Andek Council's Displaced Mayor Helps Ngie IDPs in Bamenda

Andek Council's Displaced Mayor Helps Ngie IDPs in Bamenda

"Let all the soldiers be withdrawn and sent to their baracks, only then shall we go back to Ngie" This was the strong message passed across by Internally Displaced Persons of Ngie Sub Division of Momo Division resident in the North West regional capital of Bamenda. They made the request on Friday November 8th 2019 at the Presbyterian Youth Centre Azire where the mayor of the Andek Council,  Madam Atienjo Bridget epse Ija rallied them for a food and basic needs donation exercise. 

Andek Council Mayor Atienjoh Bridget epse Ija

When the ongoing Anglophone crisis escalated in Ngie, the population flew for safety. While others escaped deeper into the interior villages from Andek, the Sub Divisional chief town where fierce gun battles used to take place,  hundreds of others had to trek to Mbengwi, the Momo divisional headquarters covering a distance of over 50km from where they then used their last available financial means to go seek refuge in Bamenda with relatives. Those who hadn't relatives and friends became stranded. 

The Ngie Council and almost all other government offices in the area shut down and have remained as such till date. The mayor,  councillors and most well to do locals vamoosed to Bamenda and other towns. Since then,  many have never set foot back in the village. The economy of the area has remained grounded. 

Hundreds of Ngie IDPs in Bamenda being Addressed by their Mayor 

Today unavoidably living out of their comfort zones,  the Ngie IDPs in Bamenda are suffering. Madam Cedina says the challenge they are facing in Bamenda is lack of capital to start a business and having where to stay because of no money to pay rents.  She explained that at times they may have a relative to go stay with but after about a month, they'll start receiving complains either about them or their children that they are disturbing and as such they keep moving from one place to another. 

The story of Forkum Martin is a reflection of what most of his type do to make ends meet in town. He says on daily basis,  he does odd jobs like splitting of wood and clearing of farmland and considering that eight of them IDPs live together, when there's little food available,  it is first served to the young ones and those with ill health. 

Donated Items

Christopher Ndifon in his 70s says currently, for those still back home (in Ngie),  there is no means to transport food to the market to sell for some income generation as the roads have become impassable. There's much food in the bushes but what can be harvested and carried home is only that which can be consumed. 

With these poor living standards,  Mayor Atienjoh Bridget couldn't stay indifferent to the plight of her suffering population. In her words "I know all of us are IDPs and I know the difficulties that we are encountering but people are not the same. Knowing that I'm better than them,  I decided that as my people are here in Bamenda suffering,  I should stretch out my hand to provide certain commodities to them so they could help themselves" 

IDPs Receiving their Booty

Bamenda itself isn't that completely safe and because home remains sweet home, the IDPs have been expressing the desire to return home. To Mr. Forkum Martin,  "If the Divisional Officer of Ngie can order for a withdrawal of all the soldiers in Ngie and send them back to town or the barracks where they came from,  the population will return." I asked if the restoration forces in the area won't pose a threat upon demilitarizatiom of the area and he responded that only the the gendarmes that have been there for a long time even before the crisis started should remain meanwhile as for the "Amba Boys" (restoration forces) the villagers are in a better position to request them to drop their arms and allow normalcy to regain itself. This view was corroborated by Madam Cedina who added that "We are afraid of the military presence back in Ngie because in the past,  they shot and killed persons that were not even non Anna Boys."

Lastly,  Forkum Martin proposed that the bad roads should be renovated because in the past, they used to pay 2.500Frs to get to Ngie but today,  the fare has skyrocketed to 10.000Frs and at times more than. 

The Mayor Poses for a Pic with Beneficiaries 

Present at the donation ceremony was the national president general of the Ngie Cultural and Development Association (NCADA) who came to join hands with the mayor to reassure the displaced and affected population that all hope is not lost. The over a hundred and fifty IDPs were offered kilograms of rice,  cubes of soap and magi. The mayor was thanked for her largesse and even recommended to stand for reelection by one of the beneficiaries come  February 2019 when municipal and legislative elections recently called for by the Head of State Paul Biya shall take place.

Sakwe Jarvis Installed as 'Divisional Officer' for Mbengwi

Sakwe Jarvis Installed as 'Divisional Officer' for Mbengwi

Mbengwi Central Sub  Division, headquarters of Momo Division in the N.W region of Cameroon is now under the stewardship of Sakwe Jarvis Esapa. On Tuesday November 5th 2019, Sakwe was installed as new Divisional Officer (D.O) for Mbengwi Sub Division by Fouda Etaba Bernoit Nicaise, he himself also being new Senior Divisional Officer (S.D.O) for Momo Division.

The President of the Republic of Cameroon, Paul Biya on the 7th of October 2019 signed a decree appointing new Senior Divisional Officers and Divisional Officers in the ten regions of the country. Absalom Monono Woloa, the then Momo's S.D.O was transferred to the Mbam and Inoubou Division of the Centre region in same capacity. Fouda Etaba Bernoit Nicaise, previously D.O for Mbengwi was appointed as S.D.O for Momo to replace Absalom. Then Sakwe Jarvis Esapa, previously Chief of Cabinet at the North West governor office was appointed to be new D.O for Mbengwi. 

Sakwe Jarvis Essa, Newly Installed D.O,  Mbengwi

On Tuesday the 15th of October 2019, Fouda was officially installed to take over command of Momo Division by North West governor Adolph Lele Lafrique. Then on Tuesday November 5th, the newly installed Momo S.D.O in turn also officially installed Sakwe Jarvis Esapa to take over command of Mbengwi Central Sub Division as D.O

It was on the Mbengwi ceremonial grandstand that the event took place. Welcoming the new officials into her municipality, the mayor of the Mbengwi Council, Madam Tebe Beatrice told them that between 2013 and 2015, Mbengwi could be described as a rapidly growing town, in 2016 it was stable and from 2017 till date, it can be described as a relocation period as a result of the ongoing Anglophone crisis. She presented Mbengwi to them in various domains; geography, religion,  commerce,  social life, healthcare etc. In education, she told the attentive officials that Mbengwi harbours some of the best basic, secondary, post secondary and professional institutions which are either owned by the government,  the mission and private individuals but unfortunately many of these pupils and students have relocated to acquire knowledge elsewhere. "It is therefore our collective challenge to ensure that peace reigns and our children go back to school" she cautioned.

Tebe Beatrice, Mayor, Mbengwi Council

After a reading of the appointment letter by Mr Belinga Benjamin,  the 2nd Assistant S.D.O for Momo, the installation rituals were then caried out after which Fouda Etaba, in a press interview laid down the functions of the newly installed Divisional Officer for Mbengwi being to revamp vigilante groups, work hand in hand with traditional rulers and ensure that peace returns to Mbengwi as before. Other in camera special recommendations he disclosed will be handed down to him during a working session.

The newly installed "Chef Terre" on his part began his press interview the usual way almost all state officials always do, by first thanking the President of the Republic, Paul Biya for the confidence bestowed on him by appointing him in Mbengwi in a time and season like this. "I know my presence here is going to bring a lot of change as I have the objective of bringing normalcy to the population and give them the confidence that we can work again as one person for a one and indivisible Cameroon." These were the early utterances of Mr. Sakwe Jarvis after taking over command as D.O for Mbengwi. 

Momo's New S.D.O (in front)  Fouda Nicaise Honouring the Nation 

Statistically,  past similar events of installations on the grandstand or visit of some state officials into the divisional headquarters have often been done amidst a ghost town and distance gunshots by restoration forces,  seemingly to pass across the strong message that they disapprove of the event. But surprisingly, on the day of this particular installation,  no ghost town was declared, no single gunshot was heard anywhere. At the Mbon motor park and Mbon market,  it was business as usual. Commercial motorbikes and transportation cars went about their daily activities together with the rest of the municipal inhabitants unperturbed. 

Despite this pseudo normalcy,  on the event ground,  attendees were mostly administrative authorities,  security forces and few delegates. In the past when things were normal,  the population would've answered present in great numbers with traditional dance groups to welcome the new D.O

On the streets of Mbengwi, the common man was less concerned about the installation ceremony probably to avoid victimisation considering that in the past,  armed fighters used to abduct those who go contrary to their demands for a boycott of government events,  take the culprits to their camps for molestation and only release them upon payment of huge ransoms. 

Despite this,  Mr. Nyudze David,  an inhabitant though not present on the grandstand could still share his opinion about the  two newly installed officials. Hear him; "Uh, firstly they are welcome and it's good that they've already been installed. I think two administrators can't be the same thus they obviously should have their own methods they shall be imploring to govern the population  but the greatest wish is that the calm and peace reigning in Mbengwi now should be maintained." 

He went ahead to propose that the administrators should listen to the population they shall be governing so that things gradually evolve for the benefit of all rather than pressing the thumbs of administration on the people that will in turn look at it as a new style which they're not used to,  thinking it's revolutionary.

Quizzed on key areas of concern that should be looked into from the onset,  Mr. David called on the new S.D.O and D.O to prioritise the horrible nature of roads in Mbengwi and Momo in their plan of action alongside garbage disposal and water. Also,  that they should create an enabling society where businesses can flourish. "These are basic commodities which if everybody had,  we think that things are going to normalise and with that people will benefit and there will be calm" he ended. 

New D.O taking command 

Sakwe Jarvis Esapa, the newly installed Divisional Officer for Mbengwi Sub Division was born on the 8th of May 1982 in Buea Fako Division where he did his primary education in Government School Bonduma, secondary school in Standard Comprehensive Bilingual High School Buea and high school in the Cameroon College of Arts, Science and Technology Bambili where he obtained his G.C.E Advanced level certificate in 2003. In 2007, he graduated from the University of Yaounde 2 Soa with a first degree in Private and Fundamental law from whence he pursued other academic certificates in several renowned educational institutions out of the country.  

In 2011, Sakwe Jarvis successfully got enrolled into the National Advanced School of  Administration and Magistracy . Upon graduation from there in 2013, he has been serving the state of Cameroon in several capacities until October 2019 when he was appointed as Divisional Officer for Mbengwi. He is married and a father of one.

Despite Owing Bills, Mbengwi still Favoured with Light and Water

Despite Owing Bills,  Mbengwi still Favoured with Light and Water

The population of Mbengwi has been jubilating following the recent replacement of two bad transformers that kept part of the municipality for close to two months in darkness. 

In the month of September 2019, the three phase transformer at Checkpoint supplying light to Mile 18 and beyond got faulty. One phase stopped working and so users connected on the line became affected. They soon contacted the workers of the electricity utility company, Eneo in Mbengwi and after money changed hands, they were disconnected from the broken line and added to the two phases that were still supplying. Sooner, due to overloading, the transformer blew up. 

Momo Administration and Eneo Technicians
Photo Credit: Momo Prefecture 

As such, but for those who could afford  generators and solar energy, many businesses especially those that depended solely on electricity had to shutdown. Some who couldn't bear the challenges of staying without electricity had to relocate to other towns out of Mbengwi. Even the lone community radio station in the municipality, Rainbow Radio that animated the municipality with information, education and entertainment went off air due to the power problem. 

Mile 18 is the economic hub of the sub division having the biggest concentration of businesses like cold stores,  barbing saloons,  welding workshops, grinding and saw mills, financial houses and others. It's in Mile 18 that we find the Mbon motor park and the Mbon main market.

Transformer at Checkpoint being Replaced 

While Mile 18 was in this mess,  it's neighbour Mile 19 had light just like other quarters and villages in Mbengwi. Since it's aching to be in darkness while your neighbour is electrified, some inhabitants who could afford the amount charged by the electricians in Mbengwi gained connection to the Mile 19 line. Considering that what happens to cocoa also happens to coffee, being unable to bear the new heavy load given it, the working transformer also gave up. The heart of the municipality was now in darkness and life became harder.

With this situation,  many knew nothing will ever be done to remedy the predicament  especially as for over two years now users haven't been paying bills, not out of their making though but because of insecurity that made the company to suspend its technicians from going to the field to read metres and distribute bills. Even the eneo office in Mbengwi had long been closed and workers displaced.   All hope was lost as regards the the provision of a solution to the problem.

Fortunately, the population was taken aback last Thursday November 2nd 2019 as many couldn't believe their eyes when Eneo workers were seen mounting the pole at Checkpoint to replace the bad transformer. Despite the drizzling heavenly showers of blessings,  they continuously worked under. Heads went up as onlookers gathered in clusters at several points sharing their joy with what they were seeing. From Mile 18, the team later  moved to Mile 19 for a similar exercise. Thus the two bad transformers were replaced with brand new ones. 

Ordinary Working Day in Mbengwi

While executing their job,  the technicians were visited by a surprise delegation. The newly installed Senior Divisional Officer for Momo led his Etat Major to the field to meet the technicians and thank them for a job well done and probably supervise what they were doing. Ever since his official installation on Tuesday October 15th, this was the first time the Momo boss,  Fouda Etaba Bernoit Nicaise was seen in public. 

Hours after,  there was light. Joy was seen on every face. Many heaved a sigh of relief. Some went drinking to celebrate the good news. By nightfall,  loud music was heard from all the bars. Mbengwi was back to life. Wandum Ephraim is a carpenter who's business had been greatly affected by electricity failure. I met him smiling from ear to ear as he sand papered planks in his workshop using an electrical machine. Revealing the sweetness of his heart,  he said "In fact I'm very very happy because for this duration of time,  they've been so many stories that were being spread that because of the crisis,  light will never come again since we've not even been paying bills. Now that light's back,  it therefore means that many good things are still to come"

It is alleged that the maintenance works were carried out thanks to government intervention in seeing into it that her citizens have improved livelihood through access to basic needs. Where service providers get stuck,  government usually steps in to give a helping hand. The case of the entire NW region running on the Ntarikon thermal plant thanks to government subvention after the 90kv pilon transporting electricity to the region was destroyed some months back is still very fresh in mind. Therefore, the presence of the Momo divisional administration on the field to supervise the work was to confirm this allegation.

Villagers Mending a Broken Water Pipe and Fixing the Road

A couple of weeks ago, the municipality was also hit by a severe water crisis as the main supply pipeline to the Wumngang treatment centre got broken in Tonmukomo after a truck trampled on it.  The population was compelled to resort to other sources of water like wells, rainfall and streams. On Wednesday October 30th, villagers of Njindom, Mbemi, Guneku and Zang Tembeng came out en masse to carry out maintenance work on the road and broken pipe so that water supply could be reinstated in Mbengwi. They were assisted by technicians from the water utility company, Camwater.

These two seemingly humanitarian events go a long way to portray how citizen's well-being remains the top priority of the state. On the other hand it is the people's basic human rights to have access to social amenities. It is now hoped that those who had relocated to other areas because of the lack of basic needs will now see reason to return home. These good happenings come barely few days to the official installation of the newly appointed Divisional Officer for Mbengwi,  Sakwe Jarvis Essapa. The ceremony is built for the 5th of November 2019 as from 11am on the Mbengwi ceremonial grandstand.

Come And See Journalism in Manjong

Come And See Journalism in Manjong

Following the escalation of the ongoing Anglophone crisis leading to heightened insecurity resulting from rampant gun battles between both warring parties and kidnaps, the management of Bamenda's renowned and prestigious Blue Pearl Hotel located at S-Bend, Mile 3 Nkwen had to suspend the services of its Manjong Night Club. Though the crisis is still ongoing, considering that insecurity is said to have been seemingly reduced to a bearable minimum and considering the high need for the affected population to shovel off trauma and regain a free,  relaxed and steady mindset, on Saturday 26th October 2019, Blue Pearl Hotel's Manjong Nightclub was relaunched.

Front View of Manjong Night Club,  Blue Pearl Hotel 

After a very long time, the opportunity was finally created for "nightjars" to reunite on the dancing floor and glide from wall to wall to the rhythms of Njang, Bottle Dance, Bikutsi, Makossa, Ndombolo, Zouk, Slow Jam, R&B, Reggae and Ragga emanating from the deafening ultra modern mega sound system, a ripple effect of the jittering fingers of the hybrid disc jockey, a master in the nonstop mixing game. They came in their numbers; pretty babes and cute guys ostentatiously dressed in the latest designer wears  to show off,  to impress and to catch long lost fun. 

DJ on the Beatz

In regards to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was signed between the Cameroon Association of English Speaking Journalists (CAMASEJ) NW chapter and the management of Blue Pearl Hotel Bamenda on June 14th 2019 which stipulates that both parties shall benefit from a mutual exchange of services for a period of four years, journalists in the NW region that are members of CAMASEJ were at the night club to show who ever cares to see how they too can enjoy. Led by the chapter president Ambe Macmillian Awa, the media men and women were copiously reserved a VIP treatment by the hotel's management as hot pepper soup garnished with sensual music of the masters and finely brewed wine to ceremoniously push the bolus down the palp. 

Liquor 

Interestingly,  prices have been slashed in all the sections from restaurant to bar, rooms to laundry and event space. Now,  just anybody can access Blue Pearl Hotel contrary to the previous false perception that it's only for "big pipo." With just a thousand francs,  a big bottle of drink can be afforded and with just 800Frs, a plate of hot pepper soup can be obtained.

Manjong Night Club,  Blue Pearl Hotel is opened on Fridays Saturdays and Sundays. All English speaking journalists nationwide that are members of CAMASEJ benefit a 50% discount in laundry,  lodging and event space at the hotel,  this following a partnership deal the hotel struck with CAMASEJ NW mid this year. Many more ladies have started answering present at Manjong during week ends.

N.W "Journos" Pressure for Release of Colleague

N.W "Journos" Pressure for Release of Colleague

Journalists in the NW region of Cameroon have been mounting pressure on the state to release their colleague,  Wawa Jackson Nfor said to have been arrested without any warrant on 30th August 2018 and has since then been illegally incacerated at the Nkambe Principal prison in Donga Mantung Division.

According to Mimi Mefo Info, one of the leading social media sites that's been consistently covering the ongoing Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon,  the high court of Donga Mantung seated at Nkambe in the North West region has for one year five months denied to render justice for Bamenda based journalist, Wawa Jackson Nfor. The case has been pending before the court since May last year. He is being tried for publishing successionist information.

Media practitioners within the region have since then been consolidating efforts to free him to know avail. According to Hilltop Voices Cameroon a Bamenda based news blog,  the combined campaign by the NW chapters of the Cameroon Association of English Speaking Journalists CAMASEJ, Cameroon Community Media Network CCMN NW/W and Cameroon Journalists’ Trade Union CJTU/SNJC, have been using social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp and traditional media to demand the release of Wawa Jackson. The Campaign for his release by NW media according to Hilltop Voices comes after a solidarity action that raised over 130 FCFA for the up keep of Journalist Wawa in detention.

Campaign Poster

As the campaign is being recently intensified on social media,  other continental and global journalism bodies have been cuing in. African Journalists' Platform has added its voice to the ongoing social media campaign championed by journalists in the NW region of Cameroon to pressure for the release of their colleague, Wawa Jackson Nfor arrested in the course of the ongoing Anglophone crisis and detained incommunicado in Nkambe Central Prison for close to two years now.  Mike Odeh James of the platform has told the Cameroonian authorities and the separatist groups that, "Journalists are important catalysts for democracy and one of its most vital tenets which is accountability. Every progressive human society requires a robust press to inform, educate and enlighten its people" He adds that "As a  journalism practitioner I call upon the Cameroonian government and international community to intervene and ensure that justice for  Wawa   prevails. Let pen pushers in Cameroon be free to do their rightful and constitutional duties"

In addition, the Society of African Journalists, SAJ has condemned the reported arrest and incarceration of Bamenda based journalist in Cameroon Wawa Jackson by the Cameroonian government. In a statement signed by Michael Adeboboye, acting President of SAJ, the organisation calls for the immediate revocation of all the charges levelled against Wawa as they hold no water. Adeboboye, said "Attempts by the Cameroonian government to gag the press is demonstrated by the condemnable track record which has seen it jailing more than 12 journalists since 2016.” He added that Wawa should be immediately released from detention, frowning at the denial of the journalist’s basic human rights. 

Using the hash tag #FreeWawaJackson accompanied with his picture,  write ups, and journalistic quotations,  the concerned journalists in Bamenda and beyond have been on several social media sites, twitting and tagging concerned institutions like the presidency of the republic and the ministry of communication to look into their demand.

Akah Rosaline Obah is the NW/W Chapter President of the Cameroon Community Media Network,  one of those involved in the #FreeWawaJakson campaign. Evaluating the outcome of the process so far,  she said "It's a laudable idea because united we stand divided we fall and I believe that when concerted efforts are put in, definitely the powers that be will always listen to the demands and worries."  As a digital rights activitist,  she added that "One of the human rights principles indicates that he has the right to his freedom until proven guilty. Staying there for 17 months and we are not hearing anything is not fair to him as a human being. His rights have been trampled upon" Rose ended by wishing journalists don't stop at anything but to continue with the campaign until Wawa Jackson is released.

Akah Rosaline Obah, Digital Rights Activist,  President,  CCMN NW/W

In a report written by Angela Quintal, Africa Program Coordinator of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)  on October 29, 2019 titled African Union Must Act on Cameroon’s Human Rights Violations, she reveals that the Committee to Protect Journalists joined 64 other civil society organizations in calling on the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) to address serious and systematic human rights violations in Cameroon, including the jailing of journalists. In a letter to the commission, CPJ and other signatories noted that over the past three years, violence in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions has led to 3,000 deaths, forced half a million people to flee their homes, and left over 700,000 children out of school." The report also said several journalists are behind bars, according to CPJ research. These include Paul Chouta, Mancho Bibixy, Tsi Conrad , Thomas Awah Junior, Amadou Vamoulke, Wawa Jackson Nfor and Samuel Wazizi, who has not been heard of since he was detained by the military on August 2.

Despite these calls,  the government has maintained sealed lips on the case yet the journalists have resolved to continue mounting pressure until their colleague  Wawa Jackson is freed together with other journalists behind bars. It should be recalled that the Head of State Paul Biya on Thursday December 13 2018 ordered for the discontinuance of proceedings pending before military tribunals against some 289 Anglophone activists arrested for misdemeanours in connection to the crisis in the North West and South West region. Unfortunately,  Wawa Jackson wasn't released like Akumbom Elvis McCarthy, detained journalist at the Bamenda central prison that regained his freedom via the presidential decision. Again, on Thursday October 3rd 2019, President Paul repeated his decision,  this time around for 333 arrested persons and again, Wawa Jackson was not released,  contrary to the presidential order. Why? Somebody somewhere has to answer.

Truly N.W Governor's Convoy was Attacked but no Deaths Recorded Contrary to Social Media Reports

This fact checked report is brought to you by ADISI-Cameroun

On Monday the 21st of October 2019, the news was broken and spread on social media that the convoy of the N.W governor Adolph Lele Lafrique has been attacked. One of the early sites that reported the fake news was BaretaNews. The site published that "BaretaNews can now confirm that the colonial governor of Northern zone convoy was ambushed yesterday and five of his soldiers died on the spot. We cannot say at this time the health situation of the northern zone chief killer, Mr. Governor. We will bring you updates soon. Stay tuned"

Fake Image used to insinuate the the governor is no more

Other sites like Mimi Mefo Info and Cameroon News Agency also picked up the story of the attack but talked of no killings like BaretaNews claimed. Within the next minutes,  fake news publication sites immediately got down to work,  twisting the story with fake images and videos plus write ups to push forth their propaganda agenda.

Amba Go Viral is one of the specialised fake news sites that twisted the story. At 1:44pm on Tuesday October 22nd, the page published a report titled What you must know after the colonial governor was attacked on his way back from Nguketunjia. The fake report said "LRC colonial governor of the Northern Zone was fatally wounded in the attack as he returned from Nguketunjia...Thirdly, the death toll had increased to ten persons in the convoy. The said site in the report went ahead to publish an image of a  child soldier of "3 years old" being used by government forces that the restoration fighters also killed during the attack but looking at the image, it's a boy of over 18 years dressed in military uniform but not that of the BIR, the special force that was securing the governor. To further justify the fake news, Amba Go Viral posted an image of a burnt military truck,  identified by the various comments made under the post as belonging to the Nigerian army yet was shared to insinuate that it's an armoured car in the governors convoy that the fighters destroyed. 

Fake: This burnt Nigerian military truck is not an armoured car used by Cameroon military

On the YouTube channel Ambazonia Latest News,  a video was posted with a fake image still alerged not to be Cameroonian and an attached voice note in which the reporter said "The motorcade of NW governor Adolph Lele Lafrique has come under another serious attack by separatist forces. The attack which we learnt was very fierce took place on the 20th of October as the governor was returning from nkambe where he just installed the SDO there."

This is fake. No S.D.O (Senior Divisional Officer) was installed in Nkambe on this day. Instead,  the governor went to Nkambe to donate gifts to a vigilante group there, this after installing Lanyuy Harry Ngwanyi as S D.O for Bui division which is different from Nkambe, headquarters of Donga Mantung division in the N.W region.  

To add to their propaganda scheme, indicative of how the network is set up, the Facebook site Cameroon News Agency published a video in which a non state armed group known as The Tigers of Baba 1 under a certain General Shao Mao narrate how the Baba attack on N.W governor's convoy took place on Monday, October 21st 2019. In the said video showing some splitted pieces of wood (eucalyptus) and  an Express Union mobile box that were supposedly used to block the road at a giraffe crossing spot on the highway,  the voice of a supposed fighter identifying himself as spokesperson of LLF, Mountain Tigers of Baba 1 is heard narrating their "achievenent." He talks of how glasses were scattered and blood spilt at the scene during yesterday's  incidence but with no specificities on which particular incidence he was referring to. Watching the said video,  no blood is seen,  no scattered glasses.

A dirge for the alive governor

Since it takes only a lie to justify another lie,  Africa Ambaland, a facebook page soon joint the fake news dissemination network to publish a fake video of a hospitalised injured man with a shattered left hand from where blood was oozing claiming it's the governor.  Another fake photo of the same man alerged to be an accident victim was circulated on the site still claiming it was the governor.  This set confusion in many whatsapp groups and on several facebook pages as some persons could lick poison that it was truly the governor lying on the bed.  To the fake photo,  a dirge was attached "We are looking for,  where is he ohhh" meaning the governor had died yet on Tuesday October 22nd 2019, the said governor Adolph Lele Lafrique was on the Bamenda grand stand, Commercial Avenue looking hale and hearty during a ceremony to install Mooh Emile Simon as new S.D.O for Mezam division, the very governor that was reported on social media to have been seriously injured, killed.

The propagandists went as far as falsifying The Guardian Post Newspaper, edition no. 1754 of Tuesday October 22nd with a fake front page headline that read "NW Governor Adolphe Lele L'afrique brutally attacked and wounded by Ngoketunja Ambazonia fighters killing 7 soldiers on the spot and 10 others who died later   due to serious gunshot wounds as war intensify in full force" The original main headline of the newspaper was "Upcoming legislative, municipal election: How Possible is NW, SW?"

Fake Edition of The Guardian Post Newspaper

In Whatsapp groups, two voice notes were recorded and circulated in which the speaker again identified himself as General Shao Mao of the Ngoketunjia Restoration Forces. In the first audio clip, the speaker said Baba is red as the governor's convoy has been taken down with explosives. In the second (5mins 39secs) he expressed happiness and gratefulness, extending thanks to all generals,  commanders, especially commander Bin Laden of Baba 1 and foot soldiers particularly Baba 1 Mountain Tigers for a job well done, calling on them to remain calm as something is seriously happening. "I've received a call from colonels and generals and I want to tell La Republique that they should account of Lele Afrique, his return back to Bamenda as they passed through Baba 1, why are they quiet? said General Shao Mao in the voice note. Again, the very next day,  the probably resurrected governor was seen in public carrying out his state duties. 

To get the veracity of what actually transpired,  I contacted a source that was part of the governor's convoy who concluded to me "It is fake, it is not true" a conclusion that was preceded by a detailed account of the journey. 

Governor on red carpet installing new Mezam SDO after the fake news was spread

As we left Bamenda to Kumbo for the SDO's installation,  around the Bambili hill,  we heard a loud noise "Pouuuummm!!!" We were told it was a mounted explosive that just exploded. We continued till Kumbo, did the installation,  took off for Nkambe where the governor had to donate some gifts. At Kikaikilaiki, we heard one gunshot. We continued till we reached Nkambe. The next day we went to Misaje. In the morning we handed the gifts to the vigilante groups down there. By 3pm I overheard the military saying we will have to pass the night in Nkambe. I asked why and they said it'll be very risky travelling in the night from Donga Mantung through Bui because it's difficult to fight the restoration forces at night. They equally told me that they've gotten security reports that explosives have been mounted along the road. So we passed the night in Nkambe and got up in the morning for Bamenda. On our way, around Kikaikilaiki Maa, we had serious gun battles there that affected a red civilian car. The fighters targeted the civilian car because that was the only car their locally fabricated bullets could penetrate. In the exchange, the door glass was shattered slightly wounding a Muslim woman that was seated on the front seat. They were taken care of by the medical soldiers who were onboard the trip. As we were leaving Babungo for Baba 1, other series of gun battles ensued. Upon entering Baba 1, the convoy haulted. I heard "Bouuummm!!!" and I saw a lot of smoke. I was told an explosive had exploded where the armoured car was standing but it's occupants weren't inside.  All the soldiers that were in it had descended to take cover in the bush. After the shootings,  they came back,  entered their car and we took off till we reached their base in Ndop. Again we were told we won't be allowed to continue because there are a lot of "Ambazonian" fighters at Bamessing waiting for this convoy. Some 8 soldiers left for the bush and all we could hear was deafening gunshots.  When we finally took off,  we didn't hear any gunshots again until we reached Bamenda. That's  the story my informant recounted to me. 

Images of the said red car, matriculated LT 523 IJ were circulated on social media particularly on the site Cameroon News Agency (CNA) saying "A baptism of fire for newly installed BUI SDO whose convoy was attacked on Tuesday by Ambazonia fighters in Bui. No one died but some occupants sustained minor  injuries" This is very fake. The newly installed Bui SDO was never attacked. The red car wasn't even his 

Despite all the evidences that the governor's convoy was attacked severally,  military sources have denied that  such a thing happened. In a release being circulated on social media, Commander Cyrille Serge ATONFACK GUEMO, Head of the Communication Division in the Ministry of Defence says "Pseudo-secessionist extremists are spreading rumours suggesting that the convoy of the Governor of the North-Western Region, Adolphe Lele Lafrique, was attacked, with heavy human and material casualty. This is not true. Nothing as such happened."

#237BloggersSummit Now Trending

#237BloggersSummit Now Trending

A blog (shortening of “weblog”) is an online informational website displaying it's content in the reverse chronological order, with latest posts appearing first and used by a writer(s) to share their views on a subject, shape public opinion and make money. Bloggers are the new influencers as there are bloggers and YouTube personalities with millions of followers that organisations need to develop relationships with now for better public relations. 

Blogging is said to have started in the Cameroon communication sector about some 13 years back. Today, it is estimated there are over 200 Cameroonian bloggers within and without the country. As days go by, more individuals (mostly journalists) keep creating  and running their own blogs for news,  entertainment,  sports,  business,  health,  politics,  religion, activism and other nitches.

#237BloggersSummit Attendees

The success story recorded at the first ever Cameroonian Bloggers Summit that took place in Douala from the 26th to the 28th of October 2019 under the theme "Blogging, Development Tool" was a major indicator to how blogging has come to stay in the country considering that there exists already a registered Cameroon Blogger's Association,  the body that organised the summit. Drawn from Yagoua, Yaounde, Buea, Douala and Bamenda, attendees for three days exchanged on blogging and its perception in the Cameroonian society,  blogging and civic responsibility, regional challenges related to blogging, blogger as key player in sustainable development etc. 

Created in Yaoundé on the 13th of April 2017 the association is currently having 42 members with prospects for a huge increase in the days ahead following the recent holding of the summit. It's outgoing national president Rene Jackson Nkowa says blogs contribute to hundreds of online content daily. As such,  he encouraged his peers to ameliorate the practice by networking and developing financially valuable content. Interestingly,  cases of persons having Blogger as occupation on their National Identity Cards are already being recorded meaning the phenomenon is speedily gaining grounds.  In next door Nigeria there are millionaires that generate all their income only from blogging.

#237BloggersSummit Backdrop

At first, early Cameroonian bloggers did blogging for passion but of recent the trend has been shifting towards wealth creation and employment. Some aspects like poor internet access,  dwindling economy,  sociopolitical crisis, non regulation and generational differences in ICT knowledge between the young and the old have been identified as a hindrance to blogging in Cameroon. The public is too is still to familiarise itself with the role of bloggers.

Despite these setbacks,  it was however revealed during the Douala summit that the state and corporate companies are beginning to recognise and value bloggers. The #237BloggersSummit was supported by Nestlé,  Groupe SABC, Active Spaces, and TV5 Monde Afrique that are among the many institutions that have started involving bloggers in their communication plans. Rostand Banzeu, Steve Tchoumba and Brice Kamga Monthè, the trio being heads of the communication units of the first three companies listed above exchanged with the attendees on "Why Brands Solicit Blogging in a Sustainable Development Context."

Mbengwi Online Represented

One of the major outcomes of the maiden Cameroonian Bloggers Summit was a resolution to amalgamate if possible,  all Anglophone and Francophone Cameroonian bloggers both within and without the nation on one platform, www.blogueurs.cm that is also available on Twitter and Facebook so that from there,  plans to ameliorate the practice could be drawn and implemented. Before closing the summit,  using Keyhole, a social media analytics company that provides real-time data with hashtag tracking for Twitter, Instagram, Facebook etc,  the organisers evaluated and found out that the #237BloghersSummit is now known by millions of social media users.

To End Crisis, Implore Equality, Inclusion, Tolerance - COMINSUD

To End Crisis,  Implore Equality, Inclusion,  Tolerance - COMINSUD

Day by day, more and more civil society organisations have continued to join the Cameroon government and international bodies in attempting a way out of the current socio-political stalemate crushing the two English speaking regions of Cameroon dubbed the Anglophone Crisis. 

It is in this light that a one day workshop for media practitioners on strategies and approaches in promoting attitude change towards positive thinking,  tolerance and non violence was recently organised in Bamenda on Thursday October 17th 2019 by  COMINSUD, Community Initiative for Sustainable Development, an organisation committed to inspiring changes within communities that leads to enhancement of quality life for people. Its activities are focused on promoting good governance, a culture of peace, empowering of women, youths and marginalised communities and engaging in humanitarian works in the present sociopolitical context among others. 

Participants pose for a family photo am

Participants weren't media practitioners only but included religious,  educational, legal, socio-cultural and civil society organisations alongside youths and community leaders drawn from almost all the various tribes and villages that make up the entire N.W region like Wimbum, Aghem, Nso, Meta, Mankon, Fundong, Ndop, Bali, Santa, Bafut, Njinikom, Batibo etc. 

Welcoming the over a hundred participants at the workshop that took place on the campus of the Catholic University of Cameroon, CATUC Bamenda,  the COMINSUD BOD chair,  Madam Tchambie Julie said "In the backdrop of what has today become known as the Anglophone Crisis, response by actors hasn't made things better reason why COMINSUD came up with this project to promote attitude and behaviour change, moving from a society with growing negativity, intolerance and violence to a society that promotes the values of positivity, tolerance and non violence"

Journalists pose for pic

The coordinator of COMINSUD, Mr. Fon Nsoh on his own part while presenting a summary report from reflections on negativity and intolerance revealed that COMINSUD is a partner of the Civil Peace Society (CPS) network in Cameroon which is a vast program of the German government operating in several countries across the world for the promotion of the values of peace. To him,  conflicts will always exist but managing them not to turn violent should be prioritised. Until the advent of the Anglophone crisis, the NW region was said to be a bastion for inter tribal conflicts with some of the prominent ones that made news being Bali-Bawock,  Oku-Mbessa,  Bali Kumbat-Bafanji, all of which resulted to destruction of houses and farms and killing of animals and humans, this because of inequality, intolerance and non-inclusion.

Conflicts are caused by negativity,  a tendency or inside feeling that makes one to be skeptical and pessimistic towards ideas, views and other's opinions. Extreme negativity pushes people to undesirable actions like violence.  However, facts,  figures and statistics have remained strong weapons to fight violence and intolerance including dialogue,  negotiation and compromise. 

Working session 

Mr. Mbanwi Stephen,  a participant representing the Meta Cultural and Development Association (MECUDA) told the workshop organiser "I'm so pleased with the workshop. I've seen the richness of it" Mr. Ndangam Hussein, a community volunteer for Fundong on his part narrated his experience with restoration forces he came across and how he used dialogue,  tolerance  and negotiation to free himself from their hands.  Jeff Ngawe, a reporter with The Reporter Newspaper recounted how in the yesteryears precisely the 60s and 70s they never knew of inter tribal,  religious, cultural and even regional division till university when they started witnessing anglophone marginalisation in the University of Yaounde 1. From thence he developed a radical mind but thanks to the many peace workshops he's been attending,  he's now able to tolerate as his mind has been softened.

COMINSUD Banner

Participants at the end of the workshop returned home with a call on them to step up non violent communication methods to pressure for change through creative writing,  music,  football,  drama, debates, radio reports, special prresentstions/write ups and other intellectual exercises.

2019 PIB Projects in Momo Evaluated, Batibo Council Found Wanting

2019 PIB Projects in Momo Evaluated, Batibo Council Found Wanting

The third divisional performance follow up committee meeting for the evaluation of physical and financial execution of the 2019 Public Investment Budget (PIB) projects in Momo division has been held with a call on mayors to seat up and award all contracts within their reach, those below 5 million. The firm call was made by Mr. Marceliout Djunang, Chief of Service for Economic and Financial Affairs at the Momo S.D.Os office, seating in for the new boss of the division Fouda Etaba Nicaise last Wednesday October 16th 2019 in the conference hall of the Momo divisional delegation of Labour and  Social Security where the meeting took place, bringing together divisional service heads, technicians and various stakeholders involved in the committee. 

Welcoming participants, the Momo Divisional Delegate of the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT) began by appreciating her collaborators like the principal of G.B.H.S Mbengwi, the deputy mayor of Widikum, the Council Development Officer of Mbengwi and some delegations that have consistently been furnishing her office with information and pictures to back up percentages of work done on the field.  Such information she said help her to build up her own reports and forward to the regional level where according to the delegate, Momo is being appreciated for properly presenting her reports and on time. 

Momo Divisional Finance Building in an Advanced Stage of Delapidation

While examining the physical and financial execution of PIB projects in Momo division for the 2018/2019 financial year, the Batibo Council was found wanting as of recent,  it's been boycotting follow up meetings. Even the just ended one had no single official from Batibo despite being informed. Andek Council has so far signed contracts for four of her projects for 2019 while jobbing orders are being prepared. The Mbengwi council on her part has already engaged all projects in her municipality with site installations already being done for some though followed by a timid take off. Njikwa has 5 projects below 5 million out of which 3 have been received and as for the Widikum council,  two purchase orders have been engaged. The deputy mayor for the Widikum council said they've recorded instances of a contractor being kidnapped by restoration forces and hosted in their camp for two weeks only to return,  looking like a corpse.  Another, executing a contract in Widikum was also kidnapped in Acha-Tugi, shut on the head but fortunately he miraculously survived.

One hot potato the follow up committee members found it difficult to swallow was the obstacles posed by the electricity and water utility corporations,  Eneo and Camwater in the execution of public contracts especially road projects. Quite often,  councils run into problems with these corporations for destroying their pipes or poles when constructing or grading municipal roads. The mayor of the Mbengwi council for example lamented that if asked to come and displace their water pipes or electric poles,  the bills usually landed on councils by the companies are often back breaking,  at times even more than the contract budget. 

To nail the coffin on the subject,  it was finally resolved that the concerned, Eneo and Camwater should review the placement of their pipes and poles to meet up with changing times while contractors must consult the urban development and housing delegation and that of environment, sustainable development and nature protection before executing any public contract. The former will provide a town planner who has what is envisaged for the municipality so that a building won't be placed where a water pipe was expected to be buried or an electric pole planted while the latter will help in providing a technician to carry out environmental impact assessment studies on any project site to ascertain it's feasibility and sustainability after which the findings must be included in the tender document.

Momo Divisional Delegation of Commerce,  Abandoned Project

From the recommendations and resolutions of the previous divisional consultation meeting,  the relevant technical services were tasked to ensure that site installation is done in the presence of all members before any project takes off meanwhile the ministers of finance and that of the economy will be served reminder letters on the poor state of the Momo Divisional finance building that's speedily delapidating,  barely few years after it was constructed and put into use,  a project estimated to cost over 20 millions. 

While closing the session,  the SDO's representative advised and encouraged all involved in the execution chain to be extra prudent when on the field in other not to fall victim in the hands of armed fighters considering the current tensed atmosphere. He will then insist that lazy ones shouldn't hide behind the pretext of insecurity to ruin the state because even with the current situation,  there are contractors successfully executing public contracts in remote areas believed to be infested with fighters.

The absence of the president of the Momo divisional performance follow up committee meeting, Hon. Edna Enih Mbah was noticeable. Momo Division has 61 projects in the 2019 Public Investment Budget worth 1.052.822.000Frs in Appropriation Expenditure and 1.062.822.000Frs in Commitment Appreciation. Out of the 61 earmarked projects for the division,  36 haven't been started,  9 have been completed while 16 are ongoing giving a physical realisation rate of 21.55%

Monono Hands-off Momo to Fouda & Walks to the Centre

Monono Hands-off Momo to Fouda & Walks to the Centre

Momo Division now has a new SDO. Fouda Etaba Bernoit Nicaise, on Tuesday October 15th 2019 took over command from Absalom Monono Woloa. The installation cum handing over ceremony was presided at by the North West regional governor,  Adolph Lele Lafrique. 

One of the major administrative changes that took place in the North West and South West regions after the holding of the Major National Dialogue in Yaounde from October 1st to the 5th 2019, ordered by the Head of State to address the ongoing Anglophone Crisis and other issues of national concern and which ended with a resolution to grant special statues to these two regions was a presidential decree No. 2019/536 of 07 October 2019 appointing S.D.Os across the national territory. From the appointments,  Fouda Etaba Bernoit Nicaise, previously Divisional Officer (D.O) of Mbengwi was promoted to the rank of Senior Divisional Officer for Momo Division in replacement of Absalom Monono Woloa, transferred to the Mbam and Inoubou Division of the Centre Region in same capacity. 

Monona Walking out of Momo

During the installation ceremony that took place on the Mbengwi ceremonial grandstand on Tuesday October 15 2019, the mayor of the municipality, Tebe Beatrice told the outgoing prefect that his constant words of encouragement  to all in every seating will be remembered and that his reassurances was a motivational factor to the well-being of the population. To the incoming,  the mayor told him that as a man in the house,  he must have observed Mbengwi for long and thus,  she hopes the Lord that appoints will continue to empower his servants with wisdom to serve his people. 

The regional governor in his speech during the official handing over of command between Monono and Fouda began by thanking all attendees for braving the odds to be at the event ground. After listening to the worries expressed by the mayor on behalf of the population,  the governor told her "You know as well as I know that when normalcy returns,  all these concerns will receive attention from the government." He will then proceed to address the two SDOs, the population and traditional leaders that are auxiliaries of the administration. In appreciating his stewardship within his term of office as he handled the administration and crisis in his division with tact and commitment to fatherland,  the governor through a quotation from Martin Luther told Monono "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands at times of challenges and controversy." "We of the North West wish you God's guidance and protection as you take up service in the Centre after five years in the region." he added

Fouda Etaba Bernoit Nicaise, Momo's New SDO Takes Command 

In outlining the functions of the incoming civil administrator, the governor told the new Senior Divisional Officer (S.D.O) that his role shall be  to ensure maintenance and enforcement of law and order,  ensure general coordination and control of administrative action in the division, facilitate the return of all displaced persons to their places of origin within the division, coordinate and supervise distribution of aide to affected persons, monitor and supervise international organisations and local partners helping I.D.Ps and the affected population in the division,  ensure schools resume, fighters drop their arms and bring the current crisis to a final end in Momo. "Having spent all your command career here,  you should know the milieu very well." Lele told Fouda. "I'm confident that you are up to the task and will be up to the expectations of the people." he added. As last piece of advice to the new servant,  governor Adolph Lele told him point blank "Your success here will depend on the collaboration and support you receive from the population, elites and local leaders"

Officials Respecting Military March Pass

The governor's message to the population, elites, politicians and traditional leaders of the division missed target because the concerned weren't there. The event was boycotted by the concerned as a ghost town operation was being observed in the entire municipality.  Circulation remained grounded,  commercial activities shutdown as the population remained indoors. This did not in anyway deter the regional boss from transmitting the message he had for them. "Dear parents,  please talk to your children,  the future of this nation that they should come back like the prodigal son to join the family for the father is ready to give them new opportunities and involve them in nation building. There is no home, family, society without problems but we all have individual and collective responsibilities to solve our problems. Therefore, give your full and unflinching support to your new SDO so that Momo Division regains it's glorious days" These were the concluding words of Adolph Lele Lafrique as he ended his installation speech. 

Divisional Delegates pose for a pic with officials 

37 years old Fouda Etaba Bernoit Nicaise was born on January 3rd 1982 in Tsek, Lekie Division,  Centre Region. After pursuing and completing his primary,  secondary,  high school and university education, he gained admission into the National School of Administration and Magistracy popularly known as ENAM in 2009 and graduated from there in 2011 after which he started working in the Ministry of Public Service and Administrative Reforms from 2012 to 2014 from where he was appointed as 1st Assistant S.D.O for Momo Division.  On the 22nd of May 2017, he will then be  appointed D.O of Mbengwi. Barely two years four months in office,  he was on October 7th 2019 appointed S.D.O for Momo Division and three days after,  he took over the command Barton from Absalom Monono Woloa who headed the division since 13th March 2017 till October 2019 when he was transferred to the Mbam and Inoubou Division of the Centre region in same capacity. The new Momo SDO is currently pursuing further studies in the university in criminology. He is married and a father of three kids

Attempts to get him map out his plan of action for his new area of command failed. The event wasn't void of few seemingly insignifanct security challenges as separatist fighters announced their presence from a long distance to the ceremonial ground through brief sporadic gunshots in the air, probably to inform whosoever cares that they are still existing. The population now looks forth to have a taste of the new wine in the calabash, hoping it'll be sweeter than the previous.