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NEWS

Issue 2203

Wednesday 8 - Sunuday 12 April 2009

Santa council budget drops by 17 mn FCFA

The mayor of the SDF/CPDM-run municipality, Clement Wankie, said HIPC money which the council received recently was responsible

By Teche Nyamusa in Bamenda

The Santa SDF/CPDM-run council has voted 321 million FCFA as its 2009 budget. The budget which is down by 17 million FCFA compared to last year’s 338 million FCFA budget was adopted during a recent council session in Santa, North West region.

Clement Wankie, the SDF mayor, attributed the budget decrease to HIPC funds (amount not disclosed) which the council benefited this year.

Addressing the 35 SDF and 10 CPDM councillors who attended the budgetary meeting, the mayor said of the 338 274 452 FCFA budgeted for 2008, only 209 946 361 FCFA was collected and 209 946 802 FCFA was spent. He also regretted that the council’s support fund from FEICOM fell by about 29 million FCFA last year and said it may drop further this year. To avoid this situation from affecting the running of the council, Wankie said he had put in place stringent revenue collection strategies.

Speaking on his part, the council’s treasurer, Nutoto Jacob, said last year’s expenditure budget was used to maintain roads, to rehabilitate council buildings, to provide youth employment and subsidies to schools, and to clear civil status registry bills among others.

CPDM councillors led by Erick Ndikum criticised the SDF management of the council for abuse of office stating for instance that mayor Clement Wankie bought a 4-million FCFA vehicle for the council without the approval of councillors.

The council session was attended by Mezam SDO Mache Njouonwet, Santa DO Tchetkam Abraham and the Chief of councils, Shey Henry.

Widows fight off police dispatched to disrupt their meeting

Police trying to stop a banned meeting of widows in Bamenda II withdrew after the women put up stiff resistance

By Teche Nyamusa in Bamenda

A banned meeting of widows in Bamenda went ahead despite efforts by police to disperse them.

Bamenda II DO, Guiakam Jacques, banned the meeting on grounds that the organiser, AI-CHRISWOV, a faith-based NGO fighting for widows’ rights, was operating illegally.

But officials of the NGO dismissed the DO’s claims and proceeded to hold the meeting in spite of the ban.

When Guiakam Jacques learnt the widows had defied his orders, he led a squad of police to the Bamenda Church Centre where the meeting was holding, determined to disperse the women.

The over 45 widows present held their ground, vowing that only their corpses would be taken out of the hall by force. They argued that the DO’s attempt to disperse them was wicked and prejudicial to their welfare.

Judging the situation volatile, the DO withdrew with the police squad and the widows proceeded with their meeting which held for two days in late March. The meeting was co-chaired by two senior AI-CHRISWOV officials, Atunka Christina and Tanwani Dorothy.

SDF chairman, John Fru Ndi, who later came to the scene, expressed consternation at the action of the DO.

Behind the banning of the meeting was a long-standing conflict between former partners.

The founding president of AI-CHRISWOV, Stella Fomumbod, some years back, changed the name of the organisation to IVFcam. Her vice president, Atunka Christina, and communication officer, Tanwani Dorothy, among other members, opposed the move.

Fomumbod was booted out and she went ahead to operate IVFcam, claiming that AI-CHRISWOV no longer existent.

This conflict was reported to the ministries of Social Affairs and Territorial Administration for arbitration, but contradictory decisions were taken.

Since then, both AI-CHRISWOV and IVFcam have been operating independently, but Stella Fomumbod insists only her organisation is legal. Fomumbod said in an interview granted The Herald that AI-CHRISWOV had been outlawed.

Atunka Christina on her part accused Fomumbod of instigating the DO to ban the widows’ meeting in Bamenda.

The meeting aimed at building self-confidence in widows to help them face the challenges of widowhood in a male chauvinistic society.

Anglophone/minorities problem:
Visiting peace laureate recommends federation to Biya

Johan Galtung hopes to use his meetings with Cameroonian authorities, including President Paul Biya, to press for a federation in place of the current centralised system that breeds Anglophone discontent. The scholar is convinced that the Anglophone problem is a threat to peace in Cameroon

By Micheal Kimbi Tchenga in Yaounde

Renowned international peace crusader, Johan Galtung,who is currently on a high profile visit to Cameroon, has said he will advocate for a federal system in the country to solve the Anglophone problem were he to meet President Paul Biya.

The winner of the 1987 Right Likelihood Award, otherwise known as the Alternative Nobel Peace Prize, told The Herald in Yaounde that he is convinced that the solution to the Anglophone problem is some form of autonomy for the English-speaking part of Cameroon.

“I am still learning about the country but I know there is a problem about the Anglophone minority here,” Johan Galtung said as he retired from a busy morning at a colloquium on peace at the Protestant University of Central Africa in Yaounde. “The history of the Anglophone part of the country is not so comfortable.”

The distinguished scholar told The Herald he is ready to table the issue, among others, to President Biya if he meets him in the course of his one-week stay in Cameroon.

Although no such meeting has been confirmed, a state security source told us last week that it was likely that the peace crusader will be received at State House this week.

Already confirmed is a meeting between Gultang and Prime Minister Ephraim Inoni during which the Alternate Nobel Peace laureate said he will propose a federation and/or confederation as a means to ensure sustainable peace in Cameroon.

He said a federal system or confederation will be more helpful than the strong-arm tactics employed by the authorities to silence activists advocating minority Anglophone rights.
The widely published university professor on Peace Studies cited 25 federations in the world that inspire hope for their peoples.

Sources at the Protestant University, that invited Galtung to Cameroon, told us the audience with the PM is scheduled for today, Wednesday.

Commenting on the origin of numerous unresolved conflicts in Africa, Galtung said the continent will remain doomed as long it continues to cart away its natural resources to the West on very weak trade terms.

“Don’t sell away your gold,” Galtung exhorted. “You are the masters of your own development.”

Varsity lecturers announce nationwide strike

They are protesting against failed promises to raise salaries and the non-payment of some allowances

By Ndien Eric in Yaounde

State-run universities across the country will soon be grounded if lecturers go ahead with a planned strike.

The union of teachers of higher education, SYNES, announced in a press release 2 April that they will be engaging in a series of strike actions starting 13 April to protest against failed promises by government to raise salaries and the non-payment of several allowances owed university lecturers.

SYNES secretary general, Innocent Futcha, who issued the release after a meeting of the union’s executive committee, announced the programme of the strikes as follows: 13 – 23 April (boycott of lectures, tutorials and practicals); 11 – 31 May (downing of tools by researchers); and from 13 June (indefinite strike).

He explained that the series of industrial actions is a sequel to a strike that SYNES called off in November last year after government made promises to satisfy their demands. But after a long wait, no concrete actions have been taken to improve the working conditions of lecturers, he complained.

SYNES said the government had put in place a programme to increase university lecturers’ salaries between 2001 and 2004 but it has not yet been implemented.

Le jour newspaper however quotes Jean-Paul Mbia, head of the communication unit in the Ministry of Higher Education, as saying that government has already started implementing the programme.

Mbia said technical and research allowances for teachers of higher education are in the 2009 budget and this was supposed to have become effective as from January this year. He said the dossier is following its normal course in the Ministry of Finance.

He added that as from 2010, lecturers will start receiving car allowances as well as allowances for water and electricity consumption.

Expensive university lodging:
Y’de varsity authorities to collect rents on behalf of landlords

Higher Education minister Jacques Fame Ndongo made the decision in submission to pressure from ADDEC, the students’ rights association, which masterminded a strike action on the Yaounde 1 university campus on Monday.

By Ojong Steven Ayuk in Yaounde

Students of the University of Yaounde 1 living in the heavily congested neighbourhood of Bonamoussadi will henceforth pay their rents through the lodging office of the institution who will in turn transmit it to landlords, Higher Education minister Jacques Fame Ndongo has instructed.

This was the outcome of a crisis meeting last Monday at the university campus chaired by the minister on the flank of a student strike action led by ADDEC, the Association for the Defence of Students’ Rights in Cameroon, on the school premises.

The crisis meeting was attended by ADDEC representatives, the university’s rector Oumarou Bouba and some landlords from Bonamoussadi.

In candour typical of a minister who narrowly survived the 2005 nationwide university strike, Fame Ndongo rushed to the Ngoa Ekelle campus Monday to nip the strike movement in the bud before it spiralled out of control with potential of infecting other state universities with similar problems.

Rallied in front of the students affairs and lodging division of the university, the striking students chanted liberation songs brandishing placards and pulling crowds of student passers-by into their league. As has always been their credo, they kept the movement pacific.

“We cannot continue to allow ourselves to be fooled all the time”, “We want immediate answers to our demands not promises”; two of their placards read.

ADDEC’s action comes on the heels of a call from Fame Ndongo asking landlords to respect the homologated rates for rents in the student residential area during a visit to the neighbourhood at the weekend.

But ADDEC rejected the minister’s call saying that it was an expedient move to calm them down without giving solutions to their problems.

Despite the resolutions reached, it is still not clear how such a measure would work given that majority of the landlords are very unsatisfied with the categories allotted their mini-cités, reducing rents to be paid by tenants.

Meantime, ADDEC has not issued any official statement calling-off their strike. They hope to extend their action into the period of the university games which will be hosted by the Yaounde 1 university.

As we went to press yesterday evening, a meeting between landlords in Soa and Bonamoussadi to be chaired by trade minister Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana was announced for tomorrow at the Chamber of Commerce to discuss the homologated rents

Violence against children:
Plan Cameroon trains journalists on reporting child abuse issues

As part of a global campaign dubbed “Learn without fear”, Plan Cameroon is organising a seminar here to equip journalists with skills needed to identify and treat news items pertaining to child abuse

By Takang Bisong in Yaounde

Journalists of both the public and private media have been requested to pay more attention to all sorts of violence perpetrated on children in schools.

Casimir Youmbi, support program manager of Plan Cameroon told journalists at the opening of a workshop last Monday that the media have a responsibility to promote the rights of the child and end child abuse in society.

Citing sexual abuse and corporal punishment as the major forms of abuse suffered by children in schools, the Plan official advocated for better sensitisation, education and information as the best means to combat the ill which affects close to 80 percent of children.

The seminar is part of a global campaign against violence on children in schools christened “Learn without fear”. It is intended to reinforce the capacity of journalists and equip them with skills that can help them treat news material on child violence related issues, Casimir explained.

In conformity with the United Nations Convention on the rights of the child and the African charter on the rights and wellbeing of the child ratified by Cameroon, Plan Cameroon is out to protect, educate and develop the child both at family and school levels.
This mission was saluted by the Communications minister’s representative at the opening, Claude Laurent Medjo Mintom.

Medjo Mintom emphasised that the maltreatment of children produces school dropouts, initiates delinquency, armed robbery and insecurity among others.

He explained that children who are victims of violence today will turn out to be perpetrators of violence in future.

Recognition of literary works:
Literary icons who died in tragic accident honoured

Bate Besong, Hilarious Ambe and Kwasen Gwangwa’a who died two years ago, were praised for their literary achievements during an event in Yaounde last weekend

By Takang Bisong in Yaounde

It was a pitch dark day in Cameroon’s literary arena when three giants, Bate Besong, Hilarious Ambe and Kwasen Ngwangwa’a, all perished in a road accident in the wee hours of 8 March 2007. Two years later, memories of their works and lives are still very green.

Praises were showered on the three icons, who were incidentally all engaged in the dramatic arts, during a literary event organised by the Anglophone Cameroon Writers Association (ACWA) at the University of Yaounde I last weekend.

Various speakers at the event used different words to venerate the three men, but the general message was that their lives and works will be celebrated through the ages.

Bate Besong, an Anglophone Cameroon playwright with many published works, was also a senior lecturer at the universities of Buea and Yaounde I. Hilarious Ambe was also a playwright, stage director and lecturer at the University of Buea. Kwasen Gwangwa’a was a playwright, producer of tele-films and staff of CRTV.

They died when their car had an accident near Edea on their way to Yaounde.

Speaking at the ACWA event during which prizes were given to winners of a poetry competition organised by the association, Mem Pierre, representing the minister of communication, after praising the three heroes for contributing enormously to Cameroonian literature and the enhancement of society, announced that his ministry has plans to give grants to writers to help them publish their works.

He praised ACWA for the initiative of honouring heroes and organising a competition.

ACWA president, John Nkemngong Nkengasong, said the association has been making laudable strides.

“Anglophone Cameroon writing in English has grown from strength to strength and today we are confident that our voices can be heard on the pages of poetry, drama and fiction with the major aims of making our society a better place, of projecting the socio-cultural riches of our nation and to provide alternative visions for the future,” Nkengasong said.

Nkengasong congratulated the six winners of the 2008 poetry competition in the adult and children’s category. The winners were awarded prizes ranging from 10,000 – 100,000 FCFA.

He said it is ACWA’s wish to organise a national literary contest every year and called on the ministry of Culture and potential sponsors to support this initiative.

Issue 2102

Monday 6 - Tuesday 7 April 2009

K’ba business magnate receives Nation-builder award

Mbatchu Jacob Kay was recognised last Wednesday by the Association of Young Cameroon Jurists for his contribution to the Kumba community and Cameroon at large

By Ashu Manfred in Kumba

The Nation-builder Award managed by the Association of Young Cameroon Jurists, AYCJ, has been conferred this year to Kumba business magnate Mbatchu Jacob Kay.

Mbatchu was selected by the award jury for his contribution to the socio-economic and political well-being of Cameroonians.

Receiving the award last Wednesday at a ceremony organised at the Kumba amusement park, the laureate said that the recognition would spur him to work harder towards fostering development for his Kumba.

AYCJ president, Emile Agbor told invitees that it is the mission of the association to recognise fearless, hardworking Cameroonians who have made bold steps in the development of the country.

The AYCJ is a conglomeration of pupil barristers, aspiring jurists, law students and graduates motivated by the zeal to fight injustice and encourage peaceful resolution of conflicts.

The nation-builder award already counts laureates like Nfon Victor Mukete, traditional ruler of Kumba, Caven Nnoko Mbele, former Kumba government delegate and Hon. David Ngoh.

Palm Sunday:
Palm fronds sell like hot cake in Yaounde!

Some people who sold palm fronds here at the weekend affirmed they did brisk business

By Ojong Steven Ayuk in Yaounde

Commemorative activities marking Palm Sunday in Yaounde yesterday Sunday 5 April, a day Christians believe Jesus Christ triumphantly entered Jerusalem, provided a rare opportunity for some youths to make quick money.

Because palm fronds could not readily be got from nearby bushes as the case in rural areas, some smart persons came in with huge quantities that they put on sale in front of churches here.

Some of the palm frond dealers who spoke to The Herald admitted they did good business. Anaclet Ngono, one of them, said he had already sold about 45,000 FCFA worth of palm fronds when we met him at mid-day in front of the St. Paul’s Parish at Melen Yaounde. Though he still had a huge stock remaining, Ngono said he was sure he would sell everything before returning home.

Just like Ngono, another dealer we talked to, Henry Ndjana, said he came to Yaounde from Monatele just to sell the fronds. He said he had sold about 75,000 FCFA and was still hoping to sell more.

Ndjana who said he was not a regular flower dealer told us that he only thought of the business when he realised that palm fronds would be scarce in Yaounde for the Palm Sunday.

Christians who appropriated the palm broaches brandished them to and from church.

At the St Paul’s Parish here, the officiating priest, Claude Mbarga, in his homily reminded Christians how crowds came out to welcome Jesus into Jerusalem, the same crowd, he said, later turned against him when he said he was the king of kings.

He asked Christians to remain faithful to Christ no matter what and not to betray him like Judas did.

Claude Mbarga urged the faithful to ask for pardon whenever they failed Jesus like Peter did after he denied Christ three times.

Palm Sunday precedes the Holy Week that will end with the commemoration of the death (on Friday) and resurrection (on Sunday) of Jesus Christ.

Apostolic Nunciourges PKFokam Institute to trust in God

Eliseo Antonio Arrioti used the occasion of the launching of a new academic year at the PKFokam Institute of Excellence in Emana, Yaounde last week to warn that without faith in God there would be no success

By Takang Bisong in Yaounde

The Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea has prayed the officials and students of the PKFokam Institute of Excellence in Yaounde to make God the head of the institution and trust in Him.

Eliseo Antonio Arrioti was speaking at an ecumenical service organised at the institute in Emana on Thursday 2 April to mark the beginning of a new academic year.

Without faith in God, there would be on success, the man of God warned, adding that it was by God’s grace that the institution was functioning today and distancing from Him signified switching the light that God has put on. He called on the institution’s officials to ask God for wisdom, grace and mercy if they must properly manage the school.

Antonio Arrioti also frowned at people, who he said, allow themselves to be manipulated and used by others for selfish interest. “It is an obligation for everyone to be witness of God’s words in order that ills like fear, panic, doubt, unbelief and discouragement be killed in man,” he advised.

Corroborating the Apostolic Nuncio’s words, Isaac Batoumen, another priest at the event, recalled that except God lays the foundation and builds, the builder wastes his time, and if God does not protect a place, then the watchman watches in vain.

The president of the board of trustees of the institute, Paul K Fokam, for his part said he believed that with the help of God coupled with hard work, the institute would champion the transformation of Africa into a knowledge-based society.

Moslem Imams, ex-members of government, students and choir groups, among others, attended the ecumenical service.

After Atangana Mebara:
Court extends Abah Abah’s pre-trial detention period

The decision to prolong the stay in Kondengui prison of the ex-Economy and Finance minister was taken last week and is intended to enable the prosecution to wrap up their investigations

By Ndien Eric in Yaounde

The Mfoundi High Court has prolonged the pre-trial incarceration of former Economy and Finance minister Polycarpe Abah Abah in Kondengui prison just like it did a few weeks ago with Jean Marie Atangana Mebara, ex-Secretary General at the Presidency, The Herald has learnt.

An examining judge took the decision Thursday, 2 April after a grilling session with the ex-minister that lasted several hours, a usually reliable source told The Herald.

Our source did not say for how much longer Abah Abah will stay in pre-trial detention, but the criminal procedure code limits the duration to six months renewable on the orders of a judge. Abah Abah has already been in detention for more than one year.
Prosecutors, we learnt, asked for the extension of Abah Abah’s detention to enable them complete investigations against the embezzlement suspect and then charge him to court.

Abah Abah was arrested and thrown into jail last 31 March 2008 on the instruction of the government which accused him of misappropriating a colossal 6 billion FCFA, a charge which he has repeatedly denied. It was on this same day that his colleague, the erstwhile Public Health minister, Urbain Olanguena Awono, was also arrested and put under formal investigation over the swindling of billions of Global Fund money set aside for the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

Details of the content of last week’s discussion between Abah Abah and the Mfoundi High Court magistrate were not disclosed to us, but it is believed to have centred on the prosecutor’s charge that he embezzled state funds during his time as director general of Taxes.

Several incarcerated former regime heavyweights have severally complained about long pre-trial detentions without charge. Jean-Marie Atangana Mebara protested against what he described as illegal detention two months ago, but a judge extended his detention.

Former Chantier Naval GM, Zaccheus Forjindam, in prison now for 10 months over corruption allegations, has tried unsuccessfully to be released on bail.

Like Abah Abah, Mebara and Forjindam are yet to be formally charged.

Sustainable forest management:
Experts seek to include indigenous populations in policymaking

A joint GTZ-COMIFAC support project for improved forest management launched Friday in Yaounde has as objective to review forestry laws to meet the needs of local and indigenous communities

By Ojong Steven Ayuk in Yaounde

Laws and policies guiding the management of community forests can hardly bring about adequate and sustainable management of these forests if they are not adapted to suit the needs of the local populations, forest management experts have observed.

The forest experts, who met at the Yaounde Hilton hotel on Friday 3 April, are advocating the representation and participation of members of forest communities in laws and policy-making bodies for improved forest management.

It was against this backdrop that the Yaounde meeting launched a joint GTZ-COMIFAC initiated project supervised by the World Resources Institute (WRI) to seek to support reforms in forestry management policies of Cameroon and DR Congo.

In order to implement the project proposal in these two countries, GTZ, COMIFAC and WRI say they will work with networks of NGOs concerned with sustainable management of the environment.

Also, the focal point of WRI, Anne-Gaelle Javelle, said at the launching Friday that the project will create a favourable environment for parliamentary caucuses that advocate sustainable forest management notably REPAR in Cameroon and REPALEAC in the DRC.

Speaking at Friday’s meeting, Theophile Baoro, the vice president of the national assembly who sat in for House Speaker Cavaye Yeguei Djibril said forests in African countries are indispensable to the populations and any policies for proper management must take into consideration their needs and aspirations.

Acclaiming the GTZ-COMIFAC project, he said Cameroon’s parliament has, thanks to REPAR, continued to reflect on the role of indigenous populations in forest management.

Other speakers at the occasion including representatives of NESDA-CA, GTZ-COMIFAC, REPALEAC and REPAR, all echoed the need for an increased representation and participation of indigenous populations in forest management policy making forums.

They regretted that until now policies on forest management have only emphasised on conservation without providing alternative solutions to local populations that depend almost entirely on forest resources for their livelihood – food, medicines, water, shelter.

Lapiro appeal case:
Witness contradicts self in cross-examination statement

The jailed outspoken musician’s lawyers scored several points during a cross-examination last week when Cyrille Kingue contradicted himself on Lapiro’s involvement in the February 2008 riots. They are optimistic of more gains when hearings resume this Wednesday

By Ntaryike Divine, Jr. in Douala

Attention-grabbing incongruities have begun trickling from the appeal case pitting incarcerated ace musician Lapiro de Mbanga against the state, the Mbanga-based banana plantation, SPM, and the Ministry of Finance.

A key witness testifying against the outspoken musician in the rather snail-paced hearings which began since November last year sharply contradicted himself at the Littoral Appeal Court last week. Cyrille Kingue, 23, told the court Tuesday 31 March that he was never given time to peruse a statement he signed at the onset, naming Lapiro as chief instigator of the February 2008 riots in the Mbanga area.

Lapiro, whose real names are Lambo Pierre Roger Sandjo, initially detained on 9 April last year, was eventually slammed a 3-year jail term and fined 280 million FCFA in September by the Moungo High Court in Nkongsamba. Judges found him guilty of spearheading property destruction and looting during the deadly unrest.

During the trial that culminated in the disputed verdict, Kingue said he and 16 other youths from a village known as Muyuka were informed Lapiro had mobilised a group of rioters to wreck the SPM banana plantation. He said as patriots and autochthones, they went for Lapiro and found him in the company of local administrative authorities, a claim that was substantiated by an SPM official.

But during his cross-examination last week, Kingue came back on the statement, telling the court they found Lapiro alone in the plantation filming scenes of destruction. He said they seized two handsets from him and destroyed his video camera before handing it to the authorities to blot out evidence that could incriminate them as the real perpetrators of the SPM destruction.

Defence lawyer, Rene Manffo, told the court that Lapiro was actually filming to help the authorities eventually identify the rioters. Despite his incarceration, Lapiro promised to file a lawsuit against Kingue and co for destroying his camera as well as confiscating his handsets.

Expected to mount the witness-box when the hearings resume this Wednesday 8 April, is 53-year-old Philippe Mukwelle, described as one of the Muyuka youths and from whom the defence counsel is hoping to obtain further contradictions. So far, the court has ignored all objections on procedural flaws raised by the defence.

Corporate leader advocates speedy work at Kribi gas plant

Says it’s only then that the aluminum factory in Edea can function at full capacity

By Bainkong Godlove in Yaounde

Jean Philippe Puig, president of Europe, Middle East and Africa region of one of the world’s biggest mining and exploration companies, Metal Premier of Rio Tinto Alcan group, has called on the government of Cameroon to speed up work at the Kribi gas plant.

After leading a delegation to Unity Palace Thursday 2 April where they were granted audience by President Paul Biya, the corporate executive told reporters that it is only when work at the gas plant is effective that the Edea aluminum factory can function at full capacity.

He said one of the concerns of his group during the close to an hour audience with Paul Biya was the long delay in realising the project for the extension and modernisation of Alucam that has been in the pipeline since 2005.

He disclosed that following an agreement signed by Alcan and AES SONEL, energy production projects were to be undertaken to enable Alucam function well. The Lom Pangar dam, he went on, had to be constructed to stabilise the water flow in the Sanaga River, leading also to the construction of a hydro-electricity dam at Nachtigal. “Unfortunately these projects are two years behind schedule,” he regretted.

The Alcan president said he and his collaborators briefed president Paul Biya on the need to get these projects going and also to have the Kribi gas power plant operational as soon as possible so as to enable Alucam to function at full capacity, while waiting for the dam projects to be put in place to enable the extension of the Alucam factory.

Insecurity in Yaounde:
Bandits haul millions from Express Union Nsam

The gang of four armed robbers neutralised police guard at the money transfer agency last Thursday morning and emptied the agency of all its cash

By Ojong Steven Ayuk in Yaounde

Police are yet to track down four armed bandits who stormed the money transfer agency, Express Union at Nsam in Yaounde on Thursday morning and made away with all money, variously estimated at millions of FCFA.

The four men of the underworld, witnesses said, brandished automatic pistols and neutralised a policeman on guard before carrying out their operation.

Witnesses said one of the robbers first walked into the agency and collected a money transfer slip which he asked the police cop to help him fill. In the process, his three other colleagues then came and surrendered the policeman asking him to give his gun. He was shot on the arm for resisting.

While inside, they brandished their guns and asked all the workers inside to lie flat and for those at the cash counters to bring out all the money in their keeping.  For fear of their lives, the ladies stuffed banknotes in black plastic bags and gave the bandits. The exact amount of money was not known, but some workers there who asked not to be named estimated it at several millions of francs CFA.

When they came out of Express Union Nsam, they fired three times in the air and then ran away. They did not come in a car.

GSO, the rapid intervention police squad who arrived minutes later could not trace them.

Some policemen, we learnt, who were controlling traffic in viccinity quarter escaped for safety when they heard the sound of the bandits’ gunfire.

Manyu farmers visit Achidi Achu’s Rock Farm

In a move believed to be politically motivated, a former aide to the ex-PM led a delegation of Manyu farmers to Santa to see the Rock Farm. Achidi Achu gave them CPDM party uniforms and foodstuffs

By Teche Nyamusa in Bamenda

A delegation of farmers from Manyu division in the South West region on Wednesday 1 April paid a courtesy visit to former Prime Minister Simon Achidi Achu at his Integrated Rock Farm in Mbei village, Santa, Mezam division.

Ayuk Victor, an adviser at the cabinet of the PM’s office during Achidi Achu’s rein, who led the farmers, explained that their visit was intended to improve socio-cultural and political ties between Manyu and Santa.

Speaking at the Rock Farm, Ayuk Victor appealed to the former PM to accept to be patron of the confederation of trade unions in Manyu.

Hoping that the vice prime minister in charge of Agriculture and Rural Development would visit the South West anytime soon, he invited Achidi Achu to accompany the minister to the area.

As a former aide, Ayuk also thanked Achidi Achu for being a friend of their farming group in Mbang Clan, describing him as being a good person to the Mbang people and the South West in general since his days as PM. He said Achidi Achu’s works have greatly encouraged farmers’ common initiative groups in Manyu division.

For his part, Simon Achidi Achu, who expressed gratitude for the visit, did not give any prompt answers to the Manyu farmers’ requests, but noted that agriculture was an important source of income that should be embraced by all Cameroonians.

Together with his aides, he took his visitors on a driving tour of the vast Rock Farm, which covers an area of 10 km². Driving for over one hour, they barely covered half of the farm, which derives its name from a huge rock located on the farmland.

Besides cultivating crops like carrot, cabbage and potatoes, the former PM also breeds cattle, goats, horses, domestic birds, among others. We learnt that the farm generates about 6 million FCFA every month from sales of farm and animal products, with some customers coming from abroad.

After about five hours at the Rock Farm, the Manyu farmers, who included two chiefs – Samuel Eyong and Ayuk Martin – and women and youths, left for Dreams Farm, a neighbouring pig farm owned by one Joe Akufungwe.

Achidi Achu donated CPDM uniforms and food items to his visitors.

Observers, however, questioned the objective of the visit, pointing out that the donation of CPDM uniforms rather than farm implements by Achidi Achu to the Manyu farmers suggests that the trip was politically motivated.

The team that flanked the former PM in welcoming the visitors included the DO for Santa, Tchetkam Abraham, and the president of North West contractors, Kodang Rex.

Issue 2201

Friday 3 - Sunday 5 April 2009

After break-in:
SW police boss grills Meme treasury chief

It is suspected that the haul by presumed bandits who broke into the Meme treasury last weekend was huge as the SW regional police chief decided to personally handle the investigation

By Ashu Manfred in Kumba

A break-in at the Meme divisional treasury last weekend is being taken with the utmost seriousness by the authorities.

The Southwest regional chief of the judicial police is personally heading of team of investigators probing the incident.

Beefed up by some local security operatives, the regional police boss Tuesday 31 March interrogated the chief of the Meme divisional treasury and other senior staff of the treasury.

 Nothing filtered out of the interrogation sessions and no arrests were immediately made.

No official figure has been given on the amount of money that was discovered missing from the treasury after the break-in. But the presence of the SW police boss in Kumba suggests that the haul was huge.

The treasury is thought to have been broken into on Saturday breaking Sunday, but it was only discovered on Monday morning when staffers resumed work after the weekend break.

Thieves are said to have gained access into the treasury by scaling the fence of the Kumba City Council complex and drilling a hole through the ceiling of the building housing the treasury to get into the strong room containing the safe and fiscal stamps.

Following destructions during last year’s February strikes, the treasury and some government offices temporarily relocated to Kumba City Council complex.

Though the thieves are yet to be identified, security forces told The Herald that suspicion is on senior administrative officials who were apparently after sensitive documents on contracts.

Stamps and money were stolen, a security source told The Herald.

Awing/Baligham conflict:
SDO orders seizure of firearms, invokes colonial boundaries

At a reconciliation meeting between warring Awing and Baligham villagers, the SDO of Mezam sought to find a lasting solution to the over 3-decade-old land dispute

By Teche Nyamusa in Bamenda

Mezam SDO, Mache Njouonwet, believes he has found the formula to put an end to a decades-old boundary conflict between Awing and Baligham villages in Santa subdivision.

After bloody confrontations last week, the SDO in a meeting at his office on 31 March ordered the seizure of all firearms in both villages and announced a resort to maps drawn by the colonial administration to determine the boundary between Awing and Baligham.

During the meeting attended by the warring parties, the SDO asked all villagers keeping firearms to hand them over to their fons within two months. He also set up a commission to study the colonial maps.

At least two people were reported dead, scores wounded, about 20 houses burnt down and property looted and destroyed when fighting erupted between the quarrelling villages last week.

The quarrel is over piece of fertile farmland which used to be run by the defunct Santa Coffee Estate and later transferred to the North West development authority, MIDENO.

With MIDENO not using the land, farmers from both villages have been farming on it, but there is bitter disagreement on who originally owned the land.

For over three decades, this disagreement has led to several confrontations with fatalities recorded on both sides.

Last week’s conflict, according to North West officials, was provoked by Baligham which attacked Awing in a bid to scare them from the land at this beginning of the farming season.

It is hoped that the SDO’s reconciliatory meeting and efforts to establish the boundaries between the two villages will permanently halt hostilities.

Active participation at the meeting by fons Fouso II and Galabe II of

Awing and Baligham respectively, as well as the presence of renowned peacemaker, Ntumfor Nico Halle, an elite of the area, were seen as positive signals.

The DO of Santa, Tchekam Abraham, like the Mezam SDO, said at the meeting that a lasting solution is achievable if the two parties collaborate with government in tackling the misunderstanding.

The administrators also called on the traditional rulers and elite of the belligerents to dissuade their people from taking to the path of war.

But some observers are sceptical, saying previous administrators had promised to resolve the dispute, just to turn around to fan flames of conflict in order to harvest bribes from both sides.

Police recruitment exams:
Fraud victim to face Yaounde court today

Vasquese Nkolo was accused of using a fake national identity card to sit the examinations

By Ojong Steven Ayuk in Yaounde

A fraud perpetrator at last weekend’s competitive entrance examinations for the recruitment of 300 police inspectors is presently answering questions at the Centre region Judicial Police headquarters pending transfer to the Kondengui prison, The Herald has learnt.

Vasquese Nkolo will appear before an examining judge today before being transferred to Kondengui to allow the case against him to be constituted, police sources say.

Vasquese Nkolo was spotted in one of the examination halls during a routine check on identification papers by a police officer.

According to police sources, Vasquese’s ID card had a picture that did not look like him, thus causing the police officer invigilating in the hall to suspect some foul play.

When questioned if the picture was his, Vasquese expressed surprise admitting it did not look like him. Quizzed further on the ID card, Vasquese fumbled with a plea that he did not know the person who affixed the picture on his card.

Asked to say his date of birth, Vasquese said he was born in 1971 but quickly retorted again saying 1984, the date cited on the fake ID card.

Convinced that the young man had masterminded fraud, the police reportedly whisked him off to the judicial police headquarters here.

Police investigators later paid a search visit to the home of the accused here in Yaounde where they found fake birth certificates and diplomas granting more evidence in the case being constituted against him.

Vasquese is not the first fraud case reported so far in police exams this year. Police have reported the arrest of 13 fraud cases since the beginning of the competitive examinations. Police say 10 of the 13 have since been taken to court.

Over 38000 candidates reportedly sat the entrance exams for the recruitment of 300 police inspectors. The exams took place in all regional headquarters.

The exams for the recruitment of police inspectors followed that for the recruitment of 100 superintendents of police and another for the recruitment of 150 junior superintendents.

African Synergy partners with pharmaceutical giant

An accord between African Synergy and Sanofi-Aventis signed in Yaounde Wednesday aims at reinforcing the fight against diabetes, breast cancer and epilepsy

By Takang Bisong in Yaounde

With the incidence of non-transmissible diseases increasing disturbingly in Africa, African Synergy for the Fight against AIDS and Suffering, a Yaounde-based international NGO, and pharmaceutical giant Sanofi-Aventis have joined hands to reverse the trend.

Both outfits signed an accord Wednesday 1 April in Yaounde to work together to fight non-transmissible diseases like diabetes, breast cancer, hypertension and epilepsy in Africa.

The accord envisages cooperation between African Synergy and Sanofi-Aventis in the areas of capacity building of health professionals, education of vulnerable children on the dangers of these diseases, research and the general fight against non-transmissible diseases in Africa.

The cooperation accord will run for two years and it is not clear whether there are provisions for a possible extension or renewal after its expiry.

Sanofi-Aventis vice president Didier Rousselle who represented his company, said at the signing ceremony that in the near future non-transmissible diseases will be a major health problem for both developing and industrialised countries.

He said the situation was already becoming alarming in Africa, with 10 million people afflicted by diabetes.

“It is because of the fear of future health hazards caused by these diseases that Sanofi-Aventis has entered into partnership with the African Synergy to start combating the ills,” he explained.

Rousselle urged African governments to wake up to the urgency of the problem of non-transmissible diseases, noting that these diseases have received scant attention on the continent in the past.

With Sanofi-Aventis laboratories dotted across Africa, the pharmaceutical giant has the potential of providing important infrastructure and technical assistance in the fight against non-transmissible diseases.

African Synergy, which was founded by Cameroon’s first lady Chantal Biya, has social outreach and research programmes as well as field presence which could prove vital in combating these diseases.

African Synergy and Sanofi-Aventis signed the accord at the former’s headquarters in Melen, Yaounde. The NGO was represented by its executive secretary, Jean Stephane Biatcha.

PCC pastor disavows dishonest leadership in church

Rev Ngwa Julius Ambe of the PCC Musang congregation appealed to newly dedicated elders of his church to eschew adventures that don’t glorify God and tarnish the reputation of the church

By Chrysantus Nchong in Bamenda

The Presbyterian parish pastor of Musang in the North West region of Cameroon has enjoined newly dedicated elders of his church not to make God’s word a thing of ridicule.

Rev Ngwa Julius Ambe issued the message while dedicating 25 new elders in his congregation last Sunday March 29.

The man of God beseeched the laity to abstain from dishonest adventures which could tarnish their reputation and that of the church providing material to critics of the church to question the message of christ.

Ngwa Julius Ambe prescribed discipline and respect for the canons of the PCC in the execution of responsibilities inside the house of God.

The Herald gathers that being an elder in the PCC is considered an achievement in the spiritual life of church Christians. But elders in some congregations have regularly failed to live beyond reproach in their congregations.

Once they take off their church tunics after church service, some elders are known to engage in immoral behaviour that questions the essence of their belief in Christ.

Ngwa Julius Ambe’s message could thus be considered as appropriate. He encouraged elders to be mediators in case of conflicts and peacemakers both inside and out of the church. 

The youngest among the elders dedicated on Sunday, Valentine Akah, told The Herald he was humbled by the opportunity to serve in a 5000-Christian congregation. He promises to invest his youthful exuberance in preaching the gospel of Christ, winning more souls and impacting the spiritual lives of many.

Cameroonian is acting UN rep in Bangui

After Guinea’s Françoise Lonseny Fall resigned as the UN SG’s special representative in the Central African Republic, Sammy Kum Buo from the NW took over the post on an interim basis. He will be seeking confirmation in the near future

By Eric Venyui in Yaounde

If all goes well for him, Sammy Kum    Buo from the North West region may soon become the permanent special representative of the United Nations secretary general in the Central African Republic.

Currently holding the same post on an interim basis since 18 January when the former prime minister of Guinea, Françoise Lonseny Fall, resigned from the post, it is believed here that the Cameroonian stands a good chance to retain the post.

Sammy Kum Buo hitherto held the post of director of the Africa division of the UN department of political affairs.

Other candidates tipped for the post include: the current UN secretary general’s special envoy to Madagascar, Tiébilé Dramé of Malian nationality; the former Mauritius ambassador to the UN, Jagdish Koonjul, and the deputy head of the United Nations peace keeping mission (MONUC) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ross Mountain from New Zealand.

Françoise Lonseny Fall, who is said to have done well as head of the UN Office in Bangui, especially at the close of 2008 when he succeeded to organise a “National Dialogue”, reportedly abandoned the post to concentrate on politics in his country where presidential elections may hold by the end of 2009.

Guinea is currently being ruled by a military junta that took power in a bloodless coup after the death of former president Lansana Conte early this year.

UNIYAO I rector calls for stringent management of funds

The rector used a training seminar at the institution on Tuesday to urge all those concerned with public finance management in the institution to respect the prescriptions of the Finance minister on budget management

By Ojong Steven Ayuk in Yaounde

University of Yaounde I rector Bouba Oumarou recently called on actors in the budget execution chain at the institution to ensure strict respect for prescriptions by the finance minister on the management of public finances.

Speaking at a one-day seminar on proper budget management procedures that held on the university campus, the rector asked all those with budgetary allocations to be careful and stringent in their manner of using funds.

He noted especially that it was unwise for payments to be made in excess of revenue.

Bouba Oumarou also called for vote holders to ensure that contracts are properly executed before payments are effected.

Also speaking on the occasion, the finance controller at the university, Joseph Mbita, re-echoed the rector when he remarked that the over 10 billion FCFA budget allocated for the institution for 2009 was inadequate especially if the student population of over 40,000 has to be properly taken care of.

Joseph Mbita said that only a strict, stringent and objectives-oriented approach to budget execution will ensure the realisation of projects earmarked for 2009.

“It will be unwise to engage projects without looking into your coffers to see if there’s enough money to pay for the work,” Joseph Mbita advised vote holders.

Finance ministry staffers at the university coordinated discussions at the seminar.         

Authorities said the one-day seminar falls in line with the resolve by government for public managers to ensure respect for good governance principles.

“There cannot be good academic governance without proper finance management,” the rector said.

France arms Cameroon police

The French interior ministry has donated security equipment to Cameroon to help the police stem the rising crime wave in the country

By Takang Bisong in Yaounde

France, apparently alarmed by mounting insecurity in Cameroon, has donated equipment to the police force here.

At a ceremony in Yaounde to officially hand over the equipment, the French ambassador to Cameroon, George Serre, said the donation was to help the police force to fight the rising crime wave in the country.

The equipment included 12 intervention vans, 500 helmets, bullet proof vests and some transmission equipment.

Edgar Alain Mebe Ngo’o, delegate general for national security, who received the equipment on behalf of Cameroon, thanked the French for their concern.

He said the equipment “will reinforce the operational capacity of the police force in fighting crime and protecting goods and properties of Cameroonians”.

The delegate general added that the equipment will enable the Cameroonian police tackle the increasing armed attacks and banditry in many parts of the country.

Mebe Ngo’o hailed the long-standing security cooperation between France and Cameroon.

Although the French donation was welcome, some senior police officials are said to have grumbled that it was not substantial. They noted that Cameroon can afford a few helmets and vans and if help is to come from elsewhere, it should target areas where the country is facing difficulties.

Issue 2200

Wednesday 1 - Thursday 2 April 2009

Douala IV Council Strike:
SDF mayor heaps blame on City Council

John Ndangle Kumase told grumbling workers at a crisis meeting Monday that delays in disbursing their salaries was due to the late disbursement of allocated funds by the City Council

By Ntaryike Divine, Jr. in Douala

Barely a week after officials at the Douala II Council chilled a workers’ strike by promising a 15 percent pay rise, it was the turn of the SDF-led Douala IV Council earlier this week.

Mayor John Ndangle Kumase was welcomed at the council premises early Monday 30 March, by scores of placard-waving workers demanding the immediate disbursement of several months of unpaid wages as well as an improvement in their working conditions.

Apart from the accrued salaries, the workers also decried the non-existence of paid vacations, the non-forwarding of the monthly contributions to the National Social Insurance Fund [CNPS] as well as “prolonged reluctance” by the council executive to enact the 15 pay rise decreed by President Biya in the aftermath of the 2008 hunger unrests.

The mayor who admitted that the peeved workers were legitimate in their claims, reacted by instantaneously summoning a crisis meeting. He seized the occasion to heap blame on the Douala City Hall headed by Government Delegate, Fritz Ntone Ntone.

According to Mayor John Kumase, the recurrent delays in the payment of workers’ salaries were due to tardiness on the part of the City Council in disbursing allocated funds. And so after about five hours of intense negotiations, punctuated by several phone conversations presumably with officials at the City Hall, the mayor told the workers they will begin receiving pay this Wednesday, 1 April.

“The problem has been resolved and we’re resuming work while hoping to get our three months salary dues on Wednesday, without which we will come back in full force,” Mbuh, a staff representative there explained. He said the council owed them three months worth of accrued salaries, but elsewhere, some temporary workers claimed they were due eight months.

And so logically, the workers will turn up for work today with high hopes of going back home with fatter wallets. “If it turns out that the Mayor was playing for time by promising us pay, then he can be sure to expect the worst. We are ready to bounce back with even greater force if all those promises turned out to be April Fool,” Agnes B, a female worker at the council warned.

Suzanne Bomback in trouble!
CPDM SG queries minister’s loyalty to Biya

Rene Emmanuel Sadi is demanding an explanation from the Women’s Empowerment and Family minister  for her naïve exposure of a letter from a CPDM youth calling on Biya to resign during an event to mark the 24th anniversary of the party in Yaounde.

By Micheal Kimbi Tchenga in Yaounde

When Susan Bomback angrily read a letter from an unidentified YCPDM militant, calling on President Paul Biya to resign, at a festivity marking the 24th anniversary of the party in Mfoundi last week, little did she know that she was doing harm to the party and to herself.

In her capacity as Central Committee delegate to the Mfoundi IV section of the CPDM, Bomback was irked when the said letter was presented to her at the party anniversary event. She angrily seized the letter, read out its contents to militants and threatened to send out all youths from the reception venue.

It took apologies from a youth leader for the minister to change her mind not to punish the youths.

But the seemingly banal affair has now turned into a political storm which, party supporters fear, might hurt her career.

CPDM scribe Rene Emmanuel Sadi is now bent on having minister Bomback provide explanations to the act which certainly caused embarrassment to party overlords including president Biya.

A source close to the party’s leadership told The Herald that Sadi raised the matter at a meeting he chaired at the CPDM party headquarters in Yaounde last Saturday.

Sadi’s reprisal, our source suggests, is the first step in a disciplinary process that Bomback is expected to undergo.

Some CPDM militants hold, in support of Bomback, that she acted out of ignorance and inexperience. But others insist that the damage has already been done so she should be punished anyway.

The said letter widely reported by the press called on president Biya to step down as party chairman and as head of State, accusing him of being too old and running out of ideas. But the author has since not been identified.

Observers here believe that CPDM party leadership is not taking the matter kindly given the recent spate of attacks by YCPDM militants against the leadership of the party.

Only last week, President Biya’s cousin, Evrad Eyenga, resigned as YCPDM section president for the Dja and Lobo frustrated at the poor management of the party  by the local leadership.

Police officer killed by colleague posthumously acclaimed

No sanctions have so far been pronounced for the officer who wasted his cartridge on his colleague during a field operation a fortnight ago

By Ntaryike Divine, Jr. in Douala

The Delegate General for National Security, Edgard Alain Mebe Ngo’o, was in Douala Friday, 27 March to pin a medal of valour on the chest of a police officer slain by a colleague in the line of duty recently.

Thirty-four-year-old police constable, David Ekotto was shot dead by a colleague during a field operation in Bonaberi, Douala in the wee hours of Wednesday 18 March. Police accounts said Ekotto detached himself from the rest of the group as he and his colleagues of the police rapid intervention unit, ESIR, closed in on marauding bandits in the Ngouelle neighborhood.

But the operation turned sour only minutes later. A colleague whose names police have warned not to mention reportedly mistook Ekotto for one of the bandits and instantly opened fire on him as he emerged from vantage position behind a pile of bricks. Ekotto died from severe blood loss as he was rushed for medical intervention.

Flanked by Littoral Governor, Fai Yengo Francis at the state recognition ceremony Friday, Mebe Ngo’o told kin of the slain officer that his descent to Douala to condole with them was instructed by President Paul Biya. He said the medal of valour posthumously pinned on the chest of the deceased policeman symbolised the ultimate recognition by the state of his merit and bravery.

According to the police boss, Ekotto’s “supreme sacrifice” should serve as a source of inspiration for his living colleagues in the fight against soaring criminality especially in Douala and nationwide.

However, kin of the slain officer were not entirely comforted. Some, speaking unofficially, said they expected the Delegate General to overtly pronounce sanctions slammed against “the killer of our brother.” The unnamed colleague was reportedly dumped in custody at the judicial police headquarters in Bonanjo pending the outcome of investigations.

Though the incident occurred during one of the currently recurrent power failures, kin of the deceased officer say that cannot serve as an excuse. They have voiced the wish to see the judicial police probe allegations that the incident could be the outcome of an unsound relationship between both officers.

Colleagues of the “killer” say he faces several years behind bars or expulsion from the police corps.

SOCAM:
Board members adopt organisational chart to rest conflicts

During an ordinary board meeting Saturday at the institution’s headquarters in Yaounde, board members also appointed different departmental heads

By Ojong Steven Ayuk in Yaounde

Conflicts that arose at musicians rights body, SOCAM, since the appointment of a general manager last year because of the undefined roles of officials may now be put to rest following the adoption of an organisational chart for the outfit.

The organisational chart, that defines the different services and their prerogatives, was adopted during an ordinary meeting of the board of directors of  SOCAM on Saturday 28 March at the body’s headquarters in Bastos, Yaounde.

When the general manager, Simon Richard Mbappe Koum, was appointed several months ago, one of the missions board members charged him with was to propose an organisational chart for the institution whose absence was believed to be at the centre of a series of conflicts that characterised the functioning of the office of board chair and that of GM.

During a recent extraordinary board meeting last month to end the situation, board members constituted an ad hoc committee to come up with a road map for the institution and study the files of applicants for different jobs at the organ.

The GM was also asked to hasten the drawing-up of an organisational chart for the body.

The GM’s proposed organisational chart was adopted Saturday after a few amendments by the board.

Then board members also appointed persons to head the different services contained in the chart.

Other resolutions of the board meeting included the adoption of a salary scale for workers and various allowances.

Board members also instituted a national day for musicians to be called “SOCAM Day”.

It is believed that the conviviality that characterised the atmosphere at Saturday’s meeting marked the beginning of a new era for SOCAM. The signing of the resolutions by both board chair Odile Ngaska and GM Koum Mbappe Richard in the presence of the SG of the ministry of Culture was interpreted as their readiness to work together.

New US under-secretary for Africa:
Sporadic coups, rampant term extensions await Obama’s pick

Johnnie Carson who holds a rich diplomatic experience in Africa is the man President Obama has chosen to execute his foreign relations agenda in a continent where armed coups abound and sit-tight leaders have thrown democracy to the dogs, extending presidential terms.

By Micheal Kimbi Tchenga in Yaounde

Addressing a global audience from the Lincoln Memorial minutes after being inaugurated as 44th US president last 20 January, Barack Obama issued a strong message of change to dictators who cling to power and cause misery to their people.

His firm warning was perceived as a beacon across Africa where US foreign policy over the years has not helped much in improving democracy to bring hope to millions who live in poverty and disease.

With Africans looking up with desperation to his hope caravan, Obama has appointed Johnnie Carson, a man with impressive diplomatic credentials on Africa, to execute US foreign policy on the continent. The new under-secretary of state has, in the past, served as US ambassador to Nigeria, Uganda and Kenya.

Carson returns to a continent which, in just the past year, has witnessed successful military coups in Madagascar, Guinea Bissau, Guinea and Mauritania with new leaders undemocratically seizing power.

Elsewhere on the continent, the new US envoy would have to face a trend of constitutional amendments by fuddy-duddy leaders seeking to perpetuate their rule beyond legal mandates.

The case of Cameroon, strategically located in the Gulf of Guinea where the US nurses economic interests, is particularly preoccupying, observers here say.

President Biya who has ruled for 26 years revised the constitution in 2008, amidst bloody street protests, making him eligible for re-election when his current 7-year-term expires in 2011.

Biya who enjoyed warm diplomatic ties with Washington on the eve of the 2003 Iraq invasion, fell out with his US friends shortly after poorly organised presidential elections in 2004.

Sources even had it that Biya promised the US leadership he would step-down when his term expires in 2011 only to stun Washington later with the constitutional amendment.

Observers here believe that if US foreign policy remains uncompromising on democracy with leaders like Biya, it is likely to achieve a sane socio-political climate for its economic operations in the region.

European MPs promise to lobby for Cameroon anti-malaria funds

A team of visiting European MPs who held a meeting with health ministry officials Monday pledged their commitment to join in the fight against the killer disease

By Takang Bisong in Yaounde

Cameroon which is already receiving substantial international aid to combat malaria may get even more financial assistance if a delegation of visiting European MPs keep their promise.

Five members of the European parliament who held a meeting with health ministry officials in Yaounde on Monday 30 March pledged to lobby governments in Europe to allocate more funds to Cameroon to help the country fight malaria.

The MPs from Spain, Belgium and Romania said malaria was devastating Africa and it was only natural that Europe should help out.

Apart from financial assistance from European governments, the MPs said they will also encourage researchers in Europe to get more interested in finding a cure for the disease.

“We will do everything to make sure our governments do not only put [the fight against malaria] in their political agenda but also to inculcate it in the hearts and minds of the people in order that researchers will continue to visit Cameroon as well as the other African countries for the treatment of malaria,” said Rosa Fortury Torrella, a member of the delegation.

The permanent secretary at the national commission for the fight against malaria Ndong A Bessong Prosper said during the meeting with the MPs that government should use such occasions to canvas for financing of the anti-malaria campaign.

Experts recommend teaching of local dialects in schools

Means of implementing the idea around the country are being sought by education authorities and indigenous language experts

By Takang Bisong in Yaounde

Teaching subjects like Arithmetic, Nature Studies and Hygiene using local traditional African dialects would improve performance in schools, experts at the Christian Language Development Organisation, SIL, has found out.

Dispensing lessons using indigenous dialects is the surest way to improve the quality of education in Cameroon, Van Den Berg, director of SIL suggested at a workshop to initiative the implementation of the idea in Yaounde last Friday.

Citing a pilot exercise in Bui division of the North West region, Van Deb Berg affirmed that children who received lectures in their local dialect showed proof of better comprehension than when provided the same material in French and English. Sufficient reason thus, to give the approach a try in the hope to raise education standards in the country, he concluded.

Pius Tamanji, a lecturer of Linguistics at the University of Yaounde 1 corroborated the motion saying that learning complicated science subjects is usually a frustrating experience for rural children who learn in a language they did not use as they grew. Besides, the scholar pointed out, the colonial heritage of French and English is now a threat to indigenous languages in Cameroon.

Participants at the workshop supported by Basic Education ministry are seeking ways to implement the scheme along side regular use of French and English in teaching at schools.          
Appropriate legislation, most of the pedagogues at the workshop said, is not in place to facilitate implementation of this in the country.
If the ideas sail through, school boys and girls in Bali, for instance, would study Munga’aka, those in Manyu may learn in Kenyang dialect while those in the coastal Sawa hearltland would learn Duala.

Improved work conditions in view for maritime workers 

Labour and Social Security minister, Robert Nkili has told maritime transport sector workers that a bill seeking to improve their conditions may be sent to Parliament soon

By Ntaryike Divine, Jr. in Douala

Maritime merchandise transportation is increasingly playing a crucial role in international trade. In fact, current estimates suggest that as much as 90 percent of world’s entire bulk of finished goods as well as raw materials is transported by cargo ships crisscrossing the world’s seas and oceans.

However, seafarers manning the ships and ensuring safe maritime freight transportation have been complaining they do not work in ideal conditions. Apart from poor pay and prolonged isolation, such grumbling has considerably soared in the past few years especially taking into account increasing pirate activity on the high seas.

It is within that perspective that seafarers worldwide in collaboration with the International Labor Organization formulated a maritime labor convention three years ago. The document, according to Mme Doumbia Cleopatra, Director of International Labor Standards at the ILO, spells several advantages both for workers in the maritime freight and fishing sectors.

She spoke Monday, 30 March at the start of a four-day Douala workshop aimed at acquainting seafarers in the CEMAC bloc with the convention. The workshop among others, seeks to convince decision-makers on the need for the ratification of the convention by CEMAC member states.

Prof. Robert Nkili, Minister of Labor and Social Security, under whose aegis the workshop is holding, said it was increasingly imperative for seafarers to work under the best conditions. He said in the last few years, the sector had witnessed rapid expansion and predicted further growth with the ongoing development of new sectors like maritime tourism.

“Your sector is currently one of the fastest growing and that means it is need of more and more labor which will only come if you put in place attractive salaries and encouraging work conditions,” he prescribed.

Amidst thunderous applause, he pledged his support for seafarers associations and unions in their strides to have the convention ratified by the Cameroon government. “After this seminar, the convention could be sent to the National Assembly for ratification,” he announced.

US Doctors for Africa/African Synergy summit:
African Synergy set to lead African First Ladies to Los Angeles

The first-of-its kind health summit to hold in Los Angeles next 20-21 April is the fruit of an accord signed between African Synergy and US Doctors for Africa

By Roland Akong Wuwih in Yaounde

Cameroon’s First Lady Chantal Biya, founding president of African Synergy against AIDS and Suffering will in April lead a delegation of African First Ladies to a health summit in Los Angeles in the US.

The health summit is a joint venture by African Synergy and a US-based organisation of doctors called US Doctors for Africa. It is the first step by both NGOs after they signed a convention to join efforts in fighting the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS on the continent.

Final preparations for the summit are underway both in Los Angeles and the Cameroon headquarters of African Synergy to guarantee success for the event Jean Stephane Biatcha, executive secretary of African Synergy said at a press briefing in Yaounde Thursday 26 March.

After several meetings and visits to the different sites of the international conference in Los Angeles, Biatcha assured, almost all is in place for the event.

“The US State Department, authorities in California and all other actors concerned are mobilising to ensure a resounding success of the event”, Biatcha said.

He also announced that US First Lady Michelle Obama and the wife of British PM, Sarah Brown, will be part of the event alongside US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and former First Lady Laura Bush.     

It also promises to be a star-studded event as many Hollywood star actresses including Angelina Jolie are expected. Jessica Alba is planned to be impresario at the gala where major leaders and actors in the domain of health, education of the girl-child and sustainable development will be compensated.

African Synergy, it is hoped, will come out of the summit with stronger partners and more valiant ideas to move on in its activities to reduce misery around the continent.

CATTU scribe blames deceit, antagonism for civil society failure

Nkwenti Simon was addressing civil society organisations at a workshop organised in Bamenda recently

By Chrysantus Nchong in Bamenda

Deceit, antagonism, blackmail and a weak lobbying potential are the key reasons why civil society organisations (CSO) have been a failure in Cameroon, Nkwenti Simon, North West regional coordinator of CSOs told participants at a workshop recently.

Nkwenti also advanced that for civil societies to act as a vehicle for social change, they must forge unity, protect the interest of the common man and advocate democracy.                                   
He called on the organisations to be partners with government; not spectators without initiative in the fight against injustice and corruption.

The information exchange and capacity building workshop was organised by the North West Association of Development Organisations, NOWADO, coordinated by Ngang Eric Ndeh.

Ngang underscored the need for unity and lobbying in the face of a legal difficulty faced by CSOs in the region which have not been granted the status of NGO under Cameroonian law.

NOWADO is an umbrella organisation grouping 27 CSOs from different development domains, facilitating effective networking with each other to enhance development in society.

The opening of the workshop was chaired by 2nd assistant SDO for Mezam, Muma Charles.

ENS Bambili:
Deputy director foresees bright future

Says the granting of the second cycle, the tarring of the access road to the institution and the renovation of hitherto abandoned buildings, among others, announced a new dawn for the school. He promised to step up discipline on campus so as to render the school a veritable training ground

By Chrysantus Nchong in Bamenda

The pioneer assistant director delegate of ENS Annexe Bambili, Lukong Kenneth, has described the granting of the second cycle to the institution and other projects going on on campus as a new dawn for the school.

He said though belated, the second cycle is a dream come true to people of the North West region. Besides, he added, the tarring of the access road leading to the campus, the construction of pedagogic blocks and the renovation of abandoned buildings have given the institution a new look.

Dispelling fears that the announced granting of a second cycle to the school and the creation of a section for the training of technical teachers might just be one of the unfilled promises of the Yaounde regime to the North West region, the deputy director delegate said the decision falls within the competence of the Minister of Higher Education and not the Presidency and so needed no presidential decree as expected by many people.

Speaking in a news conference in Bambili recently, Lukong Kenneth said to match discipline with the evolution in the institution; his administration will spare no effort in stamping out all forms of malpractices in the school. He said lecturers or students caught in acts of indiscipline will pay dearly for it.

He said the only challenge now is the recruitment of quality teachers to handle the seven new technical departments when the new cycles go operational next October.

The pioneer deputy director delegate announced the imminent construction of two new pedagogic blocks and two hostels for boys and girls of 500 places each to conveniently host the students.

Issue 2199

Friday 30 - Sunday 31 March 2009

Returning to an old idea:
Biyiti bi Essam relaunches communication New Deal

Addressing a seminar last week the Communication minister disclosed that he will soon start an electronic news agency with the goal of increasing the flow of information about Cameroon at home and abroad. He initiated the project in 2007 when he was appointed to the job, but it failed to take off

By Takang Bisong in Yaounde

If all goes well the coming months will witness an explosion in the flow of information around Cameroon and about Cameroon abroad.

Biyiti bi Essam, the minister of Communication told a seminar attended by communication delegates from across Cameroon that he envisaged to start an electronic news agency of which they would be its divisional correspondents.

The minister also announced that there will be a substantial increase in the number of community radios across Cameroon. All of that, he said, would greatly multiply the amount of information in circulation within the country. It will also provide information about Cameroon abroad.

He intimated that with the news agency would equally make it possible for local news organs to have access to certain news sources and pictures of happenings.

In view of the project, Biyiti bi Essam said he would personally undertake trips around various regions here in order to acquaint himself with its feasibility. He said furthermore that journalists would be sent to the United States and elsewhere abroad to train on news agency practices.

It was the second time that Biyiti bi Essam announced a similar project. Shortly after he was appointed communication minister in September 2007, he won applause from communication circles by announcing a similar project which he called a communication New Deal. At the centre of the project was a substantial flow of information.

It is hoped that this time around he will get the project off the ground.

Strike at CUSS:
Fame Ndongo reaches compromise with striking PhD applicants

A four-hour crisis meeting between striking students of the Faculty of Medicine and Higher Education authorities culminated in a decision to officially open a PhD cycle at the institution

By Eric Venyui in Yaounde

Beginning this 2008/2009 academic year, the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, FMBS, (formerly CUSS) will train professionals at the PhD level in biomedical sciences, medico-sanitary sciences and nursing. A doctorate level course shall also be created in sanitary engineering at the faculty.

These were the resolutions of a four-hour crisis meeting, held on Friday 27 March at the Higher Education ministry to address the demands of striking graduates of the institution, a source present at the meeting told The Herald.

Chaired by Fame Ndongo, the brainstorming session was attended by seven student strike leaders, the dean and vice dean of the faculty, the rector of the University of Yaounde I and vice, and senior ministry officials.

Strike leaders told us they were briefly suspending their hunger strike in front of the rector’s office at the University of  Yaounde I for the minister to publish the said decision.

The strike was sparked-off by the scandalous admission of six out of 48 PhD applicants into the Faculty of Science of the university rather than the FMBS where they just earned Master’s degrees and had applied to further their studies.

The rector was guided in his controversial decision by the FMBS dean, Tetanye Bonaventure Ekoe, who advised that his faculty cannot train PhD students.

But at Friday’s meeting, Fame Ndongo threw his weight behind the administrative notice signed by Tetanye Ekoe on 22 December 2008 inviting Master’s students at the health faculty to tender applications for PhD studies.

At this point, we learnt, Tetanye Ekoe tried to disengage himself from his act but Fame Ndongo warned, «We must find solutions here and now. If these students return on the streets unsatisfied, I will be forced to take sanctions,» Fame Ndongo cautioned his collaborators.
            «Cameroon must evolve,» he said.

Pope bashing over condom use:
Controversy worsens as medical journal calls on Pope to withdraw comments

After the international media, French and German governments, and world NGOs, the reputed medical journal, The Lancet, condemned the pope’s statement on condom use during his trip to Cameroon and called on him to retract or correct it

By Ndien Eric in Yaounde

Whereas the Yaounde authorities, the Church in Cameroon and Cameroonians continue to hail the Pope’s recent visit to Cameroon as a huge success, Benedict XVI is himself in great difficulty. The comment he made on condom use during his flight to Yaounde on 17 March has continued to draw international anger.

The International press, the governments of France and Germany, and non-governmental organisations around the world continue to express sharp and bitter disagreements with the head of the Catholic Church. He told journalist in answer to a question on condoms that its use did not guarantee the prevention of AIDS. AIDS «is a tragedy that cannot be overcome by money alone, that cannot be overcome through the distribution of condoms. In fact it even aggravates the problems,» the 81-year-old Pope said.

The latest attack on this position is by the reputed International medical journal, The Lancet. In an editorial in its latest issue at the weekend, The Lancet condemned Pope Benedict XVI for being either ignorant or haven spoken out of ill will and called on the Catholic pontiff to withdraw his statement which it said publicly distorted scientific evidence to promote Catholic doctrine.

«When any influential person, be it a religious or political leader, makes a false scientific statement that could be devastating to the health of millions of people, they should retract or correct the public record,» the medical journal said in the editorial «Anything less from Pope Benedict would be an immense disservice to the public and health advocates, including many thousands of Catholics, who work tirelessly to try and prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS worldwide.»

Chantal Biya re-enacts Women’s day in Meyomessala

The First Lady who was conspicuously absent during official Woman’s Day celebrations on 8 March, was seen marching enthusiastically in Meyomessala at the weekend during an event to launch a community radio

By Micheal Kimbi Tchenga in Yaounde

It is common knowledge that Chantal Biya enjoys joining other women to march in celebration of International Women’s Day. But this year she was absent. In fact, she and her husband president Paul Biya returned to Yaounde from a private stay abroad on the evening of 8 March 2009.

To quench the First Lady’s well-known appetite for public fanfare and communion with her womenfolk, government authorities used the launch of a small community radio at Meyomessala in the Centre region, to simulate another Women’s Day event.

The grand stand erected in front of       the Meyomessala City Hall was parked with government officials; women had lined up in the official Women’s Day fabric and music from a marching band came alive.

Chantal’s coveted moment had come. Clad also in Women’s day ‘kabba’, Chantal leaped to her feet and made a display of her youthfulness leading a march-past of elderly female ministers and CERAC officials. And yes she got just what she enjoys most – a standing ovation.

From time to time the First Lady was seen clapping and even standing to dance to cheer up women groups assembled from all over the country for a re-make of the Women’s Day march-past.

Chantal Biya took time at the end to tour exhibition stands manned by women’s groups and also cut the symbolic ribbon to inaugurate a new community radio opened by the Communication ministry in partnership with UNICEF.

As she drove home at the end of the hectic event, Chantal Biya was visibly satisfied. She certainly had made up for the fanfare she missed on 8 March, after all.  

Gendarme officer disappears with boat-load of ammunition

Deadbeat silence on part of security officials is fuelling rumour and controversy over the true destination of the ammunition

By Ntaryike Divine, Jr. In Douala

Early this month, according to reports garnered afield, a convoy of seven boats loaded with military supplies was sent by the ministry of Defense as equipment for a new gendarmerie brigade in Bakassi. At term however, only six are known to have arrived.

Trickling reports, which security officials here refused to confirm at press time yesterday, indicate that all but one of the gendarmes escorting the missing boat are known to have been killed. However, the exact identity of the killer (s) is hemmed in controversy following the iformation blackout on the matter.

While some sources hold that the missing gendarme must have fallen into the hands of pirates now wreaking havoc in the Gulf of Guinea and especially in the Bakassi area, others suggest he killed his colleagues and disappeared with the boat-load of arms and ammunition, probably to sell to militant groups in the Niger Delta.

More official sources trace the incident back three weeks. Electing anonymity, some told yesterday that officials at the Secretariat for Defense who made a visit to the area soon after the incident were informed that the missing boat fell in an ambush manned by Niger Delta rebels from the Freedom Fighters’ movement.

An investigation was reportedly launched amid tight secrecy. But pending the outcome of the probe, rumour on the probable whereabouts of the gendarme officer have continued to circulate and in rather wild manner. Observers say usually, the Freedom Fighters claim responsibility when they attack Cameroonian troops on the peninsula and their not doing so after the claimed ambush provides other leads for the investigators.

Sasse College clocks 70!
Nostalgic ‘Old Boys’ storm Sasse to relive college days

Some returned to the college orchard to harvest guavas, others rushed with plates to the refectory to savour the much cherished corn-chaff meal while a few flexed their muscles in a football match; all in celebration of the good old days at Sasse

By Patience Toge in Buea

Thousands of Sasse Old Boys, SOBANS, trooped to Sasse at the weekend to celebrate the 70th anniversary of their 1939 college.

In an atmosphere charged with nostalgia last Saturday, SOBANS from all corners of the country and representatives of branches abroad converged on the Saint Joseph’s College campus on the slopes of the Buea Mountain to relish school days once again.

Surprisingly showing up among them was an Old Boy who was there when the Sasse story began in 1939. Augustine Valimbe was given a rousing round of applause as he stepped forward during the march-past and ambled at the head of the file.

As is always the case, other batches marched pass in order of arrival at Sasse College brandishing a placard bearing their year of admission.

To beat up the nostalgia that usually accompanies such a day, the Old Boys reverted to activities that strongly adhered them to the college.

Some went harvesting guavas in the college orchard; others took turns sharing testimonies of their school days with the younger generation while a few played a football match in celebration of the Feast of Saint Joseph.

The ex-students also presented gifts from SOBANS in the USA to booster the IT centre at their alma mater. They also earmarked a health centre to be constructed to meet the health needs of current student at the college.

Earlier in the day, a mass was said by Bishop Emmanuel Bushu of Buea, proprietor of the college, himself a SOBAN. In his homily, the bishop hailed the college for producing great Cameroonians who have served the nation in all works of life.

In its 70-year history, Saint Joseph’s College has produced an estimated 1 million Cameroonians among them prominent professionals who have served both government and private organisations worldwide.

Examples include former prime minister Peter Mafany Musonge, archbishop of Bamenda Cornelius Esua, prominent professors in medicine like Anomah Ngu, Daniel Lantum just to name a few.

Economic backwardness of NW:
Nico Halle says greed, blackmail by elite is responsible

The North West fons’ spokesman said Governor Abakar Ahamat’s development blueprint for the region will be achieved if elite put aside their differences and work for the interest of the region

By Teche Nyamusa in Bamenda

The North West Fons’ spokesman, Ntumfor Nico Halle, has blamed the socio-political and economic under development of the North West region on blackmail and selfish interest of some «misguided elite.»

«Elite of this region have for the past years been devastated, and torn apart by greed, inordinate holding and request for money, power, appointment etc and that has completely destroyed the NW region,» Nico Halle told journalists in Bamenda on 25 March at the end of a massively attended meeting of NW elite which was geared at producing a development blueprint for the region.

He did not call the names of those he claimed were responsible for retarding the growth of the region, but said they were about 10 in number including three fons.

The meeting which saw the participation of over 300 influential indigenes of the region amongst them CPDM deputy chairman Solomon Anye Angwafor; assistant secretary general at the Presidency, Yang Philemon; minister delegate for Special Duties at the Presidency, Atanga Nji Paul; secretary of state for Minies, Industries and Technological Development, Fuh Calistus Gentry and NOWEFU president, Aneng Francis, was the initiative of Abakar Ahamat, NW governor.

Many proposals were made for the economic salvation of the region and the governor appointed an ad hoc committee to examine it and draw up a blueprint within three months that will serve as a reference working document for peace, unity, socio-political and economic growth of the region.

But Ntumfor Nico Halle, who lauded the governor’s initiative, intimated that his dream for the region would materialise if all the elite came together in love and harmony. He also said divine intervention was indispensable. In the absence of these, he added, nothing positive can happen.

Inter-tribal wars have equally contributed in slowing down the economic growth of the region. Before leaving Bamenda last week Nico Halle told The Herald he had been busy struggling to calm down flaring tempers amongst natives of Awing and Baligham and dissuading them from going to war.

Growing unemployment:
ASMAC sends out 7 batches of graduates into jobless market

The graduates received symbolic end-ofcourse certificates at a ceremony that held at Amphi 700 of the University of Yaounde I on Friday 27 march

By Ojong Steven Ayuk in Yaounde

Some graduates from the national advanced school of mass communication, ASMAC, of the University of Yaounde II on Friday 27 March received symbolic end-of-course certificates at a graduation ceremony that took place at the Amphi 700 of the University of Yaounde I.

The over 400 graduates who showed up at the event represented a cross-section of seven batches of graduates who had completed training at the institution from 2000 to 2008 but had not been awarded diplomas. The real certificates are still being expected.

The graduation ceremony that was supposed to be jointly presided over by the ministers of Higher Education and Communication, Jacques Fame Ndongo and Biyiti bi Essam respectively was finally presided over by the director of the training centre, Charels Boyomo Assala. Some authorities of the Universities of Yaounde I and II attended the event.

Speaking at the event, Boyomo congratulated the graduates for the courage and steadfastness in going through the school’s rigorous programmes, describing them as future torchbearers of the country’s communication landscape.

He also thanked the sponsors and organisers of the event for making the graduation ceremony possible.

Admitting that the ceremony was fraught with many setbacks, Boyomo hoped that future ceremonies would be better organised.

Some students who distinguished themselves in the different batches received prizes of about 100.000 FCFA each.

Even though most of the students expressed joy and gratitude to the school authorities for making the graduation possible, they appeared worried and uncertain about their future given the country’s high unemployment incidence.

Some of them complained of frustration due to joblessness and questioned why despite a government text stating that graduates from the school should be absorbed into the public service, they were still left on the streets without jobs.

«The presidential decree creating ASMAC states that graduates of the school are supposed to be absorbed into the public service but the last over eight batches have not enjoyed this privilege,» one of the graduates noted in disappointment.

Misaje sub-division:
Elite hail Fuh Calistus for fighting against illiteracy, poverty

They praised the Secretary of State for Mines, Industries and Technological Development for launching the Misaje and Ako scholarship fund and for supporting farmers with maize seedlings in a bit to alleviate poverty. This was on the occasion of the CPDM 24th anniversary celebration in Misaje

By Chrysantus Nchong in Misaje

North West elite from Misaje have showered praises and blessings on their illustrious son and Secretary of State for Mines, Industries and Technological Development, Fuh Calistus Gentry, for his relentless effort at combating under scholarisation and poverty in the sub-division.

To reduce the level of illiteracy in Misaje and Ako communities, Fuh Calistus launched a scholarship fund last year and a few hundreds of meritorious secondary and varsity students benefited, Saidu Magaji, CPDM section president for Donga-Mantung IV said on the occasion of a joint section CPDM seminar and the ruling party’s 24th anniversary celebration in Misaje last week. Many more students are expected to be awarded scholarships this year.

He also hailed the Secretary of State for alleviating poverty amongst the local population especially in the domain of agriculture. Farmers’ groups were distributed maize seedlings at the close of the party’s anniversary while Fuh Calistus also promised to inaugurate a business fund next month to spur up development in the area.

Saidu Magaji equally used the CPDM anniversary event to thank President Paul Biya for the development projects he has carried out there including the construction of eight classrooms in Misaje, the creation of more secondary schools and the grading of the Nkambe-Misaje road. In addition, the elite also expressed the population’s gratitude to the head of State for the appointment of their son as Secretary of State. President Paul Biya also received kudos for his diplomacy in the peaceful resolution of the oil-rich Bakassi dispute with Nigeria last year.

The CPDM section president on behalf of the population therefore assured the president a 100 percent vote during the 2011 presidential elections like was the case during the 2007 twin polls.

For his part, another elite Kenda Simon Sunday, Mayor of Misaje council, congratulated Fuh Calistus for negotiating development projects in the area and called on him to do more.

Answering to the development demands of the population, the Secretary of State for Mines, Industries and Technological Developments announced the realisation soon of new projects such as electricity, potable water, health centre and roads in Misaje by the Spanish government.

Twenty SDF militants who decamped to the CPDM were decorated as part of activities to celebrate the party’s anniversary in Misaje.

New Central Hospital Director urged to create a patient-friendly milieu

Marie-Therese Obama Abena was installed last Friday by Health minister Andre Mama Fouda

By Takang Bisong in Yaounde

The new director of the Yaounde Centre Hospital, Marie-Therese Obama Abena has been urged to marshal her collaborators to achieve a conducive environment for patients seeking help at the reference health institution.

Marie-Therese Obama took charge of the hospital 27 March at an installation ceremony chaired by Public Health minister Andre Mama Fouda.

Appointed by prime ministerial decision on 17 March, the reputed clinical professor of Paediatrics replaces Magloire Biwole Sida who has been called to other duties at the ministry.

Obama inherits a hospital fraught with regular complaints from patients and users of the hospital’s services over the poor reception conditions they are subjected to at the health institution.

Yaounde Central Hospital also hosts a large number of health professionals ranging from nurses, doctors, laboratory scientists and others who commonly complain of poor working conditions and dilapidating infrastructure.

Minister Andre Mama Fouda encouraged the seasoned medical practitioner to manage the hospital with a humanitarian touch given that a good number of persons seeking help at the hospital do not have the financial means to pay for treatment.

Obama, The Herald gathered from jubilant personnel at the hospital, is so motherly and caring towards others and is believed to be the good guarantor of dialogue between staff and management in times of crises.
Accepting the new task ahead, Obama promised to invest her best for the smooth running of the hospital.

At the occasion, Mama Fouda also installed the new Human Resource director of the Health ministry, Samuel Kingue, professor in Cardiology and three inspectors general of medical and para medical services at the ministry.

CBC health board launches community counseling clinic

The Nkwen-based health centre will provide moral and spiritual reformation services to the public

By Teche Nyamusa in Bamenda

At last there could be relief for victims of domestic violence, dyed-in-the-wool perpetrators of mischief, gamblers, adolescents struggling with deviant behaviour and other persons in society fangled in mental torture due to unwanted habits.

A new clinic launched at the Cameroon Baptist Convention Hospital in Nkwen, Bamenda will attend to the needs of people, from all classes of society, in need of moral and mental reformation.

Presenting the clinic to the public last Wednesday 24 March, Tih Pius Muffih, director of the CBC Health Board said the novel healthcare idea is intended to take the Christian mission of offering spiritual relief to those in need beyond the Church house. 

Some of the services to be offered at the clinic range from counselling on marriage, moral reformation and professional capacity building among others.

It is hoped that the immediate windfall from the idea would be fewer cases of dismissal from secondary schools, better rehabilitation of prisoners and ex-convicts and a lower crime wave in society at large.

In a clarion call at the opening event, Ndongndeh Godlove, clergy and sub director in charge of the counselling clinic urged principals to bring their recalcitrant students for counselling instead of dismissing them from schools and abandoning them to society.

Ndongndeh also appealed to prison authorities to send inmates to the centre for regular evaluation of their moral reformation while in prison.

The authorities also revealed that the centre will be a training point for community counselling agents since CBC alone cannot cover the entire country.

With six staff to man the clinic, the CBC Health Board is poised to make a difference in healthcare delivery in the region. The board counts over seventy health facilities around the country.

Eighteen new departments created in ENS Bambili

A ministerial decree publishing the new departments Friday 27 March also appointed heads of department in the institution

By Bainkong Godlove in Yaounde

Eighteen new departments have been created in the Higher Teacher’s Training College, ENS-Annex Bamili, and new heads of department appointed in the new departments as well as other departments in the school.

This information is contained in a ministerial decree published Friday 27 March by the minister of Higher Education, Jacques Fame Ndongo

The creation of the departments and appointment of departmental heads came barely weeks after the minister told a group of NW CPDM Members of Parliament and the Secretary General of the Cameroon Teachers’ Trade Union, Simon Nkwenti, that a second cycle and a section for the training of technical education teachers will go operational in Bambili as from the next academic year.

The new departments are as follows: Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Science of Education, English Modern Letters, Bilingual Letters, History, Geography, Administrative Techniques, Philosophy, Economic Science, Geology, Civil Engineering Forestry Techniques, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Sciences, Social Economy and Family Management, and Electrical and Power Engineering. 

Heads of Department
History – Gwanfobe Matthew B.
English Modern Letters - A. Sadrack Ateke
Science of Education – Foncha Peter
Physics – Fai Cornelius Lukong
Administrative Techniques – Lukong Kenneth M.
Bilingual Letters – Ngendjo Emile
Biology – Futsong
Chemistry – Assobo Forche Peter
Economic Sciences – Anye Peter E.
Geography – Ndencho Neba Emmanuel
Geology – Margaret Tita
Mathematics – Kum Cletus
Civil Engineering and Forestry Techniques – Nyam Emmanuel
Mechanical Engineering – Kana Thomas Florent
Computer Sciences – Atangana Roman
Social Economy and Family Management – Patrick Konyuy
Electricity and Power Engineering – C. Tchago
Philosophy – Necodemus Y. Nji.

Issue 2198

Friday 27 - Sunday 29 March 2009

CDU Wouri leadership tussle:
Ndam Njoya imposes favourite, sacks rival from party

The CDU president’s decision to expel a militant aspiring for the post of president of the Wouri section of the party has ushered in resentment among his supporters

By Ntaryike Divine, Jr. in Douala

The CDU national president, Adamou Ndam Njoya has seen his reputation considerably eroded, at least in the Wouri division. His decision to «impose» a grassroots party executive there backfired Tuesday 24 March, when scores of irate militants stormed the event hall in Douala II, openly accusing him of dictatorship.

«It is now clear that we cannot trust any of the political leaders in this country. They all criticize Biya and then turn around and do the same thing. We, the militants of the CDU in the Wouri are against the decision by the national president to impose a local president. Why is he refusing to let us elect our president,» a militant choosing to be named only as Rabiatou questioned.

Recently, the CDU organized a grassroots executive bureau overhauling in the Wouri. But the planned election was stalled by in-house bickering and leadership wrangling. Adamou Ndam Njoya then chose to appoint one Mongwet Amadou as interim president. But the grumbling militants say they were appalled Tuesday, when the national president came to commission the interim president, sacrificing their rights to democracy by cancelling planned election.

The protesters, who blocked the entrance to the event hall Tuesday were supporters of one Swaibou Njankou, who had been folding sleeves to challenge Mongwet in the election.

Ndam Njoya, on the spot, decreed Njankou’s immediate expulsion from the party. He accused the challenger of inciting violence among militants and influence-peddling, adding that he [Njankou] had used money to manipulate the consciences of the protesters.

«Those claims are all false,» Rabiatou, a fervent pro-Njankou supporter shouted. «The truth in the matter is that Mongwet enjoys a certain degree of fondness with the national president. It is clear that he is the one who names people to big posts in his party; else, someone other than his wife should be at the national assembly. It is clear that we as grassroots militants have no place and we shall leave in communion with Njankou,» she explained.

Ndam Njoya was in Douala to unveil his newfangled Social Contract for Cameroon, a document that preaches the return to moral and traditional values as the only means of rescuing the country from what he called a steady socio-economic plunge blamed on bad governance.

CAMAIRCO collapses!
Gov’t unable to pay general manager

Gilbert Mitonneau, the French pilot employed to run the new national carrier has returned to his job at Airbus frustrated at the stalling take-off of the company. Mitonneau is bitter that he has no office and that his bills on working trips to the country have not been refunded

By Micheal Kimbi Tchenga in Yaounde

Concern that the sluggish take-off of CAMAIRCO, the new national airliner, could amount to an eminent grounding of air transport activity by government for longer now been justified with the departure of the first general manager of the company.

French born Gilbert Mitonneau who was appointed to head the carrier by presidential decree on 30 December 2008 has fully resumed his flight testing job with plane manufacturer Airbus in Toulouse, France, this newspaper has learned.

Mitonneau told our colleagues of Le Jour newspaper last Tuesday that he is fed up with working under stringent financial circumstances without an office and nobody to talk to.

Of the regular working trips he made to Cameroon, government footed his lodging bills only once leaving him to personally incur the cost of his stay in the country, the general manager revealed.

The pilot also complained of the taut working relationship he has had with the board members of the company who he says do not master their responsibility. Neither the board chair, Philemon Yang nor other board members representing the Transport and Economy ministries have been friendly enough in working relations, Mitonneau claims.

Besides, Mitonneau’s confidence in the project hit the rocks when Lion Aviation Group (LAG), the US-based shareholder of CAMAIRCO that recommended him for the job remained lukewarm to his financial predicament.

Created in 2006 in the same year as the publication of the decree creating and fixing the status of CAMAIRCO, LAG is a strategic technical partner holding a share of 51 percent. LAG is based in Atlanta and headed by a Cameroonian Beatrice Mensah Tayui.

Although reluctant to admit resignation, Mitonneau’s technical decision to stay aloof deals a blow to current negotiations between government and LAG on the operation of CAMAIRCO.

Leadership conflict:
Minister encounters resistance from Bafia CPDM section president

The central committee delegate Pascal Anong Adibime imposed Bafia town and not a village which section president Siam Adamu had proposed as venue for the party’s 24th anniversary. Adamu vehemently disagreed and rallied his supporters to organise a separate event but was stopped by the Mbam and Inoubou SDO

By Roland Akong Wuwih in Yaounde

In spite of President Paul Biya’s decision in 2006 to empower grassroots CPDM leaders to manage party activities, Yaounde barons still impose their authority there during party events and create problems. This was the case on Tuesday when Pascal Anong Adibime, minister of State Property and Land Tenure imposed Bafia town as the venue for the celebration of the ruling CPDM party’s 24th anniversary as opposed to a village locality which Siam Adamu, section president had proposed.

The CPDM section president’s vehement disagreement with the minister and Central Committee envoy’s choice of venue almost sparked division were it not for the prompt intervention of the SDO of Mbam and Inoubou.

Adamu frowned at the fact that Yaounde barons were fond of holding party activities in town, away from the grassroots militants, and thus decided to snub the minister and his delegation and attempted organising a separate party event with his supporters at his own ceremonial ground. But he was stopped by the Mbam and Inoubou SDO who ordered security agents to disperse the dissident militants.                                It was only after the SDO’s intervention that the central committee delegate, Anong Adibime held the CPDM rally in Bafia, which we learned did not pull a crowd. This was because the majority of the CPDM militants were supporters of section president Siam Adamu.

In a related story, disagreements over venue caused an unenthusiastic turnout in Buea. (See tit bit on page 3)

The Herald learned that a budget of 11 billion FCFA was set aside for the ruling party’s anniversary across the country and abroad.

CPDM Anniversary:
Security forces deployed to Kumba during CPDM celebrations

Two truckloads of heavily armed police and gendarmes arrived in Kumba to beef up security during the event, following rumours of a planned disruption

By Ashu Manfred in Kumba

Kumba looked like a city under military occupation on Tuesday as militants of the ruling CPDM party celebrated the 24th anniversary of the party.

Two truckloads of heavily armed student police from Mutengene and gendarmes from Buea reinforced local security forces to quash any demonstration.

Authorities decided to take extra security measures following rumours that Kumba CPDM dissidents were planning to disrupt the official anniversary event.

Although the presence of the security forces in Kumba was intimidating, residents calmed down when they noticed that most of the police and gendarmes were having a swell time in bars drinking beer and conversing boisterously.

Anniversary celebrations were hitch-free and an atmosphere of vivacity was witnessed after concerns over possible trouble subsided.

Meme I section president Ekale Mukete presented the keynote address. Other speeches were delivered by Nfon V.E. Mukete, Central Committee representative and Beatrice Mbome Ntuba, WCPDM section president.

In his address, frequently interrupted by applause from militants, the section president, in a veiled attack on dissidents, observed that joining any political party was a voluntary affair in which one was free to come and go.

While Nfon Mukete called for a closing of ranks among CPDM militants, Beatrice Ntuba saluted Paul Biya for promoting women to senior government positions.
Prior to the anniversary celebration, accusing fingers pointed at an influential CPDM elite in Kumba, David Motaze Ngoh, of bankrolling the dissidents who allegedly planned to disrupt the event.

On the eve of the anniversary, Motaze was designated one of the Central Committee representatives to Meme I. Some militants now believe the hitch-free event was achieved because Motaze had a stake for it to succeed.

But speaking to reporters, Motaze dismissed these allegations, adding that some events were disrupted in the past because some members of the same family wanted to air their views.

CPDM anniversary:
Absentee SW civil servants to face sanctions

The head of CPDM Central Committee delegation to the 24th anniversary celebration of the party in Buea Tuesday was disappointed with the scanty attendance at the event when he called on the regional governor to take note of absentees for proper sanctions

By Patience Toge in Buea

Paul Meoto Njie, the director of civil cabinet at the Prime Minister’s Office, who led the CPDM Central Committee delegation to Buea, South West region, to celebrate the 24th anniversary of the party on Tuesday 24 March, was not happy with what he saw on the ground.

«You cannot expect to eat from a government you don’t show loyalty to,» the visibly unhappy Yaounde bureaucrat blurted, expressing disgust with the scanty turnout at the event that took place at Bokova, the native village of former prime minister, Peter Manfany Musonge.

Meoto Njie was particularly concerned about the absence of some senior civil servants including regional delegates at the event when he called on the regional governor, Eyeya Zanga Louis, to take note of those who were absent for proper sanctions. «Please Mr Governor, warn your delegates, those who are absent [from this event] must be sanctioned.»

He cautioned that only those who showed proof of true militancy should expect rewards, singling out the vice chancellor of the University of Buea, PK Titannji, as a shining example to those who are being compensated for their loyalty to the party.

Fako division, Meoto added, has benefited a lot from the CPDM, but the Fako 3 section where he belongs has benefited the most as result of their true and unflinching loyalty to President Paul Biya.

Faced with another presidential election in 2011, Meoto Njie called on party militants here to remain vigilant and united as never before. «If we are not united, we run the risk of losing all we have,» he feared.

He said Fako was a very special place in Paul Biya’ heart, given the key government posts of responsibility occupied by their sons and daughters.

He reassured militants of government’s true intention of implementing the law on decentralisation, while calling on them to be prepared to work as a people in order to develop their region.

Some senior civil servants, who spoke to this reporter after the event on condition of anonymity to avoid vindictive sanctions from the authorities, condemned Meoto Njie’s call for sanctions on absentee officials. They argued that he had no moral authority to make that kind of statement, adding that the event was not the right forum for such declarations.

Titbits on CPDM anniversary

By Patience Toge in Buea

Low turnout in Buea
For the CPDM party to be celebrating 24 years in power, one would have expected an enthusiastic crowd of militants, but the reverse was true on Tuesday in Buea. Attendance of militants was unusually timid, with some curious onlookers watching the manifestations at the ceremonial ground from a distance. Observers attributed the low turnout to loss of interest in the CPDM party by militants. Some militants told The Herald that the holding of celebrations away from Bokova, a rural community and one of the hubs of CPDM militants, was also to be blamed. Paul Njie Meoto, Director of Civil Cabinet at the PM’s office, was the central committee’s delegate in Buea.

Speeches awash with Pope’s visit
Speaker after speaker at the ruling CPDM anniversary in Buea spent time saying pope Benedict XVI’s pastoral visit to Cameroon last week was a major political achievement of party chairman president Paul Biya. But analysts argued that the Pope was invited to Cameroon by the Cameroon Episcopal Conference and not by the president as the government claimed.

Lifaka gets hilarious welcome in Buea
Emilia Lifaka, who was recently elected as first vice president of the National Assembly, received a hero’s welcome in Bokova, Buea, where CPDM party militants gathered on Tuesday 24 March to celebrate the 24th anniversary of president Paul Biya’s party. Speeches during the event centred on her election. Fako 3, one of the speakers said, was blessed because Paul Biya had seen their loyalty and given them a vice speaker at the National Assembly. Her appointment was priceless, an indication of greater things to come, another speaker stated. «First, we had a prime minister, then a secretary of state, then a vice chancellor, and now a vice speaker,» another one said joyfully. Meanwhile Lifaka called on CPDM party militants here to remain loyal and united. To maintain this political advantage, she added, they had to show their loyalty more than ever, by winning all future elections.

Kumba council debates budget
Kumba government delegate Victor Ngoh Nkele, appointed on 6 February, will  today 25 March preside over his first council budget session. Super councillors (the 15 designates from the three sub-divisional councils in Kumba) will scrutinise the draft budget presented by the government delegate after deliberating on the annual financial and management accounts of the council since 2006. The budget session promises to be marathon as the super councillors will pore over several voluminous documents.
By Ashu Manfred

Demolitions in Yaounde:
Tsimi Evouna exposes gov’t unconcern over plight of victims

The Yaounde government delegate says long before the recent clampdown on roadside stalls in Yaounde, he proposed a relocation site to government for the construction of a big market for hawkers. But government, he says, rather appears uninterested

By Ojong Steven Ayuk in Yaounde

The cries of persons affected by devastating demolitions effected around markets and along streets in Yaounde have not left many dwellers of the capital city indifferent.

Surprisingly, Gilbert Tsimi Evouna, the City Council czar spearheading the distressing activity, seems to be concerned the most about the fate of the unfortunate victims of his urban restructuring drive in Yaounde. The government delegate has publicly bolstered the pleas of the victims.

In an interview aired on Radio France International Wednesday, Tsimi Evouna revealed his resolve to present the rehabilitation plight of victims to government, for a second time, after the latter failed to react to his first letter asking for the unfortunate vendors to be provided an alternative market facility.

«I have already proposed a site to government around Mvog-betsi where there’s expansive, unused land. I have also proposed a plan on how the market should be constructed, to solve everybody’s problem. But I am still waiting,» Tsimi Evouna said.

According to Tsimi Evouna’s proposal, the new site will have a section for traders specialized in used clothes commonly called fripperies, a section for electronics, bars, food stalls among others.

But observers here doubt how soon government will act. They say ever since Tsimi Evouna started the demolition campaign 3 years ago throwing thousands of people and families on the streets, government has not issued any reassuring statement to victims.

In an earlier press statement before the Pope’s visit the City Council head said he informed PM Inoni before undertaking demolitions, asking him to see into the problem of victims. But the prime minister did not take any action to curtail the impact the devastating demolitions had.

«If people in high places in government cannot reflect and find solutions to problems facing citizens what do you want me to do,» Evouna questioned.

It is still unclear how authorities will take Tsimi Evouna’s now regular statements against government’s apathy towards the plight of ordinary citizens.

Tsimi Evouna, however, has called for calm among the victims, telling them that it is only a matter of time before lasting solutions are found.

In a related interview granted state media early this week, Tsimi Evouna has pledged to take his urban renewal exercise to the end; a clear admission that more demolition will be underway soon.

Temporary workers rejoice at last

Over 1085 persons retained in central services of ministries for permanent employment, signed their  contracts on Wednesday

By Takang Bisong in Yaounde

After years of a gruelling selection and verification process, contract workers in the central services of government ministries retained for permanent employment finally signed contracts on Wednesday.

Over 1085 put their pen to their contracts on the first day the public service began the final stage of making the workers permanent. Over 9000 of them are still to sign contracts in the central and external services.

The faces of many of the workers glowed with pride and joy, as what had remained an elusive dream for many years concretised into reality.

Beyang Catherine, one of the workers who signed a contract under the ministry of Environment and Nature Protection, radiated with happiness when she spoke with this reporter.

«The signing of the employment contract will go a long way to relieve me from many financial problems since I have worked for many months without  a salary,» she said.

Roland Ewane of the communication unit of the ministry of Public Services and Administrative Reforms explained that those who have signed their employment contracts will start receiving full salaries plus arrears this month.

March parliamentary session:
Parliament authorizes Biya to ratify three conventions

At a plenary on Wednesday, House members voted bills authorising the president to ratify the trade agreement between Cameroon and South Africa, amendments to the Montreal protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer, and the Maputo protocol on the rights of women in Africa

By Roland Akong Wuwih in Yaounde

Meeting in plenary on Wednesday 25 March, parliamentarians deliberated and voted three bills that grant president Biya authority to ratify three international conventions on trade, ozone depletion and protection of women’s rights.

Preceding the voting of each bill, House members took to the rostrum addressing questions to the respective ministers who tabled the bill before parliament.

The bill related to the trade agreement signed between Cameroon and South Africa on 22 September 2006 in Yaounde, generated more interest in the House with MPs taking turns to quiz Trade minister, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, on the economic windfalls of the convention.

Containing 17 articles, the agreement seeks to enhance trade between the two countries and contribute to the development of international cooperation in trade.

The agreement is a win-win partnership, providing South Africa with a market for its industrial products and Cameroon an opportunity to market its commodities namely cotton, cocoa and coffee and in the long-term, take ownership of the innovative technologies developed by South Africa.

In the second bill, parliament authorized the president to ratify, on behalf of Cameroon, an amendment to the Montreal protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer.

Explaining the bill to MPs, Nana Aboubakar Diallo, secretary of state at the Environment and Nature Protection ministry said the amendment to the Montreal protocol circumscribes the prohibitions and restrictions regarding the use of substances such as methyl bromide that deplete the ozone layer; a very important improvement in the fight against global warming.

The last bill on the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the rights of women in Africa was adopted at Maputo, Mozambique, in 2003 and urges states to prohibit and condemn all harmful practices against women. The Maputo accord enjoins governments to guarantee appropriate compensation for any woman whose rights and freedoms have been violated. Women’s Empowerment and Family minister Suzanne Bomback was on hand to answer questions pertaining to the document.

Maritime security:
France stations warship in Douala

It is intended to secure Cameroon’s coastline that has witnessed increasing activity by pirates and criminal gangs in recent years

By Bainkong Godlove in Yaounde

The French government has placed a warship in Douala to check rampant insecurity along the Cameroon coastline, the French ambassador to Cameroon, Georges Serre, has said.

The diplomat made the disclosure in Yaounde Wednesday 25 March after an over one hour audience granted him by Cameroon’s president Paul Biya at Unity Palace.

Georges Serre also informed reporters of the organisation of a seminar grouping all countries of the sub region and experts from France in collaboration with the Americans with the aim of stepping up security in the Gulf of Guinea. The seminar was scheduled to begin in Douala yesterday Thursday 26 March.

With the imminent holding of the G20 meeting in London, which according to Georges Serre will shape economic relations in the world in the coming years, he said his meeting with Paul Biya was also to seek ways of cooperation between Cameroon and France so as to talk with one voice at the event.

He said the various departments concerned with the announced visits of the French prime minister to Cameroon and that of Paul Biya to France in the days ahead are working out technical details.
Business

Cameroon gov’t to organise trade fair in Calabar this year

A team from Cameroon is already in Calabar for feasibility studies, Trade minister told parliament Wednesday

By Roland Akong Wuwih in Yaounde

Cameroon will not be outdone by the Nigerian government which organised a trade fair in Douala a fortnight ago.

The Cameroon government will also be organising a trade fair in the Nigerian city Calabar later this year, Trade minister, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, told parliament Wednesday.

Mbarga, who was responding to a question posed by SDF MP, Awudu Mbaya, disclosed that a team is already doing groundwork in Calabar ahead of the trade fair.

He did not disclose the exact date of the trade fair.

The minister also addressed a worry by the MP that Cameroon is not signing trade agreements with Nigeria, pointing out that there are agreements dating back to 1963 which only need to be implemented.

He said following the successful and peaceful resolution of the Bakassi conflict, both countries are now working to implement these trade agreements.

EU readies customs department for trade barrier dismantling

Over the next four years, the customs department will fast-track reforms thanks to a 6.5 billion FCFA support grant from the EU

By Ntaryike Divine, Jr. in Douala

The European Union is disbursing the sum of 6.5 billion FCFA to prop efforts at modernising the Cameroon customs department in view of the eventual dismantling of international trade barriers within the framework of the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs).

The allocation of the grant was announced Friday, 20 March in Douala . European Commission trade officials said the funding from the 10th European Development Fund, will over the next four years, support reforms in customs programs aimed at boosting revenue, enforcing good governance and transparency as well as enabling the acquisition of better customs control equipment.

Despite a generally lukewarm attitude manifested by the entire C. African bloc vis-à-vis the EPAs, Cameroon, last 15 January signed an interim accord with the EU. The stepping-stone deal stipulates that 80 percent of European goods will over the next 25 years progressively benefit from free access to the Cameroonian marketplace.

Critics held that the decision by the government to sign the deal was a deliberate move to cajole the EU within the context of the putting in place of the controversial elections management body – ELECAM.

However, Customs General Manager, Li Libong Likeng Minette described the EU support as a prompt response to assist ongoing reforms in the department that last year fetched 460 billion for the state coffers. «The modernization plan has been elaborated and we needed the means to begin implementing it especially in view of the dismantling of customs barriers. The government does not always have the means,» she explained.

She said over the next four years, the EU technical and financial support will translate into strategies to enable the customs department fully play its fiscal role as well as continue to protect the national economic space with the projected free entry of European goods.

Concretely, the EU support program for customs modernisation, abridged PAPMOD in French, will boost strides at computerisation of operations via the nationwide expansion of the automated customs procedures system, SYDONIA operational only in Douala since its introduction in 2007.

Likeng said there are also plans to set up a customs intranet as well as improve the department’s website. More customs will benefit from training, while performance indicators will be put in place as well as the acquisition of better control equipment.

Plan of Action for NW:
Governor backs Bamenda free trade zone proposal

A committee created by the governor will examine the proposal which was articulated at a heavily attended meeting of North West elite in Bamenda

By Teche Nyamusa in Bamenda

A heavily-attended meeting of North West elite on 25 March in Bamenda to produce a development blueprint for the region proposed the creation of a «Bamenda Free Trade Zone» which was enthusiastically welcomed by Governor Abakar Ahamat.

Many proposals were made for the economic salvation of the region but it was the free zone which struck the North West governor.

He appointed a committee to examine the proposal as well as to put the deliberations of the meeting into a single document. The committee will present its work at a different meeting of North West elite in three months time.

Edison Fru Ndi, the business magnate who proposed the creation of the free trade zone, said it had the potential of transforming the economy of the North West.

He said the free trade zone will target the economic giant Nigeria, which shares a border with the region, with goods from that country imported into the North West free of tariffs.

This will create unprecedented trade in the region with people coming from all over Cameroon and abroad to do business in the North West.

Participants at the meeting who agreed that the North West was one of the most economically backyard regions in Cameroon, also welcomed Edison Fru Ndi’s proposal.

The meeting was attended by top personalities from the North West including CPDM vice chair, Solomon Anye Angwafor, assistant secretary general at the presidency, Yang Philemon, minister incharge of missions, Paul Nji Atanga, secretary of state Fuh Calixtus, the North West Fons Union president, Fon Aneng, North West fons’ messenger, Nico Halle, trade unionist, Simon Nkwenti, AFP chairman, Ben Muna, among many others. Aseri Kilo, technical adviser at the ministry of Culture, represented her minister Ama Tutu Muna.

While most North West CPDM MPs attended the meeting, SDF MPs were conspicuously absent.

Chantier Naval workplace atmosphere worsens

A widely-circulated letter claims that the company frequently cited by Paul Biya as an example of refined management is at the brink of collapse

By Ntaryike Divine, Jr. in Douala

Last January, we reported a steady downturn in the working climate at the Cameroon Shipyard and Engineering Ltd, Chantier Naval. Two months later, the deteriorating situation now appears to have taken a nosedive for the worse to judge from a missive spreading like bushfire on the Internet.

An email-distributed protest letter, authored by a worker whose names we are withholding, opens with claims that Chantier Naval «management has lost credibility and most of the cream of its skillful technical staff. More than 80 percent of certified welders have left the company to pick up jobs elsewhere».

Presumably, the letter should warm the heart of Zaccheus Mungwe Forjindam, the ex-general manager of Chantier Naval dismissed, arrested and placed under pretrial detention at New Bell last May over allegations of embezzling close to a billion FCFA. Investigators are yet to establish evidence that demands a verdict in the now-controversial case.

The letter deemed a fire-fighting venture by some observers here claims that Forjindam’s successor, Antoine Bikoro Olo’o spearheaded a clique comprising high-profile government officials who masterminded his demise. It claims Bikoro faked an audit report that implicated Forjindam, considered an obstacle to the political ambitions of the clique members.

It is illustrated by emails served Bikoro by the company project managers and clients fuming over project execution and delivery delays. In one of such dated 3 March, Paul Daigle, chief operations officer for a rig drilling company in Lagos writes; «Due to your refusal to allow our personnel on board we will inform Transocean not to come to Cameroon and avoid this place due to problems created by you and your lack of understanding of the industry.»

In his [unedited] reply to the letter in approximate language Bikoro ends with the warning: «You are wrong and we can request your immediate departure from this country. I require apologies for our self and all CNIC partners involved with note of explanation from your side.»

The author of the email-circulated letter says such is an example of the arrogance and management inexperience rocking Chantier Naval since the fall of Forjindam. He says apart from the non-payment of suppliers, workers have lost enthusiasm resulting in poor project execution and a massive departure of clients.

Issue 2197

Wednesday 25 - Thursday 26 March 2009

inister condemns stigmatisation of TB patients

Reveals that a TB patient who is already two weeks into treatment is no longer a health threat and should be treated normally as any other person in the society

By Takang Bisong in Yaounde

The minister of Public Health, Andre Mama Fouda, has said that persons suffering with tuberculosis do not pose a health threat two weeks after they commence treatment and so should not be treated as outcasts.

He made the statement on Monday 23 March at the Yaounde Hilton hotel during a press conference to mark the world tuberculosis day, which is observed every 24 March.

Minister Mama Fouda used the press conference to persuade people living with TB patients to not be afraid that they would be contaminated and/or treat their patients badly especially after they have started receiving treatment because they are no longer a huge threat as people are made to believe.

He called on all and sundry to stop stigmatising TB patients but try to make them feel as free as every normal human being should do.

Mama Fouda used the occasion to invite all stakeholders to actively take part in the fight against tuberculosis in the country.

The press, he added, has an essential contribution to make in the fight against the spread of TB, which is currently on the rise as it is one of the opportunistic AIDS infections.

However, the minister underscored the importance of sensitising the people on the dangers of the disease.

He disclosed that the treatment for TB, which normally runs for six to nine months, is free of charge in all the health centers specialised in the treatment of tuberculosis in the country.

The government with both national and international partners has been doing so much, he added, to curb the spread of the disease in the country.

He said constant vaccination campaigns for children, organisation of national programmes and refresher courses for medical personnel are some of the measure government is taking to fight against tuberculosis in the country.

He however regretted the fact that despite the government efforts, the resistant form of the disease and HIV/AIDS related cases, which now stand at 40 percent, still posed a major obstacle to achieving significant success.

A sensitisation campaign to mark this year’s TB day was started on Monday with educative talks on radio, visit to the Yaounde Jamot hospital and lectures and works involving students.

Baccalaureat board chair orders review of workers’ conditions

Catherine Ndoumbe Manga invited the director of the examinations authority to elaborate an organigram for workers in view of improving their working conditions

By Ojong Steven Ayuk in Yaounde

Workers of Office du Baccalaureat, the body in charge of managing public exams in the Francophone subsystem of education, may have their work status and conditions improved in the months ahead.

An organisational chart ordered by the management board of the exams authority will offer a better recognition of their status and benefits as workers of the body.

Meeting in Yaounde on Monday 23 March, members of the board also voted the 2009 budget for the exams authority.

In addition to these, the meeting chaired by Catherine Ndoumbe Manga, board chair of the Baccalaureat Board, also reviewed activities of the board during the last year.

Congratulating Zacharie Mbatsogo for his reappointment as head of the examinations body, Catherine Manga tasked the director to improve the management of exams this year and guarantee a more conducive atmosphere for workers of the examinations body.

The chair of the board of directors urged Mbatsogo and his new vice, Martin Ngouh Ndam, to take advantage of the renewed confidence placed on them and institute positive reforms that would promote good governance, ameliorate the quality of life of workers and the social climate that reigns at the board.

Upon adoption of a 5.6 billion FCFA budget after close to five hours in session, board members instructed management to handle the funds in strict honesty.

SDF legal adviser says there’s no replacement for Fru Ndi

Ben Suh Fuh, a barrister, says only  detractors want the SDF chairman to quit the stage

By Teche Nyamusa in Bamenda

An SDF legal adviser, Ben Suh Fuh, has lashed out        at those calling for John Fru Ndi to quit the political stage, saying the SDF chairman is irreplaceable for now.

Suh Fuh said those claiming Fru Ndi has overstayed his welcome at the helm of the SDF are yet to suggest a veritable alternative.

In an interview granted The Herald on 22 March, the lawyer said Fru Ndi is championing a cause which needs doggedness and unrelenting commitment and that it was not logical for him to leave the road when he has not reached destination.

He cited Nelson Mandela, the freedom avatar, whom he said succeeded to dismantle apartheid in South Africa not by abandoning the cause midway but by his tenaciousness for over 30 years.

Fru Ndi, who has been SDF chairman for nearly 19 years, he said, has been doing a great job and should continue leading the party.

The lawyer’s arguments will not go down well with the school of thought which holds that Fru Ndi’s continuous stay at the helm of the SDF will defeat the philosophy of regular alternation of power which the party preaches.

Suh Fuh, who was an unsuccessful candidate at the SDF parliamentary primaries in 2007, was elected Bafut SDF District chairman two weeks ago.

NGO decries biased eviction from state land

The Cameroon Civil Society organisation says people have taken cover under their membership in the CPDM and government positions to evade eviction from state land

By Ntaryike Divine, Jr. in Douala

A Douala-based NGO calling itself the Cameroon Civil Society has vowed to take up the challenge of indiscriminately expelling all illegal occupants from state lands across the city.

Speaking at a news conference here Monday 16 March, the group led by renowned activist Robert Simo, said so far the authorities have been glaringly selective in their application of the law. «We have the impression that there are two laws in this country; one for the poor and the other for the rich. But we are determined to show that the law is the same for all Cameroonians,» he said.

The association claimed that some Cameroonians have taken cover under their membership in the ruling CPDM, financial weight or government positions to sidestep eviction drives from state-owned lands in Douala and Yaounde. According to Simo, such individuals he referred to as «white collar thieves,» own over 360 houses on state land in Bonanjo, Bonapriso and Bali in Douala.

Reiterating the existence of a 1996 presidential decision enjoining Cameroonians to assist the state in the protection of its property, Simo announced trouble in the days ahead. «We have not invented anything. The decree gives all Cameroonians the right to defend state property and we shall, in the days ahead, barricade all houses standing illegally on state land,» he warned.

Organisers said the news conference, held at the headquarters of the Douala-based opposition party, MANIDEM, was the first step in prelude to concrete action by the organisation on the ground. Simo said he had addressed a missive on the issue to Littoral Governor Fai Yengo Francis, reminding him of the 1996 decision and his role in ensuring its wholesale application.

‘‘There is no reason why some people suffer while others are celebrating. The authorities cannot only target the underprivileged,» Simo warned.

Deputy mayor petitions MINATD over elections at Kumba I

Otang Gerald, in an umpteenth challenge of the actions of his boss, argues that elections of super councillors instigated by Mayor Ekale Mukete were irregular

By Ashu Manfred in Kumba

Otang Gerald Taku, first deputy mayor of Kumba, who is perpetually at loggerheads with the mayor of Kumba I, Ekale Mukete, has protested against the election of councillors to represent Kumba I at city hall.

In a petition addressed to the governor of the South West region and the minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation (MINATD), Otang called for the annulment of the elections believed to have been instigated by Ekale Mukete.

In the elections that took place on 19 March and supervised by the South West regional chief for councils, Emile Njonkeu, 12 councillors out of 25 voted five super councillors to the Kumba City Council.

Otang argues that these elections were irregular because a similar exercise had taken place on 1 August 2007. He said the sole purpose of the elections was to ensure the election of super councillors from Kumba I who were stooges of Ekale Mukete.

He rejected the argument by the regional chief of councils that the elections were necessary because Kumba was upgraded to a city council, pointing out that the 2004 law on councils does not have that provision.

The deputy mayor said the elections were null and void because only 12 councillors out of 25 voted for the super councillors, which was not a simple majority as required by the law.

He said the regional chief of councillors who ordered the elections has a history of always backing Ekale Mukete.

Otang Gerald and Ekale Mukete have been having an acrimonious relationship for some time now, with the former repeatedly challenging the actions of his boss.

Rehabilitation work flagged-off on Nouvelle Route, Bonaberi

Roadside traders have been advised to voluntarily evacuate the stretch within one week or face pitiless eviction

By Ntaryike Divine, Jr. in Douala

For several long years, the two main roads traversing Bonaberi in Douala’s west end have remained in shameful state. Residents of the predominantly Anglophone settlement managed by an SDF mayor have usually tagged the situation to a form of penalty for their dogged opposition inclination.

However, things are changing. Rehabilitation work on the Bonaberi New Road [Nouvelle Route] have been flagged off, months after a similar venture began on the old one [Ancienne Route]. Douala Government Delegate, Fritz Ntone Ntone, was on the site Friday 20 March, to announce the imminent start of the project.

It will gulp 1.135 billion FCFA, span six months and be executed by French contractors, RAZEL. Douala IV SDF Mayor, John Ndangle Kumase, who flanked the government delegate, expressed profound joy at the announcement. He said after all, the municipality which accommodates one of Douala’s two industrial zones was gradually emerging from long years of neglect.

Bonaberi, which counts about, 500.000 inhabitants according to official statistics, is a major gateway into Douala. Its two main roads are plied by close to 35,000 vehicles daily including cargo trucks serving the Bonaberi industrial zone. Motorists moving to and from the SW, NW and West regions have been expressing delight with the project. It is commonplace to spend an hour or more in nightmarish traffic jams in Bonaberi.

However the general satisfaction at the announcement of the rehab works is not universal. The adage that says it is impossible to make omelets without breaking eggs will be fully respected. Hundreds of roadside traders and other business people along the six-kilometer road stretch will pay the price. They have been given a week to willfully evacuate the roadside to facilitate the smooth unfolding of the project or face forceful expulsion.

Such include welders, car washers, carpenters, traders, ete who have been warned they will see their makeshift stalls (some of which have encroached into the road) demolished if they fail to respect the government delegate’s one-week evacuation order. At term, the road’s width will be enlarged from six to twelve meters, according to the rehab plan.

Alongside the ongoing rehabilitation project on the Ancienne Route and the completed enlargement of the Rond Point Deido entrance unto the Wouri Bridge , circulation through Bonaberi will be rendered considerably fluid.

Denial of bail for detained SCNC activists stirs anger in B’da

National leaders of the movement meeting in Bamenda last week issued a clear warning to regional police authorities who have held the activists for close to two weeks already

By Teche Nyamusa in Bamenda

Readers of the pro-Anglophone independence movement, the Southern Cameroons National Council, SCNC, have expressed alarm at the unlawful detention of nine activists rounded up and incarcerated by police in Bamenda before the Pope’s visit.

National president Chief Ayamba Otun, vice president Nfor Ngala and legal adviser Harmony Bobga were the frontline participants at a conference at Che Street in Bamenda during which the warning was made. 

In what the activists described as an indictment on the human rights of patriotic Southern Cameroonians, police hurried to the SCNC secretariat about a fortnight ago, on a tip-off, and arrested Ngewih Asunkwan, national communication secretary of the movement and eight other activists attending a meeting.

Police sources at the time claimed the activists were meeting to address a petition to the pope on the deplorable human rights violation exacted by the regime on activists.

In a recent development to the matter, the eight activists appeared in court on Monday 23 March but their case was adjourned to 26 March. Attempts to secure their release on bail were again futile.

Speaking at the recent congregation of the movement in Bamenda, Harmony Bobga expressed frustration at the reluctance of the judiciary to grant liberty to his comrades calling the act a flagrant violation of the criminal procedures code.

The issue which was widely discussed at the meeting sparked fears that the activists were likely to boil-over in revolt over the imprisonment of their comrades at the Upstation prison in Bamenda.

Tunisia celebrates 53rd national day:
Tunisia-Cameroon relations are fruitful - Essid Riadh

The head of Tunisia’s diplomatic mission here Essid Riadh used the occasion of the anniversary cocktail at his Bastos residence, to talk on the state of relations between Tunisia and Cameroon

By Ojong Steven Ayuk in Yaounde

Relations between Tunisia and Cameroon have been described as fruitful and excellent.

The remark was made Monday, by the charge d’affaires and head of Tunisia’s diplomatic mission in Yaounde, Riadh Essid, as he addressed guests at a reception he and his wife organised at their residence at Bastos here.

The reception was part of the embassy’s activities to celebrate Tunisia’s independence anniversary on 20 March.

The impressively attended cocktail afforded occasion for persons of almost all walks of life to communion and exchange pleasantries with one another and especially with Riadh Essid and his wife, and other personnel at the embassy.

The convivial yet intense moment in the embassy’s confines witnessed government ministers, heads of other diplomatic representations in Yaounde, general managers, businesspeople, press workers among others, interchanging positions and exchanging pleasantries and smiles as they walked up to the several positions where drinks and snacks were tabled aplenty, for consumption by guests.

Such intense moments could be felt right at the entrance into the expansive compound, where Riadh Essid, his wife and other dignitaries at the embassy welcomed guests with hugs and warm handshakes before ushering them into the protocol-free cocktail.

Even though some guests only whispered to their closest neighbours their disappointment over the absence of alcoholic drinks, most persons still had broad smiles on their faces as they chatted with friends and colleagues.

In a short address that was preceded by the singing of the anthems of both countries, Riadh Essid said though relations between Cameroon and Tunisia dated decades back, the last three years have witnessed an appreciable progress especially after the holding of two successive mixed commissions, several economic forums, a sectorial commission on tourism and many study missions in the domains of energy, SMEs, sports, professional training, urban development and housing and secondary and basic education.

He used the occasion to also inform guests about Tunisia’s development which he said was a model in Africa going by reports of some international development NGOs.

«Tunisia is a modern country that has succeeded to reconcile its development equation with the social wellbeing of citizens,» Riadh said, adding, «Tunisia cannot boast of having much natural resources but we have invested in the development of human resources to attain our development objectives.»

Issue 2196

Monday 23 - Tuesday 24 March 2009

Carnage in Adamawa:
Highway robbers slaughter seven hostages

Their bodies were found in a bush Thursday in Mbé village before being buried in a mass grave in respect of Moslem tradition

By Ndien Eric in Yaounde

Consternation and grief gripped the population of Mbé in Adamawa region when gendarmes announced Thursday the gruesome murder and dumping of seven people, among them two children, in a bush by highway robbers.

They were taken hostage separately on 10 and 16 March by highway robbers aka coupeurs de route who slaughtered and stabbed some to death for the non-payment of a ransom. Witnesses said the captors had instructed relatives of the seven captives to sell their cattle and pay the money to one of their accomplices.

he gendarme commander of Mbé told Le Jour that the aggressive manhunt launched after the highway robbers by the rapid intervention battalion (BIR) during that period may have triggered the massacre of the hostages who were already a burden to them. They disappeared, local inhabitants intimated, to neighbouring Chad after committing the macabre act.

Family members requested a mass burial of the deceased in the bush where their bodies were discovered in accordance with the Moslem tradition.

The secretary general at the Adamawa Governor’s office, Georges Zang III, visited the kin of the killed hostages to express government’s condolence and later held a crisis meeting Thursday at the DO’s office.  The meeting ended with the resolution to deploy more BIR troops to fight against the rising phenomenon of highway robbery in the region.

Francophonie official regrets Cameroon’s reluctance to host summit

A special adviser to the SG of La Francophonie said after an audience with President Paul Biya that Cameroon is not taking full advantage of its membership of the organisation

 By Ndien Eric in Yaounde

Cameroon will be a good candidate to host the biennial heads of state summit of La Francophonie but Yaounde has not yet shown any interest, an official of the inter-governmental organisation has said.

Ousmane Paye, special adviser to the secretary general of La Francophonie, Abdou Diouf, regretted in an interview granted Mutations newspaper after a 1h30min audience with President Paul Biya at state house on 13 March, that despite being a key member of the organisation, Cameroon is yet to use the platform that hosting the summit provides.

The Francophonie official however said he did not broach the subject with Paul Biya during the audience, adding that the president will decide when it will be propitious to apply to host the summit.

Ousmane Paye, a retired Senegalese diplomat, however noted that this is a good moment for Cameroon to apply as Madagascar, designated host of the 2010 summit, is currently facing political instability which could cause the organisation to shift the venue of the 13th summit.

He noted that the Central African sub-region, with nine Francophonie members, has never hosted a summit of the organisation.

The emeritus diplomat also pointed out that Cameroon, which is up-to-date with its financial contributions to La Francophonie, is not taking full advantage of its membership of the organisation. He cited the special cultural centres which La Francophonie installs in member countries known as Carrefour de la littérature des arts et la culture (CLAT) which Cameroon is yet to get due to lack of interest. Ousmane Paye said it was abnormal that out of 215 CLACs in the world, there was none in Cameroon.

The Francophonie official equally disclosed that during his audience with President Biya, they discussed about conflict resolution in Africa and the global financial and economic crises, among other issues.

La Francophonie is an association of French-speaking countries and most of its members are former colonies of France.

Political self-marketing:
Author showers Biya with praises in book

A new book by a diplomat and university don Boniface Fontem Nkobena calls Biya a God-fearing, humane and successful politician. But observers believe the author like others who write similar books in praise of the president is only positioning himself for favours from the regime

By Ojong Steven Ayuk in Yaounde

Boniface Fontem Nkobena is known both by his contemporaries and his students as an acclaimed diplomat and teacher, but hardly as a CPDM operative.

However, his new book titled: Sacerdotal politics and systems sustainability: The Paul Biya Paradigm, portrays him as a CPDM party diehard laboriously carving a niche for himself in the ruling party territory.

Like many others in recent times, Fontem Nkobena’s book is a piece that wholly and vehemently showers praise on CPDM leader, Paul Biya.

Fontem Nkobena describes Biya as a priestly politician who is not only God-fearing but also humble, intelligent, patient, tolerant, principled and a strict respecter of the law.

To the author, Biya has achieved so much during his 27-year reign that he should not only be immortalised but his legacy and doctrine, which Nkobena stylistically brands as «Biyaism», need to be put in record for future generations of politicians and leaders to tap from.

Nkobena likens Biya to leaders of global repute like Ghandi, Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr and Charles de Gaulle; suggesting that Biya entered politics in answer to a calling and not in search of a profession.

Many who attended the book launch on Friday 20 March could hardly tell the difference in the incentive behind Nkobena’s work and that of Francis Nkwain’s recently launched: High Grounds for National Unity and Peace.

Some analysts at the launch who spoke to The Herald dismissed Boniface Nkobena’s postulates, describing them as the illusion of a truncated mind.

Not being a party person he now seems to want to draw attention and position himself in the higher circles of the party.

Yet, others said Boniface Nkobena’s message may have appealed to the CPDM overlords, pointing at the presence of party heavyweights like Rene Sadi, Ahmadou Ali, Yao Aissatou, Ama Tutu Muna, among others at the book launch.

The preface and foreword of the book were respectively written by Fame Ndongo and Elvis Ngolle Ngolle, both CPDM dons.

Rising intellectuals of the party like Jean Emmanuel Pondi and Ivo Leke Tambo proofread the book.

A considerable sale was recorded at the launch with people literally standing on a queue for the author’s autograph.   

SDF first assistant secretary general resigns

Moukoury Moulema says the party has lost its initial vision and sense of direction

By Ntaryike Divine, Jr. in Douala

Mobert Moukoury Moulema hitherto considered a flagbearer for especially the Duala coastal Sawa people has bowed out of the leading opposition SDF.

The 62-year-old notified the party of his decision to relinquish the posts he held as first assistant secretary general and member of the advisory committee at the dusk of last week. He said the decision he finally reached last 16 March and informed the party two days later, followed scrupulous meditation.

Moukoury, who also completely renounced his militancy in the SDF, hinged his resolve to quit on what he likened to a steady erosion of values in the party as well as his frustration with its leadership. He said his conviction for the SDF had seriously waned in the last few years.  

Moukoury joined the SDF at its creation 19 years ago, a period that coincided with Cameroon’s turbulent return to political pluralism. He said he was motivated by a strong conviction that the effervescent political organization had the best philosophy and vision for the country.

«But the SDF no longer represents those values. I have lost that conviction because the SDF has lost those values,» he explained.

Moukoury, described by pundits as a very reserved yet strong-minded and fairly bilingual Cameroonian claims he has mastery of little else apart from politics. Meantime however, he has not announced any carpet-crossing intentions.

Apart from a few media appearances, Moukoury largely played a backstage role in his close to two-decade militancy for the SDF. In Douala , his home and political base, he was on the whole, overshadowed by the vibrant fire-spitting Jean Michel Nitcheu who recently laced a knot with Anicet Ekane’s MANIDEM to commemorate the first anniversary of the February 2008 deadly riots.

Some of the party officials we contacted for comment here at the weekend either refused to speak or had their handsets on their answering machines.

Meme High Court throws out Ekale Mukete’s case against SDO

The presiding judge at last Wednesday’s hearing rejected the case on conflict of authority brought by the Kumba 1 mayor against Meme SDO for lack of evidence. SDO Abath Zangbwalah was absent from the hearing

By Ashu Manfred in Kumba

The suit filed by Kumba 1 mayor, Prince Ekale Mukete, against the SDO for Meme, Abath Zangbwalah Magloire, has been ignored by the Meme High Court for lack of sufficient evidence.

Last Wednesday 18 March, a presiding judge at the Kumba-based court did not hearken to Ekale Mukete’s call for proper interpretation of the law on decentralisation.

Ekale Mukete dragged the SDO to court late last year, praying the court to interpret the decentralisation law on the devolution of power to councils with respect to the administration after the SDO took over control of the market and bus station. The mayor accused the SDO of assigning his own contractors to work at the station depriving the council of a major source of revenue; leaving the mayor unable to fulfil his electoral promises.

Although Zangbwalah has never attended any of the court sessions since the matter began, he firmly argues that the situation existing at the bus station before his intervention was a threat to social peace in Kumba. The SDO said irresponsible activities at both the market and station had to be brought under control to fend off unruly public behaviour.

The SDO’s perpetual absence from court was seen by many as a flagrant disrespect for the judiciary. Zangbwalah never showed up in court for any of the six hearings on the matter so far.

53 years of independence:
Diplomat says Tunisia’s dev’t is model for Africa

As Tunisia fetes its 53rd independence anniversary today 20 March, the chargé d’affaires at the Tunisian embassy here says the country has reason to boast of its enviable economic achievement, and calls on African countries to copy from the Tunisian model

By Ojong Steven Ayuk in Yaounde

Tunisia has every reason to be proud of the road it has travelled for 53 years since its independence from France, the head of the country’s embassy in Yaounde has said.

Riadh Essid, chargé d’affaires at the Tunisian embassy in Yaounde told journalists at a press briefing that Tunisia has made such giant political and economic strides that other African countries could copy from its economic model.

The press briefing which took place at the embassy in Bastos, Yaounde, on Wednesday 18 March was to inform journalists about Tunisia’s independence and national day on 20 March.

In 53 years, the chargé d’affaires proudly noted, Tunisia has pushed herself to the verge of becoming a developed country.

«We have one of the highest if not the highest living standards in Africa with an expanding middle class. We have eradicated poverty to the barest minimum and in fact Tunisia is today on the road to joining the league of developed nations,» Riadh Essid said.

He said Tunisia has been able over the years to fight poverty and bring about meaningful development to all classes of the country’s society; there’s food self-sufficiency, a booming tourism and service industry, accessible interior, countryside with modern infrastructure and a well developed heavy industries sector.

Tunisia’s multiparty democracy is also a model in Africa and there’s no religious extremism, Riadh Essid added.

«Today our indicators are globally positive even though the worldwide problem of rising food prices remains menacing,» Riadh says.

To celebrate these achievements and the country’s independence, Riadh Essid and his wife are organising a reception at their Bastos residence on Monday 23 March.

Zacharias Tanee Fomum:
Devout man of God laid to rest at weekend

Unlike he willed before dying, the founder of Christian Missionary Fellowship International was buried seven days after his death. Fomum had wished to be buried on the same day he died.

By Takang Bisong in Yaounde

Zacharias Tanee Fomum, fiery preacher and devoted prophet of God has been buried in Yaounde one week following his death.

At a pious burial ceremony strictly attended by family members and close disciples on Saturday 21 March, the remains of the founder and main Prophet of Christian Missionary Fellowship International (CMFI) was lowered into the ground at his Etoug-Ebe residence here in Yaounde.

The interment that occurred seven days after the day the deceased had desired to be buried, however, was performed in strict respect of his will before his died.
Earlier at a grand funeral service attended by a teeming crowd of Protestants from all over the country at the Damas assembly of the CMFI, Fomum’s disciples and Christians at large paid glowing tribute to a man professed to have brought thousands to Jesus Christ.

Faithful from the Full Gospel Mission, the Apostolic Church in Cameroon, the True Church of the Living God, Living Word Fellowship and Preach the Gospel International among others collective said prayers in celebration of the Prophet’s lifetime.

Prior to the funeral, an array of senior government officials, lecturers and students from the University of Yaounde 1, where Fomum was professor of Organic Chemistry, jammed the mortuary of the Yaounde General Hospital to pay their last academic honours.
Testimonies shared by mourners at all the events, were quite telling of a man who lived much of his life to meet the needs of a Divine Creator he so much trusted.

Throughout his lifetime, Fomum’s perpetual closeness to Christian doctrine and uprightness in the faith was a glowing inspiration to both family members and friends who knew him

Fomum was well known for the miracles he performed in God’s name, the profound religious publications he authored, the scores of missionary trips he made abroad and the dozens of churches he planted across the country.

Many persons where stunned by the life of meekness and poverty he chose to live for the sake of his religious convictions.

City Hall budget allocations:
Mezam SDO urges councilors to avoid manipulation

Says Bamenda 1, 2 and 3 council representatives at City Hall must be careful to check any form of injustice that may arise in the distribution of the City Council’s wealth to their various councils

By Chrysantus Nchong in Bamenda

The SDO for Mezam division, North West region has urged the newly installed representatives of the Bamenda 1, 2 and 3 councils at the Bamenda City Council’s board to guard against injustice and manipulation in the distribution of the city’s finances to the various municipalities.

Installing the 15 representatives, elected from amongst councilors of the three councils that make up the city council, during a ceremony that held at the city hall on 17 March, Joseph Marché Betrand Njougwet enjoined them to be particularly cautious when voting budgets, proposing projects and distributing development schemes among the various councils.

Warning that anybody who dares to intentionally manipulate any public project or to deviate finances meant for another council to his own will face the full arm of the law, the SDO urged the representatives to carryout their responsibility in accordance with the law. He also reminded the representatives of the huge task ahead of them, calling on them to go straight down to work, which he said, must be done to serve the interest of the people. He promised he would offer support anytime need be.

Speaking later, Mayor Pius Ngwa Amando of Bamenda 3 appealed to the representatives to do their work diligently and serve the interest of the public, which is the purpose for which they were elected. Similarly, his counterpart of Bamenda 2 Council, Balick Fidelis Awa, urged the councilors to play their role carefully in order to avoid proposing projects that will seem unnecessary to the population.

The government delegate to the Bamenda City Council, Ndumu Vincent Nji, was present at the installation ceremony.

East-Moungo-South CMF Elections:
Humphrey Mosenge succeeds Ntumfor Nico Halle

The insurance company mogul says his mandate will be consecrated to winning more souls for Christ

By Ntaryike Divine, Jr. in Douala

Humphrey Tande Mosenge will for the next five years bear the flag of the Presbyterian Church’s 2000-member Christian Men’s Fellowship movement for the East-Moungo-South presbytery. He was catapulted to presidency following elections conducted Saturday, 21 March at the Bonaberi PCC worship house in Douala .

«I believe it’s because the members know my love and interest for the CMF. And that God guided them to put me in this place. He will guide me to  do His work,» Mosenge reflected after narrowly winning the vote cast by scores of delegates from the Littoral and West regions which constitute the presbytery.

The 17-year-serving CMF member and currently president of the CMF group at the Bonamoussadi PCC congregation in Douala will be assisted in his newfangled Christian errand by Ambe Stanley (from the West region and his challenger at the weekend poll) as vice president. Aho Amos was elected secretary and Akpe John financial secretary.

The 15-man steering team is however, not entirely new. Cpt Fortung Martin from the outgoing executive retained his post as treasurer, a reelection attributed to his honesty and reliability.

Ntumfor Nico Halle, the outgoing CMF presbytery president who served for 10 years was nonetheless ascribed a new function as adviser. Regretting his exit from the helm of the movement in the presbytery, members unanimously agreed they will miss his decade-long leadership that ushered unfathomed dynamism in the movement.

In fact many said they would have wished that he continue even if his tenure had constitutionally expired. But the outgoing president held to resolve his to allow other endowed people succeed him. «It was a spiritual success story as we won more souls for Christ and I want to thank all the people who stood by me including the Moderator,the Synod Clerk, the pastors and CMF members. I’m very happy that I am handing over to a powerful team and I’m optimistic that it will take the movement to higher heights,» he indicated.

Joe Set Aji-Mvo, PCC national secretary for men’s work, lay training and evangelism oversaw the election.

Pope visit

Farewell message:
Benedict XVI implores Cameroonians to fight injustice

At the end of a visit that brought him face-to- face with the harsh misery bearing on Cameroonians, the Pope has prescribed a bold encounter with injustice, poverty and hunger as the way out of gloom in the country

By Micheal Kimbi Tchenga in Yaounde

Although the three-day             pastoral visit to Cameroon may not have been enough for Pope Benedict XVI to fully savour the gloom that looms in the country, close encounters with the sick at the Etoug-Ebe handicap centre, despair on the faces of thousands who lined the streets to welcome him and visible roadside rubbles following wanton demolition; were bold hallmarks of disenchantment that the pontiff could not miss in a country that is locked in an awry state.

Taking all these in his strides as he met with president Biya at Etoudi, drove around town to meet African bishops at Tsinga, Church laity at the Basilica in Mvolye and faithful at a heavily attended high mass at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium; Benedict XVI only reserved his recipe for change in Cameroon for the very last minute.

In an exchange of speeches at a heavily attended farewell ceremony at the Yaounde Nsimalen airport, the Pope unveiled his formula for a better Cameroon.

«People of Cameroon, I urge you to seize the moment the Lord has given you! Answer His call to bring reconciliation, healing and peace to your communities and your society!» Benedict XVI said as though transmitting a Divine Order. «Work to eliminate injustice, poverty and hunger wherever you encounter it!»

He then offered his blessing to the nation and was on a flight a few minutes after, bound for Angola; ending the first part of his maiden visit to Africa.

The Pope’s farewell speech warmed the hearts of many Cameroonians who have been waiting impatiently for an authoritative unction from the world’s most powerful religious leader to pick up momentum and face the armada of plights ruining the nation.

Just like his arrival message that enjoined Christians not be silent in the face of wanton social ills, many citizens who spoke to The Herald agreed with the Pope that Cameroonians must do the extraordinary to bring hope to the nation.

Biyiti bi Essam hoodwinks Int’l journalists with sweet talk

The Communication minister used a press dinner the evening the Pope arrived, to try to cajole international journalists covering the visit into selling a good image of Cameroon abroad. But it didn’t yield the desired impact

By Micheal Kimbi Tchenga in Yaounde

Working amidst a government that has been criticised even by president Biya for its inertia, has given Biyiti bi Essam’s the clout to go the whole gamut to be seen as working at all cost for the interest of the Republic.

Earlier this month, the Communication minister - a former Cameroon Tribune reporter, tried to wheel public attention his way with two editorial comments in the national daily on issues, observers thought, that never needed to be belaboured.

In February, Biyiti summoned publishers and media executives in the country in what became known as an unsavoury appeal for an information ‘cease fire’ to give a good image of the country in the build up to Benedict XVI’s visit.

And when the Pope arrived last Tuesday, Biyiti bi Essam was the first to talk to foreign journalists on the pontiff’s trail. «For those of you who have known Cameroon only through ‘hearsays’, we wish to seize this occasion to give … a taste of the country,» the minister told the tired journalists who had just spent a heavy day travelling with the pope.

«Censorship had existed in Cameroon but today it is something of the past because it died and was buried in the 90s,» Biyiti continued at the dinner which had a very weak representation of the private press in the country.

The minister then turned the evening into a poetry lesson using clichés like «Africa in miniature», «Tower of Babel» and making a lengthy quote from a book titled: Across Cameroon from South to North (our translation) by Lieutenant Curt von Morgen, a 19th Century German officer in Cameroon.

After delivering his exposé, the minister finally treated the guests to a variety of Cameroonian and European dishes.

Organised at the Saint Anastasia leisure park in Yaounde, the dinner was attended by the Mfoundi SDO, the government delegate for the Yaounde City Council and a handful of cadres from state media.

Just like during preparations for the visit, the foreign journalists were back at work the next day with reports citing poverty, corruption, AIDS and demolition of roadside stalls to welcome the pope.

This suggests that they did not let the minister’s largesse riddle what they know about Cameroon.

International correspondents are in the habit of accessing information first hand and consulting country reports like that published by Amnesty International recently.

Issue 2195

Friday 20 - Sunday 22 March 2009

Departure:
French ambassador gets top foreign ministry job

Georges Serre has been nominated deputy head of a new department of globalisation at the French foreign ministry and is expected to take up duties in the months ahead. Yaounde may not miss him

By Clovis Atatah in Yaounde

French ambassador George Serre will likely leave Cameroon by the end of this year to take up a new job at the Quai d’Orsay, the French foreign ministry.

Serre has been nominated deputy director of the directorate general of globalisation, a new strategic department in the French foreign ministry, reports this week’s issue of Jeune Afrique.

The nominee for director of the new department, Christian Masset, is currently director of economic affairs at the Quai d’Orsay.

Both men will only assume their new duties after approval by the French council of ministers. It is not known when they will take up their new posts, but it is likely to be in a matter of months.

French foreign minister Bernard Kouchner created the new department as part of his ongoing reform efforts. The department will help to centralise the treatment of dossiers in a wide-range of areas, which appear disparate at first sight, but confluent on closer look, such as economy, cooperation, health, aid, AIDS, environment etc.

Goerge Serre, who officially took up duties in Cameroon in October 2006, will be coming to the end of his three-year tour of duty in the course of this year before his departure to Paris.

It is not clear whether Yaounde will miss George Serre. To the pleasure of Yaounde, he was rather ambiguous on the sensitive ELECAM dossier, unlike other Western diplomats who openly criticised the partisan electoral body. At the same time, Yaounde must feel hurt by President Nicolas Sarkozy’s refusal to honour President Paul Biya’s invitation to visit Cameroon, a decision believed