Friday 24 August 2018

Front page


Celebrating 100 Publications:


SONARA News FĂȘtes 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
Talba Malla underscored the importance of communication in the development of Sonara, arguing that Sonara would have failed in its lofty objectives, if it failed to inform its staff and also the wider public of its activities.
            “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
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
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
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
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 relief aid to displaced persons in Bokova, Buea

In a bid to reduce the hardship being faced by Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs in the South West Region due to the ongoing Anglophone crisis, a non-governmental organization, Chin’s Foundation, has presented relief materials to those seeking refuge in Bokova, in the Bonavada court area.
            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

Front Page


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.