claiming that they are there according to the wishes of the people. Which people?
Those who cite countries in which there is no limitation in Presidential mandates to justify a constitutional amendment fail to see the high level of democracy in those countries as compared to our Francophone countries. There we have REAL democracy as opposed to our FAKE democracy. Elections there are fair, free and transparent and the results reflect the wishes of the people. That explains why the losers in those countries hasten to congratulate the winners while in our countries; the losers hasten to contest the victory of the supposed winners.
-Albert Ngome Kome, former minister and former DG
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| Albert Ngome Kome |
Those who cite countries in which there is no limitation in Presidential mandates to justify a constitutional amendment fail to see the high level of democracy in those countries as compared to our Francophone countries. There we have REAL democracy as opposed to our FAKE democracy. Elections there are fair, free and transparent and the results reflect the wishes of the people. That explains why the losers in those countries hasten to congratulate the winners while in our countries; the losers hasten to contest the victory of the supposed winners.
African Heads of State who fled their palaces in terror!
Amadou Toumani Touré (President of Mali, 2002 – 2012)
While the Touaregue rebels were wrecking havoc in the North of Mali, President Amadou Toumani Touré was going about his daily businesses as though nothing was happening. Angered by his inaction, a group of military officers took the Mali Radio and Television (Ortm) hostage and were heading towards the presidential palace when Toumani Touré fled for his life. That was on 21 March, 2012.
He escaped at about 6:00 p.m. through the western end of Koulouba, one of the hills on which the Malian presidential palace is perched, together with his aide de camp and three soldiers who sometimes carried him on their backs because the fleeing President had a bad knee.
François Bozizé (President of CAR, 2003 – 2013)
The rebels who dislodged François Bozizé from the Renaissance Presidential Palace of the Central African Republic (CAR) were known as the Seleka. On 22 March 2013, four months after they began their rebellion, two groups of Seleka rebels numbering about 2000 each entered Bangui and got to the Bozizé’s palace 48 hours later.
The latter got up early that morning to hear the sound of guns all over the place. Shortly after, his immediate bodyguard was killed. Time for Bozizé to flee! Together with his aide de camp and two of his sons he took the direction of the Rouz Camp where a helicopter was waiting for them. Their first stop was Batouri in the East region of Cameroon and later Yaounde.
Mobutu Sese Seko (President of Zaire, 1965 – 1997)
It took Laurent-Désiré Kabila, supported by Rwanda and Uganda, nine months to get to Kinshasa, after successively capturing Goma, Kisangani, Lumumbashi and Kenge. The latter town is a few kilometers away from Kinshasa, and while Kabila and his men were there, Mobutu was still in his official Tshatshi residence in Kinshasa, hoping to head a transition government.
However, when word got to him in the wee hours of 16 May, 1997 that the rebels were very close, he hastened to the Ndjili airport from where he flew to his bastion in Gbadoilte in the Equator province, North West of the then Zaire. But the Leopard was still not safe. Reason why he escaped to Togo the following day when Kabila and his men finally took over Kinshasa.
Mouammar El Gaddafi (President of Libya, 1969 – 2011)
The West was not at ease with Gaddafi and so wanted him dead. The rebellion against him reached its apex in August 2011 when the Libyan ‘Guide” appeared on state TV in military uniform (23 August), challenged the members of the National Transition Council, his enemies, calling them “rats”.
By this time, Gaddafi had already been dislodged from Tripoli and was in hiding in his stronghold of Syrte. The rebels finally penetrated Syrte in October of that year and forced Gaddafi, supported by a few of his bodyguards, to hide in a tunnel where his enemies got hold of him and took away his life.
Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali (President of Tunisia, 1987 – 2011)
The uprising in Tunisia that involved tens of thousands of protesters asking for the departure of Ben Ali was very popular. Less than one month after it began, it was clear to many that the President would not withstand it. But the latter did not immediately see the danger, especially the head of the presidential guard, General Ali Seriati, kept deceiving him that all would be fine.
When danger was more than imminent on 14 January, 2011, the General asked his boss to leave the country and permit him to put things back into order before he could return. The person who readily granted Ben Ali asylum was his old friend, Nayel Ben Abdelaziz Al Saoud, the Saudi minister of Interior, whom he called on the afternoon of that day.
And so, accompanied by his wife, Leïla Trabelsi, and some members of his family they left Tunis at about 5:45 p.m. through Boeing 737 of El-Aouina.
Henri Konan Bédié (President of Ivory Coast, 1993 – 1999)
Christmas 1999 was very traumatizing for Konan Bédié. Early in the morning of 23 December, a small group of soldiers of the Akouédo Barracks rose in one voice, demanding the payment of their allowances and salary arrears. This did not however stop Bédié from visiting his hometown of Daoukro.
In the afternoon, the mutineers took over the national radio and television almost effortlessly. That was when Bédié knew matters were serious. He hurriedly returned to Abidjan. At night, the soldiers went as far as to Kabacouma in the west of the country to look for their leader, General Robert Gueï who, the following morning, announced the destitution of President Konan Bédié and the formation of a National Salvation Committee.
Bédié had to take refuge in the residence of the French ambassador after passing through the famous tunnel that is built between the presidential palace and the ambassador’s residence. Together with his wife Henriette and some close ones, he was eventually evacuated to Port-Bouet before they flew to Togo by helicopter.
Pascal Lissouba (President of Conge, 1992-1997)
Congo sank into civil war at the beginning of June 1997. The combatants: the “Cobras” of Denis Sassou Nguesso and the forces of President Pascal Lissouba. At one point, Lissouba was forced to fly out of the country, particularly to the southern part of Africa, to seek support. But the attack of Nguesso’s men was very incisive and by 10 October, they were already in Brazaville.
Upon return home, Pascal Lissouba saw hell. Sassou’s camp, supported by Angola, fought fiercely for a number days, forcing Lissouba to retreat to his native Dolisie situated not far from Brazzaville. It was from there that he entered Gabon on the night of 17 October. Over 10 000 people died in the civil war, that saw the return to power of Sassou Nguesso.
While the Touaregue rebels were wrecking havoc in the North of Mali, President Amadou Toumani Touré was going about his daily businesses as though nothing was happening. Angered by his inaction, a group of military officers took the Mali Radio and Television (Ortm) hostage and were heading towards the presidential palace when Toumani Touré fled for his life. That was on 21 March, 2012.
He escaped at about 6:00 p.m. through the western end of Koulouba, one of the hills on which the Malian presidential palace is perched, together with his aide de camp and three soldiers who sometimes carried him on their backs because the fleeing President had a bad knee.
François Bozizé (President of CAR, 2003 – 2013)
The rebels who dislodged François Bozizé from the Renaissance Presidential Palace of the Central African Republic (CAR) were known as the Seleka. On 22 March 2013, four months after they began their rebellion, two groups of Seleka rebels numbering about 2000 each entered Bangui and got to the Bozizé’s palace 48 hours later.
The latter got up early that morning to hear the sound of guns all over the place. Shortly after, his immediate bodyguard was killed. Time for Bozizé to flee! Together with his aide de camp and two of his sons he took the direction of the Rouz Camp where a helicopter was waiting for them. Their first stop was Batouri in the East region of Cameroon and later Yaounde.
Mobutu Sese Seko (President of Zaire, 1965 – 1997)
It took Laurent-Désiré Kabila, supported by Rwanda and Uganda, nine months to get to Kinshasa, after successively capturing Goma, Kisangani, Lumumbashi and Kenge. The latter town is a few kilometers away from Kinshasa, and while Kabila and his men were there, Mobutu was still in his official Tshatshi residence in Kinshasa, hoping to head a transition government.
However, when word got to him in the wee hours of 16 May, 1997 that the rebels were very close, he hastened to the Ndjili airport from where he flew to his bastion in Gbadoilte in the Equator province, North West of the then Zaire. But the Leopard was still not safe. Reason why he escaped to Togo the following day when Kabila and his men finally took over Kinshasa.
Mouammar El Gaddafi (President of Libya, 1969 – 2011)
The West was not at ease with Gaddafi and so wanted him dead. The rebellion against him reached its apex in August 2011 when the Libyan ‘Guide” appeared on state TV in military uniform (23 August), challenged the members of the National Transition Council, his enemies, calling them “rats”.
By this time, Gaddafi had already been dislodged from Tripoli and was in hiding in his stronghold of Syrte. The rebels finally penetrated Syrte in October of that year and forced Gaddafi, supported by a few of his bodyguards, to hide in a tunnel where his enemies got hold of him and took away his life.
Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali (President of Tunisia, 1987 – 2011)
The uprising in Tunisia that involved tens of thousands of protesters asking for the departure of Ben Ali was very popular. Less than one month after it began, it was clear to many that the President would not withstand it. But the latter did not immediately see the danger, especially the head of the presidential guard, General Ali Seriati, kept deceiving him that all would be fine.
When danger was more than imminent on 14 January, 2011, the General asked his boss to leave the country and permit him to put things back into order before he could return. The person who readily granted Ben Ali asylum was his old friend, Nayel Ben Abdelaziz Al Saoud, the Saudi minister of Interior, whom he called on the afternoon of that day.
And so, accompanied by his wife, Leïla Trabelsi, and some members of his family they left Tunis at about 5:45 p.m. through Boeing 737 of El-Aouina.
Henri Konan Bédié (President of Ivory Coast, 1993 – 1999)
Christmas 1999 was very traumatizing for Konan Bédié. Early in the morning of 23 December, a small group of soldiers of the Akouédo Barracks rose in one voice, demanding the payment of their allowances and salary arrears. This did not however stop Bédié from visiting his hometown of Daoukro.
In the afternoon, the mutineers took over the national radio and television almost effortlessly. That was when Bédié knew matters were serious. He hurriedly returned to Abidjan. At night, the soldiers went as far as to Kabacouma in the west of the country to look for their leader, General Robert Gueï who, the following morning, announced the destitution of President Konan Bédié and the formation of a National Salvation Committee.
Bédié had to take refuge in the residence of the French ambassador after passing through the famous tunnel that is built between the presidential palace and the ambassador’s residence. Together with his wife Henriette and some close ones, he was eventually evacuated to Port-Bouet before they flew to Togo by helicopter.
Pascal Lissouba (President of Conge, 1992-1997)
Congo sank into civil war at the beginning of June 1997. The combatants: the “Cobras” of Denis Sassou Nguesso and the forces of President Pascal Lissouba. At one point, Lissouba was forced to fly out of the country, particularly to the southern part of Africa, to seek support. But the attack of Nguesso’s men was very incisive and by 10 October, they were already in Brazaville.
Upon return home, Pascal Lissouba saw hell. Sassou’s camp, supported by Angola, fought fiercely for a number days, forcing Lissouba to retreat to his native Dolisie situated not far from Brazzaville. It was from there that he entered Gabon on the night of 17 October. Over 10 000 people died in the civil war, that saw the return to power of Sassou Nguesso.
Blaise Compaoré puts sand into Biya’s garri?
Thoughts about the fall of Blaise Compaoré after 27 years of rule not only darkened the atmosphere during the commemoration of the 32nd anniversary of President Biya’s ascension to power but also put to question the president’s plans for 2018
By Esan-Ekoninyam
The tragic and disgraceful exit from power of President Blaise Compaoré of Burkina Faso, critics say, does not augur well for his Cameroonian mentor, Paul Biya. Coming at a time when the latter is commemorating his (hold your breath) 32nd year in office, it has been described by pundits as a warning signal to those who feasted on 6 November (the day Biya came to power) that the ailment that affects cocoa cripples coffee as well.
If there is any one Head of State on the African continent who inspired the fallen Burkinabe strong man, it is President Paul Biya. Marveled by the Cameroonian leader’s charisma and determination to rule his country for years on end, Compaoré who overthrew his childhood mate, close friend and colleague, Captain Thomas Sankara, in a bloody coup d’état in 1987, sought to develop Biya-like wings and fly along with him.
By Esan-Ekoninyam
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| Blaise Compaoré |
If there is any one Head of State on the African continent who inspired the fallen Burkinabe strong man, it is President Paul Biya. Marveled by the Cameroonian leader’s charisma and determination to rule his country for years on end, Compaoré who overthrew his childhood mate, close friend and colleague, Captain Thomas Sankara, in a bloody coup d’état in 1987, sought to develop Biya-like wings and fly along with him.
The Burkina Faso situation can happen in Cameroon
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| Dr. Eric Mathias Owona Nguini |
In an exclusive interview with French language newspaper, La Météo, the no-nonsense political scientist, Mathias Eric Owona Nguini, summarizes the reason for the fall of President Blaise Compaoré of Burkina Faso as the absence of a credible, long-lasting and serious institutional system, which is the case with most African countries. Amongst other things, he says he does not wish to see the disgraced President appear before the International Criminal Tribunal, and sees a clear link between Burkina Faso and Cameroon. The Median translated the interview for your reading pleasure
How do you appreciate the political crisis which led to the fall of Blaise Compaore of Burkina Faso?
The political crisis that took place in Burkina Faso is largely as a result of the system of endless rule which is characteristic of a number of political regimes in Africa. A system in which the central chief, i.e. the President, tries to stay as long as possible, even to the detriment of the collective interest of the state or of his political group. Clearly, the Burkinabes were tired of the long stay of President Blaise Compaoré in power (27 years) and were waiting to have other leaders. Within the framework of this crisis, President Blaise Compaoré thought that like some of his colleagues in other African countries he could thwart the clause of the limitation of the Presidential mandate in order to have the opportunity again to present his candidature in the 2015 presidential election. However, a great part of the population as well as leaders and political party bigwigs refused to listen to him.
Prof. Kale Ewusi is new Director of UN Peace University
United Nations University for Peace
OFFICE OF THE RECTOR
Ref/UN/UP/AP 002 Ciudad Colon, San Jose,
Note Verbale
The United Nations University for Peace presents its compliments to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the African Union Commission, all Diplomatic Missions, UN Agencies and Non-Government Agencies and has the honour to inform that Prof Samuel Kale Ewusi, has been appointed as the new Director of the Africa Regional Office of the United Nations University for Peace with residence in Ethiopia and assume his official functions on October 16, 2014. He replaces Dr Jean Bosco Butera from Rwanda.
The Representation Office of the United Nations University for Peace wishes to avail itself of this opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, African Union Commission, all Diplomatic Missions, UN Agencies as well as Non-Governmental Organizations the assurances of its highest consideration and esteem.
OFFICE OF THE RECTOR
Ref/UN/UP/AP 002 Ciudad Colon, San Jose,
Note Verbale
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| Prof. Kale Ewusi |
The Representation Office of the United Nations University for Peace wishes to avail itself of this opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, African Union Commission, all Diplomatic Missions, UN Agencies as well as Non-Governmental Organizations the assurances of its highest consideration and esteem.
Burkina Faso
Black spring indeed?
By Cyprian Ntiamba Obi Ntui in Yaounde
Some media organs, especially those of the Western world, have described the unceremonious exit of Blaise Compaore as the on set of “The Black Spring.”
They and even some individuals are insinuating that what happened in Tunisia, Egypt, Lybia, Syria and other Arab countries will spiral across other countries in Africa South of the Sahara.
It is worth noting that it was the media that gave the tag “Arab spring” to those uprisings.
In normal circumstances, when we talk of “Spring” we are referring to season of freshness and greenery – The onset of a time to sow so that you can reap a great harvest.
But the turmoil that has continued to hold sway in nations that went through the so called “Arab Spring” should serve as a warning to Cameroon that still enjoys a certain measure of stability. Even other African nations that are still experimenting their fragile democratic systems should not see Burkina Faso and Arab Spring nations as good examples to follow.
By Cyprian Ntiamba Obi Ntui in Yaounde
Some media organs, especially those of the Western world, have described the unceremonious exit of Blaise Compaore as the on set of “The Black Spring.”
They and even some individuals are insinuating that what happened in Tunisia, Egypt, Lybia, Syria and other Arab countries will spiral across other countries in Africa South of the Sahara.
It is worth noting that it was the media that gave the tag “Arab spring” to those uprisings.
In normal circumstances, when we talk of “Spring” we are referring to season of freshness and greenery – The onset of a time to sow so that you can reap a great harvest.
But the turmoil that has continued to hold sway in nations that went through the so called “Arab Spring” should serve as a warning to Cameroon that still enjoys a certain measure of stability. Even other African nations that are still experimenting their fragile democratic systems should not see Burkina Faso and Arab Spring nations as good examples to follow.
Strongmen in Africa
Burkina Faso and Others
By Tazoacha Asonganyi in Yaounde
Africa is weighed down by regimes of “strongmen.” They are virtually all over the continent, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. They are characterized by the centralization of power in the hands of one man who, alone, decides on the fate of all state institutions and activities. In general, such state institutions are weak, and play all types of games in the interest of the strongman.
Strongmen use all types of ruses to maintain their power: they organize regular, cosmetic elections; are the guarantors of the “independence” of the judicial power in the place of the constitution; ensure that judiciaries are prone to using technicalities not substance to judge “political” conflicts; have absolute control over the legislature which exists only to rubber stamp laws they propose to protect their power; proclaim themselves guarantors of “peace and stability”; make corruption a strong weapon of control; and organize periodic meetings/dialogues/tripartite/consultations with the “opposition.”
By Tazoacha Asonganyi in Yaounde
Africa is weighed down by regimes of “strongmen.” They are virtually all over the continent, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. They are characterized by the centralization of power in the hands of one man who, alone, decides on the fate of all state institutions and activities. In general, such state institutions are weak, and play all types of games in the interest of the strongman.
Strongmen use all types of ruses to maintain their power: they organize regular, cosmetic elections; are the guarantors of the “independence” of the judicial power in the place of the constitution; ensure that judiciaries are prone to using technicalities not substance to judge “political” conflicts; have absolute control over the legislature which exists only to rubber stamp laws they propose to protect their power; proclaim themselves guarantors of “peace and stability”; make corruption a strong weapon of control; and organize periodic meetings/dialogues/tripartite/consultations with the “opposition.”
32 years of New Deal
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| Paul Biya |
By Cyprian Ntiamba Obi Ntui in Yaounde
When one looks at the political landscape in Cameroon, one gets the impression that English speaking Cameroonians do not yet know what they are in for. This is disheartening because it is more than half a century since reunification took place. Last Thursday, 6 November, CPDM militants joined President Biya in celebrations marking thirty two years of his reign. Both English and French speaking Cameroonians joined in the feasting. But the question that begs an answer is: did Anglophones have enough reason to celebrate with Biya?
All over the world, democratic politics remains a game of numbers. It is a game in which the majority takes all. Based on this yardstick therefore, French speaking Cameroonians have always tended to view their English speaking brothers as people who are asking for too much. If English speaking Cameroonians want more from this polity and if maximum fulfillment is what will give them that sense of belonging then they must go back to the drawing board.
Fecafoot elections
Sen. Mbella Moki re-elected in SW
- Kaba Christopher gets easy win in NW, as J.B. Ndeh withdraws in the 11th hour
By Ojong Steven Ayukogem in Yaounde
A margin of one vote was enough to give incumbent Mbella Moki victory in the race to the presidency of South West Fecafoot.
Senator Mbella Moki claimed 7 votes after the final vote count, as against 6 votes for his challenger Barrister Nkongho Felix Agbor-Anyior aka Agbor Balla.
Commentators at the election venue said Senator Mbella Moki could not control his joy when Prof. Ephraim Ngwafor, the Fecafoot Commissioner of the election, proclaimed him the winner.
Mbella later admitted to The Median that it was not an easy victory for him, especially as his challenger, Agbor Balla was no push-over.
“It was a difficult and tight election. But at the end God was on my side,” a discernibly happy yet composed Senator Mbella Moki said, calling on his challenger, Barrister Agbor Balla to take the defeat like a sportsman.
For his part, Barrister Agbor Balla has not yet conceded defeat. Talking to The Median on phone Barrister Agbor Balla said the election was mired by irregularities and that the Fecafoot commissioner Prof Ephraim Ngwafor was anything but objective and neutral. Balla said he has petitioned the Fecafoot normalization committee to seek redress for the “fraud and partiality”.
But Barrister Balla at once also admitted that it was a good and enriching experience.
- Kaba Christopher gets easy win in NW, as J.B. Ndeh withdraws in the 11th hour
By Ojong Steven Ayukogem in Yaounde
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| Sen. Mbella Moki |
Senator Mbella Moki claimed 7 votes after the final vote count, as against 6 votes for his challenger Barrister Nkongho Felix Agbor-Anyior aka Agbor Balla.
Commentators at the election venue said Senator Mbella Moki could not control his joy when Prof. Ephraim Ngwafor, the Fecafoot Commissioner of the election, proclaimed him the winner.
Mbella later admitted to The Median that it was not an easy victory for him, especially as his challenger, Agbor Balla was no push-over.
“It was a difficult and tight election. But at the end God was on my side,” a discernibly happy yet composed Senator Mbella Moki said, calling on his challenger, Barrister Agbor Balla to take the defeat like a sportsman.
For his part, Barrister Agbor Balla has not yet conceded defeat. Talking to The Median on phone Barrister Agbor Balla said the election was mired by irregularities and that the Fecafoot commissioner Prof Ephraim Ngwafor was anything but objective and neutral. Balla said he has petitioned the Fecafoot normalization committee to seek redress for the “fraud and partiality”.
But Barrister Balla at once also admitted that it was a good and enriching experience.
Presbyterian Church in Cameroon
Bastos Parish welcomes associate pastor
- Rev. Achah Gerald Ngoh, 40, was officially presented to the Bastos Congregation during an induction service on Sunday 2 November 2014
Presiding at the induction service, the Presbyterial Secretary of the East Mungo North Presbytery, who doubles as Parish Pastor of Bastos, Rev. Samuel Fonki exhorted faithful of the Parish to receive Rev. Achah Gerald as a God’s servant who has been sent to guide them. He urged the congregation to respect the new associate pastor and support and pray for him to succeed in his biblical mission.
In his homily during the induction service, Rev. Fonki preaching on the theme: They broke bread together, called on faithful to learn to share with one another.
“Small is never too small; the more you have the more you should be able to share with others,” exhorted Rev. Fonki, who called on church faithful not to accumulate for themselves when others are in need.
The Rev. noted that though we live in a greed conscious society, the greedy can only service when they learn to share; and will lose their lives and humanity when they refuse to share.”
In this vain, Rev. Fonki reminded associate pastor Achah that as Christ’s anointed servant he should be able to teach God’s followers how to share with one another.
- Rev. Achah Gerald Ngoh, 40, was officially presented to the Bastos Congregation during an induction service on Sunday 2 November 2014
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| Rev. Samuel Fonki |
In his homily during the induction service, Rev. Fonki preaching on the theme: They broke bread together, called on faithful to learn to share with one another.
“Small is never too small; the more you have the more you should be able to share with others,” exhorted Rev. Fonki, who called on church faithful not to accumulate for themselves when others are in need.
The Rev. noted that though we live in a greed conscious society, the greedy can only service when they learn to share; and will lose their lives and humanity when they refuse to share.”
In this vain, Rev. Fonki reminded associate pastor Achah that as Christ’s anointed servant he should be able to teach God’s followers how to share with one another.
Coronation
Igbos in Cameroon enthrone their torch-bearer
Eze Jonathan Onyenagubor was crowned as the Eze Gburu Gburu 1 of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo in Cameroon as well as the Ambassador for Peace. The coronation took place on Sunday October 19, 2014 in Tiko in the Southwest Region, with the new leader calling on Nigerians here to respect the laws of their host country Cameroon.
By Fen Lenjo in Tiko
The coronation proper was presided over by the Chief of the Nigerian Community in the petroleum city of Limbe, HRH Dr. Odirichukwu assisted by Chiefs from Fako Division under the watchful eyes of the Senior Divisional Officer for Fako, Zang III.
The colourful coronation saw the ritualistic wearing on the Eze Gburu Gburu one of the traditional bangle as a sign of power, a necklace indicating royalty and success, and the handing of a traditional fan as a sign of peace, a staff indicating firmness in decisions and duties as well as a royal cap. It was in fact a veritable demonstration of the beauty of African traditions and customs.
The crowned traditional head HRH Eze Jonathan Onyenagubor summed up the importance of the event in the following words: “Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo refers to the entire Igbo tribe. My responsibility from today will be to protect and valorize the Igbo culture in Cameroon and to maintain the chieftaincy title and be the king maker of Ndi Igbo. As an Ambassador for peace I want Cameroonian authorities to know that Africa is one. Cameroon and Nigeria are brotherly nations. I call on Nigerians here to be law-abiding because when you respect the laws of a country you will live freely. I want to congratulate President Goodluck Jonathan before the 2015 Presidential Elections because he is going to win the elections.”
Eze Jonathan Onyenagubor was crowned as the Eze Gburu Gburu 1 of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo in Cameroon as well as the Ambassador for Peace. The coronation took place on Sunday October 19, 2014 in Tiko in the Southwest Region, with the new leader calling on Nigerians here to respect the laws of their host country Cameroon.
By Fen Lenjo in Tiko
The coronation proper was presided over by the Chief of the Nigerian Community in the petroleum city of Limbe, HRH Dr. Odirichukwu assisted by Chiefs from Fako Division under the watchful eyes of the Senior Divisional Officer for Fako, Zang III.
The colourful coronation saw the ritualistic wearing on the Eze Gburu Gburu one of the traditional bangle as a sign of power, a necklace indicating royalty and success, and the handing of a traditional fan as a sign of peace, a staff indicating firmness in decisions and duties as well as a royal cap. It was in fact a veritable demonstration of the beauty of African traditions and customs.
The crowned traditional head HRH Eze Jonathan Onyenagubor summed up the importance of the event in the following words: “Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo refers to the entire Igbo tribe. My responsibility from today will be to protect and valorize the Igbo culture in Cameroon and to maintain the chieftaincy title and be the king maker of Ndi Igbo. As an Ambassador for peace I want Cameroonian authorities to know that Africa is one. Cameroon and Nigeria are brotherly nations. I call on Nigerians here to be law-abiding because when you respect the laws of a country you will live freely. I want to congratulate President Goodluck Jonathan before the 2015 Presidential Elections because he is going to win the elections.”
New Deal at 32
K’ba CPDM celebrate Biya with pomp
By Johnson Mbu in Kumba
The president of the CPDM Meme I A section with headquarters in Njuki, Prince Ekale Mukete has said that the celebration of President Paul Biya’s 32 years in office is the celebration of masterful leadership. Prince Ekale Mukete during cebrations marking the 32 anniversary of President Paul Biya’s ascension to the supreme magistracy of Cameroon that took place at the CPDM secretariat in Kumba, on Thursday 6 November 2014.
The event was attended by the senior divisional officer for meme Koulbout Aman David accompanied by all the meme divisional delegates and other senior state personnel.
Others included the Board Chairman of the CDC, Justice Benjamin Itoe, the coordinator of the Good Governance Program Mrs. Lydia Effimba, the Government Delegate to the Kumba City Council Victor Ngoh Nkele, the Director of HTTTC kumba Joyce Endeley among others.
By Johnson Mbu in Kumba
The president of the CPDM Meme I A section with headquarters in Njuki, Prince Ekale Mukete has said that the celebration of President Paul Biya’s 32 years in office is the celebration of masterful leadership. Prince Ekale Mukete during cebrations marking the 32 anniversary of President Paul Biya’s ascension to the supreme magistracy of Cameroon that took place at the CPDM secretariat in Kumba, on Thursday 6 November 2014.
The event was attended by the senior divisional officer for meme Koulbout Aman David accompanied by all the meme divisional delegates and other senior state personnel.
Others included the Board Chairman of the CDC, Justice Benjamin Itoe, the coordinator of the Good Governance Program Mrs. Lydia Effimba, the Government Delegate to the Kumba City Council Victor Ngoh Nkele, the Director of HTTTC kumba Joyce Endeley among others.
Illicit land sales in Fako!
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| Limbe Botanic Gardens |
By Leo Lenjo in Limbe
After the scandalous sale and subsequent occupation of land in the Bonadikombo Water Catchment Area in the Limbe I Municipality, it has been disclosed that parts of the Limbe Botanic Gardens have also been sold out to yet unidentified individuals.
According to HRH Chief Ekoum, former President of the Fako Chiefs' Conference, the land in question is the stretch that separates the lawn tennis court from the Common Wealth Graves along the Limbe River.
Chief Ekoum made the disclosure, Tuesday November 4, 2014 during a press conference organised by Hon. Etombi Ikome Gladys, Member of Parliament for the Fako East Constituency.
Parliament convenes this week amid 2014 budget worries
By Cyprian Ntiamba Obi Ntui in Yaounde
Cameroonian law makers will converge in Yaounde on 12 November for their third ordinary session. A key item on the agenda of this session is the debate and adoption of next year’s budget. What disturbs many Cameroonians is that a new budget is about to be voted into law when they have seen little or nothing in terms of the execution of the 2014 budget.
According to “Le Jour”, a French language newspaper, the ministry of public contracts carried out a nation wide survey to assess the level of execution of public investing Budget PIB- and came out with disturbing statistics. The source stated that as at 15 October the ministry of public contracts had awarded 2765 contracts representing about 98.8% of contracts due for award this year.
Respect standards
Water bottling companies told
By Cyprian Ntiamba Obi Ntui in Yaounde
According to “Le Jour”, a French language newspaper, up to 85% of companies involved in the exploitation, bottling and sale of mineral water in Cameroon are doing so with utter disregard to the norms and laws put in place by government. Consequently, Cameroonians who consume their products are exposed to danger.
In an effort to bring sanity to the sector therefore, the ministry of mines, industry and technological development-MINMIDT on 24 October organized a workshop in Limbe, South West region, bringing together stakeholders in the sector.
Vincent Nafongo, the first assistant SDO for Fako who opened the meeting said the aim was to urge all actors in the sector to abide by the rules and regulations in place. He said some companies were exploiting and bottling water in the division without government authorization. Others, he added were not respecting the minimum safety standards put in place.
Nafongo then assigned M. Bisso, the chief of mineral water exploitation in the ministry to visit all industrial sites where mineral water was being exploited and bottled in Fako. Bisso was told among other things to ascertain that the exploiting companies had the necessary authorization papers.
By Cyprian Ntiamba Obi Ntui in Yaounde
According to “Le Jour”, a French language newspaper, up to 85% of companies involved in the exploitation, bottling and sale of mineral water in Cameroon are doing so with utter disregard to the norms and laws put in place by government. Consequently, Cameroonians who consume their products are exposed to danger.
In an effort to bring sanity to the sector therefore, the ministry of mines, industry and technological development-MINMIDT on 24 October organized a workshop in Limbe, South West region, bringing together stakeholders in the sector.
Vincent Nafongo, the first assistant SDO for Fako who opened the meeting said the aim was to urge all actors in the sector to abide by the rules and regulations in place. He said some companies were exploiting and bottling water in the division without government authorization. Others, he added were not respecting the minimum safety standards put in place.
Nafongo then assigned M. Bisso, the chief of mineral water exploitation in the ministry to visit all industrial sites where mineral water was being exploited and bottled in Fako. Bisso was told among other things to ascertain that the exploiting companies had the necessary authorization papers.
Providing Primary Health Care
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| Midwife Sarah Keegan examining a pregnant woman |
-Foreign medics end 11 days consultations in Noi Community
By Njodzefe Nestor in Bamenda
Within the backdrop of acute shortage of trained medical personnel in local communities coupled with the noticeable absence of capacity building and poorly equipped health centers the NGOs Strategic Humanitarian Services, SHUMAS and Spreading Health UK have gone on the offensive making sure the local population benefit from primary health care.
It was in line with this that a Canadian Medic, Dr. Paul Dhillon and an Irish Midwife Sarah Keegan on Tuesday October 28, completed an 11 day community placement in the Noi locality in Bui division of the North West Region facilitated by SHUMAS and Spreading Health UK. During this period, they carried out consultations and animated health talks with school children, women associations amongst others.
With the Millennium Development Goals, MDGS deadline in 2015 fast approaching and conscious of the need for public-private partnerships in the realization of the MDGs, SHUMAS through this project and other projects has been putting on its maximum best to ensure that Cameroon has a clean report card when the evaluation of Cameroon’s MDGs implementation will be completed.
SW clubs gear-up for mini inter-pools
Some eight clubs in the Southwest Regional League are seriously preparing for the kick-off of the knockout phase of the play-off that will commence on Saturday, November 7, 2014.
The play offs will be played in three stadia: Molyko Omnisport Stadium, Tiko Town Green Stadium and the Limbe Centenary Stadium.
It should be recalled that the Southwest League’s group stage saw teams playing the group stage in two weeks, with clubs playing a total of 8 games. That is, clubs had just 24 hours to rest for the next day.
The play offs will be played in three stadia: Molyko Omnisport Stadium, Tiko Town Green Stadium and the Limbe Centenary Stadium.
It should be recalled that the Southwest League’s group stage saw teams playing the group stage in two weeks, with clubs playing a total of 8 games. That is, clubs had just 24 hours to rest for the next day.
African Ballon d’Or 2014
Three Indomitable lions in CAF short-list
The race for who succeeds Ivorian, Yaya Toure, three times African player of the year is now on as CAF has announced the list of 25 players to contest for the prestigious title.
Lions’ captain, Stephane Mbia is in the race alongside Vincent Aboubakar and Eric Maxim Choupo Moting.
Also among the best African players based in Africa is Souleymane Moussa of Coton Sport of Garoua.
Stephane Mbia has seen his career with FC Seville progress, winning the Europa League title last year and has been contributing to the scoring spree of the club. Voted the best Spanish ‘recuperator’ last month, Mbia is also one of the nominees for the best African player of La Liga. He scored one of the goals against Sierra Leone in Yaounde to secure a 2-0 lead for the Lions.
The race for who succeeds Ivorian, Yaya Toure, three times African player of the year is now on as CAF has announced the list of 25 players to contest for the prestigious title.
Lions’ captain, Stephane Mbia is in the race alongside Vincent Aboubakar and Eric Maxim Choupo Moting.
Also among the best African players based in Africa is Souleymane Moussa of Coton Sport of Garoua.
Stephane Mbia has seen his career with FC Seville progress, winning the Europa League title last year and has been contributing to the scoring spree of the club. Voted the best Spanish ‘recuperator’ last month, Mbia is also one of the nominees for the best African player of La Liga. He scored one of the goals against Sierra Leone in Yaounde to secure a 2-0 lead for the Lions.
What if i emerge African Player 2014?
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| Stephane Mbia |
At 28 the captain of the Indomitable Lions is having a field day with his professional club side, FC Seville of Spain. In this thrilling interview he explains his exploits especially his new goal-scoring abilities.
Cameroon has taken a giant stride towards qualifying for the 2015 AFCON. How do you feel about this?
That’s true, but all is not yet won. The road to Morocco 2015 is still long and complicated. Even though, what we are experiencing is quite positive, especially giving that the team is under reconstruction, after the failed Brazil World Cup.
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