Exceptional Funeral Program for Simon Nkwenti (A-Z in Pictures)

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

Japanese Gov’t, Santa Mafia, and the Construction of 18 schools in NW

 Some 18 schools have been selected to benefit from the infrastructure support programme of the Japanese Government, North Regional Delegate for Basic Education, Fon Nyangha Susan says.

She made unveiled that package at the sector conference of basic education in Bamenda last August 29, 2012. Yet, public opinion is skeptical at the distribution of the schools in the region. Santa Sub Division according to what we gathered will get the bulk of the schools. To confirm that North West begins and ends in Mezam, only two schools or so out of Mezam Division will benefit from the support programme. Two primary schools of Boyo, we gathered will exceptionally benefit from the support. The Santa mafia we gathered masterminded the inequitable distribution exercise before Fon Susan was appointed Regional Delegate. Some PTA President are reported aghast with the decision and have vowed to use Yaounde connections to reverse the scandalous distribution. With the contractor already earmarked, it is feared the decision may be irreversible. 

It should be noted that the basic education sector of the North West Rgion last year controlled 2892 schools with 9040 classrooms with a deficit of over 3000 classrooms consequently exposing a good number of the 425,299 pupils to harsh learning conditions. There are still schools in the region with classrooms. Yet Santa is overshadowing the region, a PTA President commented. The situation is more precarious   in rural areas, where some schools operate in open air or under trees like the case of G.S. Usih-sih in Benakuma of Menchum Division, GS Kup and GS Tuku (Tabenken) both found in Nkambe Central of Donga Mantung Division. Studying in such an atmosphere over the years has been conditioned by weather settings and often leaves the pupils dejected as they are either exposed to harsh sunny conditions or the rain.  The problem is going to be more telling in the region this academic year as the doors of some 361 schools have been sealed for failing to meet the criteria to operate.

Government Failure

In most cases the government has ceded her responsibility of constructing classrooms in public schools to parents who pay huge sums as Parent Teacher Association, PTA levies, to put in place infrastructure for their children. Some years ago, the government declared primary education free of charge in public schools but what tax payer’s pay as PTA levies now by far exceeds what used to be charged for school fees.

The collections of illicit dues by some school authorities and other corrupt practices make the responsibility of educating a child even more cumbersome to some parents.  Presiding at the sector conference, the Secretary General at the governors Office, Ebune Confiance, warned against such practices. “Quality education can only be achieved when teachers exercised their duties within the confines of moral and professional ethics and the deontology guiding basic education,” Mr Ebune exhorted.

The government for this academic year has attempted to assuage the situation by allocating 291 teachers and clerical staff out of the 25,000 recruits according to the Delegate of Basic Education, but their effectiveness or presence remains questionable because they are yet to be on the pay roll since their employment in 2011.

Looking at these problems, these children have learned to adapt to the changing environment but pathetically, they cannot compare with their peers. The situation in rural areas is so pathetic that most teachers are recruited by the PTA with a salary of less than 10.000 FCFA a month (approximately less than US $20)

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

6 Mayors Arrested, Ngoketunjia Councils Transform to Prison Yards

 With Batibo Mayor Lawrence Ndangoh Tenoh; Mbengwi- Tah George Mbah; Andek- Johnny Agogho; ex-Andek Mayor Godlove Awanakam and Anahngong Godlove- 1st deputy mayor of Njikwa already arrested and detained for their alleged role in siphoning council funds, only the Mayors of Njikwa and Widikum have not been arrested. The case of Ngoketunjia Division is very pathetic. Last week, the mayors of Ndop, Ntoh Daniel and Babessi mayor-Tikanjo Stephen were picked. Balikumbat Mayor Awasume Augustine was arrested yesterday. In fact, Ngoketunjia councils are now without mayors as the mayors of Babessi, Ndop and Balikumat have been arrested. According to confidential sources, 13 mayors have been earmarked for imminent arrest. Sources say the list may expand as deputy mayors could be implicated during court proceedings. Accordingly, our informant also hinted that after the communal stamp scandal, investigations are ongoing to uncover how mayors have been using revenues collected locally. “This is another avenue where mayors have been lining their pockets” we were made to understand.
Communal Stamp Deal
The Batibo Mayor who was the first to be picked had initially paid-in 700.000 FCFA out of 18 million FCFA, Agogho Johnny; CPDM Mayor of Andek had 34 million FCFA; then Amahndong Godwill, CPDM 1st Deputy Mayor of Njikwa with 32.8 million. The SDF Babessi Mayor, Tikanjoh Stephen with 21.8 million FCFA and SDF Mbengwi Mayor, Tah George Mbah with 20 million FCFA. Wasum Augustine of Balikumbat and Ntoh Daniel of Ndop collected stamps for 10 million FCFA, paid-in 205.000 FCFA. Godlove Awanakam, former SDF mayor of Andek with 4 million FCFA; Mbon Wilfred, former CPDM mayor of Mbiame with 6 million FCFA and Kum Simon Buh, a businessman of the Mbiame council, with 8 million FCFA



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Religious Knowledge should be a Prerequisite for Public Office Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle Says

Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle with CMF members

The National Committee for men’s Work of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon-PCC has launched an advocacy project to lobby for government to enact a law that recognizes religious diplomas as a prerequisite for any public examination and the public office in Cameroon.

This project that is igniting public recognition and applause is coming at the heels of a successful war against corruption in the mainstream churches in Cameroon. Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle who was the leading light in the fight against corruption in mainstream churches has declared that the fight against corruption, embezzlement and moral decadence must be done by someone who is corruption free. “The Church is not void of corruption” Ntumfor Nico Halle told the Bamenda population last September 1, 2012.

According to the National President of Christian Men Fellowship (CMF) a successful fight against corrupt practices and moral decadence can only be through the Words of God. He reechoed that the problem in Cameroon is not President Paul Biya but the people of Cameroon. Gaining his inspiration from 2 Corinthians 7: 14 Ntumfor Nico Halle said that the objective of this advocacy and lobbying project is to cleanse society of immorality that has besieged the lives of Cameroonians.  CMF President decried that Holy Bible which is the source of wisdom for an emerging society has been relegated to the backseat and added that it has been thrown to the dogs. Quoting from the Book of 2 Corinthians 7:14, Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle reiterated the fact that Cameroonians need to know the words of God. The project to combat moral decadence and corruption he noted should pass through the classroom.

Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle in his drive against corruption

In an exclusive interview with The Eye in Bamenda, Ntumfor Nico Halle said the church is relying on Government to incorporate religious knowledge into school curriculums from primary to university. He said anyone groomed in the fear of the Lord is bound to differentiate what is public and what is private.  

Harping on the importance of the programme, he said spirituality should not be an intellectual exercise or a philosophy “a way of life to change society for good moral upbringing”.  Recognizing religious diplomas Ntumfor Nico Halle will ignite Cameroonians who are being appointed into offices to have good moral background in the fear of God. He lamented that Cameroon is suffering from a deeply rooted phenomenon which has diverted their minds from the fear of the Lord to the Fear of money, fear of politics, fear of property and fear of man. He said it is now the responsibility of MPs to make show that this project to cleanse society in passed in Parliament because any MP that votes against such a law should be considered as being in a state of sin.



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Thieves Attack Sacred Heart Mankon, PSS Nkwen

 

An atmosphere of insecurity and disturbance now looms in Bamenda following series of attacks by men of the underworld in two mission schools in Bamenda. On Monday September 3, 2012, armed bandits attacked Sacred Heart College Mankon, and carried away a sum of 30 million FCFA. According to information gathered, the thieves stormed the bursary and ordered for everyone to sleep on the floor. They are also said to have ordered the school bursar to bring out all the money they have collected. The incident according to what we gathered took place when some parents and students were still in the bursar’s office. The gang collected the money and vamoosed into a near by bush firing gun shoots in the air.

A similar incident took place at PSS Nkwen where the same gang surrendered the bursar and collected an estimated sum of 3.5 million FCFA. The gang according to what we gathered had been monitoring the school bursar until when he left the office with money collected, they surrendered him with guns.

There is panic and uncertainty in Bamenda as a new crime has been introduced targeting schools. Sources say Sacred Heart PTA has summoned an emergency meeting to look into the crisis. Public opinion on the other hand has been pondering why the school administration should allow so much money in the school campus. A school of thought holds that for the safety of the students, school administration and teachers, mission schools should henceforth allow parents to pay school fees into banks and not directly in schools because the risk of been attacked by bandits is now very high. 

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

Achidi Achu Judith Crowned “Mafor” by North West Fons

 

Mafor Achidi Achu Judith receiving blessings from Fon of Nso

A magnificently fine-looking couple; Rt Hon. Simon Achidi Achu and wife, ‘Ma Yah” Achidi Achu Judith, clad in propitious and exceptionally designed traditional outfits made their presence felt during the Extraordinary Executive Meeting of the North West Fons Union-NOWEFU in Bamenda last weekend. “Senior Ma Yaah” of Donga Mantung Division, as she was formerly referred to was catapulted last Saturday August 29, 2012 to socialize with the fons of the North West Region. Until then, Rt. Hon. Simon Achidi Achu was the Special Adviser to the North West Fons Union and little did he ever imagine that the trappings of his wife will also earn her an outstanding title in the region.

The presence of Nji Joseph, (Economic and Social Adviser to North West Governor) and the Representative of the Senior Divisional Officer, for Mezam was a testimony of the trappings of the woman to be crowned “Mafor”.

Fon Teche Njeil, President General of NOWEFU baptized the event of last Saturday, August 29, 2012 as a memorable date in the life of North West fons: “Today is a very special day in the life our union”, he opined before reiterating how, when there is something to be done, let it be done in a special way. He added how the trappings of Madame Achidi Achu Judith have caught the admiration of Northwesterners both at home and without to the point that she deserves encouragements. For her good work to humanity and socialization, as well as her commitment to nation building, she was catapulted.

Mafor Achidi Achu Judith in pic with fons, queen mothers and husband

Her coronation was exceptional. In fact when she was called up to the floor, the silence in the hall was indicative that something very serious was going to take place. The tasks and responsibility to perform the rite was done by the Paramount fons of Bafut and Nso. HRM Fon Selh Mbinglo (Nso) and HRM Fon Abuhmbi (Bafut) performed the traditional coronation in public in the presence of the 55 man (Exco of NOWEFU) representing over 340 fondoms that make up the North West Region. In her acceptance speech, “Mafor Yah” Achidi Achu Judith said as a mother she will work for and with the North West fons. It should be noted that “Mafor Yah” Achidi Achu Judith is the first woman to be crowned mafor by North West fons. Besides that she was also crowned “Senior Ma Yah” of Donga Mantung Division by Donga Mantung fons and this additional title has just confirmed her contribution in nation building. It should be recalled that Minister Mafor Ama Tutu Muna was crowned by Metta (Momo) fons as “Mafor”, while Mafor Yah Achidi Achu Judith on the other hand has been crowned by North West fons.

Also recognized on that day were Emmanuel Fuh Neba (Director of Cameroon Council for Reunification-CAMCORE) and Jeffrey Townsend (UK Parliamentary Researcher). They were recognized as Ambassadors of Peace to the diasporas.

Rt. Hon. Achidi Achu presented a paper on the important of unity and peace. In his presentation, Hon. Achidi Achu outlined the importance of peace and why Cameroonians to support President Biya for a one and indivisible Cameroon.

On his part, the quest speaker Emmanuel Fuh Neba reiterated that “CAMECORE will seek to create opportunities for diverse communities to dialogue and collectively work on specific issues with efficiency and effectiveness, to achieve greater influence, with the object of promoting sustainable development”. He argued that “the solemn task of keeping our nation united, peaceful and prosperous is not the responsibility of one section of our society alone, but a lengthy community consultation task that requires a degree of prolonged and sustained effort from Cameroonian traditional rulers as well”.

To Emmanuel Fuh Neba, President Biya’s 2011 call for the Diaspora to play an active role in nation building was deeply appreciated and keenly felt by all. The call he said came at the most propitious time of Cameroon’s history – a time when the challenges facing the nation are real, serious and many. He noted that “Cameroon’s economy is badly weakened, businesses are shuttering, youth unemployment is souring, and graduates are fleeing Cameroon and realizing their potential abroad.

The arrest of senior government officials in connection with the Albatross scandal is creating a major fragility in the regional and ethnic alliances which Cameroon’s much-vaunted stability rests.

On the eve of the 50th anniversary celebration of Reunification, there is an invigorating discontentment amongst Anglophone Cameroonians at home and abroad, prompting the Southern Cameroon National Council (SCNC) to embolden its clamour for secession. 

Extreme poverty, democratic deficits and social inequalities have made some of our neighbourhoods a possible fertile breeding ground for Boko Haram, which may further plunge our nation into a sectarian mayhem.

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

Bamenda on Time Bomb, Fon Angwafo III Fires at Mezam Administration

 

HRH Fon Angwafo III of Mankon has launched an unguided missile at what he described as scandalous and provocative issues that will disrupt public peace in Bamenda. Full text of the letter below

Considering the peace that exits in Bamenda City Council Metropolis and being the option of all Mankon people, I the Paramount Fon of Mankon, Bamenda and National Vice President if the CPDM, have the honour to present to you a number of burning issues that will sooner or later disrupt the tranquility in the Bamenda City Metropolis. This letter is a follow up to substantiate our first letter of the 16^th July 2012 on the same subject matter (copy attached).

A)    Creation of an illegal boundary between Mankon and Bamendakwe villages.

The recent proposal for the creation of a new administrative as recommended by the technical sub committee created by the SDO of Mezam is illegal and baseless, for the following reasons:

1) The administration had demarcated and surveyed the official boundary between Mankon and Bamendakwe villages since 1938 under the British administration headed by D.O Schofeild. This 1938 boundary was confirmed by the 1967 administration following a land dispute between Mankon and Mendakwe (certified copy of the official surveyed map attached) Cairns were planted on this boundary numbering MM/67/1-MM/67/6. This administrative demarcation was done in the presence and common agreement of the fons and the people of Mankon and Mendakwe (certified copies joint agreement attached).

2) Article 1 of Decree no. 2007/115 of April 23, 2007 creating Bamenda I, II and III Sub Divisions, defined the administrative boundaries of these sub divisions. For Bamenda I the Decree states “ le resort territorial dudit Arrondissement s’entend sur celui de la chefferie de Bamendakwe” and for Bamenda II “le resort territorial dudit Arrondissement s’entend sur celui de la chefferies de Mankon, Chomba, Mbatu et Nsongwa”. (Certified copy decree attached). Consequently the new administrative boundary proposed by the SDO’s committee between Mankon and Bamendakwe is in total violation of the Presidential Decree and the authentic administrative boundary of 1967.

3) By the recommendation of the Technical sub Committee of the SDO, a large part of Mankon land, people and property are being attempted to be transferred to Bamendakwe village.

4) Mendakwe, now Bamendakwe, before before becoming part of the then Bamenda Urban Council in 1977 was part of Tubah Council having no boundary dispute with neigbouring Mankon in the then Mankon area council. They had very clear official boundaries that were respected till date. Unfortunately the current SDO of Mezam is attempting to change the same official boundary which has all through been respected by his predecessors.

B) Creation of New Administrative Boundary between Mank and Nsongwa by Present SDO
It will be recalled that a Mankon confederation existed which Mbatu, Alatening, Chomba, Nsongwa, Santa Njong and Akum belonged. With time the confederation collapsed and Nsongwa like others moved away and developed into independent chiefdoms. Nsongwa moved and settled at their current location, adjacent to Mankon.

The official boundary between Mankon and Nsongwa villages was confirmed in 1938 by the British administration, DO Schofeild. The Mankn and Nsongwa people respected this boundary until 1983 when the Nsongwa people trespassed into Mankon land and invaded Nkura quarter. They destroyed crops and property belonging to the Mankon Fondom. Officials evaluation of the crops damaged was done by the divisional delegation of agriculture, Mezam amounting to over 25.000.000 FCFA. (Copy evaluation report attached).

Following the destruction, the Honourable Minister of Territorial Administration ordered the administration of Bamenda to retrace the 1983 boundary. This was traced; demarcated, surveyed and 13 beacons planted numbering MN/83/1 to MN/83/13. (See certified copy of the administrative demarcation attached). The Honourable Minister later confirmed his instructions through a radio message (See message porte) dated February 9, 1984.

In 2009, the fon of Mankon noticed that Nsongwa people had encroached again into the said portion of Mankon land partitioning and selling. They equally removed and destroyed the boundary beacons except beacon No MN/83/10. The fon of Mankon reported the matter to the administration by letter dated July 31, 2010. (Copy attached). Long silence provoked the fon of Mankon two (2) years later, to make a follow up complain to the Governor that resulted to the setting up of an Ad hoc commission headed by the SDO of Mezam. This commission visited the site and witnessed that all the beacons except No. MN/83/10 (photograph attached) were removed.   

It was and is still embarrassing that the SDO did not open an investigation to sanction the Nsongwa people for removing and destroying official inter-village beacons. Instead the SDO and his technical sub committee are attempting to create an illegal boundary by which large part of Mankn land, people and property are being transferred to Nsongwa village (copy of the proposed illegal map attached).

Scandalous Decision and Provocative Issues that will Disrupt Peace:

1)      The case of Mankon-Bamendakwe Boundary

The SDO’s committee report records various “conflicting boundary claims” amongst the villages in the three sub divisions in Bamenda, but completely failed to create a forum for the authorities of these villages to sort out the differences, but went ahead to make recommendations in which large portions of land, people and property belonging to Mankon and Nkwen are being attempted to be transferred to Bamendakwe.

* For the committee to make a report without reference to the names of the persons they consulted who guided them to collect their facts in a significant mark of lack of transparency and accountability. Apart from the appellations of fons and notables, no name featured in their report. The credible report should at least have the names of some of those consulted or a complete list in an annex. Given that boundary issues are sensitive, those who provide information should be in a position to take responsibility og their statements.

* The member of the SDO’s committee acted like people who are trying to create history where no official information existed before. They decided to conduct their findings as strangers working in a context without official documentations. This is indicated by the total lack of reference on their party to facts and evidence to documents available in their offices which they have unlimited access to as the most senior officials in the Division. This demonstration is very shameful to have come from a constituted administrative unit without 110 years of well documented history dating back from the colonial period. This lack of reference to previous authentic official decisions is a clear demonstration that the motive of the committee was to cheat on Mankon and Nkwen land in favour Of Bamendakwe under the hidden agenda of the fon and the elite of Bamendakwe.

2) The Case of Mankon-Nsongwa Boundary

 * This decision is regarded as biased and baseless as the boundary issue between Mankon and Nsongwa had long been settled as far back as 1983 as modified by the 1985 map by which part of Mankon land was ceded to Nsongwa which they have since sold and are now being aided by the SDO’s administration to encroach and grab more land from Mankon.

* The SDO’s commission failed to address the criminal issue related to the removal and destruction of official boundary cairns.

* The SDO’s current decision is attempted to annul the 1985 decision taken by his predecessors in 1983 as amended in 1985 and accepted by both parties. This indicates that the present SDO is not seeking to solve problems based on facts and the evidence at his disposal. It is rather a demonstration that he is out create and fan inter-village boundary conflicts, given that he is acting in total violation of the principle that administration I s continuous.

* There is no evidence of occupancy and investment by Nsongwa people on this portion of Mankon land which the SDO is trying to cede to Nsongwa. On the contrary, Mankon people have enjoyed long settlement in this area for generations with investments, such as houses, raffia bushes, fuci plantations, farmlands and even title land. The proposed map does not indicate these investments by Mankon people.

* Some members of the technical sub committee, eg Mr. Formefret Victor (Secretary General of the Bamenda City Council) Mr. Koloko Jean Pierre (DO of Bamenda II) and even the fon of Guzang appointed to mediate in the issue have been given Mankon land by the Nsongwa people as motivated to support the ploy of seizing Mankon land. These people are currently constructing on the land.

* It should be recalled that the Divisional delegate of the state property, land tenure and surveys, for Mezam (Mr. Enow Simon) a member of the committee, was the brain of another ploy to sell land at Ntamulung/Mulang granted to the state by the Mankon people. This act was opposed by the Mankon people and in the face of a protest the SDO referred to the fon of Mankon as “ a certain fon in the Mezam Division…” Having in the community with vested interest in Nsongwa, biases and grudges against Mankon is clear indication of up wantom attempts to grab Mankon land.

* Given the bridges of peace begins with inciting utterances and acts such as these, those who are instigating such moves should be put under surveillance and or brought to book by the administration.

* Why should the administration change official boundaries? Is it because money changed hands? The fon of Nsongwa has confirmed in his own words, “ we have paid a lot of money to the land commission. They have been payments of 150.000 fcfa, 300.000 fcfa and 500.000 fcfa….. in fact we are really drained because this matter has been a financial burden to us”. Copy of The Sun newspaper of 21/05/2012 attached”.

   In conclusion:

The present action is a calculated plan to deform the history, identity and dignity of the Mankon people and as well, erode its image from the center of the city of Bamenda and the National Map. This is evident by the silence of the SDO Mezam on the following issues:

• The change of name of the Mankon Main Market by the present Government delegate to read Bamenda City Main Market without the required deliberation and resolution by the city council as required by law.
• The appellation “Bafut Air Port” at the wake of the 50^th Anniversary of the Presidential Decree that created the airport (copy decree attached)
• The ongoing argument on the location of the Bamenda University with a divisional committee recommending Bambili, that has separated the well demarcated boundary from Bamenda. (copy decree attached)
• Wrongful pronouncement made by the present Government Delegate and Mayor of Bamenda I Council with regards to Bamenda-Nkwe boundary extending to Mankon.
• Refusal of the government delegate to sign document that carry the appellation Mankon-Bamenda, but singing those that carry Bamenda-Bamenda and others.
• The Mankon people still feel the pains of the lose of their land to Bali people under the conspiracy of Dr. Zintgraff during the colonial era. They still remember the lose of their land, property and people to the Nkwen people under the biased circumstances by Foncha and Jua administration. Every evidence of history indicates that Mankon is not an expansionist fondom, rather it has been striving to seek every peaceful means with the administration to protect and defend its boundaries. In this generation, Mankon is not prepared to see any piece of its land and property ceded to any village. Let alone see its people subjected to a different culture and custom.
• The Mankon people reject this report and will never allow such injustices to prevail over justice. Those working for the administration of Cameroon in Mezam should be promoting peace and creating an enabling environment for development and unity amongst people. The Mankon people are aware and are tired of confusion that some persons in the administration are causing for their selfish interest. We strongly condemn such ill practices and plead that this should stop.
• That the SDO of Mezam should issue a counter annulling the creation of the Technical Sub Committee and its illegal and biased report
• Open an investigation on the removal and destruction of official boundaries cairns between Mankon and Nsongwa and ensure the replanting of the cairns
• Order the government delegate to put back the original name of the Mankon Main Market to reflect its history and identity.
• Order the DO of Bamenda II and the government delegate to replant the sign post indicating the official name of the Airport as “Ntambeng Airport Mankon Bamenda”
• Order the Nsongwa people to stop any transaction in the portion of Mankon land to which they are forcefully trying to claim and order those who have been given land (The Secretary General of the Bamenda City Council, DO of Bamenda II and the fon of Guzang etc…) to stop construction until they get clearance from the Mankon fondom.

Your Excellency, while waiting to get firm instructions from your high office to lay this matter to rest, we remain at your disposal.

Fo Angwafo III S.A.N

Paramount Fon of Mankon

National Vice President CPDM

Copies:

H.E the Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, Yaounde

H.E the Minister of State Property, Land Tenure and Surveys, Yaounde

Divisional Officer Bamenda II Sub Division Mezam

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

Ngoketunjia Fons Meet, Avoid to Talk of Fon Doh’s Absence

By FC Junior

Fon Doh Gah Gwanyin of Balikumat

Last Saturday September 1, 2012, Prof. Paul Goghomo and Prof. Uphie Melo Chinje grappled with the issue revamping Ngoketunjia Fons Union. Ngoketunjia Division which is made up of thirteen villages (13 villages with 14 fons) has registered many chaotic incidents recently. The most recent being the confrontation between Bambalang village and Balikumbat, the dethronement of the fon of Bamali as well as the Bafanji-Balikumbat conflict. Bamali village for example has two fons (one who was chased out of the village but is still recognized by the administration and one who recognized by villagers and lives with them in the village). Last Saturday’s meeting brought the fons of Ngoketunjia Division face to face to what commentators described as uneventful. The avenue of the first meeting was the Ngoketunjia SDO’s office. Sources hinted that the meeting was spin-doctored by Prof. Paul Goghomo, Director of Cabinet at the Prime Minister’s office and Prof. Uphie Melo Chinje, Director of MIPROMALO. The fear of the unknown looms large. A school of thought even suspects that this is a strategy by the by the two elite to take fons hostage and dictate their decisions. There is no iota of doubt that they were acting on instructions another school of thought holds.

Ndop, definitely was to be a melting pot but unfortunately, no heated debates were registered since everything was being dictated for the fons to swallow. An executive was put in place, not necessary to solve the problem of poverty as earlier advanced by the fons but to safeguard the general interest of its initiators, we gathered.

Fon Mutong Richard of Bamessing was elected President, Fon Kevin Shomitang II of Bambalang was also elected Secretary General, Fon Galabe of Baligashu was as well elected treasurer while Fon Chafah of Bangolang, Fon of Baba I and Babungo were elected as Advisers.

During deliberations, no fon made mentioned of Fon Doh Gah Gwanyin of Balikumbat absence. When accosted later, most of the fons responded that they could not have talked about his disappearance openly bearing in mind that the information circulating is not in conformity with tradition. Fon Chafah Isaac of Bangolang hinted that a day ago, he received a phone call from HRH Fon Doh Gah Gwanyin and they discussed lengthily. He said for the past 15 years or so, the two of them had not been in talking terms but was shocked to learn of his disappearance. In the grass-field tradition, a fon never dies, he disappears reasons why the demise of a traditional is kept secret until it is announced publicly. Meanwhile, Fon Doh three days ago hinted some two journalists about the fons meeting which he said that because of the crisis nature of that meeting he was going to attend. But unfortunately, he could not see the morning sun of September 1, to be part of that meeting. Contrary to tradition as Ngoketunjia fons asserted, the information about Fon Doh’s departure is already an open secret.

Fon Doh has held several posts in his life such as, Mayor, President of North West Fons Conference and lone CPDM Parliamentarian during the 90s.He was also the President of CAMARK Bamenda. His political career witnessed a dramatic twist when he was imprisoned for his involvement in the murder case of Balikumbat SDF District Chairman John Kohtem.




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Fon Doh of Balikumbat is Dead

 

Fon Doh Gah

HRH Fon Doh Gah Gwanyin of Balikumbat is no more. According information filtering into our office from Balikumbat, he collapsed and died this morning, September 1, 2012. Famously known as the lion man, the Fon of Balikumbat it should be noted was Member of Parliament, Mayor and he died as a member of the Central Committee of the CPDM.

His political career witnessed a dramatic twist when he was cited in the alleged killing of SDF District Chairman John Kohtem. Fon Doh was arrested, detained and was later granted bail. His immunity was lifted for him to appear in Court. In 2007, he contested and won CPDM Primaries to go back to Parliament but his candidature was rejected by the Supreme Court. In the early days of multi-party politics in Cameroon, Fon Doh was the lone CPDM Parliamentarian from the North West Region. At a point in time, he assumed the positions of MP and Mayor at the same time. Sources of Balikumbat hinted that following the Balikumbat tradition, the corps of a fon is never kept in a mortuary. However, it should be recalled that Fon Doh died as the President of North West Fons Conference.
When contacted Fon Chafah said he was shocked when he got information today morning that Fon Doh is no more. Fon Chafah Isaac of Bangolan revealed that he had a telephone from Fon Doh after several years of silence. 

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

Alhadj Borno Donates to Muslim Communities, WISU

 Barrister Mohamadou Koyoh has issued a Press statement informing the public on the recent activities of Alhadji Kamfon Borno. According to the communiqué Alhadj Abdou Borno Kamfon recently donated building materials to the Muslims Communities within Ndu Sub Division. Accordingly, Alhadj Borno largess was received with elation by the Muslims Communities of Mbarse and Ntantallah villages. When contacted on phone by this reporter, the Parliamentary Aspirant for Ndu said that the donations were intended to enable beneficiary communities to construct and repair existing Mosques
A week ago, he is quoted to have handed a sum of 100.000 FCFA to Wimbum Students Union- to enable them host a successful convention in Mbaah village. Sources say the cash was handed to the National President of WISU in Nkambe on August 12, 2012. Besides, he also donated an additional 40.000 FCFA to the same association. In a phone chat, Alhadj Borno said WISU remains a unifying structure for Mbum people and he called on Mbum elites to support the students union so that they could collectively build the future of Mbum youths.

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

Bamenda on Fire, Here is that Controversial Reply of Vincent Nji Ndumu to Fon Angwafo III

 Ref. No. 233/L/BCC141/CAB/Vol.1/2012 _
The Fon of Mankon,
Bamenda.
Your Royal Highness,
BOUNDARY LIMITS WITHIN THE BAMENDA CITY COUNCIL
I am privy to a correspondence, addressed by the Fon of Mankon to the Governor of the North West Region, through the Senior Divisional Officer for Mezam, bearing on above mentioned subject.
1. That as Government Delegate to the Bamenda City Council, I unilaterally change the name “Mankon Main Market” to “Bamenda City Main Market”.
2. The refusal to sign any document bearing “Mankon-Bamenda”, but do so for documents bearing “Bamendakwe-Bamenda,” “Nsongwa-Bamenda,” and “Ngemba-Bamenda.”
3. That the Mayor of Bamenda I, and the Government Delegate that I am, make wrongful pronouncements to the effect that Bamendankwe boundary extends into Mankon.
4. That the Government Delegate should be ordered to replant the sign post indicating the official name of the airports as “Ntambeng Airport Mankon Bamenda”.
The above issues, directed at me, in my personal name capital and as Government Delegate, fall in line with other similar false accusations, verbal and written, which are perpetually condoned by the Fon, such as the infamous Open Letter of the “Movement for the Restoration of Mankon Nationhood,” addressed, verbatim, to:
“Ndumu Nji Vincent Delegate to the Bamenda City Council
The Senior Divisional Officer for Mezam
The Divisional Officer for Bamenda II”
It is on this count that I feel much obliged to use opportunity to, maybe, clarify some issues here, while equally commenting on others.
Before delving into any clarifications, I must, first of all intimate that as Government Delegate to the Bamenda City Council, and contrary to what many ill and reduced-minded persons may believe, I elect never to succumb to the concept of “village.” After all, it is not Professor Ali Masuri, the famous Kenyan writer, who, in “The Africans,” said and I quote: “While the white man has gone to the Moon and is on his way back, the African is returning from the city to the village,” unquote? In the same vein, the Fon and the caucus advising His Royal Highness know that I do not act “village;” I do not think “village;” and I do not believe “village”
Therefore, on the four points raised against me by the Fon and his royal court advisers, I make the following remarks:
1. The Change of name of the Market:
In His Royal Highness’ Letter, I am accused of having changed the name “Mankon Main Market” to “Bamenda City Main Market” without a deliberation or resolution from the City Board as required by Law. Maybe the Fon, guided by his royal college of adviser, may show some proof of same legal documents, which sanctioned the appellation “Mankon Main Market.” This apart, I would like to reiterate that a s Government Delegateto the Bamenda city council, I am here to administer a City, NOT a village.
Furthermore, it remains the exclusive preserve of the City Executive that I head, together with the legislative arm of the City Council (counstituted by Grand Councilors from the Bamenda I, II and III Sub Divisional Council, made up of people from various horizonsnot only from Bamendankwe, Chomba, Mbatu, Mankon, Nzah, NKewn and Nsongwa) to give names to structures erected with public funds.
ON the contrary, if the Fons and people of the various villages that make up the Bamenda City Council area could raise their own funds to erect markets, parks, hotels, et cetera, they could as well go ahead to baptize these structures anything, including all kinds of names as they so wish.
Its is from this backdrop that I once more re-emphasis here, that once public funds (as is the case with all the markets controlled by the Bamenda City Council) are used to erect structures anywhere within the Municipality (even inside palaces and shrines), the naming of sais structures is the sole preserve of the public body represented in our case by the City Council and its Board.
2. Refusal to sign documents bearing Mankon-Bamenda
Indeed, I have heard so much about this baseless accusation, which smacks of megalomania and irrationality, to say the least. It is an under-statement here to say that the Fon is being ill-advised. At the very best, those who give the Fon such information must themselves suffer from selective amnesia, as I cannot understand this particular indictment.
What about the thousands of Building Permits and Certificates, which are issued from this very office, not only indicating the names of quarters, but also village and Sub Divisions? The conclave, which advises the Fon, sorrowfully made up of people, who have at one time or the other, occupied top positions in society, worked and lived in and out of this country, even invested in some of those areas without being capable of naming the village, is a shame and a national disgrace to the people of Mankon, for always trying to bring themselves down through such narrow, feudal and primitive ways of looking at things.
3. Wrongful pronouncements by the Mayor of Bamenda 1 and I, bearing on the Bamendankwe-Mankon boundary.
The fon, nay his committee of advisers, most of whom perfectly know my ways, can only conjecture here! When, where, why and how did we, or would we make such pronouncements? Is the Fon mixing up issues here, or is His Royal Highness so cocksure about what he has written and signed? For one thing, the Palace should understand that I, Vincent Nji Ndumu, am above inter-village issues. Of courses, I shall not “return to the Village” Mber/It is not the right thinking; and when and where it is not right, Your Royal Highness shall not find me there.
4. That The Senior Divisional Officer for Mezam should “Order” the Government Delegate to replant a sign post indicating “Ntambeng Airport Mankon Bamenda”
Firstly, the Fon may wish to know that my working relationship with the Senior Divisional Officer, my supervisory authority, is not one of being “order” things. NO! Secondly, I would like the Fon and his cohorts to lets me know how I come in here. If the airport was called “Bafut Airport” during the past celebrations here in Bamenda to mark 50years of the Cameroon Armed Forces, how on earth could that be ever attributed to the Government Delegate to the Bamenda City Council when Bafut does not fall within its jurisdiction?
Elsewhere in His Royal Highness’ Letter, a few issues are equally raised t which I cannot pretend to remain indifferent:
In the opening paragraph one reads: “…Issues that will sooner or later disrupt the tranquility in the Bamenda City Metropolis.” The interpretation of this statement leaves anyone living within this Municipality, and even beyond, with a high sense. Of fear and anxiety, especially so as this is coming from the National First Vice President of the ruling. Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement, CPDM. At the very first glance, one has the impression that this allegation is coming from an SCNC activist, or even from the Bokon Aram. It is my genuine hope, however, that this disruption of transquility may not be within the Bamenda Municipality but rather within Mankon itself!
Maybe the Fon has forgotten that just a few months ago, and this was just one of several similar incidents, His Royal Highness came to my office for me to arbitrate in a land issue between him and some Mankon People, whose claim was that the Fon had used bulldozer to clear and confiscate land belonging to them. I must confess that I was at pains to find His Royal Highness arguing with a youngster fit be his grandson! As a matter of fact, the other Young Mankon Person, whose and was equally taken, is said to be the Fon’s son – in – law. May be the fon remembers that the debate was so heated that I had to stop the Mankon men, sending them out of my office because of the shame that gripped me.
Ironically in His Royal Highness’ Letter, he writes and I quote: “Mankon people still feel the pain of the loss of their land to the people….,” unquote.
He further writes and I quote: “ They still remember the loss of their land, people and property to the Nkwen people….,” unquote. The Fon concludes on this issue and by stating, inter alia: “Every evidence of history indicates, that Mankon is not an expansionist Fondom, rather it has been striving to seek every peaceful means with the Administration to protect and defend its boundaries.”
Great words, well pronounced, and pregnant with a lot of significance! From the first two quotations above, anyone reading the Fon logically concludes that his fondom has problems with Bali, Bafut, Nsongwa, Nkwen and Bamendakwe; and I must also add , Akum. This makes for six (6) villages at variance with Mankon. If the Fon’s last quotation above is correct, then these six villages must be extremely belligerent! If the opposite is true, then the pointer cannot be clearer. Judge for yourself, Mber, and maybe, let us know.
From another reading and interpretation of the Fon’s last quotation, especially the mention of “every peaceful means with the administration to protect and defend its boundaries….,” one is tempted to ask if by this statement the Fon means that his Fondom depends on the Administration to “protect and defend its Highness’ entire letter becomes; sans objet; as the FOn cannot accuse the Administration and ask it at the same time to protect and defend him. However, if the case is as presented by the Fon, and for sure this is the trend, then our fears and anxiety, as provoked by the opening paragraph of the Fon’s letter, are further confirmed.
Again, how can I not comment on the Fon’s take concerning the location of the University of Bamenda? He writes: “The ongoing argument on the location of the Bamenda University with a Divisional Committee recommending Bambili, that has separate and well demarcated boundary from Bamenda.” What does the Fon really want here? For the University to be located within the Bamenda city council area or within Bamenda? Maybe the Fon and his advisers should be very clear on this isuue, so that we know the Fon wants the University to be located in Mankon ( in which case, it could eventually be called University of Manko), or in Bamenda.
I have not re-read the speech of the Head of State ( National President of the CPDM) during celebrations here in Bamenda to mark 50 years of the cameroo Armed Forces.
But anyone who listened to the Head of State here in Bamenda on the creation of the University of Bamenda shall agree on one thing: The President started by enumerating all what had been done through various crations and transformations at the Bambili Higher Teacher Training College and the Higher Technical Teacher Training College. Then he went further to state that past and current investments for these institutions made them fit to be up-graded into a fully-fletched University; and it was on account of this that he announced his decision to create the University of Bamenda.
Whether the University of Bamenda is located in Bambili or in Bamenda does not cancel the fact that the entire North West Region is loosely referred to as BAMENDA. Therefore, it is only to those who are returning from the City to the Village ( and this breed is non-consequentially) that the University of Bamenda is in Bambili. There, at least, no one is attempting to call it the University of Bambili.

With all due respect to the Palace, I rest my submission.

Sincerely Yours,
Government Delegate,
Bamenda City Council,

Vincent Nji Ndumu.
Cc:
- The Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation, Yaoundé,
- The governor of the North West Region,
- The Senior Divisional Officer or Mezam,.
- The Divisional Officers

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

In Reaction to President Biya’s Call: CAMCORE (UK Diaspora) Storms Cameroon, Makes Own Contribution to Consolidate Peace & Unity

* Proposes House of Chiefs to Consolidate Peace & Unity

Emmanuel Fuh Neba, Jeffrey Townsend Honoured

The Cameroon Council for Reunification (UK)-CAMCORE has reacted positively to the November 3^rd 2011 call from President Paul Biya for the Diaspora to put their intellectual and technical expertise at the service of their country. “The President’s invitation is a challenge CAMCORE has embraced and is committed to working towards a Cameroon fit for the 21^st century”. The two-man delegation which was made up of Emmanuel Fuh Neba, CEO of CAMCORE and Jeffrey Townsend, UK Parliamentary Researcher had a meeting with the North West Fons Union on August 30, 2012 in Bamenda to seek ways and strategies to consolidate peace and unity.

 In his address to North West Fons, Chief Executive Officer of the Cameroon Council for Reunification-CAMCORE, said that their mission to Cameroon steams from the fact that they have embraced wholeheartedly the clarion call from President Paul Biya to make their own contribution so that Cameroon remains one and indivisible. Emmanuel Fuh Neba said CAMCORE was created and launched in the House of Commons (UK Parliament) by a group of UK based Cameroon diasporas.

He emphasized that “though based in the UK, CAMCORE is currently developing and establishing a robust network within Cameroon.  We believe through our combined efforts, we can make our dearly beloved country a place all can proudly call home”.

Ambassadors of Peace being decorated by Fon of Nso and Bafut

Harping on their mission statement, Emmanuel Fuh Neba reiterated that “CAMECORE will seek to create opportunities for diverse communities to dialogue and collectively work on specific issues with efficiency and effectiveness, to achieve greater influence, with the object of promoting sustainable development”. He argued that “the solemn task of keeping our nation united, peaceful and prosperous is not the responsibility of one section of our society alone, but a lengthy community consultation task that requires a degree of prolonged and sustained effort from Cameroonian traditional rulers as well”.

To Emmanuel Fuh Neba, President Biya’s 2011 call for the Diaspora to play an active role in nation building was deeply appreciated and keenly felt by all. The call he said came at the most propitious time of Cameroon’s history – a time when the challenges facing the nation are real, serious and many. He noted that “Cameroon’s economy is badly weakened, businesses are shuttering, youth unemployment is souring, and graduates are fleeing Cameroon and realizing their potential abroad.

The arrest of senior government officials in connection with the Albatross scandal is creating a major fragility in the regional and ethnic alliances which Cameroon's much-vaunted stability rests.

On the eve of the 50th anniversary celebration of Reunification, there is an invigorating discontentment amongst Anglophone Cameroonians at home and abroad, prompting the Southern Cameroon National Council (SCNC) to embolden its clamour for secession. 

Extreme poverty, democratic deficits and social inequalities have made some of our neighbourhoods a possible fertile breeding ground for Boko Haram, which may further plunge our nation into a sectarian mayhem.

These are indicators of serious crisis, a consequence of our collective failure to act, and an inevitable nagging fear that our nation might be another Zaire, Rwanda or Liberia.

Drawing his inspiration from the Holy Scriptures, as recorded in the synoptic gospels; Matthew, Mark and Luke, he said that “a house divided against itself cannot stand”. 

Emmanuel Fuh Neba was very frank to tell the fons in their faces that “Cameroon’s traditional authorities - fons, chiefs, sultans and lamidos (emirs) were once the indisputable custodians of the nation’s tradition, culture and identity. They represented a true reflection of the legitimate aspirations of the Cameroonian people. They discharged their functions and delivered judgment with neither fear nor favor and were seen as embodiments of wisdom and character”. But he regretted that 50 years after independence and reunification, Cameroon’s once revered traditional authorities are helplessly watching their power progressively shrinking and their institutions teetering on the brink of collapse. “Their powers are eroding, palaces collapsing, and there are virtually little or no stipends for them. In fact, they have been shamefully relegated to the hallmarks of ‘royal beggars’.

Emmanuel Fuh Neba also lamented that “in a bid to survive, many traditional rulers have chosen to scheme, abet fraud and betray their subjects - even at the detriment of their people and country. We have witnessed venerated sultans and Lamidos humiliated by their people, once respected fons pelted with rotten tomatoes, some burnt to dead, others arrested and jailed for murder, theft, embezzlement, drunken fights over alcohol and women and illicit land sales. Some palaces have been ransacked and set ablaze.

Many traditional authorities have been used as toys by politicians, making them to desecrate their throne, and to be ridiculed and openly challenged by their people. Cameroonians even called for the abolition of traditional institutions”.

Creation of the House of Chiefs

In presentation CAMCORE CEO proposed that “despite the raging debate on the role of traditional rulers in Cameroon, Cameroonians cannot help but believe that our nation can tackle rural poverty and emerge from the current dark era of stale political arguments if traditional authorities can make a genuine effort to embody a new spirit of service to their people and nation”.

To achieve this, he summarized, “traditional rulers must chose unity of purpose over discord, and must embrace the vision, hard work, and persistence of giants like Chief Sakwe Bokwe, HRH Achirimbi II, HRH Njimoluh Njoya, HRH Bouba Ahmadou and many others who acted so boldly five decades ago to integrate our diverse ethno- regional groups into the Cameroon state, and ensured that their kingdoms were the bulwark of food production”. Accordingly, he revealed that given the insurmountable challenges facing Cameroon today, the institution of a ‘House of Chiefs’ will add impetus to Cameroon’s advancing democracy and help the National Assembly to stand as a beacon to find vital solutions. “Through the ‘House of Chiefs’, traditional authorities will be able to work together, learn from each other, foster mutual respect and trust and promote a greater sense of belonging. They will develop Benchmarks and strategies to safeguard Cameroon’s diverse heritage, partner in development, champion tribal conflict resolutions and enforce customary laws”.  

This he added, will enable them to represent a true reflection of the legitimate aspiration of Cameroonians in the Senate, and also debate key issues like sustainable economic growth, agricultural revolution, industrialization, energy production, and transportation / telecommunication infrastructure in rural parts of Cameroon. Cameroon, he concluded should remain one and indivisible.

On his part, the Representative of the Governor of the North West Region, Nji Joseph in his speech saluted the presence of CAMCORE delegation and added that government is aware of the role of traditional rulers in fostering peace and national unity. He called on the traditional rulers to continue in their efforts in maintaining peace and concluded that the resolutions of the meeting shall be handed to the right quarters. On his part, HRH Fon Teche Njei NOWEFU President exploded with joy that the idea of the House of Chiefs was very impressive. He said NOWEFU stands for a one and indivisible Cameroon. “Even if we have our problems, they should be solved from within” and that the House of Chiefs will provide an appropriate avenue for problem solving.

One of the key speakers during the meeting was Rt Hon. Simon Achidi Achu. In his presentation on National Unity, he said when he was appointed Prime Minister and Head of Government; one of the ideas that came to his mind was create an instrument of unity for traditional rulers. This, he said gave birth to what is today known as NOWEFU. The Rt Hon. Achidi Achu, used the occasion to call on everyone to support NOWEFU and President Paul Biya. To Simon Achidi, Cameroon remains a one and indivisible nation. Other speakers included the 2^nd Deputy Mayor of Bamenda III, HRM Fon Abuhmbi of Bafut, Fon Fobuzie, Fon Anneng etc …… who all saluted the contribution of CAMCORE.

It should be noted that at the end of the meeting, in move to encourage CAMCORE delegation for their efforts to consolidate peace and unity, North West Fons honoured them with a red feather. Emmanuel Fuh Neba and Jeffrey Townsend were honoured as Cameroon’s Ambassador of Peace in the Diaspora while Ma Yah Achidi Achu Judith was conferred the title of “mafor”.













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

The Guardian Post Publisher in Cameroon Under Death Threats

 The Management of The Guardian Post Media Group hereby notifies the national and international community that its Publisher/Editor Ngah Christian Mbipgo has for the past two weeks been receiving life-threatening anonymous phone calls.
The cabal has vowed to go to every length ti eliminate the Publisher/Editor of the authoritative weekly English newspaper, physically or metaphysically; over what they say is "the Newspaper's attempt to expose the political ambitions of their master".
"Don't bother to go into hiding because we are monitoring all your movements and must make sure you pay the ultimate price for daring to tread where even angels dread", one of the anonymous caller is quoted to have told Ngah Christian on phone.
Given that many journalists have of late died under suspicious and mysterious circumstances in Cameroon, the management of The Guardian Post Media Group is not taking these threats lightly. Diplomatic missions in Cameroon as well as national and international human rights organization have been alerted, we were informed. Our source also hinted that some individuals are being suspected, yet their names have been kept secret. 






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