Senatorial Challenges: The Ups/Downs of NW Female Candidates

 By Fai Cassian Ndi

With the first senatorial elections in Cameroon in the offing, North West women may register some important gains in political participation this year. The CPDM and SDF senatorial lists have one female substantive each (just that 10%). But ideologically, the CPDM is talking of a 30% quota for women nationwide. Yet only one fortunate woman is substantive candidate for the CPDM in the North West Region. She is no other than Eno Emma Lafon.

On the SDF list there is Cheka Gladys Ntala representing the interest of Donga Mantung Division and the SDF party. However, the bulk of women found themselves on the lists playing only secondary roles. 
It is the case with Chenyi Theresa, who is alternate to Dingha Ignatius. Shang Emerentia who is deputy mayor in Jakiri is also alternate to Eno Emma Lafon. Ma Ndim Prudencia Wibua formerly principal of GBHS Down-Town in Bamenda is also alternate to the in-fatigable mayor of Fonfuka council Wanlo John.

The SDF list also features the names of some prominent women as alternates. Apart of the lone substantive female candidate, Cheka Gladys Ntala, there are other high profile women as alternate members. They are Kifum Wanyu Martha who is alternate to Njong Donatus, mayor of Kumbo for Bui. Wainanchi Honorine is also alternate to Prof. Paul Nkwi for Boyo. Nkeze Emelia Kalebong is also alternate to Pa Atekwana Joseph in Momo.

This is in keeping with Cameroon’s commitments to gender equality, encapsulated by ELECAM Boss Fonkam Azu’u sometimes ago. It is alleged that Fonkam Azu’u set the benchmark for political parties to increase women participation giving that in the past many of them would have only play secondary roles. Yet this achievement is precisely so remarkable because of the ongoing challenges women in North West Region face in becoming politically active from the bottom-up through elections.

Obstacles Faced by Women in Politicking

 In the African traditional set-up, a woman has practically no home because when she gets married, her location changes. In this light, a woman once married automatically belongs to the roots of the husband. It is for this reason that when a woman gets married, she bears the name of the husband. Even though traditionally when a woman dies, she is buried in her husband’s home, in some areas the corpses are taken back to the parent’s compound. Yet these cases are few in Cameroon except in some localities in Manyu Division in the South West Region of Cameroon.  This is why when a woman gets married; her husband’s home becomes hers. If some people have been reluctant in supporting women in politics, it is because of some of these challenges. A woman who marries in her constituency has the chance of becoming a good politician and the one that gets married out of her constituency is likely to have alot of challenges. This difficulty has made many of them political chameleons giving that they have to keep adapting to the changes. Some have been forced to return back to their places of birth when it comes to politicking. Only few hard ones have been able to excel where they got married. Majority go back to their villages which they still consider as their constituencies. Thus abandoning their own constituencies and are usurping the political positions of their brothers and sisters, and then casting alot of doubts on their political intentions. These are some of the obstacles that always hinder women from playing frontline roles in politics.  

Two substantive senatorial candidates in the upcoming senatorial elections fall within this category of women.

They are:

Cheka Gladys (SDF Senatorial Candidate for Donga Mantung Division)

 Cheka Gladys was born in Kiboh in Misaje Sub Division. She is a teacher by profession and a politician vocation. Her first attempt was during the 2007 Parliamentary elections when her ambitions of going to parliament ended at the level of the primaries. She was beaten by Maah Isaac. Married to a Balikumbat man in Ngoketunjia, she prefers Misaje where she was born to Balikumbat the home of her husband. During the last celebration marking the 28^th anniversary of the CPDM in Misaje, CPDM militants openly said they will not accommodate political adventurers. Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry on his part was very categorically though they say politics is a dirty game; there are some practices that shouldn’t be accepted. He made mentioned of the fact that people shouldn’t only appear because their interests to claim political belongings. Meaning that Cheka Gladys should play politics instead where she is married and not Misaje where she was born. Instead, Cheka was propelled by that statement given that few days after, the fons of Misaje sub Division declared their support for her candidature for senate.

Eno Emma Lafon (CPDM Senatorial Candidate for Bui Division)

Eno Emma Lafon comes from Bui Division but she is married to a Mamfe man. Instead of playing politics in Manyu Division, she prefers to do it in her place of birth, Kumbo where she was selected by the CPDM to run for senate. However, it is aired that she wants to occupy all the political positions in Bui Division to the detriment of other women. Notwithstanding, the question many have been asking is where will she stage her homecoming if she is appointed, will it be in Mamfe or Kumbo.

Other Female Political Giants (Not Candidates yet with vaulting political ambitions)

 There is another category of women although not senatorial candidates, who have decided to come back to their homes to play politics. They are:

Ama Tutu Muna (Minister of Arts and Culture)

She is the daughter of the famous statesman, ST Muna, the one-time emblematic speaker of the National Assembly. However, Ama Tutu Muna’s constituency is not Momo (Mbengwi) since she got married out of the North West Region. Yet she was appointed as Minister of Arts and Culture based on grounds that she hails from Mbengwi. She attends and chairs almost all CPDM political gatherings in Momo. But she turned her back on her husband’s own constituency to operate in Momo her place of birth. It is even alleged that she plays the ostrich by sanction women who ignite symptoms of leadership so as to excel. This is so because she wants to be the only hen and at the same time confirming that saying a woman’s problem is another woman and not a man.

Achidi Achu Judith Yaah Sunde (Director at CAMTEL)

She hails from Ndu in Donga Mantung Division and she is married to Rt. Hon. Simon Achidi Achu. Only the manner she wears the husband’s name (two names Achidi Achu and not Achu or Achidi) speaks volume. Yet, many would have thought she would always follow the so much cherished husband to do politics in Santa but on the contrary, she prefers to do politics in Ndu. Whether it is because Santa is saturated or it is because she prefers her place of birth, no one can tell. This political buffoonery it is alleged has reached the level that she is already aspiring to the take over as WCPDM Section President for Donga Mantung II, Ndu. The scheme we gathered is that the manoeuvres are intended to propel her for appointments from Donga Mantung Division.  Notwithstanding, she has been so instrumental in sponsoring football trophies for youths and supporting women with farm inputs. When such an initiative is done in her husband’s home, it goes solo but in Donga Mantung Division, it is a public event. However, her good work had earned her not little in terms of recognition. Woman of the Year titles from Three Media Organs, Mafor Title from the North West Fons, and Senior Ma-Yaah from the fons of Donga Mantung Division. She is however exceptional when compared to others. When News Breaks Out, We Break In. Minute by Minute Report on Cameroon and Africa

Mayor Petitions ELECAM over Fate of Decamped Councillors

By Fai Cassian Ndi

 The Mayor of Nkambe Council, Mangoh Jones Tanko has petitioned ELECAM over the fate of some councilors who dumped the SDF party for CPDM. Mangoh Jones Tanko who is alternate to Cheka Gladys on SDF senatorial list in his petition to ELECAM titled "Illegal putting of names of non-councilors on Nkambe list by ELECAM for Donga Mantung Division" indicates that the names of HRH Fon Benchep Nfor Adamu and Ngingyu Florence Beri shouldn't appear on the list of voters because they both resigned from their positions as councilor and First Deputy Mayor respectively. 

With senatorial election billed for April 14, the fear according to what we gathered is that the two councilors who resigned would stage a come-back to vote in favour of the CPDM. Classified sources say the fear is that these two votes will further bury the SDF party in Donga Mantung Division. However, allegations are rife at that this is a ploy by the CPDM to further weaken the strength of the SDF in Nkambe council. Notwithstanding, Mangoh Jones justified his protest with references to the council law. He outlined that to qualify as a councilor " You must belong to a political party running that council or your seat is vacant". Accordingly, he went further to observe that the two councilors have not attended three successive council session which is enunciated by Section 48(1) of law No 2004/18 0f July 2004 to lay down rules applicable to councilors. 

Another close source hinted that three councilors are said to have resigned from the SDF to join the CPDM. The latest our informant hinted is a councilor of Kudu in Tabenken who also submitted his letter of resignation. Sources say he also joined the CPDM. Yet, the case of the Fon of Binka, HRH Fon Benchep Adamu Nfor and Ngingyu Florence Beri are pathetic giving that the list of attendance of council sessions for last three do not carry their names. Implicitly, the law according information from the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization is  clear that once a councilor doesn't appear during three session and without any notification, he/she is considered as having resigned. Tension is reported in Nkambe as rumours continue to take the stage. Another source hinted that only 36 out of 41 councilors will cast their votes, yet if the two others are added, the number of voters in the Nkambe council will be raised to 38. Three councilors are reported to have died. 

The problem in the Nkambe council according what we gathered is more of human than any other. Some say it is because some people have transformed the entire structure into an extraordinary affair that there is also an atmosphere of uncertainty. 

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

CPJ Condemns Censorship in Cameroon

Courtesy( Committee for the Protection of Journalists)

New York, April 3, 2013--In a wave of censorship, Cameroon has indefinitely banned two TV programs for what regulators considered violent content and another three radio programs on vague charges of ethics violations, according to news reports. The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the move, which also includes the suspension of at least seven journalists.

"These programs put a spotlight on the serious problems affecting Cameroonian citizens, including crime, injustice, and corruption. The government has tried to disguise its actions as a matter of ethics, but everyone can see it for the censorship that it is," said CPJ Africa Advocacy Coordinator Mohamed Keita. "We call on authorities to drop these censorship orders immediately and to halt their continuing campaign to silence critical news and opinion."

The National Communications Council announced the censorship orders via a press statement on Thursday. Representatives with the programs and the journalists said they would appeal the ban. They have 10 days to present their case to the council.

The council accused the TV programs of showing extensive segments of "violent and indecent images," which it said violated government regulations. The stations had aired programs in March that focused on gruesome murders in the country, according to news reports.

The council banned "Canal 2tective," a monthly investigative program on independent broadcaster Canal 2 International, and suspended its presenter, Ruben Malick Djoumbissié, from broadcasting for three months. The program had probed the discovery in recent months of the mutilated corpses of young girls found in Yaoundé, the capital, and had raised questions about the possibility of ritual killings and trafficking of organs. The program featured interviews with the parents of the victims, as well as neighborhood residents and experts, and discussed the inability of the authorities to end the crime spree, according to footage reviewed by CPJ.

The council also banned the weekly "IPP News" on the private broadcaster LTM TV, and suspended its presenter, Josh Zela Amadou, better known as Awilo, from broadcasting for six months. The station had dispatched a cameraman to report on the discovery of a headless body on the street, according to local journalists. Awilo told CPJ the images had also been shown by other broadcasters which did not face repercussions.

In its orders banning the radio stations, the council did not offer specific reasons, but cited general violation of what it described as ethics violations.

The council banned Youth FM's "Déballage" program, and suspended presenter Duval Ebalè from broadcasting for six months, according to news reports. Ebalè told CPJ he was seeking a meeting to obtain specifics about the reason for the ban. He said the ban could be linked to the program's recent coverage of allegations of financial irregularities surrounding a water project between the Cameroonian government and a Canadian company.

Regulators also banned Amplitude FM's "La Voix des sans Voix" (Voice of the Voiceless) program and suspended three journalists--presenter Jean Jacques Ola Bebe, reporter Aimé Césaire Zambo, and producer Claude Yong--for three months. The program acted as a platform for local citizens to air personal complaints, including marriage disputes and complaints about the police. Bebe told CPJ the council did not say what ethics or rules the station had violated.

The council banned Sky FM's "Surface de Vérité" program, and presenter Hervé Mfoula was suspended from broadcasting for three months. Mfoula told CPJ the program had not received any prior warning. He said the program often mediated personal complaints, most of which were resolved off the air. Joseph Olinga, the station's manager, told CPJ that the council had issued a letter to the station in May 2012 in which it had praised the staff's work.

Jean Tobi Hond, the council's secretary-general, told CPJ he couldn't comment on the details of the case, but that the council had evidence to support its actions. He said the broadcasters had the right to appeal.

The council, whose members are all picked by President Paul Biya, was granted broad new regulatory authority to sanction or ban news outlets in January 2012 by a presidential decree. Biya had created the council in 1991 as a consultative body attached to the office of the Prime Minister to assist the government in implementing and monitoring communications policy.

• For more data and analysis on Cameroon, visit CPJ's Cameroon page here.

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

Senatorial Challenge: The Fru Ndi-Achidi Achu Last Political Battle

 By Cherrylane N

With the difference of councillors between the CPDM and the SDF in the North West Region narrowing down to two, the challenge between Fru Ndi and Achidi Achu in the April 14, 2013 senatorial election historical. The complexity in the senate victory for either the SDF or CPDM in the North West is a matter of luck. Yet political commentators say the scenario could be dramatic should the CPDM list loses or wins. However, political analysys are of the opinion that in case the CPDM list wins in the North West Region, Simon Achidi Achu being the head of the list will be appointed President of the Senate. And the reverse of it is that for geopolitical reasons, Yang Philemon will lose his position as Prime Minister, Head of Government. On the other hand, it would even be more dangerous if the CPDM list doesn’t win in the Northwest Region. It would simply imply that Prime Minister Yang Philemon is very unpopular in the region. Should the SDF list headed by its National chairman Ni John Fru Ndi wins, Achidi Achu will carry the blame. Both Simon Achidi Achu and Ni John Fru Ndi belong to the “Santa Mafia”. While Achidi Achu takes credit to having defeated Fru Ndi in 1988 during the days of “Khaki and Green”, when the two of them contested in the parliamentary elections on CPDM ticket, Fru Ndi on the other side has crushed Achidi Achu’s CPDM party severally during Presidential, municipal and legislative elections in their Santa Special Constituency. As such , Fru Ndi believes that the SDF will win all the seven seats yet last March 24^th during the 28^th anniversary of the CPDM, Achidid Achu re-echoed that history must repeat itself, meaning since he crushed Fru Ndi in 1988, nothing will stop him from doing that in 2013. Contrary to what Achidi Achu has been saying, public opinion in Bamenda holds that Bali Council may emerge as the joker of the senatorial elections. Though the only CPDM Council in Mezam, Bali councillors are aghast with the fact that their fon submitted alongside Doh Anderson but their candidatures were rejected. Bali people are of the opinion that Achidi Achu masterminded it. The same Achidi Achu who was accused of trying to carve out Bawock to add to Santa, conspicuously selected the fon of Bawock as his alternate. Sources hinted that rather than Bali councillors to vote Achidi Achu’s list, they would prefer a void ballot paper, if voting the SDF is forbidden. It is crystal clear that no matter the negotiations and the amount of money dished out, Bali councillors will not vote for Achidi Achu. The most serious threat is that Bawock has only five councillors. This would mean that the SDF will have an easy walk over the CPDM. Yet, political pundits have presaged how Paul Biya has had alot of trust in Achidi. He remains the only head of government ever granted audience by the Head of State after leaving office. More so, twice he has been evacuated abroad on presidential instructions and recommendations. It is even aired that Biya would have preferred that Achidi Achu should fold his arms and would be appointed as senator. More so, for him to be the head of the list from the North West region was by no mistake. But the secrecy in what President Paul Biya assigned Belinga Eboutou to discuss with Fru Ndihas been the major secret that even CPDM militants have tried to decipher to no avail. With the non-disqualification of CPDM list in the North West as predicted, commentators are completely blank. Yet the SDF we gathered has a well fine-tuned strategy to woo councillors in Bali, Balikumbat, Wum, Nwa and Misaje. If the contrary happens, the SDF will place it force in the lone AFP councillor in Mbengwi for a 50-50 with the CPDM. Yet SDF chairman still claims that his only rival in the country today is Paul Biya and not the lightweight Achidi Achu. To cut the story short, if the election of senators were by universal suffrage; Achidi Achu would be no match to Fru Ndi.

Whether the CPDM wins or loses in the North West Region, the fate of Yang Philemon as Prime Minister would be an issue. Once the CPDM is beaten, it is alleged Biya will capitalize on it to dismiss Yang Philemon, yet if the CPDM wins the probabilities of Achidi Achu becoming Senate President are very high, which implies that both Senate President and Prime Minister cannot all come from the North West Region.  Even though a source hinted that if CPDM wins Pa Achidi would be appointed Vice President, Yang chances are still very slim. Already over four years as Prime Minister, an average man doesn’t know his feats. Maybe the road to Oku yet travelling from Kumbo through Ngondzen, Nseh and Mbinon down to Lassin is a nightmare.

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

Iya Mohammed Blocked at Douala Airport, Passport Seized

 By Isaa Hanna Biko

Iya Mohammed

The General Manager of SODECOTTON, Iya Mohammed who was indicted by the Supreme State Audit was banned from traveling to Paris on April 2 at night. Confidential sources hinted that his passport has been taken away by the intelligence services. Classified sources linked to the Garoua Airport hinted that Iya Mohammed got to Garoua on Wednesday morning at about 5:00. He was picked up by his driver and driven directly to his residence. Yet another source hinted that his movements are being monitored by security services. However, Iya Mohammed we gathered was spotted in his office. It is alleged that he even told his colleagues during a meeting to continue with their work and that he is waiting for the day that he will be asked to quit. But since that day has not yet come, he remains the General Manager of SODECOTTON.

It should be recalled that a communiqué issued by Minister Henry Ayebe Ayissi of the Supreme State Audit indicted the General Manager of SODECOTTON for committing administrative errors that resulted to the state losing FCFA 9 billion from 2005 to 2010. The communiqué further states that Iya Mohamed will have to pay a fine of FCFA 2 billion as fine for the errors he committed. Besides, he was also fined to pay FCFA 1 million for errors committed as the President of the follow-up of SODECOTTON sports complex. These errors resulted to the state losing 16 million FCFA. At the time of writing this story, we also gathered that the Supreme State Audit also indicted two audit firms in the SODECOTTON saga. Sources say recommendations from the Supreme State Audit are rife at that Iya Mohamed shouldn’t be trusted any public office for the next seven years or so. Iya Mohamed who recently is at daggers drawn with the Minister of Spots and Physical education is likely on an exit. Sources say he defied a ban by Sports Minister to continue with the elections within the decentralized structures of FECAFOOT and the fact that police disrupted the elections in Yaounde is indicative of his departure from public office. Another confidential source hinted that SODECOTTON Board is likely to eclipse Iya Mohamed next month. Another authoritative voice hinted that an extraordinary Board meeting has been scheduled for mid April whereby Iya Mohamed will be ousted. Yet we were reliable informed that the doors of Kodengui are widely open for newcomers and Iya is likely to be another new catch. 

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

Sentaorial Challenges: Open letter to NW/SW Councilors

 By Fai Cassian Ndi
 

Time to Believe in the Future

What is very important during this first ever senatorial election in Cameroon is that the ordinary Cameroonian wants an improved standard of living. The senate is one of those instruments that will vote better laws. Since politics is about development, the North West and the South West Regions have every reason to learn from the happenings around the world because we live in a connected world. What happens in another regions and countries can happen right here in front of our eyes and at our doorsteps. The 2013 Senatorial Elections is about the future of Cameroon.Campaigns started on March 30, 2013 yet it is as if there is nothing going on in Cameroon. At the time of writing this piece I have not come across a single poster announcing this candidate or that. Is it that a group of persons have taken the country hostage? Why is it that campaigns messages are only passed on radios? Anyway I hear FCFA 2billion has been earmarked to buy councilors in the North West Region by one political party whose name I have just forgotten. I also hear FCFA 2billion is heading for the South West Region to buy votes by the same white collar thieves.  Besides, I have been reliably informed that even another political party which for years has been claiming to be a model in democratic practices has gone solo in the Northwest and Southwest regions negotiating behind with councilors to buy votes. A shame of our democracy now lays in your hands. Pay back time is now.

As campaigns for the April 14, 2013 Senatorial Elections go solo, it is obvious that some people will always seek to use money to buy votes. If you could accept money and sacrifice the future, that choice may not be the best.  FCFA 500 000) more or less given you for a vote is insufficient to take care of you and the next generation. I know it is much money but I agree that you collect the money from whosoever wants to buy your conscience and “chop” not to vote for that person. Nobody will know whether you vote for or not. It is your time to make money but after all it is about building a better Cameroon. It is the choice that you the councillors of South West and North West shall make at the polls that will determine the future of this country.  The future as I say is in the ballot for obvious reasons, notably because it is the senate that will re-shape the future of this great nation.

Of late, many people thought that it does not matter for anyone to forfeit the future for instant pleasures. One councillor even told me that as long as his taking bribe does not affect his farms, small business and income, he would turn to give an ear happily to instant pleasures. Politics, he told me is business and only the highest bidder who pays for it, gets it. But to me a political program should not make us indifferent because, after April 14, 2013, the core of where we all want to go shall be determined. In the past majority of us care less "and we would say that it is politics and campaign machinery that keeps the politicians. I believe if we want to change our future, our time is now.

We cannot practically hand this country to adventurers. I smell the concern and how much we all care in the reply. But when poverty falls upon the people, it is but natural that only a government with good structures like Parliament and Senate can take care of and eradicate it. By voting senators based on their capabilities the future is likely to look bright. This is Our Time to steer the country and be part of History. Every single eligible voter (yes, it includes each and everyone that could not vote because you were given a say in the future and you chose to ignore it. By letting others make a choice for you, you made your choice too. So if things go wrong, blame yourself). But for those who were fortunate to be elected as councilors, be aware that April 14, 2013 is your day to contribute in building this great nation. Maybe in your council, you were a back-bencher, it is now time for you to have a say where only few would have the privilege.

It is politics. And it matters. It matters because the senate we elect will set economic policies, design the education systems for our children, and provide public services for us and so on and so forth. As the senate is elected and paid for by the people, it is thus, accountable to the people in all its actions. Everything of the senate touches and affects us. Do not be left back.

 The economic policy will settle on whether we are flexible and can withstand economic crises, whether our laws will encourage business friendly environment to encourage entrepreneurship and investors to come and invest here to create a vibrant economy and improve our earnings and living standards. If North West and South West choose to vote people based on tribal lines, party leniency, the results will be that after, after tomorrow no one should complaint of marginalization. The Time is Now.......

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