Publisher/Editor: OJONG Steven AYUKOGEM. Tel: (+237) 77 07 27 79. E-mail: themedianpaper@yahoo.com
Friday, 24 August 2018
Celebrating 100 Publications:
SONARA News Fêtes with Pressmen
 |
| Sonara News has published 100 issues and counting |
A round table discussion bringing together media leaders,
journalists and communicators in Limbe, on Friday, 17 August 2018, was occasion
for the management of Sonara to look back at the road covered by its company
magazine, Sonara News, review challenges faced and chart a better way forward.
By Ojong Steven Ayukogem in Limbe
Sonara News, the company magazine of the National
Refining Company, Sonara, has hit 100 publications this year. For the
management of Sonara, it was occasion to celebrate. And no other way could be
better to mark this landmark achievement than to invite “renowned media men”
and experts who have proven their worth in communication, for a round table
discussion.
Placed
under the theme: Sonara News, 100 Publications: Balance Sheet and Prospects,
the discussion at a choice, beachside hotel, was aimed to enable the management
of the lone oil refinery in Cameroon to seek ways of improving the layout but
especially the content of the magazine.
The
General Manager of Sonara, Ibrahim Talba Malla, did not miss this point in his
scripted welcome remarks at the event.
“I am
delighted to welcome you today, in the seaside resort city of Limbe, the
headquarters of our company Sonara, for a round table discussion organized by
Sonara under the theme: Sonara News, 100 Publications: Balance Sheet and
Prospects… I would like to solemnly say here and now that; Sonara believes in
you; Sonara trusts you and enjoys your work; reason why you have been convened
to this round table, in order to provide your precious contributions to the
growth of our company magazine, with regard to layout and content.”
 |
| Editorial Team of Sonara News pose with Sonara GM, Talba Malla |
“Communication
is a major tool in the growth of our company. We can do many things but if we
don’t inform the public, then we would not have attained our objectives,” Talba
Malla underscored, inviting his guests to help make Sonara News to become not
only a veritable “historical memory of Sonara” but to win the war on
disinformation against the company.
Fallout of Anglophone Crisis:
Gov’t Laments Disastrous Drop in Cocoa Production in SW
Region
-Tasks new SODECAO management to boost production
By Deng Eric in Yaounde
 |
| Gov’t Laments Disastrous Drop in Cocoa Production in SW Region |
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Henri
Eyebe Ayissi has challenged newly appointed officials of the Cameroon Cocoa
Development Corporation, SODECAO to do all it takes to increase cocoa
production in the country.
He made the call at the SODECAO headquarters
in Yaounde on 13 August 2018 while commissioning into office Ngba Zacharie,
Eko’o Akouafane Jean Claude and Enang James Enang as board chairman, director
general and deputy director general respectively. The three officials were
appointed to the helm of the institution by a decree of the president of the
republic on 24 July 2018.
“You
have to ensure an increase in the land surface for cocoa production in the
country; carryout a complete rehabilitation of cocoa farms belonging to SODECAO
and create new ones, as well as relaunch support to cocoa producer cooperatives
as a relay strategy to boost production,” Ayebe told the new officials.
With
government’s plan to increase cocoa production to 600.000tons between 2020 and
2025, the Minister said the country is on a good footing to attain this
objective given the number of actions already carried out in 2018. He however
regretted that despite the huge potentials Cameroon has in terms of cocoa, the
ageing cocoa farms and the sometimes poor quality produce which does not meet
international standards has not permitted farmers to earn better incomes in
recent times coupled with price fluctuation in the cocoa market.
All SW Mega Conference at High Risk:
Will All the Roads Lead to Buea on Saturday?
 |
| Mafany Musonge, leading SW elite towards unity & consciousness |
As elites and chiefs of the South West region are
expected to converge on Buea for what they have termed an All South West Mega
Conference, fears are rife the conference may not witness the expected turnout
because of the festering insecurity in the region and increasingly in the
regional capital, Buea.
South
West elites and chiefs announced the holding of the mega conference at an
earlier meeting that was convened in Yaounde, at the behest of the region’s
political leader and torch-bearer, Peter Mafany Musonge.
In his
scripted opening remarks at the Yaounde forum, Mafany Musonge lamented the
degrading security situation in the region marked by killings, kidnapping of
chiefs and other persons for ransom, destruction of both private and public
property etc. He said it would be preposterous and a sign of negligence and
weakness should the elite and chiefs sit and fold their arms, while their
region is transformed into a battle ground for a dubious, diabolic and
mischievous war.
“Our
region has become a place where traditional rulers can be kidnapped, tortured
and murdered as if the people were not human beings with the right to
existence….Our region has been turned into the experimental ground for
mischievous and dubious people to carry out their diabolic plans against the
culture and development of the region, and as a staging ground for rebellion
against the state,” Mola Musonge lamented.
Upheavals in NW & SW:
CMA Raises over FCFA 15m for Medical Needs of IDPs
The gesture came on the heels of the opening mass of the
Bamenda Arch Diocese celebrated at the metropolitan Cathedral in Bamenda.
By Ndjodzefe Nestor in Bamenda
 |
| CMA has handed over 15m for medical needs of IDPs |
The Catholic Men Association, CMA, has raised the sum of
Fcfa 15 million to help provide the medical needs of persons internally
displaced by the present socio-political upheavals in NW and SW.
The
National President of the CMA, Okie Johnson Ndoh, said they could not remain
indifferent to the daily plight of the over 200.000 persons who have been
internally displaced since the unset of the armed battles in the two English
speaking regions of the country.
“Our
responsibility as followers of Joseph is to assist people in distress,” Okie
said, as he handed the money collected to the BAPEC president, Rev. George
NKuo.
Receiving
the package on behalf of his peers, the President of the Bamenda Episcopal
Conference, Rev. George Nkuo did not conceal his joy for the gesture which he
described as timely and driven by good faith.
“We are
very happy for this gesture by the CMA which has come to crown the work that
our ecclesiastical province has been doing to assist those who have been
internally displaced and who find themselves in very difficult conditions. I
think we are just overwhelmed by what we have received. I think it is now left
for us to sit down and decide what the urgent need of these people are so that
we can intervene and provide them,” said a visibly elated Rev. Nkuo George.
Feast of Sacrifice:
Muslims Pray for Peace on Tabaski
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| Muslims Praying for Peace and Unity in Cameroon |
Muslims in Yaounde have used the occasion of the feast of
sacrifice (Tabaski) celebrated on Tuesday to pray for peace and unity to reign
in Cameroon.
The more
than 10.000 Muslim faithful that gathered at the Islamic Complex in the Tsinga
quarters here, occupied just every available space in the mosque and its
precincts just to take part in the special prayers to mark the feast.
Leading
the prayers, the assistant Imam of the Islamic Complex, Bouba Goi Goi, prayed
for togetherness, peace and security in Cameroon. He said that Allah has
blessed Cameroon with abundant natural resources, a beautiful landscape and
diverse ethnic groups which Cameroonians have to preserve by ensuring peace and
security.
The
Assistant Imam Bouba Goi Goi exhorted the Muslim faithful to work for peace and
security, which he said are prerequisites for the development of the country.
Several
government ministers and other senior state personalities took part in the
prayer that was witnessed by administrative authorities led by the Governor of
the Centre region, Naseri Paul Bea, who did not conceal his elation.
“I am
greatly touched by the fact that the Imam prayed for peace and unity to reign
in our country. I was particularly marked by the fact that he prayed for
dialogue and asked Cameroonians not to take arms against themselves…He urged
brothers and sisters to respect republican institutions.”
At the
end of the prayer, the assistant Imam symbolically slaughtered a ram, paving
the way for the rest of the faithful to go home and do same. He urged the
faithful to share the sacrificed ram into three parts – one for themselves, one
for their guests and friends and one for those who cannot afford.
Prayers
in Yaounde on the feast of Tabaski did not take place only at the Islamic
complex. The prayers took place in just every mosque in the capital city and
even at street corners. And the central theme of prayers at all the prayer
grounds was for peace and unity in Cameroon.
At the Yaounde Multi-sports Complex where thousands other
Muslims gathered the Imam, El Hadj Njikubit Meferi Ali, prayed for peace to
reign in the country especially before, during and after the 7 October
presidential election. He prayed for the return of peace in all the troubled
regions of the country.
The Imam
invited Muslims to abandon their unholy ways and do good.
“The
feast of Tabaski emphasizes sharing, peace and love. You cannot do all these if
there is no security. That is why the Imam has used the prayers to emphasize on
peace in our country,” noted one of the faithful, Njoya Abubakar.
Independence Struggle:
‘Ambazonians’ Stun White House with Historic Meeting
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| Ambazonian activists marching on to the White House in Washington, USA |
The struggle for the restoration of the independence of
the former Southern Cameroons took a new turn last week with the holding of a
mega conference and demonstration in front of the White House in Washington,
USA, and the reconciliation and merger of all sheds of opinions and factions of
the struggle.
Leaders
of major factions of the struggle met for the first time to stage what could be
described as a massive protest in front of the United State’s Presidential
Palace, the White House, last Sunday, 19 August 2018.
The
massive demonstration came a day after an earlier conference in Washington that
witnessed the participation of some prominent Anglophone activists and leaders
including notably Christian Cardinal Tumi, erstwhile Consortium president
Nkongho Felix Agbor Balla, Federalist Dr. Simon Munzu, ADF Commander-in-chief Cho
Ayaba, journalists Boh Herbert, John Mbah Akuroh and Mbonguh Leslie Fogham, the
emblematic Southern Cameroons enthusiast and advocate, octogenarian Mola Njoh
Litumbe.
During
the massive White House demonstration, the placard-carrying Anglophone separatists
urged President Donald Trump to intervene in the crisis rocking the English
speaking regions of Cameroon.
In a
joint resolution issued after the Washington meeting, the separatist leaders
wrote: “Leaders of the front-line liberation movements of Ambazonia; AGC, IG,
MoRISC, RoA, SCYL, SCNC and The Consortium, meeting in Washington, DC, on
Friday 17th and Saturday 18 August 2018 after several hours of heated
deliberations, resolved as follows: To unite forces, build synergies and engage
in collaboration at several levels to defend and uphold the independence of
Ambazonia…. The leaders agreed to explore avenues of cooperation around the
areas of self-defense, diplomacy, communications, joint fund-raising (Finance),
and assistance to women, children, refugees and internally displaced persons.”
Controversy Surrounds Burnt Hysacam Truck In K’ba
By Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba
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| Hysacam Truck |
Controversy is growing surrounding the circumstances that
led to the burning of one of the trucks belonging to the waste management
company known by its French acronym as HYSACAM in Kumba on Tuesday August 14,
2018, at the Kosala neighbourhood in Kumba II Sub-Division, Meme Division.
While
some people believe the HYSACAM truck was burnt by ‘Ambazonia’ separatists
fighters others suspect it could be as a result of overheat that caught the
vehicle in the course of moving around to collect household waste.
Those who suspect that the incident was masterminded and
executed by ‘Amba’ fighters say the incident occurred when the truck entered
the Kosala neighbourhood to collect household waste. Residents of the area
revealed that as the truck was moving around to collect waste, an unknown
person appeared on a motorbike and set it ablaze.
Though
the reason for the setting ablaze of the truck is still to be established,
another school of thought hold that the truck got burnt as a result of over
heat. At the moment, the branch manager of HYSACAM, Kumba, is still to make an
official statement concerning the incident.
When
news of the incident spread across Kumba, many city dwellers immediately blamed
it on separatist Ambazonia fighters. The incident forced Kosala residents to
flee to their homes for fear of the unknown. A contingent of security for
forces later stormed the area on patrols to check the presence of suspected
gunmen, we learned.
NW Governor’s Convoy Ambushed
The convoy of the North West Regional Governor was
attacked by Pro-independence fighters on Tuesday August 14, 2018 at Mbenjeh
quarter in Babungo, Ngoketunjia Division in the North West Region of Cameroon.
It is
reported that the convoy was attacked as the Governor was heading to Kumbo and
was intercepted leading to sporadic gun shots between the security forces and
some unidentified gunmen.
The gun
battle between the security forces and Pro-independent fighters that ensued for
some time reportedly forced the Governor’s convoy to move away to three corners
junction in Babungo to re-strategized before embarking on their journey to
Kumbo accompanied by some commercial transport vehicles that served as safety
for the Governor’s convoy.
The gun
battle between the gun men and government security forces forced reportedly
forced many locals to escaped to bushes and hinterlands because of fear of
military re-enforcement that could leads to indiscriminate arrests and shooting
The
incident is reportedly to have paralyzed traffic along the Babungo – Babessi,
Babungo-Oku and Babungo-Bamuka high way roads for hours. Shops were reportedly
shot down spontaneously as well.
Reviewing Insecurity in NW:
Embattled Atanga Nji Boasts of ‘Calm’ Amidst Killings
By Njodzefe Nestor in Bamenda
 |
| Minister Atanga Chairing Security Meeting with Governor, SDOs & Dos |
The Minister of Territorial Administration, Atanga Nji
Paul has described the North West region as very calm and has encouraged
“terrorists and armed robbers” in bushes whom he also referred to as “prodigal
children” to lay down their weapons and report themselves to the closest
security post for “justice to take its course”.
He was
speaking to reporters in Bamenda after a security meeting on the instructions
of the Head of State, with NW Governor, SDOs, DOs and security officials to
evaluate the security situation in the region.
“Globally
I can tell you that the situation is under control. The Governor and the
administrative authorities are doing a wonderful job and the Head of State told
me to extend his encouragements to the forces of law and order and
administrative authorities who have done everything despite the odds to
maintain calm and a serene atmosphere in the region” he said.
Atanga Nji boasted that the “pockets of resistance” in
the Regions will soon be “neutralized” and that the “terrorists and armed
robbers” who have been causing havoc with “hunting guns” cannot stand the state
security which has so far been “very professional” in the discharge of their
duties.
Ahead of Oct. Presidential:
General Indignation As Elecam Merges Polling Stations In
NW & SW
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| Elecam board chairman, Enow Abrams Egbe |
North West election stakeholders especially politicians
have expressed indignation at ELECAM’s decision to merge polling station as it
has greatly reduced the number as compared to previous years.
This and many others were at the center of a working
visit to size-up the level of preparedness of the North West Region ahead of
the October 7 Presidential in a meeting in Bamenda on Friday, August 17, 2018
presided at by the Board Chairman of Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), Enow Abrams
Egbe.
It is
worth noting that in Belo, Boyo Division there are only 2 polling stations,
when previously there were 40 polling stations; Njinikom 2 polling stations
from 22; in Bui, Kumbo Central that use to harbour 62 polling stations, now has
only 6, Nkor has 4 polling stations out of 41 in previous years, Nkambe Central
30, instead of 89, Nwa15 instead of 86, there will be 6 polling stations in
Mezam, Bafut 3 polling stations out of 61, Bali 2 polling stations out 42,
Bamenda I, 9 polling stations out of 47, Bamenda II 15 polling stations out of
47, Bamenda III 8 polling stations instead of 27, Santa 19, out of 75, Tubah 8
out of 52, Momo-Mbengwi 3 polling stations, instead of 43, Ngoketunjia- Ndop
Central 11 polling stations instead of 76.
Commissioner Bony’s Demise Is A Big Loss To Kumba Police Corps
–Says Colleague
The Commissioner of the Kumba Central Police Station, has
revealed that the death of the Commissioner of the First District police
station in Kumba is a big loss to the Kumba Police force. Wilson Elong
Njumenjikang made the revelation at the Presbyterian Church Kumba-Mbeng on
Friday August 18, 2018 during the funeral service of late superintendent of the
Kumba First District Police Station, Bony Luke Khen.
He said
the deceased was very punctual to security meetings, instrumental and
innovative in ideas related to preservation of public peace and security in the
hitherto hostile Kumba metropolis.Njumenjikang recalled how the deceased
actively participated in a security and planning meeting for the burial of one
of a colleague on July 18, at the Kumba central police station before the
shocking and heart-breaking news of his demise hit the police force in Kumba on
July 19.
To the
President of the Christian Men Fellowship Kumba-Mbeng, CMF, Lazarus Mukwelle
since admitted and dedicated on September 5, 2009 at PC Kumba-Mbeng late Bony
Luke was a dedicated and loyal member admired by many across the board and
lived an exemplary life that made him to be seen as a pacesetter for others.
The funeral service was preceded by a brief last minute security rituals paid
to him by colleagues in the presence of Meme SDO, Chamberlin Ntou’ou Ndong, at
the Kumba central Police station
Orphanage Pleads For More Support from Bisong Foundation
By Franklin Sone Bayen
 |
| Bisong Foundation members, orphans and some donated items |
Though visibly grateful for another day of donations from
Bisong Foundation, Thursday, August 16, 2018, the Orphelinat Le Bon Samaritain
(Good Samaritan Orphanage) in Babete is, like Oliver Twist, asking for more.
After
giving thanks for the donation of a washing machine and a flat screen TV set,
and the usual donation of school needs towards the start of the school year,
the director of the orphanage, situated near Mbouda in the West Region of
Cameroon, Mrs Fomekong Tikun Jeanne Sylvie, presented demands for more needs to
the foundation which is registered in the United Kingdom as a charity.
“Despite
the efforts made to support these children, to provide them with recreational
facilities,it remains challenging for us to attain our desired goals,” said
Tikun. She therefore pleaded for help in acquiring the following: “A befitting
playground and provisions to replace worn out or damaged equipment (beds,
mattresses, blankets, water heaters and drying lines.”
Presenting
the orphanage, Tikun said it was created in 2006 by reverend sisters of the St.
Benedict Monastery in Babete who hatched the idea after two newborns were
brought to their care within weeks towards the end of 2005. She said the
orphanage admits destitute children from ages0-6 years.
In her
balance sheet, she said over the years, 16 children from the orphanage have
been fully rehabilitated and have reintegrated their natural families. She
praised Bisong Foundation for its help which she said has boosted the morale of
the orphans and bolstered them to obtain good results in school.
“Out of
the 18 orphans going to school, 15 obtained promotion to the next class, two of
them successful in the primary school certificate examination,” she said.
Acknowledging
praise by the director of the orphanage, the founding president of the
foundation, Bisong Michael said his foundation is also supporting seven other
orphanages across three regions of Cameroon. He acknowledged the presence at
the ceremony of his friend, Dr Bola Stephan, a Cameroonian also visiting from
the UK, whom he said is a benefactor of the Bisong Foundation. He said Bola
often mobilises friends and well-wishers to support the foundation’s activities
in the UK.
Visibly
overflowing with joy at what he saw, Bola said he will report back to those he
called his group in the UK, Veteran of United Kingdom Association (VUKA). He
said, though he would not make any concrete promises, he trusts VUKA will make
a significant contribution.
Bisong
also welcomed the presence of Joseph Kamga, a former Indomitable Lion and
former captain of Union Douala who travelled all the way from Douala for the
purpose. Speaking in turn, Kamga said in reference to the founding president
and the co-founder of Bisong Foundation: “What gives a man reputation is the
works of his good heart.”
Limbe Muslims Pray for Peace and Stability in Cameroon
By Ticha Melanis in Limbe
 |
| Muslims sacrifice at least a ram on Tabaski |
Muslims in Limbe have been urged to unite for positive
change in Cameroon by going to the polls on 7 October 2018 for the presidential
election.
The call
was made by the Imam of the Limbe Central Mosque, Muatapha Muhammad, as he led
the prayers marking the celebration of the feast of sacrifice also known as the
Tabaski.
Hundreds
of Muslims gathered at the mosque at New Town and at the community field to
celebrate the feast which highlights the humility and faith of Ibrahim in
obeying Allah by sacrificing his only son, Ismail.
At the
the Limbe Central Mosque No 2, the imam, Kouotou Issah, hinged his prayer on
peace and nation building. He prayed for peace and stability in Cameroon,
especially at this time when the country is facing serious security challenges.
Imam
Koutou used the occasion to call on parents to send their children to school
come September.
He urged
Muslim faithful to uphold peace, faith and unity like Ibrahim who was ready to
give his all for the sake of Allah.
Justice Tahle Mukete Itoe:
Menchum High Court Judge Kidnapped
The President of the High Court of Menchum, Justice Tahle
Mukete Itoe, has been kidnapped by yet unidentified persons, reports said
Wednesday.
The
senior judge who doubles as President of the Wum Court of First Instance was
kidnapped late on Tuesday evening, 21 August 2018, as he was returning to Wum
from Bamenda, the reports said further.
Justice
Tahle Mukete who had boarded a passenger bus for the fateful trip, was whisked
to an unknown destination where he is kept incommunicado.
Neither
the Ambazonia fighters nor any other group has claimed responsibility for the
kidnap, which has been variously condemned by judiciary family, with even
pro-separatist lawyers and judges also bitter about the “stupid act”.
Anglophone Crisis:
106 Villages Burned Down, Deserted in NW & SW
- CHRDA Report
Buea-based Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in
Africa, CHRDA, has revealed what many have described as troubling statistics on
the fallouts of the Anglophone uprising in villages of the troubled NW and SW
regions of Cameroon.
In a
release issued by CHRDA and signed by its Founder/CEO, Nkongho Felix Agbor
Balla, it notes that “since October 2017, after the first military raids in NW
and SW, 106 villages have been deserted, burned down and their inhabitants have
either partially or totally deserted the villages.
Kilum Mountain Forest, Oku:
CAMGEW Building Capacities in White Honey Production
By Njodzefe Nestor in Bamenda
 |
| CAMGEW resource persons ose with white producers |
Cameroon Gender and Environment Watch, CAMGEW, an
organisation based in Oku, North West region of Cameroon and working in
Kilum-Ijim forest on conservation, poverty alleviation and job creation has
been engaged in developing the Oku White Honey Value Chain and the value chain
of brown honey for years now.
To
achieve this she has been involved in planting bee loving trees in the
Kilum-Ijim forest, training of honey production, bee wax extraction, creating
bee farmers cooperatives, distributing honey equipment to cooperatives,
creating a honey shop in Bamenda to convert bee farmers honey/honey products to
money, distributing beehives to trained persons and improving on the quality of
honey through working on quality control.
By 2017
the organisation whose aim is to act locally and think globally to meet the Sustainable
development goals had trained 818 bee farmers in honey production and bee wax
extraction, distributed over 695 beehives to trained bee farmers, organized
more than 1000 bee farmers into 5 Oku White Honey cooperatives located around
Kilum-Ijim forest. CAMGEW has also developed 3 tree nurseries with more than
150.000 trees and has from 2012 to 2018 planted 75000 bee loving trees in the
Kilum-Ijim forest.
In 2018,
158 bee farmers from over 20 villages around Kilum Mountain forest were trained
on modern bee keeping techniques. On the 3rd and 4th July 2018, Mbockenghas, Simonkoh, Ntowel,
Tankiy and Chianka villages received their training, on the 26th and 27th July,
it was the turn of Kesotin, Jikijem, Mboh and Jiyane, on 28th and 29th July
Ngvuinkei II, Manchock, Keyon, Elak, Lui and Ngashie took theirs and on the 3rd
and 4th August 2018, Mbockenghas, Shukov, Kai, Faakui, Vekovi and Tanshem crowned the trainings.
The
first day of each training was dedicated to theory on types of honey bees,
honey bee lifecycle, honey production, bee farm management, bee pest
management, bee farming calendar, Oku white Honey as Geographical product, etc.
while the second day involved practical work on beehive construction, mounting,
honey harvesting, usage of bee farming material/equipments etc.
They
learned the different trees species that are responsible for the production of
Oku White Honey especially like scheffleraabyssinica, Scheffleramanni and
nuxiacongesta.
The
training according to Wirsiy Emmanuel Binyuy, CAMGEW Director and Apiculture
and Nature Conservation Campaigner is to help forest communities gain a source
of income and create jobs and also an opportunity for CAMGEW to engage more
forest community members in forest conservation.
Teaching of Bafaw Language to Be Launched In Schools
-Says BAFLADEAS President
By Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba
 |
| BAFLADEAS officials receive Bafaw alphabet chart from CABTAL |
The President of the Bafaw Language Development
Association (BAFLADEAS), has revealed that the teaching and learning of the
Bafaw language will soon be launched in schools across the Division to hasten
the results of the project to translate the Bible into Lifaw, the local
language of the Bafaws.
Akwo
John Eyoh was speaking at the weekend in an event to officially present the
Bafaw language Alphabet chart by the Cameroon Association of Bible Translators
and Literacy, CAPTAL, in collaboration with BAFLADEAS at the Kumba city council
hall on August 16, 2018.
Akwo
said with the official presentation of the Bafaw alphabet, they look forward to
implementing what is on the chart.
“For us
to be able to write our language, we must master the alphabet with the rules of
autography,” Akwo revealed, adding that the chart doesn’t contain only the
alphabet but the rules that they have to observe when writing the ‘Lifaw’
language.
The former
Secondary Education Delegate for Meme said that the project to translate the
Bible into ‘Lifaw’, conceived since 1996 witnessed several breaks along the
line but their zeal to achieved their objective kept them going before finally
arriving the final product, the alphabet chart. He added that the best way for
this achieved result to made better with time is for it to be implemented in
the classrooms.
“Now we
can start classes and open schools to ensure that the language is taught in all
the schools be there government of private. This is so because it is government
policy to teach the mother tongue and you can’t do that if you don’t have a
solid base”. He urged all Bafaw sons and daughters who couldn’t make it to the
event to be with them in spirit and prayers for the realisation of the most
cherished project.
NW CPDM Elite Raise Over FCFA 154m for Biya’s Campaign
 |
| Business tycoon Baba Danpullo alone contributed Fcfa 30m |
On Saturday August 11, North West elite met at the
Yaounde town hall under the chair of Prime Minister Philemon Yang who doubles
as North West Permanent Delegate for the CPDM Central Committee, and raised
circa FCFA 154,589,000 for their candidate’s presidential campaign.
This is
part of preparations within the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM)
ahead of the October 7 presidential election following the publication of
President Biya’s name by ELECAM on the list of retained candidates
North
West business tycoon Baba Danpullo contributed a whopping FCFA 30 million
support. Philemon Yang during the fund raising event said NW CPDM elite are
extraordinary people who do extraordinary things in extraordinary ways. He
equally stated that he is counting on their active participation when campaigns
are launched.
Akwa Kum Mbong Commissioned As CAMWATER Board Chair
By Njodzefe Nestor in Bamenda
 |
| Akwa Patrick Kum Mbong has taken over as CAMWATER Board Chair |
A decree of the President of the Republic, Paul Biya, on
August 14, 2018, appointed Patrick Akwa Kum Mbong, as the new Chairman of the
Board of Directors of the Cameroon Water Utilities Corporation, CAMWATER and he
was officially commissioned thereafter.
Akwa’s
appointment came after an extraordinary Board meeting held at CAMWATERS’ head
office in Douala that same day.
The
native of Menchum Division, North West Region replaces former Minister Jerome
Obi Eta, who had occupied the same post for several years.
The new
Board Chairman went on retirement a few weeks back after serving as Secretary
General of the Ministry of the Environment, Protection of Nature and
Sustainable Development (MINEPDEP) for 12 years.
On
February 20 this year, Biya through a Presidential decree redirected the
production, transportation and distribution of water to the portfolio of
CAMWATER. It came after 10 years of unfruitful privatisation of the sector to
the Moroccan company, Camerounaise des Eaux(CDE).
After a
series of consultations, CAMWATER effectively took over water distribution
across Cameroon on April 30, 2018. Thus Akwa’s era as Board Chair is pregnant
with expectation as Cameroonians continue to complaint of faulty potable water
supply and high bills.
Cameroon Pangolin Traffickers Caught in the Act
 |
| Pangolin traffickers caught in the act |
Police in Cameroon have shut down an international
poaching gang after catching six traffickers carrying more than 700 kilos of
pangolin scales, a conservation group said on Tuesday.
Pangolins,
or scaly anteaters, are one of the world's most trafficked species and are
threatened with extinction. Their
scales are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and their meat is a
delicacy in many Asian and African countries.
The six
poachers - five Cameroonians and one from the Central African Republic - were
arrested on August 18 in Douala, a coastal city in southwest Cameroon,
according to the Last Great Ape Organisation (LAGA).
Chin’s Foundation Donates Relief Materials to IDPS
By Boris Esono in Buea
 |
Chin's Foundation CEO, Marry-Jane Chin Yaya handing
Presenting
the aid, the head of the Foundation, Marry-Jane Chin Yaya on Wednesday August
15, 2018 explained that the gesture was to ameliorate the hardship being faced
by the IDPs in the English speaking regions especially those of the South West.
“I believe that the violence has not yet reached some of us and we have to look
at ways of helping those who need it”.
She said
the reason why she chose those in the Bova area is due to security issues
getting to those in the interior of the most affected areas in the region. “I
chose this people because I was not able to get to those in Ekona and other
areas due to security issues. I am happy that they were able to get what I brought
to them and pray that they will remain safe”.
Those
who received the items such as bag of rice, Garri, clothes, shoes, and
toiletries consist of women and children from areas across the SWR. Some 9
families comprising 26 persons benefited from the relief material.
The
beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the NGO and called on others to
emulate their examples. “I am very happy today having received the gifts as it
is the third time they are giving it. Even though we have left our various areas
of origin, we know it is God has kept some people to help us” explained one
beneficiary from Muyenge leaving in Buea for the past 4 months.
Displaced Persons Begin Receiving Humanitarian Aid
 |
| Some humanitarian aid given to IDPs in the ongoing violence |
Over Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in the North West
region have begun receiving the assistance to make them meet with the basics of
daily living after they were displaced from their original habitat. The first
phase of the humanitarian aid was handed to some of the victims on Thursday
August 9, 2018 at the North West Governors esplanade.
On hand
to receive the gifts were over two hundred IDP who have been identified and
registered. The IDP who have lost love ones, houses and other properties as
well as livestock were urged to be peaceful and rebuild from scratch. While
handing over the gifts, North West Governor Adophe Lele Lafrique acknowledged
the fact that the people are victims as they were not responsible for their
present situation.
He
congratulated them for their courage to show up for the gifts despite threats.
He said the gifts from the Head of State Paul Biya is timely as it will go a
long way to ameliorate their living standards and give them some comfort.
Life And Legacy of a Global Statesman:
How Koffi Annan Redefined the United Nations
 |
| Koffi Annan |
The foundation named after him announced that the
80-year-old "passed away peacefully on Saturday after a short
illness."
His home
country of Ghana has declared a week of national mourning in light of his passing.
Former
US President Barack Obama said Annan, who was the first black African to take
on the UN secretary general role, had always pursued a "better
world."
Here's
everything you need to know about the life and legacy of Kofi Annan.
It is
with immense sadness that the Annan family and the Kofi Annan Foundation
announce that Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations and
Nobel Peace Laureate, passed away peacefully on Saturday 18th August after a
short illness...
“It is with immense sadness that the Annan family and the
Kofi Annan Foundation announce that Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the
United Nation and Nobel Peace Laureate, passed away peacefully on Saturday 18th
August after a short illness. His wife Nane and their children Ama, Kojo and
Nina were by his side during his last days.
Kofi
Annan was a global statesman and a deeply committed internationalist who fought
throughout his life for a fairer and more peaceful world. During his
distinguished career and leadership of the United Nations he was an ardent
champion of peace, sustainable development, human rights and the rule of law.
After
stepping down from the United nations, he continued to work tirelessly in the
cause of peace through his chairmanship of the Kofi Annan Foundation and as
chair of The Elders, the group founded by Nelson Mandela. He was an inspiration
to young and old alike.
Kofi
Annan was a son of Ghana and felt a special responsibility towards Africa. He
was particularly committed to African development and deeply engaged in many
initiatives, including his chairmanship of the Africa Progress Panel and his
early leadership of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).
Wherever
there was suffering or need, he reached out and touched many people with his
deep compassion and empathy. He selflessly placed others first, radiating
genuine kindness, warmth and brilliance in all he did. He will be greatly
missed by so many around the world, as well as his staff at the Foundation and
his many former colleagues in the United Nations system. He will remain in our
hearts forever.
The
family kindly requests privacy at this time of mourning. Arrangements to
celebrate his remarkable life will be announced later.”
Bassogog and Moukandjo Dropped from Lions’ Squad
 |
| Indomitable Lions squad |
The new trainer of the Indomitable Lions, Dutchman
Clarence Seedorf has left out former skipper, Benjamin Moukandjo and AFCON 2017
best player, Christian Bassogog, from his list of 23 players called up to
prepare for the Lions’ AFCON qualifier against the Comoros Islands.
Seedorf
argued that the two players are plying their trade in China, whose football
league is not competitive enough. The Dutchman said no good player(s) would
prefer the uncompetitive leagues in Asia and China to the very competitive and
highly mediatized leagues in Europe.
“Good
young players don’t compete in China or Asia. Players must understand that if
they abandon the competitive leagues and go for more lucrative contracts
elsewhere then they forfeit their chance in the team,” Clarence Seedorf said.
But the
former trainer of Italian giants, AC Milan said he could come back on his
decision if he has proof enough that a player in China or Asia is competitive
enough.
It
should be noted that Olympic Marseille forward, Clinton Njie, was also left
out, perhaps for his poor form and especially his unruly behavior out of the
dressing room.
Samuel Eto’o Signs with Qatar Sports Club
 |
| Eto’o has scored 56 times for his country Cameroon in 118 appearances |
Veteran Cameroon star Samuel Eto’o has signed for Qatar
league side, Qatar Sports Club, just days after he ended a brief stay at
Turkish side Konyaspor.
The
former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea striker will be unveiled on Tuesday,
said Qatar Sports Club, the latest big-name edition to Qatar’s domestic league
as it gears up to host the 2022 World Cup.
The club
said on social media that it would “present the international star Samuel
Eto’o” at a press conference.
It is
understood he underwent a medical earlier in the day. It will be the 13th
professional club for Eto’o, who was reportedly considering the A-League as a
destination for his next move.
The
four-time African player of the year will join former colleagues in Qatar,
including ex-Barcelona teammate Xavi Hernandez, who plays for Al Sadd, and
Wesley Sneijder who was at Inter with Eto’o.
Alexandre Song joins Swiss Side FC Sion
 |
| Alex Song joins FC Sion, the fifth club in his career |
The former Cameroon international has sealed a move to
the Swiss top-flight side in a deal that runs through till the summer of 2020
Song who
began his professional football career at French side, Bastia featured just 22
times in the league for his last club Rubin Kazan before terminating his
contract with the Russian club in January this year due to unpaid salaries.
Song who
has not known good time in football since he disgracefully elbowed Croatian
forward, Mario Mandzukic in a group game in the 2014 world cup while playing
for Cameroon. Song’s early days at Arsenal showed signs of greatness but today
he is a premier potential who never went on to achieve full greatness and will
be reuniting with another former London based footballer in Pajtim Kasami at
Sion these days.
Danger for UMS of Loum as Jeunesse de Ngoulemekong takes dispute over unpaid benefits to FIFA
2018 vice champions of Cameroon and CAF champions’ league
representative of the country, UMS of Loum are ignoring the decisions of FIFA,
a source close to Ngah Geal Fabrice has told mysoccer24.com.
Barely
days after Bamboutos FC of Mbouda were hit hard with a demotion to the second
tier of Cameroon football for not respecting a FIFA instruction,
M
Essomba Abanda, owner of Jeunesse de Ngoulemekong has told mysoccer24.com that
he fears UMS of Loum is also taking the instructions of FIFA for granted.
The
football actor who had been involved in a transaction in the 2015/2016 season
between him and Tchungwo Joseph (Secretary General of UMS of Loum) which saw
Ngah Fabrice leave Jeunesse de Ngoulemekong to UMS of Loum with an agreement
that, should the player move to any other club within the specified period on
the liberation from Jeunesse, then Jeunesse de Ngoulemekong will be entitled to
40% of his transfer fee.
In 2017, Ngah Fabrice moved to Moroccan top
flight side Diffaa El Jadida on a 60 000 Euros deal (Despite having a release
clause of 50 000 Euros) meaning UMS of Loum was supposed to pay 40% of that 60
000 Euros to Jeunesse de Ngoulemekong but has not done so.
UMS’s
reluctance have since then forced a chain of further developments to unfold
including, Jeunesse contracting the services of Italian lawyer, Cristiano
Novazio to represent the club in the litigation issue.
Monday, 13 August 2018
Amnesty International Release:
New Video shows more Brutal Killings by Cameroonian Armed
Forces
10 August 2018: A horrifying video obtained by Amnesty
International shows Cameroonian security forces shooting at least a dozen
unarmed people during a military operation in the village of Achigaya in the
Far North region of the country, the organization said today.
Using advanced digital analysis
tools, Amnesty International experts were able to confirm that the video, shot
at an unknown date but prior to May 2016, corroborates previous accounts of
extrajudicial executions which the Cameroonian authorities have denied.
“This shocking video shows armed men
lining people up face down or sitting against a wall and shooting them with
automatic weapons. A second round of shooting ensures no survivors. Here is yet
more credible evidence to support the allegations that Cameroon’s armed forces
have committed grave crimes against civilians, and we are calling for an
immediate, thorough and impartial investigation. Those suspected to be
responsible for these abhorrent acts must be brought to justice,” said Ilaria
Allegrozzi, Amnesty International’s Lake Chad Researcher.
“Last month we analyzed footage from
another location which showed two women and two young children being killed by
soldiers who were clearly members of Cameroon’s armed forces. What further
evidence do they need before they act on these atrocities?”
Amnesty International has documented
multiple extrajudicial killings, as well as the widespread use of torture by
Cameroonian security forces who are fighting against the armed group Boko Haram
in the Far North region of the country.
Ekondo Titi, Ndian Division:
Chief Itoh Esoh Shot Dead
 |
| Chief Itoh Esoh Shot Dead |
The former board chair of Pamol Plantations PLC and
erstwhile president of the South West chiefs’ conference has on Sunday morning
12 August been shot dead in Ekondo Titi, Ndian division.
HRH
Chief Itoh Esoh Stephen, who was until his death the traditional ruler of
Ekondo Titi and paramount ruler of the Balondo clan, was pulled out of the
Baptist Church where he was worshipping and murdered in cold blood.
No
persons or group of persons has claimed responsibility for the gruesome murder.
But it is widely believed that the patriarch was killed by Ambazonia fighters,
who have for months now been terrorizing the entire Ndian Division.
It
should be recalled that only days ago, the mayor of Ekondo Titi, Nanji Kenneth
Ene, was kidnapped and was only released upon the payment of a huge ransom.
Also,
Pamol PLC where chief Itoh was former board chairman is now completely
grounded, as the Amba boys have warned workers to steer clear of the
plantations. Activities at the agro-industry have come to a complete halt. The
production and export of palm oil, which is Pamol’s main activity, has stopped
for several months running.
Extra-judicial killings in North Cameroon:
Issa Tchiroma Ignominiously Regurgitates Again
 |
| Issa Tchiroma |
The Minister of communication has announced the arrest
for trial of some seven Cameroonian soldiers who are suspected to be
responsible for the killing of women and children in the Far North of Cameroon.
Issa
Tchiroma’s announcement that was made on state radio contradicts an earlier
statement he made denying that Cameroonian soldiers were responsible for the
dastardly killings as was captured in a video and affirmed by Amnesty
International.
In his
rebuttal statement, Tchiroma told public opinion that Cameroonian soldiers were
so well trained and professional, they could not carry out such atrocities. He
said Amnesty was only out to destabilize Cameroon and its illustrious leader,
Paul Biya.
Tchiroma
said the soldiers captured in the video were from a different country,
insinuating that they were Malian soldiers and not Cameroonians.
It was
thus surprising to many when the same minister went on air Friday and told
Cameroonians that after a thorough investigation, some seven suspected soldiers
had been arrested in connection to the acts.
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