Murder at Presbyterian Church Center Bamenda, Population Shocked

 Prof. Theodosia McMoli, Dean of the faculty of Medicine at the Cameroon Christian University was found dead in her house at the Ntamulung Presbyterian Church premise. Police stormed her residence last Tuesday June 5, 2012 and break into her house just to discover she was tied and wrapped in her own bed-sheet. Her death has shocked the entire PCC family yet the prime suspect whose name we got as Seydou (Sule) is still hunted by police. As police in Bamenda launched a manhunt for the prime suspect, we gathered that the prime suspect was Prof. Theodosia McMoli's driver. Information gathered indicates that Prof. Theodosia attended a meeting at the main Campus of the Christian University at Bali. She returned not transported by her driver. But the driver was spotted sources say with Prof. Theodosia's car (mark Toyota tercel) driving off the church center with one other, after she had returned from the meeting in Bali. Yet no one could suspect what might have transpired. Ever since Seydou was spotted driving out, he had since not returned with the car. Yet police search goes on for his where about.  Sources hinted that the next day, she was not available to continue the meeting. Suspicion reached it peak when her phone could be reached, car not seen as well as the driver. The Eye gathered University officials contacted the police. When policemen finally stormed her residence, and with the authorization from the state counsel, they ordered that the window be broken into. This was when policemen found her dead on her bed. Her legs and hands were tied before being wrapped in her bedsheet and placed on her bed. Police and medical doctors are said to have examined her remains before she was taken to the mortuary as investigations ensued.
It should be noted that Prof. Theodosa retired from the University of Buea to become the Dean of the faculty of Medicine of the Cameroon Christian University owned by the PCC. Her dead has added to the ongoing legal battle as to who assassinated Rev. Kenji, Pastor of the PCC. 



 Prof. Theodosia Eyong McMoli: The Female Role Model: 1938-2012
Her accolades emblazon her name in any academic hall of fame worldwide and we can only usher in a triumphant beating of the drums as we call the roll of some of her trailblazing achievements in their rightful order:

• Manyu Division's First Medical Doctor
• Cameroon's Second Female Doctor
• Anglophone Cameroon's First Ophthalmologist 
• Pioneer Dean of  Faculty of  Health Sciences, University of Buea,
• Pioneer Director of the Higher Institute of Health Sciences, Cameroon Christian University, Bali.

Yes, Professor Theodosia Eyong McMoli blazed a trail for young men and women alike to follow, yet she was so unassuming and even self-effacing. If she walked down the street you could pass her by without a second thought.  Her humble disposition amongst ordinary people never betrayed that she was one of those whose exceptional achievements placed her squarely in the Cameroon pantheon of academic fame with the likes of Late Prof. Victor Anomah Ngu.
 Born on June 15, 1938, she was the first of five children of the legendary headmaster of the 30’s and 40’s, Mr. Mathias Ebot Ojongtambia and Princess Susana Ebai-Nso of the Oben royal family of Mamfe Town. She definitely set the pace for her siblings Mrs. Jedida Zumafor, Mrs. Faustina Yembe, Mr. Jasper Ojongtambia and Mr. Cyril Ojongtambia.
In 1954, Aunty Theo or Sister Theo, as she was fondly called enrolled in Queens College, Ede, Southern Nigeria, an elite all girls secondary school founded in 1952 to honor Queen Elizabeth II’s ascension to the throne.  At this time there were no secondary education avenues for women in Cameroon.  She later enrolled at the University of Ibadan to study medicine. This was a formidable feat given the limited opportunities. Consequently, when she graduated as a medical doctor in 1967, she inscribed her name in the academic hall of fame in multiple categories. She went on to England where she earned a Doctor of Ophthalmology from the London School of Physicians in 1972 and became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS), Edinburgh in 1976. After working in England  and enduring the challenges of a young African doctor working in a predominantly white environment, she returned to Nigeria in 1978 taking up employment at the Lagos University College of Medicine as lecturer Grade I. Here, she showed her academic prowess once again, rising to the top of her profession as Consultant/Associate Professor. She was also inducted as a fellow of the West African College of Surgeons (FWACS), and Fellow of the Nigerian Medical Council (FNMC). It is also in Nigeria where she met her husband, a fellow Cameroonian Mr.  Lucas Mokongo McMoli with whom she has two children, Malafa and Ojong. The McMoli’s returned to Cameroon in 1986 and Prof. McMoli was employed as head of Ophthalmology at the Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital popularly known by its French acronym C.U.S.S until 1993 when she again blazed the trail to become the founding Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences in the newly opened University of Buea.  While at the University of Buea she rose to the rank of full professor. In 2004, after 11 years of meritorious groundbreaking service at the university, she retired from the Cameroon civil service.
Even in retirement she continued to share her vast medical knowledge with the Cameroon community. As an ardent Christian of the Presbyterian Church, she was not only on the board of Presbyterian health services; she became a doctor at the Presbyterian Health Center in Bafoussam. With the intention of tapping into her vast experience and immediate knowledge of setting up a faculty of health sciences, she was appointed as the pioneer Director of the Higher Institute of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of the newly established Cameroon Christian University. It is in this position that she met her untimely death inside her own house under circumstances still under investigation.
*Biography courtesy of Dr. Joyce Ashuntantang

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

PCC Dismisses Two Recalcitrant Pastors, Fines One

Rev. Wara Che, Rev. Tokabo Divine and Rev. Adose Osage have been cited as those who have been unable to pulsate their calling. However, according to information gathered the sanctions were dished out in Kumba recently during the graduation ceremony of some 24 students from the PCC Theological Seminary. According to sources from June 4, 2012 the former Bafoukom church pastor will no more operate as a PCC pastor. He has been noted for his healing crusades at the Bafoukom PC in the neighborhood of Bamenda.  The same ax according to classified sources also fell on Rev. Tokabo Divine while on the other hand; Rev. Adose Osage was fined to pay back into PCC coffers the sum of 10 million FCFA.

However, Rev. Wara recently staged a spectacular comeback under a different canopy and not the PCC. This was at the Bamenda Congress Hall last Sunday 10, 2012, where Rev. Wara and supporters communed together.

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

Donga Mantung, Bui May Witness Split if New Administrative Units are Created

 

In recent years, there had been an outcry for the creation of new administrative units. Sources say if not of the fact that Municipal and Legislative elections have been postponed; new administrative units would have been created. According to the hint, Kumbo would likely be transformed into a City Council with the creation of the Mve, Kimbo and Tatum council areas. Besides, Bui would be split into two. A new Division comprising of Bum, Misaje, Noni and Oku would be created code named “Kimbi Division”. In Donga Mantung Diviwsion, Taku maybe transformed into a sub Division and the villages of Wat, Mbot, Nwangri, Mbaah and Kup carved out to be part of the Taku sub Division, a decision which is raising a lot of anger among the Mbum people. More so, it is also alleged that Nwa will be transformed into a full flesh Division while another sub division would be created in Binka which will absorb part of Mbot.

Sources say the move has already been fine-tuned waiting for the Presidential Decree to concretize it. Yet, observers are of the opinion that the creation of the Far North West Region with the same administrative units will be more cherished by the population than the mushroom administrative units. However, no justifications for such plans have been made yet some politicians say it is the handiwork of PM Yang Philemon. Yet, Oku according to the last census results is the largest council area in the Northwest Region and it would be unjust to move part of Donga Mantung Division, which many see as a plan to destroy the long dream of Hon. Tamfu for the creation of the Savannah Region. According information gathered, the creation of the Kimbi Division compassing of Misaje, Noni and Bum would have boosted the creation of the Far North Region and not as what has been proposed by Bui Elite politicians to absorb Misaje and Bum into no-man’s land.

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Massive Fraud Mars SDF District Elections, Fru Ndi’s Hands Tied

As Municipals and Legislative elections may likely take place next year, the struggles as to who will head the SDF electoral districts have been fine-tuned. And with the Social Democratic Front-SDF National Convention billed for October this year in Bamenda, the electoral districts are being organized. The intrigues have been many and many irregularities have been registered. Those who are aspiring to be mayors and MPs were spotted sponsoring candidates to protect their interest. Those who thought they could test their popularity also tried to maneuver to check their capabilities.  In some places, elections have been postponed more than twice, but the case of Bamenda II has been outstanding. The drama that took place in Bamenda II has left observers wondering whether the SDF could continue to preach lessons of transparency in elections. What transpired in Bamenda II was that Garba Oumarou, former district chairman was challenged by many, yet the rigging machinery could not succeed. It is alleged money had to change hands in public for massive rigging to take place. Some SDF militants are said to have voted more than four times, but at the end of the exercise, the results could not be proclaimed. It is aired that the ballot boxes were transported to Ntarinkon, where a crowd of angry militants stormed Fru Ndi’s residence. Seeming, Fru Ndi’s hand too were tied. Sources however hinted that the results will be proclaimed by the National Executive Committee. Information reaching us indicates that Mbengwi, Bafut, Tubah, Nkambe, Fonfuka and Bamenda I the intrigues and fraud were the same, yet, Fru Ndi has been mute over the irregularities.

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Jean-Jacques Ndoudoumou and Jean Tabi Manga Found Guilty of Mismanagement

 

The Disciplinary Board of the Budget and Finance (CDBF) of the Supreme State Control (CONSUPE) of Cameroon has sentenced to pay back to the state treasury over a 100 million FCFA, respectively the director of the Regulatory Agency for Procurement (ARMP) and the Rector of the University of Yaounde II, Jean-Jacques Ndoudoumou and Jean Tabi Manga

They were also fined each to pay FCFA 2 million to the Treasury.
The first was convicted of paying premiums and special benefits to public officials and employees without justification, no respect for resolution of the Board, staff recruitment in violation of procedures.
Mr. Ndoudoumou also appointed officials of the ARMP in violation of procedures, and hired a consultant paid by the state of which he is responsible.
The second, meanwhile, is accused of multiple violations related to public procurement and payment of benefits.
The CDBF the CONSUPE is one of the anti corruption arm of government in the fight against mismanagement of public funds and property.
Placed directly under the Presidency of the Republic to which it addresses its reports, it has, in recent months, pinned and sentenced to heavy fines half a dozen senior officials.
Late February, CDBF/ CONSUPE published a list of 83 officials and state employees, coming from 10 regions of the country and they were summoned to appear before the committee to explain their management between 2002 and 2007. on that list of 83 were the names of Jean Jacques Ndoudoumou and Jean Tabi Manga

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MARALEAKS (Marafa) Documents Reveal what Issa Tchiroma Pocketed in the Boeing 737 Crash in 1995

 When Issa Tchiroma Bakary was appointed Minister of Transport by the Head of State, Paul Biya, on November 27,1992, he (Tchiroma) decided to withdraw the aircraft maintenance contract of the national airline, Cameroon Airlines (Camair) from Air France to the benefit of the South African company, South African Airways (SAA). At the time, the Cameroonian public exults address this seeming return to Africa.In fact, the transaction has little patriotic motivation.We'll know more later with some problematic content of the contract.  "The so-called Maintenance Contract with the South African company was poorly done," then repeat inaudible, reasons why wondered why CAMAIR technicians wondered why government could not choose to invest locally. 
There are minor incidents that one is silent. But the climax turns out to be the tragic crash of B. 737 called "The Nyong" which  resulted in the death of 71 passengers in December 1995.At the time, the investigation quickly concluded a "pilot error" a former pilot of the Air Force, Commander Yunusa, who was hastily recruited to Camair due to his proximity to the Minister of Transport, Mr Issa Tchiroma.  
Maintenance Scandal
 A Lebanese law firm, Advanced Trust, owned by a certain Prof. Fouad Srouji, will provide, later, to the Cameroon government documents showing evidence of Cameroonian officials who were corrupted by the South Africans for the transfer of maintenance aircraft  contract to the South African company. Some would have even acquired real estate in the land of Nelson Mandela. Issa Tchiroma by then was the chairman of the commission to privatize airports in the country which many people continue to suspect faulty bargains and procedures if it had reached apex level. Enters Advanced TrustThe State of Cameroon through his advice that the legal affairs adviser Jean Fouman Akame, and the lawyer, Georges Engono Essame, and get successful and damages (billions of CFA francs) to the South African courts in a lawsuit it brought on behalf of the State. A memorandum of understanding with the French-Lebanese firm had used to purchase evidence of mafia deal.In addition to the Minister of Transport, Issa Tchiroma, the deal also involved the former commercial director of Camair, Louis-Paul Motaze, and former Chairman of the Board, Mr. Joseph Belibi. The trio carries technically responsible for the tragedy of B. 737 "The Nyong."Under the guidance of Special legal adviser to the head of state, John Foumane Akame, the Mfoundi Court had shown interest to take charge of the precarious situation  . The State Counsel Mvondo Evezo writing to the Head of State had  expressed  the  desire to set a public action against the three corrupt. Especially as Cameroon Airlines just lost  Boeing 747 "Mount Cameroon" in the Parisian sky which was just back from South Africa after checkups.  
Yet, nothing took place after because President Biya who was contacted had not reacted. The unit was returning from a technical visit to South Africa. Nothing has happened since.The only reaction was the reappointment of Issa Tchiroma in 2009 as Minister of Communication as well as the continues appointments of his "nephew" Motaze in various posts of responsibilities.

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SDF MPs want Parliament to Investigate MARALEAKS Revelations on Douala Plane Crash

 Hon. Joseph Mbah Ndam SDF MP and one of the Vice Presidents at the National Assembly has tabled a motion to Hon. Cavaye Yeguie, the President of the National Assembly requesting for MPs to investigate into some information leaked in Marafa's third letter commonly known as MARALEAKS. SDF MPs are requesting on the National Assembly to set up a parliamentary commission of inquiry, on the non-compensation of victims of the crash of the Boeing 737-200 in Douala in 1995. This request is based on some excerpts from the open letter of Marafa Hamidou Yaya, former Minister of State, Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization. Marafa in his open letter raised emotions that when the accident took place he "proposed at the time, to the President of the Republic that the 71 victims be compensated with a sum of 100 million FCFA each.Whereas a sum of 25 billion FCFA supposed to have been paid into the accounts of CAMAIR ended in private pockets.
 But "until now, none of  the victims have been compensated, nor the sum of 25 billion CFA francs plus damages to be paid to. Yet,  the deceased including his employees were never paid their rights. To the SDF A  parliamentary inquiry to verify this information and establish responsibility for compensating the families of seventy-one victims of Boeing 737-200 would come to past. 
 SDF MPs based their approach on the Constitution of the Republic of Cameroon. It "provides in Articles 14 (2), 29 and 351st control Government action through, inter alliance, the formation of parliamentary committees of inquiry on specific objects." They also rely on standing orders "Regulation" of the Assembly (amended by Law No. 93/001 of 16 June 1993) in Article 67, together with Law No. 91/029 of 16 December 1991 which specifies the procedure in the matter ".
 It's been 17 years since the crash of the Boeing 737-200 (Nyong) occurred, causing 71 victims.  Yet the legal proceedings against the company Transnet South African Airways (SAA, Transnet), had resulted in the payment of the $ 32 billion CFA francs, after that company was convicted and Cameroon compensated.


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

Sparrow Hawk, Two CPDM Mayors Arrested?

  Two CPDM Mayors, Francois Fouda,  Mayor of Ebebda  and ANDZE ANDZE Emile the mayor of Yaounde I,  as rumoured last weekend were picked up by judicial police in Yaounde for alleged embezzlement. Andze Andze, it should be noted is the President Union of Cities and Councils of Cameroon.
 However, it is not yet clear whether the two mayors arrested are linked to the Marafa saga giving that much is been echoed about in some quarters in Yaounde. Notwithstanding it is alleged Andze Andze was part of the gang that crumpled the farmers bank "Credit Agricole". While on the other hand, Francis Fouda whose council generates alot of money from the sales of sand may be hooked in a mismanagement palaver.

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

Marafa Announces 5th Letter

Marafa Hamidou Yaya has become the Nightmare of guilty politicians by unveiling the untold in what is now famously known as "MaraLeaks" open letters. According to information reaching us, MARALEAKS (5th Open letter) addresses the acquisition of a satellite for CRTV and how Prof. Jacques Fame Ndongo enriched self in the deal. Sources hinted that MARALEAKS has cling the wing of Prof. Jacques Fame Ndongo to the point that the CPDM Secretary for Communication no more fly on tree tops to address burning issues. More so, MARALEAKS according to what we gather will give detail information on the contract signed by société Newtech in 2001 when Cameroon was hosting France-Afrique in Yaounde and the obnoxious role played by Jacques Fame Ndongo by then Minister of Communication. The project consumed between 3,5 to 8 billion FCFA. Sources say Fame Ndongo had received a query from Supreme State Control for the poor handling of the project and instead of replying to the query, Prof. Fame Ndongo instead wrote to President Biya assuring him of his unflinching support.
Besides, MARALEAKS will talk on the management of petroleum money in Cameroon. In his capacity as the Board Chairman of SNH, it is aired that the 5th letter (MARALEAKS 5) will tell Cameroonians how money generated from the sales of petroleum products in use. (Wait and See)




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

At the National Assembly, Hon. Cavaye Takes on Marafa

 During his opening speech at the June 2012 session at the Parliament of Cameroon yesterday, June 5, 2012, the president of the National Assembly  invited without citing the former Minister of Territorial Administration and decentralization (MINATD) not to "distract" the opinion by presenting Operation Sparrow Hawk as a political tool to combat President Biya's opponents. Hon. Cavaye Yeguie Djibrille acknowledged that Sparrow Hawk was on the right track to hunt corrupt government officials. Hon. Cavaye Yeguie denounced with unusual verbal violence "an attempted hijacking of national opinion" by those who are today called up by the judiciary to give a clear cut on the management of public funds which they were responsible.Listening to these words uttered in a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the second regular session at the National Assembly, some Members of Parliament were almost stunned. Government officials as well as diplomats who turned out at the National Assembly were all frozen.
From his podium Cavaye Yeguie continues to launch his missiles towards Marafa  and concluded that "the National Assembly gives final accord, more than ever to those who are responsible for conducting this operation, so they pursue it relentlessly and without fear. I appeal to the maturity of Cameroonians and their vigilance so that they do not get distracted noble objectives, "he implores.Public opinion holds that after Jacque Fame Ndongo, Hon Cavaye  only the reaction of Paul Biya is now expected. Panic!







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

Mokolo-Y'de Hawkers Resist Tsimi Evouna Crackdown

 Varied interpretations have been advanced for the crackdown by the Government Delegate to the Yaounde City Council. Some are of the opinion that Cameroon has been transformed into a vast construction site as promised by the president during election campaigns. Huge sums of money are pumped into important projects like fight against urban disorder that will enable the country to become an emerging economy by 2035. with all these, a school of thought holds, gov’t is broke, so it has resorted to stealing foodstuff from hawkers who are struggling to make ends meet to feed prisoners in Kondengui. That is the interpretation of the man in the street.
Others are of the opinion that trying to bring order where you’ve created no adequate resource to implement and sustain the order is nothing but pure disorder. You can’t destroy roadside shops and offer no alternative space and aspect people to continue making a living……A worthwhile operation but it should be well conceived.

However the truth is that the Mfoundi Divisional Committee for the Fight Against Urban Disorder continued its operation in Mokolo in the Mfoundi II Subdivision last weekend. The operation was in line with the goal of the committee to curb disorder in the division. The operation that started on May 25 entails the demolition of illegal shops and stalls in the market and pavements.
Hawkers were also chased away from streets and strategic areas. Last Friday’s operation was particular in that the anti-disorder task force’s activities were resisted by some hawkers.
Even though the team operated from different angles with the use of caterpillars, trucks, water canons and other equipment, it did not scare the hawkers who have continuously refused to quit roadsides and pavements. Movement was grounded in the market for almost three hours.
Hawkers blocked the main road, threw stones at the team and even attempted to set objects on the road ablaze. However, the rioters were immediately dispersed by security men and the gendarmerie and City Council water canons. Like in the previous days, the team demolished shops, boutiques and confiscated food stuff and other wares. A young man was caught with Indian hemp and was immediately taken for questioning. The Government Delegate to the Yaounde City Council, Gilbert Tsimi Evouna said the operation was not easy but the committee face the challenge till the end. Some hawkers are adamant and have vowed to continue with their businesses no matter the circumstances.
Immediately after the operation at about 3:30 p.m., hawkers went back to the roadsides and pavements. Meanwhile, the clamp down on recalcitrant hawkers is scheduled to continue in the subdivision for at least one month.

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

That Reaction of Jacque Fame Ndongo on Marafa's Open Letters to Head of State

CPDM Sec. for Communication trying to Control damages

 The editorial published in L'Action, the CPDM weekly newspaper by Jacques Fame Ndongo the party’s secretary for Communication can be considered as the party's official position on " Marafa Hamidou Yaya saga." Since the arrest of former Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization for misappropriation of public funds, he engaged himself in a tussle with President Biya through open letters (three already) has been  published from his cell, even though  a few minor figures of the ruling party had scramble with little echo in major newspapers, to answer him.  To political pundits, Jacques Fame Ndongo break the silence by taking up his pen in his capacity as the national secretary of the Central Committee for communication.
Jacques Fame Ndongo opened fire from the start of his editorial. He says, speaking of Marafa, the world witnessed "flabbergasted" the birth of a "Cameroonian writer." And a professor of literature to mock epistolary prose of Marafa which he considers "rigid, dry, or arithmetic." To Fame Ndongo, Marafa Hamidou Yaya, through his letters, distils "a political conflict and hatred". "They do not hesitate, wrote Fame Ndongo, to hold a candle to the president, even if it means breaking the duty of confidentiality which is a sacrosanct principle of administrative law and ranting (as Marafa), whose discretion, has risen to political firmament, 20 years ago. But this attitude does not surprise us atypical, history is littered with these denials as Machiavellian as crazy and dramatic. "The National Secretary of the CPDM communication can then criticize Marafa Hamidou Yaya’s open letters on three aspects: party discipline and the legal implications.
On party discipline, Jacques Fame Ndongo began by noting that Marafa Hamidou Yaya is still legally a member of the CPDM, even if, in fact, he seems to have distanced himself, he is carrying a vision of society other than that National President. An attitude which Fame Ndongo considers curious and he moves on to confirm before his arrest, Marafa has always worked for the party leadership as a member of the politburo and even at the last convention of the CPDM, last year Marafa was there.
Regarding the policy of the Nation, the Minister Fame Ndongo indicates that his former colleague in the government has "always scrupulously followed the policy established by the President of the Republic, without any severance policy between one who 'issued a decree appointing him five times in sensitive positions. Fame Jacque Ndongo expressed surprise and consternation that Marafa Hamidou Yaya has become a dissident today.

It is his right, he admits yet, adding that the former MINATD moved into "diversion".
Precisely on this ground, Jacques Fame Ndongo thinks the people of Cameroon are expected Marafa Hamidou Yaya to present tangible arguments in court. He reassures the independence of the judiciary with Cameroonian Head of State, Paul Biya as the guarantor.
To those who think that Marafa Hamidou Yaya is the victim of a conspiracy because of his political ambitions, Jacques Fame Ndongo responsecomes in two questions: "Can we say, to take a random survey to show that Dieudonné Angoula, Gilles Roger Belinga, Joseph Edou, Siyam Siwe, Mrs Haman Adama, etc.. wanted to become president? Garga Haman Hameni Bieleu, JJ Ekindi and John Fru Ndi are they in prison? "




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

Denis Lavagne Signs with Indomitable Lions but Refuses to Comment to the Press

Denis Lavagne’s tenure of office as head coach of the Indomitable Lions will be formalised today with the signing of the contract linking him to the Cameroon government.

The information was made public yesterday by the communication unit of the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education. The signing comes on the heels of the victory against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the first qualifying match for the 2014 World Cup to take place in Brazil and puts an end to rumours that there was a bid for the appointment of a new and befitting coach for the Indomitable Lions. The move places Denis Lavagne in a good mind frame to continue the reconstruction work of the national football team.But yet public opinion holds that the fact that Denis Lavagne left the hall without making any statement to the press indicates he was not happy with the terms of the contract.

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

As October 1st Approaches, Government Intensifies Crack Down on SCNC Activities

The Southern Cameroons National Council (SCNC) Activists especially leaders and front liners in the course are presently having sleepless nights due to harassment by the forces of law and order as October 1^st independence day is approaching. This is following the threatening messages from these liberation front members that they are planning to disrupt the up coming commemoration of the 50^th anniversary of Reunification of Cameroon slated to take place in Buea. Preparations are in high gear and Buea capital of Southern Cameroons is been given a face lift. To many SCNC these are signals that the date for the commemoration is no other than October 1^st 2012 though it is not yet officially made public by government. To SCNC activists the Yaounde regime wants to hijack Southern Cameroons Independence Day to confuse the people again.

In order not to give chances to any embarrassment in front of invited dignitaries for the commemoration, plain clothed security officers have been dispatched ahead of time and they are busy combing the four corners of the two Anglophone Regions. Their mission according to insider information is to catch up with and possibly preempt any move by the SCNC members using what ever method including brute force. A list of traditional trouble makers who have suffered arrest, torture and detention before are in circulation among security forces.

To give reason to what ever clamp down on activists using brute modus operandi several tactics are being applied. In 1997 a stage managed terrorists attack was unfolded in the North West Region (Province then) by the repressive regime in place and members of Southern Cameroons National Council (SCNC) were  targeted, arrested and tortured with some dying  in detention at Kondengui. To this date nobody knows how Mr.Ebenezar Akwanga escaped from that inferno called prison and is today out of Cameroon. Many young people who belong to the Southern Cameroons Youth league led by Mr. Akwanga are on the run. In January 2000 eve of the commemoration of 40^th anniversary of Southern Cameroons independence many activists were arrest and among were Chinkwo Fidelis SCNC SG, Mbinglo Hilary Northen zone, Ophilia Bih Asanga Publicity Secretary, Dr Nfor Ngala Nfor Acting National chairman, Kongnso Stephen and Mashang Ernest Nsohngong. They were arrested for hoisting SCNC flag and circulating tracts that were considered subversive to the regime. The series of summarily arrest and tortures caused the untimely deaths of so many activists whom among was Dr. Martin N. Luma the SCNC national chairman and Patrick Mbunwe who was assassinated on April 6 2003 in his house by gun shot same year. Mr. Chinkwo Fidelis told this reporter recently that tension has since then been very high and many members of the SCNC have gone in to hiding. According to him he is an old man and cannot go anywhere haven had a lot of torture before. Many young members have been advice to run away since the struggle has to continue. Those on the danger list earmarked for elimination are already running out of the country especially those that were very instrumental selling across the non violent crusade for the liberation of Southern Cameroons. Even though they are on the run their families are in hell in hands of Gendarmes and police forces.

The February 28 2008 strike action by the youths in protest against the Biya government following high prices in commodities, some six persons were killed by military gun shots in Bamenda and many wounded. Those killed were Fontoh Ashley Nebah (14) Student, Forchuh Anthony Triya (mid 20), Emmanuel Che (24), Devoline Awa (shot in the head), Nyetedem Peter (30) father of kids, Bernard Ngwa and among those wounded were Gerald Chia and Janet Nimbong. In Victoria (Limbe) five were registered dead and in Kumba seven were killed with several arrested. Though the strike action was observed in almost all the major towns Dr Nfor Ngala Nfor thinks that Southern Cameroonians were treated by the repressive forces of Mr Biya as enemies. In 2011 October 1^st one hundred and forty six SCNC members were arrested and locked up at the GMI in Buea while some fifty leaders and activists like I.M Sona, Sylvester Taku, Vincent Feko, Martin F. Yembe, and Kongnso Stephen took refuge at the Nigerian Consulate General’s residence in Buea. At gun point SCNC T,shirts, Flags, handbills, cell phones, cameras and money were seized and journalists and lawyers equally suffered the same fate of arrest, detention and torture cameras, press cards and phones confisticated. Recently a case was reported of a nurse who is on the run for fear of her dear life. She was before arrested and detained for giving medical assistance to an SCNC activist wounded in Mutengene during a Police confrontation. At the moment on the list in circulate of those earmarked for elimination according to an SCNC official feature names like; John Konfor, Ebenezar Akwanga, Ophilia  Bih Asanga, Yakubu kisi, Tayu Joseph, Mfombaa Patrick, Ndonwi Peter, Kwokom Joseph, Gabriel Mutan, Muam Philip, Beh Fidelis, Shey Gerald Andzea  who are either out of the country or in hiding in some remote villages for fear of their lives. Presently persons like Chief Ayamba Otun, Nfor Ngala Nfor, Chinkwo Fidelis SCNC-SG, Mashang Ernest Nsohngong, Thomas N. Nwacham, and Fehmi Ivo (a father of three) and a host of other are being hunted on daily bases and reports of their activities sent to Yaounde. They are monitored and spices have been planted for the purpose. It is alleged that a week ago, Mashang’s family home in Nkambe was ransacked by security elements following rumours that he was spotted in Bamenda heading for Nkambe. A close family source hinted that during the 2005/2006 student strike in Buea, Mashang Ernest escaped being arrested given that some SCNC documents were found in his small documentation at the entrance to the University. The story goes that some students ran away from the campus when the police fired teargas to hide in the small documentation. When the forces of law and order discovered that hide-out, they arrested everyone including the sales boy (Nji Vernacus). After a thorough search, they discovered some documents of the SCNC. The small business structure was destroyed and looted. Mashang Ernest who happened to be owner was tagged as one of the mentors of the strike action. He escaped to his native village Nkambe for fear of being arrested. A close friend of his recounted how during the 2008 nationwide wide strike on the high prices of some basic commodities, Mashang was picked up by the police, detained and was tortured to near death before abandoned to die in hospital. Police suspected him of recruiting youths into SCNC and that he also mobilized youths from villages to the town to stage the strike action on high prices, a family member informed us. With severe injuries, he managed to escape from the hospital to an unknown destination. Since then, he was blacklisted and wanted. Another family member (name withheld) said whenever there is rumour that the young man has been spotted in town, their family compound is always under the surveillance of security forces.

Fehmi’s wife for example told us in tears that ever since the husband ran away for fear of being arrested and tortured to death; her house has almost been transformed into a police barrack. “I fear for my three kids. They always asked me why the police keep coming into our house”. The family we gathered has been harassed severally by security agents ever since the husband absconded. Nfor Ngala Nfor, Chief Ayamba, Thomas Nkwanchan and others who are of age have been arrested and detained under deplorable condition as well. They are noted as the best costumers of the police and gendarme cells around the country. Hundreds of Anglophones have  been arrested, tortured and abandoned at the Kondegui Prison for sympathizing with the movement or suspected to be members. Their crime is that they are of the opinion that Southern Cameroons should be granted independence.

As October 1 approaches, an atmosphere of uncertainty looms large in many families in Anglophone Cameroon.  

  

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

4th Letter: Marafa Rubbishes Tchiroma, Motaze and Belibi, Reveals the Mafia that Crumpled CAMAIR

 

.Former MINATD boss, Marafa Hamidou Yaya has again launched another guided missile. In his fourth letter, Marafa demonstrates how a gang corrupts government officials consists of Issa Tchiroma, Joseph Belibi and Louis Paul Motaze connived with South Africans to pocket billions of taxpayer’s money. Marafa blamed the crash B.737 ("The Nyong") in Douala, which resulted in the death of 71 persons on negligence on the part of some officials. On December 3, 1995 the Being matriculated 737-200 crashed and in 1997, another plane (Mt Cameroon, 747-200) developed a mechanical problem in Paris, yet the insurance fee of 65v million US dollars early paid to SAA was never reimbursed to CAMAIR. Among other burning issues, Marafa reveals that he refused to collaborate with Isaa Tchiroma in respect of his two friends who died in the crash of December 1995. 

Translated Version of Marafa's fourth letter

Open Letter of Marafa Hamidou Yaya president on the 71 dead from the crash of the Boeing 737-200 Camair December 3, 1995

Call for justice


President of the Republic,

I am writing from prison Kondengui where I am incarcerated. Above all, I solemnly reiterate my innocence to the accusations to myself and hope to have the opportunity to prove to the competent courts.

If I want to see justice done in the case of aircraft, it is because i have been unjustly incriminated. Certainly, history has a way to stutter or rather to repeat itself.

Give me justice, and finally indemnify the victims. For only a sound application of justice will allow our country to trust.
First of all, let me offer my sincere apologies to our compatriots who lost love ones in the crash of the Boeing 737 CAMAIR in Douala in December 1995.  And  that justice be finally done so that the victims of that accident compensated. This is also the role of the state.

In May 1994, written agreements were taken to Paris, France, by which the South African-Airways (SAA) committed to maintain the Boeing 737 and 747 belonging to the defunct CAMAIR.

Because of the failure and gross negligence in the performance of these contracts, the Boeing 737-200 registered TJ-CBE and named The Nyong, crashed in Douala 3 December 1995, killing seventy-one (71) persons. Similarly, in 1997, the Boeing 747-200 Combi, Mount Cameroon registered mechanical problems near Paris, France. One of our fellow prisoners at Kondengui was a passenger on that flight. He is still traumatized.

Both (02) Boeing 737 pilots were friends. The captain, Mr. SALI Younoussa AMAN who we have known each other since childhood died in that accident. We shared the same bench in class Terminal "D" at Lycee de Garoua. Then we shared the same room while at the University of Yaounde. After his death, I was in his village Bé, near Garoua, and with his brother the Lamido, we prayed on his grave.

I knew the pilot, Mr. Lombo, when I worked at the SNH and I traveled a lot. We met at his place of work, that is to say in airplanes. It was also a childhood friend of my wife in Douala. That is how we also became so closer. After his death, my wife and I went to comfort his mother and together we prayed at his grave that is located in the courtyard of their house in Douala.

In 1999, when I was Secretary General at the Presidency of the Republic, the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Mr. Amadou Ali sent you a note  from an interview he had with his friend Assoute MILA, which indicated that the SAA had not respected the terms of agreements due to the fact that the company bribed  some government officials as well as CAMAIR.

This corruption exposed, renders legally void the contracts between SAA and CAMAIR. Thus, payments of sixty-five (65) million U.S. dollars (or the rate of U.S. $ 1 = 500 CFA francs, thirty-two billion five hundred million (32.5 billion) francs CFA) received by the PAC in Under these contracts should be returned to CAMAIR. In addition, damages should be required.

At the time the Minister of State, I have always envied for reasons of its own and with whom I had relations encountered during our cohabitation in government and other stakeholders in Cameroon in this matter,  and i have have to present the primary beneficiary of the fruits of these corrupt practices.

Therefore, every effort was made to my  been "guilty" is known to everyone. The same newspapers that have prepared public opinion for my incarceration had been put to work as part of a hatred campaign and particularly violent at the time.

Imagine, Mr. President of the Republic. I was your main contributor. You receive me in audience every day. I was supposed to be the center of this tragic scandal, and I had to look you in the eyes every day!

Imagine, Mr. President of the Republic. By my supposed transgression, I became responsible for the deaths of two (02) close friends and a sixty dozen of our compatriots!

The tormented conscience, I tried to get closer to those who survived the accident. This is how I got to my table the stewardess Miss WELISSANE. Similarly, each quarter, I got to my office, Mr. TUNG NDONG, Deputy Director of Corporate Affairs at the Presidency of the Republic also a survivor of the crash. I was drawing him orders to carry out its mission for medical checks in France and meet with his psychiatrist.

Beyond the light of these two compatriots, I tried to probe their souls to see what they might think of the monster that I was supposed to be. It was a continual torture for me.

I then vowed to make every effort to ensure that the truth be known about this case and that justice is done. Providence will help me.

On your instructions, I took by correspondence dated August 26, 1999, the General Manager of TRANS-NET Ltd. in this case (see Appendix 1). Subsequently, I signed a decree dated 14 November 2000 establishing a committee to monitor the performance of aircraft maintenance contracts between CAMAIR and TRANS-NET-SAA (see Appendix 2).

This committee was tasked among others "to sue and defend the interests of CAMAIR and the State of Cameroon in disputes arising in connection with the execution of these contracts."

Under the committee's work, the mechanism of this corruption was exposed, the different actors and beneficiaries have been identified and some have formally recognized, in view of the mission report dated 07 December 2000 that the Committee sent you.


AT ANY TIME MY NAME HAS BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH THIS CASE scabrous.

I was then proposed that the financial gains that our country should take the action brought can be used as follows:

a) Compensate beneficiaries of the crash victims of Boeing 737 for one hundred million (100,000,000) CFA francs per person.

b) Bailing CAMAIR with difference to strengthen the equity of this company.


Therefore, I became the inconvenient witness. Indeed, those who had an interest in what I am portrayed as the beneficiary of the fruits of this corruption had been formally exposed and were panicked. Not only the press no longer speak of this matter, but a senseless and diabolical strategy will be implemented to permanently discredit me.

Thus, those concerned have made contact with Mr Bantu Holomisa, then a member of the South African Parliament, President of the political party "United Democratic Movement" and a lot of notoriety. He has written an open letter dated 27 March 2002 addressed to His Excellency Thabo Mbeki, then President of the Republic of South Africa and to yourself (see Appendix 3); letter that he read in plenary session of the South African Parliament, requesting that a judicial commission of inquiry on the bribery scandal involving the company TRANSNET.

In this letter, Mr Bantu Holomisa again, he said, the allegations in the press in Cameroon under which my wife (Namely cited) have made several trips to South Africa to collect bribes from the company TRANSNET.

Indeed, at the time, my wife had made several trips to South Africa for health reasons. She has undergone several surgeries and hospitalizations in health facilities and also known by practitioners. She continues to get there and there to follow, his last trip back in March 2012.


MY WIFE KNOWS OR ITS OFFICERS TRANSNET AND IS IN NO WAY AFFECTED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN DEPUTY lucubrations of Bantu Holomisa.

After the surprise, I correspondence dated April 12, 2002 addressed to him (see Appendix 4) and transmitted by DHL (Air Waybill No. 358.2947.141), informed Mr Bantu Holomisa that I have read of his open letter with great interest that I thought was a libel and that the outcome of legal proceedings, I reserve the right to sue. I also brought to his attention that copies of my correspondence would be sent to President Thabo Mbeki and Yourself. Yours was forwarded to you the same day by myself (see Appendix 5). That of President Thabo Mbeki was by DHL (Air Waybill No. 358.2947.701).

After several years I have been informed that the case was tried, that TRANSNET was sentenced and that Cameroon has been compensated. To my surprise, NO KNOWN FRUIT OF BENEFICIARIES OF THIS CORRUPTION HAS BEEN WORRIED, ON THE ADMINISTRATIVELY. LET ALONE ON CRIMINAL PLAN.

Even Mr. Amadou Ali, who was yet the cause of the outbreak of the matter is no longer interested, as Minister of Justice for more than ten (10) years, while a sixty dozen of our compatriots lost their lives!

To restore a little bit my honor and my wife permanently dirty and no one seemed to care, I took Mr. Emmanuel TEM, Cameroonian lawyer Cabinet "RABBIT ATTORNEY" based in Johannesburg, to initiate legal action for defamation against Mr Bantu Holomisa. I've realized by note dated June 18, 2005 (see Appendix 6)

After reviewing the record that I gave him and made some preliminary steps, Mr. TEM assured me of the correctness of my approach and his belief in a way that I would support an eventual trial (see Appendix 7 .). He however warned against the media coverage that would result from this trial in South Africa, which would not fail to be detrimental to some relationship between the gay and ours.

I requested a hearing at which I have expressed this warning from my lawyers. You asked me to end this procedure to safeguard the interests of our country. In my own defense, I had to stay those proceedings, thus depriving me of the opportunity to restore my honor and my wife.

I have reiterated on the occasion of the hearing, the need to compensate the beneficiaries of the crash of the Boeing 737 for one hundred million (100,000,000) CFA francs per person, as I have the had already proposed. What would be justice.

What was my dismay when a few years later, the beneficiaries of this corruption, some of which have been promoted to government office! I had then expressed my refusal to cooperate with Mr. Issa Tchiroma in particular, respect for the memory of my two (02) friends and other victims of the crash of Boeing 737 CAMAIR in 1995.


President of the Republic,

Do justice to these victims. Because only justice we will collectively BUILDING A TRUST COMPANY.

Procrastination could exceed our countrymen and exasperate, as it surpassed and exasperated Cromwell in his day for less than that.

Indeed, in 1653, after learning that Parliament was trying to continue to serve despite an agreement to dissolve and after failing to agree on rules of procedure applicable, Cromwell lost patience. April 20, he took part in a session and listened to a couple of interventions. Then he stood up and harangued the members of parliament. This discourse has unfortunately not been preserved but it was often paraphrased. Thus he says: "... You have sat too long here for any good You have been doing. Depart I say, and let us Have done with you. In me name of God, go! "

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

After Open letters to President Biya, Marafa Brainwashes Colleagues

 According to some French newspapers, former MINATD boss Marafa Hamidou Yaya who for the past weeks has been on the news for series of unguided missiles (open letters) on the Biya regime has called on his colleagues appointed to SED, Kondengui and New Bell prisons within the framework of Operation Sparrow Hawk to take a decision-conscience. It is alleged that in a confidential memo to all former ministers, directors general and Board of Directors of State Corporations in custody, Marafa is said to have asked them to be aware of their situation in life as prisoners. Accordingly, it is alleged Marafa memo indicated that some of them who are hoping he (Biya) will leave power for them to regain freedom are daydreaming. To Marafa only death can dislodge him. Like what happened with Atangana Mebara and a few others, the more they remain in prison hoping for their freedom the next day; more charges will be fabricated against them for the sole purpose of keeping them in jail.

All dictators in power want to die not to answer for their crimes to justice and only an uprising of former senior officials in detention could undermine Paul Biya who would not bear the pressure of the international community and the support of the opposition.
It alleged these correspondences circulate behind the scenes and has ignited all the high profile personalities in Prison that to join former MINATD in his showdown with the regime.
Public opinion however holds that with the shallowness of politicians, one must be an idiot to believe that the correspondence is the handiwork of Marafa. Yet, observers are of the opinion that the memo could have been written as retaliation to the response by Jacque Fame Ndongo on Marafa correspondences (open letters) to President Biya. In spite of this, another school of thought holds that it could be another camouflage to further implicate and complicate Marafa’s situation and tag him of organizing an uprising. On the other hand, analysts who had warned against the Marafa letters say there is no smoke without fire and a call to solidarity in action for their release should not also be taken lightly by the Biya regime because Marafa knows that with the billions and networks they enjoy, they can come to destabilize the regime, even while behind bars. Given this new situation, the regime would do better by all means create discord between the gangsters that are not easily compromised.

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

Somalia on the move to sustain millennium Development Goals

Somalia has experienced dramatic environmental shifts following two decades of insecurity and chaos in the country. As Somalis strive for lasting peace in their country international community and Somali people who live throughout the world have finally responded a huge and dramatic drought conditions over the last three (3) years which has taken thousands of lives in Somalia. The heroic visit of the Turkish Prime Minister to Mogadishu marked a new era for millions of Somalis, As a result of the prime Minister’s visit, the United Nations Secretary General honorable Mr. Ban Ki-moon also did a quite dash for visit to Mogadishu.  After two decades of sliding backwards, Somalia needs a step change in effort both from the international community, but also Somalia’s political leaders due to that the United Kingdom organized a well prepared and high diplomatic conference on Somalia on February 23, 2012 at London. Senior representatives from more than 40 governments and multi-lateral organizations were attended London conference with the aim of delivering a new international approach to Somalia.
Now on, Istanbul Conference on Somalia which takes place from 31 may-June 2, 2012, provided the international with a unique opportunity to adopt common positions on the future of Somalia and aimed to chart immediate concrete actions in the political, security and economic spheres that will enable a smooth end of transition and establishment of an inclusive and broad-based political dispensation in Somalia
after August 2012. Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed told the conference that Somalia doesn’t have a national army and needs military training. “We need to have a realistic state structure,” he said. “These things are not easy at all because we are facing major problems, and especially the terrorists continue with their activities, and the clashes from tensions have hindered our efforts during the transition period.”

Somalia is aiming to be a formal nation on 2015 via developing its natural resources and do agribusiness production which can beat the repeated famine and violence.

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

NGO Challenges President Biya to Proclaim Father's Day

In a bid to make the celebration of Father’s Day in Cameroon a currency and to step up the visibility of this beautiful event as a complement to both Women’s Day and Mother’s Day, A Common Future Organization that works to transform lives and build common frontiers by highlighting the central role men can play in ending violence against women, girls and children urges President Paul Biya to sign a Father’s Day Proclamation that sets aside June 17 as Father’s Day in Cameroon, as obtains today around the world. In doing this, President Paul Biya would not only be paying tribute to his own father but also to all the fathers that toil day and night to see that the children they are bringing up are Cameroonians worthy of respect. It is today incumbent on President Paul Biya to proclaim a Father’s Day for, if his father did not swing the Bible as a catechist to raise him up, he would not be there today to swing his Presidential pen. It should be recalled that Father’s Day is intended to acknowledge and celebrate the important role a father plays in raising a child and consequently, building a stronger society. Though fathers have been revered at all times across civilizations, ironically what was missing until the last century was the official recognition of the significance of fathers in ones life. The Father’s Day story is the tale of the realization of the need for a father’s day festival primarily by Ms Sonora Louise Smart Dodd of Washington for a date to be set aside to honour all fathers and father-figures. The story goes that when in 1909, Sonora, then 27 years old, heard a Mother’s Day sermon, she started reflections on the hardships her father must have gone through while bringing up his six children alone after her mother died during childbirth. Sonora questioned that if there is a day to celebrate and recognize a mother then why is not there a day to honour a father? Her advocacy campaign bone fruits when on June 19, 1910, the local Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) celebrated Father’s Day. As Sonora’s Campaign intensified, President Lyndon Johnson signed a Presidential Proclamation in 1966 declaring the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day. By 1972, Father’s Day had become a hugely popular event across the world where people thank their fathers and pay tribute to them by offering gifts and cards. In Cameroon, the Baptist Church has upheld this tradition by recognizing the work of the Men’s Wing every June 17 during Sunday service. This year 2012 is the first time a civil society organization is stepping in to complement the church and to put Father’s Day at the forefront of public consciousness by organizing a campfire for youths and men on the evening of June 16, and a Roundtable conference after Church services on June 17, on the central role fathers play in building a strong society where men and women, as well as boys and girls have a common future. The conference which shall take place at the Ntamulung Church Hall, shall witness the participation of nationally acclaimed church leaders including Christian Cardinal Tumi and Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle We urge youths and men fellowships, associations and civil society organizations to join us at the June 16 evening campfire at New Station Hill for prayers, singing and story telling about our own fathers and for the Sunday June 17, 3 pm conference to share the Father’s Day cake, exchange of gifts and the autograph of 200 copies of the book. “Ntumfor Nico Halle: An Inspiring Role Model” for Cameroonian youth Father’s Day activities shall also be launched on June 17, in Muteff, a village situated off the jaws of Fundong in Boyo Division where a football tournament Christianed Fulai-Nabeng Memoral Cup shall run to August 12, which is International Youth Day. This football competition which is in memory of a great father, Bobe Fulai Bain shall be used as a platform to sensitize youths along the River Ngwah valley on issues of HIV/AIDS, Sexual and Reproductive Health rights, violence against women and especially widow inheritance. The holiday competition shall end with the launch of a 100 page book, A Father’s Tribute in honour of my father, who, though death to this world, constantly reminds me in my dreams that: “Gwain, don’t forget my advice, grow up to be a man worthy of respect” Our lobbying and advocacy campaign comprises a “corridoring” at the National Assembly during this June session, newspaper publications, and radio and TV talk shows. All funds and resources mobilized during this campaign shall go to support the holiday sport competition in Muteff Village. A Common Future believes like George Bush at the 2007 Father’s Day Proclamation that, “Responsible fatherhood is important to a healthy and civil society”. Numerous studies confirm that children whose fathers are present and involved in their lives are more likely to develop into prosperous and healthy adults. Created in 2007, A Common Future works with men to end violence against women, girls and children in society by proposing alternative models of masculinity that are not necessarily in opposition to models of femininity and that allow men and women to share love, decision making and sexual and reproductive health decisions. 

For more information and to support our Father‘s Day activities call +237. 77 85 24 76 or email acommonfuture1@yahoo.com. 

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

SODELCO Puts Youth Empowerment at Forefront

Members of the Ardos Union

Executive of SODELCO Youth Donga Mantung

Alhadj Ardo Yougouda installing youth leaders

Cross section of the crowd at Akweto

Cross section of the crowd

Donga Mantung SDO addressing the crowd

fanfare and elation

SDO performing the ndere dance

The Mayor of Misaje (in white) dancing ndere

Delegates from the East Region-Bertoua

  

There was ecstasy and fanfare today, June 2, 2012 at Akweto in Misaje Sub Division in Donga Mantung Division of the North West Region-Cameroon where over 5.000 people gathered to be part of a new way. This year’s General Assembly brought in delegates from the East, North West, South West, West, Littoral and the Northern Regions of Cameroon respectively. The most interesting thing that transpired was that 11 more ardos joined the Ardos Union of SODELCO in order to be part of El Hadj Baba Danpoullo's innovative ideas to change lives positively for the Fulani, grazers and farmers of Cameroon. History was then recorded that the biggest lobbying force grouping Fulani grazers and farmers will henceforth achieve its objectives by empowering youth and women for the betterment of all. In this light, SODELCO intends to set up adult literacy programs nationwide to empower women as well as set up strategies to ensure that children of school age are in schools. Besides, the program to empower youths in various trades such as tailoring, driving, computer science, driving will be intensified. This according to the National President of SODELCO will enable Fulani youths to contribute actively to nation building as well as sustain themselves and families when they are grown up.

Those who took the pains to travel to Akweto to be part of the Annual General Assembly of the Association of Breeders and Farmers commonly known as SODELCO went home more convinced that the future of Fulani youths especially the girl child will henceforth be brighter. Taking into consideration that nowadays, education is perhaps the most important gift a parent, state and governments can offer to the humanity SODELCO delegates resolved to put youth empowerment at the forefront of its actions. According to the National President of SODELCO, Alhadj Ardo Yougouda Bouba Adamou, education is required in the performance of the most basic public responsibilities, even in farming, grazing and management of homes. Therefore, the education of Fulani youths will be the very foundation on which the association intends to foster sustainable livelihood. This decision was further corroborated by the installation into office of executive members of SODELCO Youth for Donga Mantung Division. With SODELCO youths have been given the opportunity to be part of decision making as well as women. With the overture of a gender balance approach within SODELCO, there are hopes that life will not be the same with the youths who end up as herdsmen or go out for early marriages. The issue of early marriages as well as some obnoxious cultural practices that reduce women to be for the kitchen was also discussed.

Addressing the over 5000 man-crowd at Akweto, the Senior Divisional Officer for Donga Mantung Division, Nzeki Theophile said that today, education is the principal instrument in awakening the child to cultural values, in preparing him/her for later professional training, and in helping him/her to adjust normally to his/her environment. In these days, according to Nzeki Theophile, it is doubtful that any child may reasonably be expected to succeed in life if he/she is denied the opportunity of an education. He called on all the Fulani people to send their children to school because in situation, where the state has undertaken to provide it, is a right which must be made available to all on equal terms. Mr. Nzeki Theophile used the occasion to express gratitude to El Hadj Baba Danpoullo and the national chairman of SODELCO Alhadj Ardo Yougouda Bouba for their innovative idea in fostering national integration. He told SODELCO delegates that the success of any association lies in two key elements. These elements of success according to the Senior Divisional Officer are: competence, honesty and transparency. He said if the right persons are put at the right place, wrong doers will not be able to tarnish the image of the association which he added “it is one or two rotten grains that ends up spoiling a basketful of groundnuts”. Quoting a Fulani proverb, he said “Do not mind what people say when you turn your back because if your finger does not have a wound, you will not be afraid to touch poison” he concluded. “We have had complaints on cattle theft and horse trading in Donga Mantung Division and we can only combat these phenomenons if you the grazers collaborate with the administration”. On the rampant farmer/grazer conflict, Nzeki Theophile advised grazers to developed improved pasture, adopt ranching methods and as such SODELCO should remain a powerful tool to promote development.

On his part the mayor of Misaje Council, Nkenda Simon Sunde expressed joy and elation at the innovative steps taken by the association. According to Nkenda Simon Sunde, SODELCO AGM is a very important event that will go a long way to change the lives of the Fulani community nationwide. “The Fulani contributes the greatest share of the revenue in my municipality”, he also added that the cattle market as well as the Jangali tax contributes the highest revenue the Misaje Council generates locally. “If the state were not pumping funds into my municipality, the council could survive from the grazers”. He however added that he was the first to denounce cattle theft in his municipality. On the rampant cattle theft, Nkenda Simon said that no theft can take place without someone from the surrounding. He called on the parents to educate their children that cattle is a family property so much so that they can all look after them. The mayor of Misaje also announced that he had submitted two projects to introduce improved pastures in his municipality an initiative which he said the council will work in collaboration with SODELCO to make sure that it succeeds.

On the other hand, the National President of SODELCO, Alhadj Ardo Yougouda sounded optimistic and added youths have been brought in order to ensure continuity. He said with SODELCO the future of the Fulani Youth is brighter and that the place of the woman is not only in the kitchen. “Due to the explosion of the population, we will embark on developing improved pastures as well as make sure that the girl child is given the opportunity like any other to go to school”. He said as parents, there is no better future if the youths are left behind in their efforts to build a better future. 
Enters Alhadji Doggtaruh of Limbe

In his address, Alhadj Doggtaruh from Limbe said that there is no ethnic group known as the mbororos. To Ahadj Doggtaruh " we are the Fulani people and not Mbororo" and besides that "we are not marginalized". According to Alhadj Doggtaruh, the only prerequisite for their survival is to send their children to school. "We are here to tell our parents that if they can just sell some few cows and send our brothers and sisters to school, they would have invested in the future". Accordingly, he advocated for a better education for the Fulani youths which will help in sustaining the cattle. "With the population explosion, we need basics in education to be able to set up improve pastures, carryout ranching and even work on the farms". He told this reporter that the Akweto conclave help them to sensitize their parents to look into the future of youths who are either forced to be herdsmen or go out on early marriages. And he concluded by saying that in Cameroon, the Fulani people are not marginalized as obnoxiously claim by a group of persons.




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