Press Release: 2014 Global Nutrition Report

PRESS RELEASE

For more information, please contact:
Deborah Horan, d.horan@cgiar.org, +1 (202)627-4310

First-ever Global Nutrition Report provides comprehensive narrative on levels of malnutrition across the world

Report includes 193 country profiles

November 13, 2014, London—A consortium of nations, organizations, researchers, and academics has released the first-ever comprehensive narrative on global health and country-level progress toward reducing malnutrition across the globe.

The Global Nutrition Report (GNR) provides a global profile and country profiles on nutrition for each of the United Nations’ 192 member states, and includes specific progress for each country. It will be a centerpiece of the Second International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2) in Rome on 19-21 November, organized by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization.

“The GNR will contribute to country-led efforts to strengthen accountability, share learning about what is working, and highlight bottlenecks to progress and how they may be overcome,” said Lawrence Haddad, a senior research fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and co-chair of the independent expert group that produced the report.

The report provides a one-stop composite of the often fragmented and disparate information available on global nutrition, and fills in some critical gaps in knowledge and data collection. It covers nutrition status outcomes, program coverage, and underlying determinants, such as food security and water, sanitation and hygiene, resource allocations, and institutional and policy transformations.

The report offers case studies from Bangladesh, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Indonesia, and the Indian state of Maharashtra. Country profiles provide dashboards of more than 80 indicators on nutrition outcomes, determinants, program coverage, resources, and political commitment.

Almost every country in the world, rich or poor, faces a serious public health risk due to malnutrition, either from undernutrition, obesity, or micronutrient deficiencies. The cost of poor nutrition is high: premature death, stressed health systems, and a severe drag on economic progress. While economic growth can help reduce malnutrition, boosting an economy is not enough to rid a country of malnutrition, and often makes overweight and obesity more likely.

“Because the costs of failing to act are tragically high for all countries, we must develop stronger accountability mechanisms with better data and more transparency, as well as stronger feedback systems to improve nutrition status,” Haddad said. “This report is a critical first step in that direction.”

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The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) seeks sustainable solutions for ending hunger and poverty. IFPRI was established in 1975 to identify and analyze alternative national and international strategies and policies for meeting the food needs of the developing world, with particular emphasis on low-income countries and on the poorer groups in those countries. www.ifpri.org.

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

Land Conflict: Fonfuka, Misaje Municipalities Tussle over Piece of Land; Bloodshed Feared

Tempers are reported to have flared last week between two neighboring municipalities in the North West Region. The Senior Divisional Officers for Donga Mantung and Boyo Division visited the disputed piece of land. The place known as Chiako by the people of Nkanchi and known as Kichiako by the people of Bum became the centre of controversy between the two neighboring villages. Matters came to a head recently between the two villages. For over four months now, an atmosphere of stale familiarity looms large between the two. It is alleged that the problem escalidated when the people of Fonfuka opted to construct a school on the said piece of land. When the people of Nkanchi challenged the decision, it almost resulted to a bloody confrontation. Yet Fonfuka say the land belongs to them and Nkanchi is also claiming the same rights over the very piece of land. Farmers of both municipalities who were farming on the said piece of land are scared we gathered. It is also alleged that some elite were behind the brouhaha, yet only the reports of the administration will decide whether Chiako belongs to Misaje Sub Division or Kichiako is part of Bum Sub Division.

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

Sparrow Hawk: CRTV Former GM Gervais Mendo Ze Arrested, 12 Others Shortlisted

Prof. Gervais Mendo Ze

Former General Manager of Cameroon Radio Television, Prof. Gervais Mendo Ze has been arrested. The former GM who served as Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Communication from 2005 to 2007 was napped and transferred to the  Kondengui Maximum Prison for allegedly embezzled over FCFA 2.6 billion when he was General Manager. It should be recalled that Prof. Gervais Mendo Ze served as GM at CRTV from 1998 to 2005. According to classified sources, the former GM was transferred to Kondegui after appearing infront of the Special Criminal Court on embezzlement charges.  Currently the traditional ruler of Otoakam village-Sangmelima, the arrest of Gervais Mendo Ze has ignited panic in the nation’s capital. He was arrested alongside three other accomplices and a warrant has been issued for one other. Classified sources say over 20 other state agents and civil servants are connected and will be napped. 
Classified sources say some 12 high profile personalities have been shortlisted for arrest. It is even alleged that a cabinet shakeup is imminent given that some sitting ministers have been shortlisted. A classified source hinted that some marabouts have been spotted in Yaounde as an atmosphere of uncertainty looms large..on Who Next?

However, public opinion is skeptical on the arrest given that it has taken too long. Another school of thought holds that it is intended to divert public attention as government is scared after the “Blaise” saga.

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

Ndu Council ECCUForum Kick-starts December 12-14( A Not to Miss Event Economic/ Cultural Fiesta)

The Ndu Council Economic and Cultural Forum, dubbed ECCUForum has been scheduled to hold from December 12 to 14. In view of the smooth function of the Ndu Council ECCUForum, the Mayor has issued a Press Release that spells out the modalities of participators as well as the various committees that will oversee the activities of the forum. Here below is the Press Release issued by Bunyui Emmanuel, the Lord Mayor on November 5, 2014. 

 Press Release

Considering the Law No. 2004/018 of 22^nd July 2004 laying down rules governing Local Councils in Cameroon;

Considering the deliberations of the Education and Social Welfare Committee instituting an annual Festival of Arts and Culture, Agric and pastoral/ Economic Forum in December 2014 in Ndu;

In view of the fact that MINADER, Donga Mantung will be organizing the mini Agro-Pastoral show in Ndu on Saturday Lih ( 13^th Dec 2014) to catch up with the Regional show in Bamenda, and given that 70% of participants will comprise those coming for the Cultural and Economic Forum;

Mindful of the Ndu Council schedule for the end of year, 2014, and viewing the preparations so far put in this regard;

The Ndu Municipal Council will be organizing an Economic & Cultural Forum  ECCUForum from December 12-14, 2014 in Ndu Town.

Modalities:

The Council has put in place various Committees as follows:

(1)   Organizing and Planning Committee: This committee will meet to chat out the best approach to making the activities and events a success. It will oversee the activities of the other committees.( Chair, 1^st Dep. Mayor D1)

(2)   Arts and Culture Committee: This committee shall identify the various cultural and artistic activities and groups or individuals who will animate in this sector. It shall equally communicate and give modalities for their participation at the festival.( Chair, Tantoh Emmanuel)

(3)   Agro-pastoral Committee: This committee shall work in line with the committee that has been handling Agro-Pastoral shows in past years, and liaise this up within the framework of the Festival. It shall as well work out modalities for mobilizing farmers and cattle rearers and other livestock farmers.( Chair, Sub Del. MINADER, Ndu)

(4)   Economic Forum Committee: This committee shall work out strategies to encourage economic operators to invest in the Ndu Council area. It shall as well invite small and medium size entrepreneurs to display their saviors faire and prospects during this forum. It shall also identify economic potentials of the area, in various fields, like Tourism, Crafts, Agriculture, livestock, transport, etc.( 4^th Deputy Mayor, D4)

(5)   Communication and Outreach Committee: This committee shall publicize the event as much and far as possible. It shall use all available avenues, viz, radio, telephone, internet, markets, churches, schools newspapers, television etc to publicize the Festival, as well as mobilize and sensitize the local, national and international community to massively take part in the event. ( Chair, Fai Cassien Ndi, Sec. Jitzi George Tanko Tandoh..Tarlusi)).

(6)   Logistics, Feeding and Transport Committee: It shall put up stands for the event; get the necessary equipment to ensure a total success; organize feeding and transportation of invited guests, groups and traditional/ public authorities during the event. ( Chair, 3^rd Dep. Mayor, D3)

General supervision shall be under the auspices of the Lord Mayor.

Time Line of the Events:

(a)   September-October 2014:       Putting in place the Committees and making them go operational

(b)   November 2014: Mobilization, sensitization and Publicity go into high gear; Identification of groups in various sectors like Culture, crafts, agriculture, livestock, economic potentials and registering same; Council session                 ( Nov. 28, 2014)

(c)   December 1- December 10, 2014: Meetings of all the Committees with the Lord Mayor; Final preparatory meetings in committees

(d)   December 11, 2014:  Examination of logistics, equipment and other necessities

(e)   December 12, 2014: Launching of the event proper with cultural manifestations

(f)     December 13, 2014: Agro-Pastoral Show opened by SDO, Donga Mantung

(g)   December 14, 2014: Dedication in Churches; Discussions in various for a on the Economy/ Trade and Potentials of the Ndu Municipality with Resource persons/ while Mbum artists animate and display in various stands

The Following shall be of interest for forum discussions to the Ndu Council:

(1) The Tea Sector in Ndu

(2) Cash /Food crops and other agric issues

(3) Our Health, our Economy

(4) Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries

(5) Small & Medium size enterprises

(6) Taxation and business in Ndu

(7) Farm to Market roads

(8) Ethics, Values and the future of Mbum

(9) Limbum, Mbum Tradition, Mbum Culture and Christianity/Islam

(10)      Others

Those willing to present papers on December 14 to get in touch with the Lord mayor ( 77848107 ) or 1^st Deputy Mayor (D1),( 77370238)

Visit our website www.nducouncil.org 

DONE IN NDU THIS 5^TH DAY OF November, 2014

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

GBHS Nkambe Gets Facelift

Government Bilingual High School Nkambe, which sank into the doldrums, has emerged strongly to regain its leading position in Donga Mantung Division as the citadel of standards. This is so because the new Principal of GBHS Nkambe, Ken Martin Atanga and the new PTA President Alhadj Abdou Borno have embarked on the rehabilitation of the dilapidated structures. The process which started not long ago has started yielding fruits.

A visit to GBHS Nkambe brings back to memories the old days of the Nanga Company architectural work and the foremost role of GBHS Nkambe as a mother institution in Donga Mantung Division.

As stated, renovation work at the school campus has been greeted with joy by both the parents, teachers and students. “I am happy that we now have a new basketball court”, says a form Four student whose name we got as Michael Nfor. A walk at GBHS Campus reveals that Ken Martin Atanga and Alhadj Borno are at work. The window glasses that were carted away and or destroyed have been replaced. Besides, the boys and girls dormitories have been painted within and without. Almost all the classes have received coaches of paint from within and in the weeks ahead, it is expected that the buildings shall as well be painted. “The campus looks neat with the clear-cutting of all the cypress trees at the entrance of the school”, says the day-watchman.

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

Nkambe Carrefour Youths Social Group Celebrates 10 Years of Continued Existence

The Nkambe Carrefour Youths Social Group created ten years ago to empower youths socially and economically has congratulated Alhadj Abdou Borno Kanfon for initiating the group. Speaking at the 10^th anniversary celebration, the Honorary President of the group cum Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the 10^th Anniversary Celebration, Adamu Eric Nfor said that the group was created in October 2003 under the auspices of the then YCPDM Section President, Alhadj Abdou Borno Kanfon with an overall objective to promote the general welfare of youths. He said through “the play and take njangi” they have been able to make a great improvement in their lives. Harping on the benefits by members, Adamu Eric Nfor revealed that some members have moved from okada riders to owners of buses, some have increased their businesses, others have married wives and constructed houses etc  “we have recorded successes at all levels”, he continued. Besides, he emphasized that most of their members have been empowered on management skills as well as how to run their businesses. “We are proud to say that we collectively raise funds to help members grow”. In his conclusion he also expressed a word of thanks and gratitude to “Alhadj Borno Kanfon who provided us with benches” as well as the mayor of Nkambe, and Gerard Ngala who sustained the group for six months. But after 10 years of continued existence, members he told this reporter thought it wise to commemorate and share their experience, success story with the people of Nkambe. Though created under the auspices of a political party, the Nkambe Carrefour Youths Social has moved above the political divide to the point that it is apolitical.

On his part, the 1^st Deputy Mayor of Nkambe Council congratulated the youths for reducing unemployment and sustaining themselves mutually. He said as a youth he is ready to work with the youths and for the youths in order for them to witness an improvement in their social standards.

The initiator of the group Alhadj Borno Kanfon said the success story of the group is an eloquent testimony of the fact that history can never be hidden. He said he is happy that many youths have been empowered and that he thanks God for endorsing the idea given that good ideas come from God. “Sincerely speaking, we have changed and many of us have also change-the sky remains our limit”, he continued. Alhadj Borno admitted that when he makes a look back at the time they started, he sees that many things have changed. “We have achaba riders who are owners today, we have achaba riders and drivers who are bus and vehicle owners, and we have responsible men here who are managing homes, constructed houses thanks to this group”. In a note of advise, he told group members that things are involving and it is necessary for all of them to think about the rainy days. “You can only think of the future of you start saving part of your earnings in the credit union. Let us invest in the education of our children, families and or in our wives”. He also called on members to network, share business ideas and experiences and avoid going into lofty business offers because nowadays scamers are just waiting next door. “If you network, you will never fall prey to 419ners”, he advised.

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

The Positive Vistas of President Biya’s 32 Years in Power as Political Maradona

President Paul Biya

Last November 6, 2014 Cameroonians celebrated President Paul Biya's 30 years as President of the Republic of Cameroon. From North to West, East, South and East, festivities marking the 32 years of President Biya skyrocketed with speeches and Motions of Supports and Encouragement from all directions. While those could have the opportunity to make speeches expressed theirs in songs, others who had none of these opportunities say the 32 years of President Paul Biya as Head of State do not only calls for celebrations, it also a moment that Biya supporters have to reflect on the thunderous path he took when on November 6, 1982 he took the famous oath of “I do so Swear”.  Before being sworn in on November 6, 1982, Paul Biya had served as Prime Minister to late President Ahidjo for seven years. The Eye moves beyond the ordinary to examine the positive vistas of President Biya’s 30 years in power.

The preliminary ideologies of President Paul Biya were presented in a roadmap known as the New Deal policy which was imbued in the virtues of rigour and moralization, and communal liberalism. To understand the vision Paul Biya had for Cameroon is to identify the cornerstones of Rigour and Moralization and or Communal Liberalism. With it was a policy that opted for the reintroduction of multiparty politics, a free society and democracy. Unfortunately, the ingredients with which the policies were engraved touched the interest of some conservationists within. The dissenting voices finally exploded like volcano in a coupe plot. And on April 6, 1984, some of his detractors stage an attempt to remove him from power through the barrel of the gun. Regrettably for the coupe plotters, evil could not triumph over the truth. By the time that Cameroonians wanted to refocus their energy and support Biya to set Cameroon towards achieving his New Deal political programme, another disaster hit the country. It wasn’t man made anyway but a natural disaster that took place at Nyos claiming thousands of lives. When the storm was over, Cameroon was caught in the wrap of the economic crisis. The world economic crisis affected almost every sector, even though Paul Biya managed to sustain the economy from collapsing into th doldrums, Cameroon’s five years development plan that had been guiding development process in the country shrunken. The civil service was like in a jungle, while the rich became richer, the poor became poorer. President Biya was then obliged to go in for structural adjustment. Salaries of civil servants were cut-down, and President Biya called on Cameroonians to tighten their sleeves.

The Modernizer

Between 1982 and 1985, Paul Biya’s mindset geared towards economic recovery and setting the pace for democracy. In 1985 he decided to introduce a political platform that could accompany his aspirations for Cameroon. That is how the CPDM in Bamenda to match those aspirations while the CNU died a natural death. As if to say he was seeing tomorrow, President Biya told radio Monte Carlos in France that he would be remembered as the man who brought democracy to Cameroon. In December 1990, the anti democratic laws of 1962 were scraped off by the National Assembly to usher in new laws that give room for democracy, freedom expression, freedom of associations and liberty. Thus, the law harmonizing the freedom of association, speech, political parties and religious groups brought democratic process. To accompany these measures, the issue of regional balance and national integration was not just in principle but was put to practice. Whether multiparty politics was forced into his throat or not is an issue because if he had said no to it, no matter the wind that was blowing it would have passed, bookmakers observed. But Biya accepted and granted Cameroonians even though some of his colleagues moved to the street claiming Cameroonian were not prepared for such a process. The revision of the constitution of 18, January 1996, aided President Biya to refocus his policies. The introduction of the Senate, Constitutional Council and the regions to replace the provinces was another innovative mark of the head of state to accompany democratic process. The Criminal Procedure Code of 2005 added value to guarantee the liberty of Cameroonians. The creation of the national Human Rights Commission could not be emphasized as it was added impetus to the issue of freedom in the country. To concretized it by signing a decree creating an election observatory known as the National Election Observatory –NEO.  Though with limited powers, it set the pace for the creation of the independent election body, Elections Cameroon.

The Achiever

As President Biya clocks 30 on November 6, 2012, Cameroonians will be celebrating some of his outstanding achievements. It is a fact that Cameroon has made giant strides under the leadership of President Paul Biya both socially, economically and politically. The greatest achievement that Cameroonians have enjoyed is the peace that has ensued for the past 30 years. Even though there had been little raptures here and there, Cameroon has been politically stable and thus scoring high standard diplomatic goals. With over 260 political parties in the country, Biya has proven himself as the most flexible President in the African continent. He introduced the National Program on Good Governance in the year 2000 and later revised it in 2005 to suit present realities. His open diplomacy has been achieved through peaceful resolution of conflict and the preservation of Cameroon’s boundary integrally.

In the economic sphere, Paul Biya brought in the concept of privatization of public companies in order to encourage foreign investments in the country as well as reduce the rate at which state funds were been squandered. Besides, Cameroon also qualified for the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative-HIPC. Getting to the completion point of the Heavily Indebted Poor Country Initiative enabled he country gain over FCFA 225 billion FCFA. Socially, the country has also registered a lot of accomplishments ranging from the recruitment of 2500 health workers, the overture of the Ministry of Social Affairs, as well as the building of reference hospitals in the country. The creation of state universities, Buea, Garoua, Bamenda and the separation of the Yaounde University to I & II set the credence of the educational sector. In the education sector, it is clear that every village in the country has at least a government primary school and the slightest is that an agglomeration of villages is given a high school. Technical education for example also registered the creation of Higher Technical Teachers Training College-ENSIET. Even though the national team, the Indomitable Lion recorded very poor performances recently, the beginning years of Biya were extremely glorious as in 1984 Roger Milla, Abega and co made the country proud by winning the African Cup of Nation. Repeatedly Cameroon won the trophy in 1988, 2000, and in 2002.  In the domain of infrastructure development, the Mvele Dam, Lome Mpanga dam, Lagdo, Bamenjim Dam embed in the greater accomplishment program justifies why his supporters have to celebrate. The Kribi deep Sea port project and the Cameroon-Chad pipeline project are also the cornerstones of the 30 years of Biya’s leadership qualities. The development of the mining sector and revamping of the agricultural sector with the reintroduction of the National Agropastoral show is also indicative. The ease and tact in Cameroon use it diplomatic prowess in winning Bakassi back to Cameroon and other villages along the border line almost guaranteed him a Noble Peace Prize. 

Fight against Corruption
When President Biya promised that Cameroon was going to change, many of those whom he called up to help stir the ship of the country thought it was a joking statement. He said corruption and embezzlement of public funds must become a thing of the past. He started by launching “operation antelope” that scraped off ghost government workers from enjoying taxpayers money. Over 15.000 ghost workers were trapped and the pay roll was cleansed. He further strengthened the actions by launching “operation sparrow hawk” which has sent to prison many government officials. Actually, corrupt officials are languishing in jail for siphoning public funds. Amongst the high profile personalities arrested for corrupt practices, one could cite, Former Prime Minister Chief Ephraim Inoni, Marafa Hamidou Yaya, Polycarp Abah Abah, Urbain Olengana Owona, Atangana Mebara,  Haman Adama, Mouchipou Seidou, Catherine Abena, Titus Edoa, all former ministers. Amongst directors and general managers of state corporations are Ondong Ndong Gerald, Forjidam, Edouard Ekoto, Nguini Effa, etc etc….

The political Maradona

President Biya according to bookmakers has been a political Maradona for 30 years. How he dribbles the opposition has been remarkable and fascinating too. In a bid to neutralize the opposition, Biya has not only been using force but the tactics of diversion to divide the opposition parties. He has always been apt to divert public opinion on government shortcomings. And the opposition has always fall prey to his political game plans. When he discovered that Cameroonians were sucked in the idea of the National Conference advocated by the opposition, he proposed the Tripartite. When the Tripartite finally took place in Yaounde on October 11, 1991, what followed was the collapsed of the group of the coordination of political parties and civil society. When some political parties decided to sign and others like the SDF rejected, there was division and the coordination ended in shambles. In the 1992 Presidential when the Northwest refused that he had won, he imposed a state of emergency. To divert public attention, he introduced the “grande debate”  and then used Kontchou Komengni as the parroted public speaker to change the minds of Cameroonians. In 1997, he introduced dialogue and the talks between the CPDM and the SDF that never yielded any fruits but calmed flaring tempers. When the SDF asked for an independent electoral commission, Paul Biya created NEO, an elections observatory in response. He used the same trick for Daikoli to join the government and it was the trick that brought on board NUDP of Bello Bouba Maigari to enter government. A similar trick divided the UPC into fractions thus weakening it. One of the headaches of Biya has been Hon. Adama Modi, who was like an opposition in the CPDM.

He demonstrated with dexterity his ability to solve transborder crisis during the Bakassi Crisis and he is doing the same in the fight against Boko Haram. In the Bakassi Crisis, he won it diplomatically but in his capacity as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, he declared war against the insurgents and our soldiers have proven their bravery many had congratulated him.

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

Nov. 6, 1982-Nov. 6, 2014: Here are the Challenges President Biya Surmounted in 32 Years

 From November 6, 1982-November 6, 2014 President Biya of Cameroon has stood the taste of time as distinguished statesman. For 32 years, the country has moved, stood stable and at the same time met stiff challenges. The attempted coup plot of 1984, economic crisis, the wing of change, (multiparty politics) civil strike (Ghost town) and now the Boko Haram insurgents in the North part of Cameroon are some of the difficult moments recorded in 32 years.  

The fight against economic gangsters (especially influential members of the CPDM) has also being a great moment of hard decision taking given that a former Prime Minister, former Secretary Generals at the Presidency, Ministers of state, Ministers and Director of state corporations are among the top VIPs arrested and detained.

The man who became Head of State on November 6, 9182 is today one of the longest serving Head of States in the World and the third in the African Continent.  Cameroonians who are 32 years old have never known any other President except Paul Biya. But how did he consolidate power to the point that his critics call him King. To Many of Biya’s critics, having clocked 32 years in power, President Biya is a king but he has ruled nothing when judged from the tempting moments during these years. The lesson from the 32 years of Biyatism has demonstrated one thing vividly, that it does not matter how many times a leader stumbles on obstacles, what matters is that he/she gets up and keep it going smoothly. In other words, the tempting moments of President Biya within 32 years, taught Cameroonians that great people are not those who have never fallen but those who get up after each fall. And, also that trials and tribulations are moments of great reflection because after each tempting moment in President Biya’s 32 years reign comes a brighter idea for improvement. (The New Deal, Greater Ambitions, Great Achievements, Vision 2035) The result is the astronomical improvement in infrastructure, economic, social and political life of Cameroon. Much has been achieved in 32 years, but not without sacrifices by the population and steadfastness by President Paul Biya. Yet much has not been done when compared to the rich resources which call for a more intensified fight against corruption and inertia.

Here below are those difficult moments?

CNU To CPDM

President Biya took over when Cameroon had the unique part system. And the ruling party was the CNU, with President Ahmadou Ahidjo as the party leader and Head of State. Logic would have had it that when President Biya became Head of State he was supposed to take the helm of the party. It was not so because late Ahmadou Ahidjo remained head of the CNU. President Biya was the vice president and on December 11, 1982 the central committee and political bureau of the CNU placed him in charge of party affairs in Ahidjo’s absence. Despite Biya’s loyalty to Ahidjo, a rift occurred in 1983 and Ahidjo went into exile. He accused President Biya of plots against him and even resigned as Head of the CNU. President Paul Biya became CNU President during an extraordinary session held on September 14, 1983. He held that portfolio for two years but another sad incidence forced him to transform the CNU into the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement, CPDM, in Bamenda in 1985.

Attempted Coup Plot

The rift between President Biya and his predecessor Ahidjo, widened as the latter fled into exile. He constantly accused President Biya of undermining his authority and legacy left behind. When President Biya took the helm of the CNU, he announced Presidential elections for January 14, 1984. He precipitated the elections for they were earlier scheduled for 1985. As the only candidate to this election, President Biya scored a walloping 99.98%. President Ahidjo who had fled into exile was put to trial in absentia for his involvement in a coup plot perpetrated in 1983 by him and two others. The court slammed them death sentences, but President Biya used his presidential clemency and commuted the sentences to life imprisonment. Biya was now in a fix. He decided to disband the Republican guards who were loyal to Ahidjo. He did this on April 5, 1984 and on April 6, 1984 another coup attempt on President Biya was foiled. The northerners were blamed for the coup and the hand of Ahidjo was suspected to have instigated the coup.

Wind Of Change

The wind of change that started in Europe and blew through Africa did not leave Cameroon indifferent. People manifested for multiparty politics. The nation was on a red alert. President Biya granted the wishes of Cameroonians with the liberty laws of 1990. Many political parties cropped up like mushrooms and were duly registered. Presidential elections were organized in 1992 and President Biya met his first ever real challenge. He won the elections with a score of 40 %. Ni John Fru Ndi of the opposition, Social Democratic Front, SDF followed closely with 36%. The opposition candidate contested the results claiming victory. This set the entire nation into a polarized state leading to strikes and marches for the stolen victory. And President Biya had to form a coalition in order to escape an imminent dominance of the opposition in parliament as they won a majority of seats.

Ghost Towns

If anything has ever shaken the very foundation of Cameroon and put President Paul Biya in difficulties it is the ghost towns in the 90s. During the ghost towns declared by the opposition that transformed itself into coalitions, the economy slummed as economic activities were halted. The government machinery could not grind smoothly. Investors were no longer coming and the tax evasion became the order of the day. The nation was paralyzed and the government confused. President Biya had to employ his wits to call for dialogue with the opposition that were the main brains behind the ghost towns. But the opposition was clamouring for sovereign national conference while the government wanted something else. However, the tripartite talks organized by the government diffuse the tension and economic activities resumed. But the opposition SDF boycotted the 1997 elections. In this election, President Paul Biya secured a 92.6% win over the other opposition candidates.

Economic Crises And Devaluation

The economic crises had rocked Africa since 1974. Cameroon did not feel the pinch until 1985 when the economic crises hit Cameroon like a bomb shell. President Paul Biya tasked Cameroonians to embark on agriculture as a means of solving the crises. Cameroonians who were already use to white-collar jobs found agriculture a bitter pill to swallow. Many did not even attempt to swallow the pill. But while President Biya was still looking for ways to take Cameroon out of the economic crises, a natural disaster hit Lake Nyos on August 21, 1986. People and their cattle were killed by the poisonous gas that came from the lake. International humanitarian efforts were mobilized and Cameroon benefited enormously from gifts donated by international organizations. But this cap in hand attitude was not going to help all Cameroonians or last for long.

Another devastating blow was dealt Cameroonians by the devaluation of the CFA currency. Civil servants had to see their salaries slashed. Ends were no longer meeting and tension was gradually boiling in the nation.

Corruption and Inertia Sets In

While President Biya was struggling to manage these very difficult moments, his closest collaborators were busy swindling state funds. They took more than their mouths could chew. But not only were the President’s collaborators involved in corruption, they were involved in inertia. The state machinery was bogus and ineffective. People were spending four hours at work and not even four hours of work. Despite President Biya’s policy of rigour and moralization, nothing was moving, as these slogans felt on deaf ears. And the consequent result was that Transparency International ranked Cameroon as the most corrupt country on three runs consecutively. President Biya set to work to reverse the situation. And he had to make hard choices as most of the embezzlers were his closest collaborators. He made the hard choices and threw most of them into prison. This reversed the trend and Cameroon had to honourably lost the trophy of corruption.

The Bakassi palaver

The Bakassi peninsula is today part of Cameron. It has for time in memorial been a headache to Cameroon leaders. Cameroon has lost valiant soldiers at Bakassi and even administrators. President Biya had to employ diplomacy at international level for Bakassi to revert to Cameroon as Nigeria had claimed ownership over that oil rich peninsula of the SW region of Cameroon. Although Cameroon had legitimacy over Bakassi, the area still remained a headache to President Paul Biya as soldiers were killed there regularly. Pirates had made Bakassi their safe haven and had taken hostages there, requiring the joint efforts of Cameroon and France before their release. And it was still from this area that pirates had been operating and raided banks in Limbe and Douala. Thus the Bakassi palaver up to its peaceful settlement had been one of the tempting moments of President Biya within the past 30 years.

Revision of Constitution

The Cameroon constitution was revised in 1996. Before the revision of the constitution, there were heated debates on the necessity of its revision. President Biya created the enabling environment and the constitution was revised given new dispensation in the functioning of the state machinery. There was going to be a constitutional council. There was to be the creation of Regions to replace provinces with decentralization, the creation of the senate and regional councils. But this very constitution placed a two term bar on presidential elections. This therefore meant that President Biya’s mandate acquired in 2004 was the last, because his first seven term mandate was acquired in 1997.

But President Paul Biya said the constitution limited the choice of Cameroonians. He asked for its revision. This met with stiff resistance from the opposition who saw it as a ploy to allow President Paul Biya another opportunity to contest the 2011 presidential elections. Marches were organized by some civil society organizations to denounce the revision of the constitution. The long and short of it is that the bill passed through parliament and the majority CPDM MPs voted for it while the opposition boycotted. Although the bill passed, it was one of those incidences that gave President Paul Biya night mares.

Stolen Wallet, G11 Syndrome and Misinformation

Lieutenant Luc Emane, one of President Biya’s closest collaborators stole his suitcase while they were on mission abroad. This act was so treacherous that President Biya ordered for his immediate arrest and repatriation home to face the music of justice. This came just at a time when the G11 syndrome (G11 are those who want to replace President Biya in 2011) had gained some prominence. Some of President Biya’s collaborators who had embezzled state funds were allegedly said to be using the funds to sponsor a smear campaign on the personality of the president. And that these detractors were trying to undermine the peace reigning in Cameroon through their nefarious plans of seizing by power what they can never achieve through the ballot box. For this reason, many fabricated reports were being circulated by agents of these detractors that President Biya and family have ill-gotten wealth starched in bank accounts abroad.

The February Strikes

In February 2008 there was an uprising that paralyzed four of the ten regions of Cameroon. People went on the streets because of rising food prices. The strike that was purported started by tanker and taxi drivers escalated, resulting to losses in human lives and property. The gravity of the strike could be measured in the down turn in economic activities. Looting became the order of the day. It was actually a challenging moment for President Biya. But as a serene leader, who knows how to absorb the shocks, he called the shots and the strike action ended. What is important today is that a soft cushion has been provided by government to absorb all the negative shocks of the rising food prices. The prices of basic commodities were reduced with an increase in the salaries of civil servants. Also subsidies and custom duties waved on so many imported basic commodities.

Boko Haram Insurgents

The fight against Boko Haram insurgents in the Northern Region of Cameroon has been another challenging task. The military has shown its bravery in the fight as President stood his ground that the insurgents must be crushed. The method of abducting Cameroonians and foreign nationals have been tempting yet Biya has always emerged victorious. 



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

South Africa Appoints Church Collapse Envoy To Expedite Repatriation of Deceased Remains

 "I will hold meetings with the Nigerian federal government authorities as well as the Lagos state authorities with a view to expedite the repatriation process," Radebe told journalists on Thursday.

 South Africa’s President, Jacob Zuma, has appointed a minister to serve as special envoy to Nigeria in the hopes of speeding up the process of returning the remains of 85 South Africans who died in Nigeria when a guest house at T.B Joshua’s Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) collapsed on September 12.
 
President Goodluck Jonathan visited Synagogue State House Photo
According to News 24, Jeff Radebe, a minister in the Presidency will be dispatched to South Africa to work with Nigerian authorities in bringing the deceased remains to South Africa so that families can bury their loved ones.
"I will hold meetings with the Nigerian federal government authorities as well as the Lagos state authorities with a view to expedite the repatriation process," Radebe told journalists on Thursday.
"We would like to reassure the families and South Africans at large that government has not taken the foot off the pedal," Radebe added.
Jeff Radebe has previously served as a spokesman for the South African government on the SCOAN issue and had urged the Nigerian government to investigate the cause of the SCOAN tragedy in September.
A total of 116 people, mainly South African pilgrims, died when a guesthouse on the SCOAN premises collapsed on September 12.
Although, T. B. Joshua and some of his supporters have claimed that a plane circling over SCOAN premises may have been responsible for the tragedy, Nigerian authorities have confirmed the foundation of the five-story guest house was sanctioned to carry only two floors.

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