Dr. Nick Ngwanyam Proposes Options to Solving Anglophone Problem-A Must Read

*SOLVING THE ANGLOPHONE PROBLEM.* *WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS? 28th November, 2016*

All the Anglophones are very happy that H.E. Prime Minister Yang Philemon accepted recently on behalf of the government that there is an Anglophone problem. That is already a good step in the right direction because many other ministers ganged up to say that Anglophones are noise makers and blowing hot air where there in nothing to worry about. So what then is that problem and what are the possible solutions and the outcomes? That is why the PM had the meeting with the different groups to get an understanding into all of these issues.
What are the major axis as expressed by different persons and groups who try to bring a solution to the problems? Notice that all solutions to all human problems under the sun have pros and cons. There are always advantages and disadvantages to any position or human solution. Politics thrives on these issues.
That is why President Elect Donald Trump and Mme Senator/Secretary of State Hilary Clinton had such intellectual fights crisscrossing America to argue their cases showing the pros and cons to any statement and position. Then the people voted and more controversies surfaced. That is because we are human and there is no perfect human society, nor decision. Perfection does not exist.
*PLAN A:* The teachers and Lawyers presented problems needing specific punctual solutions. *PLAN B:* Resistance and insults/lack of understanding from Ministers in Yaounde, refusing even to admit the Anglophone Problem causes the aggrieved parties to seek a 2 state federation. *PLAN C:* SCNC and sympathizers jump on board and reiterate their cry for secession. *PLAN D:* The forgotten option of the 10 state federation or call it decentralization. *PLAN E:* Other people have advocated on having a total cleansing of the current government with profound modification of the systems to give it a new vision, a new way of doing business where there is accountability, no corruption and respect of all citizens as well as a place for Anglophones in the power structure.
We shall not take the time now to argue the points for or against all these options. However some specific guide lines could help. Plan C is the last resort when nothing has worked. Combinations of ideas and mechanisms from Plan E, D, B and A could do the trick for everyone in Cameroon.
*EXPLANATIONS* Government had started on some piece-meal decentralization in the ten regions as a learning phase. If this decentralization were carried out to its full expression, that could offer some help. The idea is to go all the way and implement everything that there is to it. For instance, there should be 10 states plus a Federal Capital state (Capital and seat of Government).
All governors and government delegates to all the 10 states should be voted by the people in that state. That way, disgruntled Ewondo patriarchs would be able to exercise power locally and solve their problems within the law. We often think that Betis are a homogenous group and they are all happy. This is not true. They complain bitterly against each other. Ministers and directors look after their families.
They do not share money to all the Betis. So any system that is true and just and allows them to be part of governance where they can impose and ask for accountability and also replace corrupt local government managers would be welcome.
Francophones also believe that Anglophones would help them to see the light, breathe fresh air and also grow. Those of them who are bilingual would also like to benefit from decentralization.
*ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR ANGLOPHONES*
We have all agreed that English has not been given her right place in this nation. Many Anglophones should be recruited into the University (HTTC) and trained as teachers of English. They are not even enough for Anglophone schools. Imagine how many have to be trained to fill all the Anglophone schools and all the francophone schools all over the national territory in primary and secondary schools. This will create a huge job market for Anglophones. Many more Anglophones should be admitted into HTTTC to train and make up for the deficiencies in teachers of science and technology.
H.E. President Paul Biya has encouraged digitalization of the administration and the improvement of digital economy in Cameroon. You know that English is the Language of the digital world. I will encourage all Cameroonians to learn American English. This will help the whole nation to grow.
*EDUCATION COUNCIL AND GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE*
The idea of the education council is good and should be implemented immediately. Two would be created; one for Anglophone federal states and another for francophone federal states. If a Francophone has technical skills and does not know English, he should first of all do a six month English training followed by a proficiency evaluation at the linguistic center to get this right.
As I had said before, there should be only one school system. There should be nothing like technical or grammar schools. All students are exposed to all subjects including agriculture and animal husbandry. After the fifth year, they can start to specialize and sort out themselves as they grow. The senate is not cost effective. All the money wasted on running the senate should be used to buy technical and agricultural equipment for our secondary schools. This is more useful. The National Assembly has enough brains to make good laws. Senate is a waste of resources.
The whole idea is to make the Francophones who are sitting on the fence realize that their own problems would also be solved when they understand and accept decentralization/federalism as a workable concept.
To add the icing on the cake, The University of Buea and Bamenda should be run according to the Anglo-Saxon principles for running such institutions. As for ‘concours’ in the nation; Anglophones from the North West and South West Region must have a minimum of 25% of the spots reserved for them. It also makes sense in appointments in government at all levels takes care of this ratio and also introduce mechanisms for power balance at the helm.
The bottom line is that Anglophones are not beggars and should just be treated fairly. They are not asking for something other than fairness in these matters. Bilingualism should be for real and not lip service as we see it now. I remember Hon Cyprian Awudu Mbaya had to get into a rage and tear down the sign boards at Ayaba Hotel written only in French to get the managers of Ayaba and that Ministry to think that they needed to put up signs in English as well in the year 2015. This does not speak well and shows bad faith.
*TAXES AND STATE BUDGET* The national budget is partitioned into two big groups. A) Money set aside for the Federal capital state for running the federal government, the army, and national programs. B) Money that is shared into 10 lots and sent to each federal state to be managed by the local federal government to cover running costs and development. This should be a function of the true population statistics and the amount they contribute to the national budget by way of taxes and income.
When taxes are collected from major income sources, a fixed percentage MUST be paid to the local government that generates it and the rest sent to the Federal Capital State. Local governments would have the ability to hire and fire based on output.
*THE LAWYERS’ PROBLEM*
This is another serious issue that can be solved easily. The umbrella lawyers’ association as it is now should be left in place as a mother association. Under this structure, the Anglophone Common Lawyer Association should be created as well as the Francophone Lawyers’ Council. This gives Anglophone lawyers an opportunity to also work in the other 8 regions/federal states in the nation. This provides a big market for them. That way, they are not limited to two Regions. The Law school that teaches common law should be created and the Anglophone section in ENAM created to teach student magistrates in Common Law. These are simple and easy things to do.
All official documents in the nation including the OHADA Law must be in English and French. I do not see any difficulty with implementing this. The administration in Cameroon should sit up and solve problems in time. We should not leave things to blow out of proportion because of neglect. Meaningful dialogue is a great tool everywhere and at all times in all circumstances. It needs love, humility and truth to get it to work.
*CONCLUSION*
We have only one country. There are hawks looking for ways to cause problems in Cameroon. They will come to fight on our behalf and steal our country. We shall all become beggars and refugees if we do not act wisely. Let us avoid conflict at all cost by doing what is right now. By so doing, we close the door to outside forces that looking forward to stealing our resources. Peace, security and stability are all we want. Let us do all in our power to have and maintain it. Boko Haram has not been a welcome experience. Might is not always right. Love conquers all. Greed kills and supervises the burial.

Sign
*DR NICK NGWANYAM, MD*
 NORTH WEST REGION REP OF CAMEROON
 TEL( CELL) +237- 677 764 674

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Dr. Nick Ngwanyam Outlines Solutions to Anglophone Problems-A Must Read

*SOLVING THE ANGLOPHONE PROBLEM.* *WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS? 28th November, 2016*

All the Anglophones are very happy that H.E. Prime Minister Yang Philemon accepted recently on behalf of the government that there is an Anglophone problem. That is already a good step in the right direction because many other ministers ganged up to say that Anglophones are noise makers and blowing hot air where there in nothing to worry about. So what then is that problem and what are the possible solutions and the outcomes? That is why the PM had the meeting with the different groups to get an understanding into all of these issues.
What are the major axis as expressed by different persons and groups who try to bring a solution to the problems? Notice that all solutions to all human problems under the sun have pros and cons. There are always advantages and disadvantages to any position or human solution. Politics thrives on these issues.
That is why President Elect Donald Trump and Mme Senator/Secretary of State Hilary Clinton had such intellectual fights crisscrossing America to argue their cases showing the pros and cons to any statement and position. Then the people voted and more controversies surfaced. That is because we are human and there is no perfect human society, nor decision. Perfection does not exist.
*PLAN A:* The teachers and Lawyers presented problems needing specific punctual solutions. *PLAN B:* Resistance and insults/lack of understanding from Ministers in Yaounde, refusing even to admit the Anglophone Problem causes the aggrieved parties to seek a 2 state federation. *PLAN C:* SCNC and sympathizers jump on board and reiterate their cry for secession. *PLAN D:* The forgotten option of the 10 state federation or call it decentralization. *PLAN E:* Other people have advocated on having a total cleansing of the current government with profound modification of the systems to give it a new vision, a new way of doing business where there is accountability, no corruption and respect of all citizens as well as a place for Anglophones in the power structure.
We shall not take the time now to argue the points for or against all these options. However some specific guide lines could help. Plan C is the last resort when nothing has worked. Combinations of ideas and mechanisms from Plan E, D, B and A could do the trick for everyone in Cameroon.
*EXPLANATIONS* Government had started on some piece-meal decentralization in the ten regions as a learning phase. If this decentralization were carried out to its full expression, that could offer some help. The idea is to go all the way and implement everything that there is to it. For instance, there should be 10 states plus a Federal Capital state (Capital and seat of Government).
All governors and government delegates to all the 10 states should be voted by the people in that state. That way, disgruntled Ewondo patriarchs would be able to exercise power locally and solve their problems within the law. We often think that Betis are a homogenous group and they are all happy. This is not true. They complain bitterly against each other. Ministers and directors look after their families.
They do not share money to all the Betis. So any system that is true and just and allows them to be part of governance where they can impose and ask for accountability and also replace corrupt local government managers would be welcome.
Francophones also believe that Anglophones would help them to see the light, breathe fresh air and also grow. Those of them who are bilingual would also like to benefit from decentralization.
*ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR ANGLOPHONES*
We have all agreed that English has not been given her right place in this nation. Many Anglophones should be recruited into the University (HTTC) and trained as teachers of English. They are not even enough for Anglophone schools. Imagine how many have to be trained to fill all the Anglophone schools and all the francophone schools all over the national territory in primary and secondary schools. This will create a huge job market for Anglophones. Many more Anglophones should be admitted into HTTTC to train and make up for the deficiencies in teachers of science and technology.
H.E. President Paul Biya has encouraged digitalization of the administration and the improvement of digital economy in Cameroon. You know that English is the Language of the digital world. I will encourage all Cameroonians to learn American English. This will help the whole nation to grow.
*EDUCATION COUNCIL AND GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE*
The idea of the education council is good and should be implemented immediately. Two would be created; one for Anglophone federal states and another for francophone federal states. If a Francophone has technical skills and does not know English, he should first of all do a six month English training followed by a proficiency evaluation at the linguistic center to get this right.
As I had said before, there should be only one school system. There should be nothing like technical or grammar schools. All students are exposed to all subjects including agriculture and animal husbandry. After the fifth year, they can start to specialize and sort out themselves as they grow. The senate is not cost effective. All the money wasted on running the senate should be used to buy technical and agricultural equipment for our secondary schools. This is more useful. The National Assembly has enough brains to make good laws. Senate is a waste of resources.
The whole idea is to make the Francophones who are sitting on the fence realize that their own problems would also be solved when they understand and accept decentralization/federalism as a workable concept.
To add the icing on the cake, The University of Buea and Bamenda should be run according to the Anglo-Saxon principles for running such institutions. As for ‘concours’ in the nation; Anglophones from the North West and South West Region must have a minimum of 25% of the spots reserved for them. It also makes sense in appointments in government at all levels takes care of this ratio and also introduce mechanisms for power balance at the helm.
The bottom line is that Anglophones are not beggars and should just be treated fairly. They are not asking for something other than fairness in these matters. Bilingualism should be for real and not lip service as we see it now. I remember Hon Cyprian Awudu Mbaya had to get into a rage and tear down the sign boards at Ayaba Hotel written only in French to get the managers of Ayaba and that Ministry to think that they needed to put up signs in English as well in the year 2015. This does not speak well and shows bad faith.
*TAXES AND STATE BUDGET* The national budget is partitioned into two big groups. A) Money set aside for the Federal capital state for running the federal government, the army, and national programs. B) Money that is shared into 10 lots and sent to each federal state to be managed by the local federal government to cover running costs and development. This should be a function of the true population statistics and the amount they contribute to the national budget by way of taxes and income.
When taxes are collected from major income sources, a fixed percentage MUST be paid to the local government that generates it and the rest sent to the Federal Capital State. Local governments would have the ability to hire and fire based on output.
*THE LAWYERS’ PROBLEM*
This is another serious issue that can be solved easily. The umbrella lawyers’ association as it is now should be left in place as a mother association. Under this structure, the Anglophone Common Lawyer Association should be created as well as the Francophone Lawyers’ Council. This gives Anglophone lawyers an opportunity to also work in the other 8 regions/federal states in the nation. This provides a big market for them. That way, they are not limited to two Regions. The Law school that teaches common law should be created and the Anglophone section in ENAM created to teach student magistrates in Common Law. These are simple and easy things to do.
All official documents in the nation including the OHADA Law must be in English and French. I do not see any difficulty with implementing this. The administration in Cameroon should sit up and solve problems in time. We should not leave things to blow out of proportion because of neglect. Meaningful dialogue is a great tool everywhere and at all times in all circumstances. It needs love, humility and truth to get it to work.
*CONCLUSION*
We have only one country. There are hawks looking for ways to cause problems in Cameroon. They will come to fight on our behalf and steal our country. We shall all become beggars and refugees if we do not act wisely. Let us avoid conflict at all cost by doing what is right now. By so doing, we close the door to outside forces that looking forward to stealing our resources. Peace, security and stability are all we want. Let us do all in our power to have and maintain it. Boko Haram has not been a welcome experience. Might is not always right. Love conquers all. Greed kills and supervises the burial.

Sign
*DR NICK NGWANYAM, MD*
 NORTH WEST REGION REP OF CAMEROON
 TEL( CELL) +237- 677 764 674

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Fidel Castro Dies at 90 (Photo)

One of the world's longest serving leader, Fidel Castro of Cuba has finally given it to death at the age of 90.

Fidel Castro

 

Fidel Castro, Cuba's former president and leader of the Communist revolution, has died aged 90, his brother has said.

"The commander in chief of the Cuban revolution died at 22:29 hours this evening (03:29 GMT Saturday)," President Raul Castro said.  Fidel Castro ruled Cuba as a one-party state for almost 50 years before Raul took over in 2008.

His supporters said he had given Cuba back to the people. But he was also accused of suppressing opposition. Ashen and grave, President Castro told the nation in an unexpected late night broadcast on state television that Fidel Castro had died and would be cremated later on Saturday.There would now be several days of national mourning on the island.  Raul Castro ended the announcement by shouting the revolutionary slogan: "Towards victory, always!"

Barring the occasional newspaper column, Fidel Castro had essentially been retired from political life for some time, the BBC's Will Grant in Havana reports.

Castro - who had survived many assassination plots - was the longest serving non-royal leader of the 20th Century.

Castro temporarily handed over power to his brother in 2006 as he was recovering from an acute intestinal ailment.

Raul Castro officially became president two years later.
Throughout the Cold War, Fidel Castro was Washington's bete noire.

An accomplished tactician on the battlefield, he and his small army of guerrillas overthrew the military leader Fulgencio Batista in 1959 to widespread popular support.

Within two years of taking power, he declared the revolution to be Marxist-Leninist in nature and allied the island nation firmly to the Soviet Union.

Yet, despite the constant threat of a US invasion as well as the long-standing economic embargo on the island, Castro managed to maintain a communist revolution in a nation just 90 miles (145km) off the coast of Florida.

Despised by his critics as much as he was revered by his followers, he outlasted ten US presidents and defied scores of attempts on his life by the CIA.

 

-BBC

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Problem of Marginalization in the union Southern Cameroons/ La Republic: Dante's Curse on Anglophone Ministers

 By Writtam-pen

Country people, I am sure you must have been wondering whether your Writam-pen kicked the bucket.  To be candid, your Writam-pen went on hibernation to the point that he decided to observe months of silence. You know people are fun of observing minutes of silence but I always like to make the difference reasons why I went in for months of silence until the ongoing uprising reawakened me. Truth is bitter but must be spoken if it means vanishing for it.

To cut the matter short, this is the time anyone who says there no big problem of marginalization in the union between Southern Cameroons and La Republic should be considered as being in a state of sin.  

Country People, I think there is no room for neutrality or for those fence sitters who will end up in the hottest corners of Dante’s inferno as far as the current deadlock surrounding Anglophone problems is concern. The problem exists and the schism is sharper than ever, although it should be borne in mind that this polarisation does not date from the Common Law Layers, teachers’ sit-in strike or the Standup Coffin comedy in Bamenda that degenerated into a popular uprising. But those continue to pretend that there is no Anglophone problem can only be regarded as deceits that merit the lowest place in hell, which is the place best suited for hypocrites.

In Dante’s great poem, the neutrals, it is said that those who in this world had never taken a side, occupy the mouth and vestibule of Hell. There they swirl unceasingly in clouds of red sand, their faces bitten by wasps and hornets. They pursue in a blind fatal way a flag which never stays for a moment in one place. In fact, Dante denies them the moral dignity of a place even in hell itself. “Heaven will not have them, and the deep Hell receives them not lest the wicked,  they should have some glory over them” And what was the sin of these neutrals? Oh, simply this: they had never taken a side. They had spent God’s precious moment watching which way the wind was likely to blow. In short, Anglophones are growing more and more conscious of the size of the political duplicity and hypocrisy that had been used against them.

Country people!!! This world is wicked. Can you imagine that up to date the likes of Simon Achidi Achu have been silent over the Anglophone problems? Can someone tell me what really took the Prime Minister Yang Philemon to Bamenda? Yang is an Anglophone, and should know the problems of the Anglophones in this country.  Better for Atanga Nji, Larent Esso, Isa Tchiroma, Jacque Fame Ndongo and other regime barons who say there is no Anglophone problem in Cameroon. I cannot blame them. I don’t want to say this is a slave mentality but it is something closer to it. Those who always give a blind eye to realities don’t do it out of conviction. I hear Popoul is very disappointed with them for kicking Yang Philemon from behind. That was a horrific game that deserves a “red card from Popoul. Who is bigger, the Prime minister or cabinet minister? Just wondering!!!!

 Popoul’s ministers are really shits. I have always said that some of them don’t speaks out of sincerity. They do it out of two things: either they are after something or something is after them. You know thieves at times are even scared of their shadows. That is how these ministers behave. They are all hypocrites.  

Whenever I look at the manner of those who turn around Popoul and who have ruined this country with lies, it cripples me with shame which is deeply painful. This incident has made me to see now that people who abuse those who are telling the truth are just moral cowards and being cowards, fear is what guides their behavior. To feel sorry for them would be like going into a monster’s cave, seeing this slimey blob of a greedy little beast, a corrupt, evil, self serving, full of lies, without conscience beast.... yet allows it to create a living hell on earth for itself through its own greed and evil. God forbid. They always pretend to be together whereas they not. As they sit on the same table everyone is suspicious of everyone around. Yet they will always rise to talk of a one and indivisible Cameroon. Are we one? Why is it that some people are so scared when the word Southern Cameroons is mentioned as if it never existed? There is nothing like oneness in the minds of these dirty thieves. I am sure Popoul will spill the beans again this week. The unexpected will send some of them off the line again, I hear. 

I also see very clearly that what they’ve been giving out is about to ricochet back onto them. What plans are they putting in place to enslave our consciousness or fill us with lies and untruthful promises? They are not creating super soldiers who can torture and kill us without a second thought. I see that look on so many of their faces whenever someone mentions the devastating impact and the collapse of a close fascist regime.

 I watched some of them on TV and saw that they are so evil from the look on their faces. All they care about is their own greed, comfort and conveniences. They look damned smug as they think to themselves especially how little they care about Anglophones. I just imagine what they tell their wives, children about the sort of country they’ll be creating with their selfishness because they’ll be long gone when 2035 comes. What? They’re too blind and stupid to see tomorrow when freedom shall come; it will be them who will come back to life in another human to experience Vision 2035 they have created for themselves.  If they never learn, if they continue down the path of evil and self serving, every single lifetime they live is going to get more and more difficult and agonizing for them. Not because some God decided but simply because they wanted to punish themselves. It’s just the world they have created…the one that they deserve, the one that Dante did not mention in the Neutrals. I believe the time has come for the fundamentalist thinker to reveal his true face, so that truth can be sorted from falsehood for Anglophones to better judge right from wrong in the current moral crisis.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Dante’s Curse on Anglophone Ministers...Writtam-pen is Back

 By Writtam-pen

Country people, I am sure you must have been wondering whether your Writam-pen kicked the bucket.  To be candid, your Writam-pen went on hibernation to the point that he decided to observe months of silence. You know people are fun of observing minutes of silence but I always like to make the difference reasons why I went in for months of silence until the ongoing uprising reawakened me. Truth is bitter but must be spoken if it means vanishing for it.

To cut the matter short, this is the time anyone who says there no big problem of marginalization in the union between Southern Cameroons and La Republic should be considered as being in a state of sin.  

Country People, I think there is no room for neutrality or for those fence sitters who will end up in the hottest corners of Dante’s inferno as far as the current deadlock surrounding Anglophone problems is concern. The problem exists and the schism is sharper than ever, although it should be borne in mind that this polarisation does not date from the Common Law Layers, teachers’ sit-in strike or the Standup Coffin comedy in Bamenda that degenerated into a popular uprising. But those continue to pretend that there is no Anglophone problem can only be regarded as deceits that merit the lowest place in hell, which is the place best suited for hypocrites.

In Dante’s great poem, the neutrals, it is said that those who in this world had never taken a side, occupy the mouth and vestibule of Hell. There they swirl unceasingly in clouds of red sand, their faces bitten by wasps and hornets. They pursue in a blind fatal way a flag which never stays for a moment in one place. In fact, Dante denies them the moral dignity of a place even in hell itself. “Heaven will not have them, and the deep Hell receives them not lest the wicked,  they should have some glory over them” And what was the sin of these neutrals? Oh, simply this: they had never taken a side. They had spent God’s precious moment watching which way the wind was likely to blow. In short, Anglophones are growing more and more conscious of the size of the political duplicity and hypocrisy that had been used against them.

Country people!!! This world is wicked. Can you imagine that up to date the likes of Simon Achidi Achu have been silent over the Anglophone problems? Can someone tell me what really took the Prime Minister Yang Philemon to Bamenda? Yang is an Anglophone, and should know the problems of the Anglophones in this country.  Better for Atanga Nji, Larent Esso, Isa Tchiroma, Jacque Fame Ndongo and other regime barons who say there is no Anglophone problem in Cameroon. I cannot blame them. I don’t want to say this is a slave mentality but it is something closer to it. Those who always give a blind eye to realities don’t do it out of conviction. I hear Popoul is very disappointed with them for kicking Yang Philemon from behind. That was a horrific game that deserves a “red card from Popoul. Who is bigger, the Prime minister or cabinet minister? Just wondering!!!!

 Popoul’s ministers are really shits. I have always said that some of them don’t speaks out of sincerity. They do it out of two things: either they are after something or something is after them. You know thieves at times are even scared of their shadows. That is how these ministers behave. They are all hypocrites.  

Whenever I look at the manner of those who turn around Popoul and who have ruined this country with lies, it cripples me with shame which is deeply painful. This incident has made me to see now that people who abuse those who are telling the truth are just moral cowards and being cowards, fear is what guides their behavior. To feel sorry for them would be like going into a monster’s cave, seeing this slimey blob of a greedy little beast, a corrupt, evil, self serving, full of lies, without conscience beast.... yet allows it to create a living hell on earth for itself through its own greed and evil. God forbid. They always pretend to be together whereas they not. As they sit on the same table everyone is suspicious of everyone around. Yet they will always rise to talk of a one and indivisible Cameroon. Are we one? Why is it that some people are so scared when the word Southern Cameroons is mentioned as if it never existed? There is nothing like oneness in the minds of these dirty thieves. I am sure Popoul will spill the beans again this week. The unexpected will send some of them off the line again, I hear. 

I also see very clearly that what they’ve been giving out is about to ricochet back onto them. What plans are they putting in place to enslave our consciousness or fill us with lies and untruthful promises? They are not creating super soldiers who can torture and kill us without a second thought. I see that look on so many of their faces whenever someone mentions the devastating impact and the collapse of a close fascist regime.

 I watched some of them on TV and saw that they are so evil from the look on their faces. All they care about is their own greed, comfort and conveniences. They look damned smug as they think to themselves especially how little they care about Anglophones. I just imagine what they tell their wives, children about the sort of country they’ll be creating with their selfishness because they’ll be long gone when 2035 comes. What? They’re too blind and stupid to see tomorrow when freedom shall come; it will be them who will come back to life in another human to experience Vision 2035 they have created for themselves.  If they never learn, if they continue down the path of evil and self serving, every single lifetime they live is going to get more and more difficult and agonizing for them. Not because some God decided but simply because they wanted to punish themselves. It’s just the world they have created…the one that they deserve, the one that Dante did not mention in the Neutrals. I believe the time has come for the fundamentalist thinker to reveal his true face, so that truth can be sorted from falsehood for Anglophones to better judge right from wrong in the current moral crisis.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Bamenda: Where Every Minute Gives Birth to a New Hero

The North West Region is Bamenda, it has been said and proven. Whether from Boyo, Mezam, Menchum, Donga Mantung, Bui, Ngoketunjia or Momo Division, we are all known as the Bamenda people. Bamenda is a place where “heroes come to die” says Wamey Julius. But I will contextualize this statement by adding that Bamenda like America is a place where every minute of the day gives birth to a new hero. Mancho Bibixy, is the latest of the Bamenda heroes who through a Coffin Stand up comedy at the city chemist aroundabout expressed the plight of the Bamenda people.

From the dawn of time, the Bamenda people have distinguished themselves as pictograms of hard work, vigor and dotted with the willpower that historians find difficulties to comprehend when it comes to popular uprising. This strong spirited and collective commitment of the Bamenda people has over the years tolled to have what they have often been seen to be and tagged by others. In other words, the Bamenda man lives the life of a Spartan soldier who would prefer to die than to surrender. When Bob Marley said that truth is something that must be spoken even it means "speaking to die for it", he was surely talking of the likes of Bamenda people. A type of life that can only be compared to toad in a heating tube that keep adapting to the changing temperature until it finally gives off the ghost.

This month some of us lived the melody of city that keep changing to adapting temperatures. Where life and death are matters of seconds. A Baghdad scenario or some sort of a Western movie setting of radical extremes, or a place of violent behavior. But above all the Bamenda man is a pack of dexterousness, persistence, and warmth even when people have suffered, and or ready to. Of this, there can be tiny debate. However, some people have often impolitely taken the humble nature and this strong spirited willpower of the “Bamenda man” for granted and with negativism. “Je ne suis pas ton Bamenda” and or “come no go” have often being the reward from some people who out of ignorance, and more often than not think being humble or full of determination to fight a cause to its logical end is a misdemeanor. This is rather unfortunate given that this nation owes a debt of appreciation to the Bamenda man not only for being hard working, but more importantly for the collective commitment and enormous contribution in nation building. Come to think of Nanga, Bernard Folon, Yang Philemon, Ni John Fru Ndi and million other Bamenda men of character and conscience, there is nothing than to be proud to be a Bamenda man.

Being forward looking and receptive to change has landed the Bamenda man in a position of power and to have an unquestioned advantage over others.( Quelle dites les Bamenda?). This is how the Bamenda man has been able to grasp the most essential in perspective with both hands to serve as a measuring rot for this nation. Unlike others, the Bamenda man would burn the midnight candle to obtain the desire results, takes the risk that could in a few seconds set historical records ablaze yet kept the traditional values intact in today’s world of globalization. Although others had historical and geographical head over them, they overcame their handicap with a lot of determination and dynamism.

 For decades, Bamenda has had the good fortune to have produced individuals who on account of their peculiar gifts of values have contributed to the advancement of this country.

Ah! Bamenda! Home of all the heroes of yesteryears Albert Mukong, John Ngu Foncha, Jua, ST Muna, Bernard Folon, Ndeh Ntumazah, Prof Anomah Ngu, Nanga, just to name the few. In February 1983, President Paul Biya declared Bamenda as his second home. This is not a joking matter given that Paul Biya, John Fru Ndi, Francis Nkwain, SN Tamfu, JT Kangkolo, ST Muna, Foncha, Jua, Achidi Achu, Awudu Mbaya, JK Ntoi, Fuh Calistus Gentry, etc make up the Bamenda man. Oh my Bamenda, the second home of President Paul Biya.

 Political Giants

Bamenda still remains a focal point of what takes place in the country politically. What, however, defines a Bamenda man, at least within the present political environment, would be that both the ruling party (CPDM) and the main opposition party (SDF) were created in Bamenda. Bamenda is the heart of politics in Cameroon; it is its people that have made Bamenda the city of versions, the Bagdad of Cameroon where in a moment of civil strike makes you live a life through a perpetual fish bowl, the outside world only being reachable only through the boots of a soldier. It is hard to imagine what this kind of life is like unless you have lived it or lived amongst it. There is a lesson to be learned from the people of Bamenda – not just of extraordinary resilience and steadfastness, but also humility and respect. And that is the real story of life in Bamenda, my Bamenda.

The Land of Noble Birth

“Bamenda, the place where heroes go to die.” That is how Julius Wamey, the famous CRTV anchor, in an article titled in the same words, described the headquarters of the Northwest Region some years back. Francis Wache in one of his articles titled: NW Region: The Caesarean Womb Of CMR’s Democracy wrote that “the name ‘Bamenda’, has, over the years, come to represent the whole Region. With a hint of pride in their voices, natives of the Region, living ‘abroad’, would say they are from ‘Bamenda’ when, in reality, they are referring to Din, Akweto, Essimbi…‘Bamenda’, has, therefore, become generic- a reference to the whole Region”.   




When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Bamenda: The 21st Century Pitiless Spartan City

The North West Region is Bamenda, it has been said and proven. Whether from Boyo, Mezam, Menchum, Donga Mantung, Bui, Ngoketunjia or Momo Division, we are all known as the Bamenda people. Bamenda is a place where “heroes come to die” says Wamey Julius. But I will contextualize this statement by adding that Bamenda like America is a place where every minute of the day gives birth to a new hero. 

From the dawn of time, the Bamenda people have distinguished themselves as pictograms of hard work, vigor and dotted with the willpower that historians find difficulties to comprehend. This strong spirited and collective commitment of the Bamenda people has over the years tolled to have what they have often been seen to be and tagged by others. In other words, the Bamenda man lives the life of a Spartan soldier who would prefer to die than to surrender. When Bob Marley said that truth is something that must be spoken even it means "speaking to die for it", he was surely talking of the likes of Bamenda people. A type of life that can only be compared to toad in a heating tube that keep adapting to the changing temperature until it finally gives off the ghost.

This month some of us lived the melody of city that keep changing to adapting temperatures. Where life and death are matters of seconds. A Baghdad scenario or some sort of a Western movie setting of radical extremes, or a place of violent behavior. But above all the Bamenda man is a pack of dexterousness, persistence, and warmth even when people have suffered, and or ready to. Of this, there can be tiny debate. However, some people have often impolitely taken the humble nature and this strong spirited willpower of the “Bamenda man” for granted and with negativism. “Je ne suis pas ton Bamenda” and or “come no go” have often being the reward from some people who out of ignorance, and more often than not think being humble or full of determination to fight a cause to its logical end is a misdemeanor. This is rather unfortunate given that this nation owes a debt of appreciation to the Bamenda man not only for being hard working, but more importantly for the collective commitment and enormous contribution in nation building. Come to think of Nanga, Bernard Folon, Yang Philemon, Ni John Fru Ndi and million other Bamenda men of character and conscience, there is nothing than to be proud to be a Bamenda man.

Being forward looking and receptive to change has landed the Bamenda man in a position of power and to have an unquestioned advantage over others.( Quelle dites les Bamenda?). This is how the Bamenda man has been able to grasp the most essential in perspective with both hands to serve as a measuring rot for this nation. Unlike others, the Bamenda man would burn the midnight candle to obtain the desire results, takes the risk that could in a few seconds set historical records ablaze yet kept the traditional values intact in today’s world of globalization. Although others had historical and geographical head over them, they overcame their handicap with a lot of determination and dynamism.

 For decades, Bamenda has had the good fortune to have produced individuals who on account of their peculiar gifts of values have contributed to the advancement of this country.

Ah! Bamenda! Home of all the heroes of yesteryears Albert Mukong, John Ngu Foncha, Jua, ST Muna, Bernard Folon, Ndeh Ntumazah, Prof Anomah Ngu, Nanga, just to name the few. In February 1983, President Paul Biya declared Bamenda as his second home. This is not a joking matter given that Paul Biya, John Fru Ndi, Francis Nkwain, SN Tamfu, JT Kangkolo, ST Muna, Foncha, Jua, Achidi Achu, Awudu Mbaya, JK Ntoi, Fuh Calistus Gentry, etc make up the Bamenda man. Oh my Bamenda, the second home of President Paul Biya.

 Political Giants

Bamenda still remains a focal point of what takes place in the country politically. What, however, defines a Bamenda man, at least within the present political environment, would be that both the ruling party (CPDM) and the main opposition party (SDF) were created in Bamenda. Bamenda is the heart of politics in Cameroon; it is its people that have made Bamenda the city of versions, the Bagdad of Cameroon where in a moment of civil strike makes you live a life through a perpetual fish bowl, the outside world only being reachable only through the boots of a soldier. It is hard to imagine what this kind of life is like unless you have lived it or lived amongst it. There is a lesson to be learned from the people of Bamenda – not just of extraordinary resilience and steadfastness, but also humility and respect. And that is the real story of life in Bamenda, my Bamenda.

The Land of Noble Birth

“Bamenda, the place where heroes go to die.” That is how Julius Wamey, the famous CRTV anchor, in an article titled in the same words, described the headquarters of the Northwest Region some years back. Francis Wache in one of his articles titled: NW Region: The Caesarean Womb Of CMR’s Democracy wrote that “the name ‘Bamenda’, has, over the years, come to represent the whole Region. With a hint of pride in their voices, natives of the Region, living ‘abroad’, would say they are from ‘Bamenda’ when, in reality, they are referring to Din, Akweto, Essimbi…‘Bamenda’, has, therefore, become generic- a reference to the whole Region”.   



When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Dr Christopher Fomunyoh, shocked and dismayed by ongoing events in North-West and South-West Cameroon

November 23rd, 2016.

In the past few weeks, I have watched with utter dismay, anguish and sadness developments in North West
and South West Cameroon: notably, the demonstration by Common Law lawyers in Bamenda in October and on November 8; the demonstration by Common Law lawyers in Buea on November 10; and the teachers' strike that began on November 22, and is affecting institutions of academic learning from primary through secondary and higher education in both regions of the country. These events endanger the rule of law and education, which are two very sensitive pillars of our national fabric and human development. They also bring to the fore grievances that demonstrate the disaffection of a sizable segment of our population with the manner in which the Biya government approaches governance in these critical sectors.

These very unfortunate events have also exposed to the entire Cameroonian population as well as the international community the inability of the authorities to listen to the voices of citizens and to provide appropriate platforms for meaningful discourse and exchanges that must take place in every democratic society between citizens and those that govern. Democratic governance in the 21st century entails constant engagement with citizens, providing opportunities for their grievances to be addressed, and taking concrete measures to ensure that fellow compatriots feel a sense of belonging and ownership of resulting reforms. This is the only way to restore their dignity and foster responsible citizenship. By failing to address these grievances, the government has exposed its inability to govern in an inclusive and responsive manner.

As I have said in the past, the issues raised by Common Law lawyers and now teachers and parents in these two regions of the country deserve proper attention at he highest level of the State. These issues speak to the core values that enabled the establishment of the Fatherland to which we all belong. We cannot allow for that national fabric to be undermined by the government of the day. Sadly enough, these events also mirror recent strikes in Yaoundé and threats by the Union of francophone teachers to demonstrate in coming days. There is no doubt in my mind that a general malaise overshadows the current political environment in our country.

I therefore call on President Paul Biya to speak directly to the nation to calm fears and to take concrete steps to address the expressed grievances in the most just, equitable and timely manner. I also call on the government not to use force against innocent unarmed citizens who peacefully advocate for their rights.
The government should set up a special, broad based commission to attend to the grievances raised with regards to the educational sector. It is noteworthy that these issues raised by teachers, students and parents surpass the jurisdictions of the four cabinet ministries that now oversee educational matters in Cameroon - Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of Secondary Education, Ministry of Basic Education and Ministry of Labor and Professional Training - none of which is headed by anyone educated in the Anglo-Saxon tradition. For a country that prides itself of adopting and strengthening its bicultural tradition, such a political set up does not lend itself to a proper understanding of the values that Anglophone teachers, student and parents seek to preserve.

At the same time, I call on lawyers, teachers, students and parents in the North West and South West regions to be patient and to remain open to dialogue, knowing that the vast majority of Cameroonians appreciate highly the values of fairness, justice and integrity that they seek to defend. It is only on the basis of these shared values that Cameroon will stay strong and united.

Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh
President
The Fomunyoh Foundation
www.tffcam.org

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23 Novembre 2016

Le Dr Christopher Fomunyoh, exprime son grand désarroi face aux événements en cours dans le Nord-Ouest et le Sud-Ouest du Cameroun

Au cours de ces dernières semaines, j’observe avec désarroi et tristesse les événements dans le Nord-Ouest et le Sud-Ouest du Cameroun, et notamment, les manifestations des avocats de droit commun à Bamenda au mois d’octobre et le 8 novembre ; les manifestations des avocats de droit commun à Buea le 10 Novembre ; et la grève des enseignants depuis le 22 novembre, qui affecte les établissements scolaires du primaire, du secondaire et du supérieur dans ces deux régions du pays. Ces événements perturbent l’accès à l’état de droit et au système éducatif, qui sont deux piliers essentiels de notre cohésion nationale et des droits de l’homme. Ils s’ajoutent à des doléances exprimées antérieurement et au sentiment de désaffection ressenti par une partie importante de notre population face au traitement avec lequel le gouvernement Biya gère les questions de gouvernance dans ces secteurs fondamentaux.

Ces événements malheureux viennent aussi démontrer à l’ensemble des Camerounais, comme à la communauté internationale, l’incapacité des autorités à entendre la voix de leurs concitoyens. Les autorités n’ont pas su créer un espace approprié à des discussions et échanges constructifs entre citoyens et gouvernants qui ont droit de cité dans toute société démocratique. Au 21e siècle, la gouvernance démocratique implique un lien permanent avec les citoyens, qui leur donne des occasions d’exprimer leurs revendications. Cette gouvernance suppose aussi des mesures concrètes pour que les citoyens puissent tous se reconnaître dans une même nation et s’approprient les réformes nécessaires. C’est le seul moyen pour l’Etat de rendre à chacun sa dignité et de promouvoir la responsabilité citoyenne. Faute de répondre aux attentes des citoyens, le gouvernement prouve son incapacité à diriger le pays d’une façon inclusive et responsable.

Comme je l’ai déjà souligné par le passé, les questions soulevées par les avocats de droit commun, et maintenant par les enseignants et les parents de ces deux régions méritent une attention pleine et entière au plus haut niveau de l’Etat. Ces questions expriment les valeurs fondamentales qui nous unissent dans cette patrie. Nous ne devons pas permettre que la cohésion nationale soit ainsi rabaissée par le gouvernement actuel. Assez tristement, ces événements font également écho aux récents mouvements sociaux à Yaoundé ainsi que les menaces de manifestations lancées par l’Union des enseignants francophones pour les prochains jours. Dans mon esprit, il ne fait aucun doute qu’un malaise généralisé risque d’entacher l’environnement politique actuel de notre pays.

J’en appelle donc au Président Paul Biya pour qu’il s’adresse directement à la nation afin d’apaiser les esprits et pour qu’il prenne des mesures concrètes pour répondre, de façon juste, équitable et rapide, aux doléances exprimées. J’appelle aussi le gouvernement à ne pas faire usage de la force contre des manifestants innocents et non armés qui défendent pacifiquement leurs droits. Le gouvernement doit mettre en place une commission spéciale élargie pour traiter les revendications. Il est évident que les questions soulevées par les enseignants dépassent de loin les compétences des cabinets ministériels chargés des question d’éducation dans notre pays - à savoir : le Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur, le Ministère des Enseignements Secondaires, le Ministère de l’Education de Base et le Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Formation Professionnelle – dont aucun n’est aujourd’hui tenu par une personnalité issue du système éducatif anglo-saxon. Alors que notre pays revendique fièrement son biculturalisme, une telle répartition des responsabilités politiques ne favorise pas une bonne compréhension des valeurs portées et défendues par les enseignants, élèves et parents anglophones.

En même temps, j’appelle les avocats, les enseignants, les parents et les élèves du Nord-Ouest et du Sud-Ouest à la patience et à rester ouverts au dialogue, sachant que la grande majorité des Camerounais défend et apprécie à leur juste mesure les valeurs de justice, d’équité et d’intégrité. C’est sur ce socle de valeurs que le Cameroun restera fort et uni

Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh
Président
The Fomunyoh Foundation
www.tffcam.org

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)