Friday, October 31, 2014

Yaounde Archdiocese: Vatican Names Mgr Jean Mbarga to Succeed Tonye Bakot

Yaounde, Cameroon—Pope Francis has named the Bishop of Ebolowa Jean  Mbarga as Archbishop of Yaoundé in Cameroon.
Mgr Jean Mbarga

The 58 years old was appointed on Friday 31st October 2014 to replace Mgr Victor Tonye Bakot who resigned as Archbishop of the Yaounde Archdiocese in July 2013.
 The Archbishop-elect has also been serving as Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Yaoundé since July last year following the resignation of his predecessor.
Archbishop-elect Jean Mbarga was born on the 18th May 1956 in the town of Ebolmedzo. He was ordained a priest for Yaoundé on 5th   Dec 1981. On 15th October 2004, St. Pope John Paul II appointed him bishop of the then Diocese of Ebolowa-Kribi. Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Administrator of Yaoundé on the 29th July 2013.
He is the 5th Archbishop of the Yaounde Archdiocese.
By Ndi Eugene Ndi

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Journalists are not informants - Reporters Without Borders

Yaounde, Cameroon--Journalists Felix Cyriaque Ebole Bola of the daily Mutations and Rodrigue Tongue of Le Messager, were charged following a 28 October military court hearing in Yaoundé with “non-denunciation” of facts potentially endangering state security. Baba Wamé, a former journalist and professor was accused of the same charges.
Felix Cyriaque Ebole Bola

“This charge prompts great concern for freedom of information in Cameroon,” said Cléa Kahn-Sriber, head of the Africa desk of Reporters Without Borders. “Journalists should not become assets for state security agents. On the contrary, they must maintain their independence from government if they want to continue working as journalists. To demand that they become informants for government agencies is to destroy the essential quality of journalism. We ask the military court to drop these charges against the two journalists.”
Colleagues of the two journalists appeared in court to support them. They were ejected from the courtroom but gathered in front of the court to show their anger at the proceedings.
The two indicted journalists remain free under judiciary supervision. They must report to the court once a week, may not leave Yaoundé, and are barred from commenting about the case.
The matter began when Ebole Bola and Tongue learned of an Central African rebel chief stationed on the border of Cameroon claiming to be in possession of national security information. The editorial staff of Mutations told Reporters Without Borders that Ebole Bola wrote to the national security delegate informing him of this news and requesting confirmation. In response, the police asked the journalist to share information and to provide any updates he might gather in the future.
Rodrigue Ntongue
Communications ceased at that point. Then, Mutations was ordered to court for not having responded to the police request. But the journalist had never received an official subpoena. Can he be charged with not sharing information, when he was never asked to do so?
Xavier Messe, editor of Mutations, told RWB that the case poses grave worries for the status of journalists and their ability to protect sources. He said: “Cameroon faces a grave security situation. Attacks take place every day on the border with the Central African Republic. People are kidnapped. There are also security problems in the north caused by Boko Haram. The government holds that in these circumstances, journalists must cooperate...We are committed to being responsible. We receive information every day, but we don’t publish it all because some items could disrupt public peace and order. We follow that policy because we are committed to journalistic responsibility, above all in wartime. But journalists cannot be asked to become intelligence agents. If I had wanted to be a police officer, I would have chosen that profession. To each his own. Our credibility and our journalistic conscience are at stake.”
Cameroon is ranked 131st of 180 countries in the 2014 Reporters Without Borders world press freedom index.

NUDP Youth President, Ndansi begins ‘invest back home’ international tour

Yaounde, Cameroon—After several meetings with Cameroonian youths in at home, the National youth president of the National Union for Democracy and Progress, NUDP, Ndansi Elvis Nukam has embarked on a two weeks international tour aimed at encouraging Cameroonian youths in the diaspora on the need to invest back home.
Ndansi, ever moving forward

Ndansi who left the country at the weekend is on a two weeks of the first lap of an international tour that will take him to Istanbul in Turkey, Washington DC in the United States of America and Toronto in Canada.
Speaking to this reporter before taking off at the Yaounde-Nsimalen international airport on Saturday October 25, 2014, the NUDP youth leader said his tour is aimed at motivating Cameroonian youths in the diaspora to get into the emergence of the country before 2035.
“Cameroonian youths both at home and in the diaspora can participate in Cameroon’s emergence before 2035”, he said.
According to Ndansi, it is high time Cameroonian youths in the diaspora come back and invest in the country, participate in nation building.
“They have to forget about the past and look at the future which is in the hands of the youths. The past is gone and the future is ahead of us, so as youths we have to face the challenges”, Ndansi maintained.
The second lap of his tour Ndansi said will focus on European countries and later West Africa.
Besides being the national youth president of the National Union for Democracy and Progress, Ndansi Elvis Nukam is also the public relations officer of a young Cameroonians’ platform dubbed “Pace Setters 2018”; a platform of Cameroonian youths both at home and in the diaspora which seeks to encourage youths to get involve in nation building.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

CamCCUL Rated Most Efficient Micro-Finance Network in the CEMAC Sub Region

Bafoussam, Cameroon—Delegates from all the chapters of the Cameroon Cooperative Union League, (CamCCUL), from the ten regions of Cameron on Saturday 18th October 2014, assembled in Bafoussam to commemorate the 2014 International Credit Union Day.
BAPCCUL Delegates awaiting march pass

The commemoration which brought together top CamCCUL executives and representatives of the supervisory ministries of Finance, Agriculture and Rural Development, Economy, Planning and Regional Development and Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries was celebrated under the theme “local service, global goal”.
Speakers at the event like the government delegate to the Bafoussam city council, Emmanuel Nzete, CamCCUL president, Musa Shey Nfor, and the governor of the West Region, Awa Fonka Augustine, the presesentatives of MINFI and MINEPAT through speeches and press interviews praised the league for its efforts in boosting socio-economic development through the financing of income-generating activities.
In his word of welcome to CamCCUL’s national and internal partners and the league’s delegates who trouped  in from all the nooks and crannies of Cameroon, the government delegate to the Bafoussam city council, Mr Emmanuel Nzete said the choice of the city by CamCCCUL to host the 2014 International Credit Union Day is testimony of the importance the West and Bafoussam in particular attaches to the development of micro finance institutions which are members of the league.

CamCCUL President Prays for Unity
Musa Shey Nfor callin for reconciliation

The celebration of the 2014 International Credit Union Day in Bafoussam on Saturday 18 October 2014 came exactly three days after the celebration of the international day of the rural woman, and two days after the celebration of the international food day.
“In both cases, the action is around the credit union because the rural woman is the main producer of world food using micro credit granted by a credit union” Musa said adding that a food secured population is often healthy and peaceful.
This year’s theme “local service, global goal”, according to the CamCCUL president emphasizes the positive impact of credit unions in their communities and around the world.
Mr. Musa noted that international day celebrations be they at local, national or international levels are also good moments for reconciliation.
“On this occasion, the CamCCUL family once more recognizes that there has been a situation of some of its beloved living in a state of separation not divorced. We pray for reconciliation based on genuine dialogue”.
Appeal to Gov’t
The president of CamCCUL used the Bafoussam event to appreciate government for initiating rural development projects such as PADMIR, PACA, PAPA for which the league is one of the key beneficiaries and partner, amongst others.
Mr. Musa insisted that CamCCUL is apolitical and appealed to government to put in place a special tax scheme for credit unions and provide security to the financial cooperatives whose location in mostly rural areas makes them easy preys to armed groups.

Enter the Governor

The governor of the West region, Awa Fonka Augustine who presided at the ceremony told attendees that the government was well aware of the problems the micro finance sector faces in Cameroon. He assured the president of CamCCUL and his members that the government is not blind to their challenges.
Governor Awa Fonka praising CamCCUL
“I have taken note of the challenges outlined by the President of CamCCUL, I want to assure you Mr. President, that the government will pay particular attention to those preoccupations”, the senior government official said justifying that the presence of representatives of MINFI, MINADER, MINEPAT and MINEPIA at the Bafoussam event attests to government’s special support to CamCCUL as it champions the crusade against poverty in Cameroon.
He praised the CamCCUL network which he branded the most efficient in Cameroon.
“In effect, it is necessary to state that the CamCCUL network which is organizing this international day here is amongst the most efficient in our country on one hand and on the other hand, the biggest and widely spread in the CEMAC sub region”, the Governor said.
The International Credit Union Day celebration was started in 1948 by the United States Credit Union National Association (CUNA).
Credit unions saw the light of day in Cameroon in 1963 when Rev. Father Anthony Jansen founded the first credit union in Njinikom, Boyo division of the Northwest region.
March past by different chapters
The last time Bafoussam hosted the celebration of the International Credit Union Day was on the 17th October 2009 under the aegis of the then Vice Prime Minister in charge of Agriculture and Rural Development, Jean Kuete.
The 2014 International Credit Union Day celebrations in Bafoussam wrapped up with a gala night featuring renowned Cameroonian artists like Ange Ebogo Emérand, Sam Fan Thomas and Ateh Bazor amongst others.
Some meritorious workers of the league were also awarded certificates of recognition at the gala that took place at Talotel Hotel shortly after the march past and visit of exhibition stands.
By Ndi Eugene Ndi, just back from Bafoussam

South African Amputee Athlet, Oscar Pistorius Jailed Over Reeva Killing

PRETORIA, South Africa—The athlete will spend between 10 and 20 months of his five-year sentence behind bars, according to lawyers involved in the case.
Oscar Pistorius

Oscar Pistorius has been jailed for five years for killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentine's Day last year.
His defence team said he would spend a sixth of the term in prison - 10 months - before being placed under house arrest for the remainder of his sentence.
But Nathi Mncube, a spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, said he was likely to serve one third of the sentence behind bars, before adding "it's not for the NPA to decide".
The 27-year-old, who was found guilty of culpable homicide last month, appeared to wipe his eyes as the sentence was handed down.
Judge Thokozile Masipa had ruled the Olympic and Paralympic athlete did not intend to kill his girlfriend when he fired through the bathroom door at his home in Pretoria.
"Having regard to the circumstances in the matter, I am of the view that a non-custodial sentence would send the wrong message to the community," she said.
"On the other hand, a long sentence would also not be appropriate either, as it would lack the element of mercy.
"What may appear to be justice to the general public may not be justice. Society cannot always get what they want."
She said Pistorius' skill using a gun was an aggravating factor but that she also recognised his remorse.
She said he "fired not one shot but four shots into the door" of a small cubicle "with no room for escape".
He was also handed a suspended three-year prison sentence for the discharging of a firearm, over an incident in which a gun accidentally went off in a restaurant.
 Reeva Steenkamp, 29, was born in Cape Town and grew up in Port Elizabeth. She went to a convent school and studied law. She was a keen horse rider until she broke her back
Pistorius is expected to spend his jail time in the hospital wing of Pretoria's prison.
Ms Steenkamp's father, Barry Steenkamp, said he was "satisfied" with the sentence.
Her mother, June Steenkamp, said the sentence brought a sort of closure, but that full closure was not possible "unless you can magic her back".
Sentencing options available to the judge in the culpable homicide case included jail, a suspended sentence, a correctional supervision or fine.

It brings to a close a seven-month trial, which attracted worldwide attention.
One of the most sensational trials in the country's history, the sentence is expected to fuel further controversy about race and money in its justice system.
Video: Judge Criticises Probation Officer
Pistorius' legal team argued during the marathon trial that he mistook Ms Steenkamp for an intruder and believed they were both in danger.
His lawyer Barry Roux said the athlete had "lost everything" after the 29-year-old model's death, and argued he should not go to prison.
He also said the Pistorius, whose lower legs were amputated as a baby, would face particular difficulties in jail.
 Pistorius was born in Johannesburg on November 22, 1986. A congenital condition meant he had no bones in his lower legs.
But state prosecutor Gerrie Nel had argued that only 10 years' imprisonment would satisfy the South African public.
He said that any lesser sentence could result in a widespread loss of faith in the justice system.
Known as 'Blade Runner' because of his carbon-fibre prosthetics, Pistorius achieved global recognition at the London 2012 Olympics when he reached the semi-finals of the 400m against able-bodied athletes.
SOURCE : Sky News

Monday, October 20, 2014

Senator Bochong Francis Nkwain is Dead!

Yaounde, Cameroon—Senator Bochong Francis Nkwain, from Boyo in the Northwest Region has passed on.
Senator Bochong Francis Nkwain

A member of government for ten years,  he served successively in three government positions from 1987-97 as Minister Delegate in Charge of Relations with the Assemblies, Minister of Mines, Water and Energy, and Minister Delegate to the Minister of External Relations in charge of the Commonwealth. He was one of the 30 appointed as senators by President Paul Biya in 2013.
The 83 years old politician gave up the ghost at the Yaounde Central Hospital on Sunday 19 October 2014.
Family sources say the senator was admitted into the hospital on Wednesday 15 October 2014.
Senator Francis Nkwain began his career as a teacher with the Catholic mission, then becoming a diplomat in the Cameroon civil service. After serving for a while, Nkwain told this reporter that his career took a leap when the choice of former president, Ahmadou Ahidjo fell on him as arithmetical replacement of former west Cameroon prime minister, Hon. Augustine Ngum Njua as member of the national assembly from their common constituency, from their common constituency, then part of Wum Division and later Menchum with another Member of Parliament from that constituency and his choice fell on Nkwain.
Narrating his political career when he was just appointed as senator, Nkwain told this reporter that five years after Ahidjo forced him into politics; the terrain became too rough for him.
“And I decided to go back to my diplomacy and leave the political ground to those who felt it was their field”, he said.
Nkwain was rejected by home politicians who nick-named him ‘Atangana’; that he came from Yaounde.
He returned to his diplomacy and served as a Counselor at the Cameroon Embassy in Moscow, and Washington before his government career began.
At the death of Minister Awonti Joseph Chongwain, Nkwain was recalled home and appointed. He was then appointed Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of the Assemblies on December 4, 1987 in replacement of late Awonti. He stayed in government until December 7, 1997.
He late served most recently as board chair of the University of Dschang, until last February.
Back in politics, following his appointment into the government and a vocal supporter of the ruling CPDM at its lowest moments in the 1990’s, Nkwain faced rejection in his constituency where the main opposition SDF was very popular.
He was nick-named “Atangana” because of his support for the ruling party considered to be the political platform of the Beti ethnicity who occupied most strategic government and party positions.
In the political wilderness for 16years, Nkwain however played active roles as CPAM Central Committee until 7 December 1997 when he retired from active politics.
Nkwain has never hidden himself as an apostle of President Paul Biya.
His death brings to two, the number of senators who have died since the upper house of parliament was set up. Senator Fon Fontem Njifua of Libialem passed on earlier this year.
The president of the Senate, Marcel Niat Njifenji paid a condolence visit to Nkwain’s family on Sunday evening.
By Ndi Eugene Ndi in Yaounde.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Lionesses Welcome New Team Press Officer With Victory

Yaounde, Cameroon—The Indomitable Lionesses set off to a resounding start at the 2014 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Championship in Namibia.

The team led by Enoh Ngatchou edged South Africa one goal to nil in its first game in the tourney on Sunday October 12. Their male counterparts drew 0-0 with Sierra Leone in Yaounde a day before on their day-3 qualifiers for the 2015 AFCON.
Leocadia Bongben-Team Press Officer of the Lionesses


The victory recorded by the Indomitable Lionesses is the first since Leocadia Bongeben became the team’s press officer.

Cameroon has competed in nine of the ten finals of the Africa Women's Championship, reaching the knockout stages on eight occasions.

The Indomitable Lionesses have been runners-up twice, finished third twice and were fourth on four occasions.

Besides that, they won the gold medal at the 2011 All Africa Games and secured a berth for the 2012 Olympic Games.

By Ndi Eugene Ndi in Yaounde

Monday, October 13, 2014

Three graves for Biya's mother-in-law

Yaounde, Cameroon—As the remains of the head of state's mother-in-law is expected in Cameroon today, controversy rages over where she will be interred.


The family, we learnt is split over whether she should be laid to rest; in Bangou (her husband's place of origin), Nanga Eboko (where she was born) or Mvomeka (the place of origin of her daughter's husband, the head of state).

According to a French language newspaper, La Meteo, except last minute changes, all is set for the head of state’s mother-in-law to be buried in Mvomeka this weekend.

Madam Mboutchouang nee Ndongo Mengolo Rosette Marie, mother of Chantal Biya, the First Lady of Cameroon died on October 2, 2014 in South Africa after a period of ill-health.

By Ndi Eugene Ndi in Yaounde

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Breaking News: Mayor Mangoh Jones drops dead!

Nkambe, Cameroon—The  former mayor of the Nkambe council in Donga Mantung Division has died. Mangoh Jones Tankoh died on Sunday October 12, 2014 at about 5PM (GMT+1) following a malaise.
According to reports, the senior citizen collapsed at his village (Mbor-abi) meeting in Nkambe. He gave up the ghost while being rushed to the Nkambe district hospital.
Mangoh at the burial of his former 2nd deputy Nfor Balery in August
Mangoh’s demise comes exactly one year and twelve days after he was voted out of the Nkambe council where he served as Mayor for seventeen years on the Social Democratic Front (SDF) ticket.
A family source has described the former mayor’s passing away as ‘shocking’ because ‘he was not even sick.’
The senior citizen reports say was at a Rotary Club donation in Nkambe on Saturday October 11, and attended church service on Sunday before the malaise that led to his demise.
Mangoh at the Nkambe grandstand
Mangoh’s death brings to four the number of mayors who have died in the Donga Mantung Division since the September 30, 2013 twin elections.
Nfor Francis Balery who was second deputy during Mangoh’s regime died last August 2014 at the Banso Baptist Hospital.
Emimi Emmanuel, former CPDM Mayor of Ako council died on March 21, 2014 after he lost the council to the SDF.
Nfor David Karngong, former SDF mayor of Ndu died on December 1, 2013 after his in-law, Emmanuel Bunyui ousted him from the mayoral position when the SDF retained the council.
By Ndi Eugene Ndi in Yaounde, with contributions from Tamfu Jude in Nkambe.

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Paul Biya Mourns Mother-in-Law

Yaounde, Cameroon—The mother of Chantal Biya, First Lady of Cameroon is dead. The Civil cabinet announced in a release that  Madam MBOUTCHOUANG nee NDONGO MENGOLO Rosette Marie, died on October 2, 2014 after a period of ill-health.
Madam Mboutchouang (in CPDM regalia) and daughter Chantal Biya


The 60years old woman was militant of President Paul Biya’s ruling CPDM party and mayor of Bangou in the West Region of Cameroon.

The first lady, Chantal Biya on Thursday through her facebook page regretted that nothing can replace her mum. 

"May your soul rest in peace Mum. Nothing can ever replace you.", said the bereaved first lady.
Like his wife, President Paul Biya on Friday said he  regrets to  make the announcement.
 “With deep regrets, I announce the death of Madam MBOUTCHOUANG nee NDONGO MENGOLO Rosette Marie, mother of my wife Madam Chantal BIYA, the First Lady of Cameroon”, Mr. Biya wrote on his facebook page.

The post about the mother’s dead came several months after the first lady has been silent on the social media. Her last post before her mother’s dead was in April 2014.

Beside the message, the first lady also posted a photo of her Mum, taken last January during the news wishes presentation at the unity palace.

By Ndi Eugene Ndi in Yaounde