Shey Jones Yembe Honoured for Promoting Peace, National Unity

The former member of government, Shey Jones Yembe, has used this year’s football tournament, organised in Yaounde for boys and girls from the Wimbum extraction, in Donga Mantung division, in the North West region, to promote peace, living together and national unity. The yearly tournament which is an initiative of the Wimbum Cultural and Development Association, WICUDA is one of the highest crowd pulling event in the history of the Mbum people. However, this year's tournament was exceptional due to the fact that it was aimed at promoting peace, national unity and social integration. The organisers say it also seeks to promote local football talents and keep idle youths busy. This year’s edition, dubbed: “Unity and Fair Play” , was: “A Special Dedication To His Excellency Shey Jones Yembe, the unsung Hero of Mbumland.

Enter Shey Jones Yembe, Promoter of Peace and  Unity  

 This year’s tournament that saw the participation of ten football teams and four handball teams, got the huge financial backing of Shey Jones Yembe. This reporter was reliably told that the Chief Executive Officer, CEO of the renowned and Cameroon’s best road construction company, Societe Mag Sarl, made available to the tournament’s Organising Committee, several millions to ensure a hitch-free sporting jamboree. All participating teams were given a cash prize of at least 100,000FCFA in the first round of both tournaments. Winners of the football trophy, played yesterday, went home with a cash prize of 700,000FCFA and a trophy, the runners-up pocketed the sum of 500,000FCFA while the team that emerged third was awarded the sum of 400,000FCFA.

In the handball category, the winner of the tournament was given a cash prize of 200,000FCFA and a trophy, runners-up bagged 150,000FCFA and the third team was given a consolation cash prize of 100,000FCFA. Peace, national unity showcased at tournament. This year’s edition of the WICUDA tournament, it must be said, provided a rare opportunity for the people of Donga Mantung, who are resident in the nation’s capital, to showcase their peace-loving nature, patriotism and their firm belief in a one and indivisible Cameroon. In addition, yesterday’s football final, pulled the biggest crowd in the history of recent Anglophone gatherings in Yaounde. Kith and kin from all the five subdivisions that make up Donga Mantung, politicians; irrespective of their political leanings, elite, members of the civil society and the clergy from all the division’s five subdivisions, as well as other Cameroonian sports lovers, were present at yesterday’s Shey Jones Yembe’s-sponsored WICUDA football final. Several dance groups and traditional displays from Donga Mantung, graced yesterday’s football final.

The tournament’s sponsor, Shey Jones Yembe, had said repeatedly his objective was to pull out youth who had been brainwashed to take up arms against the state from the bushes and to prevent others from joining Ambazonia fighters in the bushes. The tournament’s organisers appear to have corroborated Shey Jones Yembe, as they told reporters that most of the youths who actively took part in the sporting activities were ex-fighters of Wimbum origin. Meanwhile, back in Donga Mantung division, life has since returned to normal in areas like Mbot village, Ako, Nwa and Ndu subdivisions where thousands of youth had joined the Amba fighters and were terrorising residents of the localities. The president of WICUDA, Yaounde branch, Ta-Nformi Ngwatu Emmanuel, has hailed Shey Jones Yembe, for accepting to sponsor this year’s tournbament. Going by him, the tournament was more than just timely, as it gainfully occupied idled youth and the popu- lation of Donga Mantung resident in Yaounde, at a time the North West and South West regions are going through a turbulent moment which has forced many youth out of school, with some having picked up arms against the state…In the midst of the current conflict, the people of Donga Mantung and Nkambe in particular have, through their massive participation in this tournament, shown that they can hold tight to values of peace, unity and living together…this tournament has further strengthened the peace- loving nature of the people of Donga Mantung,” he revealed.  He used the opportunity to thank Shey Jones Yembe for what he said was his peace and national unity-driven ini-tiati especially in Donga Mantung division..Added he: “we are so gratified by this elite. We want to thank this peaceful community that has the tradition of being united, for exhibiting the sense of oneness and patriotism by massively answering present throughout this tournament. The population of Donga Mantung has shown and is still showing to the world that to be united is to pull all the strings together…”

Explaining why this year’s tournament was dedicated to Shey Jones Yembe, the WICUDA-Yaounde branch president clarified that: “it was carefully designed to honour Shey Jones Yembe for his unmatched but unsung contribution to the peace that now exists in Donga Mantung division in general and his Nkambe Central subdivision of origin in particular…”

 Force tranquille' of Donga Mantung 

The CPDM permanent delegation leader for Donga Mantung, Shey Jones Yembe, may not belong to the category of politicians who mount rooftops to blow their trumpet, each time they undertake any political activity, but he remains one of the key persons behind why Donga Mantung is today a completely CPDM fief. The strength of the former minister, who doubles as the Board Chairman of the Ports Authority of Douala, PAD, lies in the fact that he believes in action than making noise.

The likes of Hon Ngala Gerard, Hon Mbongyor Naomi Nfor and Mayor Kanfon Borno Abdou of the Ndu CPDM-run council, who have emerged as the new breed of Donga Mantung CPDM bigwigs, have only Shey Jones Yembe to thank for bringing them this far.

It is an undeniable fact that Hon. Ngala Gerard and Hon. Mbongyor Naomi Nfor, especially were little known beyond their villages of origin, prior to the 2013 parlia- mentary election. It was thus Shey Jones Yembe who not only 'dragged' them into the CPDM but empowered both financially, materially and morally. Details are still sketchy but reports have it that at the 2013 legislative election, where Hon Ngala Gerard and Hon Mbongyor Naomi Nfor ran and lost, Shey Jones Yembe alone did not spend less than 100 million FCFA on their campaigns, says The Guardian Post. It was also thanks to Shey Jones Yembe alone, that the CPDM, in 2013, won the Nkambe council, which it retained on February 9, 2020. Sources within the CPDM in Donga Mantung have told this reporter that it is Shey Jones Yembe, more than twenty years after leaving government, who has almost single handedly been bankrolling the ruling party activities in Ndu and Nkambe subdivisions. Analysts are unanimous that Shey Jones Yembe, is the real hidden drummer behind the peace that has been reigning especially in Nkambe subdivision, since the Anglophone crisis erupted in 2016. It should be recalled that Nkambe is the only divisional headquarter in the entire North West and South West regions, that has never witnessed a single day of ghost town since the crisis started. Schools and business activities have since been going on unperturbed while all national days are celebrated there even more than in some Francophone towns. "The fact that Shey Jones Yembe, noted for his being publicity-shy and political maturity, he does not mount rooftops to sing his praises, does not mean that the powers that be is not aware that it is thanks to him that Nkambe subdivision has remained peaceful, schools and business activities going on unperturbed, since the eruption of the Anglophone crisis in 2016. It pains me when, out of sheer excitement, political amateurism and inordinate ambition, someone always rushes either to the traditional media or the social media to masquerade as the reason behind why the people of Donga Mantung have turned their backs against those preaching secession, ” a prominent Beti CPDM elite is quoted to have told The Guardian Post newspaper reporter. Accordingly, the lone English language daily in it's Monday 28th December edition revealed that unlike some power-drunk Donga Mantung CPDM elite who must take along television cameras and mount the soapbox to blow their trumpet each time they visit the division to offer assistance to the needy population, Shey Jones Yembe has been quietly supporting and encouraging parents throughout Donga Mantung division to send their children back to school.

He is also credited for playing an unpublicised role in getting hundreds of youths in Ndu and Nwa subdivisions who had joined the Amba fighters to drop arms and engage in gainful activities which he is sponsoring.

Culled from The Guardian Post

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

NW Queen Mothers Join Mafor Achidi Achu Judith to Yean for Peace

The General Manager of Camtel, who doubles the Mafor for the North West Region has mobilized all the queen mothers today to yean for peace. The event that took place at the Bamenda grandstand was described by impressionists as the biggest crowd puller in Bamenda town and entire North West Region in recent times. In a statement, the Queen Mothers called on those in bushes to drop their guns. 

"We the Queen Mothers (Mafors) of the North West Region deplore and condemn in the strongest terms the constant killing of our children since the escalidation of this crisis in our beloved Anglophone regions". The Mafors continued by stating that " last December 13, Chief Ngale Ikome of Dibanda village in Fako Division was gruesomely murdered in captivity, months ago it was Ngarbuh..". Citing numerous instances of tears, the Queen Mothers pleaded that Never again should children be targeted in this violence. "We yearn for peace. Drop the guns and stop the violence". 

Harping on the deploring situation, the Queen Mother continued by appealing that they want normalcy to return to th Anglophone regions. 

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

Full List of Pioneer Regional Presidents

North West Regional Elections:

President   Prof Fru Angwafor fobuzshi Mezam

Vice President Fon Yakum Kevin- Bambalang, Ngoketungia

Commissioner for Economic  Development - Mr Ghejung Awunti- Mezam

Commissioner for Education, Sports and Cultural Development  - Dr Mrs Anjoh Fru-Manyi Rose, Momo Division

Health and Social Development-Sakah Fendufe lydia,Bui Division

Secretaries  1-Kalak Flavius Boteh, Donga Mantung

Secretary 2- Fon Mbahmbi III- Menchum

Questor - Waindim Jude -Boyo Division

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

Tribute to Mr. Afombo Vincent Fonguh

Not only was Afombo Vincent Fungoh one of the greatest teacher, school administrator and politician of our time, but he was truly a passionate man. He was just as dedicated to his family as his career, and as his party comrade Lon Ernest so beautifully exemplifies in another touching memoriam. From Santa to Nwa, Ako, Misaje and Nkambe, everyone has a touching story to tell about this my friend, Afoumbo Vincent. A man we fondly called ourselves " The Man you are hear of". Though some of you reading my tribute may not know him during his life time, be informed that his passion for youth empowerment and devotion to making the world a more beautiful place where everyone can experience the best in life. He was such remarkable human being and rare teacher who would spare no efforts to pay fees for children. Many are those who have benefited from his largess. Afombo Vincent was known for his wonderful sense of humor, quick smile and laugh, graciousness, and dedication to serving God. 

Among his friends, colleagues, former students, and many others, there was deep shock at his unexpected death. It just did not (and does not) seem right that one who epitomized hopes in many students should be taken from us all at such a relatively young age. Afoumboh was one who truly loved life, cherished all that life had to offer, and lived life to its fullest as a devoted Christian. Some of us who had the great pleasure of being among his friends will continue to miss him. Mr. Afombo was a teaching teacher before he became Principal of GSS Berabe, GBHS Misaje, GBHS Santa etc. He was holder of a First Degree and DIPES II in History before obtaining Masters Degree in Political Sciences. As political Scientist, Mr Fonguh became very vibrant politician when he joined Presby in Nwa. He suddenly became the political strategist for the ruling CPDM in Donga Mantung Division. The story of the group of the CPDM in Donga Mantung can't be told without mentioning his name. When Afombo moved to Ako, he played a very important role for Dr. Fuh Calistus to change the political landscape in the Ako/Misaje Special Constituency. Lon Ernest who was Charger de Mission by term confirms that "as a matter of facts, the story of the growth and Dominion of the CPDM Party in the Donga Mantung IV Section of the CPDM in Misaje since 2007 can never be told in earnest without the mention of the name Afombou Vincent Fonguh. Infact,  Misaje was Mr. Afombou's second home. His demise is not only a great lost to his immediate family but also to the Misaje Section of the CPDM".

Mr. Afombo takes the journey of no return today, December 10, 2020 but his achievements will remain with us for centuries. His story will be read and told by generations. He was a Great man, very humble person, down to earth and rich in expidients. Afombo inspired many, pushed many, supported many and helped many to grow. That growth won't disappear - humanity will live to remember him for trappings. 

Rest in Peace Afombo The Great 

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

Dr. Fuh Calistus Media Outing Ignited Massive Participation at Regional Elections-The Colbert Factor

The Colbert Factor

How despite Special Status Shortcomings, Dr. Fuh Calistus Maintains it's Double-portion for Anglophones 

This reflection is inspired by the fact that although when the Canadian High Commissioner to Cameroon recently pointed out on the pages of The Guardian Post newspaper, the visible shortcoming of the Special Status granted to two English speaking regions to be residents'  lack of  knowledge about its workability, and instead of government garnering resources to just take the advice and go ahead to do the necessary explanations, it rather summoned him for questioning at the Foreign Affairs Ministry,  one of Cameroon's foremost thinkers and Cpdm frontline militants, H. E, Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry, has taken the bull by the horns and gone ahead to not only explain in practical terms what Anglophones should expect from the special status but also dared to state that the document, like any other human endeavor, remains perfectable. 

It is the more informed by the fact that although the said special status was simply ramped down on the people as indigenes were never consulted on its content beyond its being referenced by one of the committees as a resolution of the 2019 Major National Dialogue, MND, it seems to have all the ingredients of Special Constitutional Statuses around the world and as recognized in international human rights law in matters of safeguarding both the primary and remedial rights of minorities. 

It is also inspired by the fact that, whether we like it or not, and even as the world watches to see what contributions its coming into existence would make in bringing back peace to the restive Anglophone regions  immersed in a four years long deadly conflict over greater autonomy, Yaounde authorities are settled on their conviction that the special status is all what is required for Anglophones to live freely in the larger Cameroon body polity, and Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry, being one of the regime's most convinced and convincing apostles, seems to believe so too. 

In a last December 5, 2020, interview in one of Cameroon's multiple award-winning and community-driven radio programs, Press and Associates, over Ndefcam radio 94.9fm, Bamenda, and streamed live across the world, H.E, Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry, Secretary of state in Cameroon's Ministry of Mines, Industries and Technological Development, had stunned many a listening audience by stating that the special status recently granted the North West and South West regions was not only the best thing that ever happened but more importantly, that it was a double portion. 

Explaining in triumphant detail the double-portionness of the special status, this illustrious son of the North and longest serving Delegation leader to Donga Mantung, said Anglophones have since 2016 been clamoring for greater autonomy and thinking that only one structure could be created to jointly manage the North West and South West regions but President Paul Biya, in his infinite wisdom, granted not one but two special statuses, one for the North West and one separately for the South West. As concerns the House of Chiefs, he furthered that unlike in the days of West Cameroon, when there was only one House of Chiefs in Buea, and it meant the people from the North West had to travel to Buea, Biya has made it possible through the special status, for North West fons to have their own House of Chiefs in Bamenda, while those from the South West get theirs in Buea. He opined how it was a blessing and double portion that sons and daughters of the North West would no longer have to be ruled from Buea, and how some of the inherent conflicts and misunderstandings that could have been insuring from a forceful reunion between the North West and South West if only one special status was created for the two regions, has been nipped in the bud. According to Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry, the Regional council elections of December 6,2020, was a unique opportunity for the two English speaking regions to begin recreating the future and as well continue to believe in the beauty of their dreams. 

Contrary to widespread discourss that the special status granted the two English speaking regions of Cameroon was a loud-sounding nothing, Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry demonstrated in triumphant detail, and in local colour, that beginning January 2021, inhabitants of the two English speaking regions would have the power to contribute as never before in the defining of not only the educational and common law policies of their regions but also in setting standards and value systems.He promoted the special status as the singular constitutional instrument that reintroducs local government as obtained in the 60s to the people of the former British Southern Cameroons. What with the Regional Executive Board's ability to define and determine the development path of the Region to the extent that what would limit how the regions self-determines their development could only be their imagination. 

Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry sounded the fact that the same chances government of Cameroon had in negotiating development funding from foreign and multilateral donors is the same opportunity opened to the regions by virtue of their special status. This would mean that the regional executives could canvass for funds from Cameroon's development partners for the restoration of say, WADA, the Menchum Falls, the Ring Road, and more importantly, the Dry Port. 

Specifically on the Dry Port project, and while inviting other well meaningful sons and daughters of the two English speaking regions to make bold in proposing far reaching suggestions to the regional council leaders, Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry signaled how ready he and his ministry were, in handing over to the Region, already completed studies on the Dry Port project for the North West. The Dry Port, he said, was going to be a practical way of reversing the aged old idea and brainwashing the white man introduced to Africa, where all goods produced from the hinterlands were routed towards the seaside towns and cities, ready to be shipped to feed the white man. According to H. E,Dr. Fuh Calistus, the Dry Seaport would reverse the center of gravity away from the seaport zones to the hinterlands and to the big neighboring Nigeria market. 

Concerning the sticky issue of the Independent Public Conciliator, minister Fuh Calistus Gentry was rather stunny. He said the very fact that an independent public Conciliator was introduced into the special status with a non renewable six years mandate, was proof positive that Yaounde authorities never wanted to be seen as interfering in any way with the running of the internal affairs of the two English speaking regions. As to what becomes of the Governor, SDOs and D.Os, the government minister was the more emphatic. He made it clear that in every system, be it federal, special status or confederation, issues like defense, national security and foreign policy always lie with central government. Which means that the government representatives in the special status regions of the North West and South West, would be concerned primarily and principally, with the maintenance of law and order, as well as seeing into the strict implementation of state regulations and other central government business. The social, economic, cultural and environmental development of the Special Status regions lies squarely on the shoulders of Regional Government. That's why, the Cpdm official hinted on the fact that Regional Executive Council board members would virtually function like Regional Ministers in their own right, subject to state protocollar arrangements. 

The most revealing part of H. E, Dr. Fuh Calistus' interview was when he almost aligned with the Rawlsian version of political liberalism when he averred that the special status was Yaounde authorities' symbolic recognition that the people of the two English speaking regions of Cameroon were different and should be governed differently from the rest of the eight other regions. More importantly, and in his usual boldness, was optimistic that just like ay human endeavor, the special status in its present state is still pefectable, but that the best thing to do right now, was to first allow it playout. 

Over and above, Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry's logic is that by granting a special status to the two English speaking regions, government of Cameroon had granted the people of the former British Southern Cameroons' the right to internal self-determination as opposed to external self determination being clamored for by others. His logic finds expression in the United Nations charter and relevant international documents. Since internal self-determination, according to the UN, is the right of a people to develop itself socially, economically and culturally within the encompassing state, and to determine their political status within that state, Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry believes that this is exactly what the newly granted special status has done to the people of the two English speaking regions of Cameroon. 

Given that federation, outright decentralization or even a confederation would have just given equal status to all of the 10 regions of Cameroon without giving any special consideration to the two English speaking regions, Dr. Fuh Calistus is of the opinion that the granting of a special status sets the two English speaking regions apart, as it makes them politically different, not just equal to the eight others. This finds expression in the very definitions of internal self-determination, ranging from simply allowing communities to be able to elect their representatives and those representatives having a chance to serve in central government, as obtains with Quebec in Canada, through giving a people a right to self government, as obtains in Catalonia in Spain, to having an outright special constitutional status, as is today the case with the two English speaking regions of Cameroon. 

Following on Dr. Fuh Calistus' thinking and logic, it goes without saying, that the special status granted the two English speaking regions of Cameroon is in more ways than one, more profound and rooted in the constitution than what obtains with the Quebec arrangement in Canada. 

Be that as it maybe, it remains to be seen how this arrangement is going to be the marker of an end to the ragging conflict and a quick return to peace in the two English speaking regions of Cameroon. Better still, it behooves on government of Cameroon to deliver on the special status, both as a primary and remedial right to the indigenous people of the former British Southern Cameroons, not the other way round. 

The Muteff Boy's Take.

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