Uncertainty in Mbaw Plain: Two Killed, Five Injured Over Land Dispute

Troops have been deployed in the Mbaw Plain as two people have been reported dead during an attack on a disputed farm land. According to what we gathered last Wednesday at about 9.am, some elements of Ntumbaw village armed with cutlasses arm-bushed Njirong farmers in the disputed area, sources say seven people were butchered and two are reported to have died. Two houses are also reported to have been set on fire.  At Press time we gathered from reliable sources that an atmosphere of uncertainty looms large in the Mbaw Plain, Njirong village and Ntumbaw village in Donga Mantung Division of the North West Region of Cameroon. 9 villagers in Ntumbaw are said to have been picked up by Law Enforcement Officers during the patrol. They are now helping the administration to prop into the incident that has resulted to lose of lives and property.

The Senior Divisional Officer for Donga Mantung Division, Ngone Ndodemesape Bernard made two trips to the disputed area at Mbawrong to calm down flaring tempers. Yet an authoritative voice in the Ministry of Territorial Administration hinted us that the Presidency of the Republic has been alerted. According to the hint elite(s) who would be identified for fanning the conflict will be dealt with accordingly. More so, Donga Mantung SDO is quoted to have said during the crisis meeting that he would leave no stone un-turn to make sure that peace rein. North West Governor Lele Lafrique is also expected in the Mbaw Plain. However, allegations are rife at that it is the presence of the CDC palm nursery that has ignited the long forgotten land dispute. Another classified source hinted that both villages may be barred from working farms in the disputed area by a government decision. And that the perpetrators of the act that led to the killing and butchering of farmers will be dealt with. Some weeks ago, some 50 villagers of Ntumbaw village were arrested and taken to Nkambe for their involvement in instigating the crisis. Yet barely a week after they were granted bail this incident occurred. Ever since the crisis resurfaced, the relationship between the two villages has been stale.

Talking to this reporter on phone, HRH Fon Kennedy Nganjo said that it was “ a dark day in our village. This morning at about 9 a.m. some elements from our brotherly Ntumbaw village attacked and butchered five people from Njirong village who were preparing their farms for palms planting. One of them a handicapped Etienne Ntami had his fingers chopped off. My elder brother Nganjo Everistus Shey an employee with SODEPA Jakiri who was butchered  all over his body died on his way to BBH Nso. Four others are on treatment at the Ndu Sub Divisional Hospital. It should be recalled that there used to be a dispute in the area but the administration of Donga Mantung settled the matter in favor of the Rong people. Three appeals by Ntumbaw have been rejected by the government for lack of credible evidence. It is also worth noting here that there is no boundary between Ntumbaw and Njirong at Mbawrong, reason why it is impossible for them to justify their claim to the administration. This cowardly, savage and barbaric  act is unfortunate” he concluded. 

To Ngah Nfor “ If "Njirong" means "over at Rong" and "Mbawrong" means "Rong Plain", one cannot appreciate any Ntumbaw claim without uncoupling these Wimbum descriptive geography of locations. Whatever the Ntumbaw claim, pales in the light of the Wimbum in-house barbaric redress approach reported here. Shame to this anticlimax to our celebration. Until this reporting is seriously contradicted, the reported victims of this Wimbum shame deserve sympathy. Let the magic of our imagination bring out the silver-lining in this tragedy. Until that happens, we are all victims of what we know this far”.

However, the act has been condemned by Wimbum people both at home and the diasporas.
Way forward

It is alleged that this dispute was settled before the court of law. Yet there is a need for the conflict to be mapped with the involvement of chiefs as well as the administration if not it will become a permanent chop pot. The Mbaw Plain is in need of a mediated settlement, or negotiated settlement in addition to adjudication which already took place. The way a conflict is framed, the way in which a conflict is mapped, has implications for the way it can be settled. If the parties come to a mediated settlement, they will take responsibility for the outcomes and resolution. In mediation, the mediator does not rule down as in adjudication. The decision (s) will come from the parties in dispute. It is only in this way can restorative justice, which includes reconciliation, be achieved. In the absence of this, the conflict is very likely to re-escalate and spiral. What has helped post apartheid South Africa is not adjudication. What has helped that country is the truth and reconciliation commissions.

However, with all sorts of elite in Donga Mantung, the question is why are elite(s) reluctant in finding a solution. Who therefore is benefiting from the problem in the Mbaw Plain . The most pathetic thing is that some elite are so educated that we consider them the cream of our society. Perhaps this class of people, the chiefs and prominent notables should come together, and do so urgently, to de-escalate the present situation. It is regrettable to hear that the administration is doing little or nothing in the present situation. When the administration shall come in as they have already done, it will be to interpret the people's actions against the law and then, a ruling will follow, without reconciliation, without restorative justice. Wimbum people need the parties to reach settlement in a mediated forum. Then they can very likely achieve sustainable peace. This is what a write holds in Wimbum Forum. This opinion holds because if there is anything that a nwembum can do, it would, it should, be to support that process of peace and reconciliation. It may be hard for those elite(s) who are fanning the conflict but it is the only way forward. Nothing is more important than peace. A live lost to any family is painful. And it is detrimental to both villages as well as the entire nation.

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

Here is the Configuration of 17 Member Bureau of Cameroon Senate

 By Fai Cassian Ndi

The Pioneer Senate Bureau headed by Sen. Niat Njifendji Marcel was elected on  June 12, 2013 during a closing plenary session. The 17 member bureau  was elected to oversee the activities of the senate. Sen. SOMELOU Jean (West Region) while the CPDM Senate Group is headed by Peter Mafany Musonge. Here below is the complete bureau of the senate. The most spectacular thing is that the Kaduna Mafia of Fon Teche and Achidi Achu has triumph again from the North West Region (see separate story up next)

However, as usual the ruling CPDM grasped majority of the positions including the Presidency. Niat Njifendji Marcel was voted senate president with 86 votes while 14 others casted null votes. The CPDM emerged with 14 positions, the SDF 2 positions while MDR had 1 position. Besides, the SDF and the CPDM are the only political parties with Senate Group. Here below is the configuration of the senate bureau.

 President
M NIAT NJIFENJI Marcel (CPDM: West)

Ist Vice President:
M ABOUBAKARY ABDOULAYE (CPDM: North)

Vice Présidents
1-TJOUES Genevieve (CPDM: Littoral)
2-TCHATCHOUANG Paul (SDF: West)
3-NAAH ONDOUA Sylvestre (CPDM: Centre)
4-ACHIDI ACHU Simon (CPDM: North West)

Questors
1-M BASKOUDA JEAN BAPTISTE (CPDM: Extrême North)
2-M NJINFUA Lucas FONTEM (CPDM: South West)
3-MME BISSECK PAULETTE (CPDM: South)

Secretaries
1- M BABA HAMADOU (CPDM: Adamawa)
2- Fon TECHE NJEI II (CPDM: North West)
3- M OBAM ASSAM Samuel (CPDM: South)
4- MME HAOUA Madeleine (SDF: Adamawa)
5- MME MOAMPEA Marie Claire (CPDM: East)
6- MME HAYATOU AICHA Pierrette (CPDM: North)
7- M NGAYAP Pierre Flambeau (CPDM: Littoral)
8- M DAKOLE DAISSALA (MDR: Extrême North)

Président of CPDM Group:
M MAFANY MUSONGE Peter (South West)

 Président of SDF Group:
M TSOMELOU Jean (West)


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Cameroon Senate: Niat Njifendji Marcel Elected Senate President

  By FC Junior

Cameroon senators’ have elected the pioneer senate President today June 12, 2013 after the Standing Orders of the Upper House were reviewed by the Supreme Court sitting in place of the Constitutional Council. Senator Niat Njifendji Marcel was today elected the President of the senate of Cameroon. Niat Njifendji Marcel who was appointed by President Biya into the senate displaced all speculations to pick the position of senate President. Constitutionally, he is the next of kin to the Head of State  or the constitutional successor of the President of the Republic. It should be recalled that Niat Njifendji Marcel served as the General Manager of Sonel, and has held several high profile positions in government including Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Mines.

 He hails from Bangante in the West Region of Cameroon is somebody who has been in the corridor of power for over 30 years or so. Jubilation and fanfare is reported in Bangante and the entire West Region. CPDM militants in the West Region we gathered are moving towards Bangante for an all night long celebration in honour of the prestigious position.

Speculations as to whether President Biya has found a new love in the Grand West (grass field) have been confirmed by Senator Niat being catapulted to head the senate. Even though political analysts say this is compensation to the West Region given that the CPDM senatorial list was rejected, another school of thought holds that power has been moved from the Grand North to the Grand West. There is no doubt Philemon Yang will maintained as the Prime Minister, Head of Government. Also buried are speculations as to Former PMs Musonge and Achidi Achu heading the senate.However, Musonge emerged as the Group leader for CPDM senators

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Iya Mohammed Arrested

The General Manager of SODECOTTON cum FECAFOOT President has been spotted at  SED in Yaounde. Classified sources confirmed that Iya Mohammed was picked up by gendarmes today  morning and taken to SED for interrogation. It is not yet clear whether his arrest is linked to the mismanagement scandal at SODECOTTON per the report of the Supreme State Control. Yet speculations are rife at that the Supreme State Control is likely at the centre of the arrest. More so, with the stalemate at FECAFOOT, another school of thought holds that Iya Mohammed mafia network was bent on frustrating the sports federation. However, public opinion also holds that his arrest may have been precipitated by the poor performance of the lions against Togo. 

Cameroon Indomitable Lions lost to Togo 2 goals to zero and it is alleged that supporters threatened to burn down the head office of FECAFOOT in Yaounde. Security forces are reported to have guarded FECAFOOT office all night long as vandals continue to threaten. Some of the vandals are quoted to have been chanting "Iya doit partie" (Iya Must Go", etc... Considering the tension, another source hinted that Iya Mohammed may have been taken for questioning only. Notwithstanding, "internet pirates" however see this as the beginning of the end of Iya's dynasty at FECAFOOT and the end of the football mafia. (To be Continued)

 

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Man Stabs Self to Death on Hospital Bed

 By Ngah Nfor

Stephen Awotum

Consternation and incredulity are not words enough to describe the atmosphere at the Catholic Hospital Njinikom. On June 3, 2013, a man of fifty-two years decided to take his own life while on his hospital bed. Stephen Awotum, as the story goes hails from Bambili and had been bed ridden for three months at the Njinikom Catholic Hospital after involving in an accident that damaged one of his legs. He received treatment and was getting better relatively and  was about leave the hospital. He was unable to pay his bills, reason why the brother, whose names this reporter could not get, went in search of money in order to pay the hospital bills. Stephen Awotum, from what he said before dying felt abandoned since his brother had over stayed probably in search for money. Unable to walk around except with the help of clutches since one of his legs damaged, Stephen saw no reason to live but to carry out the ultimate-take his own life.

To do this according to sources gathered from the hospital, Stephen started fidgeting and looking worried and distressed. No one could have suspected that Stephen was mulling over suicide. According them, Stephen expressed surprise over the brother’s delay.  Before those around him could open their eyes, Stephen had gone for a sharp knife they have been using in hospital for the past three months and stabbed himself with. The brisk intervention of nurses and doctors to safe him was futile as he gave up the ghost in the hospital theatre as doctors were battling to safe him.

The questions many are asking, is whether Stephen had other problems different from the one he advanced on his dying bed. It should be noted that at fifty plus, still unmarried and a leg damaged, Stephen might have seen no reason to live and become a liability for his family

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

ELECAM Discloses Plans to Expose Election Riggers

 By FC Junior

The President of Elections Cameroon-ELECAM has said that those who registered more than once in the electoral register will be named and shamed in public. Dr. Fonkam Azu’u made the statement during a Press Briefing with journalists in Bamenda. Dr. Fonka Azu’u who visited some council areas in Mezam to ensure that the distribution of voters’ cards is going smoothly castigated the fact that some voter’s registered more than once. He said even though the biometric system checks double registration automatically, ELECAM will publish the names of those who registered severally so as to rig elections. “We will make sure that they are named and shamed in public”, Dr. Fonkam Azu’u reiterated.  To Dr. Fonkam Azu’u registering more than once in the electoral register is also a criminal act and should be discouraged. He said that during the cleansing exercise over 20.000 double registrations were uncovered. “This is so because our machines are not interconnected” but that even so all the measures have been put in place to check double registrations. “ Even if people change names, we will detect them through their fingerprints” he concluded.

Dr. Fonkam Azu’u was also very bitter when a journalist said that he registered to vote in Bamenda but latter decided to go back to his area, thus was oblige to give back his voter’s card to an ELECAM official who registered him. “I think that staff is not fit to work with ELECAM” he hammered. He however said that if that act is accepted several voters will want to do the same. Allegations are rife at that the said ELECAM council staff is likely to be dismissed given that Dr. Fonkam Azu’u is not a man to pigeon-hole with. Months ago, he dismissed Nkambe Council Elecam head during a meeting for perpetual absenteeism. Yet his critics are of the opinion that it only a storekeeper that dismisses at will, adding that Dr. Fonkam Azu’u uses such mistakes to justify his stay at the helm of Elections Cameroon.

Back to the distribution of voters’ cards, Dr. Fonkam Azu’u revealed that 124, 076 cards are ready for voter’s to come and collect in the various council areas in the region. The distribution started in almost all the council areas in the region. The consignment for each Division is as follows; Donga Mantung Division 8347, Boyo 7487, Menchum 4404, Ngoketunjia 1797, Momo 2639 while Bui Division has 7487 cards.

On the reopening of voters’ registers nationwide, Dr. Fonkam said that those who did not register at all should make sure that the do it. He also warned that this time, ELECAM officials are not supposed to go to the field to register voters. Voters he said should move to ELECAM council offices to get themselves registered.

By FC jUNIOR

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Fru Ndi Petitions NCC to Close Down Chronicle, The Guardian Post Newspapers

  By Fai Cassian Ndi

Chronicle, The Guardian Post Newspapers now at the mercy of NCC, SDF

The National Chairman of the main opposition party in Cameroon has petitioned two authoritative English Language Newspapers to the National Communication Council-NCC. This move by the National chairman of the Social Democratic Front-SDF has been interpreted by Expressionists as an attempt to instill the closure of Chronicle and The Guardian Post Newspapers, continue to attract a lot of debate in the media. Ni John Fru Ndi, SDF chieftain in his complaint to the National Communication Council is quoted to have said that these two newspapers want to frustrate his political agenda. The Publisher of Chronicle Newspaper, Eric Motomu told this reporter on phone that he was a bit embarrassed by the attacked he has been receiving from the SDF. He also added that it is really pitiful that Ni John Fru some months ago in a political gathering called on SDF militants, sympathizers and supporters never to buy Chronicle. “That is also a move to kill Chronicle” he lamented yet wondered how Fru Ndi was apt to complain to the communication council about his critical analysis. Eric Motomu recalled how some years ago, SDF tugs gave him a snake beating during a political rally in Fundong and he felt unconscious yet Fru Ndi was there and never altered a single word. Eric Motomu added that Chronicle received a summon relating to Issue No 207 of March 2010 titled “Is Fru Ndi Grooming his Son to Succeed Him?”, Issue No 327 titled “8:2 Hangs on Kambiwa After Fru Ndi’s Candidate Beaten at Socialist Elections in South Africa” as well as Issue No 350 titled “How Fru Ndi Lost 34 Councilors In North West”.

On his part the Publisher of The Guardian Post Ngah Christian Mbipgoh in another phone conversation with this reporter confirmed that he received summon from NCC. Accordingly, Ngah Christian also revealed that The Guardian Post was informed that “by letter of April 23, 2013, Mr. Ni John Fru Ndi, chairman of the Social Democratic Front, filed a complaint to the President of NCC” against The Guardian Post relating to issue No 0515 of March 13, 2013 titled “Senatorials: Fru Ndi Backpedals After Meeting with Presidency Money Bags; Now Decrees SDF Participation in April 14 Senatorial Elections”.  Ngah Christian said that even though The Guardian Post was given latest June 5, 2013 to submit support documents and eventual witnesses, the summon only arrived his office on June 5^th afternoon. Moreso, the letter we gathered arrived when the Publisher was out in the field.

However, public opinion is aghast at the manner at which politicians have been torturing journalists in Cameroon. Some months ago, some journalists, radio and TV programs were suspended by NCC. Two months ago, the Senior Divisional Officer for Mezam, Nguele Nguele Philip sealed the door of Foundation Radio. In fact despite claims that the Press in Cameroon is free, several acts continue to prevent journalists from speaking the truth. Notwithstanding, if the National Communication Council heeds to Fru Ndi’s call to close down these two news organs, it would mean a stab in the back on freedom of expression. It should be recalled that this is not the first open declaration by Ni John Fru Ndi against Chronicle and The Guardian Post. It is alleged that some years ago, Fru Ndi torn a copy of Chronicle and of late Ni John Fru Ndi told SDF militants that Chronicle, The Guardian Post Newspapers were hired by the regime to destroy the SDF. It is alleged that SDF chieftain even went as far as threatening that any of his party officials who would be seen buying a copy of any of these newspaper or having anything to do with them would be dismissed from the party.  Implicitly, objective journalism means criticizing President Biya and the CPDM and pouring kudos on Ni John Fru Ndi and the SDF when a critical judgment analysis is made on this issue.

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