Politics

Leadership can be complicated but it comes with a basic itinerary, good leaders use it to give their people reasons to support them, not so good leaders use it to give their people reasons they want to leave them; the resignation of Boh Herbert and MORISC from SCACUF and Innocent Chia's biased portrayal of the same organisation comes to play.  It is generally very disappointing for individuals who claim to have the best interest of our people at heart to make public, views that are counterproductive to the struggle of the people of Southern Cameroons and the future of our children, some of which need just basic purified drinking water.

I do agree with Boh Herbert that we do have a leadership crisis, perhaps this is self explanatory because it seems the best are in jail right now and until we get them out, anything short would be considered a sellout.  However, we are in cognisance of the fact that, the best ideas to move this struggle forward so far, have emanated from SCACUF considering the developments that have been spearheaded by their initiatives.

Unless Innocent  Boh Herbert and MORISC can present something better and convince the people to follow him , our people would stick with SCACUF until better comes.  Initially, I was all in for an interim government to be elected so as to put pressure on La Republic and to open a room for international interests and perhaps negotiations. However, under the tutelage of Boh Herbert, MORISC hastening to organise an election and their sudden resignation from SCACUF is a distraction and must fail. Unity is our main weapon and Bo Herbert's attitude seemingly fuelled by an unstoppable desire to grab power is suspicious, divisive and puts into jeopardy, the liberation of Southern Cameroons which has so far been incredibly sustained by the poor "old mamies" in Ndu, Bokova, Barambi, Batibo and the "old papas" in Kupe, Matoh, Kembong, Ekondo Titi and Eyumojock who have forgone selling their plantains, okra and crayfish on market days to make sure that ghost towns are a success.  The people are happy with what SCACUF is putting together so far, and the developments discussed below are definitely milestones in our struggle and only give the people hope for a fresh referendum sooner or later.

1.  To say the least, SCACUF's paying the retainer and signing of legal documents with Foley Hoag to begin proceedings for the Southern Cameroons case is the best PR that this struggle has seen so far.  Foley Hoeg is highly reputed and would therefore do a great job on mounting pressure on the UNO, AU and  La Republic.  The internationalisation of our struggle definitely gets better with their involvement.  Haven said that, more transparency is needed in the proceedings and unless it is for strategic reasons, there people of Southern Cameroons need to be informed on the step by step development of the case, mindful of the fact that the final battle would however be fought and won by Southern Cameroonians at home.  Block by Block, every mother, every father and every child big enough must contribute towards a better future.

2.  The launching of Southern Cameroons Broadcasting Corporation (SCBC) is a massive success in many ways.  It doesn't only serves as a direct antithesis to the propaganda spewed by La Republic on a daily basis via crooked CRTV, Cameroun Tribune, and other state media, it also serves as a symbol of unity, determination and strength considering the fact that it is fully and voluntarily funded by Southern Cameroonians and their sympathisers.  SCBC is a big inspiration to the young Southern Cameroons Tech start-ups in the Silicone Mountain that so far has received unbelievable set backs from La Republic following the internet saga.  Now that the TV is on and running, in no particular order, the next step is Radio and internet and this is a massive step that I can't even overemphasise on the merits.

3. The recent "Block by Block" and or "Community Mobilisation" project led by Atam Millan has all the credibilities to register another milestone in the struggle.

My Advice:  Resignation is some times dignified but when one seems to put their personal reasons before the needs of the people, when you resign at a time that your people need your service the most, at a time that unity is key to our collective struggle, that's not dignity, it is a betrayal.  
My people, there would be more resignations along the way, and some would completely give up the struggle but remember that true leadership is born in crisis and only the ones who can stand the heat would last.  This struggle would not be derailed by power mongers.  The honourable, diligent, brave, hardworking and politically conscious people of Southern Cameroons from Bui County to Ndian, from Bokova to Kembong would fight tooth and nail for unity because it is the deadliest weapon we have and thus the best way forward.

..........................................................................

Adjani

Freelance political analyst

Details

Adjani, Lower Manyu County

28.Jun.2017

Hits: 2699

The Military Tribunal in Yaounde will on Thursday June 29 host the hearing of what is now the Balla and co affair. The case that has been adjourned many times over will come again before the presiding Judge, Colonel Abega Eko, Eko.

The court last month decided  to remand in custody leaders of the country's English-speaking community on terror-related charges pending trial.The Military tribunal refused to free on bail Barrister Felix Agbor Nkongho, Dr  Neba Fontem Aforteka'a and broadcaster Mancho Bibixy, pending a June 29 trial. The court's presiding judge also rejected an appeal for the release of 24 other anglophones facing charges over "acts of terrorism" and complicity to commit such acts.  Thus opening the way for real business to begin.

Contrary to the view that the incarceration of the Anglophone leaders will dampened the spirit of resistance and commitment to purpose, the leaders who are in good spirit are poised to maintain their stance. During a recent encounter with journalists from the North West region at the Kondengui prison,  Dr Fontem Neba said they want to be part of the solutions to the Anglophone problem and are not excited with being released.

Mancho Bibixy however raised worries over the nature of the negotiation. He wonders how fair discussions can take place when he and other Anglophones are in chains.

So far the prosecuting bench has been circumventing the matter probably to frustrate the spirits of those in jail and kill the bond of the struggle.  Thursday's trial is expected to really establish clear evidence that the detainees are guilty of what the state is accusing them . Witnesses are likely to appear at the session that could also have twists and turns.

Details

pereezdlenMO

28.Jun.2017

Hits: 3359

According to the Venezuelan President, Maduro, a police helicopter dropped two grenades on the nation’s Supreme Court which failed to detonate.

Local media suggested a former police intelligence officer had carried out the attack. This upsurge of civil disobedience comes at a time when the Venezuelan government is accused by the opposition of corruption and authoritarianism.

The pilot of the helicopter is reported to be a man called Oscar Perez, a former captain in the CICPC, the Venezuelan intelligence and investigative body. In a video released yesterday evening, he spoke to the public saying, “Venezuelans, dear brothers, we talk to you on behalf of the State. We are a coalition of military, police and civilians in search of an equilibrium and against this transitory criminal government. We have two choices; be judged tomorrow by our conscience and the people or begin today to free ourselves from this corrupt government”. He further said he pledges his allegiance only to the truth and Christ.

Presently, there are videos circulating on social media of a man, piloting a helicopter while holding a banner which have on it an inscription which reads “liberty. Article 350”. This is in reference to a part of the Venezuelan constitution which says that, a citizen is free to indulge in civil disobedience if they think the government is not acting democratically as it is supposed to.

This incident took place just hours after Maduro declared that he and his supporters are ready to take up arms against any individual who dares to stand in their way.

Later on after the attack, the Venezuelan president called on his follows to keep on with the fight should in case anything happens to him.

Details

Pavel Joseph Nyuysuliy

28.Jun.2017

Hits: 1502

About 600 Cameroonians are taking part in a special forum at the Yaoundé Conference Centre today Wednesday June 28.
The forum, dubbed FODIAS2017, brings together Cameroon and its citizens living abroad.
The event ends on Friday. 
Cameroon and her diaspora population want to concretise abstract bonds and develop the land.
The first ever, this forum will provide a platform for project bearers to showcase their potentials.
Chosen fields include health, education and training, green economy, economics and finance,ICT, social security, tourism, sport, arts, and culture.
Cameroon intends to build solid and permanent communication links with its children living abroad. Several millions of Cameroonians live out of the country, as they seek greener grass on the other side of the fence.
However, Cameroon has begun a campaign to discourage its citizens from travelling to the Middle East, especially Dubai, where they are believed to be 'badly' treated. Dubai has become the watchword of most Cameroonians. This is even visible on posters in major cities of the nation. 

Details

Tasha Seidou

28.Jun.2017

Hits: 1755

The massive whirl wind that swept across state universities on Wednesday, June 28 had a catch that did not in any way shock the English speaking regions of the country. Pauline  Nalova Lyonga Limunga's tenue as Vice Chancelor of the University has been terminated. Flushed by the same system she fought so hard to protect, news of her promotion to retirement took the social media on a melt down not because of her brilliant academic prowess which makes her a monumental figure amongst the Anglophone intelligencia . But because her time at the "Place to be" was everything but a peaceful one. A reign of strikes after strikes, brutal face off with the student union and her role in fueling the Anglophone crisis are part of her perilous 5 year stay at UB.

Nalova's rise to the position of Vice Chancellor in 2012 was greeted with alot of mixed feelings . On one hand,   her fellow Bakweri brethren on campus  saw it as a chance to break free from what they lamented as maginalisation from their North Western brothers led by  most venerated Prof Vincent P.K Titanji, V.C at the time. Though we cannot independently verify the authenticity of the claims, one could smell an atmosphere of fustration amongst the Fako indegenes who were not comfortable having a man from the North West at an insititution planted in their land. It is even alleged Prof Titanji's inability to handle some pressing crisis situations during his reign was as a result of a carbal mounted by native Bakwerians at the Central Administration to fustrate his actions.   But on the other , Nalova was a fine academic breed chosen from within the institution . A University don with sterling qualities as a scholar-researcher, she is known for her no-nonsense approach to academic matters. Within academic circles, Lyonga is recognised as a fine brain – brilliant and articulate. She is said to have drank deeply from the wells of two giants – the intellectual juggernaut Fonlon and the management maestro Prof. Dorothy Njeuma – a combination that should make UB respect the Fonlonian prerequisite that a University, worthy of its name should gravitate around the tripod of a University Library, Bookshop and Printing Press – infrastructure sorely lacking at that time.

The outgoing Vice Chnacellor Titanji told reporters during the handing over ceremoney that , the new VC will face challenges, “they are enormous. But, if she assumes her responsibility and creates an enabling culture and ensures that the challenges are shared, then, she will overcome. In other words, she must put in place a new team with fresh ideas. If she considers the challenges as tasks to be tackled by her alone, then, that will be a clear recipe for failure.” It was evident the words of the outgoing VC were more of an advice,  it was a prophesy which like others hinged on time, could not fail to come to fruition.

Barely a year into her mandate, Nalova's "clear receipe for failure" began with a brutal crackdown on the student union, UBSU. A symbol of anglo saxon democracy within the university milleu, UBSU protested against the university's policies. On Wednesday, February 6, 2013 Executive members of the University of Buea Students’ Union, UBSU,  called for a strike action. In an eight-point memorandum addressed to the Vice Chancellor,  Nalova Lyonga, UBSU  demanded  that online registration problems in the university be given  prompt attention, that on-campus businesses, especially photocopiers, should be reinstated to  facilitate the teaching and learning process, that students should be allowed to seat for  examination upon part payment of their registration fees of FCFA 25,000,  and that various modes of transcripts be respected and made available on time to stop exploitation of students.

According to reports, On day one of the protest, the Vice Chancellor was temporally held hostage by the striking  students for over three hours in her car as she made her way into the campus early that morning.  Four students were arrested in the process  and two released few days later after paying FCFA 700, 000.The UBSU president Ronald Minang, is  declared missing and discovered 10 days later on February 21, 2013 in Muea – a locality in Buea  Sub-Division in the South west Region- in a pretty bad shape. Mr. Minang says he was kidnapped  by unidentified assailants and taken to an unknown destination where he was compelled at gun  point to sign some documents related to demonstrations in the university. By refusing to sign  the papers calling off the strike, Minang says he was given the beating of his life and released  in a degrading health state. Before Minang’s abduction, he posts a notice informing protesting  students that the “meeting with the Vice Chancellor … ended in a fiasco. Our VC came and was  dictating to us, it was not a dialogue forum anymore.” The VC of the university in response  organizes a press conference and refutes claims that she has not been open to dialogue with the students. Recurrent conflicts with the student body finally led to its disollution by the Vice Chnacellor, killing a strong arm of the University governance system.

As external shocks were weighing in on her administration, internal cracks began show up. Stiff disagreements with the lecturers trade union, SYNES charcaterised by stony high handedness was another unpleasant pill for the disgruntled teaching body to take.  On many occasions, it was Higher Education boss Jeacque Fame Ndongo who had to make fruitless trips to Buea to dialogue with the lecturers over unpaid research allowances and other dues. Demands that were timidly resolved under her tenue.  The open face off with the pioneer Director of the Kumba based Higher Technical Teacher Training ciollege, Prof Joyce Endeley over the running of the school needs no introduction. She is reported to be behind the sacking of Prof Joyce Endeley and the appointment of Prof  Agbor Ntui considered by many as a stooge.Meanwhile, she is alleged to have flooded the Central Administration with close aides who were incompetent in their duties. The result has been a scandalous discovery of a racket of fake credential amongst the personel .

But the final nail on her coffin was the disastrous handling of the last student protest which triggered the Anglophone crisis. UB students had on November 28 suffered untold torment, rape and looting in the hands of troops deployed to ‘quell’ a sit-down strike on their campus against obnoxious policies of the Nalova administration. The angry students, protesting for the first time in 3 years  were denouncing an extra 10.000FCFA for late registration, the absenc e of a recognised student body  as well as transparency in the award of Presidential grants when they  were brutally molested by security forces . The heartless forces chased them right to their homes where they suffered untold misery.   Okalia instead blamed the disaster on the UB Vice Chancellor, VC, Dr. Nalova Lyonga.The Governor said he was coerced into signing the order to dispatch armed troops to clamp down on the protesting UB students.The Governor was quoted as saying that as a father he could not remain insensitive to the cry of the UB administration, as such he was forced to dispatch troops to the University campus to quell the students’ protest.

Following the strike action of SYNES members, Nalova fruitlessly issued threats to the student and teaching community for them to resume school. Her use of force sharply contrasted with her colleague of the University of Bamenda who employ a more careful approach towards the crisis. Prof Theresa Nji had suspended classes and told students to go home in the heart of the shootings in Bamenda. She openly called on the government to find a favourable ground for dialogue to ensure that lecturers demands are met for them to  get back to the classroom. While her docile approach earned her admiration from the English speaking community, demands for Nalova's head on the chopping board flooded social media over her harsh and catastrophic handling of the crisis.

Nalova Lyonga has been swept by the wind from Etoudi . And while the move has been hidden under the vast change in Higher Education personel . Its no doubt a direct response to her failures at the University which has resulted in a thorny issue for the institution and government. She leaves UB with a legacy of pain, hate and anger from the entire university community and the population. Some of her teaching staff are languishing at the Kondengui detention Centre while others are at large simply because they stood against her policies. With little remorse over her back door exit, others want severe measures to be taken against her for attempted man slaughter and violations of fundermental human rights as well as mismanagement of univeristy funds. There is no doubt Nalova Lyonga has fallen on the negative side of the prestigious UB and now stands as the most unpopular VC in the history of the academic jewel.

Details

28.Jun.2017

Hits: 5485

At least one medical aid worker is believed to have died in a Boko Haram attack on Monday night in the Far North of Cameroon.
The attack was perpetrated on a health centre in the Alagarno locality, around Waza Park, L'Oeil du Sahel reports.
Huge medication is believed to have been looted in the attack. 
This comes at a time when the fight against the terror group is growing rather shaky. Some Cameroonian soldiers fighting the insurgency went on strike recently due to concerns about unpaid money.  Chad is threatening to pull out of the Multinational Joint Task Force battling the terror group. Chad has complained of growing financial difficulties. 

Details

Rita Akana

27.Jun.2017

Hits: 2730