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37th Batch of EMIA Graduates:

Biya Celebrates Triumph of Cadet Officers

The President of the Republic, His Excellency Paul BIYA strongly reaffirmed the nation’s trust in the Armed Forces on 24 January 2020.

             

   The renewed confidence from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces in the men and women who work tirelessly and constantly to safeguard Cameroon’s territorial integrity and unity was made public at the 37th graduation ceremony of the Combined Services Military Academy (EMIA).

                Paul BIYA congratulated the 182 graduating cadet officers, christened the “Major General Kodji Jacob” batch, in recognition of the bravery of the late army general, who passed away in an helicopter crash on 22 January 2017.

                Biya said that the exemplary service of the fallen General should be a source of inspiration to the young officers.

Despite Intermittent Disagreements:

Washington-Y’de Military Cooperation Broadens

The Embassy of the United States of America in Cameroon has revealed that military cooperation between the U.S. and Cameroon has broadened and matured in 2020.

In a statement made public Tuesday, January 21, 2020,   the US Embassy in Yaoundé said “the United States has made significant contributions to Cameroon’s maritime security”.

               

US Defense Attaché led a US Navy delegation to Douala in December 2019 to assess the previous

 decade of US-Cameroonian naval cooperation

This development comes after Washington said in February 2019 that she was scaling back its security assistance to Cameroon following allegations of human rights violations by the country’s military.

                At the state of 2020, Washington denied Cameroon privileged access to the US market offered under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, AGOA citing human rights violations among others.

                Tuesday’s press release from the US Embassy in Yaoundé reads: “Starting in January 2020, the United States began its one-year secretariat of the G7++ Friends of Gulf of Guinea Group, with Gabon serving as co-secretariat. This group coordinates the support of international partners for the maritime security standards agreed upon by West and Central African heads of state at a summit in Yaoundé in 2013.

                “The G7++ Friends of Gulf of Guinea Group helps secure the Gulf of Guinea against the threats of piracy, armed robbery, and other illicit maritime activities. By creating the conditions for improved maritime security, this group fosters prosperity and economic growth for all countries along the Gulf of Guinea.

                “This is only the latest example of U.S. partnership for the security and stability of Cameroon and the subregion. The United States has made significant contributions to Cameroon’s maritime security. In 2016, the United States funded the creation of six maritime operations centers in Limbe, Douala, and Kribi that enable naval operations at sea, and we will continue to provide maintenance and training for these centers this year.

9 February Twin Polls in Manyu:

Victor Mengot Galvanizes Troops for Clean Sweep

-The Head of the Manyu Divisional Campaign Commission, HDCC-Manyu, Minister Victor Mengot Arrey Nkongho, has prescribed door-to-door, all-for-one, one-for-all campaign, in Manyu, saying the CPDM must first win, and win big, all three parliamentary seats and four councils, in Manyu, before thinking of who becomes Mayor of which council.

By Ayukogem Steven Ojong in Yaounde with field reports

Manyu CPDM militants meeting at Mt Hotel Buea on Saturday

“It has been brought to my attention that despite reminders posted time and time again, some interested parties have decided, albeit regrettably, to deliberately mislead militants and sympathizers of the CPDM that the Head of the Permanent Delegation (PDD) for Manyu, has accorded his endorsement to some individuals in their quest to hold executive positions in Councils…The Head of the PDD makes it abundantly clear that he has not at no time endorsed the candidacy of any comrade(s) to the position of Mayor in any of the four councils in Manyu division, nor participated at any meeting to that effect. The HPDD invites all and sundry to disregard this intoxication and concentrate on what should be our primary preoccupation for now – winning the 3 legislative seats and four councils in Manyu for the CPDM and winning BIG. The watch words should be maximum mobilization and participation at the elections…”

                It was with these words of clarification that the Head of the Divisional Campaign Commission for Manyu, Victor Mengot Arrey Nkongho, reassured Manyu CPDM militants, re-boosted their morale and galvanized them as they set forth to Buea for the official launch of the campaigns at the regional level, before they head to Mamfe in a few days for the divisional campaign launch, then to Akwaya, Eyumojock and Tinto to hunt for much-needed votes.

Cameroon Navy to Acquire Two US Patrol Boats

The Cameroonian Navy plans to acquire two American-made 110-foot type patrol boats this year in order to bolster the country’s ability to effectively secure its rugged maritime space, a statement from the United States Embassy in Yaounde has revealed.

                Cameroon’s defence ministry has budgeted XAF 244 billion ($413.5 million) as its defence spending for 2020, with a significant chunk of the money dedicated to fighting growing insecurity along the country’s long maritime coastline.

                Maritime security is a major challenge in the Gulf of Guinea (where Cameroon belongs) with an alarming rate of piracy incidents registered in 2019.

                The acquisition of the 110-foot type vessels will add to several Defender class rigid hull boats which the United States provided to the Cameroonian military in the course of 2017 to enhance its maritime patrols.

                One of the defender boats, according to the US Embassy statement, was used in an August 2019 rescue operation that saved the lives of 100 shipwreck victims after a boat coming from Nigeria capsized near Limbe, a major coastal city in Cameroon’s South West Region.

9 February Twin Elections:

Littoral to Witness Stiffest Competition with 15 Parties Contesting for 11 Seats

-Elecam has unveiled a map showing list and distribution of voters, number and distribution of competing political parties, and distribution of polling stations throughout the national territory.

By Mercy Neba in Yaounde

The elections management body Elecam, has put at the disposal of major actors in the electoral process - political parties, candidates, media, voters etc all the information they need to guide them to go about the election process without pain.

CPDM Littoral boss, Laurent Esso

                Elecam says there are presently 6.85 million (six million eight hundred and five thousand two hundred and forty) duly registered voters in the country, as of 30 December 2019.

                It says the voters will rally behind the 32 parties (for legislative) and 38 parties (for municipal) that will compete in the 9 February twin elections.

                All the political parties would have their ballot papers in all the 26.270 polling stations scattered all over the national territory.

                It should be noted that unlike for the eight other regions, the two Anglophone regions (NW & SW) will have a special distribution pattern of polling stations. Here many polling stations would be grouped in one locality where the security of voters and polling officers is guaranteed.

                Extrapolation from the electoral map shows for instance that the stiffest competition would be in the Littoral where 15 political parties would be competing for the 11 seats in the National assembly. In the West region 9 political parties will compete for the 26 Parliamentary seats and 40 Councils, while in the Centre, 9 political parties will compete for the 28 parliamentary seats and 70 councils.

Political Witch-Hunting or Genuine Complaints?

L’be Chiefs Disavow Andrew Motanga, But why only now?

In a strongly-worded open letter addressed to the government delegate, the Chiefs indict the Andrew Motanga of multi-form wrongdoings. Commentators say the outing by the Chiefs only further sinks the gov’t delegate, literally auctioning him to the judge of the Special Criminal Tribunal in Yaounde, before whom the GD and several others are expected to appear, on 5 February, to answer to corruption charges brought against them by CONAC.

By Ayukogem Steven Ojong in Y’de with reporting

L’be GD, Andrew Motanga

The government Delegate to the Limbe City Council is in for serious trouble that is, if the charges of abuse of office, misappropriation of public funds and embezzlement, among other non-corruption-related accusations, brought against him from several quarters, are anything to go by.

                Andrew Motanga Monjimba is accused by the Limbe Chiefs’s Conference of crimes ranging from disrespect for the chieftaincy institution, wrongful sale of ancestral heritage of Limbe (Botanical Gardens) to non-natives for commercial exploitation, inducing the chiefs into the error of signing a document acknowledging the implantation of street lighting in their palaces when no such lighting was ever put, despite payment of 1.2bn fcfa for the project, purchase of a dysfunctional fire extinguisher truck for 400m cfa, award of hundreds of fake 4.9m contracts to the tune of 1bn cfa, stuffing of the city council payroll with names of ghost workers whose salaries are siphoned to private pockets, using colossal council funds to organize annually a ‘self-aggrandizement’ stunt - the Limbe Festac, while sub-divisional councils are starved of their statutory financial allocations etc etc.

                Limbe Chiefs are further aggrieved that Motanga is doing everything to retain his seat as City Mayor, though, according to them, he hails instead from Boana village in Buea.

They have given the government delegate 7 working days to answer to the query or they will pass a vote of no confidence on the government delegate.

                The accusations by the chiefs only add to earlier indictments of corruption and embezzlement brought against the government delegate by the National Anti-Corruption Commission, CONAC.

                Following the Conac indictment, Andrew Motanga and several of his collaborators at the city council including notably the former SG, Nkongho Arrey, the Council Treasurer, Chindong and a supplier of the Council, Bibi, have been summoned to appear before the Judge of the Special Criminal Court SCC in Yaounde on 5 February.

9 February Twin Elections:

Constitutional Council Vows to Fight Electoral Fraud

-The President of the Constitutional Council, Clement Atangana, has said that the institution is determined to uphold its missions one of which is to guarantee free and fair elections in Cameroon.

Clement Atangana made the statement in Yaoundé, January 14, while receiving New Year wishes from his close collaborators.

CC President, Clement Atangana

                “2020 is another election year. We are preparing to ensure, with determination, the continuation of our mission of guaranteeing the regularity of the ballot,” the CC President said.

                According to him, the ceremony to present New Year wishes to him is special because it accords the Constitutional Council members the opportunity to look back at what has been done and to project into new horizons.

                “It is also a time of fraternity to strengthen our ties and help us to face the challenges of the future. The presentation of New Year wishes will also help me to set the course on the projects of the Council for the current year in particular and years to come in general,” he added.

                He recalled that in 2019, the dynamism of the Constitutional Council was felt in the activities carried out in the various fields and the management of pre-electoral litigations in the Legislative Elections in particular.

                On the building of the Council’s headquarters, the President stated that more will be done with the funds that will be made available.

Preparation for Twin Polls:

MINAT Satisfied with Work Done by Elecam

-Guarantees safe transportation of election materials nationwide

By Doh Bertrand Nua in Yaounde

Territorial Administration Minister who doubles as government’s agent to the electoral process has assured officials of Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) that all necessary security measures will be taken to ensure that all election materials get to their destinations safely before voting day.

                Paul Atanga Nji gave the assurance last week after a visit he paid to Elecam to assess the level of preparedness for the twin polls to hold on 9 February. The MINAT also visited the National Printing Press and the Cameroon News and Publishing Corporation, SOPECAM where election materials are being printed, and the Yaounde Air Force Base where produced materials are safely kept.

Ahead of February 9 Twin Elections:

SW CPDM Goes for the Kill, with Proximity Campaigns 

Launching the regional campaigns in Buea, on Saturday, the CPDM boss for the SW, Peter Mafany Musonge, prescribed team spirit, commitment, loyalty and discipline

By Boris Esono in Buea

The Cameroon People's Democratic Movement, CPDM, has launched campaigns for the 9 February Municipal and Legislative elections, with its objective being to win all 31 councils in the SW and all 15 parliamentary seats reserved for the region.

               

The who is who of the SW were present at the campaign launch

Launching the campaigns at regional level, in Buea at the weekend, the Head of the Regional Campaign Commission, Rt. Hon. Peter Mafany Musonge, said the party is heading into the elections with the legitimate determination to maintain the achievements of the New Deal in its pursuit towards nation-building for the wellbeing of all Cameroonians.

                He said militants of the party in the SW have nominated 15 parliamentary aspirants and their alternates, and 897 prospective councilors who are all determined to defend the values of peace, unity, justice, tolerance, and living together.

                Peter Mafany exhorted militants to employ all legitimate means available to woo voters. He listed notably door-to-door campaigns, rallies, use of traditional media and new communication technologies etc to reach out to prospective voters.

9 February Twin Polls:

Those Calling for Boycott are Serving Satan

       –Says Minat boss, Paul Atanga Nji

On 9 February 2020, Cameroonians will go to the polls to renew the members of parliament and the municipal councilors. As the date for the elections fast approaches, the government n Yaounde is leaving no stone unturned in her efforts to ensure that polling takes place in an environment of calm and serenity.

MINAT boss, Atanga Nji

                While presiding over the first bi-annual conference of regional governors, the minister of territorial administration, Atanga Nji, sent a grim warning to troublemakers.

In his speech, the Minat was inspired by the Holy Scriptures to warn those people who are plotting Machiavellian plans to sabotage the legislative and municipal elections of February 09, 2020. “All power comes from God, the authorities who govern us have been instituted by God “argued the super land chief, thus for him, the people who work for the destabilization of Cameroon are in the service of the devil and their unhealthy ambitions are doomed to failure, they will find of the answer opposite. “The order has been given to the 10 governors of the regions to take appropriate measures for the efficient holding of these elections, during this exercise,

9 February Twin Polls:

Elecam Derives Special Strategy for Restive NW-SW Regions

Voting will take place in the two Anglophone regions of Cameroon, despite the secessionist conflict playing out there, state television, CRTV announced Wednesday.

              

  Elections management body, Elecam says several polling stations would be grouped in a single secure location, in order to limit possible infiltration by separatist fighters who have vowed to disrupt the elections in what they claim is their territory.

                In the face of growing tension, the government recently deployed more than 700 additional troops to the two troubled regions, which count some over 1.1 million voters out of a total 6.6 million voters in the whole country, according to Elecam figures.

                In the meantime, several parliamentary and municipal council candidates, mostly from the opposition Social Democratic Front (SDF), in the conflict regions, have withdrawn their candidacies in view of the threats from the separatists. The withdrawal of candidacies is in spite of security guarantees by the government.

Nlongkak-Yaoundé:

Bloody Accident Kills Magistrate, His Wife, Kid & Father-in-Law

Magistrate Dingha Alain Kanmi and four members of his family have died in a ghastly accident.

                The accident occurred at 3 am on Friday 24 January at the Nlongkak Crossroad in Yaounde.

              

Magistrate Dingha Alain Kanmi and his family all perished

  The five victims include Magistrate Dingha, his pregnant wife, their two-year-old son and the Magistrate’s father-in-law.

                The family was returning from the wake of Magistrate Dingha’s paternal grandfather who died on Thursday, 30 January.

Upon arrival at the Nlongkak crossroad from Bastos, their Toyota Yaris was crushed by an speeding truck.

Truck Accident Kills 7, Injures Over 20 in Massak

By a correspondent in Douala

Seven persons have been confirmed dead and over 20 others severely injured following a truck accident at Nyiel in Massak Sub-Division, Sanaga Maritime Division in the Littoral Region.

                The accident Sunday 19 January 2020 occurred as a wooden bridge in the area succumbed under the weight of a truck transporting over 30 persons and bags of maize. 

                Informed of the incident, the SDO of Sanaga Maritime, Yvan Cyrille, led a rescue mission to the area to assist the victims. The administrator revealed that 7 of the passengers died on the spot while 20 were severely injured.

Kumba, SW Region:

Hundreds Bid Farewell to Mwelle Kunz

By Ekoko Willies in Kumba

Hundreds of mourners across the Southwest Region have bid good-bye to renowned educationist and Kumba politician, Muelle Kunz Mbai. At the funeral in his compound in Kumba Town Saturday 18 January 2020, mourners reflected on the life of soft spoken and discreet Kumba school administrator who taught and mentored many a Kumba inhabitant.

                At a Church service in honour of Kunz at the Presbyterian Church Kumba Town, the servants of God implored mourners to borrow from the impactful life of the deceased and exemplary. The preacher called on the mourners to live model lifestyles through which footprints they all will be remembered when God calls them. 

                The inconsolable family members, friends, relatives and mourners throughout the funeral took time off to recall pleasant moments they shared with late Kunz as well as lament the vacuum his departure has created as a rising politician and Bafaw elite.

Amid Threats from Separatists:

Muyuka CPDM Mayoral Candidate Chickens Out, Withdraws Candidature

By Boris Esono in Buea

Barrister Joseph N Barrister Joseph Ndille Ngwese is the latest politician to withdraw from the upcoming twin elections (Municipal and Legislative elections) in Cameroon evoking death threats from separatists.

Barrister Joseph Ndille Ngwese

               

Barrister Ndille made the announcement in a signed release and reiterated his decision through interviews to local media.

His name appears on the fourth position on the CPDM list for the Muyuka council. Ndille Ngwese is a former assistant mayor and former YCPDM Section President for Fako II, Muyuka.

                Scared of the unknown, Ndille Ngwese said: “I think the benefits of becoming a counselor and the benefits of what I have acquired throughout my life — my family and my property far outweighs. I think I prefer staying, not being a counselor, than to lose my properties. Because the amount of threats I have, I can't bear them.”

                “And I think it is good and time enough for me to say, I cannot continue to allow my name to be on that list as a counselor. So, I better drop. I think if I want to be a politician anymore, might be I will give some time. Not now, at this time, when my life and my properties are at stake.

                “I wrote a resignation and I tender it to the Minister of Decentralization and Local Development. I think when they get it; they will know that I am serious. I think for all intents and purpose, I don't think I want to continue.”

Trail-blazing Media House:

‘The Guardian Post’ Inaugurates New Head Office

By Doh Bertrand Nua in Yaounde

The newly constructed Head Office of The Guardian Post Newspaper has been inaugurated. Situated at the Efoulan Lac quarters in Yaounde, the two-floor edifice was inaugurated Friday 24 January 2020 by the Fon of Bangolan, Senator Fon Chafar Isaac, in the presence of other traditional rulers from the NW, renowned lawyer and peace crusader, Ntumfor Nico Halle, politicians, business moguls, former ministers, veteran journalists and many others from different walks of life.

             

New head office erected by The Guardian Post CEO

   In his welcome address to guests, the CEO/Editor of The Guardian Post described the new office as a breakthrough in the media organ in Cameroon, in general, and privately-owned print media especially.

                “This edifice sends a clear message for a change in narrative especially to those who qualify journalists as beggars and hand-to-mouth persons,” a discernibly happy and proud Mbipgo said. 

                He promised to the paper’s ever-hungry readers special weekend editions on Saturdays and Sundays. He announced the imminent publication of quarterly magazine to be called The Guardian Post Magazine.

                Mbipgo recounted that the idea to create a newspaper was born after a disappointing job interview at Cameroon Tribune. Starting with a capital of FCFA 150.000 in 2001, the project has gone through a tortuous path and is now not only the pioneer and lone English language daily in Cameroon, but has gained a reputation lately as one of the leading, reputed, professionally ethical and consistent tabloids in Cameroon.

                In a keynote address at the inaugural, Ntumfor Nico Halle lifted Christian Mbipgo to the skies, equaling him to a prominent American business magnet and scholar on the classification of human beings.

                Nico Halle described Mbipgo as a veritable go-getter, who falls among the category of people who make things happen, work for the good of society, put smiles on the faces of others, respect the rule of law, promote peace and believes in God Almighty.

                 He advised Mbipgo to steer clear of evil-doers and hypocrites who are only out to destroy, hate, steal, and perpetrate falsehood.

Explaining Penury:

Passports Seekers Be Patient, Beware of Conmen – DGSN Warns

-Says shortage of passport booklets is due to a change of the foreign company charged with the produces and supplies the booklets.

By Mercy Neba in Yaounde

The Director of Frontier Police (Emi-Immigration) has reassured public opinion in Cameroon and beyond that there has been no suspension of the process of production and delivery of passports to citizens in need, only slight dysfunctionalities that should be corrected in no distant future.

                Commissioner Jean Louis Messi says the production of passports would begin again anytime soon at the headquarters of the Emi-Imigration department of the Police in Yaounde. He was speaking in an interview with state broadcaster, crtv television on Sunday.

                The explanation by the Director of Frontier Police is aimed to debunk claims by some members of the public that passports production has been suspended in the country due to accrued debts owed by the state to the British company that supplies the precious booklets.

                It was also aimed to reassure the public that the production process would begin again sooner than later, and that persons demanding passports will get them in due time and at no extra cost.

Eyumojock IDPs Receive Humanitarian Assistance

By Ekoko Willies in Kumba

Eyumojock DO, Nelson Yongkuma handing gifts to IDPs

Some 80 Families of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Eyumojock subdivision, Manyu Division have received gifts from the Presidential Couple. The items that were handed to the IDPs by the Divisional Officer, Nelson Yongkuma comprised matrasses, blankets, soaps, rice, toiletries, and sardine amongst others.

                Yongkuma while distributing the items appealed to those still in the bushes to drop their arms, give peace a chance and benefit government humanitarian action plan while waiting for a complete return to peace and normalcy. He said the donation is an indication of the attachment of the Head of State and Wife to the plight of the people of Eyumojock.

Christmas & New Year without Tears:

Biya & Wife Shower Kumba IDPs with Goodies

By Ekoko Willies in Kumba

Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs in Kumba, Chief Town of Meme Division have received some consignments of New Year gifts from the Presidential couple. The items from Paul and Chantal Biya consisting mattresses, blankets, cartons of sugar, soap, rice among others were recently distributed from the IDPs drawn from Kumba I, II and III Subdivisions.

                Ntou’ou Ndong Chamberlain, Meme SDO and Tchuente Gilbert, Director in charge of Civil Protection in the Ministry of Territorial Administration supervised the distribution exercise at the Amusement park.

The SDO while lauding the generosity of the Presidential couple to the needy in the crisis period expressed happiness with the turnout of the population assured them that more gifts would be ferried in a fortnight for those who will not be able to receive.

Gradual Return of Normalcy:

Kupe Muanenguba SDO Orders Fleeing State Workers to Return

By Mesumbe Mamfred Ngube in Bangem

Basic and Secondary Education officials in Kupe Muanenguba division of the SW region have observed with elation an appreciable increase in the rate of school attendance, also noting a gradual de-escalation of the armed conflict that is playing out in the region since for over three years now.

The observations were made during an Administrative and Security Coordination meeting held in Bangem recently.

                The focused on evaluating the security situation of the Division ahead of the 9 February twin polls, assess the road covered in 2019/2020 academic year, discuss level of PIB projects execution and urge teachers and other state workers posted in the Division to resume work.

                Statistics presented in the course of the meeting indicated that a total of 33 schools are operational in Kupe Muanenguba Division (11 in Bangem, 11 in Tombel and 11 in Nguti Sub-Divisions).

Ambazonia Leaders Ripped of their Belongings in Kondengui Prison

Some unidentified Kondengui Prison inmates last week broke into the cells of some jailed Ambazonia leaders and made away with foodstuffs, money and other valuable items, reports said.

The incident reportedly took place Tuesday 21 January.

Inmates of the prison invaded one of the cells hosting Prof Awasum, Shufai, and Dr Fidelis Ndeh-Che and took away all their food, valuables and money, the reports said.

National Maritime & Ports Days:

Limbe Port Operations to Witness Big Boost                                                              

By Ticha Melanis in Limbe 

The minister of transport Jean Ernest Massina Ngalle Bibehe has noted that the operationalization of the Limbe deep sea port will revamp the activities of the Cameroon shipyard, the transfers of the mixed fruit terminal of Cameroon from the Douala port to Limbe and the operation will ensure export at a lower cost, of agricultural products produced in the South West region as well as the creation of a cartonery factory.

               

Minister of transport Jean Ernest Massina Ngalle Bibehe

He made the remark while launching the third edition of the national maritime and port days in Limbe organized by the national port authority under the theme “The quality of services, guarantor of competitiveness in Cameroon ports”. He equally said that the Cameroon government is sparing no effort in the modernization of the maritime and port sector which he explained that it is very important to the economy because it handles nearly 95% of economic trade in Cameroon and recorded traffic of nearly 20,000,000 tons of goods at the end of the previous year. He added that the vision of the government is aim at enabling the sector to fully play the role, through the match with ISPS security and safety standards, and the modernization of port infrastructure which will make the Cameroonian coastline, a unique port complex capable of attracting important traffic and improving Cameroon’s maritime services.

                In his welcome speech, the government delegate to the Limbe city council expressed his joy for the choice of Limbe to host the event as he stated that no man can underestimate the very important contribution of maritime transport and the ports sector to international trade and business and their catalyzing force to the development of national economies. He added that a great boost to the development of the port sector will be the construction of the long-awaited deep seaport in Limbe.

                For two days participants exchange on the concepts of quality and competitiveness as well as strategise on the means to improve the quality of port services, in compliance with international standard, in order to make them more competitive and ready to face sub-regional competition. During the fruitful debate, deliberations and discussions the port experts came up with several recommendations directed to specific quarters;

Civilo-Military Cooperation:

Army Donates Benches to Schools in Manyu

The Cameroon Army through the National Gendarmerie Corps has donated some 250 desks to some six primary and secondary schools in Mamfe, headquarters of Manyu division.

According to the Legion Commander of the Gendarmerie for the SW, this civilo-military cooperation is very important and falls within the recommendations of the head of state, Paul Biya, for the defence forces to be people-friendly.

               

Army donates benches and other goodies to schools in Manyu

“This is to demonstrate to the population that we are here to defend and protect them against the enemies of the state, and not to fight them. It is also aimed to alleviate the living conditions of the locals.”

Cameroon:

2020 Investment Budget to Give Priority to Infrastructure Dev’t,  Incite Local Production

2020 Investment Budget to Give Priority to Infrastructure Dev’t,  Incite Local Production

This year, Cameroon’s public investment budget is XAF1,496 billion, a little up by 6% year over year.

MINTP to Prioritize Farm-to-Market Roads In 2020

By Doh Bertrand Nua in Yaounde

MINTP boss Nganou Njoumessi pose in group photo with his collaborators Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi, Minister of Public Works has revealed that his ministry priority in 2020 will be the rehabilitation of roads around production basins and construction of inter-council roads. 

              

Public Works Minister, Nganou Njoumessi in group photo with his collaborators

  “For 2020, we have more than one hundred thousand kilometres of council roads to do. Our priority is to maintain the roads that link two or more council areas since we are in difficulty financially. We shall also prioritize roads leading to production basins,” Ngannou promised, while receiving New Year wishes from his staff, on Monday 20 January 2020, in Yaounde.

The New Year wishes event was the culmination of a one day workshop to assess the level of road maintenance works financed by the road fund.

                The minister expressed satisfaction with the road covered though regretting the slow execution rate due to payment delays.

                He however noted that with the help of the Mayors, they have selected the specificities of the roads to be maintained in accordance with Decree No. 2017/144 of 20 April 2017 which reduces the Ministry’s intervention since 2018 to national and regional roads with its resources allocated to councils through the council road project ownership.

Vocational Training:

55 Trainees Graduate from ESARDEF Limbe

-The laureates specialized in ICT and Catering are the 2nd batch to graduate from the Limbe-based Computer and Vocational Training Centre. 

By Ticha Melanis in Limbe

The Director of Education for Sustainable and Rural Development Foundation, ESARDEF, Mbeng Etang, has called on the second batch of 55 graduating trainees from the centre to use the skills acquired to innovate as well as create employment in their various communalities.

               

Graduating trainees of ESARDEF Limbe

He was speaking during the graduation ceremony, on Saturday 25 January, at the old Presbyterian Church in Newtown Limbe.

                Mbeng told the laureates that their graduation ceremony should remain ever memorable in their lives and should be the beginning of the realization of their purpose in life.  He encouraged the graduates to positively impact the lives of those around them.

                He said training the students has not been all roses especially considering the socio-economic and political context of the times.

                “Apart from the logistics challenges we faced, the socio political crisis also affected us because sometimes we had to shut our doors because of the ghost towns declared by separatist fighters. There were also problems of constant power outages which forced us to stop classes intermittently,” Mbeng said, at once noting the devotedness and dedication of the 2nd batch of trainees, which according to him, contributed in no small measure to the successful end of the training course.

                He said the institution targets mostly the vulnerable persons in society especially women, youths and children, with particular attention given to single mothers and widows and IDPs in the forest or coastal areas who have limited access to education.

Over 1000 Gendarmes End Re-Cycling Course

They were officially sent forth to their new responsibilities after a 5 months re-cycling and up-grading course at the second gendarmerie technical training institute, situated in Camp Yeyap, Yaounde.

                The over 1000 trainees graduated with the Certificat D’Aptitude Technique, CAT-2 diploma, which gives them competence and aptitude to serve as sub officers of the Gendarmerie corps. The training equips them to face any professional challenge that awaits them, be it operational or any other services they are called upon to render.

                Presiding over the graduation ceremony at the Gendarmerie Headquarters in Camp Yeyap, Yaounde, the Director of Central Administration of the National Gendarmerie, Brigadier General Elokobi Daniel Njock, reminded the CAT-2 holders that the training they have acquired should give them a frame of mind to honour the beautiful uniforms they are wearing; to always bear in mind that they are soldiers of the law, and to be alert at all times, knowing that they are at the service of the population.

Massacre of Anglophones in NW/SW:

The Buck Stops Firmly with Biya, Says MP

Firebrand SDF MP for Bamenda/Bali Constituency, the largest and most populated in Cameroon, Hon Fobi Nchinda Simon, has condemned in very strong terms the continuous killings of civilians and the acts of widespread arson in villages and towns in the two English-speaking regions of Cameroon. Fobi says these heinous acts perpetrated to a greater extent by government forces, are nothing short of a well-planned and orchestrated genocide, and the buck stops at President Biya’s desk.

Hon. Fobi Nchinda Simon has accused presidentBiya for killings in the SW and NW regions

                 Hon. Fobi spoke to the press recently as widespread, indiscriminate killings and burnings were visited in many villages of the North West and South West Regions. The cases of Bali in the NW Region and Tombel and Babebuck in the SW Region are just few examples of a well-orchestrated massacre of Anglophones.

                The outspoken MP tasked Paul Biya blamed Biya for the genocide and widespread arson going on in NW/SW, questioning why Biya should remain indifferent to the heinous crimes and has wrongfully opted for a military solution to a purely political problem.

                Fobi said since the onset of the Anglophone Crisis, Paul Biya announced his intent to neutralize Anglophones and has since resolutely closed his eyes and ears to the realities on the field where Anglophones are being killed, maimed, displaced, private property destroyed and the entire economy ruined.

                He said Paul Biya has remained steadfast on the illogical logic of maintaining state authority, disregarding the rampant killings of both civilians and defense forces. He questioned Biya's love for Anglophones, also wondering if Biya has any fatherly feelings towards the children he is killing. He maintained that Mr Biya should stop the genocide.

                Hon Fobi Nchinda noted that with upcoming elections, more military and security forces have been deployed to Anglophone Cameroon and this means more bloodletting. He said holding elections at all cost is a sure pretext that will lead to more destruction and bloodshed in Anglophone Cameroon.

                Quizzed on what he thinks should be the way forward, Hon Fobi Nchinda did not mince his words. He said the Anglophone problem did not start in 2016 but some 58 years ago, and has just escalated due to pent-up frustration and anger of Anglophones, who over the years have been relegated to the back-burner as second class citizens in Cameroon.

Anglophone crisis:

Ambazonia VP Yerima Calls for an End to Infighting

Ambazonia VP, Dabney Yerima

Southern Cameroonians both in the diaspora and in Ground Zero remain skeptical despite plea for armed Ambazonia groups to halt violence.

                 Dabney Yerima, the Ambazonia Vice President, issued his strongest call for an end to infighting among restoration forces, saying only unity could lead to the dream of an Ambazonia state.

                Faced with unprecedented international pressure coming from reports made public by the much respected Human Rights Watch and almost total diplomatic isolation, Dabney Yerima said in a statement issued in Geneva yesterday that Southern Cameroonians in the diaspora should pressure leaders of the various armed groups in Ground Zero to follow the directives of the Interim Government.

                Dabney Yerima warned militant groups of severe consequences if they continued their attacks on other Southern Cameroons Restoration Forces, which he said, were used by the Biya Francophone regime to defend a brutal and unjust war on Ambazonians.

                “I am again making this call to all front line Southern Cameroons leaders in Europe and the USA to completely halt all activities, especially attacks against our own people which we have condemned and always condemned,” said Comrade Yerima.

Ahead of CHAN 2020:

Limbe Stadium in Urgent Need of Water Supply

By Boris Esono in Buea

The Limbe Omnisport Stadium Director, Pascaline Ekombe Mbua, has told the Minister of Sports and Physical Education that they are facing the problem of acute water shortage. She made the information known as the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Professor Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, FECAFOOT boss Seidou Mbombo Njoya were on a working visit to Buea and Limbe.

The turf of the Limbe Stadium is degrading due to lack of water

                The Stadium Director said the lack of constant water supply is affecting the green turf. She also complained that the plumbing system supplying water to the stadium is not the best.  “For the past five months, we have had just two water tankers which are not sufficient. We need a permanent borehole; this I believe is the solution to the water crisis,” Pascaline Ekombe Mbua said.

                During the heated exchanges, the Regional Director of CAMWATER defended himself that there is no problem of water. The CAMWATER Director had earlier been questioned by Southwest Governor; Bernard Okalia Bilai, if the stadium taps will flow if they are turned on? This questioned left the CAMWATER Director dumbfounded, Cameroonnewsline reported.

                She revealed that of all the Stadia in Cameroon, the Limbe Omnisport Stadium is the only one that doesn’t have a borehole, “and this is one of the biggest problems we are facing.”

                Minister Narcisse Mouelle Kombi made his first stopover at the Molyko Omnisport Stadium, where the Stadium Director, Njonje Mbua, explained to him some works that are to be finalized in the stadium and the difficulties they are experiencing.

                The Minister of Sports and Physical Education was accompanied in his tour by FECAFOOT President Seidou Mbombo Njoya, South West Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai and a host of other personalities.

Quater World Cup 2022:

Cameroon to Face Ivory Coast in Qualifiers

Either Cameroon or Ivory Coast will miss out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after the teams were drawn against each other in the second round of African qualifying.

Either the Lions of Cameroon or the Elephants of CIwill miss the World Cup in Quarter in 2022

                Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions have represented Africa at a record seven World Cups, while Ivory Coast have made three appearances.

                Two other groups feature two teams that have both played at football’s greatest global event in the past.

                Ghana and South Africa clash in Group G along with Zimbabwe and Ethiopia, while Egypt and Angola meet in Group F alongside Gabon and Libya.

                Egypt were one of Africa’s five representatives at the last World Cup – alongside Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Tunisia – and all will believe they have a decent chance of reaching the third and final round in November 2021.

                In Group B, Tunisia meet Zambia, Mauritania and Equatorial Guinea while Nigeria face Cape Verde, Central African Republic and Liberia in Group C.

                Group H pits Senegal against Congo, Namibia and Togo, while Morocco will meet Sudan and both Guinea and Guinea-Bissau in Group I.

Front page

Playing Lazarus:

Ni John Fru Ndi, the once revered and feared SDF National Chairman, now a political spent force?

Politically Finished, Fru Ndi Barks But Cannot Bite, As Separatists Attack SDF Supporters
At a time when many would expect the Chairman of the opposition Social Democratic Front, SDF party, to stay back and take on his marathon fight for political change in Cameroon, Ni John Fru Ndi has opted to leave the country for the USA for a private visit whose length was yet undetermined.
    Even though Fru Ndi explained that he was going out for routine medical checks following his double abductions by separatists fighters last year, political watchers opine that the SDF chieftain should have stayed back and put his party in order, and also encourage and galvanize his militants, especially at this troubled times when the party is evidently weakened and shaken by serial defections of its militants and elections flag-bearers.
    Even though Fru Ndi accused President Paul Biya’s CPDM of having a hidden hand in the attacks visited on SDF militants and elections candidates by separatist fighters, he failed to take strong action to stop the Etoudi Palace tenant and his agents from further destroying the SDF that is if truly the CPDM has a hand in the attacks. Political watchers say the once fear-inspiring Fru Ndi has now become politically diminished and devastated that he can now only bark but cannot bite.
    Commentators wasted no time to note that by only crying out that Mr Biya and his CPDM are out to annihilate the SDF, Fru Ndi only lends credence to remarks by critics who miss no opportunity to shout on mountain tops that the SDF Chairman has abandoned the fight for democratic change in Cameroon.  They say that Fru Ndi has abandoned the multitudes of Cameroonians who looked up to him for change in Cameroon.
    Though it is understood that Fru Ndi was twice kidnapped and taken into the bushes by armed men said to be Ambazonia fighters, observers question why the SDF Chairman should embark on a long trip abroad only at this time when his party should be putting its act together to give Biya’s CPDM a good run for their money and arrogance.
    Kidnapped on Friday, 28 June 2019 at about 3:30pm, the once dreaded and revered Fru Ndi only regained his freedom at 9:30pm on Saturday, 29 June 2019.
    In an interview he granted the press before boarding the plane to the USA, Fru Ndi said separatists are missing the target by attacking the SDF.
     “Instead of targeting Mr Biya’s CPDM regime that has reduced Anglophones to near nothing in this country they are attacking the SDF,” Fru Ndi regretted.

Ahead of Stiff Battle with SDF:

CPDM K’ba-1 Picks New List Leader As Mwelle Kunz Dies
-Barrister Moses Esseme picked to head list, as ambitious Mewanu Gregory is pushed back to his rightful position 
By Doh Bertrand Nua in Yaounde 

Barrister Eseme Moses Esembe

An atmosphere of tension and infighting is currently rocking the CPDM party in Meme 1A in Kumba barely a month to the 9 February municipal elections. The ugly situation is a replay of the politics of division and camps that exists within the ruling CPDM party in the Division.
    The current wave of confusion originates from power tussle as to who will head the municipal list of the section following the sudden death of the list leader, Mwelle Kunz Mbai. Since Mwelle Kunz demise Sunday 15 December 2019 at the Buea regional hospital annex, things have not been the same within aspiring councilors.
    The infighting escalated when one of the councilors, Mewanu Gregory, stealthily inserted his name on the first position of the council list and submitted to the Elecam head office in the area.
    Sources say Mewanu whose name was initially on the fourth position might have done so with the background backing of some top Meme politicians. This was done without the knowledge of the Section President, Tabot Lawson Bakia.
    Mewanu is however said to be close to the Meme CPDM Divisional Coordinator, Benjamin Mutango Itoe. He is said to have played a fast one on other aspirants after adjusting the list in his favour.

Ahead of 9 Feb. Twin Polls:

Atanga Nji Urges Governors to Tighten Security
By Doh Bertrand Nua in Yaounde 

MINAT Boss, Police & Gendarme bosses pose with Governors

The Minister of Territorial Administration has reassured both national and international opinion that the upcoming Municipal and Legislative elections billed for 9 February 2020 will take place in all 58 divisions and 360 subdivisions in the country.
    Paul Atanga Nji gave the assurance as he opened the First Bi-annual Governors’ Conference convened under the auspices of the Head of State, Paul Biya, with objective to review the security situation and ensure optimal security in the regions ahead of the twin polls. The meeting was attended by the Delegate General for National Security, Martin Mbarga Nguele and the Secretary of State for the National Gendarmerie, Galax Yves Landry Etoga.
    Addressing the governors, Atanga Nji urged them to ensure strict implementation of security measures in their various areas of command and ensure the elections are hitch-free, fair and transparent and proceed in an atmosphere of calm and serenity. 

Attacks on SDF Supporters:

Fru Ndi Suspects Gov’t’s Hidden Hand 
The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Front party SDF, Ni John Fru Ndi has regretted the continues attacks on his party members planning to take part in the upcoming twin elections in the North West region.
    Reacting to the multiple kidnaps and arson attacks on SDF supporters and their properties in the NW region, Ni John Fru Ndi said he does not understand why the attacks are targeted only on SDF militants and not militants of other political parties.
    “The burning and kidnappings started with me, Fru Ndi…they have kidnapped and burnt the properties of many SDF supporters and I kept crying and drawing the attention of the population that this thing is targeted on the SDF alone.”
    “…And I ask, was the Anglophone issue targeted on the SDF that they think they should do all they are doing on the SDF? It is not fair..,” lamented Fru Ndi.

Five SDF Officials Kidnapped in NW Region

Five officials of Cameroon’s main opposition party, the Social Democratic Front, SDF, have been abducted in Tubah, a locality in Northwest, party officials said on Thursday.
        Among those kidnapped were the SDF district chairman of Tubah, Peter Tabah and four other senior officials of the party.
    Armed separatists who claimed responsibility for the abduction released a video of the kidnapped officials on social media on Thursday, stating that the hostages will remain in their keeping until after general elections scheduled for 9 February.
        SDF has demanded their immediate, safe and sound release.
    Local police said search and rescue missions have been dispatched into the bushes to retrieve the hostages from their abductors .

2020 Twin Elections:

ELECAM Personnel Schooled on Credibility
By Doh Bertrand Nua in Yaounde 

Elecam builds capacity of its personnel ahead of elections

Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) in collaboration with members of the Central Africa Economic Committee, (ECAS) have organized a training workshop to build the capacities of their central and regional collaborators on practical modalities to uphold credibility during the upcoming 9 February 2020 twin Municipal and Legislative elections.
    The three day workshop at the Hotel La Falaise in Yaounde was opened Wednesday 8 January 2020 by the Director General of Elections, Dr. Erik Essouse. He said at the end of the workshop, the trainees will be better apt in working with the electoral list and have a better management of polling stations adding that the United Nations and the African Union are working with the election watchdog to ensure the required knowledge is transferred to the ELECAM personnel to organize a hitch free elections.

As Preps Peak Steam:

ELECAM Assures of Hitch-free Twin Polls
By Doh Bertrand Nua in Yaounde 
The Chairman of the Electoral Board of Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) has said all will be set for a smooth conduct of free, fair and transparent municipal and legislative elections build for 9 February 2020 across the national territory. Enow Abrams Egbe made the declaration after visiting the various bases requisitioned for the printing and packaging of election materials and documents.
  
    While opening of deliberations that preceded the field visit  for the 5th Session as of right of the Electoral Board, in accordance with the provisions of section 19, sub 2 of the Electoral Code which states, “The Electoral Board shall meet at least once every fortnight upon the convening of the electorate”, the Chairman, reveal that  the just ended 2019 was a year of challenges for the institution, highly marked by the devolution of all energies into the full preparation for the upcoming election which is the topmost priority from date of its convening.
    He said the deliberations will focus on conducting a phase-to-phase reassessment from an administrative, technical and financial standpoint, of the level of preparedness for the upcoming elections in aspects including: evolution of the preparation and packaging of the material and electoral documents; delivery within the deadlines of said materials and documents in the various electoral districts; preparation and delivery of election campaign documents; implementation of training modules for stakeholders in the electoral process, the presidents and members of mixed voting commissions, as well as duly accredited national and international electoral observers; adoption of an internal and external communications strategy during with the aim of supporting political actors in the galvanization of voters and majority of people living with disabilities, minorities, women and young people in particular; technical and pedagogical support for the appropriation and popularization of the framework of the current elections and the production within the required deadlines, of final electoral lists which will have to reflect a more robust, reliable and sincere electoral file.

Governors React:

Refugees & IDPs are Returning
       -Okalia Bilai, SW Governor
The persons who escaped the war some years ago are returning. The situation is returning to normalcy. The population has understood that what the secessionists told them was fake. So they are coming back to continue with their daily activities…they appreciate the message of the Head of State and the measures put in place to alleviate their suffering. The population has begun denouncing the secessionists. This is a very good thing. The population has understood the appeal of the Head of State and they are preparing for elections.

Star Building:

PM Dion Ngute Receives New Year Wishes
By Doh Bertrand Nua in Yaounde 

PM Dion receives New Year wishes from the SG of the PM’s Office

The Prime Minister, Head of Government has received New Year Wishes from personnel of his office and other services attached to the Star Building. The event unfolded Monday 13 January 2019. It started at exactly 2pm.
    Prior to the handshaking ritual, the PM on behalf of President Paul Biya decorated Prof. Tuna Mama, one of his Special Advisers with the Medal of Grand Officer of the National Order Valour. The medal award was contained in a Presidential decree signed on 14 August 2019.
    This was followed by a presentation of a special bouquet of flowers from personnel of the Star Building.

Towards Modernity:

Gov’t to Review Public Service Methods & Procedures
By Doh Bertrand Nua in Yaounde 

PM Dion Ngute at the symposium on modernizing the Public Service

A 3-day colloquium to discuss ways on how to modernize the public service in the country has been launched in Yaounde. The event placed under the patronage of the President was launched by Prime Minister, Dr. Dion Ngute Joseph at the Yaounde City Hall Monday 13 January 2020.
    The event organised by the Ministry of Public Service and Administrative Reforms (Minfopra), is under the theme “Modernisation of the Cameroonian Civil Service: Stakes, Challenges and Prospects.”
    It will for three days bring together public administrators, human resource managers, municipal authorities, officials in charge of services of decentralised local authorities, NGOs, Civil society, opinion leaders, trade unions, as well as university students to jointly reflect on challenges and opportunities for the modernisation of the Cameroonian public administration.

Recognition for Doing God’s Work:

Pope Honors Johnson & Cathy Okie with Medal
-By awarding the special medal to the couple, Pope Francis has not only ordained them as honorary citizens of the Vatican, he has also appointed them as his advisers on matters of the laity in Cameroon
By  Ayukogem Steven Ojong in Y’de

Johnson Okie & his wife Cathy Okie brandish their medals

 The Cameroon President of the Catholic Men’s Association, CMA, Okie Johnson Ndoh, and his wife, Catherine Ntoh Okie, have been singled-out by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, and honored with medals for the outstanding work they have done and are doing to build the Catholic Church in the Mamfe Diocese in particular, and in Cameroon in general.
    Mr. and Mrs Okie were publicly decorated with the Pope’s special medal known in Latin as ‘Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice’, during an impressively attended Pontifical Mass on Sunday, 12 January, at the St. Joseph’s Anglophone Parish, in Mvog-Ada, Yaounde.
    Officiating the Mass, the Bishop of Mamfe (now Archbishop of Bamenda), His Grace Andrew Nkea, explained that the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice is a decoration of the Holy See.
    The medal is conferred to lay people and the clergy, who distinguish themselves through service to the Roman Catholic Church.
    “The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice was first established by Pope Leo XIII on 17 July 1888, to commemorate His Golden Sacerdotal Jubilee. It was originally bestowed on those men and women who had aided and promoted the Jubilee, and by other means assisted in making the Jubilee and the Vatican Exposition successful,” Mgr Nkea explained, intimating that the medal only became a permanent papal distinction in 1898.
    The current version of the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice was introduced by Pope Paul VI and is only awarded in gold. For the church and the Pope, it is a medal that the Holy Father gives in recognition for the work that someone does in the local and the national Church,” Archbishop Nkea explained further.
    He said Mr and Mrs Okie have distinguished themselves especially through the construction of the ‘Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima’ in Mboka, in Nguti subdivision, in the Mamfe Diocese, and for all other divine works that they have done and are still doing for the Church and to humanity.