By Walter Wilson Nana
Buea, Cameron

Humphrey Ekema Monono, Registrar, Cameroon General Certificate of Education Board is happy that a week after the 2013 Session of the GCE opened, the atmosphere is serene. In this exclusive interview, Monono gives credit to the collective efforts of all the stakeholders, the candidates, who understand what the exams are all about and the essence to evolve with the times.

Excerpts:

How did you prepare for GCE 2013?

Traditionally, we’ve a way we go about the business. Like every other year, we put in the materials, the human resources and there goes the examinations.

How was the take-off Monday, May 27 2013?

Positively! Monday May 27 2013 was cool, the actors were in place, we had had our preparatory meetings a week before, distributed the materials needed and the exams kicked-off smoothly. That has being the tradition.

Humphrey Ekema Monono, Registrar, GCE Board

Did you foresee any difficulties?

The exams differ as the years unfold. The Registrar is as excited like any other candidate writing the examination. We questioned ourselves whether the materials have reached every corner of the triangle, we want to know whether our invigilators, chief of centres, our superintendents are all there, we ask ourselves if our candidates are ready or turned up for the exams. And we thank God, all is in place and everybody is ready for 2013.  We were all there on Monday, May 27 to begin the exams. We thank God for His graces and all in the media, who are helping us in the sensitisation campaigns and those in the education community. The first week is gone, thanks to our collective efforts and I am sure the second week will be more exciting.

One week into the GCE 2013, what are the echoes trickling into your office?

The echoes are those of satisfaction, candidates, teachers and those concerned are working. Sad to mention that there is an uncomfortable hydra showing its ugly head and that is impersonation – some people think that they can write for others. So, they try to falsify the timetables, fitting pictures, forgetting to know that we (GCE Board) have picture albums of all the candidates registered. Those individuals are languishing in the hands of the forces of law and order. I call on the clientele of this assessment practice to condemn these kinds of negative practices. It does not only tarnish the image of the Board, it does damage to the image of our country. If there is one of such candidates anywhere, he or she should be an anathema from our system, come our second and third weeks.

Despite the aforementioned case, security of the exams continues to be tight. What is the secret?

Vigilance! The candidates know that we’re not giving them things they have not seen before. The syllabus is respected; the teachers have done their work and given the students enough encouragement. The candidates are confident in themselves that they can make it. Their brothers and sister did, we did and why should they not? The message is sinking, quietly, in the heads of other candidates. This thing is a normal practice. People have had 10, 11 ‘A’s, they too can make it.

Some observers have described the Board as getting innovative and showing integrity. Is it a Cameroonian touch to exams or the Board is following current trends of assessment?

All that put together, we can’t live as an island. You can only measure yourself, when you know what your neighbour at the other side of the road is doing. This element of comparability is normal, with examination practice. We exchange notes, we do benchmarking, activities with other Boards, so we’re quite aware, what global trends are. If you call them innovations, I am afraid not. We’re putting the GCE Board and Cameroon examination assessment practices on the right rails.

The slogan of the Cameroon GCE Board is “Measuring Learning With Honesty”. Are you standing up to that challenge?

It’s you to tell us. It is a slogan the fore fathers of this institution put at the disposal of whoever is coming and who ever will come after us to put as a watchword using to do the work as required of him. if you don’t measure learning with honesty and as honestly as you can, you will be partisan, your certificates will not be credible, you will get yourself down the line of corrupt people, the certificate is more than legal tender, honesty must be the watchword. It’s not a misnomer. It is for you and me to fly the flag of honesty as high as the Buea Mountain.

Where are we with the resolutions of the syllabus review meeting that took place in Saker Baptist College, Limbe, some few years ago?

The syllabuses are already in the field for implementation come September 2013. I carried some of them to the delegates in the Northwest Region during my meetings. There is enough progress going on. We’re in a state of evolution.

There are indications that users of the Board now put on smiling faces. What’s the explanation for this newfound spirit?

We do those things because we’ve the blessings of the government. They all need financial support and it has being coming. I have never held back words of appreciation from the government, the Ministry of Secondary Education, via the Prime Minister to the Head of State. They have stood, solidly, behind this institution, giving the money for the certificates and so, we move on quietly. The Money was not for Humphrey, it was for the candidates and there, their certificates are. And over the years, we have being doing just what they expect from us. If you want a Confirmation, you know what to do, we’re there to give it to you. Things are a little clearer. When you have things laid out and executed as such, then the Registrar and his collaborators must clear their tables.

How is your new building going?

A lot of progress has being done. It’s 90 percent done. In the nearest future, we shall be packing from our current structure to the new building, next door to Bilingual Grammar School, Molyko, Buea. It’s a beautiful complex, expected to be three buildings. We’ve the first building done. We’ll even work better in our new site. Thanks to the government, we may be leaving the Board better than we met it.

Any advice to those writing the exams?

Let them stand firm, focussed, steadfast. They should not look left or right for any other thing. Their destiny is in front of them. Even to the other stakeholders not writing the exams, let’s get involved and make the candidates perform better.

Interviewed By Walter Wilson Nana

Walter wilson Nana
Buea, Cameroon.

The University of Buea, UB, is the winner of the maiden edition of the Cameroon Students Challenge, CSC, a university brain-trust for innovation that took place from May 28 – 31 2013 in the UB campus.

In accordance to Article 14 Lines 1,2,3 and 4 of the rules governing the competition, UB emerged at the pole position with 68.5 points over 100, while the runner up, University of Yaoundé II had 68 points over 100. The University of Dschang came third and the University of Bamenda at the fourth position. The University of Maroua and the University of Yaoundé I respectively grabbed the 5^th position and the University of Douala 6^th.

The UB winning team at CSC brandishes their trophy

UB team of four, coached by Dr. Ernest Molua Lytia of the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, bagged home a cash prize of FCFA 1.2 Million, the University of Yaoundé II, FCFA 700,000 and the University of Dschang FCFA 500,000.

President of the 8-man jury, Prof. Victor Julius Ngoh, scholar of History, described the intellectual competition as keen, adding that the criteria included; oral presentation, innovative character of proposals, comprehension of the other parties, answers to the observation from the jury, adding value to the theme on discussion (Stakes and Challenges of Cameroon’s Integration and Emergence), composition of opposing teams, bilingualism and the quality of restitution.

UB Vice Chancellor, Dr Nalova Lyonga said the three-day sojourn in her institution have being on intellectual discourses and hectic. “The CSC is on and alife,” she noted.

UB's Dr Ernest Molua Lytia amongs 5 of 7 coaches that led their teams of 4 each at the CSC in UB

According to Nalova the Reunification celebrations due in Buea have started already and UB is a great promoter of national integration and unity. “We’re thankful to the organisers, OPEN – Observatoire de la Presse Etrangere et Nationale, for opening our eyes to see the great diversity of UB,” she added.

To her, OPEN has opened the questions on Cameroon’s emergence. “The students have started and we Cameroonians must continue. The proposals from the seven state universities were so rich and we congratulate them for embracing the awesome task. We pray they should have more opportunities to tickle their brains. It’s being a teaching experience, especially to the jury,” she said.

The UB boss said this is the time to build Cameroon and looking back to history and fault-finding. “The competition has exposed the strength and weaknesses of not only the students but our country in general. It’s a learning experience. The outcome should challenge us; the content is an opportunity to challenge us. We say thanks to all who made it possible.”

Emmanuel Nasako winner of the painting price, puts the processes of Cameroon's emergence via a painting

Inspired by the ingenuity of Cameroonian students, the Executive Secretary of OPEN, Franҫois-Hervé Moudourou was upbeat that after the first edition of the CSC, the second will undoubtedly come.

He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Higher Education, the Ministry of Economy, Planning & Regional Development and the University of Buea for their massive participation and supporting their initiative.

Moudourou wished that more higher institutions should join the bandwagon and get in quest of knowledge and innovation, especially in the spirit of Cameroon’s emergence.

While the Ministry of Higher Education, represented by Dr. Sarah Agbor Anyang congratulated OPEN and all the stakeholders for daring and making the maiden edition of CSC a huge success, Etienne Nkwete, on behalf of the Ministry of the Economy said his ministry will always support the lofty goals of OPEN and wished them well in their endeavours.

Members of the CSC jury

Other speakers joined their voices to reinforce the intellectual and innovative touch of OPEN, while looking forward to the subsequent editions.

In the cultural aspects, Emmanuel Nasako of UB’s Department of Accounting, Faculty of Social & Management Sciences, came out best in the painting competition. Ntui Oben Agbor’s Poem – “Emergence Soonest” made the difference while Ndumbe Mosaso of UB and Director of the UB Choir had a special prize for composing the OPEN anthem.

The CSC was designed and organised for students by the Foreign and National Press Observatory, known in the French acronym as OPEN. The first edition of the CSC came in the context of celebrations marking fifty years of Cameroon’s Independence and Reunification.

Wilfred A. Enow
Yaounde, Cameroon.

The traditional statement made by some French speaking Cameroonians “LE CAMEROUN EST BILINGUE MAIS PAS TOUS LES CAMEROUNAIS (ES)” will in the days ahead become old fashioned and history as the government seeks to redress this situation, by encouraging bilingualism.
Following the decision adopted by the government in December 2008 to introduce into the francophone sub section of education “BRIVE D’ETUDE DE PREMIER CYCLE”(BEPC), the Bilingual BPC examination. According to the innovations, the Francophone students will not only sit for exams in the French language but will have an opportunity to sit for the exams in English language. Likewise for the Anglophone students.

To this effect the first batch of 1200 candidates met on for the very first time making history to take on their bilingual BEPC examination in the different parts of the country in their respective examination centers amongst which was CES NGOA EKELLE Campus in Yaounde.

First batch of students sit for bilingual exams at the CES Ngoa-ekelle campus in Yaounde

According to statistics from a total of 1200candidates taking the bilingual exams 675 are mail while 525are females.
Mvondo Willie a chief of center explains that the exams is organised in two parts. The first which is the written part and the second part will be oral .While some of the candidates will still be busy with the written part others will be doing the orals.

Mrs Veronica an invigilator added that the candidates will be tested in aspects of health environment, physical education amongst others.
In the CES Ngoa-ekelle examination center 175candidates are from the Eastern Region of Cameroon and are all having francophone background .

Kandem DOMINIQUE a candidate says he is prepared and not afraid to sit for the English Language examination. He added that though from a francophone background, his parents encourage English language at home and in addition he has been taking English language classes in preparations for the exams.

The Government’s objective for this examination is to ensure that at level of secondary schools, Cameroonian youths should be conversant with the both languages and use them equitably in communication to uphold the bilingualism of the country.

The government is putting everything in place to start up with the Bilingual GCE in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon come 2014. An innovation worth applauded.

Wilfred Enow Agbor
Yaounde, Cameroon.

Mining Sector takes a different level in Cameroon. For the first time ever Cameroon puts up an international exhibiting conference to show case the power and worth of the mining sector. The event took place at the Yaounde Congress Hall under the distinguish Patronage of the H. E President Paul Biya.

The conference operated under the theme: Mining Industries the HEART of Cameroon Sustainable Development. This conference was attended by over 400 participants from different parts of the world; Africa, Europe, Asia, Canada and America.

The

BOCOM exhited heavy machines at the first ever international mining exhibition confrence.

conference was jointly sponsored by the World Bank and the Ministry of Mines Industry and Technological development. It had been noticed after two mining forums held in Yaounde that Cameroon sub soil apart from containing petroleum is also rich in a good number of minerals amongst which are Bauxite, Diamond, Gold, Iron ore and Nickel.
Despite the riches in the soil the mining sector is still virgin with only about 40 percent of its proceeds which is unable to develop the area and therefore, the need for such wide exhibition to make known of the potentials of its rich soils.

A small scale coordinator Jean Marcel Essomba of CAPAM a mining company explains that their prices for the sales are relatively low coupled with the fact that, the company pays taxes to the government.

First international Mining exhibition conference organised at Congress Hall.

For this reason there was therefore the urgent need for companies to develop this sector.
About 1400 stands harbor the exhibition of companies and their products.

Mining companies like CFAO exhibited equipment used in the field under the surveillance of RACHAEL TCO who explained that the CFAO has newly acquired some machines to facilitate work in the fields.
CAMEROON MINING ACTION SA (CAMINA) under the supervision of  NELSON CHOMBONG, a Geologist exhibited rocks like Magnetite, Magnetite BIF, Massive Magnetite, which have different mineral components as he explained.

CAMINA company exhibits rocks like Magnetite, Magnetite BIF and Massive magnetite

Dr. Fuh Carlixtus Secretary of States in the Ministry of Mines Industry and Technological Development reiterated that as a means to came out from the archaic method of exploration which was done by the use of crude tools carried out by the indigenes of that locality which made the mining fields their graves, modern methods will be applied through the use of heavy machinery like those of BOCOM oil company.

DR Fuh added that, the conference aims at bringing the mining family associated together, making the mining sector more productive and finally helping the local population as well as creating jobs for the citizens.

Walter Wilson Nana
Buea, Cameroon.

Andrew Njoh Eteki is the newly elected President of the Southwest Regional League of Athletics. He takes over from Emmanuel Motomby Mbome, who moved on as the National President of Cameroon Athletics Federation, following a recently and hotly contested national election in Yaounde.

At the official handing over ceremony in the conference room of the Southwest Regional Delegation of Sports and Physical Education, Tuesday, June 4 2013, out gone President of the Southwest League of Athletics, Motomby said after the elections at the regional and national levels, it was necessary to implement a ministerial circular which demands that there is no accumulation of positions in the executive of Cameroon Athletics Federation at all levels.

Andrew Eteki Njoh President, Southwest Regional League of Athletics.

He entreated Eteki, who worked with him as a team during his tenure at the regional level to do same with his(Eteki) new bureau at the Region and at the national level. “Thank you for all the support I received while at the Region. I invite your team to give you that same commitment.
The sacrifices are enormous. It is a hot seat you have taken. But I still need your support to succeed at the national level,” Motomby said.

Motomby told the stakeholders of Athletics in the Region to table their worries to Eteki and not to him because he is based in Buea. “There is hierarchy now. I am not National President for Buea. I am for Cameroon. So, go through your Regional President and he will get to me and the national bureau.”

The National President said there are surprises in the horizon for Athletics in Cameroon. “Things will never be the same. My success must come from Buea, which is my base and I am at the national bureau to work,” he noted.

Abel Ekema, Southwest Regional Delegate of Sports and Physical Education told Eteki; “It is not an easy task and it is not given to everybody.” He added; “The new President should work in collaboration,” while mentioning that athletics should take a new shape in the Southwest Region and Cameroon in general.

Abel Ekema, S.W.Regional delegate of Sports and Motomby Mbome, National President Athletics Federation at the handing over ceremony in Buea.

To the National President, Ekema said this is not the time to mix functions as he Motomby is no longer the President for the Southwest Regional League of Athletics. “Motomby now has a national challenge,” he noted.

Ekema enjoined Eteki to take athletics to a higher level in the Region and work hand-in-glove with his collaborators.

“We want to see you multiply athletics in the Region. Athletics is not only the Mount Cameroon Race and running. There are other aspects of athletics that must be developed,” he advised.

On his newfound responsibilities, Eteki said he understands what it is all about and committed to work with his bureau members and other stakeholders. “We supported our current National President and we look forward to go places. We have a lot of talents in the Region. The current champions of 5,000 and 10,000 metres in Cameroon are in Buea. We will prepare them, adequately, for national and international competitions,” he said.

Wilfred Enow Agbor
Yaounde, Cameroon.

Sons and daughters of the four sub-divisions; Bello, Njinikom, Bum and Fundong that makes up the Boyo Division in the North West Region of Cameroon, met in Yaounde at the Congress hall to raise funds for the construction boyo cultural center and to mark the up comming celebration of the return of ‘afoakom’ on 26th June 2013.

Afoakom is described as the greatest african piece of art, a 5-ft. 2½in image of a king, Carved out of Iroko wood, with face mask in copper. It is looked upon as a symbol of unity to the Kom people.

Boyo community dance to the 40years of return of afoakom during s fund raiser.

The occasion was chaired by the Prime minister H E YANG PHILEMON in the presence of dignitaries; Senators Francis Nkwain and Dingha Ignatius of Ngoketunja, the President of Boyo Cultural and Development Association(BOCUDA) Evaristus Mbung Mbungson, Director for United nations and Information Centre Ansan Nkwain and Assistant Dean for Academic Scholarship, Mentoring and Outreach and Richard Harris and Lauren Machunis Academic Advisor both from North East University Boston- USA, Secretary General for Environmental Protection and Wildlife Akwa Patrick, Inspector of Supreme State Control, retired Professor of Yaounde 1 University Paul Kwi and the Fon of Kom FOYN YUH 11 among others.

Fon Foyn Yuh 11 of Kom an the occaision of fund raiser for the Boyo community.

One thing came out repeatedly from all who addressed the crowd, joy of the return of afoakom and a need for fund raiser to build a Boyo cultural center for the community in Yaounde.

The occasion started with a word of prayer led by the vice president for BOCUDA Women Mrs PRICILIA.

The president of BOCUDA welcomed everybody present to celebrate 40 years of afoakom’s return from USA. He reminded the Natives to uphold and protect the cultural heritage of the Boyo. He called the event a great one remarkable one for history to set up its records.

Evaristus Mbung Mbungson  explained a brief history of the carve Afoakom. “Afoakom was and remains an important piece of art to the kom people. Art which portray the culture of the people. Carved by Foyn Yuh 1 and so therefore it makes it impossible for the art to remain in White man land.” He said.

Evaristus Mbung Mbungson BOCUDA President.

Professor Paul thanked the expatriates of North East University Boston. Saying ‘Ayongnakia’ which means thank you, For their knowledge, efforts and works to bring home afoakom.

Foyn Yuh 11 on his part expressed happiness in the presents of  Boyo sons and daughters and reiterated that in as much as the cultural center is a good plan, afoakom equally needs a befitting museum to preserve and protect it from theft.
Senator Francis Nkwain describes afoakom as “The Icon of kom” which cements their relationship with other people as being peaceful.

men use traditional musical instruments to animate the BOCUDA fund raiser.

The speech making was concluded by the Prime Minister who was overwhelmed by the presents of everybody to witness the great event. He stated that the return of afoakom was of great importance. He added that the election and appointment of two illustrious sons of the Boyo division is enough reason to thank and support President PAUL BIYA for such kind gesture. He told them in pigin language “Politiks  na njangi.”

He called on the people of Boyo to be encouraged in the plans for the construction of a cultural center. He launched the fund raiser with the sum of 3 million francs cash which he handed personally to the fon.

Numerous sons and daughters of Boyo get on their feet to show styles as culture demands

The Fon offered a goat to be sold and the money used as his contribution and it was sold for one 140,000frs cfa, natives and invitees donated and a total some of 12000000frs cfa was raised for the project.

The occaision was an opportunity to show case the culture of the Boyo people through the dressing, food and music.
The occasion was animated by boyo guest artists known like CHIFANG in one of his popular songs “kom kasibam”  he called his fellow brothers and sisters to be united, come home and develope home, Anti vero and colourful cultural groups like the Njang Fubom dance of Kom were part of the animation.

With Plenty to eat and drink the people mark it a date to reckon with.

Walter Wilson Nana
Buea, Cameroon.

Elias Ntungwe Ngalame who writes for the Thomson Reuters Foundation and Cameroonian bi-weekly tabloid, EDEN, emerged the best-in-print category during the first-ever journalism awards focusing on climate change in Africa.

The African Climate Change and Environment Reporting, ACCER awards, announced at a gala evening in Nairobi on Thursday, June 5 2013 were organised by the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance, PACJA,  in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Program, Agenda Kenya and other partners.

Dr Wilbur Ottichilo, environment scientist and a Kenya Member of Parliament hands over a certificate and other prizes to Elias Ntungwe (right) during a gala night in Nairobi.

According to Isaiah Isipisu of Thomson Reuters Foundation, Elias Ntungwe Ngalame from Cameroon was named African climate change print journalist of the year, with an article titled; ‘Community radio helps Cameroonians track climate change’.

Trailing the Cameroonian were Danstan Kaunda, a Zambian reporting from Zanzibar, with an article titled; ‘Warming seas frustrate Zanzibar seaweed farmers’ and the third prize went to Mwadalitso Mwando of Zimbabwe with an article titled: ‘Rural Zimbabwe struggle to cope with flooding.’

The three winning print articles coincidentally were from reporters of the Thomson Reuters Foundation. They were selected from 147 entries from different publications, all communicating issues related to climate change on the African continent.

According to the judges, the winning print article by Ntungwe Ngalame was an excellent example of environmental journalism. It demonstrated how a community can employ live radio not only for monitoring daily weather changes, but to help people adapt to climate shifts and more extreme weather.

“This writer transports you to Cameroon, where you find yourself not just reading the piece, but also virtually listening to radio,” said Barrack Muluka, who headed the team of six independent judges.

Apart from receiving a $1,000 cash prize (FCFA 500,000), Ngalame won an all-expenses-paid travel grant to attend and report on the forthcoming 19th Conference of Parties (COP 19) climate negotiations in Poland in November 2013.

“This is a surprise. I did not expect it. It will be a privilege for me to cover a Conference of Parties and discover Poland,” said Ngalame who has been practicing journalism for more than fifteen years.

The Cameroonian journalist was also elected Central African coordinator for the newly created Pan African Media Alliance for Climate Change, PAMACC, a network of journalists reporting on climate change issues in Africa. He will be coordinating activities of the network under the umbrella of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance, PACJA and help bring journalists reporting on climate change from Gabon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo-Brazza, Tchad and Cameroon together for a common course.

Mithika Mwenda, the Secretary General of PACJA, said the awarding event will be held every year to encourage journalists to write more articles on climate change and related issues. “We would like this to become the most prestigious media award in Africa,” he added, while congratulating the winners from both the print and broadcast categories.

In making their decisions, the judges were concerned with both form and content for all the categories. “We were looking out for a write-up that showed clear understanding of the fundamental issues on the discourse on the environment and climate change,” Mwenda said. He will add; “The judges also wanted winning articles to show what climate change means for Africa, and what the people of Africa can do about it or are doing about it. This included policy issues, adaptation measures, mitigation and any form of intervention on the ground.”

Other winners in the broadcast category were Peter Labeja of Uganda who emerged the best in that group. He was followed by Pius Sawa of Kenya and Adu Domfey Kofi of Ghana.

The Pan African Climate Justice Alliance is a continental coalition of civil society organizations in Africa, brought together by a common goal of promoting and advocating for climate-friendly and equity-based development. Currently drawing its membership from 300 non-governmental organizations, foundations, trusts, community-based organizations, faith-based networks, national coalitions and regional networks from 45 countries in Africa, PACJA aims to unify isolated civil society efforts on climate change advocacy and coordination in Africa, so as to ensure that pro-poor and people-centred response measures are put into consideration as governments in Africa seek to mainstream climate change into national development strategies.

André Marie DIBAMOU,
Yaoundé, Cameroun

Le Ministre Délégué à la présidence de la République chargé de la Défense, Edgar Alain Mebe Ngo’o, vient de publier un arrêté portant recrutement dans l’armée,

Les Camerounais des deux sexes âgés de 18 ans au moins et de 28 ans au plus et désireux de faire carrière dans les forces armées Camerounaises sont informés de ce qu’il sera organisé un recrutement spécial dans le centre unique de Yaoundé du 10 juillet au 10 août 2013.

Le Ministre Délégué à la présidence de la République chargé de la Défense, Edgar Alain Mebe Ngo’o

Les candidats ont jusqu’au 28 juillet, date limite de rigueur, pour acheminer leur dossier de candidature complet auprès des autorités militaires de la ville de Yaoundé. Il s’agit plus précisément des titulaires d’un CAP option mécanique ou des titulaires d’un BEPC ou d’un GCE technique. Ces deux derniers doivent en plus de leur diplôme, fournir un permis de conduire pour ceux qui veulent être des conducteurs ou chauffeurs.

Cette catégorie de candidats sera introduite dans les forces armées et la gendarmerie nationale. L’arrêté précise qu’ils seront 750 au total à être recrutés soit 500 dans l’armée et 250 dans la gendarmerie.

Pour ce qui est des 500 techniciens du génie militaires, ils doivent être titulaires d’un CAP ou d’un BEPC francophone ou son équivalent anglophone. Ensuite, les candidats seront soumis à un exercice pratique dans des domaines aussi divers que la conduite des engins lourds, et la maitrise des rudiments en matière de construction.

Dès lors, ce concours vient donner une opportunité aux jeunes Camerounais au chômage de saisir une occasion en or de rejoindre les forces armées et de défendre la nation. Même si les délais de dépôt des dossiers sont très proches, cela montre à suffisance tout le sérieux que le ministère de la défense mettra dans leur examen, mais surtout, cela témoigne de la promptitude avec laquelle lesdits dossiers seront traités.

Tout n’est donc pas gagné d’avance pour les candidats qui doivent dès aujourd’hui prendre d’assaut les sous-préfectures et préfecture pour légaliser les documents requis. Il faudra également s’atteler à verser la sommes de 10 000 F auprès du Chef Bureau du Budget et des Finances des régions militaires interarmées de résidence pour l’armée d’une part, et du chef du bureau du Budget et des Finances des régions de gendarmerie pour la gendarmerie d’autres parts.

Rappelons qu’il y a moins d’un an, le ministère de la défense a lancé un recrutement spécial dans les forces armées et dans la gendarmerie. Les candidats devaient avoir 18 ans au plus, pour le BEPC et ses équivalents. Les résultats ont été rendus publics il y a très peu et les candidats retenus sont actuellement en formation.

By Walter Wilson Nana
Buea, Cameroon.

Dr. Nalova Lyonga, Vice Chancellor, VC, of the University of Buea, UB, has expressed joy that her institution is a beneficiary of Cameroon’s membership in the Francophonie.

At celebrations marking the International Day of the Francophonie in UB recently, the UB VC enumerated some of the benefits her university has achieved from the Francophonie via the French Embassy in Yaoundé and related cooperation missions in Cameroon.

UB Vice Chancellor, encouraging lecturers in the French Department during francophonie celebration

Besides the presence of a French Technical Adviser lodged at the French Department, Faculty of Arts, UB, with a mission to build the capacity of the department at the level of students and lecturers, Nalova mentioned that several lecturers from UB, especially those in the Faculty of Arts, have had scholarships and other academic grants thanks to the Francophonie.

Senior officials of UB at the Francophonie celebrations.

She saw in the French language another tool for academic development. “The Francophonie is out to promote the culture of its members, democracy, human rights, while serving as an inter-governmental agency,” she noted.

According to Nalova, the French language is another important language for Cameroonians. “Cameroon inherited two languages from her colonial masters – English and French and these languages are to be used in the way it should be. These are languages for the benefit of our children and nothing else,” she added.

Hycinthe Porcher, French Technical Adviser at the French Department, UB.

The UB VC advised Cameroonians that they should look at what they do with the language and not where it is coming from.

She announced that the French Embassy in Cameroon has expressed the wish to give over the Alliance Franco-Camerounaise, AFC, Buea to UB for the purpose of a research centre and other academic activities. “We’re discussing the details of the handover and more,” Nalova added.

In an academic discourse on the theme; Go For The French Language, moderated by Prof. Pierre Fandio, Head of the French Department, UB, Charles Tiayon, Deputy Director of Advanced School of Translation and Interpretation, ASTI, UB, noted that the future of the French language is in the African Continent.

Students in the Francophonie Club in UB animated the celebrations.

Tiayon posited that the development of the French language does not mean the death of other languages.

The second speaker, Blaise Ngandeu, lecturer, French Department, UB, talked on how to get closer and love the French language, while giving some tips.

In his 2013 message, which was read during the celebrations in UB, the Secretary General of the Francophonie, Abdou Diouf, invited member countries to not only celebrate the French language but to show a deep sense of solidarity, generosity and fraternity to one another, especially in the fight against terrorism.

Diouf cited the case of Mali where France and other countries stepped in recently, to show solidarity and support to the Malians, while praying that they should, in the nearest future regain their territorial integrity and the population to live in peace and security.

The Francophonie SG entreated members to not only speak the same language but should do so even in times of differences, while upholding the principles of valour, democracy, human rights, linguistic and cultural diversity, equity, social justice and ethics in financial and economic management.

L’incendie qui s’est déclaré dimanche dernier, a ravagé des échoppes de matelas et de meubles en bois. Aucune perte en vie humaine n’a été enregistrée.

Josiane Kouagheu,
Douala, Cameroun

Le marché Congo de Douala au Cameroun a encore été frappé par un incendie. Près d’un an après le dernier sinistre survenu les 3 et 4 juillet 2012, plus de 200 boutiques ont été consumées par les flammes. En effet, dimanche dernier, un incendie a ravagé les échoppes du  secteur réservé à la vente des matelas et des meubles en bois. Les commerces ont été

Douala, marché Congo, 9 juin 2013. Des habitants face aux flammes.

complètement consumés. Le feu a également attaqué l’édifice R+4 qui jouxte ces commerces. Les flammes ont détruit ce bâtiment dont le sous-sol abrite un important dépôt de marchandises.  Le feu s’est également propagé vers un magasin de stockage d’alcool et de liqueurs. «Je n’ai rien récupéré. Le feu a tout rasé. Les matelas et les meubles en bois sont des combustibles. Ces marchandises ne pouvaient qu’augmenter le degré des

Marché Congo, 9 juin 2013. Secteur des meubles ravagé par des flammes

flammes», explique un sinistré.

Ce lundi, plusieurs personnes s’activent dans les débris de l’incendie. Certaines sont à la recherche des ferrailles, d’autres des morceaux de bois. Cependant, aucune personne ne semble connaître l’origine des flammes. De l’avis de certains riverains, l’incendie a été causé par un court-circuit survenu dans une boutique de matelas fermée à clés. Ces derniers expliquent qu’avant l’arrivée des sapeurs-pompiers, quelques crépitements du réseau électrique ont été entendus. «Nous ne savions pas quoi faire. Pour circonscrire le feu, nous devions nous assurer que le courant était bien coupé. Une chose difficile à vérifier», révèle Jean, un riverain.

Main criminelle ?

Il a fallu l’intervention des pompiers du port et de l’aéroport de Douala et du corps national des sapeurs pompiers pour venir à bout de ce nouvel incendie qui a ravagé une partie du marché dont les séquelles du récent sinistre sont encore visibles.

Ces incendies à répétition amènent des commerçants à se pencher sur la thèse d’une main criminelle. Pour Etienne Tonfack, le président de l’Association des menuisiers et
tapissiers du marché Congo de Douala, il peut y avoir «une possible main criminelle » tapie dans l’ombre. Il n’y a cependant pas d’indication précise sur les instigateurs de ces sinistres.

By Walter Wilson Nana
Buea, Cameroon
Iya Muhammed, the General Manager of Cameroon Cotton Production Company known in the French acronym as SODECOTTON was arrested in the morning of Monday, June 10 2013 in Yaoundé.

The arrest, which has been described as ‘spectacular’ by observers took place a few hours after Iya, who doubles as the President of Cameroon Football Federation, FECAFOOT, jetted into Yaoundé, from Lome, Togo.

Iya Mohammed

Iya was part of the Cameroon’s official delegation to the World Cup 2014 Qualifier match pitting the Hawks of Togo against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in one of the two Group I matches. Cameroon lost 0 – 2 to the Togolese.

According to official sources, Iya’s detention at the Gendermerie Secretariat in Yaoundé is for him to answer questions from the SPECIAL CRIMINAL TRIBUNAL on his management of SODECOTTON from 2005 – 2010.

On March 27 2013, the Audit Bench of the Supreme State Control Ministry made public that Iya has been charged with 20 counts of financial mismanagement, causing SODECOTTON to lose FCFA 9 Billion from the period 2005 – 2010. The Supreme State Control fined Iya FCFA 2 Million and recommended that he should not manage any state corporation for the next seven years.

With the government of Cameroon putting up a ferocious fight against embezzlement of public funds and corruption in the “Operation Sparrow Hawk”, observers have been quick to say that Iya Muhammed is the latest catch.

The arrest of Iya comes on the heels of the Elective General Assembly of FECAFOOT, slated for June 18 2013 in Yaoundé. Though incumbent, he is amongst the three contestants vying for the Presidency of FECAFOOT, including his immediate Vice President, John Begheni Ndeh and Madam Envoulou from the South Regional League of FECAFOOT.

Affaire a suivre!

Le président de la FECAFOOT et non moins directeur général de la SODECOTON a été interpelé hier et entendu pendant six heures au Secrétariat d’Etat à la défense (SED)

André Marie DIBAMOU,
Yaoundé, Cameroun

Selon Junior Binyam, communicateur de la fédération camerounaise de football, qui cite Me Mballa Manasse, conseil de Iya Mohammed,” il ressort qu’il a été entendu pour détournements de deniers publics à la Sodécoton. Le bon de garde à vue lui a été signifié et ce temps devrait être mis à profit pour que des personnes interpellées à Garoua soient acheminées à Yaoundé pour les auditions.”

La garde à vue de 48h se déroule actuellement au SED.

Le président de la FECAFOOT et non moins directeur général de la SODECOTON

Iya Mohammed aurait été interpelé le lundi 10 juin 2013 dans un hôtel huppé de la capitale politique Yaoundé, aux premières heures de la matinée. Il revenait tout juste du Togo où il a accompagné l’équipe nationale des Lions Indomptables dans leur défaite 2 buts à 0 face à la sélection des Eperviers conduite par Emmanuel Adébayor. Selon des sources bien introduites, les éléments de la gendarmerie nationale qui ont procédé à son arrestation auraient passé la nuit dans le même hôtel que le président de la Fécafoot et non moins directeur général de la Sodécoton depuis bientôt trente ans.

C’est autour de 10 heures, heures de Yaoundé que les médias ont été alertés de la présence de Iya Mohammed au SED. Les membres de sa famille, venus soutenir leur président de frère, ont mis la puce à l’oreille des médias. Les médias locaux et étrangers ont pris d’assaut les locaux du SED, à la recherche de la moindre information sur les charges qui pèse contre le président sortant de la Fécafoot. Rien n’a filtré de l’audition qui a duré un peu plus de six heures de temps. Aucune image d’Iya n’a été difusée au moment de son interpellation.

Tout porte à croire que c’est le dernier rapport du conseil supérieur de l’Etat qui épingle le directeur général de la Fécafoot. Ce dernier s’est rendu coupable d’une dizaine de fautes de gestions qui auraient coûté un peu plus de 9 milliards de franc à l’Etat du Cameroun. C’est donc pour répondre de ses accusations que le directeur est actuellement en garde à vue de 48 heures au SED.

Certains voient dans cette arrestation, le bras de fer entre la Fécafoot et le gouvernement. Jean Bruno Tagne, chef du service politique au quotidien Le Jour déclare par exemple que «  c’est faute de le poursuivre par rapport à la gestion de la Fécafoot » que le gouvernement a trouver une faille dans sa gestion de la Sodécoton pendant trois décennies. C’est dire si l’arrestation du président directeur général Iya n’a pas fini d’alimenter les débats publics.

By Walter Wilson Nana
Buea, Cameroon.

Paul Kouam Wokam, the Divisional Officer of Buea Subdivision has said he will create Court Area Forums as a working strategy for his administration.

He made the statement during his tour of Upper Bonjongo, Lower Bonjongo and Middle Bonjongo recently. “The objective is to get closer to the population and work with all the stakeholders. It will be a rotatory meeting, coming up after every three months so that we can touch base regularly,” Kouam Wokam explained.

Paul Kouam Wokam, DO of Buea.

He told the population he is their link to the government, noting that the government is in a contract with the population to ensure that services are rendered. “I am here to assist and encourage everybody in their endeavours and guarantee that peace reigns all the time.  But I need the assistance of all to succeed,” he requested.

The Buea DO enjoined the people to be law abiding, hard working, promote educational activities, be of good health, environmental protection, proper family planning, solidarity for one another and shun irregular sales of land.

He reassured the population of his availability and commitment to do the work expected of him. “Let’s do what we are supposed to do and respect each other,” he advised.

According to Kouam Wokam his responsibilities include initiating and encouraging development in a collegiate manner. “We have to do the necessary analysis and find solutions to our problems,” he said.

On the upcoming celebrations marking 50 years of the Reunification of Cameroon due in Buea, the DO made a plea to the population to be part and parcel of the activities.

The people of Upper Bonjongo during DO's visit.

The spokesperson of the Upper Bonjongo village, Norbert Mosoke Billa prayed the DO of Buea to organise consultative talks for them to get a Chief. He will add; “We make a request to the government to offer agricultural grants to our farmers and curb rural exodus by our youths.”

From Lower Bonjongo, John Mbella said they have no potable water supply for the past ten years and the market built by Buea Council should go operational soonest.

Chief S.M Efesua of Middle Bonjongo thanked government for the tarring of their roads and giving in to some of their needs but he wished that the Bonjongo Court Area with about 26 villages should be considered when subdivisions are to be created in the country.

The officials of the other technical services in the DO’s entourage; Livestock, Agriculture, Women’s Empowerment and Youth Affairs gave detailed explanations on how relevant their services are to the population and the various contacts.

The Buea DO’s meet-the-people-tour that opened on Friday, June 7 is expected to end on Monday, July 1 2013. Kouam Wokam is expected to have gone through 74 villages that make up Buea Subdivision.

L’ancien vice premier ministre et maire de la commune de Bagangté dans le département du Ndé région de l’Ouest Cameroun a été porté à la tête de la chambre du haute du parlement camerounais ce jour avec 86 voix

 
André Marie DIBAMOU
Yaoundé, Cameroun

Du haut de ses 79 ans, l’ancien maire de Bagangté et ancien élève de l’Ecole nationale d’administration et de magistrature (ENAM) a eu raison de tous les pronostiques effectués ça et là par une certaine presse. Personne ne l’attendait à ce poste. Aucune analyse d’expert ne lui créditait une place de président du tout premier sénat camerounais. Et pourtant, c’est le digne fils du département du Ndé qui devra désormais arborer le costume de deuxième personnalité du pays. C’est également la fin d’un long suspens qui a duré plus d’un mois, depuis la proclamation des résultats par la cours suprême siégeant comme conseil constitutionnel.

Marcel NYAT NJIFENDJI, Asemblée nationale le 12 jiun 2013 (photo DIBAMOU)

Dès l’annonce de sa candidature par le président du groupe parlementaire RDPC au sénat, Peter Mafany Musonge, le sénateur Nyat Njifendji a écarté les yeux de joie, visiblement surpris par la nouvelle. Immédiatement, ce sont ses camarades du parti qui l’on approché pour féliciter le nouveau président car son élection n’était qu’une formalité dès lors que le parti en a décidé. L’ancien maire de Bagangté a en suite participé à l’élection comme tout le monde.

Le verdict est tombé à 17 heures très exactement, heures du Cameroun. Nyat Njifendji est le seul candidat au poste de président du sénat.

C’est tout naturellement que l’ancien membre du gouvernement et administrateur civil principal hors hiérarchie a remporté le scrutin uninominal à un tour et à la majorité absolu. Sur les 100 voix valablement exprimées, la deuxième personnalité du Cameroun en a obtenu 86 soit un pourcentage de 86 pour cent. Il y a eu par ailleurs 14 bulletins nuls.

Certaines indiscrétions s’accordent à dire que ces abstentions proviendraient certainement du SDF, principal parti d’opposition et dont le nombre de siège s’élève à 14 au sénat.

Selon les dispositions du règlement intérieur du sénat, le doyen du bureau d’âge a invité le président élu à venir occuper ses nouvelles fonctions et donc à présider la suite de la séance.

Une fois de plus, l’hémicycle de Ngoa-Ekelle a accueilli le tout nouveau président élu du sénat avec un « standing ovation » digne des grands événements historiques. Le sourire en coin, la démarche solennelle, Nyat Njifendji Marcel s’est avancé jusqu’au centre de l’hémicycle. Les deux mains jointes comme pour la prière, le président du sénat a salué toute l’assistance en s’inclinant comme le Dalai Lama dans tous les quatre côtés de la sale : devant, à gauche, à droite et derrière, où se trouvaient les membres du gouvernement, tous debout.

Dans son allocution, tout nouveau président du sénat a avoué que sa « joie est tellement immense » qu’il a du mal à la contenir.

C’est une déclaration faite par l’ancien ministre d’Etat, Marafa Hamidou Yaya, depuis sa cellule au secrétariat d’Etat à la défense (SED)

 André Marie DIBAMOU,
Yaoundé, Cameroun

Dans sa sixième lettre au Chef de l’Etat, l’ancien ministre de l’administration territoriale et de la décentralisation et ancien secrétaire général de la présidence de la République, Marafa Hamidou Yaya, fait entre autres propositions, la suppression du poste de premier Ministre.

C’est un tout autre ministre d’Etat que nous avons lu dans nos kiosques la semaine dernière. Fini le Marafa au ton colérique avec pour but de mettre à nu les tares du gouvernement qu’il a servi pendant deux décennies.

De droite à gauche Philemon Yang, Premier ministre chef du gouvernement, Laurent Esso, Amadou Ali, cours suprême,29 avril 201

Nous avons vu un Marafa qui se présente comme un citoyen dont le souci est d’apporter des solutions aux problèmes de la société camerounaise et surtout au système de fonctionnement des institution. Certains se demandent pour quoi maintenant. Pour quoi n’a-t-il pas fait ses proposition du moment où il était aux affaires. L’essentiel est de l’avoir dit. Que ce soit maintenant ou après, le problème reste le même. Faut-il oui ou non, supprimer le poste de premier au Cameroun ?

Pour l’ancien ministre d’Etat, c’est un poste honorifique qui ne sert véritablement à rien, un coquille vide dans  un Etat où le président est le tout puissant et « règne au lieu de gouverner ». Dans ce contexte selon Marafa, il faut mettre le président devant ses propres responsabilités puisque celles-ci sont noyées par la présence du premier ministre sur qui retombe toutes les incompétences du pouvoir en place.

Cet avis est partagé par bien des acteurs politiques au Cameroun. Maurice Kamto, ancien membre du gouvernement et président du Mouvement pour la Renaissance du Cameroun (MRC) épouse parfaitement la position de son ancien collègue et réclame la paternité de cette proposition. Selon lui, c’est dans l’avant projet de la constitution de 1996 qu’il a pour la première fois proposé au gouvernement de supprimer le poste de premier ministre.

Rappelons que c’est sous l’ère Ahidjo que le poste de premier ministre avait une envergure plus importante dans la mesure où se dernier était le successeur constitutionnel du chef de l’Etat en ces de vacance du pouvoir. C’est fort de cette disposition de la loi que le président Biya a pu accéder au pouvoir. Après les troubles de 1984, le président Biya a décidé de mettre un terme aux pouvoirs constitutionnels  du premier ministre et même de supprimer carrément ce poste. Ce n’est qu’à partir de 1992 que le poste de premier ministre va être mis au goût du jour.

Wilfred Enow Agbor
Yaounde, Cameroon.

Translation Classes has become a tradition, owing to the fact that most Anglophone students do not have a mastery of the French language. Some do not attend French lectures in school because they would not understand. It is a necessity for Anglophone students to attend Translation Classes to get an in-debt understanding of their courses especially the French courses.

Students pay a fee of CFAF10, 000 per semester or CFAF200 per class excluding translated notes of lecturers. Translated classes are organized by group of Law graduates, most of whom have a mastery of the Courses as thought by the University lecturers.

Law students of 2nd level undertake translation classes with Group Intelligentia.

The students are thought French system of answer presentations and method of question interpretation.
During examination period these classes are a ‘must attend’ for some students.

Among translation groups in Sao ‘Group Inteligencia’ (GI) has stood the test of time and has become the most popular.
Speaking to Some Students and translation teachers, they say the classes are of great importance to the students.

Mrs Ajibi Bisherine a former student of  GI, and holder of Post graduate diploma in Business law is a contract law teacher with GI. She said, “The essence of this group is to help students understand what they did not understand during official school classes.”
Bisherine attested that the classes had been of great help to her during her days as a university student.

Mrs Ajibi teaches techniques of answering questions in Contract Law.

“Students who attend these classes are very devoted, taking time off after school hours to get knowledge, most of them do not compromise studies for wealth which they have left back home,” she added.

Catching up with Pastor Ako Eyong during  one of his classes on Public International Law, he explained the functions of diplomatic agents, their privileges and immunities.

Jeff Mukang, the class head for the second year students of GI advance some reasons why he thinks that the group is one to belong:
“Language barrier has been a big problem to most students coming from the North West Region of Cameroon including myself, I do not understand French and that makes it difficult to attend classes in the Campus,” he said.

Jeff says the teachers of GI are as good as the lecturers in school. Adding that learning is even more effective as the group classes have fewer students with devoted and experienced teachers like Magistrates Ajibi Julius and Obale Opku just to name but a few. He says GI has been the engine of success for so many Anglophones in University of Yaounde 2 Soa.

 Pour manifester son mécontentement face au retard accusé par le parti au pouvoir, le Social democratic front de Fru Ndi a boudé la séance de clôture de la session de plein droit

 André Marie DIBAMOU,
Yaoundé, Cameroun

Alors que tous les invités et membres du gouvernement sont déjà installés à leur place respective, la presse remarque que les sièges réservés au SDF sont encore vides. A ce moment, il est difficile de savoir si le SDF boycotte la session ou pas. Les commentaires vont bon train. Les journalistes s’interrogent. Où sont passés les 13 sénateurs SDF aperçus dans les couloirs depuis 14 heures, heure prévue normalement pour le début de la session.

Les sièges réservés au SDF sont vide à 16 heures (photo DIBAMOU)

Le président du bureau d’âge va même déclarer la session ouverte que les sénateurs SDF seront toujours invisibles. Les sièges portant les indications roses sont vides. Le vote est annoncé par le doyen d’âge. Mais avant, il demande à ce que les candidats au poste de président doivent se présenter. Le sénateur Peter Mafany Musonge, en sa qualité de président du groupe parlementaire DRPC va demander la parole avec insistance, puisqu’il parait que le doyen d’âge avait du mal à le voir. « En ma qualité de président du groupe parlementaire Rdpc, j’ai l’honneur de proposer la candidature du sénateur Niat Njifenji Marcel ». Un standing ovation de près de 2 minutes va suivre l’annonce faite par le sénateur Musonge du Sud-ouest. Jusqu’ici, les sénateurs SDF sont absents.

le président du bureau d’âge Fon Victor Esemingsongo Mukete va même demander s’il n’y avait pas d’autres candidature. La session va être suspendue pendant 15 minutes, le temps selon le doyen d’âge, pour les huissiers de procéder à l’installation du matériel électoral nécessaire au vote. Du papier blanc et une urne transparente vont être introduites dans la salle et distribués aux sénateurs présents.

C’est donc à ce moment précis, c’est-à-dire pendant la distribution du matériel de vote et l’entrée du bureau d’âge, que l’on va assister à l’entrer des sénateurs SDF. Ils sont 13 au total car un des leurs se trouve dans le bureau. Conduits par le sénateur Siroma de l’Adamaoua, les élus du SDF vont entrer en file indienne mais surtout à pas de sénateur.

Cette entrée va susciter le rire dans l’hémicycle. Comme qui dirait, le SDF a une fois de plus jouer son numéro et partant arraché le sourire au premier ministre et même au candidat désigné par le Rdpc.

Pour les élus du SDF, il s’agit de bouder le Rdpc et lui montrer que l’on peut également se faire attendre car «  nous sommes là depuis 14 heures. Nous attendons et il n’y a personne. C’est à 16 heures que les premiers sénateurs Rdpc se pointent. Comme quoi s’ils ne sont pas là, nous ne pouvons rien faire. S’il fau atermoyer une rencontrer aussi importante qu’historique à cause des caprices d’un parti politique alors c’est grave ». Voila une raison avancée par un sénateur SDF dans les couloirs de l’hémicycle de Ngoa-Ekelle.

Au demeurant, il s’agissait donc de la réponse du berger à la bergère, comme quoi nous aussi nous pouvons nous faire attendre.

Assumpta Ayuk
Houston, TX

America is known as the great melting pot. A mélange of cultures from around the world can be seen in the tapestry that makes up this great nation. A walk down any street in a major metropolitan is a cornucopian experience of cultures without jet lack of a flight to an exotic destination. This infusion of culture and cultural heritage means the modern day Africans in diaspora no longer have to wait for a trip to African to enjoy the typical African cuisine, beverage, couture or lifestyle.

Top Anana, Grenadine, Pamplemousse and D’jino; drinks from Brasseries du Cameroun

The entrepreneurial spirit of modern Africans in Diaspora has led in to the creation of African centric night Clubs, restaurants and grocery stores. It is to this endeavor that Atlanta, Georgia-based Brasseries du Cameroun distributor has commenced the importation and distribution of Cameroon manufactured soft drink to the USA. As certified Brasseries du Cameroun distributor to the USA, the company imports popular

Senior Vice President International and Corporate Relations Mr. Charles Ngome

Brasseries trademarked Top (Anana, Grenadine, Pamplemousse) and D’jino soft drinks for sale in the African Grocery Stores, restaurants, and night clubs.

Senior Vice President International and Corporate Relations Mr. Charles Ngome (404 514-2660) is charged with the task among others of making sure that the distribution network runs smooth and deliveries to retailers are made on time. In Houston (Texas) drinks can be found on the shelf of Onola Foods on Hwy 6 and Wazobia African Market on Westheimer road, and African restaurants. In Atlanta Top and D’jino can be purchased at African grocery stores and restaurants.

Brasseries du Cameroun Soft drinks may be new to the American palates, but is not to the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) nations. La Communauté Économique et Monétaire des Etats de l’Afrique Centrale or CEMAC as it know by its French acronym is made up of six States: Gabon, Cameroon, the Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, the Republic of the Congo and Equatorial Guinea.

When iCameroon.com sat down with the CEO of Brasseries du Cameroun distributor for this piece, the burning question on this reporter’s mind was what prompted to her, Mary Asuagbor to start importing soft drinks from Cameroon to a highly competitive soft drinks or soda market of the US of A? She answered simply, the needs of the African consumer has be addressed while at the same time introduce other Cameroon manufactured goods to the American public. Cameroon grown banana is already in the produce section on the grocery store, now let’s put Top Pamplemousse, Anana, Grenadine, and D’jino right next to Goya variety drinks on the store shelves. Everybody should have the pleasure of enjoying cold grenadine or pamplemousse wherever they are, being it Cameroon or the US.

As the slogan rightly says “a la portée de tout le monde.» Top Anana, Grenadine, Pamplemousse and D’jino is truly within the reach of everyone

 Assumpta Ayuk
Houston, TX

If it felt hot in Houston last weekend, the heat was not fueled by the H-Town humidity alone, but by major events that happened in the Cameroonian Community. Some of these events were the SHESAN-USA annual convention and LESAN-USA fireside party that was animated by the legendary Cameroon musician Ben Decca.

When Our Lady of Lourdes Ex-Students Association (LESA) invites you to a party, you show up ready to raise the roof. The fireside party of last weekend at the West Chase Hilton ballroom was fabulous, the live performance by Ben Decca was the cherry, and the ballet san frontier line dance presentation by Houston-based LESA was the icing on the cake.

SHESAN-USA group picture after Mass

During the night long party, the Houston crowd danced to Ben Decca’s trade mark Makossa. At intermissions, when the crowd erupted in shouts of encore, encore, Ben Decca the master performer obliged and indulged his adoring fans. He went a step further by lunching his 23^rd Album titled Sysmbiose or Symbiosis in English by performing a few tracks.

Sacred Heart Ex-students Association, known by its acronym (SHESA), is an alumni association of the passed student

Lesan in Church in the Golden Jubilee uniform

of the Sacred Heart College (SAHECO) Mankon, Bamenda in the Republic of Cameroon. Last weekend the Shesans from around the US descended upon Houston for their annual convention theme “SHESA for SHESANs.” This year however, things were different. Different in the sense the SHESAN USA 2013 Houston Convention followed in the heels of a major mile stone in the history of Sacred Heart College, the school celebrated its golden Jubilee November 2012. The school was opened on 8th July

Lesa Houston (Texas Cow Girls) setting for the Line Dance

1965 and in 1978 they added the second cycle (High School section).

In a trend that started over five years ago, Houston, Texas has become the convention capital of Cameroonians in diaspora. From May to September each year, Cultural and Alumni groups from Cameroon based in the United State of America converge to Houston for a weekend to network, plan, strategize, and chart a way forward on how to help improve the communities or alma maters back in Cameroon. That’s exactly what the Shesan USA did last weekend. In addition to contributing to the material well-being of Catholic Schools in Cameroon, Ex-students groups like LESANS, SOBANS, FESANS, OPSANS, SHESANS, SEASANS and BIROCOL are ambassador of their various alma maters.

The Shesan 2013 Convention and Lesan fireside celebration ended with a mass at St. Nicolas Catholic Church with the Assumption Cameroon Catholic Community of Houston. From the SAHECO class of 1963 to 2009 to the Lourdes class of 2008, members of these associations and their guests had a good time. LESA-Houston and SHESA-Houston sent their guests home with an after mass Texas-size BBQ.

Ben Decca

Walter Wilson Nana
Buea, Cameroon

Senator Marcel Niat Njifenji from the CPDM party in the West Region of Cameroon is the first President of Cameroon’s budding Senate.

He was elected June 12 2013 at the close of the First Statutory Ordinary Session of the Senate that opened May 14 2013.

Niat had 86 votes out of a hundred. At the close of the polling exercise, there were 14 null votes.

Thereafter, it was the election of the First Vice President of Senate, H.M Abubakary Abdoulaye, Senator from the North Region, who doubles as the Lamido of Rey Bouba.

Marcel Niat Njifenji - Senate President

The other 15 bureau members were voted in a consensus list of parties represented in the Senate. They come from the CPDM, SDF, NUDP and the MDR of Dakole Daissala.

At 79, Niat is the second personality in Cameroon after the President of the Republic according to constitutional provisions.

Niat: Who’s He?

Observers in Cameroon have been quick to describe Niat as a man of experience, good knowledge of development and politics. This son of Nde Division, West Region is also known to be discreet in his operations. Since he retired from government, he has been active and focussed on the wellbeing of his native Nde.

His triumph was unexpected. He is one of the Senators President Biya appointed recently in the West Region, where his ruling CPDM party was barred from competing in the Senatorial elections by Elections Cameroon, ELECAM.

Niat was born on October 26, 1934, in Bangangté, West Region of Cameroon. After completing his primary and secondary education in the country, he proceeded to France for higher education where he obtained a first degree in the sciences and a post graduate diploma in engineering from the Higher School of Electricity in Paris.

Back to Cameroon, he was integrated into the Public Service on December 31, 1960, as an engineer, specialised in the construction of bridges. He was also placed in charge of state technical services.

December 16 1962, he was detached and sent to ENELCAM in his capacity as engineer and then appointed on January 1, 1965 as Chief of Service for Studies and Works at a newly created Electricity Development Corporation, EDC.

January 1, 1970, he was made Chief of Service for Studies and Programming of Equipment.

January 1, 1973, he was promoted to the post of Deputy Director General of EDC.

He will be redeployed as Director General of Electricity Production and Distribution Company, SONEL. After five years in the cold, he was called back on September 2, 1989, to continue work as the Director General of SONEL.

September 7 1990, Niat will be appointed  Minister of Plan and Regional Development. His stay in Government was however brief, as he was dropped in the shake-up of April 26, 1991. From there, he came back to his position as GM of SONEL.

Between April 9, 1991 and November 27, 1992, he cumulatively occupied the post of Vice Prime Minister in charge of Mines, Water and Energy and Director General of SONEL.

2001, he left SONEL after the privatisation of the state owned company.

A member of the CPDM Central Committee, Marcel Niat Njifenji was one time Mayor of Bangangté and was later voted as a Member of Parliament for the Ndé between 1992 and 1997. He is married and a father of four.

First Vice President of Senate

The Lamido of Rey Bouba in the North Region, 52-year old Aboubakary Abdoulaye emerged as the First Vice President of the Senate. He had 87 votes out of 100.

Aboubakari Abdoulaye - 1st Vice President of Senate

He was one time a senior official at the Presidency of the Republic and later appointed Secretary of State in the Ministry of Agriculture. As a civil administrator by training, the Lamido is ruling the largest Lamidat in the Mayo-Rey, the largest administrative division of Cameroon.

A member of the CPDM Political Bureau, Aboubakary Abdoulaye played a key role as the President of the Regional Commission for the supervision of voters on electoral registers and later on as President of the Regional Commission for the CPDM in the wake of campaigns for Senatorial election in the North Region. It was reported that during the campaigns, he publicly declared his determination to use every means possible to ensure victory for the CPDM party.

He is married and a father of many children.

Other Bureau Members elected include:

4 Vice Presidents:

Genevieve Tjoues (CPDM)
Paul Tchatchouang (SDF)
Sylvestre Naah Ondoua (CPDM)
Simon Achidi Achu (CPDM)

3 Questors:

Jean Baptiste Bascouda (CPDM)
Lucas Njifua Fontem (CPDM)
Paulette Bisseck (CPDM)

8 Secretaries:

Baba Hamadou (CPDM)
Fon Teche Njie II (CPDM)
Simon Obam Assam (CPDM)
Madaleine Houa (SDF)
Marie Claire Mouapea (CPDM)
Pierrette Hayayou (CPDM)
Dakole Daisala (MDR)
Pierre Flambeau Ngayap (NUDP)