The Human Rights Defenders Network makes a declaration following recent abductions and enforced disappearances

The Human Rights Defenders Network in Central Africa slams verbal sanctions on the recent mishaps in the Country.

Stating 'Everyone has the right to have his cause to be heard' the Human Rights Defenders Network in Central Africa declares that the prohibition of the Cameroon Anglophone Civil Society Consortium is illegal and unfounded by the rule of law.

Pressing further, REDHAC in the same declaration indicates that such acts are similar to abductions and enforced disappearances.

Concerned about the Dissolution of the CACSC and the arbitrary arrest of Mr. Nkongho Felix Agbor Balla and Dr. Fontem A. Neba, REDHAC strongly condemns the ban on the activities of the CACSC by the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation.

Protesting against the arbitrary arrest and detention of the CACSC defenders, REDHAC called for the immediate and unconditional release of the Consortium leaders. The Human Rights Defenders Network in Central Africa also called on the state to require the Ministries of Communication and Territorial Administration and Decentralisation, to publish without delay the names of the other 25 arrested persons since January 13, 2017 in connection with the crisis, and to immediately lift up the decree prohibiting the activities of the Cameroon Anglophone Civil Society Consortium which is in accordance with the African and UN Human Rights instruments on freedom of association.

Africa must work together to deliver on Agenda 2063 goals

by Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi on '11 January 2017'

Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi is the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Republic of Botswana and Candidate for Chairperson of the African Union.

Agenda 2063 is a call to action for all segments of African society to work together and build a prosperous united Africa. Africa thrives on embracing our diversity, and we unite in sharing values and goals. In this way, we can deliver on our aspirations in a sustainable manner, and begin to close the gap with developed economies.

A united Africa should work towards pragmatic, inclusive growth that leaves nobody behind. An economy that grows mindless of the gap between the rich and poor is not sustainable. Africa’s growth narrative of the past decade witnessed an expansion of the middle class, increased purchasing power and ensuing urbanisation and entrepreneurial initiative. We must now lay the appropriate foundations to ensure we nurture a phase of even stronger inclusive growth in Africa into the future.

Promoting an environment of stronger economic growth is a priority that can help alleviate the potential for conflicts across the continent. Where conflicts exist, we must endeavour to make our best efforts at fostering conflict resolution through appropriate effective channels, thus enhancing our peacekeeping capacity and ever stronger stability across the continent. The African Union has played a leading role in the promotion of human rights, establishing the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights in 1986 (ACHPR). Its wide remit covers issues that should be considered inalienable – such as fair trials, prevention of torture, rights of the elderly, women, youth and those with disabilities. All nations must work together collaboratively through the African Union in order to meet the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

There is an opportunity to build a new Africa. A land where we behold the values of our forefathers and the African Union’s founding fathers, and build upon the accumulated experience of each nation’s leaders. A continent of opportunities to educate our youth, facilitate their path into achievement and foster economic development that will expand the employment market, hence sowing the seeds to harness and harvest the demographic dividends potential that Africa has. Our greatest competitive advantage lies in our people and our natural resources. We must build capacity to increase work productivity, enhance and broaden our set of competences through vocational training and knowledge transfer, that will allow African exports to move up the global value chain.

Regional integration sits at the core of this strategy. Priority should be put on strengthening our institutions to support regional integration that would allow member states to work effectively under fair trade agreements and free movement of people and talent, and thus maximising the potential for our human capital contribution. Cross-border infrastructure development and connected capital markets will facilitate national and regional socio-economic growth, in a way that is beneficial to all nations.

We have an enormous opportunity before us. The African Union is uniquely positioned to contribute to laying the foundations for realising Africa’s bright future and to achieve the Vision 2063 goals. This is not an easy task, though. It will require stewardship and drive; energy and perseverance; pan-African activism, action-orientation and diplomacy as well as ability to reach consensus. My experience, in a life dedicated to public service at national, regional and continental levels has placed me to be in a position to give the African Union the leadership it requires in order to achieve the aspirations of millions of Africans. It would be a privilege, and an honor, for me to lead the African Union, this great pan-African institution, in the realisation of Africa’s aspirations, in our next phase of development.

Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi is the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Republic of Botswana and Candidate for Chairperson of the African Union.

MINPOSTEL warns on the wrong use of social media

'How can we survive in the absence of our business transactions? No money transfer operations, no internet cafe services, no bank transactions... Is this the 21st century we dreamt of? 

Cries of a struggling 25 year old denizen who found no favour with the services of the state. Confronted to that bitter portion he started up a small business which allows him to feed his family and shoulder the responsibilities of his kid brothers and sisters as the first son. Embittered by the recent internet cuts from the North West and South West regions which have an automatic effect on his lifelihood, he outloudly wonders what his governemnt plans for him.

' I am so frustrated with these recent happenings. I am only struggling to make ends meet with a degree in my pocket. How do they want me to survive, talk less of caring for my siblings I am responsible for, with such conditions? Now my cyber cafe cannot operate due to the internet cuts and I cannot foot my bills, will goverment pay my rents and monthly bills? Will government feed my family? I am patriotic, one of the reasons why I have not left the country like my peers.  Why are we being pushed to the walls? ' Ndefru Cletus laments.

Lamentations which illustrate the hot seat he is sitting on since the internet cuts in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon. 

While young citizens like cletus NDEFRU growl over the abrupt internet cuts affecting businesses for some, education for others and even social interraction which has become a stress relief pill for unemployed youth, digital customers have been receiving messages from the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications warning cellular enjoyers of the following:

‘Dear Subscriber, you incur 6 months to 2 years imprisonment, and 5 to 10 million fine if you publish or spread on the social media, information that you have no proof.'

'Dear Subscriber, Publishing as well as spreading false news, including on the social media, are punishable by the Penal Code and the Law'

‘Cher abonné, vous risquez 6 mois à 2 ans de prison et une amende de 5 à 10 millions, si vous publiez ou propagez sur un réseau social, une nouvelle sans preuve de véracité. MINPOSTEL’

Coming from the Ministry of telecommunications, the content of these short messages call on phone end users to mind how they use ICTS. Seen by many as a threat, intellectual debates already animate the social media over the alacrity at which such warning is spread.

Worthy of note is the fact that the sharing of MINPOSTEL warnings come after the technical internet cuts in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon, disrupting business transactions and preventing citizens from trading (as the internet has opened doors to many employment opportunities), studying (as many do online courses abroad), interacting with international business tycoons (many entrepreneurs hold webinars, video conferences and video chats to spread business tentacles), praying with pastors based abroad (Christians fellowship and pray with Nigerian, Ghanaian churches online) and getting information at cheaper rates. The Phone users gnash their teeth over such disgruntled acts and plan staging a protest in front of the telecommunications houses for answers.  Prepaid Customers have already filed some suits and one of the telecommunication companies plan to sue government for breach of contract, reports say.

While waiting for the latest developments, nationals from the North West and South West regions still complain they don’t enjoy internet services till date. Others even claim that measures have been taken to halt transfer of credit to phones in the aforementioned regions.

Ghost Town syndrome infests English Cameroon

‘Limbe is on ghost town. Shops are closed at half mile. I have not seen any student on the street, or taxi on the street. A few bike riders though harbor at strategic outlets.’

These are the words of a patriotic denizen based in the South west Coastal city of Fuel and Friendship ‘Limbe’, early Monday morning attesting to the fact that schools have not resumed in Fako division.

‘I am in Bambili and there are no signs of schools. Even those vehicles which usually pass to kumbo are not driving today. The latest news in town is the purported picking up of Wirba at 2am. This information however is to be confirmed.’

A description of the usually lively, active and buoyant education setting of Bambili in the Tubah Sub division of the North West Region of Cameroon, today known by some as ‘Southern Cameroon’s or ‘Ambazonia’. Speaking to a student of the Bambui polytechnique early Monday morning she confirms that a visitor passing by for the first time will hardly believe there is a University setting in this location.

‘Kumba Monday morning is like a desert. The wings of the Ghost town are spreading wide’ Mina says. Fresh news from K-town indicating that kumba is in dead silence. All public places are closed, no schools are open, shops are closed and no vehicles circulate. Fontem like Mamfe, Buea, Tiko and Alou are not different from graveyards, inhabitants on phone discussions reveal. The particular aspect about Ghost town in all of English Cameroon is the nonviolence.

And like a student joked over Cameroon having the longest of weekends on the globe referring to the fact that weekends begin on Fridays and end on Tuesdays, it is eminent that the English inhabited part of Cameroon has automatically adopted the new ghost town trend sending strong messages to the administrative quarters on the seriousness of the Anglophones’ stand. They want their leaders to be released and they want the Anglophones to be treated like the Francophones for both languages have equal status and value.

‘Excess troops in the North West and South West regions scare us so much we cannot afford to leave our homes’ 18 year old Form Five Student of the Buea Grammar School, Mireille from Ekona affirms.

Painting a picture of the militarized area in which she lives following the outbreak of the ‘I have had enough syndrome in the Anglophone settings of Cameroon.’ Mireille is traumatized by the reality and wonders whether the CFI is producing and shooting the second part of ‘Hotel Rwanda’. Citizens are however advised to dial 222 201 500 to report cases of violence around them at such times for immediate interventions.

This is a night mare for teachers who have nothing doing but wait for dialogue to break the ice. Some have resorted to farming, some to drinking wine at the school premises with their principals as they have no students to teach, and others are vacating the trouble infested zones to try out new things in the other 8 regions of Cameroon. Reports indicate that the marginalized citizens will not stop the operation Ghost towns if demands are not cautiously looked into.

MANYAN builds hope in a broken spirit in Douala, Cameroon

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE CONSORTIUM.

SOUTHERN CAMEROONS STUDENTS UNION . 

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE CONSORTIUM.

With patriotism and oneness for the struggle of the southern Cameroon liberation movement, we the southern Cameroon students union within and out of the nation extend our sincere gratitude to the president of the Consortium Mr Agbor Mballa and to all members working in close collaboration with him on the current Anglophone Problem in Southern Cameroon. We write to you to let you know that the southern Cameroon students are behind this fight and will do anything possible for us to emerge victorious.

Mindful of the ongoing strike action that began last November 21st, 2016 spear-headed by lawyers and teachers which led to the shutting down of all educational establishments in the entire west Cameroon, and mindful of the recent developments in the month of January 2017 ( ghosts towns and failure of series of meetings held with agents from la republic ) has proven that the teachers and lawyers through the consortium are bent on liberating the SOUTHERN CAMEROONS people and to this we the southern Cameroons students union say BRAVO to your bravery.

Sirs you are our teachers, intellectuals and it is through your efforts in class rooms that we are able to talk and understand our history; the history of west Cameroon. With this in mind the people are looking up to you as our fighters . Please do not let the History of the 60s repeat itself, talk less of that which brought us to this state of being that's 1972 . For it is time to correct the mistakes our fore fathers made.

This problem has gone beyond that of just teachers and lawyers, as it now involves Southern Cameroonian. Sirs we are certain of your awareness and understanding that in order for a Government to function well, the people's voices must be taken into consideration. The people of west Cameroon need either a TWO STATE FEDERATION or INDEPENDENCE and for us to determine which is best for them, we STRONGLY stand on the idea of a REFERANDUM to decide on our fate. Nevertheless, it is beyond reasonable doubt that more that 70% of Southern Cameroonians are completely in for COMPLETE INDEPENDENCE !

That said, it is the cry, will and demand of the people that our COMPLETE INDEPENDENCE be tabled for discussion by the consortium and how to organise a referandum to achieve it.

Thus we the southern Cameroon students union hereby wish to make certain proposals that can help to fortify our consortium. These proposals include the following;

* At the beginning of this fight the members of the consortium made it clear to the government of la republic that before any dialogue can take place let the children that were arrested be unconditionally released but this was not done rather they went ahead to play over the intelligence of our course. With all due respect this downplayed our struggle and made the consortium seem rather confused and un-serious. We therefore demand that this clause be put back in place effectively. The consortium needs to understand that they are NOT begging the Government because our fight is justified, as we are only demanding for what is rightfully ours. The consortium should not gamble with the lives of our brothers and , as is now the case.

* That said, it is our utmost desire that freedom fighters like Hon Wirba Joseph and Mancho Bibixy be added to and given seats at the table of the consortium. This is because it is now a general struggle and not just that of teachers or lawyers and so the consortium should involve people with the peoples voice.

Again we are requesting that representatives of some of the association who are for this struggle be added and given seats in the consortium. They include representative(s) from the southern Cameroon students union, representative(s) from the NW and SW bike riders union, drivers union and representative(s) of the business men and women of Southern Cameroon, NW and SW duly represented in full capacity.

*We also request that all Anglophone Parliamentarians CEASE from being members of the La République Parliament. This is because we have come to discover that this is the major string that still binds us with La République and holds us back from achieving our desires.

* Finally we propose that prior to the unconditional release of our brothers and sisters who have been arrested, and the de-militarization of our Anglophone regions, it is our cry that the consortium CEASES discussions and SUSPEND all forms of dialogues with agents of La République and concentrate on tabling our cry for independence officially to the UN.

The students on their part have decided NOT to step into classroom WITHOUT the release of our brothers.

You have our relentless support in this fight for our freedom through independence.

We pray you listen to your people and together we will win this battle.

Long live Southern Cameroon
Long live Ambazonia
THANK YOU

Done,this 17th day of January,2017.
The interim executive council,
Southern Cameroons Student Union

Anglophone Cameroon observes Day 2 of the Consortium led sit in protest

 The 48 hour Consortium led Ghost town in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon has effectively paralised activities and transformed the towns into a graveyard. Bamenda, Buea, Kumba, Wum, Nkambe, Banso, Kumba amongst other towns of  southern Cameroons observe day 2 of the sit in strike. This quiet and peaceful protest preventing the smooth flow of economic transactions, security tasks, slowing down business operations and even life saving missions, is a follow up of the first, calling on government to adhere to the demands of the Lawyers and the Teachers for the Anglophone population.

The beauty of having a buoyant city is farfetched with the effective observance of Consortium led 48 hour sit in strike. Vehicles have all gone into a technical comatose leaving the streets to emptiness and quietness. The noise and usual activity in the markets have momentarily vacated the premises leaving the busy hubs almost in the form of graveyards. The schools have been deserted and those who dare oppose the agreement as was the case in the South West Coastal city of Limbe Monday January 16, 2017, face the wrath of an angry youth.

Reports reaching us at press time indicate that a group of young boys in Azire have placed barricades on the road prevnting circulation. This has pushed the annoyed forces of law and order to pump tear gas as a means to chase the youth from the streets.

They should know by now that violence is not going to push the Anglophones to back off. Even the veteran journalist who is the national chair of Cameroon's Communication Council early Tuesday on state media affirmed, only honest negotiations and agreements will put an end to this circle of protests.

While waiting for a new dawn of tranquility, fairness, justice and peace which depend only on a frank dialogue where both parties enjoy equity in being citizens of a nation, the ghost town sit in strikes will continue to animate Anglophone Cameroon.

Riley Fru talks to Southern Cameroons

My dear Ambazonians, greetings to you once more. 
Most of you must have seen the video by Mr Tassang talking about Thurday's meeting which is pretty good. Let's look at the big picture, the lawyers and teachers (Consortium) presented a long list of what they want. More than 90% of the people want Independence and if the worse come to the worse federation but I am not sure the people are going to get their demand. 

The ministers want to make sure schools resumes by all means necessary, they by pretending to be calm, submissive and looking into the list presented by the consortium. We are strongly behind the consortium but is the consortium working for the people? My answer is NO. The first condition for any dialogue was to make sure all detained protesters are released but the consortium has FAILED to keep that promise. If the consortium was with the people, they wouldn’t have been any long list rather, the list would be:
1. Release all our brothers
2. Federation or Independence
That was supposed to be the list based on the people’s demand and any other list is supposed to be subtitles under the above 2 points. Tassang Wilfred in his video said even if the teachers and lawyers grievances are made, the strike will not be call off because the people have their own grievances. It looks like the lawyers; teachers and the people have different problems, is this how things are supposed to be? What happened to united people with common problems? Southern Cameroonians have proven beyond reasonable doubts the degree of their unity and united people have common problems.

Radio Hot cocoa is down, the Jakiri local radio station was shut down yesterday simply because Hon wirba used it to announce a meeting scheduled for tomorrow in Kumbo. As of now, the consortium should know that the government is not actually willing to solve our problems and all they want is for schools to resume so that UNESCO wouldn’t shut down schools for this year, after which everything will go to normal. Fru Ndi on the hand just newly appointed a SG for his party, surprisingly a guy from La Republic and what is this supposed to mean? Is he with us when we were hoping for his MPs to join this fight? 
This piece of advice is to the consortium:
Mr Tassang Wilfred made it clear to the whole nation that they are in control of Southern Cameroon which is the highest treat the regime has ever have, it was a blow directly to their face. 

Do you know the consequences of this if we don’t win this fight to the people and most importantly to you and your family? Winning I mean Independence or Federation. Whatever discussion you guys are having without the president himself, the UN and Britain is just going to be another Foumban Conference. We are blaming ST Foncha, Muna, Jua etc for putting us in this hell on earth in our own land, the next generation will blame you the consortium for putting them in bigger problems than Foncha did 56 years ago. 

Before the regime silent you the consortium if we don’t win, the people, same Okada riders who believed and protect will turn on you like bees if you betray them. No dialogue was supposed to take place without our brothers released or the regime accountable for their dead. 
To my lovely Ambazonians, if we don’t win this fight, I welcome you to 21st Century first class Marginalization far worse than what you are going through right now.
I am just an Ambazonian who was in support of federation but now in full support of independence because I know that can be achieved.

GOD BLESS US ALL.

Riley FRU.

Bosa Sebele's Interview on Phenomenal African Woman Magazine

"There is no force more powerful than a woman determined to rise, for Where there is a woman there is magic"  BOSA Daisy SEBELE

PAW stands for Phenomenal African Women, It is a foundation which aims to Inspire, Celebrate and Empower African women who are making an impact in their communities.They feature female change makers from all over the continent.I was privileged enough to be approached by them to be featured on their online magazine. It always puts a smile on my face when I am recognized for the small contributions I do in my community and I hope it inspires that 19 year old girl who thinks she does not have the power to make an impact.

Below is the link so everyone can check it out and learn a bit on who I am and what  drives me.

http://phenomenalafricawoman.blogspot.com/2016/06/there-is-no-force-more-powerful-than.html

Rise up and realize that you are undeniably a QUEEN.

The relevance of Bilingualism to responsible citizenship?

The 12^th edition of the National Week of Bilingualism and the 15^th edition of the National Day of Bilingualism will hopefully be celebrated in Cameroon from the 30^th of January; 2017 to the 3^rd of February, 2017 in conformity with the provisions of Arête No 055/B1/1464/MINEDUB/MINESEC of 6^th July 2011, fixing the calendar of the 2016/2017 academic year in the nation.

On the National Bilingualism day, special highlights via intellectual, pedagogic, cultural, artistic, recreational and sporting activities, which enable learners to explore the opportunities inherent in the mastery of English & French, Cameroon’s official languages, will animate schools throughout the divisional and regional headquarters of the Country.

Instituted by the Ministerial Decision No 1141/B1/1464 of the 28^th October 2002, as an opportunity to sensitize Cameroonian pupils and students on the importance of national integration through the use of both official languages in Cameroon, English and French, the Ministries of Basic and Secondary Education hold joint ceremonies over national territory.

With prior objectives to ensure the progressive implementation of the Special Bilingual Education Programme; Develop the reading culture of teachers and students; Develop and improve the functional usage of official languages, English & French; Help learners become true citizens of the global village; Promote unity and national integration through quality social dialogue and interaction; facilitate the insertion of learners in the modern world through the appropriation of information and communication technologies; facilitate access to employment and the improvement of career profiles; and Promote a culture of excellence; questions are raised on why dialogue has not been attained between parties attempting the Anglophone problem, why bilingual youth who have graduated from schools still loom the quarters in search of job opportunities, why social dialogue and unity is still a myth to nationals, why the culture of excellence is still threatened and how such bootable goals were not efficiently attained? Questions that don’t give sleep to conscious citizens concerned about the national integration and peace of Cameroon. This is so, because the armed forces are on warfront for religious intolerance and many wonder if the nation will survive another internal hit coming through the face of language discrimination, marginalization and injustice.

With previous themes such as: ‘Bilingualism, factor of National integration’, ‘I am Cameroonian, I am Bilingual’, ‘I am Cameroonian, I am committed to Bilingualism’, ‘Bilingualism a window to the world’, ‘Bilingualism key to progress and success’, ‘Bilingualism key to progress and success: Factor of Scientific and technological Excellence’, ‘truly Bilingual Citizens for a Bilingual Cameroon’,  ‘Quality Bilingualism for Quality Education’ , ‘ Celebrating Quality Bilingualism, a window to professionalism’, ‘ Bilingualism for responsible citizenship’ , questions caress the lips of patriotic denizens as to what concrete impact such reflections have had on the bilingual Cameroonian.

Have such useful reflections succeeded to tear a people apart instead of consolidating the assets at all levels of education such that it becomes a factor of unity and national integration?  Were these topics thoroughly brushed to soak the spirits and souls of citizens with true and heroic patriotic seeds or were they just sorted out to justify the expenditures and beautify the pages of newspapers and the different news editions on radio and television?

If only citizens knew national integration is not characterized by the implementation of the special Bilingual Education Programme (SBEP) by circular No 20/08/MINESEC/IGE of the 2^nd of December 2008, the Institution of the Bilingual game by circular letter No 31/09/MINESEC/IGE/IP-BIL of 03/09/2009 in Secondary General & Technical Schools and Technical Teacher Training Colleges, or the distribution of more than 220 000 books to Secondary schools to promote the reading culture, or the Distribution of more than 15 000 kits to Secondary schools , nationals would dig deeper and spare the nation of the motion

But how much importance did bilingual citizens give to self-examination in order to develop strategies which could help improve the bilingual status, acceptance and belonging?

 Now that the mastery of English and French is the seal that gives credence to the quality of the products of our Education system and a key to the modern world, how unified and integrated are the bilingual citizens? 

Amy BANDA

Is Bilingualism a factor of National Integration?

The faces of friends and family staring at me when I say ‘Good Morning’ in Douala or ‘Bonjour’ in Kumba depict an image of language incomprehension or crises. Trying to get at the complexities of my bilingual story and lived experiences, and following My BIYA’s quote ‘A woman who speaks two languages is worth two women. Cameroonians have a fundamental interest in being bilingual’, I can paint a portrait of people with an ethnic and linguistic situation harboring the coexistence of about 250 mother tongues, exploring issues around multi-culturalism and identity.

 I am interested in the tension between being a citizen of English expression and a denizen of French expression. Why is there a complexity of my identity when I enter a ministerial quarter and address the receptionist in my first language which happens not only to be an asset (Bilingualism maximizes opportunities of quality employment. Bilingualism opens up the mastery of communication tools in productive and beneficial information and communication technologies. Bilingualism widens the scope of human relationships reinforcing the capacity to adapt to the fast changing world. Bilingualism fosters the development of critical thinking and creativity.), but is also backed by the 1996 Constitution which stipulates that Cameroon has English & French as official languages of equal value.

I am disturbed by the differencecompetent citizens of English expression endure in terms of political and economic positioning. Why must I be second to a colleague who can barely wipe my academic or professional pair of shoes just because I am of English expression? Why will my boss always remind me that she/he does not understand English so I must either rephrase the sentence or rewrite the report in French? Why will interesting news topics proposed by journalists of English expression be shut down in the news conferences and immediately considered seconds after, when a journalist of French expression repeats the same proposal in Molière’s language? Why will I be reminded by administrative authorities that ‘my English is very poor’ each time I need a feed in English? Why are English Newscasts not given the same importance and attention (in terms of production and broadcast) in media houses? Why must I enter an intellectual fight with my boss just to have the jingle of the News bear its name ‘THE NEWS’ instead of ‘Le 18H’ as they would want to call it? Why must the news file be called JTA instead of ‘THE NEWS’ as the French version is called ‘LE JOURNAL’?

Why must I struggle with the video editor to use the following inscriptions ‘MINSEE’, ‘MINWEF’, ‘MINPH’, ‘MINBE’, to name these, to identify the Ministry of Secondary Education, Ministry of Women’s Empowerment & the Family, Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Basic Education? Why must it be ‘Andre MAMA FOUDA - MINSANTE’ and never ‘Andre MAMA FOUDA-MINPH’ even for me the Anglophone journalist in a country where English and French are of equal value?

Why must I struggle all the time with technicians to inscribe ‘REBROADCAST’ or ‘REPLAY’ at the top right hand corner of the screen for my shows anytime there is a repeat of my programs, and not ‘REDIFFUSSION’? Why must French speaking journalists always go and cover the ‘okro’-related stories and leave their colleagues behind with the intention of relaying facts upon their return from the field for writing? And then, when the English colleague goes to the field, phone calls are made left and right by the almighty French colleagues preventing the communication cells from giving stipends to the English reporter on the field?  Why will technicians deliberately start the English news with some lateness but always begin the French News on time? The list of ‘why’ can go on and on. But you see? These are some of the bitter language difficulties competent workers of English expression endure to satisfy clients who can’t afford missing their products or services.

All of these happens under the watchful eyes of authorities designed to shape the smooth functioning of the house, steer productivity, engage competition and outgrow the potential of the organ. There is very little we do to anticipate for which we are certain in such circumstances, especially when some colleagues of English Expression are not only stooges, but will fight against those who defend their interests.

Nothing ever ceased to surprise me for I had always known my professional bilingualism journey would be tough, and I chose to stand my grounds with the creation of English shows wherein thousands derived satisfaction, as they didn’t have to travel airwaves to Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, The Gambia, Zimbabwe just to name these, to get the same content. And honestly I have never felt this fulfilled because my fine art has been lauded for its exploration of the Anglophone identity and history severally. I wanted to create a wearable art and piece which sized every Anglophone watching from Domayo, GarouaBoulai, Bambalang, Bali Nyonga, Banso, Nkwen, Bafut, Mankon, Nkambe, Oku, Ndu,Tiko, Limbe, Kumb, Buea, Mutengene, Muyuka, Idenau, Mamfe, Lebialem, Bassa, Edea, Kribi, Lolodorf and even without national boundaries.  This created accessibility to my work as there came a time, I didn’t have to look for guests. Social media became a point of contact for outspoken panelists and interesting topics reflecting pertinent realities for discussions that could lead change. They will always get to you when they find interest and content wherever you hide.

Unite our hearts and minds to honor our culture would have been a brilliant idea if we still do not have citizens who have consciously chosen to sideline the 1996 constitution, the educational policy via Law No 98/004 of 14^th April 1993, the provisions of Arête No 055/B1/1464/MINEDUB/MINESEC of 06 July, 2011 or the Ministerial decision No 1141/B1/1464 of the 28^th of October, 2002, thinking Cameroon belongs only to them.

With the twist taking another turn as Health workers begin striking on Monday January 16, 2017, the Country is shaking and the Centre may no longer have the energy to hold the things falling apart. Why must things fall apart anyway when parties can discuss ideas for a way forward? Why can’t parties concerned inspire change by taking action, which is to invite ‘Mr Dialogue and Mrs Understanding’ on the table to lead change? 

Amy BANDA

Hugely Successful Leaders Take Purposeful Actions

08/12/2016The on-going International Women Leadership Conference in Cameroon will amongst other things, be an opportunity for leading women in the Country to face and beat fear in order to improve on their businesses and outgrow company resource.

The Women Leadership conference which  opened on Friday, 08th December 2016 brought together business magnates and female leaders from Africa and beyond to discover investment opportunites in Cameroon.

Discussing their leadership experiences at their places of work and within familial parametres as great minds, the successful female leaders inspired, celebrated and empowered themselves with electrifying enriching stories that build bridges over their troubled waters.

  

'Cameroon's leadership potential is yet to fully explode so exemplary figures must embrace and embark on the fast changing trends that help develop for fulfilled leadership careers to be attained' Adeline SEDE, Founding President and CEO of FabAfrique / Organizer of the 2016 Corporate Awards. 

Experts say the slow pace of leadership growth is due to the limits women set for themselves. They always think they cannot do the things they want to do at all cost. Creating an iconic brand through ambition and determination embedded with a sense of style and endless energy applied to both professional and social lives are perfect recipes the female leaders tapped from the conference to develop their persuasive and passionate drive in their industrious settings.

That notwithsatanding, the Managing Partner of Lomerg International Service Limited, Dayo Oladere-Ilori says Cameroon has leadership potentials in the domains of politics, fashion, design, music,  e-business, entertainment and science due to its excellent university training, high literacy rate and bilingualism, which endorses persistence, curiosity and the great ability to move forward, relentless of some of the environmental factors that seek to slow down the female leaders' pioneering mindset.
This quality Dayo says makes her-the female leader- an exceptionally successful leader whose work influences the world of arts and sciences.

What do these women possess that has enabled them to become so extraordinarily successful? How have they managed to reach out to millions of people, capturing the hearts and minds of their customers,their audience, and created both a huge following and a thriving business, employing thousands of professionals, inspiring their audience year after year, becoming living legends and role models for other aspiring female leaders, leaving a legacy through their mere personalities, admired by everyone? are amongst other questions that caressed the lips of those willing to finetune their leadership skills to address issues in the most hostile settings.

It is worth mentioning however that these women like J.K Rowling put it all have magic inside of them. They just need to dig deeper.

After the useful discussions during this International Women Leadership Conference which tackled aspects that helped the ladies to broaden themselves and lay concrete groundwork towards a better use of their leadership prowess for development, a gala night assembled the best leaders whose work  created positive influence in the society for recognition and celebration.

Melinda Gates once said and I quote "A woman with a voice is by virtue a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult" and this urge reignited the flame of creativity in these leaders who believe more than ever in their creativity, but most of all, are aware of the resistance they will face. That notwithstanding, they prefer to be unique and remain true to themselves because they might end up not knowing how amazing they can be, if they choose to be normal. Taking the next leadership appointment in 24 months, these exemplary leaders opt to become more creative, since creativity is not only one of the essential characteristics of truly remarkable leaders, it is also the ability to come up with ideas, experiment, learn and produce through tapping into one's inner potential. And once creative, negative feelings and fears of failure and loss must be nailed to the ground. For all creative people and leaders fail, but they do learn from their failures, and are never ashamed of failing.

Photo credit: Raphel Mathuka

Amy BANDA

ANGLOPHONE CONSORTIUM DIALOGUE WITH CAMEROON BISHOPS COLLAPSES IN MAMFE

Reports from Mamfe that dialogue between the Anglophone consortium and the Roman Catholic Bishops in Cameroon has collapsed after Francophone bishops present at the Bishops conference were desperately pushing for schools to resume immediately. The bishops from French Cameroon aimed just to see that the strike is suspended.

While we wait for full details on the meetings,it is vital to note that the consortium drove in from Bamenda this morning where the had another meeting yesterday with Mr Biya’s special envoy Former minister Garga Harman Hadji.Consortium is in Mamfe at the invitation of the Bishops. Garga Haman before meeting with the Consortium had bragged he would bring solutions to the current crisis. But after the meeting ,Wilfred Tassang said “Haman came to play around”. Another ad hoc committee meeting has been announced by government again in Bamenda with Paul Ghogomo as head. It is expected that the meeting which is seen by many as delay tactics by the government of the republic of Cameroun will fail as Anglophones now maintain that all the arrested youths must be released as a way forward.

Source say should all these meetings keep failing,the consortium could suspend all dialogue till the All Anglophone Dialogue Forum holds where a position statement for the formal request of UN intervention should be laid.

My Strange Brother.

No Cameroonian is a stranger in Cameroon!

No Cameroonian is a migrant in Cameroon!

No Cameroonian is a refugee in Cameroon!

Cameroon is where all Cameroonians belong notwithstanding the foolishness of our language differences and cultural boundaries.

No amount of calling full fleshed citizens ‘les bamendas’ will erase the ‘Cameroonality’ – identity and nationality – of an Anglophone Cameroonian.

No amount of political, economic and cultural discrimination/injustice will erase the Cameroonian nationality and identity from the genes and blood stream of an Anglophone.

Instead of maiming, torturing and killing your Anglophone sisters and brothers whom you desperately sought to join 55 years ago, talk things out and save Cameroon the disgrace.

We should be making sure rebuild Cameroon and bring an end to this language and cultural divide tearing a family apart. This long and painful story that has dictated that being an Anglophone is a liability must end!

Why do Cameroonians inter marry?

Why do Cameroonians of French expression send their children to schools of the English sub system of education in Bamenda, Buea, Kumba?

Why do Cameroonians love the Anglophone culture and hate the Anglophones?

What went wrong?

So many rhetoric questions only true daughters and sons of Cameroon will attempt.

Are these daughters and sons of Cameroon ready to lead change by being the true versions of themselves? 

This is our burden!

No one will help Cameroon to remove the burden.

No one will help Cameroon to rebuild the nation whose enviable peace is already threatened by the presence of the B.H insurgency.

Not even the politics of pity of those for whom our burden is a highly priced resource.

We will have to do it ourselves, on our own initiative.

Only Cameroon can give Cameroon the status, the image, the integrity, the justice, the peace, the prosperity, the prestige, the love, the understanding and the consideration Cameroon wishes for Cameroon.

Amy BANDA

Remembering the 1961 EBUBU Massacre

A tragedy that almost marred the Reunification

By Amindeh Blaise ATABONG

It was on Tuesday August 8, 1961, that plans for reunion between La republique du Cameroun and Southern Cameroons were almost frustrated. This, as 12 Southern Cameroonian workers at the Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC) Ebubu camp near Tombel were killed (by mistake as it was claimed) by a combined contingent of French and Camerounese forces. The soldiers led by French officers who had illegally crossed into Southern Cameroons and brutally shot to dead the CDC workers, thought the victims were ‘terrorists’ from La Republique du Cameroun.

This tragic incident which till date is remembered as the ‘EBUBU MASSACRE’ took place barely a day after the Yaounde August 2 – 7, 1961 Conference.

Following what had happenend, the reunification option became questionable as requests to revisit the issue of the ‘EBUBU MASSACRE’ spread throughout Southern Cameroons like wildfire . Seeing the gravity of the situation, Ahidjo dispatched to Buea on August 15, 1961, a two-man delegation on a diplomatic fact finding mission.

Cognisant of the fact that defense and security were subjects reserved for Her Majesty’s Government, the delegation met with the Deputy Commissioner for Southern Cameroons, Milne, in the absence of J.O Field who at the time was out of town.

Milne cherished the importance of an investigation because he threatened the handing-over responsibility. In addition, he called on the Ahidjo Government “to accept blame, apologise and pay compensations.”

Ahidjo’s delegation regarded Milne’s proposals as a fluff, and without telling him, they left and privately held talks with Foncha.

Following the meeting with La Republique du Cameroun delegation, Foncha issued a statement saying that there were ongoing investigations and that they had agreed “that whoever is guilty of this cruel murder will be severely punished.”

This was done without the knowledge of Milne and his team.

Later in the day, Foncha visited the bereaved families at EBUBU accompanied by three representatives of La Republique du Cameroun namely: the then Director of European and African Divisions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Rostand MVIE; the technical Adviser to the Minister of Defense, Colonel Blanc; and the representative of La republique de Cameroun in Buea, Mr. Manfred EPO.

Foncha is said to have given 50pouns to be shared among the bereaved families as a consolation gift.

On August 23, 1961, Foncha led a Southern Cameroons delegation to Yaounde for further discussions on the “EBUBU MASSACRE” with another La Republique du Cameroun delegation, led by Prime Minister Charles ASSALE.

The two delegations discussed the “EBUBU MASSACRE” alongside other issues of reunification, especially the organization of the September 30, 1961, and October 1, 1961 ceremonies.

On August 24, 1961, the two premiers jointly issued a communique setting up a commission of inquiry to examine the circumstances of the massacre and to establish the culprits. The findings of the commission of inquiry were never made public even after the reunification and till date.

Dr E.M.L. Endeley described the massacre as, “a shock to the conscience of well-meaning Cameroonians”. In a statement he went on to acknowledge that this “most heart-rending incident” occurred at a time “when all people of goodwill on both sides of the Cameroons were striving hard to resolve the complex problems now facing the leaders of the Cameroons people.”

Analysts hold that it is due to the servile nature of Southern Cameroonians that reunification talks could continue unperturbed despite the killing of innocent Southern Cameroonians

The Day's inspiration for phenomenal women in Cameroon

A few days ago, I had a discussion with a friend who said: “Independent women as you don't take any shit from anybody.” My reply was formal: “You are right because shit is made to be in toilets not among humans. Moreover, the problem with our society is that, when a woman has a high social standard and great personality, most men shall try to break her down. They are just as their father, the devil because he destroys and steals your joy. No matter the kind of relationship are made to enrich and improve both parties, otherwise, you should come out of it. He who tries to degrade your value is not a friend but an enemy of your progress.”

This is a new year and you must make yourself a favour, come out and cancel all relationships that downplay you. You are of great potential and you need people ready to encourage and motivates you.

Trust me , you will be happier alone counting on God rather than relying on fake friends.

Happy Wednesday!
Diane Ndeuna

Citizens gnash teeth over persistent absence in schools...

Citizens of the major opposition stronghold  claim they will stick to their goals even if the education of their children was sacrificed. Others think the impact of the ghost town strike is huge on the education of their kids and the economic life of the Country.

 Interviewing a few of them on phone, they told me they are in full support of the Anglophone struggle, aired out on the impact of the Anglophone marginalisation on their education and economic life and suggested a way forward.

26 year old Secondary school teacher in Lebialem tells us the effects are so huge he is now thinking of attempting farming to flush the emptiness:

'The Consortium is doing pretty well and its time government reacts to the demands and voices of the people. These ghost strikes airing the grievances of Anglophones are seriously affecting me as a teacher. I am not motivated to teach and study. As I speak, I am seriously thinking of farming, and also study music and ICTs. This does not in any way dissuade my belief and support for the Anglophone struggle for Federation is a system where different people live together as one.'

35 year old Beteck from Kumba thinks the buttons should be pressed a little further for action.

'This morning, the town of Kumba woke up to calm with the effective take off of flourishing businesses and the presence of police officers at every junction of the city. Some teachers have stormed their school premises but there is not a child with a uniform in any of the schools. I wish different parties engaged in a peaceful resistance that would not affect the studies of the children, thus spare UNESCO from declaring the academic year Blanc. I have not personally suffered from the Anglophone marginalization but I have suffered abuse and manipulation from persons close to me. This fight should help mute the different forms of abuse and insults Anglophones have endured in places of work situated in the French speaking side of Cameroon. I will shock you with some details about detained files in high offices kept by Anglophones. I have a case the Head of State should have addressed still warming the walls of an office cupboard of an Anglophone. However, I am an Anglophone who is in support of the Anglophone struggle. I have my personal grievances which the Lawyers and Teachers have denounced and addressed in these protests. I stand with them for a Federation because it will enable the united central government to function in accordance with separate units that each control it’s within. This will stop the public works ministry from building roads in particular regions and abandoning others to their fate.'

19 year old Form Five student from SOH-NGWO-NJIKWA, Momo Division, North West Region, who has been a drop out for years due to lack of means to fund her education, and only started school this academic year in Buea, Michelle KIM tells us how frustrating this is for her.

'Things haven’t changed much. I am not happy because I am supposed to be a G.C.E Ordinary Level candidate this year and my dreams have been shattered with this fight. I am feeling bored at home and I am missing my friends in school. One year will pass us by and we will mark time on the spot watching others excel. Nothing is going on here in Buea bet for the Fact that places are cold. With these recent developments, I think we should separate from French Cameroon and give ourselves a chance.'

40 Year old Ginia KUM who is a writer, counsellor and parent in Bamenda regrets the fact that her son won’t go to school like other students in the eight French speaking regions of Cameroon.

'The ghost town has stopped. But the teachers and lawyers strike continues. The detainees have been released but some parents have not found their children among. As for school re-opening it is not going to happen anytime soon. And this affects me as a parent because children should be going to school.'

45 Year old Roland KWEMAIN, Founding President of the Cameroon Leadership Academy, 2010 World JCI President and  CEO of Go Ahead Africa, who is also a parent shares the frustration his son endured missing school on January 9, 2017.

'Then this morning our first Son knew that it was practically impossible for him to go back to school despite all the goodwill of his parents he was so sad and really frustrated. We began a long conversation of questions and answers session on what was really the matter? “Why is it that all these people are radicals and rebels? Why police all over the streets?” He asked.

It has been one of the most challenging situation as a parent to see our children staying home for almost 2 months as a result of the strike of the “Anglophone” Teachers. It was not easy to explain to this 13 years old boy the difference between Radicals and Rebels.
Radicals, if their cause is fair and just, change positively and peacefully the society. Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jr, Mandela, Rosa Park, Patrice Lumumba, Kwame Khrumah, Douala Manga Bell, Um Nyobe, Thomas Sankara… These are individuals who were also put on court-martial or sentenced to death because their radical thoughts and philosophy were ahead of their time.
Where would the world be today if these so called “radicals “had not displayed the audacity to express the truth? Am very convinced that the world would have been far better if more individuals had the courage to advance a radical, yet true, cause. Most often the route to sustainable achievement is a drastic attitude to a rotting problem. Our greatest challenge, if we are labeled a radical, is to stay true to our truth.
As we start this week, let us bear in mind that Rebels promote insurrection meanwhile Radicals renovate. Radicals want to improve the current structure. Rebels want a detached identity. 

In my humble opinion, Radicals are not Rebels but Inspiring Leaders!'

Is the Anglophone struggle rebelious or radical? This is a billion CFA question every national from these opposition strongholds will have to ponder on before further engagement. For it is a good thing to fight and it is even better to fight wisely for a just course. “The man who passes the sentence should swing the sword. If you would take a man's life, you owe it to him to look into his eyes and hear his final words. And if you cannot bear to do that, then perhaps the man does not deserve to die.”