Valletta Migration Summit: “No part of the world can be a fortress. We should be open to legal migration.” – AU Commission Chairperson

 

Valletta, Malta – 12 November 2015: African and European Union leaders ended a two-day Summit on migration, agreeing on a number of measures, “to decisively and together manage migration flows in all its aspects.” They concluded a two-day Summit in Valletta, Malta, which culminated in their committing to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement, by considering migration and mobility in their development, programming and implementation strategies.

According to the final declaration of the Valletta Summit on Migration, the common response of the African and European leaders will, among others, primarily focus on reducing poverty, promoting peace, good governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights, on supporting inclusive economic growth through investment opportunities and the creation of decent jobs, thus rekindling hope notably for the African youth.

In her opening remarks, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission pointed out the attitude of some European countries putting up a fortress approach to solving the migration issue. “There is no part of the world that can be a fortress. We should be open to legal migration,” Dr. Dlamini Zuma remarked, while extending deep appreciation to those European countries that have been working tirelessly to save the lives of the migrants and treating them in a humane and dignified manner.

Reacting to the supposed processing centres to be constructed for the migrants, the AU Commission Chairperson was very clear on the AU’s position: “The African Union is not in support of, and cannot endorse the establishment of the so-called processing centres in Africa. The processing centres, or whatever they may be called, are de facto detention centers that will constitute a serious violation of human rights and re-victimization of migrants. Especially women and children would be at great risks of falling prey to rape and human trafficking, including the trafficking in human organs.”

The idea of the processing centres was a key issue during the negotiations between the African and European Teams of negotiators. Putting into perspective the overall situation of migration in times of economic growth, AU Commission Chairperson quoted Dr. Carlos Lopes, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa:

“In every moment of History growth has generated outward migrants from the same location. It is indeed happening with Chinese and Indians right now as it is in Africa. Growth spins the chances for a new life but its distribution, particularly at the early stages of a country take-off, is uneven and unpredictable. Those who see their neighbor with means and hope they do not have, venture out. It would have been absurd to propose bombing the boats that were sailing to South America full of migrants escaping the misfortunes of the two World Wars aftermath. These migrants were seeking better lives. Yet their countries were growing like never before, thanks amongst others to the Marshall Plan.”

The African and European leaders also agreed to strengthen international protection of migrants and step up assistance, acknowledging the need to facilitate legal migration and mobility for entrepreneurs, students and researchers.

An EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa of €1.8 billion was launched to implement the agreed Valletta Summit on Migration Action Plan, aimed at addressing the root causes of the irregular migration and displaced persons in Africa. The Fund will benefit countries in the Sahel region and Lake Chad area; the Horn of Africa and North of Africa, said to be the major migration routes to Europe.

The AU Commission Chairperson underscored the need for a short, medium and long-term sustainable solutions, highlighting the fact the situation cannot be resolved through quick fixes. She called on Europe to partner with Africa in its Agenda 2063, whose thrust is in development and modernisation of the continent through industrialisation, skills training and promoting entrepreneurship that will create jobs for African young people lured by Europe in search of a better life.

Media contact:

Jacob Enoh Eben, Spokesperson of the Chairperson, African Union Commission; +251 911 201 632; +251 934 996 893 E-mail EnohebenJ@africa-union.org 

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

Urgency of SDF constitutional amendment: Answering Mbah Ndam

My party, SDF, legal adviser – Hon Mbah Ndam in a recent press outing found no fault with a portion of the Nyamusa 19 October, 2015 “Proposal for amendment of the SDF constitution” on none accumulation of positions by the national chair (and his /her deputies) and the national secretary general ( and his/her deputies)

            Mbah Ndam according to the Horizon newspaper of Friday 6^th November 2015 said the party constitution was clear that the chairman steps down from his position only when he becomes president of the republic – this may be the spirit of the current constitution which logically was meant only for the first public elections the party got involved with in 1992 following her launch in 1990. But with the passage of time up to over two decades now (1992 – 2015) this portion of the constitution would have long been reviewed because other militants some better equipped for leadership than the incumbent chair are interested in the public position the chair has interest in as well and thus must stand primaries on a level field with the incumbent.

            Human nature being generally vindictive, party potential voters for such primaries involving the incumbent chair will logically be intimidated from freely voting their minds’ choice for fear of eventual victimization by an incumbent who loses the public position yet by constitution maintains his/her chair position. Further the chair constitutionally has authority on party projects, occasions, finances which he/she may illogically use to the disadvantage of any other party adversaries! This absurd party practice of posts accumulation by some officials is a serious setback for our organization whereby the right party torch-bearers for public competitions will hardly be gotten thus weakening militants’ enthusiasm, participation in more   party activities and lacklustre(to say the least) performance in public elections and other chores .

            Hence our suggestion like obtained in global democracies that those in such demanding positions counterpart to SDF national chairperson (and his/her deputies) and national secretary general (and his/her deputies) should not go for primaries or elections for any government or public positions again or accept appointment for same. However if they so cherish any public positions they have  to first resign from their current party posts in order to embark on the public position of their desire - no eligible militant for any election of our party can ordinarily be barred from standing polls - reassuring Mbah Ndam, we guess! This is all contained in the amendment proposal to NEC to be deliberated at party convention. Like obtained in democracies equivalent party positions like those of SDF national chair and national secretary general and their respective deputies act their various parties umpires , they oversee the production of party slogans, policies, campaign messages , ensure massive militants recruit ….

However, fellow Cameroonians, this necessary reinforcement of our party will urgently and imperatively lead to the ultimate application of the Cameroon constitutional last resort to send parking the reactionary incumbent Biya CPDM regime: the pro CPDM ELECAM must be scrapped, the antiquated Cameroon constitution revamped to ensure separation of powers and prevent the regime in place from solo exploiting Cameroon to below the surface before we get even  remotely close to the all important 2018 elections . Furthermore knowing the regime history of fidgeting with the electoral calendar, the necessity of SDF NEC summoning an urgent extra ordinary convention for our buttressing is full-scale!

 

                              May God guide SDF, Cameroon!

 

Felix Teche Nyamusa, SDF 2018 Presidential hopeful (pending primaries).

 

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

The African Union Commission engages the Private Sector on the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA)

 Victoria, Seychelles – 12 November 2015. The African Union Commission (AUC) engaged the Private Sector on the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) negotiations processes during a three-day Conference of the African Private Sector that ended today in Victoria, Seychelles. The conference was organized by the AUC in partnership with the Pan African Chamber of Commerce (PACCI) and the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The objectives of this conference included enabling private sector participants to dialogue with the Commission and sharing knowledge and experience about the CFTA.

 

The governance structure of the CFTA provides for the establishment of an African Business Council as a necessary platform for aggregating and articulating the views of the Private Sector in the continental policy formulation processes. The ABC will thus be instrumental in collecting, processing and presenting the views of the private and business operators throughout the African continent.

Mrs. Treasure Thembisile Maphanga, Director of the Department of Trade and Industry of the African Union Commission, reminded the participants that if Africa has to double intra-African Trade - one key aspiration embedded under the African Union Agenda 2063 – there is need to fast-track the establishment of the CFTA negotiations by the indicative deadline of 2017. To achieve this milestone, she invited the Private Sector to partner with the African Union Commission in implementing the mandate and urged the Private Sector to take ownership of the process establishing the African Business Council.  Underscoring that this is an ambitious agenda the Director emphasized the importance of the Private Sector in leapfrogging in terms of integration. 

Sharing the same sentiments, the President of Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Eng. Peter Chisawillo pointed out that Private Sector is fundamental to boosting Intra-African Trade. He welcomed the CFTA negotiations and stressed the readiness of the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture to support the initiative. “Africa must do business with Africa first. We have to think continentally about competitiveness and Africa’s share in global trade”, he said. In support, the CEO of the East Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Charles Kahuthu echoed, “The African Business Council is the way to go for Africa.”

Appreciating the consultation by the African Union Commission, the President of the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Seth Adjei Baah, pointed out that ‘’we are all working together for the common good of Africa’’. He advised that the establishment of the African Business Council should not weaken existing Private Sector organizations that are operating at national, regional and continental levels.

The meeting concluded with a Communiqué that raised observations and recommendations by the Private Sector for further consultations with Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Regional Business Councils, Regional/National Chambers of Commerce, among others, on the establishment of the African Business Council.

The International Trade Centre (ITC) also provided  technical inputs that support the process of establishing a dialogue platform between the African Union and the Private Sector.



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

Africa-EU Migration Summit in Valletta, Malta

 Press Release

Valletta, Malta – 10 November 2015: The African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has arrived in Valletta, Malta, to participate in the Valletta Summit on Migration, scheduled to hold from 11 to 12 November 2015. The Summit will provide a platform for African and European Leaders to exchange views and take decisions on the challenges and opportunities arising from migration and mobility within the two continents.

The AU Commission Chairperson will speak on the way Africa and Europe can partner and work collaboratively to reap the benefits of labour migration as well as on way to overcome the challenges around irregular migration in the immediate, medium and long terms.

The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Dr. Dlamini Zuma, will also present the opportunities that Agenda 2063 avails to the African continent to rekindle the hopes and aspirations of Africa’s women and youth, through enhanced industrialisation, skills training and empowerment, decent job creation, as well as the free movement of people and goods across the continent.

The death of thousands of Africans in the Mediterranean Sea remains an issue of great concern to Africa and Europe, warranting the need to pursue dialogue aimed at agreeing on measures to prevent the recurrence of the tragedies resulting from irregular migration and human trafficking.

Participating AU and EU Member States are expected to agree on an Action Plan and issue a joint final declaration at the end of the Summit.

Media contact:

Jacob Enoh Eben, Spokesperson of the Chairperson, African Union Commission; +251 911 201 632; +251 934 996 893 E-mail EnohebenJ@africa-union.org

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

CPDM Reorganization in the Diasporas: Yaah Patience Tamfu Elected Section President in USA

Yaah Patience Tamfu takes over command in USA

Yaah Patience Tamfu has been elected Section President of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement-CPDM in the United States of America. Yaah Patience Tamfu got a crushing majority to enter record books as the first female candidate to head the CPDM in the United State. She was the lone female candidate for the post of Section President. Prof. Ngolle Ngolle Elvis who led the Central Committee delegation to the USA is quoted to have said that he was very satisfied with the election exercise given that the best candidate won in a free and transparent manner. Yaah Patience Tamfu’s victory is not surprising given that she fulfills all the conditions prescribed by President Biya, President of the party. Popular opinion at home and the Diasporas had earlier opined that CPDM militants in the USA saw in her the qualities of a good politician endowed with character and conscience. Commentators had long declared that Yaah Patience Tamfu was sure bet for the position of Section given that she is a political heavyweight. Prospects are high at that she will surely work for the growth of the party.

Considering that Yaah Patience Tamfu was formerly WCPDM Section President in the USA IN 2007, she is therefore an asset on which the CPDM can rely on in the Diasporas.

Who is Patience Tamfu?

If there is any area in Cameroon where the Beijing platform can be assessed, it is in the domain of politics and economic sphere which was formerly a no go zone for the woman. Yaah Patience Tamfu is one of the few female politicians who has shown that women in leadership could mean a lot to Cameroon. Ever since this daughter of the great statesman, late Hon. SN Tamfu became the sparkling flicker, the ever first woman to strengthen the CPDM party in the United State of America, she has become a symbol that women in leadership position is worth celebrating. Hitherto considered a no go zone for women, Yaah Patience Tamfu has not only dismantled the male barriers constructed around politics but has more importantly serve as a woman emancipator. And that she crushed three men in a highly contested election to win the position of Section President in the USA is a fact.  And that she campaigned tirelessly for President Biya to win in Diasporas during the last Presidential elections is an undeniable fact. It is thanks to her that the CPDM is striving in the United States of America.

Since her election into the national Bureau of the WCPDM, (Central Committee), Patience Tamfu helped a great deal in transmitting President Biya’s policy in the Diasporas. Even though she lives in the USA, she remains approachable. She talks and acts with dogged friendliness reasons why she is loved and appreciated by all.

Yet, it is these qualities which incalculably complement her multifarious roles in Uncle Sam’s America, Donga Mantung Division, North West and Cameroon as a whole. Her savoir-faire in politics and the way she interacts with others has earned several recognitions. It was not by error that she was voted as "Woman of Year" in 2012 by readers of The Eye newspaper and few months ago she was honoured with The Lifetime Achievement Award for her leadership role in fostering development amongst Wimbum community (at home and abroad) and Cameroonians in the USA. Besides, she was honoured with the most prestigious traditional title of Mbum land, Yaah. In the US where she lives, she was also recognized by her employer as well as the various communities due to her leadership skills. 

This is so because she is a bulk of talent, intelligent and a woman who lives in every other person’s problem. Hard work and efficiency have continued to be the qualities that define her. Whenever you meet her for the first time, you are taken by her mastery of issues.  Take it as arrogance and you are right for this is positive arrogance that enables that job for which she does is done correctly. It is this positive arrogance she reads widely and interacts with all the set of people in society.

Notwithstanding, she has the drive and dedication that defies any facile explanations. Born into the family of late Hon. SN Tamfu, she was brought up in close knit family in the fear of the God. In later life she could not escape to be a workaholic or become a politician par excellence reasons why her position in society as a role model continue to inspire many young girls and build society.

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

Ahead of Paris Summit: After AU, Hon. Awudu Mbaya Heads Delegation of African MPs to Kenya

The Executive President of Pan African Parliamentarians Network on Climate Change-PAPNCC, Hon. Awudu Mbaya has left the country for Kenya to attend the Second Pan African Summit on Climate Change. Hon. Awudu Mbaya is leading a powerful delegation of 38 African MPs. According to a communiqué issued on November 10, 2015, by PAPNCC, the summit will bring together Pan African Parliament, the United Nations Environmental and the civil society and other stakeholders to harmonize Africa’s position at the Paris Summit on Climate Change. Furthermore, the Summit is also expected to fine-tune proposals that will be tabled to African Heads of States as part of the on-going negotiations on a new climate change binding agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol.

The Conference which begins 11-14 of November shall be presided over by Kenyan President and it is expected to put in place strategies for a protocol for Africa at the Paris Summit come December 2015.

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

33rd Anniversary of President Biya: Dr. Fuh Calistus Donates to Misaje, Ndu Youths

Dr. Fuh Calistus

There was fanfare in Misaje and Ndu on November 6, 2015 as Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry, Secretary of State for Mines, Industries and Technological Development donated over FCFA 2 million to youth groups in Misaje and Nkambe. Addressing youth of the 13 villages that make up Misaje sub Division, Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry used the occasion to call on youths to be vigilant and added that they should work in collaboration with the forces of law and order as well as traditional rulers on issues of security. Minister Fuh Calistus emphasized that at a time that Cameroon is faced with insecurity and threats from the deadly Islamic sect, Boko Haram in the Northern part of the country, it is therefore imperative that all Cameroonians stand behind H.E President Paul Biya in his mission to put an end to the barbaric acts of this sect, so that the peace and stability the new deal government has always defended and preserved is restored. There was euphoria when he announced that each village youth group of the 13 villages that make up Misaje will all get a support of FCFA 100.000. The villages are: Misaje/Nkanchi, Dumbu, Kamine, Akweto, Bebe-Kete/ Mayokila, Bebe-Jato/ Sabongida, Bem, Chunghe, Kibbo, Kwe, Mbissa, Mfume and Chako. A team we gathered was dispatched to Ndu where over FCFA 1.5 was also handed to youth leaders’ representing each village.

In a keynote address to thousands of CPDM militants and supporters at the Misaje Grandstand, Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry lined up some of the major projects so far realized in 33 years ranging from road infrastructure to education, health, eco-tourism, etc etc and the drew the curtain with Vision 2035. He emphasized that Misaje is celebrating 33 years of peace, stability, social cohesion, national unity, national integration, great development strides, diplomatic victories and above all the strong and credible marriage with President Paul Biya. The linking of Misaje to the National Electricity Grid in Nkambe is an anniversary gift for the people of Misaje, he added. As a justification to why Misaje is benefitting this much from the new deal government, Dr. Fuh Calistus indicated that it was as a result of the love demonstrated by the head of state, as well as the fruits of the mutually benefitting partnership between,  President Biya, the CPDM party and the Misaje people.

On his part, the Mayor of Misaje council, Sammy Mgbata Nforkemba used the occasion to express gratitude to President Biya for reappointing Dr. Fuh Calistus. Misaje, he noted has every reason to celebrate and support President Biya unconditionally.

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

Fon of Nkambe Endorsed as Lone Candidate for Post of NOWEFU President

Fon of Nkambe sitting in the middle

HRH Fon Ibrahim Japbfu Nfor, fon of Nkambe has been endorsed by Donga Mantung Fons Union as lone candidate for the post of President of the North West Fons Union-NOWEFU. The Fon of Nkambe was nominated on November 7, 2015 during an extraordinary of the Donga Mantung Fons Union in Nkambe. He was nominated by the fon of Ngum in Nwa while two other contenders, Fon of Tabenken and Mbot who were also nominated fell short given that there was nobody who could second their nomination. The fon of Kup nominated the fon of Tabenken while the fon of Bih nominated the fon of Mbot. Talking to this reporter at the end of the exercise, HRH Fon Ibrahim of Nkambe said that he has a wide range of experience given that he has served NOWEFU in several positions. He was formerly treasurer and is currently 2nd Vice President. 

On his part, the Fon of Tabenken said he was disappointed that Donga Mantung fons fell prey to the manipulations of the present President Fon Teche who masterminded the exercise. In the other hand, the Fon of Mbot, HRH Fon Mbunwe added the results and added that it would have been good for a young dynamic fon to take that position. It should be noted that given the rotative nature of  NOWEFU, it is the turn of Donga Mantung to produce the next president come November 28, 2015. Tongues are still waging as to why the Fon of Binka who had earlier declared his intentions to contest in the election was not present. It is not clear whether HRH Benchep Nfor will spring surprises at the general assembly given 10 years ago, he did same in Bamenda but was defeated by the fon of Nkambe for the post of treasurer.
Worthy to note the Fon of Nkambe is a former member of the defunct House of Chiefs (Southern Cameroons) and is always known as the Wise man of the North West alongside the Fon of Mankon.

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

Donga Mantung SDO Creates the Unexpected at Thanksgiving, FCFA 2.2 Million Raised

The Senior Divisional Officer for Donga Mantung Division, Ngone Ndodemesape Bernard has fundraised over 2.2 million FCFA to support the construction of the Nkambe giant Catholic Church. The thanksgiving mass which was officiated by Arch Bishop George Nkuo of the Kumbo diocese was described by many as one of the highest crowd puller.  Hundreds trooped in from different areas to support the first executive personality of the division in his efforts to foster sustainable development. Quoting from the Book of God, Bishop George Nkuo said

God loves the cheerful giver. There was singing and dancing at the Nkambe Catholic Church today November 8, 2015 when it was announced that a sum of over 2.2 million FCFA was raised to support the construction of the Nkambe cathedral estimated at more than FCFA 100 million.

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

Pastor Adeboye to Lead 60 Bishops and 300 Clerics to HID Awolowo's Burial

Pastor E.A Adeboye has been slated to lead 60 bishops and 300 other clerics to the burial ceremony of the late Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo.

 

According to a disclosure made by the Ogun State Government, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye has been slated to lead 60 bishops and 300 other clerics to the burial ceremony of the late Hannah Idowu Dideolu, HID, Awolowo.

This State government also revealed that the federal government and all states of the federation will be at the event.

In a news conference held at the Awolowo’s residence, the family stressed that the body of the late matriarch would be taken to Ibadan, Lagos and Sagamu.

Mrs. Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu, daughter of the deceased and former Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, concluded that the family is set to host friends, well-wishers and the entire nation to a befitting ceremony.

According to her, "Her burial is not for our family alone, but for the world. It is going to be an elaborate event. The state government has been very helpful."

Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Barrister Taiwo Adeolu, who also spoke, said the other 35 state governors have indicated willingness to participate in the burial programme, adding that the federal government is part of the central planning committee.

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

Senate Mandates Buhari to Probe Jonathan on Financial Mismanagement

The Senate has moved a motion to probe the Goodluck Jonathan-led administration on allegations surrounding the alarming rate of unemployment in the country as against the government initiatives to quell the crisis.

Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari

 

Citing mismanagement of funds, the Senate, yesterday, asked President Muhammadu Buhari to begin immediate probe of his predecessor, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, in his handling of the Subsidy Re-investment and Empowerment Programme, SURE-P, according to news reports from Nigeria.
The red chamber said it was imperative that President Buhari ask his predecessor to account for every penny spent during the latter‘s administration on the SURE-P and other poverty alleviation programmes.
This came just as it ruled against the  implementation of the N5,000 monthly stipend to unemployed Nigerian youths as the President promised during his campaign.
The advice to probe Jonathan was sequel to an additional prayer moved by Senator Babajide Christopher Omoworare to Senator Bassey Albert Akpan-sponsored motion, entitled: “Urgent need to curb the soaring rate of unemployment in Nigeria,” which he presented for consideration during yesterday’s plenary.
“I want to move that the immediate past government be made to account for every penny spent on SURE-P and other poverty alleviation programmes, and I so move, Mr. President,” Omoworare said.
When Saraki put the question to voice vote, the ayes response came from the APC senators, but the PDP senators kept mute to the nay call.
In the motion, Akpan observed that the latest figures of Nigeria’s soaring unemployment situation by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBC) has increased to 8.2 percent in the second quarter of 2015 from 7.5 percent in the first quarter of 2015 and 6.4 percent in the last quarter of 2014.

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