Publisher/Editor: OJONG Steven AYUKOGEM. Tel: (+237) 77 07 27 79. E-mail: themedianpaper@yahoo.com
Sunday, 31 May 2015
Celebrating 25 years
25 deeds and misdeeds of the SDF
By Franklin Sone Bayen
1. Embracing Wind of Change
The SDF must be credited for bravely embracing of the “Wind of Change” that blew from Gobachev’s Soviet Union in the late 1980s, through its eastern European satellite states, and on to Africa. The government might have succeeded to contain the wind with the arrest in 1989 of Barrister Yondo Black and his group of ten that included Albert Mukong, Ekane Anicet and Henriette Ekwe who were pushing for a restoration of multiparty politics and other political reforms. The government said in a statement that they were not arrested because of their call for a return to multiparty politics after all, the government statement said Cameroon is still officially a multiparty system. That was true. Although former President Ahidjo had cajoled his political peers into merging their parties into the CNU in 1966, there was no law prohibiting other parties to function. So, the move by Ni John Fru Ndi, Siga Asanga and co to announce the imminent creation of a political party was well calculated to take advantage of that window.
2. Bravery Amidst Intimidation
The announcement of the creation of the SDF made in late 1989, may have been a dead letter had the party’s leaders not braved the odds, faced with government intimidation including heavily armed soldiers to launch the party. Extra troops moved into Bamenda ahead of the SDF scheduled launch day, did not stop Fru Ndi and co. Troops opened fire on unarmed supporters demonstrating on the streets of Bamenda, yet the SDF had been launched, thus forcing open the door for a resumption of multiparty politics in Cameroon. Not even the campaign of lies against the party stood in its way. CRTV news reported that those shot dead had rather been killed in a stampede and that the party’s sympathizers who marched in Yaounde in support of the event in Bamenda, sang the Nigerian anthem, as if to say the SDF was championed by unpatriotic people.
3. Forcing Political Reforms
There can be no denying that the SDF fast-tracked political reforms in Cameroon which may have been back-tracked by CPDM conservatives. There can equally be no denying that President Biya, in power since November 1982, had already undertaken some reforms. There was marked political opening, a break from the heavy-handed system under former President Ahidjo. The private press began to blossom. Government media enjoyed the latitude to do more critical reporting. Political opponents expressed themselves more freely. That is the period when Albert Mukong published his prison testimonies in “Prisoner Without a Crime” which was sold freely. Yet, regime conservatives who held demonstrations and campaigned against calls for a return to multipartyism were shocked when President Biya gave in to pressure for political competition at the June 1990 congress of the ruling CPDM in Yaounde. This may never have happened had the SDF not been launched. Biya’s political reforms may have continued at snail pace or been back-tracked had the conservatives, fearful of the “Wind of Change”, not been beaten to the game by SDF’s steadfastness.
4. “Power to the People”
Masses saw themselves at the centre of decision-making within the SDF. “Power to the People” was more than a mere slogan. If nothing else, SDF supporters found the government catching a cold once they sneezed with street mobilization. For example, the SDF called for use of transparent ballot boxes and later computerization of the electoral process and marched on 20th May with transparent boxes and computers to press the point and the government caved in.
By Franklin Sone Bayen
1. Embracing Wind of Change
The SDF must be credited for bravely embracing of the “Wind of Change” that blew from Gobachev’s Soviet Union in the late 1980s, through its eastern European satellite states, and on to Africa. The government might have succeeded to contain the wind with the arrest in 1989 of Barrister Yondo Black and his group of ten that included Albert Mukong, Ekane Anicet and Henriette Ekwe who were pushing for a restoration of multiparty politics and other political reforms. The government said in a statement that they were not arrested because of their call for a return to multiparty politics after all, the government statement said Cameroon is still officially a multiparty system. That was true. Although former President Ahidjo had cajoled his political peers into merging their parties into the CNU in 1966, there was no law prohibiting other parties to function. So, the move by Ni John Fru Ndi, Siga Asanga and co to announce the imminent creation of a political party was well calculated to take advantage of that window.
2. Bravery Amidst Intimidation
The announcement of the creation of the SDF made in late 1989, may have been a dead letter had the party’s leaders not braved the odds, faced with government intimidation including heavily armed soldiers to launch the party. Extra troops moved into Bamenda ahead of the SDF scheduled launch day, did not stop Fru Ndi and co. Troops opened fire on unarmed supporters demonstrating on the streets of Bamenda, yet the SDF had been launched, thus forcing open the door for a resumption of multiparty politics in Cameroon. Not even the campaign of lies against the party stood in its way. CRTV news reported that those shot dead had rather been killed in a stampede and that the party’s sympathizers who marched in Yaounde in support of the event in Bamenda, sang the Nigerian anthem, as if to say the SDF was championed by unpatriotic people.
3. Forcing Political Reforms
There can be no denying that the SDF fast-tracked political reforms in Cameroon which may have been back-tracked by CPDM conservatives. There can equally be no denying that President Biya, in power since November 1982, had already undertaken some reforms. There was marked political opening, a break from the heavy-handed system under former President Ahidjo. The private press began to blossom. Government media enjoyed the latitude to do more critical reporting. Political opponents expressed themselves more freely. That is the period when Albert Mukong published his prison testimonies in “Prisoner Without a Crime” which was sold freely. Yet, regime conservatives who held demonstrations and campaigned against calls for a return to multipartyism were shocked when President Biya gave in to pressure for political competition at the June 1990 congress of the ruling CPDM in Yaounde. This may never have happened had the SDF not been launched. Biya’s political reforms may have continued at snail pace or been back-tracked had the conservatives, fearful of the “Wind of Change”, not been beaten to the game by SDF’s steadfastness.
4. “Power to the People”
Masses saw themselves at the centre of decision-making within the SDF. “Power to the People” was more than a mere slogan. If nothing else, SDF supporters found the government catching a cold once they sneezed with street mobilization. For example, the SDF called for use of transparent ballot boxes and later computerization of the electoral process and marched on 20th May with transparent boxes and computers to press the point and the government caved in.
Silver Jubilee
 |
| Chairman Fru Ndi honouring 1990 Martyrs |
- But critics castigate Fru Ndi for over centralization of power and personality cult
By Njodzefe Nestor in Bamenda
The chairman of the Social Democratic front, Ni John Fru Ndi who was at the centre of attraction during celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of the SDF has once again called on the government of Cameroon to scrape the old electoral code and enact a new one.
Amongst other things, the venerated SDF chieftain advocated for the return to federalism, the need for the introduction of a completely biometric electoral system and two round elections, and above all the independence of the judiciary.
These and many other issues constituted Chairman Ni John Fru Ndi’s anniversary speech at the Bamenda Commercial Avenue grandstand, that served as venue for the 25th Anniversary commemoration. Activities were guided by the theme “The SDF: 25 years in the struggle for Democracy and Good Governance”.
John Fru Ndi seized the opportunity to pay homage to the founding fathers of the SDF and others who had contributed enormously to the success and implantation of the party throughout the national territory. Above all he venerated the 1990 democracy martyrs who were shot by trigger-happy military men by laying a wreath in their honour at the Liberty Square.
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL UNION OF TEACHERS OF HIGHER EDUCATION
- SYNES -
UNIVERSITY OF BUEA CHAPTER
MEMORANDUM
The Minister of Higher Education,
Through:
The Vice-Chancellor,
University of Buea
Your Excellency,
HARMONISATION OF UNIVERSITY PROGRAMMES TO ENHANCE THE MOBILITY OF STUDENTS FROM ONE UNIVERSITY TO ANOTHER
On Wednesday 13 May 2015, the Executive of the Union of Teachers of Higher Education (SYNES), University of Buea Chapter met to discuss the on-going scheme by the Ministry of Higher Education (MINESUP) to harmonize academic programmes so as to enhance the mobility of students from one State University to another. It became necessary for the process to be reviewed because the social, political and cultural realities of our country are not often given due consideration in policy matters. This has left some portions of the country disaffected, disenchanted and aggrieved. By giving our honest assessment of what is going on, we hope that as partners or stakeholders of higher education, we will be forestalling major sources of disagreement and discord.
The background
On 6 May 2015, a meeting was convened at the MINESUP at the behest of the Minister of Higher Education to discuss and harmonize the academic programmes of fundamental disciplines so as to facilitate the mobility of students from one university to another during the academic year. The meeting was chaired by the Technical Adviser (No.1) in the MINESUP on behalf of the Minister. He noted that the meeting was necessary because it had come to the Minister’s notice that many students still had difficulties transferring from one university to another during the academic year. At that meeting, it was decided that the harmonization process will start with Law, Political Science and Economic and Management Sciences. The Committee proposed that Common Law be scrapped from the curriculum while the degree in Management should have Economics as the base.
The Spirit of the University Reforms of the 90’s
When the Head of State instructed the University reforms of the 90’s, he wisely sought to diversify training rather than concentrate on a few disciplines which did not facilitate employment or entrepreneurship. This diversification marked the onset of professionalization of university programmes. As time went on, universities responded to the challenges of job creation and employability and have successfully professionalized the bulk of their programmes. The success of programmes like Journalism and Mass Communication, Management, Banking and Finance, Accountancy, Economics, Law etc, at the University of Buea, attest to timeliness of the reforms as their contribution to the growth and development of our economy cannot be over-emphasized. It is therefore surprising that today, the MINESUP wants to undo all the years of hard work put into the professionalization of programmes and the apparent good results by reverting to the hopeless years of the lone university.
- SYNES -
UNIVERSITY OF BUEA CHAPTER
MEMORANDUM
The Minister of Higher Education,
Through:
The Vice-Chancellor,
University of Buea
Your Excellency,
HARMONISATION OF UNIVERSITY PROGRAMMES TO ENHANCE THE MOBILITY OF STUDENTS FROM ONE UNIVERSITY TO ANOTHER
On Wednesday 13 May 2015, the Executive of the Union of Teachers of Higher Education (SYNES), University of Buea Chapter met to discuss the on-going scheme by the Ministry of Higher Education (MINESUP) to harmonize academic programmes so as to enhance the mobility of students from one State University to another. It became necessary for the process to be reviewed because the social, political and cultural realities of our country are not often given due consideration in policy matters. This has left some portions of the country disaffected, disenchanted and aggrieved. By giving our honest assessment of what is going on, we hope that as partners or stakeholders of higher education, we will be forestalling major sources of disagreement and discord.
The background
On 6 May 2015, a meeting was convened at the MINESUP at the behest of the Minister of Higher Education to discuss and harmonize the academic programmes of fundamental disciplines so as to facilitate the mobility of students from one university to another during the academic year. The meeting was chaired by the Technical Adviser (No.1) in the MINESUP on behalf of the Minister. He noted that the meeting was necessary because it had come to the Minister’s notice that many students still had difficulties transferring from one university to another during the academic year. At that meeting, it was decided that the harmonization process will start with Law, Political Science and Economic and Management Sciences. The Committee proposed that Common Law be scrapped from the curriculum while the degree in Management should have Economics as the base.
The Spirit of the University Reforms of the 90’s
When the Head of State instructed the University reforms of the 90’s, he wisely sought to diversify training rather than concentrate on a few disciplines which did not facilitate employment or entrepreneurship. This diversification marked the onset of professionalization of university programmes. As time went on, universities responded to the challenges of job creation and employability and have successfully professionalized the bulk of their programmes. The success of programmes like Journalism and Mass Communication, Management, Banking and Finance, Accountancy, Economics, Law etc, at the University of Buea, attest to timeliness of the reforms as their contribution to the growth and development of our economy cannot be over-emphasized. It is therefore surprising that today, the MINESUP wants to undo all the years of hard work put into the professionalization of programmes and the apparent good results by reverting to the hopeless years of the lone university.
Harmonizing studies in state Universities
UB lecturers warn Fame Ndongo to stop the provocation
By Ojong Steven Ayukogem in Yaounde
Lecturers of the University of Buea have rejected a project by the Minister of Higher Education-MINESUP to harmonize academic programmes in all state universities in Cameroon. The lecturers under the banner of the National Association of Teachers of Higher Education SYNES UB Chapter, argue that Prof. Fame Ndongo’s harmonization scheme is not only suspect, nefarious, phagocytic and preposterous, it is very provocative and likely to “provoke discord and social and political tension in some portions of the national divide that would be “disaffected, disenchanted and aggrieved” by the “very suspicious and obnoxious project”.
UB lecturers have submitted a strongly-worded Memo through the Vice Chancellor of UB to the President of the Republic, the Senate, the National Assembly, the PM’s Office, the MINESUP and the Embassies of USA, Britain and EU. They are urging the authorities to call the Minesup to order, in the interest of peace on campuss.
The UB lecturers’ Memo was the outcome of a meeting of SYNES UB Chapter and its council of advisers, on Wednesday 13 May 2015, to discuss the scheme by the MINESUP to harmonize academic programmes in state universities so as to enhance mobility of students from one state university to another. It was convened sequel to the meeting on 5 May 2015, at the MINESUP in Yaounde during which proposals were made towards the harmonization of academic programmes in all state universities.
By Ojong Steven Ayukogem in Yaounde
 |
| Fame Ndongo |
UB lecturers have submitted a strongly-worded Memo through the Vice Chancellor of UB to the President of the Republic, the Senate, the National Assembly, the PM’s Office, the MINESUP and the Embassies of USA, Britain and EU. They are urging the authorities to call the Minesup to order, in the interest of peace on campuss.
The UB lecturers’ Memo was the outcome of a meeting of SYNES UB Chapter and its council of advisers, on Wednesday 13 May 2015, to discuss the scheme by the MINESUP to harmonize academic programmes in state universities so as to enhance mobility of students from one state university to another. It was convened sequel to the meeting on 5 May 2015, at the MINESUP in Yaounde during which proposals were made towards the harmonization of academic programmes in all state universities.
Preserving bi-jural legal system
Common Law Lawyers table ultimatum to gov’t!
- Also submit copies of ‘Bamenda Resolution’ to Foreign Embassies
By Essan-Ekoninyam in Yaounde
Common Law Lawyers have finally tabled the resolutions of their recent conclave in Bamenda to the government, a statement from the President of Fako Lawyers Association FAKLA said on Thursday. Barrister Nkongho Felix Agbor-Balla said “a team of lawyers from both the NW lawyers Association NOWELA and the Fako lawyers Association FAKLA, deposited “the Bamenda Resolution” at the PM’s Office, the Office of the Senate President, Office of the National Assembly Speaker, Cabinet of the Minjustice and the Nigerian, USA, British, Canadian and EU Embassies in Yaounde.
It should be recalled that Common Law lawyers met in Bamenda on Saturday 9 May 2015 to discuss the conditions of legal practice in NW and SW regions especially following the appointment of Francophone Judges to Courts in these essentially and primordially English Speaking parts of the country. The lawyers also took a cursory look at the state of the union between English and French Cameroons 54 years since the Reunification in 1961.
Coomon Law lawyers said by looking at these issues their aim was simply to point out to government those areas that needed to be improved and/or reviewed. They also sought to make suggestions on how the two entities that united to form Cameroon can better forge ahead in harmony and in respect of each other’s specificities and identity.
- Also submit copies of ‘Bamenda Resolution’ to Foreign Embassies
By Essan-Ekoninyam in Yaounde
 |
| A delegation of Common law lawyers pose for photo after depositing “Bamenda resolution” at PM’s office in Yaounde |
It should be recalled that Common Law lawyers met in Bamenda on Saturday 9 May 2015 to discuss the conditions of legal practice in NW and SW regions especially following the appointment of Francophone Judges to Courts in these essentially and primordially English Speaking parts of the country. The lawyers also took a cursory look at the state of the union between English and French Cameroons 54 years since the Reunification in 1961.
Coomon Law lawyers said by looking at these issues their aim was simply to point out to government those areas that needed to be improved and/or reviewed. They also sought to make suggestions on how the two entities that united to form Cameroon can better forge ahead in harmony and in respect of each other’s specificities and identity.
CIMEC 2015
The 3-day event from 27-29 May 2015 at the Palais des Congres witnessed the active presence of over 1000 persons including participants and officials
By Essan-Ekoninyam in Yaounde
The 2015 edition of the Cameroon International Mining Exhibition and Conference – CIMEC 2015 ended on Friday May 29 with the organizers expressing satisfaction for a hitch-free and successful event.
The Secretary of State in the Ministry of Mines, Industry and Technological Development, MINMIDT, Dr Fuh Calistus Gentry, who doubled as the chairman of the organizing committee of the CIMEC 2015, said this second edition of the event was hugely successful and met its set objectives especially as it witnessed the presence of over 1000 participants and officials: “WE had exploration companies, exploitation and transformation companies, analytical laboratories, logics companies, law firms, law experts, finance experts, NGOs etc,” Dr. Fuh observed, thanking the sponsors and partners of the MINMIDT, especially London-based Company AME TRADE, for ensuring that the event was a huge success.
The CIMEC 2015 was the 2nd ever to be organized in Cameroon. The first edition in May 2013 also recorded a huge success; it saw the convergence in Cameroon of mining experts and professionals from across the world to reflect on best practices and strategies to be adopted so that mining exploitation can better contribute to the development of Cameroon.
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