Like the faithful Wednesday in September 2013 when families woke up to find tens of lives wasted along the Tiko - Douala road, citizens of Douala Wednesday evening witnessed a tragic and heartbreaking scenario at elf village. A heavy duty truck carrying wood from Bertuoa, reports say smashed and destroyed bikes carrying passengers who did not survive the harsh and unfortunate incident. Rescue teams uplifted the fallen truck and found 7 lifeless bodies. Administrative authorities arrived the scenes to appease families in grief and caution bike riders on their wreckless driving habits in a town like Douala.
Batcham chiefdom in the West region of Cameroon has a new leader.
His majesty Djeutsa Sonkoué Adrien, just 13
years old, was inducted last weekend by the notables of the chiefdom.
This very young king replaced his father, his majesty Sonkoué Tatang,
who died more than eight years ago.
“The choice focused on him at the meeting after significant
consultations was made at the closing ceremony of the official funeral
of the late leader,” noted Le Jour newspaper of January 18, 2016.
The ceremony of his enthronement was experienced by the Senate
president and several other dignitaries of the Western Region.
Adrien who became the 14th monarch of Batcham dynasty is a class 3
student at an establishment in Douala.
Despite his young age, the fate of Batcham group now rests on his
shoulders. One of the princes of his kingdom said the Youth king will
get full authority when he reaches the age of maturity “and penetrate
la’akam he will fully come into possession of all his power.”
Once the king attains maturity he will be obliged to follow the
footsteps of his late father, his Majesty Francis Hervé Sonkoué Tatang.
Open Door Days, Collective exhibitions of artistic pieces and round table conferences take effect from January 19 - 22 2016 in Yaounde.
The exceptional, innovative and ingenious one of a kind cultural gathering celebrating the diversity in Cameroon is placed under the theme: «Origins and Cultural stakes and challenges of emergence». With main aim to get expert reflection and contribution on concrete ways to drive the nation towards emergence before deadline, the Arts and Culture Ministry will organise round table conferences in which cultural critics will rob minds on «edifying Cameroon's Emergence».
The open door days will take place at the National Archives' Centre where the audience will have the opportunity of visiting Cameroon's history. Scheduled for the National Assembly's reunification moment, the collective exhibition of plastic arts will be an ideal opportunity for persons to redynamise the national cinematographic industry . Projecting the know-how of hidden potentials, rapid competitive exercises in the field of hairdressing, cooking, dance and story telling will add colour to the cultural come together.
Arts and Culture Minister Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, believes this first national event will serve as MINAC's take off point for activities in 2016. A pluri artistic gala night will wrap up activities of the colourful culture melting pot at the Yaounde Hilton Hotel, on January 22, 2016, under the guidance of the internationally acclaimed musician Eko Roosevelt.
Cameroon's former finance minister has been notified of more charges
against him coming from the Special Criminal Court. SMR understands that
the charges are related to the Gervais Mendo Ze Affair, former general
manager of the state owned radio and television. Absent for health
reasons in the first two hearings of the prosecution case against the
former Minister of Finance, Prof.
Gervais Mendo Ze, former GM of the Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) and
other co-defendants including Polycarpe Abah Abah the accused were
jointly and severally presented the charges before judges at the Special
Criminal Court. During the third hearing, the chairman Justice Yap
Abdou read the file revealing that Polycarpe Abah Abah was accused again
of misappropriation and coercion involving the sum of 205 873 000 FCFA
with the former DG of CRTV, Gervais MendoZe. The charges against the
defendants dated back to the period January 1, 2004 to the 26th January
2005. The period during which it was alleged the former GM of CRTV
fraudulently obtained over 18 billion FCFA. In response to these
accusations, the former MINFI pleaded not guilty, just like the other
accused at the first hearing. Concerning the participation of witnesses,
Abah Abah and Co presented at the hearing eleven witnesses. A number
that President Abdou Yap harmonized to five. He asked them to make a
consensus choice. It was on that note that the hearing was suspended to
be resumed on the 26th and 28th of January 2016.
The National Labour Consultative Committee has proposed a 55 per
cent increase in family allowance, a move from 1800 CFA Francs to 2800
CFA Francs.
Following the Head of State’s speech on
31st December 2015 to increase family allowances, the committee met in
Yaounde on 14th January 2016, to decide the new value.
After much debating by the Minister of
Finance, Alamine Ousmane Mey and the General Manager of the National
Social Insurance Fund (CNPS), Alain Olivier Noel Mekulu Mvondo, the
labour union leaders were all agreed on a 1000 CFA Francs increment
which they had initially considered small.
The Committee Chair and Minister of
Labour and Social Security, Gregoire Owona indicated that the proposal
will be given to the Prime Minister and later forwarded to the Head of
State, H.E. Paul Biya.
The National Labour Consultative
Committee also suggested that the next increment should not tarry as was
the case with the last rate of 1800 CFA Francs which was decided as far
back as 2nd August 1985.
Minister Gregoire Owona assured the committee members that Government
will put in much effort to meet up with their labour demands.
The Ministry of Public Service has announced severe measures to be
meted out on some civil servants and state agents who are non-existent
or absent from their posts of responsibilities.
Officials at the Ministry say such
people, referred to as “ghost workers” have till 15th January 2016 to
show proof of engagement or be scrapped off from the state payroll.
In the months of August and November
2015, the names of 11.000 ghost workers were published. Since then, many
of them are yet to come clear their case at the Ministry of Public
Service.
As the Ministry plans severe sanctions
on such defaulters, it is worth indicating that ghost workers have over
the years, defrauded the state of millions.
Days after the official deadline for cleares cased, files of ghost workers are still circulating. 'Views, Voices and Visions' will in two weeks dig deeper into the matter live on LTM TV with Legal Practitioners, some of the workers termed 'defaulters' and Public Service Heads.
To sustain and enhance targeted gross revenue and gross acquisition in respective SME business by effective implementation of planned sales and channel management strategies
Key Responsibilities
Acquisition, management and retention of SME/SMBs directly and indirectly through channel partners
To identify and recruit suitable channel partners who will drive the effective acquisition of SME customers
Ensure adherence of channel partners to all guidelines as this will help ensure their profitability and sustain demand. Responsible for the implementation, acquisition & retention strategy for prospective and existing accounts in the zone
Grow the usage of Corporate products in the states
Create exceptional opportunities to sell non voice products such as data, blackberry, leased circuit, dedicated internet etc…
Create opportunities to run presentations of Corporate products to SMB /SME all segments in the Zones, directly and through channel partners
Responsible for SME/SMB account development and relationship management process for accounts in the channel guided by the signed service level agreement.
maximize sales through effective execution and implementation of placement and distribution strategies
Encourage and develop opportunities to have Airtel presence in all RETAIL & SME COMPANIES in the zones
3rd Party Channel Management
Visit a minimum of 3 channel partners per week. Such visit should be targeted as ensuring availability of POS materials, reviewing performance against target, reviewing product knowledge of field sales agents and taking corrective actions as required
Facilitate and coordinate the recruitment, training and development of Field Sales agents
Constantly ensure field sales employees are optimally deployed by advising channel partners and dealers on route planning, territory management, etc.
Market & Competitor Analysis
Monitor the activities of competition in our target market and customer segment and develop or recommend counter measures to win competition
Cross Functional Liaison and Support
Co-ordinate with learning & Development and marketing for product, process and behavioral trainings of field sales employees and channel partners
Work with service delivery and support bill delivery and collection in the zone
Target Allocation, Forecasting, Reporting
Accountability for ensuring that agreed target are cascaded across channel partners and field sales agents
Responsibility for managing performance variances and reallocating targets as required
Timely repot, of all activities (Daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly etc.. and as required)
Acquisition – Performance Vs. Target and against all product lines
Lost Opportunities
Prospect and funnel management
initiatives,
Service queries and challenges
Channel branding and visibility
Ensure appropriate branding is carried by all active outlets within the territory.
Identify visibility opportunities for Airtel brand within the territory
Others
Presence at relevant events, ensuring expected benefits are realized
Reduce debt portfolio and churn in your segment
Carry out all other functions as directed by the Zonal Business Manager
Advert Closes 19th January 2016
Desired Skills and Experience
SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
Sales channel management or Key account management, Presentation, report writing and basic computer skills
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION
A University Degree in Business Administration, Marketing or related course
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
3 -5 years preferably in FMCG, Consumables & telecom
3-5 years’ experience in managing sales channel or Key Accounts
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS & BEHAVIOUR
Achieving Results, & Delighting the Customer
Analytical
Team Player; Independent, Confident, and Objective
Attention to detail/ excellent oral and written communication skills
Good presentation skills
Ready to achieve beyond set target
Committed to common goals and values of the organization
The attack believed to have been
perpetrated by the terrorists group Boko Haram was carried out by a
young boy who disguised as a Muslim faithful to participate in the
prayers and later executed his mission by detonating the bombs on him.
This attack came barely hours when some
elements of the military hit back at a gang of the Boko Haram insurgency in the early hours of 12 January breaking 13th and killed two of
the terrorists.
In all, the Minister gave a balance
sheet of the attacks since the start of the year 2016 at a total of
four attacks so far perpetrated by the neferous terrorist group, Boko
Haram; 15 deads and 11 injured amongst others.
From 2013 to 2015 the Minister noted
that, a total of 18 persons were freed by the Cameroon government
kidnapped by the terrorist group, 2 in 2013, 11 in 2014 and 5 in 2015.
315 attacks have been recorded in the
Far North Region believed to have been conducted by Boko Haram, 12
accidents recorded in mine fields and 32 suicide bomb attacks devised by
the same group almost at the end of 2015
In all, since the start of the Boko
Haram incursions,Cameroon has lost 1098 civilians,67 members of the army
and 3 police officers.
It was a platform for the MINCOM boss
to extend the Head of State’s message of appreciation to the Military
and the Vigilante groups in the Far North Region and all over the
country that have been proactive in the fight against terror in Cameroon.
Teaching has
resumed at the Kenyan university where 148 students died in a gun attack
last April but only a few students have turned up for its reopening.
Security has been tightened at Garissa University College nine months after the attack by militant Islamist group al-Shabab.
Staff reported to work last week to get the campus in north-east Kenya ready.
Last year's attack was the deadliest so far by the Somali-based group in Kenya.
More with the BBC http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-35279435
To sustain and enhance targeted gross revenue and gross acquisition in respective SME business by effective implementation of planned sales and channel management strategies
Key Responsibilities
Acquisition, management and retention of SME/SMBs directly and indirectly through channel partners
To identify and recruit suitable channel partners who will drive the effective acquisition of SME customers
Ensure adherence of channel partners to all guidelines as this will help ensure their profitability and sustain demand. Responsible for the implementation, acquisition & retention strategy for prospective and existing accounts in the zone
Grow the usage of Corporate products in the states
Create exceptional opportunities to sell non voice products such as data, blackberry, leased circuit, dedicated internet etc…
Create opportunities to run presentations of Corporate products to SMB /SME all segments in the Zones, directly and through channel partners
Responsible for SME/SMB account development and relationship management process for accounts in the channel guided by the signed service level agreement.
maximize sales through effective execution and implementation of placement and distribution strategies
Encourage and develop opportunities to have Airtel presence in all RETAIL & SME COMPANIES in the zones
3rd Party Channel Management
Visit a minimum of 3 channel partners per week. Such visit should be targeted as ensuring availability of POS materials, reviewing performance against target, reviewing product knowledge of field sales agents and taking corrective actions as required
Facilitate and coordinate the recruitment, training and development of Field Sales agents
Constantly ensure field sales employees are optimally deployed by advising channel partners and dealers on route planning, territory management, etc.
Market & Competitor Analysis
Monitor the activities of competition in our target market and customer segment and develop or recommend counter measures to win competition
Cross Functional Liaison and Support
Co-ordinate with learning & Development and marketing for product, process and behavioral trainings of field sales employees and channel partners
Work with service delivery and support bill delivery and collection in the zone
Target Allocation, Forecasting, Reporting
Accountability for ensuring that agreed target are cascaded across channel partners and field sales agents
Responsibility for managing performance variances and reallocating targets as required
Timely repot, of all activities (Daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly etc.. and as required)
Acquisition – Performance Vs. Target and against all product lines
Lost Opportunities
Prospect and funnel management
initiatives,
Service queries and challenges
Channel branding and visibility
Ensure appropriate branding is carried by all active outlets within the territory.
Identify visibility opportunities for Airtel brand within the territory
Others
Presence at relevant events, ensuring expected benefits are realized
Reduce debt portfolio and churn in your segment
Carry out all other functions as directed by the Zonal Business Manager
Advert Closes 19th January 2016
Desired Skills and Experience
SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
Sales channel management or Key account management, Presentation, report writing and basic computer skills
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION
A University Degree in Business Administration, Marketing or related course
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
3 -5 years preferably in FMCG, Consumables & telecom
3-5 years’ experience in managing sales channel or Key Accounts
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS & BEHAVIOUR
Achieving Results, & Delighting the Customer
Analytical
Team Player; Independent, Confident, and Objective
Attention to detail/ excellent oral and written communication skills
Good presentation skills
Ready to achieve beyond set target
Committed to common goals and values of the organization
The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, IMF is due to begin a two day visit to Cameroon, beginning January 7- 9, 2016 on invitation of Cameroon’s President Paul Biya.
Mrs Christine Lagarde is due to hold discussions with the PM, Philemon Yang, Ministers of Finance of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa, CEMAC, Region and the Bank of Central African States, BEAC, Governor.
An international market researcher, freelance business consultant and analyst is challenging the IMF boss of what she projected as growth in the CEMAC region.
Callistus Fonjong picks holes with the declarations of Mrs Christine Lagarde who did not mention corruption as a veritable stumbling block to economic growth and development. His response came following a visit of the MD for the International
Monetary Fund, FMI to Cameroon.
Below is a full letter to Mrs Lagarde…
Dear Mrs Lagarde. I have gone through your speech. There is clear indication from your speech that African policymakers lack economic development knowledge.
Actually, you are right. You sounded as someone who understands that he/she is addressing
a crowd of desperate, helpless, confused and ignorant people who are ready to accept any proposal you make. Your proposals mostly will be tired up to IMF gains.
Visit http://soloamabo.blogspot.co.za/ for more details.
UB GEOLOGIST REFUTES IMMINENT ERUPTION OF BUEA MOUNTAIN
The Dean of the Faculty of Science of the University of Buea, has refuted allegations about the imminent eruption of the Buea Mountain, Cameroon one of the most active volcanoes in Africa.
Cameroon Journal, Yaounde – Nfor N. Susungi, renowned economist turned politician, who is has publicised plans to run for President in the 2018 presidential elections has said that it is the turn of Anglophones to occupy Etoudi for at least 20years. The former SDF baron is also warning that Cameroon might split in halves if the Biya regime refuses to acknowledge the fact that Francophones have ruled for too long and give way for Anglophones to lead.
In an online interview with our reporter, the presidential hopeful says “It starts with the fact that reunification was a tontine and not a marriage. I have decided to use metaphors (tontine, otherwise known as njangi) which all Cameroonians can connect with. If you are in a union which is not backed by a legal agreement which was ratified and sent to the UN Secretariat in conformity with article 102 of the UN Charter, then it is a tontine.”
Susungi who said he did change the name of the country to Republic of Kameroon under the platform of UNIKAM, compares the current Republic of Cameroon to a tontine, which he says is a binding association between people not bound by any legal instrument. “It is bound by the principle of rotation. The Francophones have chopped the tontine for 55 years. I have maintained that in 2004 Biya was supposed to hand over to an Anglophone to take their turn; but he did not” he said, adding that “he decided to hang on in violation of the rules of the tontine. Now is the time to hand over to an Anglophone. For how long? At least 20 years. It cannot remain with the Francophones because that will mean that the tontine has broken down. If that happens everyone knows what the consequences will be.”
Susungi pointed out that he has coined “powerful political metaphors” to enable Cameroonians understand the challenges facing them in the coming years.
He recalled reports of a French politician who came to Cameroon and declared an Anglophone can never be allowed to be president of the country. “He may have said this not knowing that we are in a tontine. He said that in order to prevent John Fru Ndi from aspiring to take over from Paul Biya in 1992. No problem. But things have now changed.” My generation has grown wise and that is why I am explaining things in very plain language today. If we fail to respect the rules of the tontine, then Cameroon should expect a very serious crisis which could lead to the breakup of the country;” he stressed.
To buttress his argument as to why an Anglophone must take over power following a principle of rotation, Susungi, opined: “In Nigeria the principle of rotation of power among the geopolitical zones is very important. In Cote d’Ivoire the arrival of Ouattara has enabled the North to take its turn in power. Even the UN understands that the position of SG must be rotated to different regions of the world.”
Quizzed on how an Anglophone could become president when the Biya regime apparently does not think in that direction, he said “that is Paul Biya’s problem. My job is to stake a claim and I have done it in very plain language. Don’t imagine that what I am saying here is not worrying them and their own succession plans. They know that I am not John Fru Ndi.”
As to what he meant by not being John Fru Ndi, he said “I am not just sitting and hoping for the best like Chairman.” Susungi disclosed that he has written to President Biya. “Biya knows I want his job. I am coming out and staking a claim to the job very clearly. Now what is he and his entourage going to do?” he asked rhetorically.
Susungi was firm that there is no other political party in Cameroon which explains its plans and its positions as clearly as his UNIKAM. The manifesto and priorities of the party which, Susungi outlined include the opening of a judicial investigation into the Lake Nyos disaster of 1986, the massacre of the Bamelikes and Bassas between 1955-1966 as well as the 1984 attempted coup d’etat. UNIKAM will also want to introduce a national stability pact which will, among other things, facilitate the equitable distribution of national appointments. Susungi equally plans to change the celebration of the national day from May 20 to October 1, expand parliamentary seats to 250 while limiting consecutive terms for MPs and senators. Presidential terms shall be reduced to four 4 years, allowing for 3 consecutive terms, but with an age limit for presidents.
Tanzania's new President John Magufuli has joined hundreds of residents in the main city Dar es Salaam to take part in a public clean-up operation.
Mr Magufuli picked up rubbish from the street outside State House as part of the scheme, which he had ordered to replace independence day celebrations.
The move is being seen as symbolic of the president's promise to tackle corruption, our correspondent says.
Thousands of people across Tanzania are reported to have joined the clean-up.
Last month, Mr Magufuli cancelled traditional independence day celebrations, which usually include a military parade and concert, saying it would be "shameful" to spend huge sums of money while the country was facing a serious cholera outbreak.http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-35049628
More than two million Nigerians have fled their homes seeking refuge from Boko Haram insurgents over the last six years.
One
of the largest camps is in a semi-arid field outside the north-eastern
town of Dalori, with row-upon-row of white tents stretching for more
than a kilometre.
BBC Africa's Jimeh Saleh met some of the 18,000
residents there and heard how they have survived attacks by the Islamist
militant group and how they are now coping.
One of the most noticeable figures in Dalori camp, Mr Mutti limps around using wooden crutches.
The 55-year-old former businessman fled Bama with thousands of others after the militants ransacked the town in 2014.
His left leg was hit by a bullet, leaving his foot dangling.
"I was in bed when they came at dawn; I was nursing the gunshot wound they inflicted on me in an earlier attack," he said.
The insurgents killed his 24-year-old son and also kidnapped his two daughters.
He now lives in Dalori with his two wives, 10 other children and three grandchildren. Image caption
Malaria and diarrhoea are endemic at the camp
The horror he and his neighbours have experienced are concealed by their cheerful children.
Under-18s
make up the majority of the camp residents - scampering about, often
unaware of the past tragedies and the challenges ahead.
"Tomorrow you shall come again, come again, come again," they chant.
But malnutrition, malaria and other infections are widespread.
"This is by far the worst thing I have seen in my life," said 60-year-old Noah Bwala, the camp clinician.
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Media caption'I lost my eight children to Boko Haram'One of the cooks at the camp kitchen is Mrs Modu, who still does not know the fate of her husband and eight children.
Some of her offspring were taken by militants from her home in the town of Bama and others were kidnapped in school.
"I cry each time I remember them," she says.
She
was given the cooking job on compassionate grounds after the camp
officials took pity on her because she is without her family.
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Media captionThe 100-year-old who survived Boko HaramAmong the camp elders is Mrs Ammuna, who says she is 100 years old.
The widow and former milk seller is still pained by the loss of her two houses to Boko Haram in Bama.
The keys to the houses were seized at gun point by the Islamist fighters, she said.
But
she is hopeful that now that the army has recaptured most territory
previously under Boko Haram control, the soldiers will be able to take
her back home when it is safe to return.
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Media caption'We got married in a refugee camp'Despite the gloom of Dalori, some residents still find time to fall in love.
Thirty-five-year-old Modu Bulama came to the camp after his wife and two children were killed by Boko Haram.
Whilst
helping with the distribution of relief material to camp residents, he
met a woman who had lost her husband in the conflict.
After exchanging their experiences, he asked her to marry him.
But
being in the camp has not stopped tradition, and he had to raise $50
(£34) for the bride price of the woman, who did not want to give her
name.
