In Reaction to President Biya’s Call: CAMCORE (UK Diaspora) Storms Cameroon, Makes Own Contribution to Consolidate Peace & Unity

* Proposes House of Chiefs to Consolidate Peace & Unity

Emmanuel Fuh Neba, Jeffrey Townsend Honoured

The Cameroon Council for Reunification (UK)-CAMCORE has reacted positively to the November 3^rd 2011 call from President Paul Biya for the Diaspora to put their intellectual and technical expertise at the service of their country. “The President’s invitation is a challenge CAMCORE has embraced and is committed to working towards a Cameroon fit for the 21^st century”. The two-man delegation which was made up of Emmanuel Fuh Neba, CEO of CAMCORE and Jeffrey Townsend, UK Parliamentary Researcher had a meeting with the North West Fons Union on August 30, 2012 in Bamenda to seek ways and strategies to consolidate peace and unity.

 In his address to North West Fons, Chief Executive Officer of the Cameroon Council for Reunification-CAMCORE, said that their mission to Cameroon steams from the fact that they have embraced wholeheartedly the clarion call from President Paul Biya to make their own contribution so that Cameroon remains one and indivisible. Emmanuel Fuh Neba said CAMCORE was created and launched in the House of Commons (UK Parliament) by a group of UK based Cameroon diasporas.

He emphasized that “though based in the UK, CAMCORE is currently developing and establishing a robust network within Cameroon.  We believe through our combined efforts, we can make our dearly beloved country a place all can proudly call home”.

Ambassadors of Peace being decorated by Fon of Nso and Bafut

Harping on their mission statement, Emmanuel Fuh Neba reiterated that “CAMECORE will seek to create opportunities for diverse communities to dialogue and collectively work on specific issues with efficiency and effectiveness, to achieve greater influence, with the object of promoting sustainable development”. He argued that “the solemn task of keeping our nation united, peaceful and prosperous is not the responsibility of one section of our society alone, but a lengthy community consultation task that requires a degree of prolonged and sustained effort from Cameroonian traditional rulers as well”.

To Emmanuel Fuh Neba, President Biya’s 2011 call for the Diaspora to play an active role in nation building was deeply appreciated and keenly felt by all. The call he said came at the most propitious time of Cameroon’s history – a time when the challenges facing the nation are real, serious and many. He noted that “Cameroon’s economy is badly weakened, businesses are shuttering, youth unemployment is souring, and graduates are fleeing Cameroon and realizing their potential abroad.

The arrest of senior government officials in connection with the Albatross scandal is creating a major fragility in the regional and ethnic alliances which Cameroon's much-vaunted stability rests.

On the eve of the 50th anniversary celebration of Reunification, there is an invigorating discontentment amongst Anglophone Cameroonians at home and abroad, prompting the Southern Cameroon National Council (SCNC) to embolden its clamour for secession. 

Extreme poverty, democratic deficits and social inequalities have made some of our neighbourhoods a possible fertile breeding ground for Boko Haram, which may further plunge our nation into a sectarian mayhem.

These are indicators of serious crisis, a consequence of our collective failure to act, and an inevitable nagging fear that our nation might be another Zaire, Rwanda or Liberia.

Drawing his inspiration from the Holy Scriptures, as recorded in the synoptic gospels; Matthew, Mark and Luke, he said that “a house divided against itself cannot stand”. 

Emmanuel Fuh Neba was very frank to tell the fons in their faces that “Cameroon’s traditional authorities - fons, chiefs, sultans and lamidos (emirs) were once the indisputable custodians of the nation’s tradition, culture and identity. They represented a true reflection of the legitimate aspirations of the Cameroonian people. They discharged their functions and delivered judgment with neither fear nor favor and were seen as embodiments of wisdom and character”. But he regretted that 50 years after independence and reunification, Cameroon’s once revered traditional authorities are helplessly watching their power progressively shrinking and their institutions teetering on the brink of collapse. “Their powers are eroding, palaces collapsing, and there are virtually little or no stipends for them. In fact, they have been shamefully relegated to the hallmarks of ‘royal beggars’.

Emmanuel Fuh Neba also lamented that “in a bid to survive, many traditional rulers have chosen to scheme, abet fraud and betray their subjects - even at the detriment of their people and country. We have witnessed venerated sultans and Lamidos humiliated by their people, once respected fons pelted with rotten tomatoes, some burnt to dead, others arrested and jailed for murder, theft, embezzlement, drunken fights over alcohol and women and illicit land sales. Some palaces have been ransacked and set ablaze.

Many traditional authorities have been used as toys by politicians, making them to desecrate their throne, and to be ridiculed and openly challenged by their people. Cameroonians even called for the abolition of traditional institutions”.

Creation of the House of Chiefs

In presentation CAMCORE CEO proposed that “despite the raging debate on the role of traditional rulers in Cameroon, Cameroonians cannot help but believe that our nation can tackle rural poverty and emerge from the current dark era of stale political arguments if traditional authorities can make a genuine effort to embody a new spirit of service to their people and nation”.

To achieve this, he summarized, “traditional rulers must chose unity of purpose over discord, and must embrace the vision, hard work, and persistence of giants like Chief Sakwe Bokwe, HRH Achirimbi II, HRH Njimoluh Njoya, HRH Bouba Ahmadou and many others who acted so boldly five decades ago to integrate our diverse ethno- regional groups into the Cameroon state, and ensured that their kingdoms were the bulwark of food production”. Accordingly, he revealed that given the insurmountable challenges facing Cameroon today, the institution of a ‘House of Chiefs’ will add impetus to Cameroon’s advancing democracy and help the National Assembly to stand as a beacon to find vital solutions. “Through the ‘House of Chiefs’, traditional authorities will be able to work together, learn from each other, foster mutual respect and trust and promote a greater sense of belonging. They will develop Benchmarks and strategies to safeguard Cameroon’s diverse heritage, partner in development, champion tribal conflict resolutions and enforce customary laws”.  

This he added, will enable them to represent a true reflection of the legitimate aspiration of Cameroonians in the Senate, and also debate key issues like sustainable economic growth, agricultural revolution, industrialization, energy production, and transportation / telecommunication infrastructure in rural parts of Cameroon. Cameroon, he concluded should remain one and indivisible.

On his part, the Representative of the Governor of the North West Region, Nji Joseph in his speech saluted the presence of CAMCORE delegation and added that government is aware of the role of traditional rulers in fostering peace and national unity. He called on the traditional rulers to continue in their efforts in maintaining peace and concluded that the resolutions of the meeting shall be handed to the right quarters. On his part, HRH Fon Teche Njei NOWEFU President exploded with joy that the idea of the House of Chiefs was very impressive. He said NOWEFU stands for a one and indivisible Cameroon. “Even if we have our problems, they should be solved from within” and that the House of Chiefs will provide an appropriate avenue for problem solving.

One of the key speakers during the meeting was Rt Hon. Simon Achidi Achu. In his presentation on National Unity, he said when he was appointed Prime Minister and Head of Government; one of the ideas that came to his mind was create an instrument of unity for traditional rulers. This, he said gave birth to what is today known as NOWEFU. The Rt Hon. Achidi Achu, used the occasion to call on everyone to support NOWEFU and President Paul Biya. To Simon Achidi, Cameroon remains a one and indivisible nation. Other speakers included the 2^nd Deputy Mayor of Bamenda III, HRM Fon Abuhmbi of Bafut, Fon Fobuzie, Fon Anneng etc …… who all saluted the contribution of CAMCORE.

It should be noted that at the end of the meeting, in move to encourage CAMCORE delegation for their efforts to consolidate peace and unity, North West Fons honoured them with a red feather. Emmanuel Fuh Neba and Jeffrey Townsend were honoured as Cameroon’s Ambassador of Peace in the Diaspora while Ma Yah Achidi Achu Judith was conferred the title of “mafor”.













When News Breaks Out, We Break In. Minute by Minute Report on Cameroon and Africa

The Guardian Post Publisher in Cameroon Under Death Threats

 The Management of The Guardian Post Media Group hereby notifies the national and international community that its Publisher/Editor Ngah Christian Mbipgo has for the past two weeks been receiving life-threatening anonymous phone calls.
The cabal has vowed to go to every length ti eliminate the Publisher/Editor of the authoritative weekly English newspaper, physically or metaphysically; over what they say is "the Newspaper's attempt to expose the political ambitions of their master".
"Don't bother to go into hiding because we are monitoring all your movements and must make sure you pay the ultimate price for daring to tread where even angels dread", one of the anonymous caller is quoted to have told Ngah Christian on phone.
Given that many journalists have of late died under suspicious and mysterious circumstances in Cameroon, the management of The Guardian Post Media Group is not taking these threats lightly. Diplomatic missions in Cameroon as well as national and international human rights organization have been alerted, we were informed. Our source also hinted that some individuals are being suspected, yet their names have been kept secret. 






When News Breaks Out, We Break In. Minute by Minute Report on Cameroon and Africa

Rain Bird Award Winner (CIGSUDev) Takes Tree Planting to Bambili Water Catchment

 

Planting a tree nowadays, is the best gift to humankind but planting the right tree at the right place and moment is giving life to humanity. The Community Initiative Group for Sustainable Development, a result-oriented and 2012 Award winner of the Rain Bird/ Intelligent Use of Water Award has taken tree planting to the Bambili water catchment in Mezam Division of the North West Region of Cameroon.

The trees were planted at the main water catchment with the participation of the Tubah Union for Peace, Progress and Prosperity-TUP3. Prof. Abety Peter, the Coordinator of TUP3 thanked Rain Bird/ Intelligent Use of Water Award (USA) for initiating such a life-changing program that is impacting on the lives of people around the world which his community has benefited thanks to CIGSUDev.  Prof. Peter Abety also reiterated that the Bambili water catchment still needs over 20.000 trees to protect the main water catchment. He lamented that before the creation of TUP3 to promote sustainable actions, water problem in Tubah, water scarcity was already at crisis. “The main water ctachment where the trees are being planted serves the entire Sub Division and we will happily work with CIGSUDev to see that all the eucalyptus trees found in the watershed are also eradicated”.

On his part, the Coordinator of CIGSUDev Menkefor John enjoined Rain Bird/Intelligent Use of Water Award team for the timely support that will go a long way to improve on access to water in Bambili. He said Rain Bird/ Intelligent Use of Water Award has as objective to promote the sustainable use of water around the world. He frowned at the invasion of eucalyptus trees in water catchments and added that to plant is tree is very important but planting the right tree at the right place is more sustainable. He said the choice of the Bambili water catchment was due to the fact that the creation of the University of Bamenda and the Higher Technical Teachers Training College, the increasing population is facing the problem of water scarcity. This problem according to Mr. Menkefor John can only be resolved if water loving trees are planted at the catchment.

The trees planted included Grevilia Robusta, Protocapus, Vitex, Mahogany and Acacia. It should be noted that more than 80% of the water catchments in the North West Region are invaded by eucalyptus trees. The cultivation of eucalyptus trees in watersheds in the region has contributed enormously to the water crisis. In as much as the population depends on these trees for fuel wood, a mature eucalyptus tree planted around the catchment or watershed consumes as much as 400 liters of water in day. It has caused untold water shortage in areas like Nkambe-Donga Mantung Division, Kumbo-Bui Division, Tubah, Bamendakwe (Mezam) and some villages in Mechum.

Grevilia Robusta is one of the trees that CIGSUDev is promoting in the region as the best replacement for eucalyptus. It is fast growing, water lovely and has the other features of the eucalyptus trees. Menkefor John says CIGSUDev will seek support from its partners like Rain Bird/ Intelligent Use of Water Award to set up a 50.000 Grevillia Robusta tree nursery to replace eucalyptus trees in water catchments in 2013.
When News Breaks Out, We Break In. Minute by Minute Report on Cameroon and Africa

Who Wants to Paint El Hadj Baba Danpullo Black?

 

El Hadj Baba (in white surrounded by NW Fons)

El Hadji Baba Ahmadou Danpullo one of the leading employers in Cameroon is again in the news. El Hadj Baba alias Ndawara has been a victim of backstabbing and slanders. This ill-fated state of affairs that is unjustifiably is being masterminded by a group of people based in Douala. According to what we gathered, media organs have been hired to embark on destroying Baba Danpullo’s reputation just at the time he started developing some parcels of land he acquired in Douala.

We were hinted that even though El Hadj Baba has remained unperturbed by these offensive, counterfeited and fictitious press reports, he has not ruled out the option of resorting to the law to correct the prejudice he is suffering from the squatters over the pieces of land he acquired legitimately and the false public opinion created by the media.

Genesis

The press organs that have published the erroneous information about Baba claim that he has seized land from some inhabitants of Akwa, Marche Congo in Douala. In actual fact, Baba is the rightful owner of the piece of land in Akwa Douala that is being claimed by illegal quarters. It all began with the recent fire incident that consumed the Marché Congo in Douala. After the fire incident, some squatters swung into action to occupy parcels of land that belong to others in the bid to occupy the vast land left by the fire disaster that razed every thing to ashes. Some squatters even erected houses on Baba’s land that was adjacent to the burnt down Marche Congo. The piece of land has a surface area of some 720 square metres. Knowing that Baba would not accept, the squatters decided to hire press organs to circulate erroneous information about the piece of land and Baba. In their bid to derail the public, they allegedly hired media organs stating that the land title of the piece of land in question was long cancelled by a decision of the Administrative Bench of the Supreme Court in June 2010.

Contrary to this erroneous information circulated by the hired press organs, information gathered at the right sources in charge of land issues in Douala indicated that Baba Ahmadou is the proprietor of the land in question. In actual fact, the land has a certificate Nº 3712/Y10/MINDCAF/P530 of July 31, 2012 delivered by the Ministry of Land Tenure. The certificate reads “the land conservator of Wouri, Here undersigned certifies that an urban building constructed on a surface area of 720m² situated at Douala in the Akwa neighbourhoods belongs in all legality to Mr. El Hadj Baba Ahmadou who acquired it on December 6, 1995 through mutation after sales”. According to this certificate, it therefore implicitly means that there is no land problem or landownership problem between Baba Ahmadou and whosoever according to the statutes applicable to Land Tenure and ownership.

Sometime in the past, it should be recalled that Baba Danpullo, a peace loving Cameroonian who respects the law wanted to develop the said piece of land. But some squatters have already occupied the land, Baba invited the late quarter head, Bakouna Cache for mutual discussions so that he could ask the squatters to leave his piece of land and settle somewhere else. Being generous he did not want to throw people into the street or use force. We also gathered from some reliable squatters that at that time, he even promised financial compensation to enable the squatters resettle somewhere else. Unfortunately, this humanitarian gesture was obstinately rejected by the illegal squatters as if the land was theirs.

It was after the fire incident that consumed the Marche Congo that Baba wanted to regain his piece of land. But his attempt to develop his rightful possession has instead been tagged a land grabber.

Gov’t Delegate, Douala II Divisional Officer, &  the Truth

After careful verification with authentic documents, our source hinted that the Government Delegate of the Douala City Council, Fritz Ntone Ntone, wrote to the D.O Douala II, drawing his attention to the fact that the said piece of land rightfully belonged to Baba Ahmadou Danpullo. This was done following a complaint by Baba after all amicable solutions have failed. The letter reads “The DO of Douala II informed me last July 16^th, 2012 of your correspondence with the following subject: Buildings erected on your land with land title Nº 8402/W were also destroyed by the fire incident that took place on the night of 3^rd and 4^th of July 2012. And in this light, you want to rebuild a modern commercial complex in the site. In this light, I request that you constitute a building permit file following the laid down rules and deposit it in my office and wish the same manner that you suspend all activities on the site until your permit is granted”. This was the letter of the Government Delegate Fritz Ntone Ntone.

Other Occurrences

Some time ago, Baba Danpullo was unduly accused of seizing land from the Mbororos and violating human rights. These unjustified accusations forced former US Ambassador Neil Marquardit to personally visit Ndawara Tea Estate in the North West Region of Cameroon to have an on the spot assessment of the situation. Instead, Neil was very embarrassed with what he saw. He discovered that through Baba initiative, SODELCO was created to encourage mutual co-existence between the fulanis and other ethic groups as well as contribute towards the socio-cultural development of the people.

El Hadj Baba vision has always been that the Fulani people are not a minority in Cameroon and that Mbororo is not an ethic group.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. Minute by Minute Report on Cameroon and Africa

UNVDA and the Rice Deficit in Cameroon

Chin Richard: Will he make or mar

After the demise of SODERIM, there are fears that the Upper Noun Valley Development Authority-UNDVA could easily kick the bucket to bit farewell to rice production, processing and marketing. Even though officials of UNVDA are claiming that new rice fields have been developed in Balikumbat and Bafanji while the abandoned fields located at Bamunka, Baba and Babungo respectively have been rehabilitated; the level of skeptic as to whether the kangaroo management system in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will give room for Ndop rice to resurface on market counters is still very high.

In the past, UNVDA used to run a small shop at the entrance of the main office, but for more than 5 years now, the shop disappeared alongside UNVDA rice on market counters. At some point in time, former Minister of Agriculture, Augustine Federick Kodock (of blessed memory) signed a controversial text transferring the head office of UNVDA from Ndop to Bamenda. The decision almost generated into street rioting yet public opinion holds that the decision was initiated to kill UNVDA like WADA which was never liquidated since closure. What therefore was government’s hidden agenda to transfer UNVDA head office from Ndop to Bamenda?

Before now, UNVDA was producing rice varieties like Tox and Tainan 5 which many Cameroonians enjoyed it tastefulness but the productivity was very low as compared to the demand. Instead of increasing the fields, government was reluctant in disbursing funds for the purchase of rice from farmers. Mysteriously, rice production has remained paper works with government disbursing huge sums as running cost. Nevertheless, the management continuously talks of strategies to increase the quantity and quality of Ndop rice. Recently, the new Manager of UNVDA, Chin Richard was on tree tops announcing the introduction of another new rice variety (NEIRICA) which produces between 5 to 7 tons per hectare as compared to Tox variety which produces between 3 and 5 tons per hectare.

It should be noted that 650.000 tons of rice is needed in Cameroon annually but the country can only produce less than 200.000 tons per year with UNVDA contributing apparently nothing. If not of the land grabbing Chinese rice farmers that have invaded recently Cameroonians would have relied on imported rice. Yet UNVDA has been boosting of enough land for the cultivation of rice. The most pathetic thing is that over 15.000 hectares are still unexploited.

Whereas government had invested hundreds of millions of FCFA to acquire the best hauling machine which according to production statistics is under-utilized. Chin Richard noted that another new variety of rice dubbed, “Irga 417”, has just been imported from Brazil including some equipment but public opinion is still skeptical that as far as farmers are not empowered, all these investments will end up in waste. According to a hint, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development is expected in Ndop soon but sources hinted that Minister Essimi Menye’s visit could only create an impact if he (Minister Essimi Menye) dislodges the barriers in his Ministry. Two years ago, an agent was arrested in one of the hotels in Yaounde in connection to funds allocated to UNVDA. According to what we gathered, the man who claimed he a middleman between the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Finance was arrested thanks to Prime Minister Yang Philemon’s muscular intervention. 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. Minute by Minute Report on Cameroon and Africa

The Bamenda Declaration by G7 on the Electoral Code Exploits New Avenues

 

Garga, Dzongang, Fru Ndi, Prof. Fabien & Ayah

Members of the G7 met in Bamenda today August 24, 2012. The meeting code- named National Forum on the electoral code and the preservation of peace in Cameroon had as guest speakers Prof. Fabien Eboussi Boulaga, Dr. Owona Vincent Nguini, Dr. Stephan Akoa and others. Opposition leaders present in the Bamenda conclave were Ni John Fru Ndi, Hon Ayah Paul Abine, Garga Haman and Ablert Dzongang. Conspicuously absent but represented were Edith Kah Walla, Ben Muna and Adamu Ndam Njoya.

At the end of the meeting G7 came out with what will henceforth be known as the Bamenda Declaration.

Here  is the full text of the Bamenda Declaration.

The leaders of the G7, political parties non members of the G7 and members of the civil society met in Bamenda on August 24, 2012 within the context of the National Forum on the Electoral Code and the Preservation of Peace in Cameroon,

Following their deliberations, they decided to:

¨                                   Put together all proposals made by the different participants and also the various thematic documents presented by the G7 political parties in view of handing them to the technical Secretariat responsible for drafting the final proposals for the amendment of the Electoral Code adopted by the National Assembly in April 2012 to make it inclusive and democratic.

¨                                   Put in place a Synthesis Committee made of experts in charge of editing the final draft of the Electoral Code.

¨                                   Make the commitment to publish the final document at their earliest convenience.

Done in Bamenda this 24^th August, 2012

Signed

Ni John Fru Ndi

Adamou Ndam Njoya (Represented by Ndeuchela Christophe)

Garga Haman Adji

Albert Dzongang

Ayah Paul Abine

Edith Kah Walla (Represented by Som Jospeh)

 UP NEXT: WHY G7 MAY SINK INTO THE DOLDRUMS

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. Minute by Minute Report on Cameroon and Africa

50th Anniversary Celebration of Reunification: The Diasporas to Consolidate Peace and Unity

Emmanuel Fuh Neba: CEO of CAMCORE/Award winner

In reaction to the November 3^rd 2011 call from President Paul Biya for the Diaspora to put their intellectual and technical expertise at the service of their country, an organization which was launched in the House of Commons (UK Parliament) by a group of UK based Cameroon diasporas will visit Cameroon soon. According to the Chief Executive Officer of the Cameroon Council for Reunification-CAMCORE, their mission to Cameroon steams from the fact that they have embraced wholeheartedly the clarion call from President Paul Biya.

Emmanuel Fuh Neba, CAMECORE Chief Executive Officer told this reporter on phone that though based in the UK, CAMCORE is currently creating and establishing a robust network in Cameroon. Harping on why the Diasporas have to contribute to consolidate reunification, Emmanuel Neba Fuh said CAMCORE will create opportunities for communities to dialogue and collectively work on specific issues with efficiency and effectiveness, to achieve greater influence,  thus promoting sustainable development. Emmanuel Neba Fuh further corroborated that “the solemn task of keeping our nation united, peaceful and prosperous is not the responsibility of one section of our society alone, but a lengthy community consultation task that requires a degree of prolonged and sustained effort from Cameroonian traditional rulers as well”. Reasons why in the few days, a CAMCORE delegation will visit Cameroon to meet and discuss with some Cameroon traditional authorities,( fons, chiefs, sultan, lamidos etc etc) MPs and some government officials.

The Official launching of CAMCORE in the House of Commons

Emmanuel Neba Fuh continued that during the struggle for independence and reunification of Cameroon, traditional authorities played a very vital role because their nobility and integrity won the respect of their subjects and gave Cameroon a new sense of dignity and destiny.

Accordingly, he observed that traditional authorities were the sine qua non for the avoidance of civil wars and administrative chaos, and played a pivotal role in the integration of diverse ethno- regional groups into the State.

50 years after independence and reunification, he noted “Cameroon’s once revered traditional authorities are helplessly watching their power progressively shrink and their institutions teetering on the brink of collapse. Their powers are eroding, palaces collapsing, and there are virtually little or no stipends for them. In fact, they have been shamefully relegated to the hallmarks of ‘royal beggars”  

Emmanuel Neba Fuh who will be accompanied to Cameroon by a UK Parliamentary Researcher says “despite the raging debate on the role of traditional rulers in Cameroon, Cameroonians cannot help but believe that our nation can tackle rural poverty and emerge from the current dark era of stale political arguments if traditional authorities can make a genuine effort to embody a new spirit of service to their people and nation”.

Mr. Emmanuel Neba Fuh added that CAMCORE is working on a proposal that will provide a platform where traditional authorities can be seen as embodiments of wisdom and character, preserve Cameroon’s tradition and cultural heritage, and collectively advocate on issues of national interest, with the object of promoting sustainable development and giving Cameroon a new sense of dignity and destiny.

It should be recalled that Cameroon Council for Reunification (CAMCORE) is an organisation which was launched in the House of Commons (UK Parliament), by a group of UK based Diaspora Cameroonians. CAMCORE is open to working with a cross section of Cameroonians and friends of Cameroon, within and out of the country. According to reliable information, Emmanuel Neba and his team will seek for ways and strategies to consolidate peace and national unity as part of their contribution towards building a more prosperous and indivisible Cameroon. As Emmanuel Neba Fuh puts it: Our mission will be to discuss partnership working agreements with opinion and traditional authorities, liaise with newly established structures and enable them access resources capital, volunteers, training, equipments etc for a better Cameroon”.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. Minute by Minute Report on Cameroon and Africa

How Yaounde Caused Simon Nkwenti’s Death

 

Simon Nkwenti, the agrarian Trade Unionist and civil society leader cum CATTU Scribe is no more. Simon Nkwenti died on Tuesday August 21, 2012 at the Bamenda General Hospital. The news of his death flustered the population of Bamenda city and reverberated across the country like hurricane catherina. No death of a Cameroonian has produced such a shocking atmosphere within the last 20 years like his death. Simon Nkwenti died soon after celebrating his 49^th birthday. Judging from his health record, it is aired Nkwenti was diabetic. Diabetes and hypertension are twin brothers, but every modern doctor would attest that to maintain a stable condition it is necessary that the patient should never be exposed to any stressful situation.

But Nkwenti loved Cameroon to such an extent that he found it absolutely impossible to relax or sleep if anything was going wrong. He founded the most vibrant teacher’s trade union CATTU to fight for the welfare of teachers which always put him at unfriendly relations with the people in Yaounde (Regime). In his capacity as the Secretary General of the Cameroon Teachers Trade Union-CATTU, he fought hard to improve on the status of the teachers. Being a true-born leader, Simon Nkwenti also got himself into civil society activism. His ideas and lobbying skills were accepted and approved by Cameroonians as everyone approved his approach of naming and shaming corrupt practices.

Simon Nkwenti was somebody who could never be satisfied with mediocrity when excellence could be attained. He wanted and spent his life working for the best for Cameroon in terms of education. But since charity as they say should begin at home, he fought for the creation of a Higher Technical Teacher Training College and the second cycle of ENS, both in Bambili. He was a frontliner in the fight for the creation of the University of Bamenda-UBa. When the Biya regime dragged it feet in appointing the administration of UBa, Nkwenti threatened to go to the streets. He was even arrested and detained at the judicial police for over 6 hours before Fon Chafah threatened to enter the cell if Nkwenti was not released.  

Besides, when Nkwenti took the decision to combat crime in Bamenda, the Yaounde regime was rattled. At the Presidency of the Republic, Nkwenti’s name became anathema. The question was how can a civilian champion a fight against crime? At a certain point, he was attacked. It is alleged he was even shot. But being a true-born leader, he survived. Nothing has ever threatened the Biya regime than when Nkwenti created vigilant groups in each quarter to combat crimes in Bamenda. It was therefore thanks to Nkwenti that special elite forces like BIR and Esir were to combat crimes were trained and dispatched to big towns in the country. Yet, government had never taken it lightly.  

Why the  Biya Regime is blamed for Nkwenti’s Death?

No regime anywhere on earth likes to be pushed around, especially a dictatorial regime. The Biya regime certainly felt uncomfortable being constantly reminded to fulfill the duty it is in place for.

When Nkwenti attended a meeting in Bertoua, he sensitized both the English and French teachers on a march for the application of article 66, this was when the regime was determined he was not to succeed. That march was to ensure that President Biya declares his assets and by so doing set the pace for others to follow.

Public opinion in Bamenda however holds that Nkwenti had to die for the doctorial and corruption prone regime to survive. But as one Nkwenti sympathizer said in spontaneous reaction to Nkwenti’s death today at Press and Associates in Bamenda, when you kill a hero, you simply make room for another hero to emerge. The welfare of the people has never been the preoccupation of those in power in Cameroon. Personal interest is the motivation for nearly all actions. Simon Nkwenti was on treatment when a meeting was convened to discuss the sensitive issue of the price hikes at the Prime Minister’s Office. The conveners knew Nkwenti was on a sick bed but they insisted he should attend the meeting. Nkwenti left the hospital to attend the meeting. That decision was part of his life to see that Cameroon is better for everyone. It should be recalled that former Governor of the North West Region had suspended Nkwenti’s salary. That was enough stress for him and it was intended to starve his family. Government also used the Teachers Association of Cameroon-TAC (or what it means) to write petitions against CATTU and Nkwenti which were sent to ministries and even some partners of CATTU like Frederich Elbert Foundation. Like the Pharisees they stood at the gate of the paradise of giving Cameroonians better standards of living








When News Breaks Out, We Break In. Minute by Minute Report on Cameroon and Africa

Nkwenti Simon (CATTU SG) is Dead

 

Nkwenti Simon: The True-born Civil Society leader

It started like a joke and no one believed it. But just within few seconds, the news took Bamenda like storm and then the darkest side of history finally revealed itself that Simon Nkwenti is gone. In less than five minutes Bamenda suddenly turned murky as people started crying along the streets. Students, parents, guardians, civil society activists, okada riders, taxi men, buyam-sellams, civil servants, teachers, in fact everyone was down including this reporter. It was as if the world has come to a stand-still and that the Simon Nkwenti which is dead is not the man I know. The man who could in a matter of minutes move from people of high standards to people who have nothing just to make everyone happy. Dead, Dead has dealt with the Bamenda man again. And truly, Simon Nkwenti is no more. He died at the Bamenda General Hospital after a protracted illness. Many continue to wonder aloud whether Simon Nkwenti’s dead today August 21, 2012 is natural or not. Bamenda is presently a paralyzed city and Chomba village is like a desert of silence by grief, there is total upset and shock in every home. The Bamenda General Hospital was today morning a beehive as thousand gathered to get a glimpse of the departed true-born civil society activist. Hundreds could still be seen trekking towards the hospital even though his corps has been kept at the mortuary.

The city of Bamenda, and the entire North West Region is in a state of shock following the dead of Simon Nkwenti. An atmosphere of stale familiarity now reins in Bamenda, the capital city of the Northwest Region where everyone is skeptical about the future of the Bamenda man without the vocal and agrarian civil society activist.

The word on everyone’s lip today in Bamenda is Simon Nkwenti. The tears on every eye is for Simon Nkwenti. Those who have known him and even those who have only heard of his actions were broken down like pieces metals.
In fact, Simon Nkwenti was a man of extra abilities, a teacher, an advocate, lobbyist and civil society leader. A man who has spent his entire life to right the wrongs of society and a man who stood for the down trodden. As Cameroonians continue to mount his departure, Simon Nkwenti would be remembered as the Executive Secretary of Cameroon Teachers Trade Union who rescued the Anglophone sub system of education from collapsing and he equally took out the teachers from the doldrums to give them a voice. He not only a teacher advocates, but was one of the most dynamic civil society leaders in the Cameroon. With Dynamic Citoyen, Simon Nkwenti became not just a town crier to blue whistles in places where there was high level of corruption but he was the country’s crier who could denounce any malpractices and any time without fear.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. Minute by Minute Report on Cameroon and Africa

Ta Nformi Gerard Ngala’s Football Finals Pull Over 10.000

Gerard Ngala Handing the Male Trophy to Capt. of Achaba FC

There was euphoria and fanfare at the uncompleted Nkambe Municipal Sports Complex on August 19, 2012 where a crowd of over 10.000 people gathered to support Ta Nformi Gerard Ngala’s efforts to promote football development in Mbumland. Vuvuzelas trumpeted high echoing into the eucalyptus forests, while the drumming and singing also echoed into the small valleys around the stadium. A football tournament for both men and women worth 1.500.000 FCFA described as the first of it kind in Donga Mantung Division was what had brought together the crowd. The cash prize for the male tournament was 1.000.000 FCFA while that of the female was 5.00.000 FCFA. It was a unique moment for young talented footballers in Mbumland to portray their skills in order to convince the population whether Mbumland could ever dream of a 2^nd Division football team.

The tournament which has been described by football lovers and observers as a unifying tool for the Mbum people of Nkambe Central and Ndu Sub Divisions in Donga Mantung Division of the North West Region entered into records as the biggest crowd pulling occasion ever witnessed in Mbumland.In fact it was a moment of merry making and for those who have never had the opportunity to express their gratitude to Ta Nformi Gerard Ngala to do it in songs.

Launched two months ago with over 18 football teams competing in the male and female tournament, Ta Nformi Ngala Gerard’s tournament brought back home young talented football players from all the four corners of the country.

Donga Mantung Administration Applauds Donor

1st Assistant SDO Ambomo Mani handing to female 

Addressing the crowd during the occasion, Mr. Ambomo Mani, the 1^st Assistant Senior Divisional Officer for Donga Mantung expressed gratitude to Ta Nformi Gerard for his efforts in promoting youth activities. He said that football is very important to society because it is an instrument that advocates for peace and unity. According to the 1^st Assistant SDO, Ta Nformi Gerard Ngala’s efforts in promoting peace and unity will always get government support. He encouraged the cup donor to continue with his philanthropic gestures towards youths, which he added are “outstanding and worth appreciating”.

Enter Ta Nformi Gerard Ngala

On his part, Gerard Ngala lamented the fact that the Nkambe Municipal Complex is still uncompleted whereas it is aired that the contract for the construction of the stadium was awarded some 13 years ago. He told the crowd that the tournament was sponsored by the Association for the Improvement of Living Standards-ASILIS and in his capacity as the Chief Executive Officer,  he used the opportunity to disclose the mission and objectives of his organization and added that the tournament is intended to unify the people of Mbumland as well as encourage young talents in football. He refuted allegations that the tournament had political colourations and lamented the absence of the Mayor and the MP who are suppose to be the pillars of support in social gatherings. Unfortunately, politics has made people to lose their human faces. He franked at the notion of putting a political tag to all activities  and emphasized that it is contributing to slowing down development efforts in Donga Mantung Division and especially Mbumland " a traffic jam to development" he noted.
 To Ta Nformi Gerard, ASILIS engaged in organizing the tournament to instill harmony and fun amongst the youths during this long vacation as well as develop a football nursery in Mbumland in view of preparing for a 1^st or at worst a 2^nd Division team.  He added that the reason for including a female tournament is aimed at encouraging the women folk to also be part of the new way. He also used the opportunity to call on the over 10.000 man crowd to register massively in the electoral register in order to choose their representatives in the up coming election. "A woman" he said "can manage the people of Nkambe and why not as mayor or Member of Parliament”. He cautioned the youths against the widespread of HIV/AIDS and reiterated that a free from HIV/AIDS youth is a productive one. “Nkambe is good but we can make it better” he reechoed with a lot of optimism.

He also congratulated students who made in the General Certificate of Education at all the levels and to those who did not, he prescribed hard work. To the parents, he applauded their efforts in sending their children to school but added that “more youths should be send to technical schools because the future is brighter in technical education”.

Female and Male Finals

At 1pm, the female football final kick off putting head to head Mansoh United of Nkambe and the Red Devils of Binka village. 15mins into the encounter, the Red Devils of Binka scored the cutting raiser. The first half of the match ended in-favour of the girls from Binka. When the second half resumed Mansoh United took control of all the movements. Their play style changed completely and they fought with all their energy to equalize the goal. At the 70^th Minute, Binka through No 9 shirted player hit the cross bar. The match ended with a draw and the match officials decided that the two teams should move directly to penalty kicks. In due course, Binka lost three penalty kicks while the girls of Mansoh missed two. There was jubilation and elation when the player of Mansoh United scored the last penalty kick that enabled them to win the match.

The male final beating the Squadra of Binju and the Achaba Football Club of Nkambe started at 4pm. The players of the two teams demonstrated their expertise in the game of football. Barely 32 minutes into the first half, Achaba FC scored the first goal. They took control of the match and enjoying the supremacy of the goal in their favour until 6 minutes to the end of the first half when the Achaba Boys committed a fault in the 18 meter box and the referee of the match pointed to the penalty spot. Squadra exploited the occasion to draw the tallies.

Upon resumption, the remaining 45 minutes ended with a goal. The two teams proceeded to penalty kicks whereby the goalkeepers for the both teams saved one penalty each. But as nature would make, the best player and captain of Squadra who kicked the last penalty displaced the keeper just to kick the ball wide-off target. The achaba boys went wide, there was singing and dancing. The pitch was invaded and emotions went high as achaba boys won.

It should be noted that that while Ta Nformi Gerard Ngala was presiding over the finals in Nkambe, the Wimbum Students were also playing another final sponsored by his organization. He donated the trophy for male and female to the tune of 500.000 FCFA. (more next on the WISU tournament)

What they said

Fon Ibrahim Japbfu Nfor (Fon of Nkambe)

“I think Ta Nformi Gerard is someone who is development oriented. He is a great man and I think we need many of such young people in Mbumland to prosper. I am really happy that this event is taking place on a Sunday and also the day that we are celebrating “Sallah”. It will unify more and more the Mbum people. To me, this is the best football match I have had the occasion to see in this stadium. I am really surprise that all these good players are our sons and daughters. I think if Ta Nformi Gerard continues, our dreams of having a good football team will come to past positively”.

Alhadj Borno Kamfon

Alhadj Borno handing prize

“I think this is the most successful tournament that we have had in this division. I am really delighted that Ta Nformi Gerard Ngala has committed himself to always promote and encourage unity in Mbumland. I see this tournament as one of those instruments that will go a long way to develop a football nursery where we will be able to see talented players and future football superstars. In fact I am happy to have been part of the team that organized this tournament and I also dup my heart to the CEO of ASILIS, Ta Nformi Gerard and Barrister Yembe for putting youths at the forefront of their actions”.

Betrand Bah (Squadra Binju)

“I have participated in many football tournaments in Bamenda and Nkambe, I think this is the best so far. You cannot imagine that even though we lost in the final, we received a sum of 250.000 FCFA. It is marvelous and as a football player, I think we (young football players) now have a shoulder on which we can lean. I wish to use this opportunity to appreciate Ta Nformi Gerard Ngala for organizing this tournament. We lost the battle not war and since it is sports, I was also touched by the massive turnout. I have played at the Bamenda Municipal Stadium but the crowd I saw in this field was marvelous. I think we have a lot of hope in ASILIS and in Ta Nformi Gerard Ngala as well. For sure, he is going to reshape football in Mbumland and I am really proud of him. He has our support and we will always be behind him”.

Nfor Emmanuel aka Nunu-Achaba FC

I wish to thank Ta Nformi Gerard Ngala for organizing this tournament. It is the first of its kind because no team complained. Moreso, the funds allocated for the tournament were managed in a very transparent manner. It is the first time for me to hear the amount given to each team being announced publicly. I think this is the rightful person that will change many things here. We of the Achaba union are all behind him and we will always give our little support to make sure that he succeeds in anything he wants to do for our people. He has shown us that he is a man on whom we can rely. I thank him and wish he makes this tournament a yearly event and that he should forget about people who have failed to concentrate on the future.
Bang Bullet

Bang Bullet

I wish to congratulate Gerard for organizing this tournament. Since we started playing football in Donga Mantung, this is the first time that we have seen and witnessed transparency in the management of funds allocated for the tournament. For example, the winner got a trophy and a sum of 400.000 FCFA, i think this is fantastic. I wish he keeps on with this spirit and also make sure that in the nearest future Nkambe should be able to come with a football team that can make a name. Ta Nformi Gerard is a great sports man and he not just proven it today, he started by supporting Nkambe FC and i am hopeful that he will provide us with a 2nd Division team. The people here like to watch football and i was very impressed by the turnout. I think apart from Minister Calistus homing and this football finals i have never seen a crowd like this in Nkambe. You great people are known by the number of people who support them, so to me Ta Nformi Gerard remains a force to reckon with in Donga Mantung Division.
Tamfu Jude Tamfu

Tamfu Jude Tamfu

I am really touched with the crowd and the way the tournament was organized from day one right up to the finals. But i am disappointed with the Nkambe Council. You can imagine that we stood in the rain to watch this match whereas a contract was given to one politician to construct a municipal sports complex for Nkambe. In fact it is shameful that we have leaders here who do not even care about us the youths. Coming back to the event of the day, i think Ta Nformi Gerard deserves all this support because he is down to earth, available and always listen to people. I am convinced that the way he managed this tournament will sound as a signal to those who continue to think that they can manipulate youths for their selfish interest. Whether they like it or not change must come to Nkambe and today we have seen that everyone is behind Gerard for the youths to build our Division. If the Mayor and the MP were absent here, it is not a surprise to me because i am sure they were aware that if they come here the population must surely jeer at them for abandoning the construction of this stadium.


When News Breaks Out, We Break In. Minute by Minute Report on Cameroon and Africa

Nkambe Mayor (Mangoh Jones) Wants WISU Divided

Created on August 15, 1979, the Wimbum Students Union has been a unifying factor in Mbumland. Yet, this unity seems to be bubbling and disturbing the minds of some politicians. Last Friday, the Mayor of Nkambe resurfaced the obnoxious plan to split the association. Mangoh Jones Tanko who has always claim to be one of the patrons of the students union told Wusuians at the Mbaa Convention that it is time for the association to split into two. According to Mangoh Jones, suggested that there should be a WISU for Ndu Sub Division and another for Nkambe Central Sub Division. The pronouncement angered students to the point that he was jeered out of the rostrum. Observers are of the opinion that the divide and rule syndrome in Mbumland may likely take its roots in youth movements if care is not taken. Reacting to this statement by Mangoh Jones, Alhadj Borno Kamfon castigated the proposal and added that it is shameful that such plans are being proposed to youths. He said if it is accepted then WISU which has been the symbol of unity and strength of the Mbum people will be rubbed in the mud for obvious reasons. 

Gerard Ngala, who for years now has been advocating for the unity of Mbum people sounded optimistic that such a plan to further split Mbum people will never succeed again. He said the youths are more determined than ever to ignore all these elitist ideas. 

Talking to this reporter, Nfor Ernest regretted that politicians want to split them so that they could easily manipulate the association for selfish interest. He added that after splitting the Mbum people into clans,"it is now the students union and they will not succeed". Mercy Ndi on the other hand lamented the fact that the old political guards of Mbumland are really determine to infiltrate the union inorder to destroy it. However, it is rumoured that the Mayor of Nkambe, Mangoh Jones Tanko left Mbaa village a little disappointed as his proposal to ruin the student union met stiff resistance yet, Hon. Awudu Mbaya is also reported to have outsmarted the students in another scenario that almost generated into chaos. (See separate story coming up next) 

Coming up: How Hon Awudu Mbaya created the Unexpected at WISU Convention

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. Minute by Minute Report on Cameroon and Africa

Ntumfor Nico Halle Urges Christians to Be Each Other’s Keeper

Ntumfor Nico Halle

The National President of the Christian Men Fellowship-CMF, Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle has urged Christians of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon to shun away from gossips, slanders and back-biting. Drawing his motivation from the Book of Act and Mathew during a sermon at Presbyterian Church Up Station-Bamenda, CMF national President told Christians that blessed are those who have taken the Bible as the Book of Wisdom. Being a Lay preacher of the PCC, CMF national President who was on an evangelistic outreach reminded Christians that loving one another should be the modus operandi per say in the church of God.   In his sermon, Ntumfor Nico Halle said that spirituality should not be misapprehended for idols rather, “spirituality is having Christ in oneself”.

He said men who always disapprove their wives when they are doing God’s work are persecuting their wives. The irony, he observed is that persecution mostly from well placed people in the church and society. He said some of these persecutions come through obnoxious acts such as masterminding the transfer of a pastor, following others wives and husbands and so on and so forth. However, Ntumfor Nico Halle called on CMF members to be models in society because money without God is nothing, thus confirming that a man would gain nothing if he loses his soul and gain the whole world.

Reacting to journalists on the phenomenon of main stream churches constantly losing their weight due to the invasion healing and miracle performing churches, Ntumfor said the PCC has well trained Pastors which are well structure and that all of those who are running away do not know what they want. “If you know what you want, you stay on board to be part of the change that you want. When you’re not part of the change that you want then you’re heading for doom…” Ntumfor answered.  To Ntumfor Nico Halle, the Bible is the Book of Thoughts and could serve anyone, anyway when needed. He concluded by arguing that people should learn to use their positions for the glory of God and that if they don’t serve in the glory of God, they will crash and won’t have any reason to cry.




When News Breaks Out, We Break In. Minute by Minute Report on Cameroon and Africa

Press Release: The University of Bamenda (Entrance Exams)

 

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Bamenda announces to the general public that admissions into the Faculty of Science are open to holders of the GCE A-Level certificates, the Baccalaureate certificate or equivalents.

Applications are invited from candidates wishing to pursue studies leading to a BSc in applied Zoology, Applied Botany, Microbiology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Computer Science and Physics.

Candidates should submit the following documents to the Faculty Admissions Office at the University Campus, Bambili:

- A certified copy of birth certificate

- A certified copy of GCE O-Level or Probatoire certificate (including mathematics and English)

- A certified copy of GCE A-Level or Baccalaureate certificate

- A medical certificate from the University of Bamenda

- Four passport-sized photographs

- Transcripts of secondary and high school results

- A receipt for a non-refundable fee of CFA 12.000 Francs payable to account number 10025 00030 17101020845 25 at ANY branch of NFC Bank. No other form of payment is accepted.

- A self-addressed stamped (at current postal rate) A4 size envelop

- An application form obtainable at the University of Bamenda and throughout the Pressbook network.

The deadline for all applications is 31 August 2012. Late applications will not be received.

Tafah Edokat O. Edward

Professor

University of Bamenda

Faculty of Health Sciences

Communiqué

Requirements For The Entrance Examinations Into Nursing And Medical Laboratory Sciences For The 2012/2013 Academic Session

Application Files should comprise the following documents:

Qualifications:

- At least 05 papers at O/L including English, Biology, Chemistry and excluding Religious Studies. At least 02 papers at A/L in Sciences including Biology and Chemistry and excluding knowledge, Probatoire C or D, Baccalauréat C or D.

- Registration form to be collected from the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Bamenda or from the MINESUP website http://www.minesup.gov.cm

- A certified true photocopy of the birth certificate dated not more than six months old;

- Transcripts of GCE O/L or Probatoire and GCE A/L or Baccalaureate signed or certified by the GCE boards as well as reports of the three last years in secondary school signed or certified by principals;

- Certified photocopy of GCE A/L or Baccalaureate or equivalent diploma dated not more than six months;

- Certificate of non-conviction dated not more than three months;

- Receipt upon payment of twenty thousand (20.000) FCFA as registration fees delivered by NFC Bank following the bank code 10025, branch code 00030, account number 17101020844 28. No other form of payment is accepted;

- A self-addressed large envelop bearing stamps in conformity with the regulations in

- 4 passport-size photographs;

- A medical certificate from the University of Bamenda Health Post.

Lasted date of application: 24^th August 2012

Examination date: 30^th August 2012

The Acting Dean

University of Bamenda

Program/Dates of Entrance Into ENS/ENSET And Medical School

School	Number of Places		Deadline to Deposit File		Date of Entrance Exam
	1st Cycle	2nd Cycle	1st Cycle	2nd Cycle	1st Cycle	2nd Cycle
ENS	377	455	Friday Aug 24, 2012	Monday Aug 27, 2012	Sept 25, 2012	Sept 29, 2012
ENSET	1st year: 332 2nd year: 155	345	Friday Aug 24, 2012 (1st & 3rd year)	Friday Aug 24, 2012	Wednesday Sept 24, 2012 (1st year)	Monday, Sept 24, 2012
Faculty of Health Science	50		Friday August 24, 2012		Saturday Sept 29, 2012

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. Minute by Minute Report on Cameroon and Africa