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4, November 2017

Balla and the Consortium: No longer an item ⁰

In one of his great writings, Martin Luther King, Jr wrote ‘power properly understood is nothing but the ability to achieve a purpose. It is the strength required to bring about social, political and economic change.’ That makes it crystal clear that one should only seek power with the intension of executing the preceding proclamation.

The next task is therefore to represent the aspiration of the people. If at any point a leader can’t represent the dreams, hopes and aspirations of the people under him or her, that leader must consider their position.

The chronicles of history are littered with tales of leaders who have failed to represent their people after they have gotten to their mountaintops. The conclusions of such storylines have always been familiar.

Armed with charm and promises, the Anglophone lawyers of British Southern Cameroon elected Agbor Balla as their leader. The future looked bright for him and the British Southern Cameroons. Hopes of the people went up. In him, many in Southern Cameroons saw a political and social liberator.

But after his administrative incarceration and subsequent release by La Republique du Cameroun, his constituents have found his silence on matters of importance, actions and inactions questionable and incredibly worrying. This has led to a profound and understandable mistrust.

This headed yesterday with the great indignity of him being publicly sacked whilst on a disturbing and suspicious visit to London.

The big question from many all over the world is how can a man who was hailed as the Nelson Mandela of Southern Cameroons by some of his followers as recently as six months ago fall so spectacular from grace? His colleagues and employers at the Cameroon Anglophone Civil Society in their letter firing him alleged that he has been compromised.

Did Agbor Balla actually seek power to glorify his ego or has he just joined the queue of leaders without conviction who have gone to the top with no vision and guts and therefore fallen at the first huddle.

Whatever happens from now hence, he surely will only have himself to blame for his humiliation and thoughtlessness.

By Chi Prudence Asong

4, November 2017

Anglophone Crisis: Ambazonians Must Chose Freedom or Death ⁰

The government should be under no illusion that the struggle is over because the resistance just began.

As distraught Anglophones continue to query and reject the very basis of the Cameroonian State;with a majority favouring independence, the leadership of the Anglophone struggle remains embattled on all fronts over its tepid response to the violent crackdown by security forces in the wake of the October 1 restoration of independence, in which hundreds of Anglophones were killed, hundreds more detained or missing, with thousands forced to flee to neighbouring Nigeria.From all indications, the independence restoration was a political misadventure, given the growing chasm within the fractious leadership,unvested with the history of liberation struggles and the taxing and quite complex challenges of navigating global power relations. Amid the apparent despair in the face of genocide, the government seems poised to run down the clock through the backdoor without genuine dialogue to resolve the crisis.The mistaken assumption is that differences between federalists and restorationists will divide and kill the struggle.This is a fatal mistake because Anglophones remain resolutely committed to the struggle. In the face of genocide, the message Anglophones have sent to the government is clear and unequivocal: give us freedom or death. The government should therefore be under no illusion that the struggle is over because, if anything, the resistance just began.

This is no time for public grandstanding; nor is it a moment political self-aggrandisement. The struggle is at crossroads and whether you support federalism or independence, the question every Anglophone must ask is this:Besides the token measures of appeasement, what has changed in the past 13 months? Has government through its actions and utterances of its spokespersons shown any interest in dialogue, let alone a desire to consider federalism? Without demagoguery,the truth is that nothing has changed.The government has shown no interest in dialogue and regime apologists have repeatedly foreclosed any debate on federalism.It is now clear that Anglophones will never get federalism unless the regime is pressured to realize that the two options to resolving the crisis is either federalism or independence. The catch-22 here is that only pressure for independence by restorationists will force Biya’s hand towards federalism. It therefore stands to reason that all Anglophones should raise their voices for independence until the rising crescendo becomes too loud to be ignored.

While not unmindful of the great trials and tribulations confronting our people; after our youths have been killed, maimed and dehumanised, it is mind-boggling to even contemplate sending our children to school. This will be more than just a betrayal of the struggle, and the sacrifices of Anglophone activists, including the larger than life Mancho BBC, who are still standing trial on bogus charges that carry the death penalty.Besides, giving up school boycott; the main leverage of the struggle has no redeeming strategic value, even to the federalists, as it amounts to an act of unilateral surrender.Our work is not done as long as the Anglophone is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of brutality by Francophone security forces who see us as a conquered and captured people.This is a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the high price our people have already paid, we must brace and bear ourselves to our responsibilities as a people fighting for their freedom.The real battle is about to begin.Upon this battle depends the survival of the Anglophone nation. Upon it depends our own future and that of our children and grandchildren.

The government knows it has to break the momentum of our struggle or lose the war. If we continue to be defiant in the face of torture; if we recognise that this struggle is not about us individually and focus on the big picture; if we keep faith with the sacred covenant signed with the blood of those who have paid the ultimate price, so that we Anglophones should be free; then, make your reckoning and realise that it were better to die 10,000 deaths than to act out of coward servility because it is folly to give way to evil counsels; to refuse to do what has to be done; to listen to the naysayers and advocates of the enemy’s cause, and to fancy that because we have sacrificed so much in blood and treasure, we as Anglophones will henceforth cease to be treated as second-class citizens in Cameroon; that, whatever happens, Anglophones will no longer suffer marginalisation and discrimination, even as Francophones see them as dogs, rats and slaves to be scourged and butchered with impunity.

With schools shut down, leaving students to an uncertain fate,puerile arguments about mortgaging our children’s future have been accompanied by claims that Anglophones were deceived that UNESCO will declare 2017 a blank school year. Such baseless claims are a wilful misunderstanding of the functioning of the UNESCO Recognition and Validation of Certificates Commission; the UNESCO Education Quality Accreditation Commission and the UNESCO Policy on Accreditation and Global Education.No one needs telling that UNESCO has strict guidelines and education harmonisation standards which signatory members must adhere to, in order for an authenticated certificate from that country to be given the same recognition in another signatory country. One such guideline is duration of the academic year.If a signatory country does not meet the minimum requirements in a section or the whole country, certificates issued that year in the whole country are declared null and void. The jury is not yet out on the fate of the “political GCE” that was written in 2017, as the crisis continues, but it is anyone’s guess that UNESCO will have the last laugh on those 2017 GCE certificates.

Besides, of what use is an education that turn our institutions into degree mills that produce certificated graduates who are so half-baked educationally that they are neither useful to themselves nor to society? Those complicit school resumption advocates must be reminded that school boycott was not invented by Anglophone freedom fighters. It has been the weapon of choice for liberation movements dating back over 1000 years. After the Roman conquest of Britain, the British refused to send their children to school to protest the emasculating education the Romans were imparting on the children. Despite the threats, intimidation and heavy-handed tactics of then Roman Governor of Britain,Gnaeus Julius Agricola (AD77- 84), British children boycotted school for five (5) years. When Britain later colonized Ireland and instituted an educational system designed to keep the Irish stupid,the Irish held their children from going to school for two years. The famous Irish Revolutionary,Padraic Pearse eloquently captured the mood of the Irish resistance: “The educational system the English have instituted in Ireland is a murder machine; the schools are soulless and instead of teaching they destroy; they cannot make men but they can break them. We will keep the children home instead of sending them to the murder machine called schools.”

Apologists of school resumption deliberately refuse to look at the unacceptable face of a monumental national scandal wherein the government pays lip service to education; but treats students as liabilities and teachers like beggars.A situation where degree holders end up as bike riders and call box agents will not change by merely cajoling or threatening parents to send their children back to school.The school boycott, sad though it is, is a cruel reminder that freedom has a price and the price of freedom is very high because freedom is not given. It is pointless sending our children to school where dormitories are burnt under the watchful eyes of soldiers. The fury of the enemy has already been unleashed on our people and our brothers and sisters are already in their graves! Why should we give up now when nothing has changed in the past 13 months?Think about those who have paid the supreme price so that we may live in freedom. And then ask yourself: is my own life so precious, as to be purchased at the price of second-class citizenship?

Therefore, arise oh Ambazonians, for as Thomas Paine said, these are the times that try men’s souls.This struggle is our struggle; it is our struggle no less than it is that of the Anglophone leadership or the Anglophone Diaspora. We must have faith; we must not be stampeded by rumors or fear by detractors and naysayers. Confidence and courage are the essentials of success in fighting for our freedom. Let us unite in banishing fear. Together we cannot fail.And if we must die as Claude McKay told Black Americans during their fight for freedom and equality; “let us nobly die, so that our precious blood may not be shed in vain; then even the monsters we defy shall be constrained to honor us though dead! If we must die, let us face our murderous cowards like men with their backs against the wall; dying, but fighting back.” Let the conscience of every Anglophone hold a conversation with his/her soul; then take this solemn vow: I am fighting for my freedom; I know not what course others may take; but as for me, the choice is simple – give me freedom or give me death!

By Valerian Ekinneh Agbaw-Ebai

*Ekinneh Agbaw-Ebai is a Public Intellectual and graduate of Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government, where he was Managing Editor of the Harvard Journal of African-American Public Policy. A former Research Analyst for Freedom House, he is a Consultant and lives in Boston, USA. Talk back at ekinneh@yahoo.com

3, November 2017

Ambazonia: Fire breaks out in PSS Bafut campus ⁰

A fire destroyed the dormitory of the Presbyterian Secondary School (PSS) Bafut in the Bamenda County. According to a police source, unidentified men set fire on the building on Wednesday morning. The girls’ dormitory was heavily affected with huge loss of school equipment.

The students were receiving lectures in the classrooms when flames erupted in the dormitory. A Bafut police spokesperson said all the students were safe and sound. “At the moment we do not know the origin of the flames but we believe that it is a criminal act. The investigation opened by the judicial police of Bamenda will certainly prove that, “concluded the police source.

PSS Bafut had been closed for many months due to unrest in Southern Cameroons. After strengthening the security apparatus around Bamenda, the college reopened on August 2017.

By Rita Akana, CCN

3, November 2017

Southern Cameroons Crisis: The Plain Truth ⁰

The Southern Cameroons crisis that has put Cameroon in the spotlight for some thirteen months has also left the country in tough and challenging circumstances. Since October 1, 2017, when the government unleashed the full spectrum of its anger on unarmed citizens, there appear to be some calm, but many experts hold that this is the type of calm that spells doom for both the government and those who thought they could declare their independence just by sending unarmed citizens to take control of government buildings in major cities across Southern Cameroons. The tactical failure led to many being killed and thousands transformed into refugees, while hundreds are still missing. The government, for its part, is still not repentant for killing the people it is supposed to protect. The Biya government imported “red terror” from Mengistu Haile Mariam’s Ethiopia into Southern Cameroons on October 1. But it is its indifference that is troubling to the international community. The government’s indifference to these deaths has left many to wonder if the country’s unity and indivisibility can really be enhanced through mass killings.

The government has an obligation towards its citizens. It has signed treaties to protect minorities. Its obligations under international law are known. Taking up arms against its own citizens is one act that may never cause the psychological wounds to heal properly even after the holding of sincere and genuine dialogue. By this act, the government has declared the people of Southern Cameroons its enemy. This should not be the case.Political differences must always be addressed at thenegotiating table. Nobody, regardless of their age or intellect, should be too big to despise those who have put him in office. The president, Paul Biya, seems to have lost his voice like the ant that lost its voice after having drunk the “strong cough mixture” designed for adults only. If you had attended primary school in West Cameroon in the 60s and 70s, then you should easily understand something about this strong cough mixture.

Mr. Biya’s silence has been criticized both at home and abroad, with many tagging him as arrogant even at his age. Cameroon needs a frank and fruitful dialogue that should be moderated by a third neutral party to ensure deliberations do not degenerate into a slanging match. The anger is too much. The frustrations are incredible. The people’s silence is deafening. But Mr. Biya seems to be tone deaf and blind to the sorry plight of his fellow citizens.He seems to be more concerned about his failing health than with the human disaster that is unfolding in a country he has led for thirty-five years. While the country bleeds, Mr. Biya’s party, commonly known as a crime syndicate, made out of the same mold as the Sicilian Mafia, is more concerned about celebrating the time he has been in office and his supporters are already heading to the various regions to celebrate on Monday, October 6, 2017. A great provocation to the suffering masses who have been reduced to sorry spectators of events in their own country.

However, the responsibility for the October 1 disaster must also be shared. It takes two to tango. No government in the world will yield to any pressure to lose part of its territory. While violence – the type that was unleashed on innocent people on October 1 – should be condemned, those who ordered the declaration should also accept full responsibility for their actions. Independence is never granted on a platter of gold, except it is tainted like what the French had given to most of their former territories. No government ever comes to the negotiating table to discuss secession with its adversaries, except it has been defeated like what happened in Sudan, resulting in the creation of South Sudan.

Taking a look into the mirror of history, we will find out that for more than fifty years, only two secessions have successfully taken place in Africa. South Sudan pulled it off after more than twenty-five years of a bloody struggle. It should, however, be underscored that it was thanks to American support and thanks,in particular,to the Obama administration that actually facilitated things. After more than thirty years of fratricidal killings, South Sudan and Sudan still have to work together for both countries to survive. While the oil deposits are in South Sudan, the oil refineries are in Sudan. The cooperation that both countries could not establish when they were one has today become a grim necessity. The only other country is Eritrea that beat Ethiopia to the game. Despite long years of fighting, the two countries now work together after a negotiated agreement to grant Ethiopia access to the sea; something that underscores that everything always ends up at the negotiating table, regardless of the outcome.

It should, at this juncture, be pointed out that independence is seized. It is never given. Those who called for young men to take to the streets on October 1, simply pushed them to an early grave. Secession implies having the arms to defend ones territory. The Governing Council just like SCNC had no weapons. They do not have a standing army although they are rich in thousands of Internet generals who have never been combat-tested. They never armed their people and this young men and women could simply not stand the fury of the machine guns and helicopters that sprayed tear gas and bullets on them. Even those who had purported that they would be in Buea on that day, simply did not show up. They were simply a no-show. How can independence be celebrated without the architects and founders of modern-day Southern Cameroons?

Ever since the incident happened, there has not been a proper and proportionate response from the Internet generals to convince the people that they have the means to strike awe in the minds of Cameroon government officials. The country has been engulfed in total calm while the wounded are still licking their wounds. The best has so far been the creation of a government after a long conclave that almost shattered the integrity of the Governing Council. While many people hail the creation of this government as a major step forward in the struggle against marginalization in Cameroon, some have already expressed fear that the setting up of a government could spell danger to the Governing Council, as there might be infighting that could cause old demons to rear their ugly heads. Many advise that the President, Ayuk Julius Tabe, has to tread carefully, stressing that he is indeed skating on thin ice. They fear that if not well-managed, the creation of a government could become another whirlwind that could destroy the unity of purpose that has marked the struggle just like the Felix Nkongho Agbor Balla saga that is threatening to split Southern Cameroonians who have all through displayed exceptional unity.

Balla who has played a key role in the Southern Cameroons struggle has in recent times become a lightning rod for controversy. He has been accused of all the crimes and sins that make up the political world for holding views that are different from what the majority thinks. Of course, he has also made obvious mistakes that need to be condemned. His lack of sound public relations knowledge and youthful exuberance are hurting his credibility, big time. He must make amends. He is not a man who is scared of apologizing in public. He has done it before and will do so to save whatever little credibility he still has. As a leader, he has to be careful how he speaks and conducts himself. Criticizing other leaders in public does not bode well for a struggle that is on life support. It should, however, be pointed out that there are so many hardliners in the struggle, which highlights the fact that the Southern Cameroons struggle is gradually walking down the path designed by architects of the soviet system that only made provisions for monolithic thinking. Dictatorship seems to be rearing its ugly head among Southern Cameroonians. In any struggle, there are always several, if not many shades of opinions, but the key is always knowing how to establish alliances and work with everybody.

The South African example may be a shiny classroom for many young Southern Cameroonians who do not seem to have a serious grinding in pluralistic democracy. In the days of apartheid many black South Africans thought fighting the racist government meant rolling the white minority into the ocean. Some thought the objective could only be attained through an armed struggle. The ANC, led by Oliver Tambo, had global support and the right resources to engage in such a war, but wisdom was also necessary, and only Mandela had to come up with the right steps that could actually result in the rainbow nation that we all admire today. Mandela knew that it would all end at the negotiating table, but waited for the racist government to make the first step. And when that came, he made the most of it, though he was accused of all the crimes and sins in the world. Of course, time has proven him right. While situations of oppression require military responses too, it is always necessary to leave room for possible negotiations. After all, you can only make peace with your enemy and at the end of the fighting, you must still sit down and talk, and talking Mandela did.

A struggle should have many fronts. There could be the military wing that will work hard to inflict pain on the enemy. We are not talking here of Internet generals who spend lots of time threatening and sending young men back home to early graves. There could also be pressure groups that must work hard to bring the plight of the suffering masses to the attention of the international community and there must be intellectuals, especially writers, political scientists, sociologists, politicians and lawyers who must properly articulate the views and sell them to the world so that the oppressor ends up with a black eye and a bad name.

It is therefore necessary for Southern Cameroonians to avoid scrambling any action that can give them the opportunity to sell their case, regardless of their differences. Disagreeing is an idea that is as old as man. All Southern Cameroonians have to do, is to ensure that when they disagree they must not be disagreeable, as that plays in favor of the enemy who is always looking for any cracks on the wall to fully exploit and render the struggle useless. Southern Cameroonians must understand that together they will achieve more and the more they focus on their goal, the better for their struggle. Let them not be distracted by side events that can diminish their morale and energy which are very much-needed to make sure their struggle stays on the front burner. Differences of opinions will always exist, but it is incumbent upon the leaders to handle them with tact and care. The plain truth is that there will never be struggles without disagreements, but good leadership requires that such disagreements be arrested in time to rob the enemy of any chance to gain an advantage.

A Cameroon Concord News Group Production

3, November 2017

Indomitable Lions Launch Striking New PUMA Home Kit With Help From Legend Roger Milla ⁰

Cameroon have launched their PUMA home kit, with the current squad teaming up with famous musician MHD and national team legend Roger Milla for the viral unveiling.

Milla became a global cult hero when he danced his way into the hearts of people all over the planet with iconic goal celebrations at the 1990 World Cup – a tournament that saw Cameroon become the first African team to reach the quarter finals.

The veteran forward had already played the 1982 World Cup, and had earlier retired from international football in the late 1980s. He later returned to play in 1994 at the age of 42, still a tournament record for the oldest outfield player.

Cameroon and PUMA have been no strangers to striking kits – cast your mind back to the sleeve-less shirt or the all-in-one jersey – and the latest is no different.

IMAGE BY JAMIE SPENCER

The shirt, in typical green and with a darker shade of sleeves, features a bold roaring lion graphic, bringing alive the spirit of the Indomitable Lions.

IMAGE BY JAMIE SPENCER

Cameroon will play five Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers to play against Comoros, Malawi and Morocco in 2018, despite having already qualified for the tournament as hosts.

Having won the 2017 edition, the Indomitable Lions will be looking to retain the trophy on home soil in 2019 and win back-to-back titles just as they did in 2000 and 2002.

Source: Sports Ilustrated

3, November 2017

‘I’m the only one that matters’, Trump says on unfilled positions ⁰

US President Donald Trump has pushed back against concerns about a number of critical positions that still remain unfilled in his administration, saying he is “the only one that matters.”

“Let me tell you, the one that matters is me, I’m the only one that matters because when it comes to it that’s what the policy is going to be,” Trump said on Fox News when asked about vacancies at the State Department.

“We don’t need all the people that they want,” he continued. “Don’t forget, I’m a business person and I tell my people, well you don’t need to fill slots, don’t fill them.”

A number of top positions remain vacant at the State Department, among other agencies, including officials overseeing Southeast Asia and arms control.

In June, the administration proposed $37.6 billion budget for the State Department and the US Agency for International Development, a drop of about 30 percent.

Foreign policy experts decried the move, warning that it could drastically affect US foreign policy in volatile regions of the world.

“It’s called cost-saving,” Trump said. “I want my vision, but my vision is my vision anyway. It’s called cost-saving. There’s nothing wrong with cost-saving.”

Despite the unfilled positions and reports of tensions with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Trump suggested that the top diplomat was giving his best effort on matters of foreign policy.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (file photo)

“Rex is in there working hard,” the president said. “He’s doing his best.”

Trump is way behind his four predecessors in the number of appointments confirmed by the Senate at this stage of his presidency, according to The Washington Post.

The president blamed Senate Democrats for this, while acknowledging that he has nominated fewer people.

“We have almost about half the number of people coming through as Obama had,” Trump said.

Source: Presstv

3, November 2017

‘Children killed by girl bomber’ in Cameroon ⁰

Five children were killed and two others wounded by a suicide bomber in northern Cameroon on Tuesday night, two security sources have told the AFP news agency. “A suicide bomber blew herself up at around 19:45 [18:45 GMT]” in the village of Zamga, about 2km (1.2 miles) from the Nigerian border, a security officer in the area is quoted as saying.

The bomber, who is believed to be a young girl, was also killed in the explosion. A group of children were playing when “a young girl slipped in” among them and triggered her explosives, the officer told AFP. For several years, fighters from the Nigerian-based Islamist group Boko Haram have been crossing the border to carry out attacks in Cameroon. Cameroon’s army has been battling Boko Haram militants for several years.

Source: BBC

3, November 2017

Ambazonia: Balla attacks interim president, Reveals he is pushing a personal agenda ⁰

In one of the most revealing and self-destructing recording audios ever released, Agbor Balla has opened up to the world about his warped mind. In a struggle that has seen hundreds killed and thousands of Southern Cameroonians flee to seek refugee status in Nigeria, Agbor Balla has finally revealed what he sees as a game to fulfil his personal ambitions.

Whilst millions of British Southern Cameroonians dream of a day when they will be free from the shackles and manacles of Paul Biya’s servitude, Agbor Balla describes their dream as ‘living in a fairy-tale world’. With an aura of invincibility, he boosted about his elfin postings with the United Nations to shady and wretched countries which belong at the bottom of any reputable diplomat’s wish list.

AUDIO………………………………….

No matter the hatred that people have for me today, I will be president of Ambaland.

I’ll not insult you that you are living in your fairy-tale world if you want secession.

‘If we have a Southern Cameroon State today, I’ll be the president. I am realistic so I want federalism so we can work towards secession.

I’ll beat Sessekou Ayuk in an election. I have an interest for us to have an Ambaland because I know I will be elected as the president.

I worked in Afghanistan and went to Congo and came back. What can someone tell me?

1999 I wrote a thesis on self-determination about southern Cameroon right to self-determination.

In 2002 I was with Albert MUKONG in the EU commission.

17 years ago, where was Tassang? 17 years ago, where was Sessekou?

What have you guys done by protesting outside embassies. I hear you guys are saying that I was released because of your protests?

In 2001 I protested with Cho Ayaba. To march in Europe is easy. I have done this already.

I have a pedigree that none of them have and they know that. That is why SCAFUF is scared of me. If I am invited to their conference to speak, none of them would be able to speak. I’ll ask them individually what they have done for the struggle. What all them are doing can’t match what I can do alone.
By Chi Prudence Asong in London

2, November 2017

Yaounde: Father who killed his three kids pinned note to door warning family members to call the police ⁰

A man whose identity has not been revealed reportedly killed his three children aged 13, 6 and 3 years respectively in the night of Wednesday November 1, 2017 in their family home in the Kondengui district in Yaounde.
Cameroon radio and television announced that after his crime, the alleged murderer who returned to Cameroon after spending 20 years in Switzerland,rushed to the Swiss Embassy in Yaounde and reported his crime.

2, November 2017

Ambazonian appointed CEMAC Commissioner ⁰

Shey Jones was appointed on Tuesday the 31st October 2017 during the Extraordinary Summit of Heads of States of the Economic Community of Central African States, CEMAC that held in the Chadian capital, Djamena.

His appointment like those of every other ruling CPDM baron adds to his position as Board Chair of the Douala Port Authority. State radio and television reported that Shey Jones has held several posts of responsibilities including Board Chair of the National Civil Engineering Laboratory; LABOGENIE, CEO of MAG LLC Construction Company, Secretary of State in four ministerial departments and Secretary of State at the Ministry of Town Planning and Housing.

With political support from Prime Minister Simon Achidi Achu he served as Secretary of State at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. He was Director at the Grand Travaux Yaounde. The chartered member of the ruling CPDM crime syndicate was a student at the National Polytechnic School Yaounde. He migrated to the Federal Republic of Germany where he studied at the University of Essen. Shey Jones hails from the Donga Mantung State in the Federal Republic of Ambazonia.

Source: CRTV