Chief Mrs Stella Arhewoh President of MOHWA in the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the latest prominent Manyu personality to jump ship to NYENE MAWN.

In a soul-searching speech delivered today in Belgium, Stella Arhewoh née Ntui (to use her three names) said the once popular MOHWA is today a shadow of its former self.

The Cameroonian diplomat also pointed out that Manyu Division is a constituency more sinned against than sinning.

Chief Stella Arhewoh furthered that she made the trip from Abuja, Nigeria to Brussels because NYENE MAWN is clearly the organization most Manyu women around the world are looking up to as they consider that MOHWA is a ship wrecked by greed, arrogance and intimidation. Below is her address delivered today at the MANYU WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION’s AGM.  

Dear Members and Delegates,

It is a great pleasure for me to address this August body. The birth of NYENE MAWN is like the birth of a new born baby which is always an occasion for joy and celebration.

While we celebrate the birth of our novel association, we should always bear in mind that the Manyu girl child and development must always be at the center of our actions and decisions.

The people of Manyu look forward to an organization that will bring development to the division and dignity to the girl child. A purpose-driven people will always focus on making the future better than the present and NYENE MAWN is driven by that passion to reshape the future in Manyu Division.

We must also remember the circumstances which have led to the creation of NYENE MAWN. Our organization is being birthed following the chaos that has made us stronger and more determined. We must ensure that the problems which caused us to depart from MOHWA do not become our story.

We must make tolerance our hallmark. We must make democratic deliberation a key component of our processes and procedures. We must make that difference which will endear us to the minds of our people. Strong democratic management will enable us to build a strong, resilient and trusted organization. By adhering to this principle, we will attract many members.

Also, we must always bear in mind that we will not always be on the same page when issues pop up, but how we handle those differences will make or mar us. Disagreement is as old as man, but differences of opinion only test our ability to be solution-driven and innovative.  It should however be pointed out that when we disagree, we must be agreeable. We are many and the rules will sometimes not favor all of us, but that will not imply that we do not have to find common ground. We must be committed to working together to build strong relations and we must be more committed to finding lasting solutions to our differences, that is, if and when those issues show up.

I trust we are all determined to make NYENE  MAWN successful. I can see the joy and determination on our faces. We have come far and near to socialize and meet each other, but we are, first and foremost, here to lay down that solid transformative foundation which will inspire hope in Manyu Division.

We must always know that we are all ambassadors of NYENE MAWN and how we carry ourselves in public will determine how the public sees us. Ours will not be an association of disrespect and insults. Ours should be an association of refined minds whose key goal is to help develop the Manyu girl child and help the Division with its development efforts.

Dear sisters, I would like to keep it short. As you know, brevity is the soul of wit. We should focus on actions and not noise. We should serve as examples for others to emulate. We should make Manyu proud again.

I wish you all the best in your deliberations. Let’s make Belgium 2024 a memorable event. Thanks for your time and enjoy this great moment.

Chief Mrs Stella Arhewoh née Ntui

This weekend in the Kingdom of Belgium, Manyu and its development issues are in the spotlight-this time around for all the right reasons. Dr Mrs Patience Abangma a committed actress in the Manyu development story last night announced the official creation of NYENE MAWN. Below is her full speech as recorded for us by our correspondent in Brussels.

Your Royal Majesty

Sessekous, Ekandims and Manyangaraws,

Nyene Mawn queens,

Distinguished guests

I feel honoured by your presence here to support the birth of  ‘Nyene Mawn’. And whilst I do not wish to draw attention away from this incredibly monumental occasion, the circumstances surrounding how ‘Nyene Mawn’ has come to be does require me to spend a brief moment to once and for all debunk myths, misinformation and in some cases outright lies.  And whilst I am not here to castigate anyone, on the occasion of the birth of this platform of women’s empowerment, solidarity and sisterhood please permit me to state some facts which will mean that we can move forward with the future in unity and joy. 

1.      Convention 2024: The convention of MOHWA Europe 2024 was initially scheduled to take place in Germany.  Issues arose as to the cost of the hall.  The matter was reported to Cameroon by Germany and when it was not able to be resolved, the committee went for plan B option which was to choose another country since our constitution had clearly specified that requirement of a convention every 2 years.  Florence (SG) was charged with the responsibility of liaising with Prof Ojongkpot.  On her advice as articulated by the SG during a meeting, we conducted a voting with the overwhelming majority of the view that our convention should hold.  Below is a timeline of events:

(a)     17th February, SG sent our save the date flyer to Prof.

(b)     18th February: Prof responded:”thanks for sharing.  Well I would advise that you update our logo to move along with the different fabric logo. And then the background seems a little busy. My one cent”.

(c)     20th February: SG sent the updated flyer.  “ Good morning ma PG Global.  This is the final flyer for our convention.  We will be grateful to know those who will be coming”.

(d)     20th February:  Prof responded. “Ok dear! Let me commission the PRO to do it”.

2.      Process of Dissolution of the then MOHWA Europe: The process of dissolving MOHWA Europe by MOHWA Global was never done in consultation with MOHWA Europe Exco.  A global zoom meeting was scheduled by Cameroon in which the issue of the groups that complained was raised. Exco members were not allowed to speak.  It was then decided that there was going to be a Conflict Resolution Committee to look at the issues raised. Whilst we were waiting for the committer, it became apparent that Cameroon had spoken to those who complained and refused to take into consideration the rejoinder sent to them.  I was added to a call on 28th March 2024 to inform me of their verdict.  I want to reiterate that this is the only time I was called on this issue.  I was merely called to inform me of the decision taken. A dissolution letter dated 27th March 2024 was then sent to me the following day which I then forwarded to the exco.  A response dated 20th April 2024, signed by all the 11 presidents was sent to Cameroon.

3.      Cease and Desist letter:  A letter dated 26th July 2024, was sent from their lawyer in Ireland representing MOHWA Global to all the presidents of the then MOHWA Europe giving clear instructions that we stop using anything associated with MOHWA.  For peace to reign, I responded by assuring them that we will take steps to comply with their request including change of name, wrapper, and anthem and even bring down all material related to MOHWA online.  All the adverts in preparation for our convention were changed.   A week later, the lawyer again wrote proposing a change of name to Manyu Ladies International Society.  I responded on August 8th, 2024 rejecting any suggestion of replacing the word “women” with “ladies” and the word “association” with “society” as these are generic words which cannot be patented. I maintained that we remain the Manyu Women’s International Association (Nyene Mawn). In the likelihood of their lawyer pursuing Nyene Mawn for frivolous reasons, I might have to request for a refund of the money I paid for the patent of MOHWA UK.   I have proof of my receipt.

I want it to be made clear that ‘Nyene Mawn’ is a NEW ORGANISATION. It does not hold itself up as being a version of MOHWA. It is a new cultural organisation quite within its legal rights. Another entity has no legal basis to request a Cease and Desist of another when no breach NO BREACH has occurred. Our organisation does not share the same name, logo, motto, song, clothing or any other type of branding with MOHWA. There is no case to answer here and I hope that the legal adviser is indeed giving them sound legal advice rather than causing them to waste money.

4.      Misappropriation of funds: This to me is tantamount to slander. I am hoping that there will be evidence of the £3000 alleged to have been taken.  At no point had I approached the association to foot the bills for my travels even though I do that in the name of the association. I can say this with my full chest. The only time the exco decided to support was when we were going for the launching of MOHWA Nigeria.  They held a meeting in my absence and they all agreed that I have been spending my own money to represent the association and that they must do something this time.  I was reliably informed later that AG said “ mamie has already bought her ticket and she might not be interested in this support”. She however suggested that they could pay for the hotel which they did.

5.      Events during South Africa Launching: The media space now speaks for itself. The conduct of the PG was plain to see for all those in the room and was captured on Zoom and broadcast to an international audience. On this matter I will merely say 2 things:

(i)  MOHWA promotes itself as a platform for women to support each other. The display by their PG was far from that. Regardless of her perceived justification, an open forum of this kind cannot surely be the place where someone who is meant to be in a leadership role and is before her constituents demonstrates such lack of leadership and unity.

(ii)   I kept silent for a number of reasons and will never regret that decision. The number one reason being I am not only a child of Manyu, I am also the wife of a Paramount Ruler in Manyu who MOHWA knew would be attending the launching. I intentionally chose to demonstrate restraint under fire to protect the dignity and the sanctity of our cultural values, my husband, my children and myself. What came to mind on the day was Michelle Obama’s catch phrase “when they go low, we go high”.

In conclusion, what we have done is not change our name. We have created a new organisation based on inclusivity, respect, unity, love and support for each other as women. It is our right as women of Manyu to do so. And we do it proudly.  We are Nyene Mawn. Ready to embrace all our children. Forward ever, backward never. Let our problems of today be translated into our solutions for the future.  Let us all strive to build a strong institution as they will stand the test of time, not strong leadership as might cause the collapse of an institution if the next leader is not strong. We in Nyene Mawn should put the lyrics of our anthem in practice, foster love, stand for the truth, preach unity and forgiveness. We should refrain from recording and sending angry messages. Please make good use of the conflict resolution committee that has been put in place. Together, we can make a positive contribution to our society here in Europe and to our Manyu division.  It is said that “the journey of a thousand miles starts with one one”.

Distinguish guests; join us in this journey to help us move another step through your financial and emotional support.

Long live Nyene Mawn.

Cameroon’s fragile and crumbling president Paul Biya is back after 27 days of squandering taxpayers’ money in Europe.

Mr. Biya, who has been in power for 42 years and has nothing to show for his long stay in power was in Europe to watch the Olympics but after the games, he decided to stay in France, a country wherein leaders work to develop their country.

Though at the Olympics Mr. Biya was incapable of motivating Cameroon’s athletes who could not win even a medal.

Upon arrival, Mr. Biya was received by the country’s Prime Minister, Dion Ngute, whom many think is on his way out.

Mr. Ngute has been in office for over six years but has not been able to earn the president’s confidence. Mr. Biya has consistently despised Mr. Ngute and recent pictures seem to confirm this rumor.

Mr. Ngute, it is alleged will soon be replaced as many regime insiders hold that he has overstayed his welcome.

It is also alleged that Mr. Ngute will be replaced by someone at the Presidency or a candidate who is out of the country.

It is also alleged that Mr. Ngute is aware of the decision hanging over his head like the Sword of Damocles and that is why he could be seen in the picture bowing to Biya like Angels do to God.

But Mr. Ngute’s reverence may not convince Mr.Biya whom many accuse of having no respect for his own Prime Minister. The die seems to be cast for Mr. Ngute.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

A joint investigation by Cameroon’s Ministries of Finance, Defense, and General Delegation for National Security has uncovered widespread fraud involving fake birth certificates submitted by military and police personnel to claim child allowances.

Between 2010 and 2021, 12,846 fake birth certificates were declared for children of military personnel, while 4,300 retirees had at least one false declaration. The investigation was launched after the Ministry of Finance noticed a sharp increase in child allowance payments to retired military and police personnel.

The child benefit is granted based on the number of children over 16 years old (for military personnel) and over 20 years old (for police officers) that retirees claim to have raised. The Ministry of Finance explained that the “explosion” in allowance payments between 2010 and 2021 threatened the sustainability of the pension system.

The fraudulent claims led to the suspension of child benefit payments, causing discontent among beneficiaries. In response to complaints from retirees, the Ministry of Finance clarified the situation and implemented a system to regularize the claims.

Of the 110 cases received, 52 have been resolved, resulting in the restoration of benefit increases for August 2024 with retroactive payment for July, the Finance Ministry indicates.

Source: Sbbc

The Belgian capital is where NYENE MAWN, the new Manyu organization has chosen for its launch and all roads are actually leading to Brussels.

Despite threats by the MOHWA leadership to discipline MOHWA members who will be in Brussels for the event, many members of the erstwhile MOHWA Europe are on their way to Belgium.

Speaking to the Cameroon Concord News Group’s correspondent in Western Europe about the event, a member of MOHWA who has walked away from MOHWA Global said that the formation of NYENE MAWN was a welcome relief.

“I am happy that NYENE MAWN will finally see the light of day. As women, we just want to socialize and bring some development to Manyu Division but with MOHWA GLOBAL, the road ahead was bumpy and the waters were permanently murky. The rules were like shifting sands and the organization’s constitution was replaced with the President’s word. I was completely frustrated by such an approach. I hope NYENE MAWN will serve as an example to others,” the lady who elected anonymity said.

“We are in Belgium not just to launch our organization but also to demonstrate how united and effective we can be in organizing big events like this one. Our members have already begun arriving, especially those from Africa and we are really energized,” the lady pointed out.

“I know our launch is a big blow to MOHWA as many people have walked away from MOHWA GLOBAL, but we will do our best not to compete with anybody. We will reach out to other sister organizations when and if necessary, especially when Manyu development is concerned,” she stressed.

Asked about the threats of discipline hanging over MOHWA members like her who are attending the launch in Belgium like the Sword of Damocles, the lady simply said “why end a relationship that is bound to end? If we are already in Brussels, it is because we know what we want. The past is the past and we are focused on the future.”

The launch, which will take place over the weekend, will help the leaders of NYENE MAWN to refine their strategy with a view to solidifying unity within the organization.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

Group Chairman and Editor-in-chief

Cameroon Concord News Group

The Supreme Leader of the Bakweris in Buea His Royal Highness Dr. Robert Esuka Mbella Endeley was greeted by a mammoth crowd and a warm welcome during his first official visit to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The Naliomo spoke to prominent Cameroonian elites and community leaders and announced his plan to build a multipurpose cultural centre in Buea the chief city in the South West region. The Buea monarch revealed that the centre will focus on culture, entrepreneurship and innovation, community and intellectual leadership.

His Royal Highness Dr. Robert Esuka Mbella Endeley toured the Midlands, visited Buckingham palace and the Cameroon embassy in London.

On his colourful arrival in the beautiful city of Leicester, the King of Buea was greeted by the welcoming beats of his people led by senior Bakweri notables including William Gobina, Andrew Mokake and Lady Fotabong.  

Olivia Ebangha Tambe president of the Manyu Women Association in London UK  said she was so proud, so happy and so honoured to meet Chief Endeley V. Olivia Ebangha Tambe furthered that Manyu Women in London were saying through her voice that they respect the king and were paying homage.

The Saturday 17 August Leicester visit witnessed the participation of top Cameroonian entrepreneurs.

His Royal Highness Dr. Robert Esuka Mbella Endeley also spoke in private to a group of leading figures including Prince Julian Ebai, Charles Mambo and the Cameroon High Commissioner HE Fotabong on a range of issues.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai with files

Cameroonian journalist Samuel Bondjock has had to appear in court more than 30 times in almost 30 months to face criminal defamation charges that could put him in jail — even though the country’s media regulator dismissed the complaint against him in 2022.

His next appearance in the capital Yaoundé is scheduled for August 27, but Bondjock has little hope there will be any resolution in what is seen as a classic example of a SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) — a vexatious type of lawsuit increasingly used against those who express critical opinions.

These suits frequently invoke criminal defamation laws to punish and censor journalists. In Cameroon, Bondjock — the publishing director of the privately owned online news site Direct Info — is the country’s latest journalist to be accused of defaming influential figures such as football stars, writers, government officials, lawmakers, pastors, and the politically connected.

“Authorities must end the legal harassment and weaponization of Cameroon’s judicial system against Samuel Bondjock, especially as the country’s media regulator has already exonerated him,” said Angela Quintal, head of CPJ’s Africa program, in New York. “Cameroon should follow the examples of several other African states to decriminalize defamation, in line with a 2010 resolution of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and must ensure that SLAPP lawsuits are not used to censor the press.”

In March 2022, Ahmadou Sardaouna, the managing director of the state-run Cameroon Real Estate Company (SIC), filed criminal complaints against Bondjock for “impugning his honor” in two articles published in December 2021 and February 2022, according to CPJ’s review of the complaints and news reports.

Four months later, Sardaouna also lodged a complaint with Cameroon’s National Communication Council (NCC) for “unsubstantiated accusations likely to damage his image.” The media regulator ruled in Bondjock’s favor, saying his journalism had met “professional requirements of investigation and cross-checking,” according to a copy of its July 29, 2022, decision, reviewed by CPJ.

Bondjock told CPJ that he has little hope that his trial will begin this month because Sardaouna’s absence led to repeated postponements of previous hearings  “The plaintiff is doing nothing but delaying tactics to prolong this trial in order to exhaust me financially, morally, and even professionally, by wasting my time. My lawyer defends me despite many unpaid fees,” he said.

Joseph Jules Nkana, Sardaouna’s lawyer, told CPJ that his client had not refused to attend previous hearings and that mediation was undertaken by “Bondjock’s colleagues.” However, the journalist had refused to meet to conclude an agreement, Nkana said.

François Mboke, president of the Cameroon network of press outlet owners, who initiated mediation in 2022 to stop the prosecution, told CPJ that it had not been successful.

Bondjock told CPJ there was no reason for him to try to seek an agreement with Sardaouna, as the NCC had ruled in his favor.

Under Cameroon’s penal code, defamation is punishable by a prison sentence of six days to six months and a fine of up to 2 million CFA francs (US$3,330).

In a joint 2023 submission to the U.N. Human Rights Council scrutinizing Cameroon’s human rights record, CPJ and other rights groups noted at least four cases of arrest and conviction for defamation between 2019 and 2022, including against Martinez Zogo, who was killed in 2023.

Other sub-Saharan countries that have criminalized defamation include Nigeria, Angola, Togo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In June 2024, Niger reinstated prison sentences for defamation and insult that had been replaced by fines two years earlier.

Denis Omgba Bomba, director of the media observatory at Cameroon’s Ministry of Communication, did not respond to CPJ’s request for comment on Bondjock’s case via messaging app.

Culled from Committee to Protect Journalists

Cameroon’s High Commissioner to Canada, Ngole Philip Ngwese, has reached out to the Cameroonian Diaspora, urging his fellow countrymen to contribute to the strengthening of the excellent relations between Cameroon and Canada.

In a press release issued in Ottawa, Mr. Ngwese, a former minister in Cameroon who is waiting to present his letter of credence to Canadian authorities, announced his presence among the country’s Diaspora, underscoring the attention the country’s president, Paul Biya, accords to the country’s Diaspora.

“As you know, the Head of State pays particular attention to the Cameroonian Diaspora throughout the world, and in this regard, is pursuing an all-out policy aimed at giving it its rightful place and closely involving it in the development of our beloved and beautiful country,” the press release said.

“I therefore humbly come to you as a servant of the State to contribute to the strengthening of the relations that exist between Cameroon and Canada,” the release stated.

“I also come to you as a servant of the large Cameroonian community established in Canada, in a spirit of openness, of dialogue, respectful of the differences and divergences of opinion, but concerned above all to preserve a high image of Cameroon in respect of the intangible principles of peace and unity which constitute, among many others, the cornerstone of our national life,” the release said.

“I would like to salute the well-known dynamism of the Cameroonian community in Canada, while urging it to continue to honour our country by observing Canadian laws,” the release concluded.

Mr. Ngwese, known for his humility and discipline, sounded very conciliatory in his message, having understood that there are a few rough edges in the country’s relationship with its Diaspora.

The issue of dual nationality has always been top on the minds of members of the country’s Diaspora and until the government changes its views about dual nationality, the country’s burgeoning Diaspora will continue to be suspicious of the government of Cameroon.

The new High Commissioner, who is laying down a new foundation for the fractured relationship between the government and the country’s Diaspora, especially the Anglophone Diaspora which constitutes the majority of Cameroonians in Canada, understands that he is on treacherous grounds and is prepared to smooth out any rough edges in that relationship so as to enable the Diaspora to play its role in Cameroon’s economic development efforts.

Mr. Ngwese comes to Canada with sound experience in the management of relationships and he is prepared to harness that experience to restore confidence among Cameroonians living in Canada.

Mr. Ngwese needs to be given a chance to deliver that confidence. His message is simple and inspiring. Cameroonians in Canada will have to consider the new High Commissioner as a man of peace who wants to bring everyone into the family again.

Cameroonians across Canada look forward to seeing him soon when he undertakes his meet the Diaspora tour. He should be prepared to deal with the issue of dual nationality which has been at issue for decades.

By Joachim Arrey in Toronto, Canada

arreyjoachim@hotmail.com

Siaka Coulibaly, interim United Nations Resident Coordinator in Cameroon, urged better protection for humanitarian workers in the country on Friday, August 16, especially in crisis zones.

Speaking at a sports walk in Yaoundé ahead of World Humanitarian Day on August 19, Coulibaly said, “Humanitarians must be protected, especially in crisis areas. We must ensure they can fully intervene where needed, in support of the government’s efforts.”

The appeal comes as aid workers face increasing challenges in conflict-affected and disaster-prone regions. Coulibaly noted that humanitarian workers are primarily active in six of Cameroon’s ten regions: Far North, North, East, Adamawa, Northwest, and Southwest.

These areas grapple with climate change, natural disasters like floods, armed group activities, and an influx of refugees from the Central African Republic (CAR) and Chad.

“These incidents have the potential to exacerbate the vulnerabilities of populations, especially in terms of access to food, housing, nutrition, water and sanitation, education, protection services, or healthcare in some cases,” Coulibaly explained. “It’s also important to note that certain types of crises increase the risks for humanitarian workers trying to provide safe, effective, and principled aid.”

Coulibaly reminded that World Humanitarian Day serves as a reminder of the risks faced by humanitarians in their mission. This year’s theme, “Acting for Humanity,” symbolizes the global humanitarian community’s call to leaders to ensure the protection of civilians and aid workers.

The sports walk was an opportunity to pay tribute to fallen humanitarian workers, reinforce solidarity among humanitarian actors, and demonstrate the UN’s continued support for the government’s efforts to aid vulnerable populations.

Cameroon currently faces three major humanitarian crises: the Boko Haram conflict in the Far North, the separatist conflict in the Northwest and Southwest, and the influx of Central African refugees in the East, North, and Adamawa regions.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates 3.4 million people will need humanitarian assistance in Cameroon in 2024.

A Humanitarian Response Plan, launched in April 2024 with a $371.4 million budget, aims to assist 2.3 million of the most vulnerable people, addressing urgent needs related to conflicts, epidemics, and climate shocks.

“The ongoing implementation of the Humanitarian Response Plan with the government is an important step in our support for vulnerable populations,” Coulibaly emphasized.

Source: Sbbc