Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Misaje Council Wins FCFA 25 Million PNDP Award



Misaje council in Donga Mantung Division has been distinguished for its outstanding performance in 2019. The mayor of Misaje council, Sammy Mgbata Nforkemba received the award at weekend in a fun-filled ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in Yaounde. The event which witnessed the presence of over five cabinet ministers catapulted the most outstanding councils nationwide. Misaje council was recognized as the most progressing in terms of performance. He thanked PNDP for its objectivism to encourage and promote excellence and governance in councils at this time that much is being said about decentralization.
Talking to this reporter after receiving his FCFA 25 million from the hands of Minister Isa Tchiroma, the mayor of Misaje said the award was the hall mark of collective efforts of the council executive, councilors and the staff of the council. He also dedicated the award to the population of his municipality for the collaboration they have given his council to obtain results that would foster development of the municipality. “We have been able to submit our reports in record time, hold council sessions as prescribed by the text and follow up the execution of projects. Misaje council area according to Mayor Sammy Mgbata “is a typical construction site”. He also used the opportunity to express gratitude to Dr. Fuh Calistus for his efforts to foster development in Donga Mantung Division as could be seen through the scholarship funs that has boosted the back to school campaign, stimulated schools to go operational, support the needy with funds and also empowered Parent Teachers Associations financially to recruit teachers where they were lacking.
He enumerated the number of projects that were realized and also ongoing projects, citing the following:
·       The construction of the Kidung-Mbissa road
·       The provision of water supply system in Abeng, Akweto and Misaje town
·       Provision of potable water at Dumbu Ranch
·       Construction of a meat sales slab at Dumbu town
·       The construction of 2 block classroom at GS Dumbu
·       The construction of 2 block classrooms at Bunghe
·       The construction of a veterinary sub delegation in Misaje
·       The construction of the Misaje community Hall
·       The construction of a modern market sheds in Misaje town
·       The construction of 02 classrooms at GBS Misaje
·       The construction of a zoo technical and veterinary center in Misaje town
·       The construction of 02 classrooms at GS Bugeng
·       The construction of a Health Centre at GS Dumbu ranch
·       The establishing of a pasture production center at Kilowe
·       The construction of 02 classrooms at GS Bebekette
·       The construction of market stores in Misaje market
·       The construction of a science block at GBHS Misaje
·       The construction of a community hall at Chunghe
·       Provision of water by gravity at Mfume
·       The construction of a health centre in Chunghe
·       Construction of a block of 2 classrooms at Kamine
·       The construction of 02 classrooms at Korongo-Kamine
·       The award of contract for the road Dumbu-Mayokila-Akweto
Mayor Sammy Mgbata concluded by adding that it is for the above reasons that Misaje council has been given an award by PNDP for governance and accountability.  





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

UNDP, AJA Train Community Leaders in Peacebuilding



The five-day workshop brought together 64 community leaders from the five sub divisions that make up Donga Mantung Division. The workshop was organized by African Justice for Peace Association in partnership with the United Nations Development Program. According to Abanda Marcel, Chief Executive Officer of AJA the project is aimed at promoting social and Economic Cohesion in Donga Mantung Division,
Harping on the partnership with UNDP, Abanda Marcel disclosed that the project has established and distributed 100 birth certificates to Internally Displaced Persons and the needy in society. He added that the project is expected to empower citizens and reinforce institutions in order to enhance social cohesion and peacebuilding.
Addressing participants during the opening ceremony, the Divisional Officer for Nkambe Central, Ngida Lawrence Che reminded stakeholders that peace doesn’t necessarily means the absence of war and expressed gratitude to UNDP and AJA for their contribution to peacebuilding in communities. He used the opportunity to call on participants to be ambassadors of peace in their various communities and villages after the training.
Although it is a challenging task but the 64 peacebuilders are expected to be innovative by leaving behind old habits and embrace socialization. This according to the trainers implies that they need to adopt an approach that is very different from the previous ways they were living in their villages or communities. Their  new approach, it should be recalled will consist of establishing good relationships with everyone, learning more about their communities or village’s history, and taking action to deal with conflict as a budding stage.
Participants were told that whenever a problem arises in their community, they should engage in dialogue with an open mind and the real will to listen to others. Only then will they be able to understand each other and build bridges. “Change cannot happen and peace cannot be established if people are unable to communicate with others; to listen to their experiences and views and show empathy, understanding and compassion”. Aristotle says that “it is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it”. Implicitly, the prerequisite for a peacebuilder is to preach and practice tolerance and above all build a culture of tolerance in others. 
During the five days, participants were drilled on topics such as: defining conflicts, perspectives of conflict, observing conflict. Identifying conflict styles, practicing conflict analysis, responding to conflict, nonverbal conflict, characteristics of peacebuilders, peace builder in action, peacebuilders in action etc etc.
Talking to this reporter, the fon of Nkambe, HRH Fon Ibrahim Japfu Nfor, said he has learned new skills in conflict resolutions that will go a way to enable him solve problems whenever the need arises. He thanked UNDP and AJA for empowering them.


DO for Nkambe Central

Fon of Nkambe and CEO of AJA
When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Misaje Sends Motion of Support and Encouragement to President Biya at 37th Anniversary of his Accession to Power


CAMEROON PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT (CPDM)
DONGA MANTUNG IV SECTION-MISAJE

Motion of Support and Encouragement

A Motion of Support and Encouragement addressed to H.E Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon and chairman of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement(CPDM) by militants and sympathizers of the Donga Mantung IV Section-Misaje on the occasion of the celebration of the 37th Anniversary of the accession to the supreme magistracy of His Excellency Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon, today November 6th 2019n in Misaje

We the militants and sympathizers of the Donga Mantung IV of the CPDM, celebrating the 37th anniversary of the Accession to the Supreme Magistracy of His Excellency Paul Biya, today November, 6th 2019, in Misaje under the theme: “ALL BEHIND PRESIDENT PAUL BIYA , TO GUARANTEE NATIONAL COHESION AND STRENGTHEN LIVING TOGETHER IN A ONE AND INDIVISIBLE CAMEROON”.
Considering the numerous achievements of the New Government, under the able leadership of H.E Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon;
Considering the tense socio-political climate in the Anglophone regions and other regions in Cameroon;
Considering the emphasis laid on the guarantee of national cohesion and the strengthening of living together in a one and indivisible Cameroon;
Considering the numerous lofty development projects realized in this Section;
Considering the commitments of our compatriots in the recent Major National Dialogue, and its resulting resolutions;
Considering the need to give our unflinching support to the President of the Republic, His Excellency Paul Biya who is ready to effectively use the recommendations of the Major National Dialogue to ensure peace, unity and progress in Cameroon;
Considering the Force of Experience leading Cameroon to the implementation of the Greater Opportunities PROGRAMME;
We the militants and sympathizers of the Donga Mantung IV Section-Misaje;
Express our sincere gratitude and thanks to H.E President Paul Biya, for all the development projects,
Call on H.E President Paul Biya , President of the Republic to consider the resolutions of the Major National Dialogue as soon as possible for the benefit of peace in our one and indivisible Cameroon,
Pledge our total and unconditional support to our great party, the CPDM,
Pray God to give H.E Paul Biya, President of the Republic many more years on earth and at the helm of this great nation Cameroon.
                                                                          Done in Misaje, today 6th November, 2019

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

37th Anniversary Celebration in Misaje: CPDM Militants Call on President Biya to Implement Resolutions of Major National Dialogue


There was ecstasy and trumpet blast in Misaje as thousands gathered at the Misaje market square Council to celebrate President Paul Biyas 37th Anniversary as Head of state. In a motion of Support and Encouragement to the head of state, CPDM militants and sympathizers of Donga Mantung IV-Misaje to call on President Biya to consider the resolutions of the Major National Dialogue for the benefit of peace.
We the militants and sympathizers of Donga Mantung IV-Misaje; express our sincere gratitude to H.E President Paul Biya, for all the development projects, call on H.E President Paul Biya, President of the Republic to consider the resolution of the major National Dialogue as soon as possible for the benefit of peace in our one and indivisible Cameroon they stated. Harping on this years All behind President Paul Biya to guarantee national cohesion and strengthening living together in a one and invisible Cameroon CPDM militants emphasized on the need give unflinching support to the head of state who is ready to effectively implement the recommendations of the Major National Dialogue to ensure peace, unity and progress in Cameroon. The euphoria that saluted speaker after speaker was so fascinating. Those who did not have the opportunity to make public speeches expressed themselves in songs and dances. The drumbeats and voices from the ceremonial ground echoed into the hills of Akweto, down to the lowlands of Nkanchi, Chunghe, Bem, Dumbu and valleys of Kameni. Tons of accolades were poured on President Paul Biya for transforming the entire Misaje Sub Division into a vast construction site.
CPDM Section President for Donga Mantung IV Section Tantoh Shey Alfred Nyako in his speech reminded CPDM militants and sympathizers that the anniversary is coming up at the eve of a series of elections which could be announced soon. He used the occasion to call on CPDM militants to remain loyal to the ideals of the party and should not fall prey to political flirts who will lure them to their unfertile desert. I call on you to remain very committed more than ever before. My greatest wish is to see us maintain that same standard and even more during the forthcoming elections. To this I mean the standard of of crushing victories at the polls he continued.
On back school, Tantoh Shey Alfred Nyako also expressed gratitude and thanks to the population of Misaje for sending their children to school. He revealed to the population that during the last CPDM Regional meeting, Misaje was recognized as one of the six sections that remained relatively calm, peaceful and law abiding during the past three years of the Anglophone crisis.
While thanking government for the numerous projects, and like Oliver Twist, Tantoh Shey Alfred Nyako said Misaje has its needy need which he pleads on government to look into them. These needs according to the Section President consist amongst others an appeal for Misaje to be raised to a full Division as a reward for their loyalty to the state and their respect for republican values. He also urged government to reinforce security measures in the section especially as elections are approaching. He also mentioned that abandoned development projects in the Section should be completed, most especially the construction grandstand and electricity project. Besides, he concluded that the Trans African road project be continued up to Nigeria.
Addressing the population, the mayor of Misaje Council Sammy Mgbata Nforkemba said that Misaje remains the bastion of the CPDM in the North West Region and that the marriage between the people of Misaje is that of trust, loyalty and unflinching. He expressed gratitude to President Biya for appointing Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry as Secretary of State in the Ministry of Mines, Industries and Technological Development. He said if his municipality is celebrating this years anniversary with pump and pageantry it is because of the development they have registered. We are just expressing our thanks to the Head of state for the numerous development projects we have recorded in this municipality, he continued. This municipality is a typical construction site and for your information, Misaje council will be receiving a national award in Yaounde in the days ahead as the most progressing council in the North West Region, Sammy Mgbata added. He also thanked Dr. Fuh Calistus for the scholarship he initiated that boosted the back to school campaign, stimulated schools to go operational, support the needy with funds and also empowered Parent Teachers Associations financially to recruit teachers where they were lacking.
On the projects realized in his municipality this year, the mayor outlined the following projects as key factors of development that will change lives. These projects are:
The construction of the Kidung-Mbissa road
The provision of water supply system in Abeng, Akweto and Misaje town
Provision of potable water at Dumbu Ranch
Construction of a meat sales slab at Dumbu town
The construction of 2 block classroom at GS Dumbu
The construction of 2 block classrooms at Bunghe
The construction of a veterinary sub delegation in Misaje
The construction of the Misaje community Hall
The construction of a modern market sheds in Misaje town
The construction of 02 classrooms at GBS Misaje
The construction of a zoo technical and veterinary center in Misaje town
The construction of 02 classrooms at GS Bugeng
The construction of a Health Centre at GS Dumbu ranch
The establishing of a pasture production center at Kilowe
The construction of 02 classrooms at GS Bebekette
The construction of market stores in Misaje market
The construction of a science block at GBHS Misaje
The construction of a community hall at Chunghe
Provision of water by gravity at Mfume
The construction of a health centre in Chunghe
Construction of a block of 2 classrooms at Kamine
The construction of 02 classrooms at Korongo-Kamine
The award of contract for the road Dumbu-Mayokila-Akweto
Mayor Sammy Mgbata concluded by adding that it is for the above reasons and the fact that Misaje council has instill governance and accountability that Misaje council will receive an award from FEICOM in the days ahead. It should be noted that anniversary celebration took place in Misaje under the auspices of the Divisional Officer for Misaje, Thomas Tchatcha.



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

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

37th Anniversary of President Biya's Accession to Supreme Magistracy: Misaje Calls for Implementation of Resolutions of National Dialogue


There was ecstasy and trumpet blast in Misaje as thousands gathered at the Misaje market square Council to celebrate President Paul Biyas 37th Anniversary as Head of state. In a motion of Support and Encouragement to the head of state, CPDM militants and sympathizers of Donga Mantung IV-Misaje to call on President Biya to consider the resolutions of the Major National Dialogue for the benefit of peace.
We the militants and sympathizers of Donga Mantung IV-Misaje; express our sincere gratitude to H.E President Paul Biya, for all the development projects, call on H.E President Paul Biya, President of the Republic to consider the resolution of the major National Dialogue as soon as possible for the benefit of peace in our one and indivisible Cameroon they stated. Harping on this years All behind President Paul Biya to guarantee national cohesion and strengthening living together in a one and invisible Cameroon CPDM militants emphasized on the need give unflinching support to the head of state who is ready to effectively implement the recommendations of the Major National Dialogue to ensure peace, unity and progress in Cameroon. The euphoria that saluted speaker after speaker was so fascinating. Those who did not have the opportunity to make public speeches expressed themselves in songs and dances. The drumbeats and voices from the ceremonial ground echoed into the hills of Akweto, down to the lowlands of Nkanchi, Chunghe, Bem, Dumbu and valleys of Kameni. Tons of accolades were poured on President Paul Biya for transforming the entire Misaje Sub Division into a vast construction site.
CPDM Section President for Donga Mantung IV Section Tantoh Shey Alfred Nyako in his speech reminded CPDM militants and sympathizers that the anniversary is coming up at the eve of a series of elections which could be announced soon. He used the occasion to call on CPDM militants to remain loyal to the ideals of the party and should not fall prey to political flirts who will lure them to their unfertile desert. I call on you to remain very committed more than ever before. My greatest wish is to see us maintain that same standard and even more during the forthcoming elections. To this I mean the standard of of crushing victories at the polls he continued.
On back school, Tantoh Shey Alfred Nyako also expressed gratitude and thanks to the population of Misaje for sending their children to school. He revealed to the population that during the last CPDM Regional meeting, Misaje was recognized as one of the six sections that remained relatively calm, peaceful and law abiding during the past three years of the Anglophone crisis.
While thanking government for the numerous projects, and like Oliver Twist, Tantoh Shey Alfred Nyako said Misaje has its needy need which he pleads on government to look into them. These needs according to the Section President consist amongst others an appeal for Misaje to be raised to a full Division as a reward for their loyalty to the state and their respect for republican values. He also urged government to reinforce security measures in the section especially as elections are approaching. He also mentioned that abandoned development projects in the Section should be completed, most especially the construction grandstand and electricity project. Besides, he concluded that the Trans African road project be continued up to Nigeria.
Addressing the population, the mayor of Misaje Council Sammy Mgbata Nforkemba said that Misaje remains the bastion of the CPDM in the North West Region and that the marriage between the people of Misaje is that of trust, loyalty and unflinching. He expressed gratitude to President Biya for appointing Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry as Secretary of State in the Ministry of Mines, Industries and Technological Development. He said if his municipality is celebrating this years anniversary with pump and pageantry it is because of the development they have registered. We are just expressing our thanks to the Head of state for the numerous development projects we have recorded in this municipality, he continued. This municipality is a typical construction site and for your information, Misaje council will be receiving a national award in Yaounde in the days ahead as the most progressing council in the North West Region, Sammy Mgbata added. He also thanked Dr. Fuh Calistus for the scholarship he initiated that boosted the back to school campaign, stimulated schools to go operational, support the needy with funds and also empowered Parent Teachers Associations financially to recruit teachers where they were lacking.
On the projects realized in his municipality this year, the mayor outlined the following projects as key factors of development that will change lives. These projects are:
The construction of the Kidung-Mbissa road
The provision of water supply system in Abeng, Akweto and Misaje town
Provision of potable water at Dumbu Ranch
Construction of a meat sales slab at Dumbu town
The construction of 2 block classroom at GS Dumbu
The construction of 2 block classrooms at Bunghe
The construction of a veterinary sub delegation in Misaje
The construction of the Misaje community Hall
The construction of a modern market sheds in Misaje town
The construction of 02 classrooms at GBS Misaje
The construction of a zoo technical and veterinary center in Misaje town
The construction of 02 classrooms at GS Bugeng
The construction of a Health Centre at GS Dumbu ranch
The establishing of a pasture production center at Kilowe
The construction of 02 classrooms at GS Bebekette
The construction of market stores in Misaje market
The construction of a science block at GBHS Misaje
The construction of a community hall at Chunghe
Provision of water by gravity at Mfume
The construction of a health centre in Chunghe
Construction of a block of 2 classrooms at Kamine
The construction of 02 classrooms at Korongo-Kamine
The award of contract for the road Dumbu-Mayokila-Akweto
Mayor Sammy Mgbata concluded by adding that it is for the above reasons and the fact that Misaje council has instill governance and accountability that Misaje council will receive an award from FEICOM in the days ahead. It should be noted that anniversary celebration took place in Misaje under the auspices of the Divisional Officer for Misaje, Thomas Tchatcha.



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

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Tribute to Ni Ben Muna, by Ntumfor Nico Halle

When a person exits this sinful world people
concoct, fabricate all kinds of baseless praises in eulogies to placate the reality. This for the most part has been the order of the day.
Yet, a few people deserve genuine accolades for what they offered to humanity when the transited the world.
Ni Ben Muna is one of such few whose eulogies cannot be disputed.
For people who know me I flatter nobody for any reason.
Ni Ben Muna can aptly be described as an emblematic, phenomenal and monumental humanist whose footprints on the sands of time are there for anyone to see and feel.
In the domain of law he was a renowned Colossus. He stood for the Rule of law, Due Process and Fair trial. Justice was his mantra. An international advocate. A rare law scholar of repute. Now that the Lord has called him to eternity he would make a very impressive lawyer in heaven if that were ever possible.
In the area of human rights and liberties he was matchless. He would spare not opportunity to stand up for the oppressed and deprived. He would even risk his life for others. Selfless hero indeed.
Within the spiritual sphere Ni Ben Muna was pragmatic. A thorough Christian without traits of holier than thou. His take on salvation was by God’s grace. He was down to earth, loving. His kindness was inestimable. He was a good person to the extent that I knew.
Not being a practicing politician I cannot pretend to score him politically. All I can say on this front is that he was not only brave, he was courageous and daring.
In the face of this great and irreparably loss I take the liberty to extend my family’s profound condolences to Batonnier Akere Muna, Mr. George Muna, H.E. Ama Tutu Muna ,Ma Rose Muna and the entire Muna family in Cameroon and the diaspora.
May our awesome Father endow all the Munas the grace and faith to withstand such trying moments.
Adieu Grand Grand Frère Bâtonnier Ben Muna.

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

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Of Rural Women Building Resilience to Face Climate Crisis

The international day of the rural women is commemorated every October 15th as way to recognize their efforts towards humanity. Just with a hoe, these women and girls continue to make significant contributions in ensuring the sustainability of rural households, communities, towns and cities.  UN Women however recognizes that these “women account for a substantial proportion of the agricultural labour force, including informal work, and perform the bulk of unpaid care and domestic work within families and households in rural areas. They make significant contributions to agricultural production, food security and nutrition, land and natural resource management, and building climate resilience”. Yet they continue to live in abject poverty and misery. The paradox is that the UN also recognizes that these women produce about 80% of the food in Asia and Sub Saharan Africa, serving as breadbasket to2.5 billion people.
Un Secretary General-Antonio Guterres describes the rural women "as early adopters of new agricultural techniques, first responders in crises and entrepreneurs of green energy, rural women are a powerful force that can drive global progress”.
One of the biggest threats the world is facing today is the phenomenon of climate change. As humanity is on bended knees in the face of this global quagmire, the UN has decided that this year’s theme should reflect the role and contribution by the rural women and girls. The theme: Building Resilience to face climate crisis. Literally, this is great recognition given that the rural woman is the custodian of nature and her surrounding yet she owns absolutely nothing. Imagine that a woman who passes 6 out of 7 days of the week in the farm doesn’t even own a tree and not to talk of land. For example, she take a pear to the farm, eats, sows the seed and when it germinates, she takes care and when it starts producing, that tree becomes the property of the husband who goes to the farm three times in a year ( to clear, assist in planting crops like maize and to assist in carrying the harvest home). If the rural woman can plant and own trees, the fight against climate change will be an easy ride but if she still suffers from the male artificial barriers, the world will remain vulnerable to climate change. The time is now.
If not there is no doubt that these women will keep adapting to the changes in climate like a toad placed in a heating gar that keeps adapting to the changing temperature without any support.

Climate change adaption needs to move from conference hall, symposiums and seminar halls into the field where the most resilient actors are. If the UN can make it in such a way that every rural woman and girl plants just a tree each, take care to ensure that it survives, the fight against climate change will be very successful one and less stressful. 


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

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Donga Mantung SDO Urges Population to Go to the Dialogue Table



The Senior Divisional Officer made the clarion call during a two-in-one ceremony in Misaje where he presided over the launching of the Second Phase of Donga Mantung Scholarship Fund and the handing over of Government Humanitarian Aid to students and pupils. Addressing education stakeholders, teachers, parents, students and pupils, the SDO for Donga Mantung, Nkwenti Simon Doh urged the population to go to the dialogue table with hopes so that peace can return to the North West and South West Regions. He lauded the population of Misaje as well as Nkambe central with respect to the respect of state institutions. Donga Mantung SDO went further to reiterate the fact that dialogue is important. He continued by assuring the population that Government Humanitarian Aid for the Division was on hand and that after the launching, the distribution of government humanitarian aid shall proceed to other sub divisions. He also called on parents to send their kids to school because “education is the key of the future”.  He commended government efforts in providing aid to the needy population as well as the efforts by H.E. Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry to support and promote education in Donga Mantung Division. “We thought we were coming to celebrate with students and pupils but it turned out to be a feast with the entire population”, as he thanked the population for the massive turn out. He expressed gratitude to Minister Fuh Calistus for extending a hand of fellowship especially to the victims of the socio-political crisis in the North West and South West Regions who coincidentally are from beyond Misaje and majority being internally displaced. Besides, Mr. Nkwenti Simon Doh  also commended Dr. Fuh Calistus for raising the fund from FCFA 15 million to FCFA 18 million. 

Enter Council Mgbata Sammy Nforkemba, Mayor of Misaje Council 
In his welcome speech the mayor of Misaje council congratulated the population for the massive turn out and emphasized that education is paramount, reasons why they all came out in their numbers to confirm the fact that education is number one priority in their muniiicipality. Harping on the importance of education, councilor Mgbata Sammy Nforkemba gave a standing ovation to Minister Fuh Calistus Gentry for “his incessant lobby for the state to create and construct nursery, primary, secondary and high schools in all the localities deserving these institutions” and for making sure that he buttresses these structures through the provision of scholarships. He further congratulated the population of the division for their wise decisions and choices they have made to send children to school. On the crisis in the North West and South West Regions, the mayor of Misaje continued that “for we acknowledge the existence of Anglophone problems, but disagree on the usage of violence to solve the problem”. He argued that Cameroon never gained Bakassi because “we were more powerful at war than Nigeria, but by diplomacy and arbitration. “We believe that after all wars, no matter how long they may last, the final and inevitable end is sitting on the table for a peaceful management of the courses of the conflicts”. He advised that those who have not sent their kids should do so because by keeping them at home they may want their kids to be future agents of devastation, slaves of children whose parents have carried them to study abroad and or disabled because they were given guns, with neither training nor mature age. Mgbata Sammy concluded by thanking the population Donga Mantung for their position which is fidelity to state institutions and the resolution of conflict through dialogue.
On his part, the coordinator of the Donga Mantung Scholarship Fund, Tarlishi Oliver Yinyu said the distribution of scholarships to other Sub Divisions shall continue in the coming days. He called on the beneficiaries to use the money for the purpose that it is intended. He also prescribed duty consciousness to the lucky teachers who will be paid by the scholarship fund.

150 Pupils, Students Benefit from Government Humanitarian Aid
90 pupils and 60 students were the immediate beneficiaries of Government Humanitarian aid made up of school bags and other didactic materials. The beneficiaries who were drawn from all the schools in Misaje Sub Division each went home happier than when they were coming. One of the beneficiaries,  Ismaila Abdu said that the glorious gesture  will go a long way to encourage him study well. “I thank the government for thinking about us during this very difficult moment and I also thank Minister Fuh Calistus for paying my school fees”, he concluded. It should be recalled that the beneficiaries were selected from the 12 villages. it is worth mentioning the 150 beneficiaries will in the days ahead also receive some additional funds to enable them pay schools fees, this money shall be disbursed by the Divisional Officer for Misaje Sub Division.

24 PTA Teachers, Victims of Crisis Benefit from Scholarship
For the primary schools, 12 PTA teachers were recruited from each of the villages that make up Misaje Sub Division. Tarlishi Oliver says the teachers will teach in the various schools and will be paid from the scholarship fund for a period of 3 months. However, for the secondary schools, GBHS Misaje and GHS Chunghe were exceptionally given two teachers while all the other secondary school had one teacher each. All together, 12 secondary school teachers were recruited. Harping on the salaries of the teachers, Tarshi Oliver revealed that secondary school teachers will earn FCFA 40.000 while primary school teachers will earn FCFA 25.000 per month.
Six pupils and students who lost one or both parents during the crisis were also given handed funds to enable them go to school. Secondary school students had FCFA 30.000 while primary school pupils had FCFA 20.000




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

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

President Biya's Speech to the Nation, Sept 10, 2019


PRESIDENT BIYA'S SPEECH TO THE NATION

Fellow Cameroonians,

My Dear Compatriots,

For close to three years now, the North-West and South-West Regions of our country have been going through a crisis that not only jeopardizes the safety and        well-being of the population living there, but also has far-reaching consequences for the national community as a whole.

It should be recalled that the crisis was triggered by corporate demands made by lawyers and teachers calling for the translation of the OHADA Uniform Acts into English and the preservation of the specificity of the Anglo-Saxon judicial and educational systems in the two regions.

From the outset, and true to an option that I hold dear, I instructed the holding of dialogue between the Government and trade unions to seek appropriate solutions to these demands. The measures taken by the Government at the end of these consultations went well beyond the initial demands and include:

- the translation into English of the OHADA instruments which are now available in the two official languages;

- the creation of a Common Law Section at the Supreme Court to handle appeals filed against the decisions of lower courts in Common Law matters;

- regarding the training of judicial and legal officers, the creation of a Common Law Section at the National  School of Administration and Magistracy. This measure was accompanied by a programme for the recruitment of English-speaking pupil judicial and legal officers and court registrars;

- the launching of the special recruitment of bilingual teachers in secondary schools;

- at the level of the judiciary, the stay of proceedings against some persons arrested in connection with the demands;

- the setting up of a national Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and  Multi-culturalism to, among other things, carry out an in-depth review of all the sources of frustration suffered by our compatriots in the North-West and        South-West Regions.

Decisions were taken subsequently to fast-track the decentralization process, with the creation of a new ministry devoted thereto. The upcoming regional elections will complete the process by enabling our compatriots nationwide to fully participate in the management of their local affairs.

My Dear Compatriots,

Despite the efforts made by the Government, radical movements, mainly inspired from abroad, have exploited and distorted the corporate demands. They have thus hatched a secessionist plan to partition our country. In this regard, they have formed and financed armed groups that have caused untold harm to the population of the North-West and South-West Regions.

The whole world has witnessed the atrocities committed by these armed groups: maiming, beheading, assassination of elements of the Defence and Security Forces, administrative authorities and defenceless civilians, destruction of public infrastructure and buildings, and burning of schools, hospitals, etc.

I would like to avail myself of this opportunity to once again extend my heartfelt condolences and those of the entire Nation to those who have lost loved ones in the crisis. I also wish to send a message of comfort to the wounded and all those affected in one way or the other. I want to assure them that they can count on the solidarity of the Government of the Republic and the Nation as a whole.

My Dear Compatriots 

The atrocities committed by armed groups have forced thousands of our compatriots to seek refuge in other regions of the country and, for some, in neighbouring countries where they have been reduced to living under precarious conditions.

In the face of these intolerable acts, the Defence and Security Forces have taken energetic measures, often at the risk of their lives, to perform their duty of protecting citizens and their property.

These measures are currently bearing fruits with the improvement of security and the progressive resumption of economic activities in the two regions.

My Dear Compatriots,

Since the outbreak of this crisis, I have spared no effort, with the help of Cameroonians of good will, in seeking ways and means for its peaceful resolution.

In a bid to calm the situation, I even ordered the discontinuance of judicial proceedings pending before military tribunals against 289 persons arrested for offences committed during this crisis.

In the same vein, I extended a hand of peace to members of armed groups by calling on them to lay down their arms and benefit from the process of reintegration into society. A National Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Committee was thus set up. Regional Disarmament Centres are gradually receiving many ex-combatants who willingly accept to lay down their arms.  We will continue to make the necessary efforts to fully operationalize this process.

At the humanitarian level, I decided to launch a large-scale assistance plan for our affected compatriots of the North-West and South-West Regions. I also established a Centre for the Coordination of Humanitarian Action for its implementation. I wish to thank our international partners for supporting us in this initiative.

My Dear Compatriots,

The supposed feeling of marginalization by the people of the North-West and South-West Regions has often been advanced to justify this crisis. On this score, I wish to remind our compatriots in these regions, but also to those in the other eight regions of Cameroon, that marginalization, exclusion or stigmatization have never guided the work of the various governments I have formed since I became president of our country. Though no human endeavour is perfect and, in a developing country like ours with multiple challenges and limited resources, many needs are still to be met, in all the regions.

With the massive support you gave me during the last presidential election, I intend to work relentlessly, with all the sons and daughters of our country, towards meeting the challenges we are facing in order to improve the welfare of our population, especially in terms of infrastructure, water and electricity supply, healthcare delivery and youth employment.

My Dear Compatriots,

On 4 January this year, I made a vast government reshuffle, particularly with the appointment of a new Prime Minister, Head of Government. As usual, the choice of these officials was mainly guided by their human and professional qualities, their competence and experience. However, I would like to underscore that as faithful as I have always been to the regional balance policy, I chose a Prime Minister who hails from the       South-West Region. His predecessor who served in that key position for nearly ten years was from the North-West Region. In fact, since 9 April 1992, Prime Ministers, Heads of Government, have been appointed from among the people of those two regions.

Despite all this, some people will continue to talk of marginalization of the people of these regions. It must be acknowledged that such is human nature and there will never be enough duty posts to satisfy all the regions, divisions, sub-divisions, towns, villages, families and citizens of our country. Any choice that is made will always cause joy whenever one is honoured, and disappointment when one is not.

It is, however, crucial for us to change our mentalities in this regard. Though it is necessary to consider regional balance in new countries with a diverse sociological composition like ours, it should be recalled that ministers and other officials are not appointed to serve only their regions, villages or families, but to serve the entire national community. They must serve the general interest and not specific interests.

That is why since I came to power, I have and will continue to wage a ruthless war against corruption and the embezzlement of public funds, and to promote good governance.

My Dear Compatriots,

Since the outbreak of the crisis in the North-West and South-West Regions, the term dialogue has never been so much talked about, used and even misused.

In and out of the country, people have made proposals and suggestions. Some are realistic while others are clearly less so. There has been a barrage of advice. Some smart, others based on interests. Some people dared to issue injunctions.

There have also been multiple and varied initiatives, most of them made by people of good faith, by countries or organizations that are truly concerned about the future of our country and the well-being of our people. I wish to thank them for their effort and token of friendship.

It is, however, worth noting that the proliferation of such initiatives was sometimes unfortunately based on simplistic and false ideas, born out of secessionist propaganda. Such is the case with the purported marginalization of Anglophones, persecution of the Anglophone minority by the Francophone majority, Government’s refusal to engage in dialogue preferring a military solution to the crisis or even ridiculous accusations of genocide.

Talking about dialogue per se, the issue has always been, with whom?

New information and communication technologies, especially social media networks, have unfortunately facilitated the advent of self-proclaimed leaders, extremists of all shades trying to achieve recognition using insult, threat, hate speech, violence and murder.

However, in no country in the world, has the killing of gendarmes or civilians, kidnapping, mutilation, molestation, burning, destruction of public infrastructure, prevention of children from going to school or people from going about their activities in peace ever been a source of legitimacy to represent or speak on behalf of the people, the very victims of such atrocities.

In democracy, only elections confer such legitimacy.

My Dear Compatriots,

The many consultations I have continued to hold on this crisis have enabled me to size up the strong desire of the people of the North-West and South-West Regions to return to a normal life, to be able once again to safely carry out their economic and social activities, to witness the return of refugees and displaced persons, and to see their children return to school. The Prime Minister’s recent tour of the two regions has helped to confirm this feeling.

I therefore strongly believe that the time has come to rally all well-thinking and constructive forces in our country and in the diaspora to make this desire come true.

That is why I have decided to convene, from the end of this month, a major national dialogue that will, in line with our Constitution, enable us to seek ways and means of meeting the high aspirations of the people of the North-West and South-West Regions, but also of all the other components of our Nation.

The dialogue in question will mainly concern the situation in the North-West and South-West Regions. Since it will focus on issues of national interest such as national unity, national integration and living together, it is obvious that it will not concern only the population of these two regions.

The dialogue will therefore rally all the sons and daughters of our beloved and beautiful country, Cameroon, to reflect on values that are dear to us, namely: peace, security, national unity and progress.

It will also focus on issues that can address the concerns of the population of the North-West and South-West Regions, as well as those of the other regions of our country such as bilingualism, cultural diversity and social cohesion, the reconstruction and development of conflict-affected areas, the return of refugees and displaced persons, the education and judicial system, decentralization and local development, the demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants, the role of the diaspora in the country’s development, etc.

The dialogue, which will be chaired by the Prime Minister, Head of Government, will bring together a wide range of personalities: parliamentarians, politicians, opinion leaders, intellectuals, economic operators, traditional authorities, religious authorities, members of the diaspora, etc. Representatives of the Defence and Security Forces, armed groups and victims will also be invited.

Obviously, it will not be possible for everybody to effectively participate in this dialogue, but each person will have the opportunity to make a contribution.

Prior to the effective holding of the dialogue, the Prime Minister, Head of Government, will carry out broad-based consultations to solicit a wide range of views that will serve as a source of inspiration for the conduct of deliberations. In the coming days, delegations will also be dispatched to meet the diaspora to enable them to make their contribution to discussions on the resolution of the crisis.

In this regard, I am appealing to the patriotism and sense of responsibility of all our compatriots in the country and in the diaspora so that everyone, wherever they are, should seize this historic opportunity to help to steer our country on the path of peace, harmony, security and progress.

My Dear Compatriots,

The propaganda of secessionists has tried to present the recent court decisions taken against a number of our compatriots in the context of this crisis as an obstacle to the dialogue envisaged.

That is not the case. I also wish to use this opportunity to stress that respect for the rule of law and the fight against impunity are pillars in the consolidation of a State ruled by law to which we all aspire. Violating the rule of law and granting impunity to some citizens is paving the way for anarchy.

It is therefore crucial, at this stage, to dispel rumours that one can quietly loot, rape, burn, kidnap, maim, murder, in the hope that a possible dialogue will erase all these crimes and provide impunity to their perpetrators.

As shown by the experience of many countries in the world, such way of thinking will only encourage the perpetuation of violence in the crisis regions and even encourage it in crisis-free regions.

Admittedly, however, in the context of a dialogue, a peace process or national reconciliation, the possibility of pardon may be considered, under certain conditions.

It is equally true that in accordance with our Constitution, the Head of State is empowered to exercise the right of pardon.

It was, moreover, on the strength of this authority that I made a peace offer to members of armed groups during my recent swearing-in ceremony.

I wish to solemnly reiterate this offer today.  Those who voluntarily lay down their arms and place themselves at the disposal of the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Centres have nothing to fear. Their fellow armed group members who are already there can testify to this. Conversely, those who persist in committing criminal acts and violating the laws of the Republic will have to contend with our Defence and Security Forces and will face the full force of those same laws.

The same applies to promoters of hate and violence who, comfortably settled in foreign countries with impunity, continue to incite murder and destruction. Let them know that sooner or later they will have to face justice.

I am appealing to the countries sheltering these extremists to take action against these criminals if they really care about the situation of the people of the North-West and South-West Regions.

Most of them no longer have Cameroonian nationality, but they spend their time raising funds to carry out terrorist acts in Cameroon, masterminding acts of arson, kidnappings and murder, and issuing calls aimed at preventing children from attending school and fellow citizens from going about their business peacefully.

My Dear Compatriots,

The entire national community has high expectations for the dialogue I have just announced and hopes that this will be an opportunity for our brothers and sisters in the North-West and South-West to close this particularly painful chapter, to forget their suffering and to return to normal life. It also hopes that our country will continue resolutely on the path of progress, through fruitful discussions on ways and means of creating conditions conducive to the optimal exploitation of natural resources and our country's enormous human potential. Therefore, we should all work towards a successful dialogue.

My Dear Compatriots,

Over the years, we have used our linguistic and cultural diversity, the talent of our sons and daughters, and our commendable efforts and sacrifices to build a solid country and a strong Nation. Together we have met many challenges and won uncountable victories. We have proven that united there is no difficulty we cannot overcome and no obstacle we cannot cross. We proved it yesterday. We will prove it again today and tomorrow. The future of our compatriots in the North-West and South-West Regions lies within our Republic.

Cameroon will remain one and indivisible.

Long Live Cameroon!

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