Publisher/Editor: OJONG Steven AYUKOGEM. Tel: (+237) 77 07 27 79. E-mail: themedianpaper@yahoo.com
Sunday 15 April 2018
Military Response to Anglophone Uprising:
A Bloody & Costly ‘War’ That Profits No One
-How Many More Cameroonians Must Die Before We Consider
Ending The War?
President Biya said in a recent address to the nation
that “the situation in the NW and SW is stabilizing” and that the security
forces are doing a great job keeping the separatist ‘terrorists’ in check. The
President made these remarks despite the bloody gun battles, kidnappings,
indiscriminate killings, arson, looting, waylay etc etc that have continued to
be reported almost daily in some parts of the two restive regions. Observers
reckon that the ‘war’ has become too ghastly and very costly in terms of
financial and material losses; it should be brought to an end now. They say the
President must review his narrative and take alternative courses of action,
however politically expedient, if he must avoid the worst.
By Ojong Steven Ayukogem in Yaounde
 |
| President Biya |
The ‘Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary’ defines the
word expedient as “an action that is useful or necessary for a particular
purpose, but not always fair or right”. The ghastly nature of the ‘war’ in the
Anglophone regions and the burden it is putting on the state treasury speak to
the need for alternative, politically expedient actions to be taken if the
danger that is looming large on the horizon must be avoided.
Whichever
way you look at it, the military option since adopted by the President as
response to the crisis is evidently inadequate and ill-adapted to the guerilla
tactics of the Ambazonia fighters. And the casualty on both sides is heavy,
very heavy indeed, that is if reports from the war-fronts are anything to be
relied on.
Time has
proven that the more we think that we are winning and escaping the worst the
more the separatist fighters are becoming more and more invigorated and deadly.
Like the retro virus that causes HIV/AIDS, the Ambazonia fighters have
continued changing their tactics and moving the target of their deadly attacks,
and this only makes things evidently difficult for the government forces.
Our
military chiefs should be honest enough to tell the President that what they
thought would be an easy ride over the rather untrained, unprofessional and
very poorly equipped Ambazonia fighters is turning out to be anything but easy.
Many
government soldiers coming from the war front have been fair enough to admit to
this reporter off the record that “those Ambazonia boys are deadly…They are
protected with magical powers that make things very difficult for us.”
And what
these soldiers are saying might be true considering that in a recent video post
on social media, a group of young men calling themselves the ‘Lebialem
Ambazonia Defence Forces’ were seen brandishing Kalashnikov rifles and boasting
how they killed government soldiers and took away the weapons. When the
Ambazonia fighters started their military adventure months ago they were
reported as using mainly den-guns and other artisanal weapons. That they now
possess modern war guns should be a matter of great concern for the authorities.
There is
no question therefore for the government to think that we are winning the war
and escaping the worst in this crisis. The Ambazonia fighters have proven in
many ways and in every way that they are very determined and far from being
daunted. And the fact that they enjoy considerable sympathy from the population
only plays to their advantage, and to the disadvantage of the government
forces.
Bloody Anglophone Uprising:
How Many More Cameroonians Must Die for the War to End?
Courtesy: The Colbert Factor
This reflection is provoked by the fact that although
everybody seems to be calling for dialogue as the surest way to end the now
bloody Anglophone crisis, the situation on the ground seems to be moving from
bad to worse. The cliff hanger situation has reached a level where whole
neighborhoods and streets of our villagers and semi urban areas are all painted
with blood, pain and wailing. No one family seems to be spared.
The
reflection is also inspired by the fact even a once little known locality like
Sowi, situated off the jaws of Anyajua in Belo Sub Division, has only in the
last few weeks, become a veritable symbol of Anglophone Far-Right extremists
resistance. It is the more informed by the fact that although all of humanity
is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the death and legacy of Martin Luther King
Jr., the father of non violent resistance, Cameroonians who have hitherto been
reputed for being gentlemanly, have rather indulged themselves in the worst
form of bestiality that rubbishes the sacrosanct principle of the sanctity of
human blood.
This
reflection, to say the least, is a cry for our beloved nation. If after the
passion, crucifixion, death and resurrection of Christ, Cameroonians are
fighting and spilling human blood, it means they are re-nailing Christ on the
cross.
Truth is
those who are standing on the shadows of Martin Luther King and spilling human
blood are to say the least, anathema. In the same light, all those trigger
happy security operatives spilling innocent blood are also anathema. No
responsible government can pride itself, the way Cameroon government is doing,
of successfully and professionally killing its citizens, however extremists
they have become.
The
President of the Republic and all the government officials may send as many
congratulatory messages to Forces of Law and Order for what it calls their
professionalism. When the chips are down
and the costs are counted, it would be known who was professional and who was
not. When the military shoots and wounds innocent civilians in Belo and Anyajua
and block their being transported to hospital so they die of gun wounds, it is
easy to know who is professional and who is not. Never in the history of
war-faring have the wounded been denied access to hospitals.
As Verdict is Awaited Anytime Soon:
Anglophone Lawyer Prays Court to Slam Mancho Bibixy Death
Penalty
 |
| Mancho Bibixy brought to military court |
In his concluding submission at the Yaounde Military
Tribunal on Friday last week, lawyer for the prosecution, Barrister Achu
Julius, reminded the judge that the prosecution has throughout the trial
presented sufficient evidence to prove the defendants, Mancho Bibixy and Co.
guilty for all the charges brought against them including notably terrorism,
insurrection and apology to terrorism.
Barrister
Achu prayed the learned military judge therefore to uphold the charges and to
punish the defendants according to the strength and gravity of their crimes. He
prayed the judge to slam “maximum penalty” on Mancho and Co. The December 2014
law on terrorism prescribes a death penalty for any person(s) guilty of
terrorism.
Will he be Freed or will he be Jailed?
Military Judge to Decide Mancho Bibixy’s Fate Next Week
-Several Anglophone activists already slammed heavy jail
terms
By Innocent Kum in Yaounde
 |
| Penn Terence slammed 12 years in jail by the military judge |
At least four Anglophone activists who for months have
been held at the Yaounde Kondengui Maximum security prison were last week
handed heavy jail terms by the Yaounde military tribunal.
While
Terence Penn Khan who was charged with terrorism, secession, group rebellion
and incitement to civil war was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment and a fine
of 5 million FCFA, Che Benjamin and Ambeizi Andrew were each handed 11-year
jail terms during the a lengthy court
session Tuesday, April 10.
On
Friday, April 13, yet another Anglophone activist, Ngalim Felix, who was
arrested amidst the ongoing socio-political tension in the North West and South
West regions, was slammed an 11 year jail term by the military judge.
However,
Coffin revolutionist, Mancho Bibixy who appeared in court same day had his case
adjourned to April 24. It is most likely that his fate just like that of other
Anglophone detainees who are being jointly tried will be decided same day.
Sentencing
Penn Terrence earlier on Tuesday, the Judge of the Yaounde military court said
he found him guilty of several counts including notably complicity to
secession, complicity in financing terrorism, hostility to the fatherland and
complicity to incite rebellion.
Before
listening to the judge’s verdict, Penn Terence told the court that political
decisions and not court sentences will resolve the socio-political tensions in
the North West and South West regions.
Worsening Insecurity:
Ambazonia Gunmen block Kumba-Buea Highway
-Villagers run for their lives as government forces go
for the gunmen
 |
| Ambazonia Gunmen say they are planning an attack on Buea |
A heavy and lengthy gunfire exchange was reported as
ensuing between gunmen supposedly belonging to the separatist Ambazonia Defence
Force, and government forces, in the localities of Ediki and Mbalangi along the
Kumba-Buea highway on Friday.
The
reports said gunmen emerging from the UNALOR forest reserve fired shots in the
air and blocked the circulation of vehicles along the highway passing through
the area.
The
gunmen used tree stems and huge stones to block the road making it difficult
for an intervention battalion of government soldiers to go through the area, it
was reported.
Stranded,
the soldiers opened fire indiscriminately in the direction of the gunmen. The
gunmen also responded from their vantage position in the nearby forest.
Villagers say the gun exchange lasted for several hours.
Some
sources said one soldier was killed in the gunfire exchange. It added that many
incurred serious wounds on both sides. We could not confirm the reports at
press time yesterday.
The
government media that used to give the official version of events on the battle
field has since stopped doing so. Not even the military spokesman now makes any
public comments on happenings on the field.
Mrs Regina Mundi:
CPDM Senator Promises to Work with SDF Colleagues
By Njodzefe Nestor
in Bamenda
 |
| Elizabeth Regina Mundi, appointed senator after long years in the CPDM |
Elizabeth Regina Mundi, one of the CPDM senators
appointed by President Paul Biya for the North West region by Decree N°
2018/242 of 12 April 2018 has pledged to work hand in glove with other SDF
elected Senators. She was appointed long side Fon Doh Ganyonga III and Fon
Chafah Isaac as substantives and Jaji Manu Gidado, Atanga Charles Musi and Agha
Martin Kum as alternates.
While
talking to the press immediately after her appointment, she promised to work
for the good of the entire population of the North West region irrespective of
their political affiliations.
“it is
an honour to know that I am part of the team that will be working for this
region because you know the Head of States priority is for the population…So as
part of this team we will work very hard and hand in hand” noted Mme Mundi
revealing that she has spoken with the other SDF Senators in an effort that
they work to satisfy the population.
Elizabeth
Regina Mundi also thanked President Paul Biya for confidence bestowed on her
and likewise the mayors and councilors of the North West region likewise the
administration and CPDM militants.
Worthy
of note is the fact Regina Mundi CPDM list leader for the North West during the
just ended Senatorial elections that saw the SDF defeat the CPDM. Her
appointment despite the defeat of the party in the region to many is not a
surprise for she has worked tirelessly and sacrificed enormously for the party.
Full of wisdom and reputed for her
inclusive approach to politics, Regina Mundi who is also a Political Bureau
member of the CPDM.
To Save Farming Season:
Youth President Donates farm inputs to K’ba Women
By Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba
 |
|
Andong Humphrey, YCPDM section president for Meme 1A poses with women during donation exercise
|
The YCPDM section president for Meme 1A, Kumba, has
donated high yielding maize seeds to women of the section to help boost the
crop cultivation and to encourage them to continue with farming despite the
discouraging effects of the current Anglophone crisis.
Humphrey
Andong launched the donation that has taken him across all the nine
sub-sections in Meme 1A, at the Bonakama junction in Kumba, on 4 April
2018.
“It is a
gesture to support the women in terms of agriculture because I have always
taken agriculture as a priority since I am a rural boy,” Angdong said
reporters, adding that as a foot-soldier of the CPDM party in the Meme 1A
section, he thinks coming down to the sub-sections to distribute maize will
make the militants to know that they haven’t been forgotten by the party.
The
young and politically visible section president who has challenged his peers in
the youth wing of the party leadership in Meme noted that it has always been
his prayer for God to bless him with resources to come to the aide of farmers
especially during the farming season. The donation of maize seedlings did not
only limit the vibrant and dynamic president to the nine sub-sections but it as
well took him to the various quarter heads of Meme 1A.
Nkum Council Validates 2017 Accounts
By Njodzefe Nestor
in Bamenda
 |
| Councilors of Nkum Council during accounts session |
Councilors of Nkum Council sitting in an ordinary session
on April 3, 2018 at the Nkum Council Hall deliberated and adopted the 2015
Administrative, Management and Stores Accounts of the council in the presence
of the SDO for Bui.
In a
succinct explanation of how the money was raised and spent, the Mayor of Nkum
Council, Suila Aruna Kidze revealed that the 2015 Accounts for Nkum Council
stands at FCFA 252.172.641 in revenue with FCFA 1.798.359 brought forward from
2016. Total expenditure he said stands at FCFA 252.131.478 leaving an excess of
FCFA 41.163 carried forward to 2018.
“When we
compare the situation with that of last year, we realize that revenue dropped
by FCFA 121.443.109 from the FCFA 373.615.750 we had in 2016. The percentage drop is 32.50%. Expenditure drop in value terms amounted to
FCFA 119.655.913 from the FCFA 371.817.391 spent last year. The percentage drop in expenditure stands at
32.19%. If we continue loosing this much in one year, then I am afraid we may
come to nought in the next two years” he regretted.
“We have
to acknowledge the fact that 2017 has been a very difficult year - a year
characterized by threats and uncertainty; a year in which the business climate
dwindled to one of its lowest ebbs ever; a year in which the payment of taxes
has witnessed a catastrophic fall. With
all these, we cannot expect anything better than the previous year” he added.
Meme Chiefs Conference:
Bakundu Chiefs Bury the Hatchet, Pick HRH Rudolf Itoe as
flag-bearer
By Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba
 |
| Meme Chiefs now have a new executive to run their affairs |
The long standing internal wrangling that gripped
traditional rulers of the 36 Bakundu villages in Meme division has apparently
been laid to rest following the election of a new executive of Meme Chiefs
Conference to be headed by HRH Chief Rudolf Itoe of Bombe Bakundu village.
The
long-drawn in-fighting stalled the transfer of the presidency of Meme Chiefs
Conference from the Bafaws to the Bakundus.
The
mantle of leadership was finally handed to the Bakundu chiefs in Kumba after a
meeting grouping them and chiefs across the Division with the Meme SDO to
discuss the repercussions of the Anglophone crisis.
We
gathered that the chiefs used the opportunity grouping many of them in Kumba to
designate a new executive body to handle their affairs in the Division since
the reign of the Bafaws was already over.
Banking Sector:
Cameroonian Heads UBA Group in CEMAC
By Innocent Kum in Yaounde
 |
| Martin Che |
A renowned Cameroonian banker, Martin Che has been
appointed Regional Director in charge of four subsidiaries of the United Bank
for Africa, UBA, in the CEMAC zone.
He was
elevated to the enviable position in March 2018 when the group began
restructuring its subsidiaries.
In a
comment after his promotion, Martin Che who hails from the North West region
noted: "It is an honour to serve CEMAC and it is my greatest wish that the
four subsidiaries I have the responsibility of leading can develop in no
distant time.”
Some of
the challenges awaiting the regional UBA boss include raising the continental
bank to new heights, satisfying customer expectations with better services and
placing greater emphasis on the core values of UBA including entrepreneurship
and excellence.
Aware of
the tasks that lie ahead of him, Martin Che was quoted as saying: "In line
with UBA's goal of ranking among the top three systemically important banks in
each of the countries where it is present in Africa, I look forward to working
with various stakeholders in Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, Gabon, Chad and
everywhere else to add value and hold up the torch of UBA's activities in
Africa.”
With over
20 years of experience in the banking sector, Martin Che is said to have
achieved important milestones within the UBA group. The impact of his
leadership at UBA Congo was remarkable.
Between
2013 and 2015 when he served in Congo, returns on equity increased by about
100%, from 8% in 2013 to 36% in 2015. The trend however slowed between 2016 and
2017, averaging 27%.
Fiango Three Corners:
New PCC Pastor Tasked To Revamp Spirituality
By Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba
 |
| Rev Pastor PIUS Inobuh Bah, New parish pastor for PC Fiango three corners |
The newly inducted Pastor of Presbyterian Church Fiango
Three Corners Kumba, Rev. Pius Inobuh Bah, has been tasked to revamp the
spirituality of the flock under his care. The call was made by Rev Pastor
Besong Johnson, Pastor of PC Kumba-Mbeng who officiated at the induction
service on Sunday 8 April 2018. The service brought together hundreds of
Christians from across the national territory.
“The
Church we are handing to you today is to encourage you in a desperate world to
help God’s people in this community to build a paradise of their own,” Rev
Besong Johnson said to his colleague. He tasked Pastor Pius to lead God’s
people to salvation and to expand the church beyond three corners by converting
more young persons in the area to Christianity. Rev. Pius Inobuh is also the
president of youth pastors for the Southwest Region.
Preaching
on the theme: “The way to change”, Rev. Besong drew his reflection from the
book of 1st Corinthians 15: 50-58 which says “with the coming of Christ,
Christians will be free from all entanglements”. He reminded Christians that
the current sociopolitical situation in the country indicates that humanity is
not willing to welcome Christ.
“If
Jesus was to appear one week after resurrection, some minds will still give him
a second cross,” Rev. Besong Johnson said, while begging Christians to live a
new life.
He added
that the devastating situation in the two Anglophone regions calls for a change
in the hearts and mindsets of persons.
“The country is getting to a time where people
will need to take permission before praying to God,” the Pastor regretted.
Verkline Epoulewane Mbua:
K’ba III Welcomes 1st Anglophone Woman as DO
By Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba
 |
| Verkline Epoulewane Mbua, New DO Kumba III Sub-Division |
After demonstrating her administrative savvy in war-torn
Ndian Division as First Assistant Senior Divisional Officer, DO, President Paul
Biya has promoted Verkline Epoulewane Mbua to the position of DO for Kumba III
Sub-Division in Meme Division.
Her
promotion is contained in a presidential decree signed on April 6, 2018. The
decree also appointed new SDOs and DOs in Meme, Ndian and Lebialem Divisions of
the Southwest Region.
Epoulewane’s
appointment as DO for Kumba III makes her first female DO ever to be appointed
in Meme Division and the Southwest Region in general.
Epoulewane
Verkline Mbua who has spent barely seven months in Ndian Division as First
Assistant SDO takes over from Jude Ewane Mbong who was transferred to Fontem
Sub-Division in Menji.
Before
moving to Ndian as ASDO seven months ago Mrs Epoulewane served in the same
capacity in Meme.
Vacancy due to Death:
Nanji Kenneth Ene Takes Over as New Mayor of Ekondo-Titi
By Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba
Councilors of Ekondo-Titi council in Ndian Division of
the Southwest Region have elected Nanji Kenneth Ene as their new Mayor few
weeks after the death of the former Mayor, Mbongo Alfred.
Nanji
Kenneth was formerly the First Deputy Mayor of the council. He was crowned as
the new Mayor at a special council session organized to elect a new team to run
the council, on 29 March 2018. The session which was supervised by Ndian SDO,
Etta Mbokaya Ashu, also saw the former second deputy Mayor, Utam Margaret
emerge as the first deputy Mayor, while Njio Clement emerged as the second
deputy.
Before
the dead of Mayor Mbongo Alfred, tension had already started mounting as to who
was going to replace him as Mayor. Sources said the likes of councilor Itoe
William and Mesembe James (a former Mayor) had since been positioning
themselves to take over the council after the forthcoming municipal elections.
Winnie Mandela:
Soweto send-off for anti-apartheid fighter
Large crowds gathered in South Africa for the funeral of
the anti-apartheid campaigner Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
Thousands of mourners crowded into a stadium in Soweto,
near Johannesburg, where the campaigner was given a high-level send-off before
her burial in Johannesburg.
Her
casket was draped in the national flag, and South African President Cyril
Ramaphosa delivered the eulogy.
The
former wife of Nelson Mandela died earlier this month at the age of 81.
A controversial
figure, Mrs Madikizela-Mandela was lauded for her role in the anti-apartheid
struggle.
But she
was later shunned by the political elite for endorsing punishment killings for
government informers.
At the
funeral, Mrs Madikizela-Mandela's daughter Zenani Mandela-Dlamini berated the
"extreme cruelty" of those she said had led smear campaigns against
her mother and isolated her - only to clear her name after her death.
"It
is so disappointing to see how they withheld their words during my mother's
lifetime, knowing very well what they would have meant to her. Only they know
why they chose to share the truth with the world after she departed," Mrs
Mandela-Dlamini said.
President
Ramaphosa described Mrs Madikizela-Mandela as a symbol of resistance who laid
bare the edifice of patriarchy. He apologised for only belatedly recognising
her contribution.
"I'm
sorry, Mama, that your organisation delayed in according you its honour, to
this point in time and moment. As president, I will propose that we award you
the highest order of our movement, you richly deserve to be awarded", Mr
Ramaphosa said.
Sunday 8 April 2018
Cameroonians in Australia Want Embassy Opened
This was
during a meeting that the minister had with the Cameroonian diaspora in
Australia, on the sidelines of the ongoing Commonwealth games hosted by the
country of the Kangaroos.
Talking
to CRTV after meeting with the Cameroonians in Australia, Felix Mbayu said the
Diasporans expressed the wish for the government to create at least a Cameroon
Consulate in Australia. They suggested that the city of Melbourne could host
the Consulate because it has a large community of Cameroonians.
The
Minister said Cameroonians in Australia also express their readiness to
contribute to the development of their country even from their basis in
Australia. He said some Cameroonian medical doctors said they were ready to
visit the country from time to time to share their experience with doctors in
the country.
Social Dialogue:
Transporters call off Planned Indefinite Strike
A planned strike by workers in the transport sector
across the country has been called off. This was after leaders of transporters
syndicates met with the minister of transport and sorted out their differences
with the government.
Both
parties at the meeting agreed that the fcfa 5000 that was charged to owners of
driving schools as levy for on-line registration of candidates for driving
tests be proscribed. Participants complained that the levy was fictitious and
its destination untraceable.
In a
communiqué jointly signed by leaders of transporter’ syndicates and owners of
driving schools and read to reporters by a spokesman of the transporters,
Francois Ngamesobo, said “After fruitful exchanges with the minister of
transport, we collective of syndicates of the road transport sector in Cameroon
have decided to withdraw our plan to begin an indefinite strike as from Monday
9 April 2018….”
The
strike was called following the recent death of Charles Mvondo, a taxicab
driver, after he was allegedly manhandled by Gendarme officers in the Ngousso
neighborhood in Yaounde.
It was
decided at the meeting that the government will take care of the funeral
expenses of the deceased taxi driver and also provide other assistance to his
family.
After
the long hours of exchange, the minister of transport, Ngalle Massena Bibehe
expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting.
National Gendarmerie:
 |
| Etoga Galax Yves Landry |
On the high instructions of the head of state, the
minister of defence will at 11 am on Monday 9 April 2018 preside over the
ceremony to officially hand the flag of the national gendarmerie to the new
Secretary of State for Defence in charge of the Gendarmerie, Etoga Galax Yves
Landry. The ceremony will take place at the esplanade of honour of the
Gendarmerie headquarters in Camp Yeyap, Yaounde. The ceremony will take place
in the presence of the former secretary of state for gendarmerie, Jean Baptiste
Bokam.
Security Concerns:
Cemac Commissioners Avoid Bangui, CAR Headquarters
Commissioners and workers snub Summit President’s
instruction for HQ to be returned to Bangui, CAR
Heads of States of the Cemac sub-region must meet
urgently and take a decision on the situation of the Headquarters of the Cemac
Commission if they must guarantee unity and harmony within the commission.
Representatives
of the Central African Republic CAR in the Commission boycotted a meeting of
the institution in Bangui, Chad, on 24 March, complaining that the meeting was
supposed to hold in Bangui, CAR, which harbors the headquarters of the Cemac
Commission.
Before
that meeting most of the Commissioners of Cemac had taken temporal residence in
Malabor, Equatorial Guinea, where the Headquarters was temporally transferred
due to the crisis in CAR.
Reports
say confusion set in at the Commission ever since the forceful ouster from
power of former CAR president, Francois Bozize. Following the coup, most of the
Cemac Commissioners that were resident in Bangui, packed bag and baggage and
sought safe sanctuary in Douala. They evoked security concerns.
In
February 2014 the former President of Cemac Commission, Pierre Musa indicated
to CAR authorities and to Heads of State of Cemac his intention to transfer temporarily
the headquarters of the commission to Libreville, Gabon. This was even as most
of the commission members had taken residence in Douala, Cameroon.
But it
was in Malabor, Equatorial Guinea that the Headquarters was finally transferred
on a temporal basis.
Inside the Presidency:
Urgent Decrees Waiting for Biya’s Signature
- Appointment of 30 Senators
- Appointment of Secretaries-General & DGs
- Operation Sparrow-Hawk
Following the proclamation of the results of the 25 March
Senatorial election, by the constitutional council on Thursday 5 April,
President Paul Biya is expected to sooner than later appoint 30 senators to
complete the 100 seats in the senate. Recall that 70 senators were declared
elected in each of the 10 regions, making a total 70 elected senators.
The
constitution gives the president the prerogative to appoint 3 senators from
each of the 10 region. The President has a deadline of 10 days to exercise this
exclusive prerogative. So he is expected to sign the decree appointing the 30
senators on or before 15 April. Sources say the president’s agents had already
completed the consultations with potential appointees and the list has already
been forwarded to the President.
Another
hot file that the president must attend to is that concerning the appointment
of secretaries-general of ministries. It is understood that since for several
months running several ministries have been without secretaries general. They
include the ministry of communication; Ministry of Secondary Education;
Ministry of Higher Education; Ministry of Agriculture and rural development;
Ministry of Environment and Nature Protection; Ministry of Public Service and
Administrative Reforms and the Supreme State Audit Department. All these
ministries have but interims occupying the post of SG.
Leaked Security Cable:
‘Epervier’ Hovers over Governor Fai Yengo’s Roof
The name of the retired former Governor of Littoral and
Centre region, Fai Yengo Francis, is top on a list of 39 persons barred from
leaving Cameroon, according to a leaked security cable that went viral on
social media at the weekend. Sources say Fai Yengo may be roped in anytime to
answer to allegations of corruption during his tenure as one-time Board
Chairman of the Douala Autonomous Ports
By Tanyi Kenneth Musa in Yaounde
 |
| Governor Fai Yengo |
The name of the former Governor of Littoral and Centre
features prominently in a leaked security cable containing names of 39 persons
barred from leaving the country.
Sources
say Fai Yengo is since being shadowed by agents of the security and he might be
roped in over allegations of corruption when he served as Board Chairman of the
Douala Autonomous Ports. The 63-year old is also the Board Chair of the Rural
Electrification Board.
Presently on retirement, Fai Yengo might not be at peace
with himself at this time that the Epervier (Sparrow-Hawk) is said to be
hovering over his roof.
Fai was
said to have impressed the head of state when he served successively as
Governor of Littoral and later of the Centre region. He was linked some time
ago with a possible move to the Star Building to replace Philemon Yang as Prime
Minister. But it appears the corruption allegation compromised his chances. And
Yang had to be allowed to stay on, despite his short-comings, some of which
were publicly denounced by his boss, President Biya.
CPDM Sweeps 63 of 70 Elective Senate Seats
By Innocent Kum in Yaounde
 |
| CPDM supporters in a street walk to drum support for President Paul Biya |
The Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement, CPDM has swept
an overwhelming majority of seats in the senate after the March 25 polls.
The official statistics of the polls were made public in
Yaounde Thursday by the constitutional council during a televised session.
According
to the official results from the constitutional council, the CPDM won 63 out of
the 70 elective seats available. The remaining seven seats went to the main
opposition, Social Democratic Front, SDF.
CPDM won in nine out of the ten regions of the country
with the SDF winning only in the North West region. Seven other political
parties that took part in the election won no seats.
Official
statistics put the CPDM at 81%, the SDF 8,72%, the NUDP which contested the
polls in all ten regions of the country secured 5,92% and the CDU 1,61%.
Appointment of 30 Senators:
Will Biya Show Mercy To Fru Ndi & SDF?
As President Paul Biya is expected to appoint 30 senators
to complete the list of 100 senators that make up the Upper House of
Parliament, hopes and expectations are rife that the President should consider
appointing at least three senators from the opposition SDF party if just to
enable the struggling party to have a group in the senate so as to share in the
juicy spoils that come with having a senatorial group.
The SDF
party won a paltry seven seats in the 25 March 2018 senatorial election,
scoring 8.7%. It had 14 seats in 2013. This decline in the political fortunes
of the once very popular and vibrant party is telling, if not catastrophic.
Though
occupying second place in the election behind the ruling CPDM (63 seats and
81%), the SDF did not have the requisite 10 senatorial seats to merit it a
group at the senate. Having a group at the senate is understood to bring
certain pecuniary and other advantages to the senators of the party. The Group
leader for instance is entitled to official lodging in Yaounde, a driver, a
bodyguard, a cook and other sundry personnel in his cabinet all paid by the
state. Then the party could also produce a vice president of senate and maybe a
questor. All these positions are very juicy in terms of salaries and other
fringe benefits.
The SDF
has every reason therefore to throw itself at the mercy of President Paul Biya,
who by virtue of the constitution has the singular and exclusive prerogative to
appoint the rest 30 senators.
But the
question on every lip is: “will the President consider his rival/friend, John
Fru Ndi, and extend his legendary magnanimity and mercy to his party, which is
now suffering, and evidently desperate?”
Many
voices are of the opinion that the President should show mercy to the SDF and
appoint at least three senators from the party if only to give the senate a
colourful look.
Fallout of Anglophone Crisis:
Kumba Flooded with ‘Refugees’ from Mbonge, Konye,
Ndian
By Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba
The town of Kumba, chief town of Meme Division has
witnessed an unprecedented explosion due to the influx of people escaping
violence and insecurity in villages and sub-divisions in Meme and beyond.
The mass
influx of persons follows the carnage and ongoing mayhem witnessed in villages
across Mbonge and Konye Sub-Divisions in Meme, Nguti Sub-Division in Kupe
Muanenguba Division, Ndian Division and parts of Muyuka in Fako Division of the
Southwest Region.
Some of
the displaced persons who have flooded Kumba told The Median on condition of
anonymity that all their houses in the villages in these affected areas have
been burnt down by the military leaving them with no other option than to
migrate to Kumba where there is relative calm and security.
Others
said with the coming of the rainy season life in the bushes where they were
hiding at first has become incommodious and unbearable forcing them to seek
safer sanctuary in Kumba.
Some
explained that they could have as well returned to their villages but all the
houses have been burnt down by the government forces in their reprisals against
the activities of Ambazonia fighters.
Gov’t Bans Sale of Firearms in Six Regions
By Innocent Kum in Yaounde
 |
Government has banned the sale of small arms and ammunitions in six regions
of the country, including the North West and South West regions
|
The decision is the main substance of a communiqué issued
last Wednesday by Territorial administration minister, Paul Atanga Nji.
The
regions concerned include the Littoral, Adamawa, Centre, West, North West and
South West regions.
The
exact reasons for the prohibition of arms trade in only six of Cameroon’s ten
regions was not stated, but the communiqué of the minister said “...government
has prohibited, until further notice, the sale of hunting and protection
weapons and their ammunitions in the Adamawa, Centre, Littoral, West, North
West and South West regions”, according to a statement.
Minister
Atanga Nji’s communiqué also said an inventory will be taken of all existing
stocks of arms and ammunitions for easy control and tracking in the regions
concerned.
The
statement revealed that the proliferation and illicit circulation of firearms
has taken a geometric proportion recently and it now constitutes a real threat
to public order and security.
Peace & Reconciliation Effort:
Gov’t to Rebuild Burnt Down Villages in Meme?
- Meme SDO requests for inventory of burnt houses and
other property from Chiefs
- Also urges chiefs to return to their villages and to
subjects to return from the bushes
By Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba
 |
| Meme Chiefs tell SDO their villages have been taken over by Ambazonia fighters |
The Senior Divisional Officer of Meme has instructed
Chiefs across Meme Division to all discern to their villages and do a thorough
evaluation of all destroyed property and hand the list to him for onward
transmission to the Yaounde regime. Chamberlin
Ntou’ouNdong was speaking shortly after a crisis consultation meeting with
Chiefs of Meme division at the auditorium of his office Wednesday April 4,
2018.
“We are
going to make a general estimate and forward the complete bill to the head of
state,” Ntou’ou Ndong said, recalling that it was the same situation in the
Bakassi peninsular some years back when he was SDO for Ndian and the Head of
State constructed “Shell Creek” and today it is one of the most beautiful
villages in the Division. The Meme chief executive said he trusts the Head of
State will do the same for the affected villages in Meme.
Ambassador of Peace Award:
Ntumfor Nico Halle Gets International Recognition
By Innocent Kum in Yaounde
 |
| Ntumfor Nico Halle |
Renowned lawyer and international peace crusader, Ntumfor
Barrister Nico Halle is winner of an International Peace Ambassador Award.
Nico
Halle who is also president of the general assembly of the Cameroon Bar
Association was announced winner of the prestigious distinction Wednesday march
28 by the International Association of parliamentarians for Peace, IAPP, during
an event in Yaounde.
Before
declaring the Douala-based legal expert as an international peace ambassador,
officials of the IAPP said the honour was in recognition of Nico Halle’s
distinguished and remarkable contribution towards upholding universal moral
values, building of strong family ties and fostering inter-denominational
cooperation.
The IAPP
officials added that Nico Halle’s was chosen for the international award also
because of his active and indefatigable role in promoting inter-State
cooperation, peaceful co-habitation and dialogue, as well as advocating
positive inputs, enhancing proper functioning of the United Nations
Organisation and fostering and encouraging responsible mass media communication
and journalism.
The
officials noted that upholding the culture of peace is a pre-requisite for
harmonious co-habitation.
Reacting
to the press after receiving the award, Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle said he
was humbled to have been selected for such a distinction by a renowned and
reputable international organisation.
“This
award is so special to me because it comes at a time when the crisis in the
Anglophone Regions is only escalating. The belligerence is quite deep and with
pugnacious tendencies soaring. The award therefore propels me into more action.
Men are led by toys. When one is recognized universally it acts like an
impetus, a veritable catalyst for more positive action,” Nico Halle said.
Questioned
if the award came to him as a surprise, Ntumfor retorted: “Yes and no! No
because I have received other International distinctions and awards before,
including two Honorary Doctorate Awards (Doctor Honoris Causa). Yes because the
award has provoked an avalanche of messages of congratulations and
encouragements from friends and well-wishers over the country and beyond ever
since it was announced at the National Assembly last Wednesday 28 March 2018.”
Nico
Halle who is also an acclaimed international elections monitor said he remains
“exceedingly humbled and thankful to God for such a huge acknowledgement of the
undivided and undiluted efforts I have been making since for more than 28 years
now for peace to reign in Cameroon, Africa and the World.”
Political Outing:
Hon. Emilia Lifaka Empowers BONAVA Youths
-Donates farm inputs, equipment and cash for
rehabilitation of community water project
By Boris Esono in Buea
 |
|
Hon. Emilia Lifaka handing farm inputs and equipment to
the population of the Bonavada area,
in Buea rural
|
CPDM militants and sympathizers in the BONAVADA area have
been called upon to register on the electoral register ahead of upcoming
elections in the country. This was the take home message from the Vice
President of the Cameroon National Assembly, who doubles as the Chairperson of
the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association CPA, Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, on
5 April 2018, in Bonakanda, as she donated farm inputs and equipment to the
population of the area. The items donated included: maize seeds, trucks,
wheelbarrows, watering and spraying cans etc.
Hon. Lifaka also made a cash donation of FCFA
six hundred thousand (600.000 fcfa) for the rehabilitation of the community
water project in BONAVADA, where water scarcity has become the bane of the
community.
Speaking
whilst making the donations, Hon. Lifaka enjoined the populations to register
their names on the voters’ lists and to vote for the CPDM when the time comes.
She also
exhorted the youths to be law-abiding and ensure respect for state institutions.
The Iron
Lady of Fako CPDM, urged party militants to shun divisive tendencies and put
party interests at the fore.
“We can
only win in the upcoming elections if we work together and put our egos,
individualistic ideas, and personal problems with our fellow militants aside
and put the party interest first.”
The same
message was echoed by other speakers at the event including the YCPDM president
of Fako III, Franklin Njie, who said registering for upcoming elections is very
important for the sustenance of the party.
“We may
have personal differences but we have only one goal and that is for our party
to succeed in upcoming elections,” Franklin Njie said.
Speaking
to the press shortly after the donation, the leader of the CPDM permanent
delegation to Fako, Hon. Emilia Lifaka stated that she came to visit her
electorate and remind them that there is no prize for peace and that they
should continue to work for the CPDM party because it is the only party that
can guarantee peace, unity and development.
Crowd-Puller Ceremony:
Minister Begs for Peace at Limbe FESTAC Opening
The Minister of Arts and Culture Prof. Narcisse Mouelle
Kombi used the occasion of the solemn opening of the 2018 FESTAC to preach
peace, unity and living together
By Boris Esono in Limbe
The Minister of Arts and Culture, Prof. Narcisse Mouelle
Kombi has urged culture enthusiasts to use the Limbe Festival of Arts and
Culture as an avenue to uphold the peace and unity in Cameroon. He was speaking
in Limbe, on Saturday 7 April, as he opened the fifth edition of the Limbe Arts
and Culture Festival, FESTAC, at the Limbe community field.
According
to the Minister, peace is vital for our leaving together and development as a
nation.
“We
should maintain peace so that we can all leave in peace. Limbe FESTAC is
sending a message of peace, unity and national integration and it is a
celebration of leaving together in this beautiful city. Peace is very precious
to our country and our cultural diversity is very important. You cannot promote
culture without peace.”
The
Minister addressed words of praise and encouragement to the vision bearer, the
government delegate to the Limbe City council, Andrew Motanga Monjimba, for the
wonderful initiative that promotes peace, multiculturalism, security and living
together.
“Limbe
has the potential to become a one of the choicest tourist destination in the
country, but it requires the involvement of all to make this happen,” Mouelle
Kombi said, assuring organizers of the FESTAC of the readiness of MINAC to
collaborate and support them.
Abduction of Prof. Leke Tambo:
Biya Sacrifices Lebialem SDO, DOs of Fontem & Alou
 |
| President Paul Biya |
A presidential decree signed on Friday 6 April 2018
appoints new SDOs and DOs to restive localities in the SW region.
According
to the presidential decree read on state radio Friday, Etta Ashu Mbokaya
replaces Ungitoh Zakary as SDO of Lebialem. Etta Mbokaya Ashu was formerly the
SDO of Ndian.
He was
replaced as SDO of Ndian by a son of Lebialem, Nwafua Lawrence Forwang, who
until his new appointment was the SG of the Sw governor’s Office.
Also,
Ewane Jude replaced Idrissa Said as DO of Fontem. Ewane was formerly the DO of
Kumba III. He had served there for barely less than a year before this new
appointment.
Meanwhile
Hambi Isaac also replaces Akombo Neba Joseph as DO of Alou.
According to the decrees, Ungitoh Zachary and Akombo Neba
are going on retirement.
It is understood that the administrators that were sacked
did not impress the authorities in Yaounde in their handling of the ongoing
Anglophone crisis in their areas of command. Lebialem division is set to have
taken the struggle to extremes and apparently the SDO and Dos were not seen as
taking any firm measures to counter the moves of the secessionists.
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