Public Opinion Aghast with Bafanji Fon over Eviction of Achu Chrispo

·         Achu Chrispo, aged 22, hails from Ni John Fru Ndi’s Village.

·          He has lived in Bafanji since 2004 but was exiled on 20^th May 2013.

·         Given 30 minutes by the fon to leave because he refused to bare false witness.

·         He abandoned a petrol retail business worth over 350.000 FRS CFA, he is owed over 200.000 FCFA of debts from Airtime sales, and a big tomatoes farm.

Chrispo at business place in Bafanji

It appears that agony, threats and intimidation seems to be the order of the day in Bafanji village in the Balikumbat Sub Division   ever since the village saw the enthronement of Fon Ngwefoun II who doubles as a Magistrate.  Just last month, a number of newspapers carried with  them some information about mismanagement of  Bafanji Village development funds, as well as   some accusations levied against  the fon  in which some of his elites in the Diaspora accused him  of  using his position  as a Magistrate and  the fon to threaten and  even excommunicate  elites who opposed his actions in the village .The fon came out  forcefully to defend himself  in the mismanagement scandal in an interview granted on 3^rd June to the Eye Newspaper online but failed to answer some  allegations  against him. His interview provoked further exposure on recent happenings in Bafanji, bringing to light the case of an industrious Achu Chrispo, a son of BABA II village who has lived peacefully in Bafanji village since 2004 until he   was unjustly evicted from Bafanji by the fon of Bafanji after receiving a snake beating from his thugs code named “BIR” who are also accused of other serious incident of human rights abuses. Our reporters got interested in these excommunication orders of the fon, and picked up with two victims, as well as eyewitnesses to recount the ongoing issues in the “Troubled Fondom”.

            Achu Chrispo, is a 22 years old hard working young man who hails from BABA II village in Santa Sub Division. He is the son of Late Fomukong Joseph, who was married to Margerate Kuma. He first moved to Bafanji in 2004 to join his brother Akere Patrick who was the pastor of Full Gospel Mission Bafanji from 2003 to 2006.He studied at GBHS Bafanji as the third batch till 2006.He later move to complete school in Bamenda  but decided to moved  back to Bafanji where he  was employed as a Sales Assistance to an Elite , One year after he got employment with Alpha Engineering in Yaounde in 2008.  After raising some money, he decided to come back to Bafanji in 2009 to start off a business of his own, where he supplied Calling Credit to retailers, sold petrol, kerosene and Engine oil, until he was forced to leave on the faithful 20^th May 2013 when the fon of Bafanji gave him 30 minutes to leave his village abandoning his petrol shop valued at over 350.000frs CFA with creditors owing him over 200.000frs CFA for Airtime Credit, besides a large tomatoes farm he left behind.

As we spoke to Chrispo, he burst into tears recounting how life had been difficult for him and his mother after they lost their father when he was still in his early years. He did recount to us the incidents leading to his exile from Bafanji and lamented how he lost his business and money following this ordeal.

An example of hard work, Chrispo’s Tomatoes farm

As the story goes, during the May 20^th, 2013 National Day Celebrations in Bafanji, two brothers of the Luweh’s family broke out into a fight at the ceremonial ground, prompting a third party  whose name the press got as “Majinette” to intervene in separating the fight. Once separated, one of the brothers fighting whose name the reporter got as David who is teacher and partially handicap, reported his younger brother with whom he had been fighting to the fon. In so doing, he deliberately twisted the incident to implicate the boy who came in to separate the fight. Without any inquiry from eye witnesses, the Fon ordered his thugs (BIR) to bring in David’s younger brother and the boy who helped separate the fight. At his orders, the boys were asked to creep over a distance of 200 meters on sharp gravel towards the fon who sat in the market square and was drinking, after which they were stripped naked, water boarded, rubbed in mud and beating mercilessly by BIR members, most especially by  one member called “ Bruce Lee”. 

Achu Chrispo who was sitting in his petrol shop had heard shouting outside and came out to see what was going on.  Having been at the 20^th May ceremonial ground, standing next to David and his brother when the fight broke out, and seeing that Majinette only helped separate the fight, he was the only reliable witness to testify as to what took place. He  found the implication and torture of “Majinette” - the boy who had only helped in separating the fight  incomprehensible  and tried to explain that the  boy being beaten  did nothing wrong but just tried to separate the fight. He said “What the fon and his BIR are doing is not right because they should have even asked those who witnessed the fight  during the incident before ordering any beating action”. On hearing this, one of the BIR went and reported him to the Fon. He went back into his shop, shortly afterwards, the fon sent “Bruce Lee” to whisk off Chrispo from his shop. At a distance, the fon ordered that he go down on his knees and creep on the gravel towards him. Not knowing what he had done, he refused, requesting to know what his crime was. Immediate the fon ordered “Bruce Lee” to take action. He was beaten, his dresses torn off while the fon watched, water pour on his body and the beating left him with an acute chest pain. His former employer rushed in and intervene bringing the matter to calm, and took him to where fon was sitting. Filled with Pride and shame, coupled with the fact that youths around the market jeered the fon about the nasty incident, the fon felt humiliated and so decided to expel Achu Chrispo giving him only 30 minutes to be in Bafanji. Chrispo for fear of his life left behind virtually everything and within 30 minutes was out of Bafanji.

He told our reporters that for all his years that he lived in Bafanji, he has never had any problem with any elite. He said that he sold in a big provision store, and was well settled by the elite enabling him to start off his own business; he described the Bafanji people as very welcoming people and very hard working but that ever since the late fon disappeared, things have changed in many directions with the present fon. Things he said, he can’t recount because it does not concern him. He told us that while a student, he did community work, and together with his football team, they cleaned the palace and around the market square. He however regretted that despite living there peacefully, all what he laboured ended in vain, as he has been informed that his tomatoes farm was all harvested by thieves in the village. Today, Chrispo is without a business and is hanging around the Ndop Area to see how to raise money again and start off his business in another village with his Pastor Brother.

Our Reporters went on the field to get the views of some elites from Bafanji on this unfortunate incident. While some were willing to talk but choose to remain anonymous, others were unwilling because they said that the Fon had threatened in Yaoundé during a visit there that he will set an example on any elite in Cameroon who was sharing information with elites of the Diaspora to write and criticise him on Bafanji Community Face Book Group.

From what we gathered, the elites found the incident involving Chrispo very disgraceful.  Speaking to our reporter one elite speaking on anonymity told us that the Fon has disgraced himself as a magistrate,  Bafanji Village as a whole and Ni John Fru Ndi. He said, he cannot be a legal mind and goes on banning people from his village indiscriminately whereas he should know what the law says above any other person. He went on  to say that he wonders how Fru Ndi will feel if he were to hear that an elite of his own village was forcefully and unjustly evicted from Bafanji when he Fru Ndi was there with a delegation to pay homage and respect to the new Fon of Bafanji during his late father’s  memorial celebration.

Other elites pointed out that the matter of Chrispo is only one of the many problems that Bafanji is facing as of now and it’s only a deeper investigation that can uncover what is going on in their village. They posited that Chrispo’s matter was evoked on June 2^nd 2013 in Bafanji Meeting in Bamenda in which the fon was in attendance. Elites found the incident unacceptable and he was advised to see the fon of Baba II to address the situation and explain himself to him in a friendly apologetic manner, but they doubts if the Fon has done it considering that he is full of pride and arrogance. They went on to say that the fon has suddenly felt that he is above every other Fon in the region because he is a magistrate and sees himself as above the law.

While Bafanji elites in and around Bamenda were unwilling to comment on this matter, The Press got in contact with one Elite of the Bafanji Diaspora in the person of Lienghotue Gideon of Ireland who has suffered similar fate of excommunication like Chrispo and he granted  a damming  exclusive interview to different press organs about his situation and the much talked of upcoming memorial services of his parents which is taking a different tone, with the Fon and  “Kwifon” of Bafanji demanding that  he writes an Article and publish on  Bafanji Community Face Book Group and present  them with a  signed copy as a precondition if  the memorial service  of his parents  must take place.........

Questions as to whether the social media frenzy has also caught even our most sacred secret societies abound high in Bafanji village. However, all attempts to get to the fon of Bafanji for his own side of the story were fruitless.

Up Next: Exclusive Interview with Lienghotue Gideon

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

Prominent Cameroonian Gay Rights Activist Tortured and Killed

Prominent Cameroon gay rights activist burned with iron, had neck and feet broken before being killed DAKAR, Senegal — JULY 16, 2013 A prominent gay rights activist in Cameroon was tortured and killed just weeks after issuing a public warning about the threat posed by "anti-gay thugs," Human Rights Watch said.

Friends discovered the body of Eric Ohena Lembembe at his home in the capital, Yaounde, on Monday evening after he was unreachable for two days, the rights group said in a statement Tuesday. One friend said Lembembe's neck and feet looked broken and that he had been burned with an iron. Lembembe was among the most prominent activists in one of Africa's most hostile countries for sexual minorities. First as a journalist and later as executive director of CAMFAIDS, a Yaounde-based human rights organization, he documented violence, blackmail and arrests targeting members of Cameroon's gay community. He was also a regular contributor to the Erasing 76 Crimes blog, which focuses on countries where homosexuality is illegal, and he wrote several chapters of a book released in February on the global gay rights movement titled "From Wrongs to Gay Rights." "Eric was an inspiring activist whose work was deeply appreciated by human rights activists in Cameroon and around the world," said HRW senior LGBT rights researcher Neela Ghoshal. Lembembe is the most high-profile African gay rights activist to be killed since 2011, a year that saw the deaths of Uganda's David Kato and South African lesbian activist Noxolo Nogwaza. Homosexuality is punishable by prison terms of up to five years in Cameroon, and the country prosecutes more people for gay sex than any other in sub-Saharan Africa, according to Human Rights Watch. Lembembe was among the first activists in the country to mobilize following a sharp increase in anti-gay prosecutions beginning in 2005, said Yves Yomb, executive director of Alternatives-Cameroon, a gay rights group based in Cameroon's largest city, Douala. "It is a big loss for our community, and we are a bit scared about what can happen to us," Yomb said. "He was one of the leaders of this community. So what can happen to the other leaders?" Yomb said Lembembe was known as "Princess Erica" because of his designer clothes and his gracious way with visitors, offering them fresh juice and an attentive ear. But he was also a tenacious journalist and activist, Yomb said. "He was very, very, very active in the fight for LGBT rights in Cameroon," Yomb said. "In his work as a journalist, when he wanted to have information he would call you until you gave him the information that he needed." Just two weeks ago, Lembembe spoke out against a recent spate of break-ins at organizations advocating for gay rights in Cameroon. "There is no doubt: anti-gay thugs are targeting those who support equal rights on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity," Lembembe said in a statement on July 1. "Unfortunately, a climate of hatred and bigotry in Cameroon, which extends to high levels in government, reassures homophobes that they can get away with these crimes." Ghoshal told The Associated Press that friends grew concerned for Lembembe on Saturday when he uncharacteristically missed a meeting. On Monday, they visited his house and found the door locked from the outside, though they could see Lembembe's battered body through a window. Law enforcement officials in Yaounde could not be reached Tuesday. Ghoshal said officials had transported the body to a hospital and begun taking statements. The precise motive for the killing was not immediately clear, but Ghoshal said Lembembe's friends indicated he had no enemies. "As far as they know he didn't have any other disputes, relationship disputes or money matters, so they attribute this to a likely homophobic killing, but that's just speculation at this point," Ghoshal said. She added that while the initial steps of an investigation appeared to be underway, it was unclear whether officials would follow through. "What worries us is that in the previous incidents of homophobic threats or violence, the police have done the basics but it's never gone beyond taking statements," she said. "It remains to be seen whether the police will carry out a serious investigation into this matter."

 

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CPDM Investiture in Difficulties Over Parliamentary Files in Bamenda

 By Fai Cassian

CPDM NW Regional Investiture headed by Dion Ngote is in difficulties to decide over Parliamentary lists in some Divisions. Confidential sources have hinted that the battle to parliament is very stiff in Ngoketunjia North, Momo West, Menchum South, Jakiri Special Constituency, and Oku/Noni and in Nwa Special Constituency.  Sources say Dion Ngote and his team from the Central Committee left Bamenda very confused as they could reach a consensus on the numerous candidatures. At the Bamenda Congress Hall, it is alleged that tempers almost flared. The several nocturnal meetings organized here and there to broker peace between aspirants has not paid off.

From what we gathered, five Lists have been submitted from Ngoketunjia North as Hon. Njigum Musa, Dr. Vabi and 03 others submitted separate lists.  Banmi Emmanuel stood unchallenged in Ngoketunjia South (Balikumbat). Hon. Banmi is likely to face Dr. Leicigah Pius while the candidate from Ngoketunjia North will face Hon. Yoyo Emmanule.  Nji Fidelis is lone candidate for Fungom/ Fura Awa (Menchum North) while three lists have been submitted by parliamentary aspirants of Menchum South. In this case the investiture will decide between Wallang Richard incumbent, Cho Cyprian and one other. Nji Fidelis will confront “Wum Boy” in the polls while the selected candidate from Menchum South will have to grapple with Enwi Elizabeth SDF Female aspirant.

In Mezam, Tawa Crisy submitted the lone file as parliamentary aspirant for Bamenda/Bali Constituency. The SDF candidate Hon. Fobi will surely face Tawa while Chopong Michael who is lone aspirant for Santa Special Constituency will be meeting Hon. Nji Tumasang (sdf candidate) Yet Kan Elroy (formerly TPG for NW) has been designated as Council list leader for the CPDM in Santa. Mbonefor Kennedy is also cited as the lone Parliamentary candidate for Bafut/Tubah is waxing to take on Nahmukong Fusi SDF Candidate.

In Bui, the battle is rough in the Jakiri Special Constituency as Hon. Wirngo Buba is being challenged by a young Mbororo man. They are all looking up to the Investiture for the final decision. They will face Joe Wirba SDF candidate.  Mr. Bamboye and Fon Dufe Lillian will represent the interest of the CPDM for the two parliamentary seats for Kumbo Central and Nkum/ Mbiame. In the same vein the SDF has also endorsed Hon. Banadzem and one other woman from Nkum to defend SDF interest.

 In the Oku/Noni Special Constituency, PM Yang's own backyard there is no consensus has been reached over the candidature of Hon. Nkwi and young Finnew Mabu who is being backed by the Noni.

 In Donga Mantung Division, Gerard Ngala and Ngandong Nfor Naomi have been invested as CPDM substantive candidates for Donga Mantung Center Constituency in the upcoming Legislative elections. Gerard Ngala will be the CPDM flag bearer in Nkambe Central while Madame Ngandong Nfor Naomi will represent the interest of the CPDM in Ndu as well. The alternate to Gerard Ngala in Nkambe is Mbukur Florence while the Madame Ngandong Nfor Naomi's alternate is John Ngala Ndi. The cpdm candidates will face Hon. Awudu Mbaya and Hon. Esther Ngala Ntala SDF candidates. On the other hand, Ali Adamu Wilfred has also been endorsed to head the CPDM council list for Nkambe. Alhadj Abdou Borno Kamfon whose candidature was dropped as Parliamentary candidates heads the cpdm council list for Ndu.

In the Ako/Misaje Special Constituency, all eyes are looking at the Investiture to decide who will be parliamentary candidate between two contenders, Abe Michael and Salifu. They all hail from Ako sub division given that Misaje did not submit any candidature. On the other hand, the SDF candidate for Ako/Misaje Shewa David stood unchallenged at the primaries. Also contesting in Misaje is Ndansi Elvis who is NUDP parliamentary aspirant. NUDP is also expected to submit a list for the council.

In Nwa, two lists have been tabled to the Investiture also decide on the parliamentary candidate. Incumbent Hon. Genesis Mbucksek and Nyangaji Job could not reach a consensus. The CPDM candidate who will be chosen from Nwa will lock horns Njinka Bungong SDF aspirant for Nwa. In the Njikwa/Widikum/Ngi Constituency, Hon Enwi has been challenged by Obango Halle and one other. The three candidates could not reach for a consensus list and they are all looking at Yaounde to take the final decision.

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

Fru Ndi Supports Biya's Gangsterism

 By Teche Nyamusa

(In line with my support base’s aspirations not to go for mini-teaspoon measures in addressing governance in our dear fatherland, Cameroon, I, Felix Teche Nyamusa, did not submit my application for the 8 July 2013 parliamentary primaries – our heartfelt apologies to sympathizers getting this decision for the very first time .I however remain a hopeful advocate for good governance hence the continuous use of the tag “Parliamentary hopeful”. We have no problem with SDF 2013 endorsed parliament and council candidates. The amendable hurdle is with some members of the hierarchy not the SDF grassroots!).

          President Paul Biya and his party, CPDM illegally control the public treasury tendering no explanation to Cameroonians or genuine adversary political parties of the nation. Executive President, Biya appoints members of the legislature and heads the country’s judiciary. Here he promotes, transfers and sanctions amongst other judicial chores magistrates and judges against time honoured global democracy practice of separation of powers. Electoral disputes and other litigations involving the CPDM are judged seeking first Biya’s consent. The elections body, now ELECAM, has its personnel appointed by the presidency which personnel are of course predominantly CPDM militants. They rig elections persistently in favour of CPDM. Fru Ndi – leader of number one opposition continuing to collaborate with the regime and going for elections under these circumstances is supporting Biya’s gangsterism.

          A handful of hard-earned seats of the 180-man parliament won by the opposition cannot pass good bills affecting the well-being of Cameroonians into law in the presence of the ill-gotten CPDM crushing majority in parliament. A few permitted opposition councils, again regrettably controlled by regime appointees - D.O s, Government Delegates, Regional Governors et al, cannot deliver our people from poverty and want. Collaborating and going for such elections endlessly despite our years of learning is deceiving Cameroonians particularly the downtrodden. It is no secret that many a Cameroonian’s desire, today, is to immigrate, at times under life-threatening situations, into other countries for paying job opportunities. It is worth knowing that these countries of our desire in Africa, Europe, America et al, fought hard in achieving their today’s treasures -  so too can Cameroon. It makes no sense going into elections continuously where Biya/CPDM will rig and at the end of the day children including adults begin searching for means to emigrate into the Diaspora.  After more than 23 years of perseverance to see whether the regime can get to fair play to no avail, we should exploit other methods. Countries in Africa and elsewhere get significantly improved - Cameroon should not be an exception. Sustained boycott of polls and effective campaigns to the power base that is, majority Cameroonians to vote good laws is a major component of the solution. Excuses of CPDM and allies grabbing all elective positions when we abstain from elections are inconsequential because even in the one party CPDM years, Cameroon was not prosperous. The regime in place is spendthrift. In those Biya’s single party years, the country was instead indebted, impoverished, and heavily corrupt. Genuine opposition seeking for change should be able to stand the test of time campaigning until genuine transformation comes – this “One-leg-in the other out” would not help Cameroon.

          The last pioneer senatorial witnessed how CPDM, despite the electioneering modifications and trumpeted plans for emergence from lack (vision 2035), used the public purse to the embarrassment of the opposition in buying voters consciences and rigged the elections in her favour . Nothing stops the regime from continuously repeating this unconstitutionality – thus when shall the opposition take over and lead based on her manifesto?

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