2011 CONAC Report: The Shocking Revelations on Misappropriation of State Funds, Money Laundering, 419 Scams

Billions Diverted at Kribi Deep Sea Port & Lom-Pangar

Network on Money Laundering Uncovered

40 Cases Deposited for Judiciary Action

The Anti-corruption Commission-CONAC has published a 300 pages document exposing the channels of misappropriation of public funds in Cameroon. The report which was presented to the general public by its President Dieudonee Massagam indicates that corruption in the country has reached it peak. The report was presented in four parts highlighted the strategies adopted in 2011 by the commission to check on corrupt practices.  According to the report, CONAC investigation focused mainly on four major axes, which are mining, forestry, social sector, electronic governance and public contracts. In the domain of controls, systematic controls were carried out on the execution of the Public Investment Budget, forestry and wildlife as well as the implementation of HIPC Projects in communities. CONAC control mission also visited the Kribi Deep Seaport and the construction of the Lom-Pangar dam. The third part was devoted on the prevention and punishment of corrupt practices. And the fourth part on cooperation in the fight against corruption.

2 Billion Embezzled at Lom-Pangar

Regarding the Lom-Pangar project, CONAC audit found many irregularities in procurement procedures from preliminary studies to the level of monitoring and the implementation. Cases of misappropriation of public funds estimated at billions of CFA francs involving Cameroonian officials in conveyance with officials of the bidding company contractors were also uncovered. According to the report, this project became the subject of appetites transgressors who found a boon to enrich themselves at the expense of the state and taxpayers. The payments made mistakenly to the detriment of the State or subject to corruption charges on public finances were estimated at FCFA 2,054,717,180 (two billion fifty-four million seven hundred and seventeen thousand one hundred and eighty francs).

Kribi Deep Seaport: White Collar Gangster Unmasked

The results of investigations on the project on monitoring and verification of transactions related to the expropriation and / or destruction of property as well as the compensation of victims have resulted in the discovery of numerous irregularities, abuses and financial favours. It is interesting to note that 58 of 809 beneficiaries’ compensated in each case were receive a payments ranging from 100 million and more than two billion CFA francs per person. The report of the Conac unmasked through a careful analysis of the conditions for the establishment and obtaining land titles in the area helped to understand that 65% of so-called land owners are not titled. In fact they are “delinquent white collar gangsters. A total of 149 land titles were compensated to the tune of FCFA 10,774,638,375, while people in the frantic search for property  were also identified among the owners whose lands are being registered were paid FCFA 8,383,688,000 (eight billion three hundred eighty-three million six hundred thousand). In addition, the report cites eleven categories of the biggest scams were fraudulently paid huge sums ranging from 500 million to more than 2 billion FCFA each. As a result out of the 149 land titles on the basis of which the compensation was calculated, 44 land titles were established after 6 February 2009, date of Order No. 156/Mindaf declaring the construction of port of Kribi. Compared to the overall total payment of 10,774,638,375 FCFA made as compensation to holders of land titles, those whose documents showed a date later than February 06, 2009 received 4,821,356,625 FCFA 44.7% in total.

40 Court cases/Money Laundering

CONAC report also reveled that in 2011, 40 cases were sent to court. The 40 cases were sent to court are estimated FCFA 10,518,533,171 (ten billion five hundred and eighteen million five hundred thirty three thousand one hundred seventy-one).

The report shows how public and private banks have been transformed to instruments of corruption, money laundering and terrorist financing. It also revealed how Managers of state corporations and bank managers are involved in dubious business. They are related to foreign trade transactions, foreign exchange transactions and questionable lending. Regarding the payment by check and bank transfer for the Treasury, the report shows that large sums of money from the state, representing the amount of tax charges are pending in 10 banks. The total amount of money as at 31 December 2010 amounted to FCFA 3,884,727,668 (three billion, eight hundred and eighty-four million seven hundred twenty seven thousand six hundred sixty eight francs). The CONAC instructed the Ministry of Finance to recover this money as a matter of urgency. The report also emphasizes on the fact that various techniques are used by government officials to carryout money laundering in the country. The report various techniques highlighted in the report which are commonly used include: false contracts between mother companies and their subsidiaries in transnational mafia network, the loan disguised and altered value (use of nominees) and the use of shell companies and nominees in the procurement is very rampant. This method of laundering of public funds is common. In general, the report says, the officer splits upstream markets and the provider or supplier overcharged downstream to generate a profit. The scam on the Internet "scamming or fraud 419" is also part of these techniques mafia.



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

Mafor Achidi Achu Judith Visits Ndu District Hospital after Fire Disaster, Donates to Victims

Maternity Section burnt down

Mafor Achidi Achu Judith has extended a hand of fellowship to fire victims at the Ndu District Hospital.  The fire guts Ndu District hospital in the night of Sunday 26, December 2012 leaving breastfeeding mothers and hospital staff helpless. Being the first elite to come to the assistance of the desperate victims, she brought along with her 10 mattresses, 12 bed sheets, 19 pair of shoes, 70 complete sets of dresses and 02 cartons of soap to support victims and hospital administration. Before handing over her donation to hospital administration, Mafor Achidi Achu Judith said she was touched when she learnt of the fire incident and as an elite, she could not stay unconcerned. She also visited the maternity section and the pharmacy which were completely destroyed by fire. Drugs and hospital equipment worth several millions have been consumed by fire while the women who were at the maternity lost all their belongings.

Reacting to her timely gesture, the medical officer for Ndu District Hospital expressed thankfulness and added that the support will go a long way to sustain the hospital at this difficult moment. The medical officer said Mafor Achidi Achu philanthropic gesture is a mark to be recognized and applauded.

The fon of Ndu on his part applauded Mafor Achidi Achu Judith’s intervention and reiterated that she has proven that she cares about her people. The Divisional Officer for Ndu we gathered has set up a commission to investigate the cause of the fire incident.

However, eye witness accounts indicate that everything in the maternity section of the hospital as well as the pharmacy has been consumed by fire. The hospital was destroyed in a fierce overnight fire that burnt down the entire structure and its content. Notwithstanding, no human casualty was recorded thanks to the intervention of the villagers. Sources say the fire has destroyed crucial records and other valuables equipment of the hospital. The fire was fanned by strong winds which are being experienced in the area during the time of the year. Even though some people are reported to have sustained some minor injuries, there were no immediate reports of serious injuries among those who were at the maternity section. No lives were lost in the incident; however, the cause of the fire was still unknown as at the time of filing this report.

Donation from Mafor Achidi Achu Judith

Eyewitness account informed that the fire spread to the entire building because of its state of nature as it was built so many years ago. It was gathered that in-patients who noticed the fire tried to put it out but could not. Though there was no casualty, drugs running into several millions were destroyed by the inferno and a woman we gathered also lost all her saving. Most of the drugs like anti-retroviral are very expensive and a lot of patients can't afford them, and with the pharmacy burnt, government should step in immediately to provide drugs in the short term because the patients can't afford to stop using the drugs, many claimed. The Divisional Officer for Ndu said elite should endeavour to copy the example of Mafor Achidi Achu Judith, being unwearied in doing good, and deeming it more blessed to give than to receive. As the Bible teaches us “Blessed be God for the unspeakable gift of his grace, whereby he enables and inclines some of his people to bestow upon others, and others to be grateful for it; and blessed be his glorious name to all eternity, for Jesus Christ, that inestimable gift of his love, through whom this and every other good thing, pertaining to life and godliness, are freely given unto us, beyond all expression, measure, or bounds”. As prescribed her gesture could easily be looked into through the lense of book of Mathew 9:6-15 “Money bestowed in charity, may to the carnal mind seem thrown away, but when given from proper principles, it is seed sown, from which a valuable increase may be expected. It should be given carefully. Works of charity, like other good works, should be done with thought and design. Due thought, as to our circumstances, and those we are about to relieve, will direct our gifts for charitable uses. Help should be given freely, be it more or less; not grudgingly, but cheerfully”. To conclude, before leaving Ndu after offering the gift, Mafor Achidi Achu Judith was described by the Mayor of Ndu Council DK Nfor and her own father retired Col. Sunde as a cheerful giver.

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

Mismanagement Scandal at Nwa Council?

 By Fai Cassian Ndi

Nwa Council in Donga Mantung Division is purportedly suspected under a nonconventional epithet petition writer’s claim. CONAC we gathered is actually working on a petition from Nwa which has kick-started another debate. The petition signed by some four concerned citizens of that municipality (which we got hold of a copy), they are suspecting and questioning some expenditures in the council. “In effect, it is suspected that something may be getting wrong with the council finances in the said council: councilors are not allowed to deliberate on the extra-budgetary income before it is spent and the Finance Committee of Nwa Council has been completely marginalized” the petition reads. This state of affairs they say has urged them to solicit for an audit expressed in the forwarding stating that “a sum of eleven million FCFA cash surplus in the 2011 administrative account of Nwa Council is mysteriously not accounted for”. More so they are also questioning the whereabout of “a sum of 49 million FCFA paid to Nwa Council (suspected to be of the “credit carbone” source, November 2011) an amount which according to them came in when the budget was already adopted, yet it was never presented to councilors for a deliberations before it was incorporated into the 2011 budget for eventual expenditure.

The petition also claims that the mayor of Nwa, Dr. Ngomfe Loma David has also violated the contract code to buy a new Toyota Hilux in defiance to what was initially agreed by councilors that the money generated from the sales of the old council land rover and old council double-cabin Toyota Hilux of which has not yet been sold be used to buy a new vehicle for the council.

The petition also accuses the mayor of using the council double-cabin Toyota Hilux abusively by transporting building materials to council project sites without accountability. Besides that allegedly they claim fuel and stationeries are not known, as the Mayor “disregards existing regulations and administrative procedures in this domain”. The mayor is also accused that he “stood off the Nwa Council temporal workers in 2010, in total defiance of the council deliberations and resolutions of the March 2010 budgetary session which had sufficient provisions for the salaries and salary areas of the said temporal”, the petition further accuses of the mayor to have “single handedly proceeded to the employment of close to 60 temporal workers without the knowledge of his deputies and councilors. Zonal balance and equitability the petition as well as socio political balance were completely brushed aside they claim, noting that temporal workers are recruited based on favouristism and non transparency.

The petitioners also raised the issue of a certain 17 million FCFA set aside for maintenance works on the Nwa-Jah-Ngomko out of which only a sum of 5 million FCFA was actually spent and the balance of 12 million FCFA has never been accounted for. In addition, they also claim that a double payment for the JAN Bridge Project in a bid to enrich himself. The mayor is also accused of being a hidden contractor with his enterprise known as “Ets Hamza” which has won most of the contracts in Nwa. And the petitioners ended their petition raising an alarm on the rate at which the mayor attributes mission orders to himself….and that even the mayor’s “driver is put on an exaggerated salary and out-station allowances of more than 200.000FCFA at time, which is very revolting”. 

However, when contacted, the Mayor of Nwa Council Dr. Ngomfe Loma David said the accusations were unfounded and baseless. “What I can say about this petition is that the names that are there are non-existence names. They are writing from hiding, in fact they are cowards. However I am aware they are my political enemies and their fear is my growing popularity and my successes in Nwa. For instance, I took over this council with more than 70 million FCFA debts. Now I am paying November salaries and I am proud of that. I have completed four classrooms and eight others are ongoing. The fear, I repeat is my growing popularity. The truth is that I have done what a mayor has never done in Nwa. I know people are looking for my position and what I know is that the people believe in me and I am comfortable”.

In reaction to the purported surplus of 2011, he wondered where the information was coming from when the 2012 administrative account has not yet been presented to councilors for deliberations and adoption. “It should reflect in 2012 administrative account and not 2011” he added. On whether additional revenue of 49 million FCFA came into the council and it was never brought for councilors to deliberate on it, he argued that the funds were disbursed as “centime additional” (CIC from Feicom) and that is how it was used. He said the analysis of the disbursement came from Feicom after they council had used the money. On whether he favours some establishments in the award of contracts, he responded that he is not a member of the contract board. On the issue of violating council deliberation to buy a car for himself, Dr. Ngomfe said that there is no council deliberation to that effect and that the only deliberation was on the sales of the council tipper.” The vechile they say I bought, I used but Prime Ministerial gre-a-gre” he revealed. He said instead of instead of 17 million FCFA as stated in the petition, the contract for the construction of the road Nwa-Jah-Ngomko was 18 million FCFA and it was awarded accordingly. To conclude, Dr. Ngomfe Loma David said the accusations were more of political witch-hunting than mismanagement.

However, since there is no smoke without fire, we are investigating into the issues raised in the petition as well as the pronouncements made by Dr. Ngomfe. (a suivre)



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

Article 66 on Declaration of Assets: Teche Nyamusa Petitions High Court on Biya, Tchiroma Case

PRESS STATEMENT

Biya, Issa Tchiroma Case

I, Felix Teche Nyamusa, SDF Mbengwi parliamentary hopeful, applicant of suit No HCM/255M/2012 which prayed the ordering of President Paul Biya and minister Issa Tchiroma to comply to article 66 of the Cameroon constitution has instructed my counsels to petition the president of the appeal court following the final rejection of a motion to relist the case in the Momo high Court.
    Suit No HCM/255M/2012 was instituted in the High Court of the Momo Division Holden at Mbengwi. It prayed for an order that the respondents, Biya and Issa Tchiroma declare their assets in line with
the 1996 Constitution which warrants them to

1.  Declare their assets as at time of taking of oaths of office on their assumption of duties as president of Cameroon and Minister of Communication in their most recent tenure respectively.
2.    An order restraining the second respondent from holding press conferences, granting interviews and preparing write ups propagating the non-declaration of assets by the relevant civil servants prior to
their taking of office or assumption of their duties – Tchiroma had mocked Cameroonians that article 66 of the national constitution on declaration of assets is not necessary – that government had put in
place other outfits like CONAC to fight against corruption.
3.    An order that the respondents jointly and severally pay to the applicant the sum of FCFA 1.000.000for each day they fail to comply with order one and or two above. Unfortunately, but characteristic of Cameroon Judiciary, the Court while the matter was still pending assignment , without my knowledge or that of my counsels, the matter was arbitrarily dismissed, in the absence of all the parties in a session held in Camera. This once more exposes the well documented kangaroo nature of Cameroon justice-rendering system. We are convinced that the judgment was capricious. It infringes on my right as applicant and those of my counsel to fair hearing of their client. The explanations tendered by the judge in the consequent ruling are laughable and flimsy. My counsels and my self are confident that the reasons advanced by the Momo high court judge, in Chambers, are easily debunked. According to the Mbengwi Court President (Julius Nchu), both respondents do not reside in Momo division, the jurisdiction of the Court, Here we say:
No - Biya is the national president of Cameroon. He has residence in North West, at Upstation (Bamendankwe). Branches of the presidency are found in the division - the gendarmerie, police, delegate general of national security are attached to the presidency. These units of the presidency are all found in Mbengwi thus Biya –national President of Cameroon has residence in Momo contrary to the judge’s claims.
Julius Nchu maintained Biya has absolute immunity from legal action as head of state - we find faults here. The President has immunity on criminal matters but violation of article 66 of the constitution is a
civil matter, hence warrants damages – a civil matter. The momo high Court questioned my capacity to sue the president. I will not hesitate to state that the judge has refused to read properly my motion – that I am a concerned Cameroonian. Biya supposedly voted by Cameroonians ought to be answerable to them, which include litigations -   this is obtained in other democracies world wide. Other childish reasons were advanced by the judge who would have simply clearly been clarified by my counsel, but for Nchu’s decision or ruling taken in Camera, without the knowledge of all parties.
    The above and more reasons have forced us to move a motion for the file to be set aside. My counsel filed for a motion to relist the case. The motion for relisting was deposited more than three months ago 6th August 2012 (copy is attached) .The court dragged its feed on it till date. The chief registrar Mr. Atabong like the  Momo high court judge, Juluis Nchu Claimed, that the President of  the Court of appeal ( PCA) for North West region told them not to entertain the matter. My Counsel left the Court premises finally 23/11/2012 disappointed. The PCA reportedly scolded Mbengwi Court for even registering the matter in the first instance. We were thus asked to go for appeal in the appeal court of the region. Thus I have ordered my counsels to petition the PCA. This matter arbitrarily judged in the absence of the parties ought to be relisted. The applicant ought to be heard, on merit. How ever we on behaved of down trodden , marginalized Mbengwi people in particular and Cameroonians in general are ready to
take this matter to its logical conclusion. The President, Ministers, directors etc as prescribed by the supreme law of the land must declare their assets. This will nib corruption in the bud and enhance
development. An otherwise rich country, Cameroon, has been rendered poor. It has been turned totally into a consumer economy with nearly all citizens particularly the youths thinking all possibilities to
emigrate to the Diaspora for greener pastures, against all the dangers involved. I urge all Mbengwi people and Cameroonians in general to flush out the regime. Lets come out massively and register and
eventually vote and also very important defend by all cost the votes.
Countries around us are dethroning dictators - we are not an exception. The regime has completely failed the Momo man in general when it concerns access roads. The once famous Acha-Tugi general Hospital Mbengwi is today a shadow of herself because of bad roads. Our farm products can not get to the markets because of bad roads. The roads and other abandoned projects are this bad because those in charge embezzle the funds for such project with impunity. Hence the Cameroon constitution article 66 on assets declaration must be obeyed.
    Some local opposition politicians have succumbed to the Biya Intimidation. They tell us that it is wrong  to sue Biya – wrong - President  Paul Biya is lucky that he is only being sued after treasonably plundering the economy for more than three decades .In the first president, Ahmadou Ahidjo era , the roads through the subdivisions of Momo though earth were pliable. There were constantly maintenance workers on them. Today the suburbs have been completely abandoned. This is clearly ad variance with my party the SDF, and the opposition in general, wish for grass root development.
President and his Minister are not above the law. They should comply with the provision of the Constitution.
God bless Mbengwi, Cameroon

Felix Teche Nyamusa SDF Mbengwi parliamentary hopeful23/11/12

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

For Lack of Political Platform, NOWEFU Endorses Dr. Ngwanyam’s Senatorial Bid



Mbangfon Dr. Nick Ngwanyam (with walking stick made of cowries)



The North West Fons Union-NOWEFU, a one-time lobbying force is wallowing in the gutter, hypocrisy and in self-skirmishes as some traditional rulers, who are supposed to be the custodians of the grassfield culture, are now making a mockery of culture and tradition.

NOWEFU has become a sinkhole and its existence is only noticed at official gatherings and ceremonies, as its members would exploit every opening to give out traditional titles to desirous individuals.  
Even though there is no law anywhere in the grass field (North West Region of Cameroon) that bars anyone who wishes to be known with any traditional title including the one that was conferred on Dr. Nick Ngwanyam as ‘Mbangfon’ on December 24, 2012, the quandary as we gathered is that the principles and ramifications are never respected. Yet it has become worrisome to many Northwesterners that NOWEFU doesn’t only dish out traditional titles randomly with attestations of recognition, but has moved to a stage whereby it is endorsing political ambitions, like what they did with Dr. Nick Ngwanyam. It is alleged that the decision by these fons to endorse Dr. Nick’s senatorial bid and even declare publicly that (they) the fons are all behind Dr. Ngwanyam to support his senatorial ambitions is tearing the union apart. Someone even questioned whether fons are not part of the electoral college. Even CPDM militants we gathered were taken aback by the declaration.

However, we gathered that a certain Emmanuel Sayani of Donga Mantng I CPDDM has declared his intentions of becoming Donga Mantung Senatorial candidate on CPDM ticket. Furthermore, another confidential source also hinted that CPDM militants of Ako/ Misaje and Nwa are backing the candidature of the fon of Nkanchi who is likely a sure bet given that Nwa, Misaje and Ako councils are governed by the CPDM. A critical judgment analysis reveals an epileptic NOWEFU had to endorse Dr. Nick’s candidature. Besides, allegations are rife  that Dr. Ngwanyam himself has been a thorn in the side of CPDM bigwigs. Sources say the absence of Rt. Hon. Simon Achidi Achu at that ceremony speaks volume.

An adage says that, ‘when an error is committed for too long, it becomes a tradition.’ Therefore, there is no gainsaying that NOWEFU has played the game of the mastiff for long and what is happening is confirming the once established notion that fons have turned themselves to “royal beggars”. As a developer, Dr. Nick Ngwanyam does not deserve to pick a traditional title from the gutter but he ought to have been honoured with one, which he could elegantly move with it in Mbumland. Since NOWEFU is wallowing in the gutter, Dr. Ngwanyam certainly picked his title from it. Notwithstanding, the question in the lips of Wimbum people is whether Dr. Nick Ngwanyam would be allowed to move with a stick made of cowries in Mbumland. “I was shocked by that the decoration. I have no quarrel with the appellation, my problem is with collates that accompany this title. In Mbumland it is forbidden for an ordinary person to move with a walking stick made with cowries”.

Those who took the pains to witness the event went back home more confused than when they were going because they could not find an answer to why traditional rulers, who are supposed to be the custodians of our culture are making nonsense of culture and tradition? By honouring him with the title of “Mbangfon” for empowering youths and at the same time endorsing his senatorial bid, critics are questioning whether NOWEFU has been transformed to a political party to endorse political ambitions or it is for lack of a political platform that Dr. Nick Ngwanyam found solace in the fons?. Another school of thought holds that it may have been the lack of a political platform that Dr. Nick Ngwanyam tried to find consolation from the fons to endorse his senatorial bid. However, political analysts are of the opinion that the choice might have been wrongly made giving that of late, NOWEFU fons were tagged “royal beggars” while latest tags describe some of them as “royal gangsters”, which further puts into doubts their abilities and the power they used to wield.  

 “I don’t understand the reason to scramble for titles or why our fons have decided to be dishing out titles that do not have any significance to benefactors in their own homeland. Why hurry, why? It doesn’t look elegant. The process used by those in a hurry to get titles does not look good, it does not look polished and it does not look civilized. I see it as a sort of business” one of the fons who preferred anonymity observed.  

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