Publisher/Editor: OJONG Steven AYUKOGEM. Tel: (+237) 77 07 27 79. E-mail: themedianpaper@yahoo.com
Tuesday, 25 September 2018
Bamenda, NW region:
Yang Lunches Biya’s Campaigns amid Tight Security
-Tells NW People Not To Vote Day-dreamers
- Cautions CPDM Militants to Avoid Provocative Language
-Prescribes door-to-door, man-to-man approach to
campaigns
By a correspondent in Bamenda
 |
| PM Yang poses with Divisional Campaign heads in Bamenda Congress Hall |
Cameroon’s Prime Minister and Northwest Regional
Coordinator of the CPDM party, Philemon Yungi Yang, has said that Cameroon
needs an experienced leader like incumbent President Paul Biya for another
mandate and not day dreamers with political fantasies.
Yang
made the assertion Saturday September 22 at the Bamenda Congress Hall, as he
led other regime movers and shakers of the Region to launch Biya’s campaign
activities for the October 7 poll.
Held against separatists’ threats, the PM said the CPDM
party stands for unity and development and this can only be guaranteed to
Cameroonians by the CPDM candidate.
He
cautioned the population against voting for people he described as novices.
Such, Yang asserted are carried by the imagination of their fantasies.
The
highpoint of the meeting staged under tight security was the unveiling and
installation of the various Divisional Committee Heads. While installing them
to enhance the party’s campaign, the Regional Coordinator prescribed the
outlining of strategies that will enhance door-to-door campaigns.
Here We Are in Buea!
SW CPDM Launch Biya’s Campaign amid threats
By Boris Esono in Buea
 |
| SW CPDM bigwigs at the launching of campaigns in the Buea Mountain Hotel |
With barely 14 days to the October 7 presidential
election the ruling CPDM party has launched its campaigns in the SWR-becoming
the first party to launch campaigns in the trouble-stricken region.
The
Regional campaign rally took place last Sunday 23 September at the Buea
Mountain Hotel with the theme: “Paul Biya: The Force of Experience.”
In his
presentation, the chairperson of the Regional Campaign Co-ordination, Peter
Mafany Musonge said the limited number of contesting candidates, leaves one
with the impression that the 2018 presidential election is the most competitive
ever.
But
Musonge said the the reality is that the other candidates are day-dreamers and
schemers whose principal aim is to build a national image for themselves.
“Some
are well-known old-timers with nothing credible to show in their past and
present political life. Others are big-time amateurs and unknown quantities in
the political arena,” Musonge said, prescribing door-to-door,
neighbour-to-neighbour campaigns and the use of SMS when necessary.
“We have
to work in partnership with partner political parties that are canvassing
support for president Biya ahead of the October 7 election,” Musonge added,
calling on militants to work in peace and harmony in their various teams to
give victory for the party.
“Be
consistent, focused and convincing in your message to the voters by proving
that our candidate is the best in the presidential race. We have to project him
as the best in order to win the hearts and minds of electors towards massively
renewing their confidence in him”.
Meeting with the Press:
Enow Abrams Cautions Journalists to Report ‘Lawfully”
-Says IDPs in NW and SW will vote
 |
| Elecam boss, Enow Abrams |
The president of the electoral board of Elecam has
assured the public that people displaced by the crisis in NW and SW will have
the opportunity to vote at the polling centres that have been created in
troubled zones.
Governor
Enow Abrams Egbe was speaking during a press launch in Yaounde on Friday.
“We have
put all in place to ensure that people in troubled zones vote. We have pulled
together many polling stations to create polling centres in safe areas where
these people can vote safely,” Enow Abrams said, noting that it was for this
reason that polling centres were created near army camps where there is more
security.
The
press launch gave opportunity for C authorities to meet and exchange with
pressmen, clear worries and doubts and emphasize on the need for reporters to
report within the ambit of the law.
Guided
by the theme “the role of the media in presidential elections”, discussions
were centred on the practical measures taken to ensure a smooth, transparent
and equitable election and in view of an effective collaboration between the
media and other stakeholders of the electoral process, before during and after
the polls.
Governor
Enow Abrams told journalists that the two organs of Elecam, the Board and
Directorate General, are working in strict synergy and perfect collaboration
towards a successful organization of the October presidential polls.
Cabral Libi Takes Douala by Storm
 |
| Over 10.000 people gathered to welcome Cabral Libi in Douala |
It was a mammoth crowd of over 10.000 youths that
converged on the Stade CICAM in the Douala 5 municipality to welcome their
hero, Cabral Libi, presidential candidate of the Universe party, on Sunday. The
38-year old Etoudi hopeful used the occasion to rekindle hope in the youths,
saying he is going to re-structure the country and ensure good governance,
provide better opportunities for the youths in the domains of education health,
economy and others.
He
promised to transform Cameroon from its present unstable state and improve on
the well-being of all Cameroonians.
Joshua Osih Also Pulls the Crowds
 |
| Joshua Osih launched his campaigns in Moungo division |
The Esplanade of the Douala IV municipality was the venue
from where Joshua Osih, SDF presidential candidate took off to start his
campaigns for the October presidential election. Osih’s itinerary took him
accross the Moungo Division where he launched his campaigns in Nkongsamba.
The Osih
caravan made stopovers in Dibamba, Souza, Njombe, Loum, Manjo and Penja before
rallying Nkongsamba, where the SDF national president, Ni John Fru Ndi, was
there waiting to give him support in the grand rally to launch the campaigns.
In all
the stopovers, Osih told his supporters that he will be a president who will
always come back to the grassroots to visit them. He promised to provide wealth
and power to the people.
He used
the occasion to re-echo his campaign program which emphasizes free pre-natal care,
increase in minimum wage and more.
Kamto Launches Campaign Amid Troops Deployment
 |
| Maurice Kamto defied DO’s ban and launched his campaigns in Bonaberi Douala |
The presidential campaigns of the MRC candidate, Maurice
Kamto, kicked off at the esplanade of the Lycee Polyvalent Bonaberi in the
Douala 4 municipality, a different venue from the one mentioned on the official
program.
The
rally took place despite a ban by the Douala 4 DO, who sent security forces to
stop all activities in the area.
“Cameroon is
supposed to be a democratic country. I don’t know why we have to launch
campaigns under military surveillance,” wondered an MRC official, as he cursed
the police and gendarmes that were deployed on the site.
Things
turned sour later, when an anti-riot vehicle arrived at the scene and created
commotion and uncertainty.
Visit to Dakar, Senegal:
Cabral Libi invokes Ahidjo, Reassures him of his
Repatriation
 |
| Cabral Libi at Ahidjo’s tomb |
Cabral Libi, leader of the Universe Party at the October
7 polls in Cameroon has triggered public sentiments regarding the controversy
surrounding the possible repatriation of the remains of the country’s first
President, El Hadj Ahamadou Ahidjo, after he published a picture of himself at
the former leader’s grave in Senegal.
The
picture, which has gone viral across different platforms, shows Cabral, a
Christian Southerner in Cameroon, in full Muslim regalia standing beside
Ahidjo’s grave.
The
picture is revealing of a politician trying to connect to the history of
leadership at the highest level of State.
Issues
related to former President Ahmadou Ahidjo usually generate nostalgic feelings
across the board, especially within political circles.
Can’t beat them, join them:
At Last, Lion Hunter Ekindi, Embraces Biya
 |
| Jean Jacque Ekindi |
Jean Jacque Ekindi, leader of the Progressive Movement
has ended his 26 years of opposing the political ideologies of incumbent
president Paul Biya.
He has
rather endorsed the 85 years old’s candidature for the October 7 poll.
Speaking
at a press conference, in Douala Thursday, Ekindi broke the news to the media
that he is in support of Biya ruling Cameroon for the next seven years.
Thursday’s
pronouncement is in contrast with Ekindi’s political ideologies for over two
decades since he entered the political arena.
The MP
leader said, President Biya is the man with the experience and stamina to
stabilise the many challenges facing Cameroon. He said his endorsement does not
mean the Biya era of leadership is void of weakness.
Just
over a month ago, the same politician had announced that, he was not going to
be a candidate at the Presidential elections. Back then, he did not offer
explanations over his reasons.
Opposition Cry Foul as CRTV ‘favors’ Biya
 |
| Director General of CRTV, Charles Ndongo |
Opposition candidates to the October 7 Presidential
election have castigated the state broadcaster, CRTV, for attributing the lion
share of reporters to the incumbent Paul Biya.
In a
strongly worded statement signed by flag-bearers of five out of the eight
opposition parties in the polls, they chastised the Director General of CRTV
for unilaterally attributing five teams’ of reporters for candidate Paul Biya
and associates, and only one each for the other eight candidates in the
competition.
Moreover,
according to them, the reporters attached to the campaign teams of the
opposition parties are mostly green horns in the profession, while the
experienced reporters have all been reserved for the CPDM and its candidate.
The
candidates also argued that CRTV attributes more airtime to the CPDM candidate
over prime time news and related programmes even though the latter has never
been on the field since ELECAM retained their candidatures.
According
to them, this gives the impression that they (opposition candidates) are
dormant even though they are very active on the field.
They
have requested an equitable redistribution of reporters to all nine candidates,
since according to them; CRTV is financed by taxes from all Cameroonians.
Going by
the opposition, if by September 22 CRTV does not redress the situation,
opposition parties would relieve the team of reporters put at their disposal,
press on for the resignation of the Director General of the CRTV as well as
seek other measures, the declaration stated.
The
declaration was signed in Douala on Tuesday, September 18 and as of now no
official information has filtered from CRTV or the Ministry of Communication
and the National Communication Council concerning the concerns raised.
At the
beginning of the month, the Minister of Communication, Issa Tchiroma Bakary,
met with representatives of political parties to the Presidential election in
the presence of CRTV’s management and allocated equitably airtime for campaign
messages to each party on radio and television.
Agbor Balla tables Anglophone Case before UN Council
 |
| Barrister Felix Agbor Balla |
Renowned human rights activist, Barrister Felix Agbor
Balla, has presented a bleak picture of the ongoing Crisis in the North West
and South Regions of Cameroon to the United Nations Human Rights Council.
While
making an oral presentation at the 39 Human rights session on Thursday, September,
20, 2018, the Barrister-at-Law made key recommendations for a fruitful
resolution to the conflict, which he argued has led to the displacement of more
than 400,000 persons internally and 50,000 in neighbouring Nigeria.
“Grant
general amnesty to all those who have been convicted by the Military Tribunal,
guarantee the safe return of the more than 50,000 Anglophone refugees and
411,000 Internally Displace Persons (IDPs), grant access to the Anglophone
Regions by international agencies, human rights NGOs and journalists, grant
access by lawyers and family members to all those held incommunicado and
implement genuine dialogue in the country,” Agbor Balla said.
Who “chopped” money for tarring of K’ba station road?
One year after the MINEPAT allocated over FCFA 545
Million for the tarring of two streets in Kumba, no work has been done on any
of the streets.
By Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba
Kumba inhabitants have continued going through muddy,
dusty and bumpy streets despite a special allocation since one year ago by
MINEPAT of the sum of FCFA 545.684.295 million for the tarring of some two
streets in the city. The two streets are the one stretching from the CPDM hall
junction at Kumba Town to the SDO’s residence at up-station, measuring 3.125 km,
and another from ‘RTC’ junction at Buea road to Bonakama measuring 1.150 km.
One year
after this special allocation, work on these two streets is yet to be effective
for the one or even kick started for the other.
Apart
from some grading work that was done on about 100 metres on the stretch from
the ‘RTC’ junction towards Bonakama, nothing else has been done on the two
streets.
The
stretch from CPDM hall to the SDO’s residence has worsened. Students trek to
school with difficulty as the road is mapped by very large potholes and muddy
rain water that retards movement.
The
Median gathered that the contractor who won the contract in Yaoundé to tar the
stretch leading to the SDO’s residence is yet to begin the work perhaps because
of her alleged links to the Presidency. We learned that she hurried and signed
the contract papers in Kumba and later disappeared.
Reports
hold that she has been ignoring all calls coming from the project stakeholders
in Meme. She has also not responded to
sundry query letters that have been addressed to her.
North West and South West:
Many Go Jobless as Businesses are Shutdown
 |
| The once vibrant Dream Lounge snack is now empty |
The fallouts of the on-going Anglophone crisis have been
felt by all the segments of Cameroon’s economy.
Redundancy
is chasing most young people as managers and employers of small business
ventures continue to lay-off workers, especially unskilled labourers.
Many
youths in Buea have been given temporal leave, hoping that when things return
to normalcy, they will be recalled to duty.
Businesses
in the informal sector like hotels, snack bars, restaurants, cafés, provision
stores and other petit businesses have drastically reduced their staff; some
are on a temporal shutdown as the crisis drags on.
Many
workers of companies owned by mostly Francophone investors have been rendered
jobless as some these owners have shutdown their shops and relocated to safer
Regions.
The
sacking of workers has triggered a mass exodus to other regions in search for
jobs and a better livelihood.
Many
young people told this newspaper that they were dismissed without any formal
notification and that their employers have promised to recall them when things
return to normalcy.
“Whilst on duty, i was told not to
come back for work the next day. My manager explained the reasons for sudden
dismissal and I understood with him, even though I was disappointed. I am the
one providing for my siblings……this crisis has really dealt with me,” said
Elias Bah, a former worker of a popular snack bar in Mile 16 Buea.
Briefs
Compiled by Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba
Gunmen Attack Mayor’s House in Kumba
Some unidentified gunmen on Tuesday stormed the residence
of the Mayor of Kumba I Council, Ebako Abel Ndoh but were halted by security
forces who rushed to the scene after an alert reportedly from the Mayor’s wife.
The gunmen had succeeded to vandalize the gate of the house and were heading in
when the security reinforcement arrived at the scene.
The
motive of the assailants is still unknown. The Mayor was not at home at the
time of the incident.
The Mile
1 neighbourhood where the Mayor resides has since become a hot spot since the
escalation of hostilities in the ongoing Anglophone crisis, with several cases
of kidnap of recorded there. It was in the same area that a police woman was
kidnapped and later murdered few months ago.
Separatists Attack Ekombe Military Base
The recently created military base in Small Ekombe, along
the Kumba-Ekondo-Titi road in the South West Region was on Wednesday 19
September, attacked by some about 30 gunmen believed to be elements of the
Ambazonia fighters.
The
gunmen blocked the main road at the Mile One Bridge and interrupted traffic
before invading the base, according to a local radio report. The report quoted
passengers saying that the incident was like a film and that it happened when
the soldiers were not in their base.
It is
said the gunmen actually vandalised the military base.
Mayor’s Son, Driver Kidnapped and Freed
The son and driver of the Mayor of Kumba II municipality
have regained their freedom after spending hours in captivity with their
kidnappers believed to be elements of the Ambazonia fighters. The two were
released in the evening of Tuesday 18 September, hours after they were
kidnapped.
They
were kidnapped while on their way back from the Mayor’s farm located at Matoh
road in the Kosala, Kumba. It is said the Mayor’s son sustained severe injuries
from the torture he received in the hands of the abductors.
We
gathered the son and driver went to the farm with the Mayor’s car to fetch
firewood. We could not independently
confirm if the victims were released upon the payment of a ransom.
DO imposes dusk-to-dawn curfew in Kumba 1
The
Divisional Officer of Kumba I, Safffo Roger, has restricted the operations of
drinking spots to between 7:00pm and 6:00am daily till further notice. The
announcement dated September 21 calls on the proprietors of drinking spots and
the inhabitants of Kumba I to respect the order under pain of facing
administrative sanctions. The move is linked to the ongoing conflict in the
North West and South West Regions, especially ahead of the October 7 polls.
Kumba-Ekondo-Titi Road Driver Commits Suicide
A driver plying the Kumba-Ekondo-Titi road axis has
committed suicide in Kumba. Joseph Masuh said to be in his early 40s committed
the act recently in a bush at Kake, believed to be his plot.
The
incident occurred few days after the said Masuh organized a heavy feast that
last lasted hours to celebrate his survival in a road accident that would have
taken away his life. The act has left many wondering as to what would have
actually caused Masuh to take away his own life days after celebrating with
friends and family members.
The
incident has left many inhabitants of the Mile one neighbourhood grip with
fear. Tongues have been wagging with some Kumba inhabitants attributing it to
ritual sacrifice. Masuh leaves behind a young beautiful wife in her early 30s
and a fresh new born baby, we gathered.
Ekondo-Titi, Ndian:
Chief Esoh Itoh Buried
 |
| Casket bearing Chief Itoh arrives at Ekondo beach amid wailing by family members |
The body of the Paramount Ruler of the Balondos, Chief
Stephen Esoh Itoh, was on Friday September 14, 2018, laid to rest. Chief Itoh’s
remains were flown through the high seas from Limbe to the Ekondo Titi beach
from where he was laid to rest in his chiefdom.
Security
measures are reported to have been stepped up following the circumstances under
which he was murdered on Sunday, August 12, while in Church.
The
unhealthy atmosphere of the Anglophone Crisis punctured what would have been a
grandiose occasion for a man of Chief Itoh’s calibre. He had links within the
social and political strata of Cameroon. Yet his land could not host the
funeral as it would have been if the atmosphere was secure.
Traditional Healer Shot Dead in Muea
 |
| Armed security men |
A man, who was allegedly preparing charms for separatists
in Muea, was Friday shot dead by security officers.
The man,
whose name we got as Pa Ndang, was reportedly shot at his Lower Muea residence.
Pa Ndang
was said to be providing charms (odeshi) to pro-independence fighters to
prevent bullets from penetrating their bodies.
“Pa
Ndang was sitting on his veranda with his children preparing dinner when a
white Hilux full of soldiers suddenly appeared in front of his house. His
children attempted to run but Pa Ndang told them not to run, two soldiers
jumped out of the vehicle and shot at the man three times before speeding off,”
narrated an eye witness.
Pa Ndang
died on the spot, while his eldest daughter who fainted as a result of the
sound of the gun was later revived by the population that had gathered at the
residence of the deceased.
Syndy Emade’s Pregnancy Pictures Spark Debate on Social Media
 |
| Syndy Emade is expecting a baby |
The most famous face in Cameroon’s Movie Industry, Syndy
Emade, has ignited a social media debate with pictures of her baby boom.
The
actress posted the pictures on Saturday August 18, 2018, and within hours over
1,665 viewers had already commented.
The
multi-talented Actress, Director and Movie Producer, has sparked massive debate
online after sharing adorable pictures of her baby boom.
The
Producer of the famous movie “A Man for the Weekend” who has also starred in so
many movies both at home and in Nollywood, sparked controversy online when she
shared pictures of her pregnancy.
Fans and
critics have taken to social media to punch at the star for being a bad
influence to many youths who look up to her.
Many say
it was disgraceful for the actress to publicly display pictures of a pregnancy
she got when she is not married and says the regrettable move sends a wrong
signal to many young girls who have taken her as their role model.
Others
were quick to remind the Cameroonian beauty about her African roots where
marriage before child bearing is core to the fundamental values they share.
However,
her supporters on the other hand wasted no time to fire back, saying it’s
better to keep the child than to abort the innocent baby simply because she got
pregnant without being married to a man.
Other question on which statutes is it written that a
girl must get marry before being pregnant? They urged detractors of the
celebrity to mind their business because Emade is more than capable of
providing for her child even without a father.
The
controversy has been rocking social media for almost a week now ever since her
first pictures were released on August 18, 2018.
Contraband:
‘Funge’ Sale Thriving in Buea Despite Arrests
 |
| Sale of Illegal fuel is experiencing a boom in the SW region |
The sale of illegal fuel is experiencing a boom in the SW
region despite the sporadic raids and arrests by forces of law and order.
On the streets of Buea, youths between the ages of 15 to
25 are spotted selling illegal fuel. The activity has become the mainstay of
these youths who depend on it for their livelihood.
The boom
has not left out military officers, who are also making huge financial gains
whenever they pounce on a vendor.
Despite the random arrests, many youngsters are still
getting more involved in the business.
According
to vendors of this fuel, most cab drivers and car owners prefer this fuel
because the price is affordable and it’s more economical compared to fuel sold
at filling stations.
We
gathered that the business is thriving because police officers collect money on
daily basis from those dealing in such fuel.
Pascal,
one of the youngsters, who is gainfully employed by this sector, told this
newspaper that when the police come for bribe and you complain that you have
not sold, they threaten you with arrest.
Biya Appoints New DOs In Hot Zones
 |
| President Paul Biya |
Cameroon’s President, Paul Biya, has appointed a new
Divisional Officer (DO) to replace the abducted administrator of Batibo as well
as others to fill positions abandoned by their predecessors due to insecurity
in the Anglophone Regions.
The
President made the decision on Wednesday, September 19, 2018, just four days
after returning from China. According to the Presidential decrees, Kwandze
Ernest Kari, is the new DO for Batibo in replacement of Namata Diteng Joseph,
who was abducted by members of the Ambazonia Defence forces on February 11.
The new
DO is not new to the violence as he is coming from Mbengwi, which has also been
engulfed in violence.
Unlike
other administrative text of appointments, the decree replacing Namata did not state
his mutation after leaving the post; whether he is retired, transferred or
death. Paul Biya strategically left it blank even though in July the Minister
of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, announced to the family of
Namata that he has been killed somewhere around Nigeria. However, when the
family asked the Minister to narrate the circumstances leading to his death and
produce the corpse, the Minister was dumfounded.
Still in
the North West, the President replaced the DOs of Kumbo in Bui division and
Njinikom in Boyo as well as the two enclaves Sub-divisions of Ako and Misaje
which borders Nigeria. All these areas have been hotspots for Ambazonia
fighters with fighting almost on daily bases.
Travelers Stranded After Gun Attack on Ekombe Military Base
 |
| Soldiers in a training camp |
The
attackers are said to have made attempts to attack the base at a time when the
security forces had stepped out for official assignment. Sustained gunfire for hours around the area
left scores of people travelling between the Kumba-Mbonge Road axis stranded on
both ends of the road.
The Lake
Site Radio Kumba in a Thursday early shift of broadcast gave details on the
attack as lasting for over four hours. The media house reported that the men on
board the motorcycles were armed with dane guns. The same media indicated that
the yet to be identified group claimed it is part of pro-independence fighters,
who are seeking a separate state for the North West and South Regions of
Cameroon.
Ekombe,
a farming locality on the outskirts of Kumba, but placed administratively under
Mbonge Sub- division has had one of the deadliest battles in the Anglophone
Crisis.
Policeman, Three Others Arrested for Wildlife Trafficking
 |
| Three Others Arrested for Wildlife Trafficking |
Four people have been arrested in connection with the
trafficking and illegal sale of pangolin scales in Yaounde. The four, including
a policeman, were arrested during an operation carried out by the Centre
Regional Delegation of Forestry and Wildlife in collaboration with the police
that found them discussing the illegal sale of the pangolin scales that were
loaded in two cars. The operation was carried out with the technical assistance
of LAGA, a wildlife law enforcement support body.
They had
transported thepangolin scales on board a Toyota car from Djoum, passing
through Sangmelima and arrived Yaounde where they attempted to sell the scales.
When they arrived Yaounde, they took up station at the Kondengui neighbourhood
and would later move with the scales to the Nlongkak neighbourhoon todo business
when police and wildlife officials swooped in to arrest them. One of them
attempted to escape but was stopped in his tracks.
According
to sources present during the operation that spoke on condition of anonymity, a
policeman, who had a jacket over his uniform was found among the suspects and
arrested alongside the three others. He had accompanied them to the site of
transaction. When police found the traffickers, he presented himself as a
policeman but was told by his colleagues that it matters less. They were taken
to the 10th District Police Station in Yaounde where legal proceedings were
carried out.
The traffickers had bought the scales from local poachers
in several villages in the South region, including Meyomessi, Mintom and Lele.
They parked the scales in suitcases, knack sack and stuffed some in
severalspacesin the car, including under the carpets of the car and other
hidden corners. When they arrived Meyomessi mixed control post comprising
gendarmerie, police and wildlife officials, they car was searched and found to
contain the illegal cargoand they had to pay a bribe of 400 000 FCFA to
continue their journey to Yaounde.
Shall Traffickers on Trial Appear at Bonanjo Court
 |
| Pangolin Scales |
Shortly
before their arrest, one of the traffickers flew in from Bangui where he had
collected close to 600kg of giant pangolin scales and sent the illegal cargo by
road to Douala. Helater met five others in Douala and they attempted to sell
the pangolin scales. They were arrested in the act, at the Bonapriso
neighbourhood in Douala.
Three of
the traffickers were later released on bail and they failed to turn up in court
the next day, when the matter was first scheduled for hearing, prompting fears
that they have escaped. Two of the three that failed to appear in court are
from the Central African Republic where a network of pangolin scales
trafficking, bought pangolin scales from smaller traffickers in the country and
from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) while exporting to Nigeria via
Cameroon. Their illegal activity in the DRC, according to sources close to the
matter that requested to speak anonymously, was protected by some members of
the ruling elite.
The
scales were generally assembled in Nigeria for export. Majority of the scales
that were confiscated in Douala were from the giant pangolin which is an animal
that is threatened with extinction, The operation that led to the confiscation,
was technically assisted by LAGA, a wildlife law enforcement support body that
assists government in the application of the wildlife law. Prior investigations
showed the traffickers were linked to rhino horn and lion trophies trafficking.
Anglophone Crisis:
Scarcity of Eru & Snails in SW Markets Due to
Insecurity
 |
| Eru may soon disappear on our tables |
One of Cameroon’s celebrated vegetable and source of
protein, Eru and snails that have gained local and international consumption is
fast disappearing from the market as insecurity continues to threaten movements,
farming and businesses in the North West and South West Regions.
The
National Times conducted a two months survey across villages and markets to
weigh the effect of the Crisis on the availability of snails and eru on the
local market.
Scarcity
of snails and eru on the market has been squarely attributed to rising
insecurity. Food sellers and business persons fear the supply of both eru and
snails may face out of major markets in some cities, if the situation remains
out of control.
Comfort
Ayuk, a trader explained that eru harvesters in the forests of Upper Bayang,
Manyu Division are now refugees in Nigeria.
She said
“the few persons that use to muster the courage to go to the bush to harvest
the cherished vegetable are scared for fear of harassment from gunmen and
soldiers…. Even when I manage to buy a few bags of eru… the stress on the road
makes it difficult to sell and make profit… I am thinking of changing my line
of business,” Ayuk stated.
Our
source said her capital of over FCFA 500,000 has diminished to less than
100,000. “Women to whom I supplied eru are out of business. Some have simply
escaped and the times are frustrating.”
Jacquiline
Ngueyap on her part said she is in the worst period of her business life 10
years since she found a comfort zone trading in snails and eru.
Her
major routes have been the hinterlands of Mbonge and Konye. Today, Ngueyap is
barely surviving to surface at the market with 2 bags of eru and 10 buckets of
snail in the market.
“Before
now I will come to the market with about 50 buckets of snail a week. I buy eru
in tens of bags… sometimes I trade between Nigeria and Cameroon. I have
customers abroad who request for dry snails…all this has stopped because
villagers have all escaped. You know snails are picked from the farms at night,
but with this security threats… no one can go into the forest to harvest eru or
pick snails,” Ngueyap stated.
MEVCUDA 2018:
Lower Mevio Cultural Festival Spotlights Agriculture,
Peace
By Ticha Melanis in Ombe, Limbe
 |
| Governor Okalia visiting the stands at MEVCUDA Festival |
The Governor of the SW region has hailed the traditional
ruler and the population of Lower Mevio village in Limbe, Fako Division, for
the successful organization of the 2018 edition of the Mevio Cultural and
Development Assembly, MEVCUDA, which not only promotes culture and living
together but also showcased the agricultural prowess of the Mevio people.
Bernard
Okalia Bilia was speaking recently at the Eneo complex in Ombe near Limbe,
while presiding over the 5th edition of the Meveo Cultural and Development Assembly,
MEVCUDA, the annual event that brings together indigenes of lower Meveo village
from across the country and abroad.
The
Governor urged other communities to emulate Chief Fonderson’s good example,
saying such assemblies promote peace and living together and also foster the
development of communities.
He said
the government is bent on making second generation agriculture a reality in the
country by providing technical assistance, inputs and equipment on a regularly
basis to farmers.
The
governor enjoined the farmers to continue in their efforts towards making sure
there is enough food in the market, announcing that the ministry of agriculture
has donated farm inputs and equipments to Meveo farmers’ associations and other
associations present.
L’be Paramount Chief-Elect Installs Traditional Council
By Ticha Melanis in Limbe
 |
| Limbe Paramount Chief poses with admistrative officials |
"With my confirmation as the Paramount chief of
Limbe, I will answer strongly to the question posed by Dr Ephraim Ngwafor some
13 years ago in his book titled "Shall former Victoria smile again"
that yes former Victoria shall smile again God being our helper"
The
paramount chief elect was speaking at the installation of his 13-man
traditional council and 18-man committees with the Government Delegate to the
Limbe City Council heading the all purpose committee. The committees are
composed of regional and community representatives. The traditional council will assist the new
chief to pilot the affairs of the chiefdom.
The
installation ceremony took place on Thursday 20 September at the Limbe City
Council.
The
ceremony was under the auspices of the first Assistant SDO for Fako Bejidi Otto
Richard II, who was represented the SDO.
The SDO
congratulated the kingmakers and members of the traditional council. He called
on them to collaborate with the administration because the development and
prosperity of Limbe weighs on them. .
He said
the doors of the administration will remain open to receive constructive and
positive proposals to make Limbe the place to be.
For his
part, the paramount chief assured the
administration and the population of Limbe of his willingness to work closely
with the authorities in place in order to restore peace and the spirit of
living together for the development of the chiefdom.
"Mr
Senior Divisional Officer for Fako, those who drink good wine know that the
bottle labels also has a mention that it made from the finest grapes. Today the
team we are presenting before you and a cross-section of the population of this
municipality is a blend of tasted and proven men and women of excellence,
character, professionalism and dedication to the development of this
chiefdom."
Chief
Elufa Johnny Manga Williams said it his desire to make Victoria great again.
Wednesday, 5 September 2018
Buying 15 Cars for Fcfa 700 million?
Musonge Tell Me This Is Not True!
By Joachim Arrey, PhD
 |
| Dr. Joachim Arrey: It is sheer financial Recklessness |
I could have put out this piece over the weekend, but I
had to do some due diligence to ensure that whatever I put out there is factual
and does not bring unnecessary pain to anybody.
This
also implies that those who govern the people will and must take full
responsibility for their actions. As a simple writer, I know it is my job to
check my facts and I accept full responsibility for my publications.
That
said, I would like to point out that my weekend was not a good one. Before
packing my old bag from my office on Friday, I saw this document signed by
Peter Mafany Musonge, the Chairperson of the Commission for the Promotion of
Bilingualism and Multiculturalism in Cameroon.
I honestly
do not understand the role of this body within the context of the conflict that
is causing Cameroonians to kill each other.
But it
is not the commission that is my problem. I can live with it. It is just
another toothless bulldog created to deceive the international community. It is
that document which bears very bad news for the Cameroonian tax-payer that is
concern to me. I am really losing sleep over this document.
By that
document, the commission chairperson is ordering 15 vehicles for a whopping
CFAF 700,000,000 (seven hundred million fcfa). This therefore implies that each
vehicle will cost some CFAF 46.6 million. Some 15 commission members will be
using these vehicles during their time at the commission. And what is the
output we should be expecting from these people who are used to lazing around?
In my
view, this commission is irrelevant. It is costly and will not be able to help
extinguish the fires that are burning in our country. I do not know if Musonge
and his collaborators actually know what pain they are causing to fellow
Cameroonians who cannot even afford two meals a day.
This
commission will only meet a couple of times a year. Why do they need to
squander such an amount of money when the country’s economy is on life support?
There
are many Cameroonians who cannot even seek health care in good hospitals as
they do not have the resources to do so. All through my life, I have always
known that working for a country’s public service implies making huge
sacrifices. What has happened to such a noble philosophy?
Today,
Musonge and his collaborators are running this huge monster they call a
bilingualism commission whose only result so far has been a phoney report he
submitted to the head of state, indicating that Southern Cameroonians were
angry because Ahidjo’s corpse had not been returned to Cameroon.
Do
Southern Cameroonians really care whether Ahidjo is dead or alive? Ahidjo put
them in this predicament and many will continue to blame him for the mess that
is playing out in Cameroon. Ahidjo intentionally and artfully killed a union
that was supposed to make our country the envy of the world.
Mr.
Peter Mafany Musonge’s decision to be reckless with the taxpayer’s money is a
reflection of the disease that has invaded the country. There is no car that
will cost that much. If Musonge is honest, let him contact me and I will
provide him with the same cars at half the price.
There
are many car dealers in North America, especially in Canada, who will get those
cars to him in less than six weeks at half the price. I have done my research
throughout the weekend and I know I will save the taxpayer a bunch of money
which could be used to build a good school for some kids in one of Cameroon’s
many under-developed villages.
Musonge
is dishonest. I had called him to reason in an open letter in 2017. He seems to
be so committed to destroying Cameroon to the extent that he does not care
about future generations. I don’t live in Cameroon, but I can still feel the
pain of my people.
I do not
hate Musonge. He is a fellow South-Westerner like me. But he is not an honest
man. His rightful place is in Kondengui, the country’s maximum security prison
located in Yaounde. He lies through his teeth and this has been hurting me for
too long.
If I
don’t speak out I will be complicit. Silence could be acquiescence. I don’t
want future generations to think I approved of the mess he and his generation
are creating in Cameroon. As a writer, I am a society’s conscience and it hurts
me when I see old people like Musonge working so hard to make life difficult
for the ordinary Cameroonian.
I am not
writing this out of spite or bitterness. I seek nothing from him. I was born
poor and I have opted to live a basic life. Luxury belongs to others. I don’t
admire it. Musonge must repent before he dies. And my write-ups will compel him
to go and see a priest or a bishop for a confession. He could even head to Rome
to go and see the Pope. The choice is his.
Bilingualism Commission Beckoned:
Anglophones Terribly Sidelined in Police Exams
By Ojong Steven Ayukogem in Yaounde
 |
| DGSN, Martin Mbarga Nguele |
Names of Anglophones are hard to find in the lists of
successful candidates of the August and September 2017 recruitment exams into
the police force that were released on 31 August by the DGSN, Martin Mbarga
Nguele.
A
thorough survey of the lists of over 5000 candidates admitted into different
categories of the police force including superintendents, officers, inspectors
and constables revealed too few names of Anglophones candidates.
Successful
candidates are expected to start training at the Higher Police College in
Yaounde, as from the 10th of September 2018 (for Superintendents) and 12
September 2018 for Police Officers, according to the release that is signed by
the DGSN, Martin Mbarga Nguele.
Other
categories including inspectors and constables are to begin their training in
different training centres, as from 10 October 2018. Different specialties that
were recruited include computer engineers, musicians, drivers and nurses.
Observers
have not waited to point out the marginalization and sidelining of Anglophone
candidates in the police recruitment exams. Many who called this reporter to
announce the publication of the results, complained about the paltry number of
Anglophones admitted for the training. They said the results smack of
marginalization at best, and provocation at worse.
Informed
observers said the results are inimical to the rules and regulations governing
admission into the public service, rules which emphasize regional balance,
planning and special consideration for minorities.
“The
results of the police exams reflect what has since been happening to
Anglophones or even worse,” said an informed observer, who added that the names
of some candidates who failed in the written part of the exams also appeared on
the final lists of successful candidates.
What’s
worse, some said the lists have been released at a time when the Anglophone
community is spitting venom over what some consider as the “shabby” treatment
the system in place reserves for Anglophones, and which has caused some to take
up arms to fight for independence and/or secession.
Commentators
have wondered aloud whether the president and members of the Commission for the
Promotion of Bilingualism and Multi-Culturalism in the country have also seen
and gone through the lists. They said the police exams results are a tacit case
of the discrimination and marginalization that Anglophones are currently
struggling against. The commentators say the Bilingualism Commission must wade
in and recommend a review of the admissions especially with respect to
Anglophones.
Yet,
this reporter got it on good authority that when the exams were written in 2017
and many complaints came up about the poor translation of the exams questions
from French into English, the president of the Bilingualism Commission, Peter
Mafany Musonge, actually took time off and met the Police boss, Martin Mbarga
Nguele, and urged him to be careful with his handling of the exams.
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