Thursday, September 27, 2012

After Fon Chafah, Gov’t Envoy to Visit Babessi Flood Victims








 
By FC Junior and Ndi Eugene

Fon Chafah Issac of Bangolang cum Secretary General of Cameroon Traditional Rulers Forum has been described as a great philanthropist after he extended a hand of fellowship to Babessi flood victims. Fon Chafah who donated school items, food and brought medics to the doorsteps of the victims was the first person to donate to the 95 families who were affected by flood.
“Fon Chafah is our messiah because if he never came here, government wouldn’t have shown any interest in us” Pa David Tashiki told this reporter yesterday. “If government is coming to our assistance, we are aware that it is thanks to what Fon Chafah did for us. He opened the eyes of government to see what happened and how we are suffering” he concluded. Sources hinted that North West Governor Lele Lafrique travels to Babessi today to see himself the damages caused. CRTV Radio announced that the Minister Delegate in the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization in charge of decentralized local councils, Jules Doret Ndongo will be in Babessi to take stock of the damages cause by the floods. He will spend two days in Ngoketunjia sources added.
The government envoy who will be in the Ngoketunjia Division for two days comes barely a week after some elites under the leadership of Fon Chafah Isaac the donated some material assistance to the flood victims in that part of the country.
However, while appreciating the move taken by government, observers are question
ing why it has taken long for the latter to react. Many are of the opinion that the government is reacting to media reports on the abandonment of the victims by some English newspapers including “Gove’t abandons Babessi victims”- Timescape Journal, “Epidermic feared as gov’t abandons flood victims”-Eden, “Discrimination: Biya ignores Babessi flood victims”-The Median and More rains feared as Ndop flood victims await resettlement”- The Standard Tribune amongst others.
As Frank Garriba said, we have to monitor the visit to get what kind of assistance would be given to the victims. And continue to shout if we think the govt hasn't done enough; that's the only language they understand.
(Below picture of Fon Chafah addressing victims as he and others donated to kith and keen affected by floods.





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

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Marafa Releases another Bomb, Robbishes Amadou Ali, Others...

 
Excellence Monsieur le Vice-Premier Ministre, Cher Grand frère. Depuis  des années je suis tenaillé par l’envie de t’écrire cette lettre pour te dire ce que je pense de toi. Je me suis toujours abstenu par ce que je pensais que tu aimais le Nord- Cameroun qui t’a tout donné et que ton comportement de diviseur, de gaffeur et de fervent du ‘‘ mysticisme coranique ’’ était dû à cet amour. Malheureusement, je l’ai… appris à mes dépens.
Ce qui me décide aujourd’hui à le faire c’est le discours que tu as tenu hier après midi dans le salon du Président de l’Assemblée Nationale le très honorable CAVAYE YEGUIE DJIBRIL au cours de la réunion préparatoire de l’accueil du Président BIYA. En effet, avec ta fougue habituelle tu as exhorté les élites de l’Extrême-Nord à mobiliser fortement la population pour un accueil mémorable « pour montrer au Président BIYA que l’Extrême- nord n’est pas partie prenante du complot ourdi contre lui dans le septentrion ».
En le disant tu exclus l’Adamaoua et vise le Nord Région natale du Ministre d’Etat MARAFA que tu as aidé BIYA à embastiller et de Mme HAMAN que tu as fait arrêter .
Ce n’est un secret pour personne que tu n’as jamais aimé Garoua par ce que le Président AHDJO ne t’a jamais nommé Ministre comme tu le dis alors que tu étais major de ta promotion à l’ENAM. On dirait qu’on doit nommer tous les majors.
Mais tu as oublié que sans AHIDJO tu ne serais jamais là où tu es aujourd’hui et n’aurais jamais occupé tous les postes que tu as occupés depuis 1965. 
D’ailleurs, n’es- tu pas entré à l’ENAM avec le BEPC pendant que les ressortissants du sud y entraient avec au moins le BAC ?
N’as - tu pas profité de l’internat au Lycée de Garoua ?
Mais, passons. Dans ton ambition démesurée  de la conquête du pouvoir tu as tenté de diviser le Nord en créeant l’Association culturelle Kanuri (AKACK). Les intellectuels kanuris qui y ont adhéré massivement au départ se sont rendus compte de la supercherie et s’y sont retiré un à un ne te laissant avec tes quelques ‘‘ doungourous ’’que tu as placé dans l’administration.
Avec ta maladresse habituelle tu as monté l’ensemble du Grand sud Cameroun contre le Grand nord en faisant ton imprudente , insensée et tribale déclaration publiée dans le câble ‘‘ wikileaks ’’.
Tu as voulu te présenter comme un saint des saints dans la gestion des affaires publiques mais l’affaire sud-africaine du crash du boeing de la Camair où tu t’es « sucré » sur le dos des morts en prenant cent 100 000 000 F.CFA de cet argent sale entre les mains de FOUMANE AKAME t’a formellement dément.
Au Ministère de la Justice, dès le lendemain de ton départ ton dossier d’attribution des marchés publics a été ouvert avec des relents nauséabonds de marchés de gré à gré illégaux et des surfacturations par exemple la clôture du palais de Justice de Mora passé en avenant qui a coûté plus de soixante millions (60 000 000) F.CFA.
Au nord, nous savons que c’est le Colonel MADOUGOU Commandant de la Légion du Nord qui suivait tes plantations de la Bénoué avec le carburant et le matériel du Ministère de la Défense c’est-à-dire de l’Etat  
Combien de forages la SNEC a-t-il réalisés dans tes vergers quand tu étais Président de son Conseil ‘Administration.
Manquant de science et de culture tu as toujours été floué par des ‘‘ Feymen ’’.
C’est le cas de DOOH Collins qui s’étant présenté auprès de toi comme étant un superflic spécialisé en crimes économiques ayant travaillé à la D.G.S.E française, a soutiré des centaines de millions de F.CFA des contribuables camerounais promettant de ramener les numéros des comptes bancaires des personnalités mis en cause dans l’opération épervier en Europe, en Suisse, aux USA et dans les paradis fiscaux.
Il est allé se promener et est rentré les mains vides.
Les langues se délient et on parle de plus en plus de ta gestion de ‘‘ l’affaire Bakassi ’’.
Nous savons tous que c’est toi qui a aidé BIYA et son clan arrêter MARAFA. La preuve : Tu as envoyé discrètement le 13/10/2008  le magistrat SALATOU un Inspecteur à la Chancellerie d’origine Kanuri pour rencontrer le Juge fédéral suisse Monsieur Edmond OTTINGER pour l’influencer et le corrompre afin de citer MARAFA dans son rapport.  Malheureusement, pour toi le juge a refusé de le recevoir.
Qu’as-tu reçu en récompense. Un petit ministère sans Services déconcentrés grâce d’ailleurs à l’intervention du Président de l’Assemblée Nationale.
Tu passes plus de deux (2) heures de temps pour parcourir soixante cinq (65) km de route entre Maroua et ton village Kolofata.
L’onchocercose sévit dans son village, la sous scolarisation, les mauvais résultats scolaires y ont fait leurs lits depuis belle lurette.C’est ce que les populations de Kolofata retiennent de toi.
Ce que le grand nord retient, lui, c’est qu’à ton départ du Ministère de la Justice, tu as laissé un seul Chef de Cour d’Appel sur Vingt (20). MONGLO TODOU, le Président de la Cour d’Appel de l’Adamaoua.
L’histoire te jugera. ‘‘ALLAH est grand ’
Marafa Hamidou Yaya




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

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

After marrying fourth wife, Chief intensify search for first wife

 
BY ARONG AGBOR IN MAMFE
A chief in one of the villages in Manyu Division of the South west Region of Cameroon has intensified the search for the first wife after marrying the fourth wife last Saturday.
The very dreaded chiefs, first wife, Enow Barbara left him to an unknown destination after she refused polygamous marriage.
Enow Barbara according to press reports refused to continue to stay with the Chief of the Village after he decided to go in for more than one wife.
We gathered that the village considered her abandonment of the palace as sabotage and left no stone unturned to make her pay the hard way
Since she left the village, there have been threats of very high magnitude from the chief and his councilors.
It is also reported that a woman, whose name we got as Agatha Ako is reported to have been beaten to the point of near death by the village councilors after they mistook the lady for Enow Barbara who had been declared wanted by the village councilors. However, that unfortunate evening, someone had hinted the village councilors that she was around the village purportedly to see a close friend.
When the councilors stormed the suspected house that night, they fell on the wrong person and gave her the beating of her life before realizing that it was the wrong person.
The population that gathered as well as forces of law and order could not intervene due to the very spiritual nature of the village elders.
According to a village source, if anyone dared to intervene, he or she may lose his or her life in very mysterious circumstances.
A story is told how a uniform officer lost his manhood after detaining one the children of a village elder caught in petit theft.
Even with the recent marriage of the fourth wife, the village council, through the instructions of the Chief has placed a ransom on any one who gives a clue to the whereabouts of Barbara Enow.
However news from the Diaspora claims she was spotted in France, some says Abuja Nigeria and also United States. So far no one seems to know her exact location.



When News Breaks Out, We Break In.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Marafa Hamidou Yaya, Yves Michel, Assene Nkou Slammed 25 Years Each

The Mfoundi High Court has convicted former Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, Marafa Hamidou Yaya, former Director General of Cameroon Airlines, Yves Michel Fotso and Assene Nkou to each serve 25 years in prison. It should be recalled that hearing began at 2pm yesterday, September 20, 2012 and the verdict handed down at 7 am today morning. Sources from the Mfoundi High Court hinted that Marafa and Yves were hurriedly transferred to SED after the verdict was passed. More so, Jean-Marie Chapuis, former General Manager of the Commercial Bank Cameroon (CBC), and his colleague Genevieve Sandjon were each sentenced to 15 years each while Julienne Kounda, ex. Assistant Director General of the CBC was given 10 years imprisonment as well.
In addition to the prison sentences, those convicted are collectively ordered to pay damages and interest to the State of Cameroon to the tune of 21 billion FCFA 375 million, as they bear the costs of the trial of more than 1 billion FCFA. However, those convicted have 48 hours to appeal. Before leaving the Court Marafa is quoted to have said that 'I am disappointed not defeated
". Public opinion holds that it is only in Cameroon that judgments a passed at 7 am. Besides, there is tension and uncertainty in some quarters as troops were deployed at the Mfoundi Court to chase away the public. Intimidation is reported to have been at it peak and human right activists are talking of violation of rights.

 

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

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Fon Chafah Extends Hand of Fellowship to Babessi Flood Victims


 By Kimbi V
Fon Chafah handing donated items to the D.O
His Royal Highness Fon Chafah Isaac of Bangolang cum Secretary General of Cameroon Traditional Rulers Forum has visited Babessi flood victims in Ngoketunjia Division in the North West Region of Cameroon. Fon Chafah stormed Babessi village today September 20, 2012 to revamp hope in the September 9, 2012 flood victims. Fon Chafah who was head of a powerful delegation was received by the Divisional Officer, Ali Amougu, elites and villagers who turned out massively to express their joy and appreciation to the leading philanthropist. The devastating flood that occurred on September 9, 2012 in Babessi left many families homeless and properties destroyed. The flood left more than 95 households in a desperate state of nature.  The damage caused by the flood is estimated in hundreds of million of FCFA yet eleven days have gone by and the government is still mute. No official statement has so far been made by the government and public opinion is wondering whether the government of Cameroon has lost its human face.Whereas, majority of the victims lived their lifetime investments being washed away in minutes.They are now leaving in borrowed premises and have been unable to send their kids back to school.
Addressing the population of Babessi, Fon Chafah Isaac said that when he watched the devastating images over television he was shocked and touched, “it was at the result of what I watched on TV that I contacted Ngoketunjia elite and some friends  to seek their support to come to the rescue of the victims”. He continued that “Ngoketunjia elite and friends reacted positively by giving their support to carry out the philanthropic gesture”. According to Fon Chafah the assistance “is a mark of solidarity because if your brother is in difficulty, you must come to his help”. He reiterated that “even if it is only one house that was destroyed in Babessi, it is incumbent of us to come to the rescue of the people”. Fon Chafah further explained that “what we are doing here today is to compliment government effort. Government he said has not been tired of supporting Babessi Sub Division. “They have been doing a lot and who tells you that as we have started others will not follow”.
When quizzed whether he could carryout a similar gesture in other parts of the country, Fon Chafah responded that a similar incident took place in the Northern Region and he cannot be indifferent but amplified by adding that “when your house is on fire, you must quench yours first” reasons why he had to mobilize support for Babessi victims first.  Fon Chafah also narrated how when he got to Bamenda and entered a shop to acquire some items, he was accosted by a young lawyer who instantly made a significant contribution. This, he added is the spirit of concern and belonging that he would love to see all the elite of Ngoketunjia to adhere. He said Barrister Billa Doh Lawrence’s gesture was a mark of concern to the victims of the flood. He also expressed gratitude to the CBC Health board for providing free consultations to the victims, which he said reacted positively and timely to his request.
On his part, the Divisional officer for Babessi said he was very grateful by the donation. He expressed gratitude to the elite of Ngoketunjia elite as well as other friends who supported his initiative.
When contacted, the senior Divisional Officer for Ngoketunjia, Kuela Valerie said the flood was caused by the collapsed of the bridge linking Jakiri to Oku. He gave vivid statistic of the destruction caused by the flood and also recommended that to avoid imminent disasters; there is the need to resettle the population of the Abakwa quarter which was affected by the flood. He also observed that the Bamendjim Dam is just 6 kilometers away from Babessi town and when the rains are heavy, water is pushed back to the small streams especially Babessi causing a lot of destruction. However, the population of Abakwa quarter are of the opinion that the flood was caused by the construction of that patch of the ring road. They argued that in the past water use to flood over the road and presently the road has been raised high giving few channels for water to flow freely. This, they say has contributed to river Manda to flow freely as before. Yet they expressed disgust that government has not been able to come to their help. "We are in have been abandoned" Mami Juliana hammered. 
List of Items donated to the flood victim: The following items were donated to the victims: 175 bags of rice, 40 bags of salt, 300 pieces of savon, 50 packages of sugar, 30 bottles of groundnut oil, 200 exercise books, 120 pencil sharpeners, 250 writing pens, 120 rulers, 120 pencils, 40 children food flasks, 30 school bags, 40 umbrellas and 20 liters of refined oil.
List of Donors: The following personalities contributed significantly to support the initiative. They are: Prof. Paul Ghogomu, Prof. Uphie Melo Chinje, Moh Sylvester, Kedi Jean Pierre, Demanou Honore Tapamou, Dingha Ignatius Bayin, Nyoh Moses, Nyoh Mathias, Pangmashi Roland, Ngangjoh Mana Lanya, Kometa Solomon, Tamanjong Moses, Madame Pingpoh Margaret, Nchechuma Banla, Barrister Billa Doh Lawrence, Madam Ndi Cecilia, UNVDA, Hon Nji Fidelis, Hon. Banmi Emmanuel, Col. Ndundat Sule, Col. Ngwah Abdoulaye,  Mbokwoh Julius, HRH Nfor Tabetando, the Fon of Baba I








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

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Traditional Rulers Launch Initiative to Promote Eco-tourism

 By FC Junior
HRM King Mgochia Charles Mboine Ahidjo, Fon of Mejang
An association known as Cameroon Cultural Development Cooperative Association-CCDCA initiated by traditional rulers of Cameroon to promote and protect indigenous knowledge and practices has launched a nationwide sensitization campaign in Bamenda. The Bamenda launching of September 15, 2012 witnessed the presence of traditional rulers, human rights activists and environmental experts. Bookmakers who took the pains to be party of the ceremony were quick to observe that the initiative marks the opening of a new page for a culture that has been witnessing a lot of pressure from without.
According to the President General of CCDCA HRH Fon Mgochia Charles Mboine of Mejang village, the meeting was timely and marks a significant turning point in the cultural heritage and traditional norms of the various fondoms especially at this point in time that much is being said about climate change and globalization. According to HRH Fon Mgochia Charles Mboine, CCDCA seeks to adopt strategies that would promote and propagate the different cultural heritage and traditional norms inorder to foster sustainable development. Culture he said if properly valourized will act as an immeasurable tool to alleviate poverty and fight miseries in rural areas. In terms of touristic potentials, he said that fondoms have a lot of unexploited potentials such as caves, waterfalls, sacred forests, etc… that if well developed could go a long way to generate resources for communities to be sustainable. Stressing on the contribution of traditional rulers in the fight against climate change, HRH Fon Mgochia Charles Mboine said CCDCA will equally assist communities in putting into practice traditional conservation strategies in order to sustain its actions so as to rescue humanity since “our culture is our identity”, he observed.  
Created on July 16, 2012 out of the dire need to shelter the rich cultural heritage of the different fondoms that make up Cameroon, CCDCA also advocates for dialogue as a means of solving conflicts rather than inter village wars. Besides, the association also has as objectives to promote the sustainable use of natural resources, combat child labour and trafficking as well as discourage other human rights violations. With the pressure on cultural practices and traditional norms, CCDCA also intends to identify and develop touristic sites in fondoms in order to stimulate the eco-tourism sector in villages as a means to protect heritage, the President General concluded.
On the other hand Thom Schotanus of German nationality, one of the key speakers outlined the importance of culture in an emerging country. The sector, he said was virgin and provides numerous opportunities that could serve as the cornerstone in the fight against poverty. In his presentation, Thom Schotanus applauded traditional rulers for being steadfast in communal actions “no stranger will develop a community more than the indigenes”. He noted that fondoms in Cameroon have a lot of unexploited potentials that if developed will go a long way to sustain lives in communities. According to Thom Schotanus, CCDCA is up to task to face the challenges and effect positive change.
It should be noted that CCDCA recently rewarded some distinguished students for their performances during the last end of year examinations. Memorial Comprehensive College, Mejang was selected as the first beneficiary of CCDCA Scholarship Scheme.


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

Monday, September 17, 2012

Here is the New Fon of Balikumbat


HRH Fon Gahnyamdi of Balikumbat
The long awaited smoke, like it happens during the designation of a new Roman Catholic Pope has billowed from the mountains of Balikumbat. The fon of Balikumbat is back on the throne. This follows a week of deadlock after the ‘missing’ of the Almighty Fon Doh Gah Gwanyin III. Sunday September 16, 2012 was an extraordinary day for the Balikumbat people. As they all gathered that morning all eyes/ears were up the mountain, following the reports that kingmakers were in search of the missing fon. 
As the population gathered to pay homage to the departed lion man of Balikumbat, the announcement of the missing fon was also accompanied by the enthronement of one of the sons of the missing Fon, who recently graduated from the School of Administration and Magistracy, ENAM.
HRH Fon Gahnyamdi is the new fon of Balikumbat. Balikumbat sons and daughters had since been mobilizing towards the coronation of their new fon and a hectic cry-die for Fon Doh. Sources hinted that the cry-die will be celebrated alongside the coronation of the new fon of Balikumbat. There is elation and celebrations in Balikumbat as gunshots, masquerade display and dancing has taken over the centre stage.  Sources say over 30 million FCFA has been raise for the cry-die, which is expected to be grandiose, given the weight Fon Doh pulled as former MP, Mayor, CPDM central committee member and an apostle of President Paul Biya.Yet the Biya government and the CPDM that fon Doh rescued in the early 90s has not made any public declaration ever since Fon Doh one of the diehard of the CPDM collapsed and died.




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

Friday, September 14, 2012

51 Years After Independence: Cameroon Assembly Speaker Visits Donga Mantung, Goes Green with Women



Hon. Cavaye receiving his tree from Ngante (Anafor)
Cross section of who traveled to Donga Mantung
The National Assembly Speaker, Hon. Cavaye Yeguie Djibrille has entered into record as the first ever Speaker to visit Donga Mantung Division since 1947. Travelling to the old Nkambe Division (now Donga Mantung Division) in the extreme North West Region is not only a nightmare but demands a lot of prayers and fasting. Reasons why the people are clamouring for a region yet, the cry has been falling on the deaf ear of the Biya regime. However, August 12, 2012 registered the first visit of the number two personality in the country, 51 years after independence. In fact, Hon. Cavaye Yeguie Djibrille’s mission to Donga Mantung ignited hopes for the creation of the Extreme Far North West (Far North West) as propagated by late Hon. SN Tamfu. Yet, the enthusiastic population were taken aback when he (Hon. Cavaye) told them in his key note address that before leaving Yaounde, he had keyed all political issues and was coming to Nkambe to plant a tree. To Hon. Cavaye Yeguie Djibrille, the phenomenon of climate change was a reality and needed collective efforts to mitigate it positive impact. While launching operation Green Cameroon and initiative of the Pan African Parliamentarians Network on Climate Change-REPACC in Nkambe, headquarters of the Old Nkambe Division, the House Speaker called on all and sundry to plant trees in order to save Mother Earth from getting angry.
This tree shall grow even if I  do not come back to Donga Mantung-Cavaye
Hon. Awudu Mbaya Cyprien, Executive President of REPACC used the occasion to pour shower of praises on Hon. Cavaye Yeguie for bestowing confidence in him which has resulted to him (Hon. Awudu) enjoying key positions in the Bureau of the National Assembly. He said climate change is one of the most devastating impending doom that humanity is facing nowadays reasons why the women of Donga Mantung Division must join to make their own significant contribution in the fight. Hon Awudu Mbaya lamented that the greatest part of the Mbembe Forest Reserve is disappearing every hour due to illegal logging. He said the rate at which the forest is disappearing is alarming and if necessary actions are not taken, that forest especially in the Buku area will be history.
Mangoh Addresses Cameroon Parliament in Nkambe
Mangoh Jones addressing Parliament at 12:27 in Nkambe
Council Mangoh Jones Tanko, the Mayor of Nkambe Council in his welcome speech expressed thanks and gratitude to the august guest. He said the visit has made the population of the Old Nkambe Division to feel inclusive and demonstrates the fact that “we truly belong to this country”. “Since the beginning of the country,” Mangoh Jones added, “for the first time this Division is receiving the Speaker of the National Assembly. Even if I end my speech here now the world knows that I have addressed the National Assembly of Cameroon today”. According to Mangoh Jones Tanko, climate change has already demonstrated it prowess in the Division, the acute shortage of water, poor yields, etc which have made the population to start understanding that everyone humanity will still depend on nature in all its dimensions. He further explained that in the past planting of maize and corn in his municipality was done in February and March and in school “ we learned that March 15th was the planting date, while harvesting was in the months of June and July but this year, he noted planting began towards the end of April. “We are therefore depending on nature in this part of the country 100% reasons why we cannot sit comfortably in our homes. “ I realized that we have been talking of Vision 2035 for our national development that will guide our economic and social development efforts. The objective of this vision is to awaken, coordinate, and direct the people’s efforts, minds and national development goals, and withstand the expected intensive economic competition and challenges ahead of us” but “ I think 2035 is too long a distant to conceive such a goal”. After justifying that scuh a vision was hopless with the phenomenon of climate change, he further suggested that the timeframe should be reduced to 2025, so that those conceive it will be living witnesses of what they planned for the future because a development vision is an important pillar in building a society, if not it is meaningless.
Mangoh Jones Tanko remained his august guest that Donga Mantung Division is a border Division having the largest borders with the biggest black power the Federal Republic of Cameroon. “We are divided only by a river and the population of both sides of the river speaks the same language, have the same culture and intermarry. These situations reveal our closeness and the impact on one another. It is therefore a worry for some of us parents who lived and studied in Nigeria before transferring our Nationality to Cameroon after the 1961 Plebiscite. We think that Cameroon does not have a border policy hence we are neglected as demonstrated by various issues”.
Mafor Yah Achidi Achu Judith in tradi-regalia was present to give her booster
In the domain of roads, he told the House Speaker in his face that there is no all season road linking Donga Mantung to other towns of Cameroon. He decried that the Ring Road is yet to present its human face as passengers travelling from Nkambe to Bamenda and other bigs never get to their destinations on time, especially when the Ring road is in tears. These backwardness trends have caused untold injuries, rural exodus and poor marketing of farm produce. In the domain of education, he said a people without education cannot develop the mindset and that the general cry is that Government has not build the schools, it has created them. And that “ worst still Government has not employed the teachers” because Donga Mantung Division still have many one teacher schools. He lamented that there are technical schools in the Division with one teacher who is the Principal whereas across the river, there is the policy of 36 teachers to one teacher. Mangoh Jones pleaded that government should develop a good border policy, staff and equip the schools for the betterment of tomorrow.
Hon. Wirngo determined to save humanity
On rural electrification, the made MPs to understand that electricity is a scarce commodity in Donga Mantung Division. Out of the five sub divisions, only Ndu and Nkambe have electricity but yet people are unable to run cool stores, electronic shops, radio and tv stations, offices because lights come and go for days, weeks and even months. He remained the Cameroon Parliament that the Adere Fall in Nwa sub Division can harness and supply adequate electricity to the entire country and export it. Mangoh Jones ended his keynote address to the Cameroon National Assembly by thanking House Speaker for the bravery he underwent to travel on the rough ring road in tears and extended his joy to Hon. Awudu Mbaya who has made it possible for the historic visit. It should be noted that that over 40 MPs accompanied the House Speaker to the land of milk and honey, the small Switzerland of Cameroon, Nkambe the Divisional headquarters of Donga Mantung Division.
Reaction
Hon Genesis Mbuckseck (CPDM MP for Nwa)
Hon. Genesis Mbukseck planting for the future
I think it is a very great initiative that we are here to stimulate tree planting. In fact planting the right tree nowadays is one of the best things one can offer to humanity. And a Representative of the people, I will make sure that each woman in my Constituency plants a tree so that we can mitigate climate change. The presence of the Speaker of the National Assembly here today gives us the courage to continue as crusaders for sane environment. I am delighted that this programme has reached our border division. It is therefore a challenge to me as a politician to make sure that we preserve the forest and plant more environmental friendly trees.

Hon. Esther Ngala (SDF MP for Ndu)
Hon. Esther Ngala planting tree of life
I am happy that REPACC has taken the Speaker to Donga Mantung Division and operation one woman, one tree has come in time to consolidate the efforts I started with the distribution of improved fruit trees to women two months ago. The launching here will also ignite all the women and men to join in tree planting. I am happy that our traditional rulers were also very present and we will continue to work with them to make sure that trees are planted. You see, if we do plant good trees to replace these eucalyptuses in water sheds, we might be heading for sometime serious. I am optimistic that this programme will succeed here. We are not yet at the level of carbon trade, but with time I ma sure women will benefit from it giving that they are very enthusiastic in planting more trees. They are aware that if they do not plant environment friendly trees, their harvest will be poor and they have already seen that this year, there is lightly to be hunger since corn which is our stable food did not do well.

Asides (Views of the common man)
Planting a tree is the most precious gift one can offer to humanity but planting the right tree at the right time, place and moment matters a lot for the above purpose to be achieved. The launching of operation Green Cameroon dubbed “One woman, One tree” has raised a lot of eye browses. Some people were even aghast that luxury cars were ferried to Nkambe empty whereas they thought those cars were to transport trees. The first remarks from the man in the street was the fact that over 200 cars were fued and missions orders paid to more than 400 personalities to come to Donga Mantung Division to plant just a tree each. To the man in the street, that amount could have been used in setting up tree nurseries.
Another point we gathered is the fact that the trees were even planted at the end of the rainy season which implies that less than 1% of the trees may survive. More so, the question many have been asking is whether tree nurseries would be set up in communities for the women or how and where will they obtain the trees to plant. To others, it is just a campaign strategy by Hon. Awudu Mbaya to attract women to belong to Socialist Women which is collapsing. Bang Bullet even wondered aloud whether it is not a scam because in the launching of any vast programme, the target number of trees to be planted is mentioned. Why is it that the number of trees to be planted in the Division has not been made public? And to others, the occasion was an opportunity for the speakers to discourage the abusive cultivation of eucalyptus trees but the MP, the Mayor and the Speaker of the House failed to address the issue. They say that even the entire Donga Mantung is transformed into a forest without eucalyptus cleared off from water catchment the phenomenon of climate change will still impact the lives of the population.



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

Monday, September 10, 2012

Marafa Hamidou Yaya: Condemn me for obeying the instructions of the President of the Republic

 I waited for this moment ... Impatience filled, since I could explain to the Justice of my country and because the prosecution could not produce any proof of his allegations. What can I say to conclude my defense that had not already told my lawyers during a demonstration that you could leave no doubt on my full innocence?
What can I say that I have not already told myself in my Open Letters written from my prison? Wherever I turn in this case, I find only elements invented or hijacked by my accusers, and they are the first to know. Or maybe I should go back to the crudest aspects of this plot, which seeks only to punish me for having refused, in a career spanning more than 30 years of service to my country, to the interests of a small group before the interests of the Nation. I could and, ironically, wondering what exactly my opponents accuse me: is it to be dishonest or be stupid? Because, unless a perfect fool, how could I pass unnoticed consider that an operation to pass a false order for a presidential plane and diverting $ 29 million of the 31 to finance the purchase? How could I believe that nobody would realize that the plane, although paid, never happened? But this is not what I want to talk about, because the issue of my trial is not there. I mean our country, the current situation and future, because it is what it is really about here. Our country, you let me tell you that I know well and I love it. North I know I was born in the South where I did my studies and my career, Littoral where my wife was born Djanga Jeannette, the Francophone and Anglophone West where I count many friends . I traveled through, as Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization. I not only know, but I owe him everything, and I tried tirelessly to pay my debt of gratitude. I was born in a modest family with twelve siblings and strongly influenced by our traditions and our values. My father, a merchant modest instilled in me the sense of effort, the value of hard work and thrift. After my studies at the University of Yaoundé and thanks to a scholarship, I was able to study from the United States. On my return, when I had more lucrative jobs in the private sector, I chose to serve the state who had given so much, and that would still fill me with his blessings. This is why I was deeply hurt when I was accused of having robbed the state and beyond him, my country. I immediately asked President Paul Biya the opportunity to come to explain in court. We preferred to imprison me, condemn me in advance in the eyes of public opinion before I bring before you.
Judge me, and if such is the law, condemn me for obeying the instructions of the President of the Republic for the purchase of the presidential jet. Judge me, and if such is the law, condemn me because I was a threat to a small group whose sole aim his own enrichment and grabbing permanent power, be it at the expense of the many, would be at the cost of heightened social and tribal divisions, would it be at the cost of development and progress delayed. Judge me, and if such is the law, condemn me because, with the support of my countrymen, I am now carrying among others, a hope for our country. But do not condemn me for acts of embezzlement of public funds that I did not commit, which I did not attend, and I did not take advantage. Your judgment, whatever it is, mark the history of our country. You do not impress or let maneuver. Councils have responded to my accusations with demonstrated accuracy and I hope my innocence. Indeed, it is normal, politician, public official or private, can be held accountable in court. Your judgment will say to all those who think that we can exploit Justice, the rule of law can not accommodate that accredit methods in the spirit of our countrymen the idea that apart from the action Regular Judicial Authority, there are groups of individuals forming secret courts and establishing a parallel justice system that only republican justice is normally entitled to make and, with the sole purpose of satisfying the ambitions and private interests. Otherwise, the Cameroonian citizen will eventually become accustomed to the poison that threatens our social pact and society that we must build trust. Indeed, how the citizen can he retain complete confidence in public officials who require him to obey the law, if he thinks that the state itself encourages the use of these false accusations? How could he ensure that his children observe the law and respect for human rights are the ultimate bulwark against arbitrariness and abuse of power, if the Republic is a microcosm governed double by standards dictated solely by the personal ambition of a few.
Acknowledge my innocence, and acknowledge, is your way of marking the time has come to stop this march towards the dissolution of our Nation, and to find the path that leads to the emergence of a Trust Company. When approaching the end of my trial comes to mind the most famous epitaph of the Spartan warriors fell at Thermopylae in ancient Greece, which says: "Passing, will tell Sparta that we died here to obey his holy laws. " Today, I am tempted to say here: "Going, going Etoudi say that I am a prisoner here for High obeyed his instructions."

Marafa Hamidou Yaya


 Condamnez-moi pour avoir obéi aux instructions du président de la République

J’attendais ce moment avec impatience... Impatience comblée, puisque j’ai pu m’expliquer devant la Justice de mon Pays et puisque l’accusation n’a pu produire aucune preuve de ses allégations. Que puis-je dire pour conclure ma défense que n’aient pas déjà dit mes Avocats, au cours d’une démonstration qui n’a pu vous lais
ser aucun doute sur ma pleine innocence ? Que puis-je dire que je n’aie pas moi-même déjà dit dans mes Lettres Ouvertes écrites depuis ma prison ? Où que je me tourne dans cette affaire, je ne rencontre que des éléments inventés ou détournés par mes accusateurs, et ils en sont les premiers conscients. Ou peut-être devrais-je revenir sur les aspects les plus grossiers de cette machination, qui ne vise qu’à me punir pour avoir toujours refusé, au cours d’une carrière de plus de 30 ans au service de mon pays, de mettre les intérêts particuliers d’un petit groupe avant les intérêts de la Nation. Je pourrais ainsi, avec ironie, demander de quoi m’accusent exactement mes adversaires : est-ce d’être malhonnête ou d’être idiot ? Car, à moins d’être un parfait imbécile, comment aurais-je pu envisager que passerait inaperçue une opération consistant à passer une fausse commande pour un avion présidentiel, et à détourner 29 millions de dollars sur les 31 devant financer l’achat ? Comment aurais-je pu croire que personne ne se rendrait compte que l’avion, bien que payé, n’était jamais arrivé ? Mais ce n’est pas de cela que je veux vous parler, car l’enjeu de mon procès n’est pas là. Je veux parler de notre Pays, de la situation actuelle et à venir, car c’est de cela qu’il est réellement question ici. Notre Pays, vous me laisserez vous dire que je le connais bien et que je l’aime. Je le connais du Nord où je suis né, au Sud où j’ai fait mes études et ma carrière, du Littoral d’où vient mon épouse, née Djanga Jeannette, à l’Ouest francophone et anglophone où je compte tant d’amis. Je l’ai parcouru de part en part, en tant que Ministre de l’Administration Territoriale et de la Décentralisation. Non seulement je le connais, mais je lui dois tout, et j’ai essayé sans relâche de lui payer ma dette de gratitude. Je suis né dans une famille modeste comptant douze frères et sœurs et fortement imprégnée de nos traditions et de nos valeurs. Mon père, commerçant modeste, m’a inculqué le sens de l’effort, de la valeur du travail et le sens de l’économie. Après mes études supérieures à l’Université de Yaoundé et grâce à une bourse, j’ai pu faire dès études aux Etats-Unis. A mon retour, alors que j’avais des offres d’emplois plus lucratives dans le privé, j’ai choisi de servir l’Etat qui m’avait tant donné, et qui allait encore me combler de ses bienfaits. C’est pourquoi j’ai été profondément meurtri lorsque j’ai été accusé d’avoir spolié l’Etat et par delà lui, mon Pays. J’ai immédiatement demandé au Président Paul Biya la possibilité de venir m’expliquer devant la Justice. On a préféré m’emprisonner, me condamner par avance aux yeux de l’opinion publique, avant de me faire comparaître devant vous.
Jugez-moi, et si telle est la loi, condamnez-moi pour avoir obéi aux instructions du Président de la République concernant l’achat de l’avion présidentiel. Jugez-moi, et si telle est la loi, condamnez-moi parce que je présente une menace pour un petit groupe qui a pour seul objectif son propre enrichissement et l’accaparement permanent du pouvoir, serait-ce au détriment du plus grand nombre, serait-ce au prix de divisions tribales et sociales exacerbées, serait-ce au prix d’un développement et d’un progrès retardés. Jugez-moi, et si telle est la loi, condamnez-moi parce que, fort du soutien de mes compatriotes, je suis désormais porteur parmi d’autres, d’une espérance pour notre Pays. Mais ne me condamnez pas pour des faits de détournements de biens publics que je n’ai pas commis, auxquels je n’ai pas participé, et dont je n’ai pas profité. Votre jugement, quel qu’il soit, marquera l’Histoire de notre Pays. Vous ne vous laisserez ni impressionner ni manœuvrer. Mes Conseils ont répondu aux accusations avec précision et démontré je l’espère, mon innocence. En effet, il est normal, que responsable politique, responsable public ou privé, on puisse rendre des comptes devant la Justice. Votre jugement dira à tous ceux qui pensent que l’on peut instrumentaliser la Justice, que l’Etat de Droit ne saurait s’accommoder de méthodes qui accréditent dans l’esprit de nos compatriotes l’idée qu’en dehors de l’action régulière de l’Autorité Judiciaire, il existe des groupes d’individus formant des tribunaux occultes et établissant une justice parallèle que seule la justice républicaine est normalement en droit de rendre et ce, dans le seul dessein de satisfaire des ambitions et des intérêts privés. Autrement, le citoyen camerounais finira par s’accoutumer à ce poison qui met en péril notre pacte social et la société de confiance que nous devons bâtir. En effet, comment ce citoyen pourra-t-il conserver une totale confiance aux responsables publics qui exigent de lui de respecter la loi, s’il pense que l’Etat lui-même encourage le recours à ces accusations calomnieuses ? Comment pourrait-il assurer à ses enfants que l’observation de la loi et le respect des Droits de l’Homme sont l’ultime rempart contre l’arbitraire et l’abus de pouvoir, si la République se double d’un microcosme régi par des normes dictées par la seule ambition personnelle de quelques uns.
Reconnaître mon innocence, et la reconnaître publiquement, sera votre manière de marquer que le temps est venu d’arrêter cette marche vers la dissolution de notre Nation, et de retrouver le chemin qui nous mène à l’avènement d’une Société de Confiance. Au moment où s’approche la fin de mon procès, me vient à l’esprit la plus célèbre épitaphe, celle des guerriers spartiates tombés aux Thermopyles dans la Grèce antique, qui dit: « Passant, va dire à Sparte que nous sommes morts ici pour obéir à ses saintes lois ». Aujourd’hui, je serai tenté de dire ici: «Passant, va dire à Etoudi que je suis prisonnier ici pour avoir obéi à ses Hautes Instructions».
Marafa Hamidou Yaya


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

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Alert! Donga Mantung MINPAT, MINDAF Offices Burgled

 
By Abanda Marcel in Nkambe
An atmosphere of uncertainty and misunderstanding now reigns in Nkambe the Divisional headquarters of Donga Mantung Division in the North West Region of Cameroon as men of the underworld (thieves) have taken the town hostage as they broke into offices and business premises. Last Wednesday September 5, 2012 the offices of the Divisional delegates for Planning and Regional Development-MINPAT, and Housing and Movable were burgled. According to information gathered, at MINEPAT Office the thieves forced iron windows but only succeeded in removing window louvers and catering away the window blinds.
They also vandalized MINPAT Rest House where the removed window glasses but later abandoned them on the floor. At MINDAF Office just some few meters away, the thieves also destroyed the window glasses but could penetrate into the office. But found consolation in catering away with the window blinds as well. The most interesting thing is that these two offices are located just five meters away from the SDO’s office. The question many have been asking is whether it is not a plot because the SDO’s office is guarded by military men and how come that thieves could be stealing just a few meters away and they are not aware.
It should be noted that of late, Nkambe town has registered more than 13 aggravated thefts. Two stores were recently ransacked by thieves at the Nkambe Old Market, another at Nkambe End of Tar and they also broke into Express Union office where they could not have access to the Safe but carried away a computer monitor. Within the same period a series of theft cases were reported in Ngwayu, Mansoh and Cosmos quarters.Some months ago, thieves burgled the computer laboratory of GHBS Nkambe and they were caught. The matter even though in court is taking too long and the population is aware that money might have changed hands.
It should be noted that recently some 20 Gendarmes were transferred to the Division, but none of them has been spotted in Nkambe. It is said all of them are parading the streets in Bamenda on the bases that there no money to travel to Nkambe. There are no night patrols as some security vehicles are hardly seen in Nkambe.  The population is scared and have been wondering whether the soldiers of the 62nd Infantry Military Battalion Nkambe, are useful at all as it is even alleged that a majority of  pass time playing Draft, cards, and drinking local liquor “Shaa” and “Ntop” while some are chasing people wives and free girls all over the place. How ever some of soldiers who have been positioned to see into the security of some of the public offices in the Division are of doubtful characters our source hinted. According to what we gathered their effectiveness and presence in these places is equally questionable.However, it should be noted that the burglary at MINPAT took place when MINPAT Delegate Bangsi John was in the field taking statistics of uncompleted projects in the Division from 2007 to date. Mores so, MINPAT Donga Mantung has only two support staff. The most serious problem is that ever since the two were transferred to Nkambe, one of them had never ever been spotted.





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

Ntumfor Nico Halle’s Congratulatory Message to Simon Nkwenti


 CONGRATULATIONS GREAT SIMON NKWENTI, BY NICO HALLE.

Ntumfor Nico Halle
That dreaded and fateful August 21st 2012 was exactly 12 days after I had come and prayed with you at the Reanimation Unit of the Bamenda Regional Hospital and I returned with hope that you would be fine. Then I received an excruciating thunderbolt from our venerated King Martin Buzie Asanji FOBUZIE II of Chomba that you had passed on to glory. How devastated, crushed and smashed I was.

Gripped by consternation, rejection, shock and pain though, I soon remembered that you Simon Nkwenti were not a candle in the wind. Your varied and various achievements and successes for humanity are there for any honest Cameroonian to see. CONGRATULATIONS!

Brother, you lived an accomplished and fulfilled life, bringing joy to the destitute and speaking for the voiceless. You were the change you wanted (Mahatma Gandhi). You positively impacted society. You called things by their true names. You peacefully shunned hypocrisy and falsehood. You were patriotic and respected State Institutions. CONGRATULATIONS!

You are a fallen hero whose good works will forever be indelible on man’s mind. Simon, you will never die because you lived in the Lord. I am comforted that you are with your awesome God. CONGRATULATIONS!

Ashia to the King of Chomba and his people;
Ashia to CHODECA;
Ashia to Mrs. Mary Lum Azonga Nkwenti and children;
Ashia to Great CATTU;
Ashia to the Civil Society;
Ashia to the Media;
Ashia to the North West Region;
Ashia to Cameroon.

To God be the Glory.



Nico Halle









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

Friday, September 7, 2012

Exceptional Funeral Program for Simon Nkwenti (A-Z in Pictures)








































































































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