About soter

Posts by :

2, June 2019

Francophone Crisis: Wall of fear crumbles ⁰

Despite threats by the government, MRC supporters took to the streets on Saturday in major cities in Cameroon calling for the release of president-elect, Professor Maurice Kamto, who has been imprisoned by Mr. Biya who lost last year’s presidential election.

Mr. Biya has never won any election in Cameroon, but has always used the military to intimidate the population after every major election.

But the wall of fear is gradually coming down as Kamto’s supporters have made up their minds to call for his release and the departure of the ailing Biya who is already losing his mind.

The government, through its violent territorial administration minister, Paul Atanga Nji, an ex convict, has been threatening and arresting MRC supporters across the nation. But those threats are no longer deterring Cameroonians who hold that it is time to kiss goodbye to the Biya regime which is noted for its corruption and incompetence.

Since taking power in 1982, Mr. Biya has been reckless and irresponsible, steering the ship into stormy waters. The country has been facing major challenges, with growth stagnating and unemployment heading for the skies.

Poor policies, corruption and internal conflicts have taken a toll on the economy and the people.

The fighting in the two English-speaking regions of the country has brought the country’s economy to its knees with major state corporations shutting down due to disruptions by separatists.

Yesterday’s fire at the country’s lone oil refinery will surely deal a severe blow to the struggling economy that has been robbed of its energy by the corrupt and inefficient regime.

Things are really getting too complicated for the corrupt government. Boko Haram is still a major threat to the country and CAR rebels in the country’s eastern border have become a nightmare that will not go away anytime soon.

With the ineffective government using violence to address its issues, the international community is gradually abandoning its ally in the fight against terrorism.

Americans, Canadians and the EU have all walked away from Mr. Biya whose penchant for brutality has made him look like a monster in the international political arena.

1, June 2019

Southern Cameroons War: How to Help Ambazonia Refugees ⁰

Nearly half a million Southern Cameroonians have been displaced from their homes because of the war currently being waged by French Cameroun government forces in the Federal Republic of Ambazonia. Even the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees maintains that it has been hard to process numbers that have fled the conflict to many parts of Nigeria and into French Cameroun, and the many tragic stories behind them. But a video of a 4-months old Southern Cameroons baby killed by Francophone soldiers has now humanized the refugee crisis for many Ambazonians around the world.

After more than three years of the Southern Cameroons war, Ambazonians on Ground Zero face a plight that is far from over. Consequently, Vice President Dabney Yerima is appealing to many charitable Ambazonians to find the most effective ways to help Southern Cameroonians on Ground Zero.

Southern Cameroonians who want to help face tough questions brought about by the failed and corrupt leadership under Samuel Ikome Sako: How does one most effectively deploy limited sums of money to help Ground Zero? Where is the need most dire?

While many Southern Cameroons refugees are trying to migrate to neighboring Nigeria, French Cameroun regions particularly the Littoral and the West are under the greatest strain since they are hosting the largest numbers of Ambazonian refugees.

During a telephone conversation with the Cameroon Concord News Group recently, Vice President Dabney Yerima observed that “To help the greatest number of Ambazonia refugees, you need first to understand where those refugees are located, and second, to support the Interim Government’s Amba Massive Relief for the Ground Zero wounded and injured, detainees, IDPs and refugees.”

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

1, June 2019

In Nigeria’s Lagos, aquatic weed plagues waterways ⁰

Traffic jams on the snarled up roads of Nigeria’s megacity of Lagos are legendary, but a growing problem is also clogging up the waterways of Africa’s biggest city — water hyacinths.

The spread of the invasive species of fast-growing plant is not only damaging transport links in Nigeria’s economic capital, built on a lagoon dotted with islands.

With waterways covered and silting up, the aquatic weed is also threatening fishing jobs and a vital food source.

“This is all I can get since morning,” said fisherman Solomon Omoyajowo, showing a handful of fish in a bowl in his wooden canoe.

The 45-year-old fisherman has already been forced to move his nets from one part of the Ogun river too thick with weeds, to a new area nearer the sea.

“Many fishermen have abandoned their boats, while some of us who still want to continue, now try our luck here,” he told AFP, using his palms to wipe a stream of sweat from his face.

“Water hyacinths are killing the fish in the river,” said another nearby fisherman, Adisa, as he cast his net into the river.

When he hauled it up, he had caught only four small fish.

“I don’t think I can do any other job apart from fishing,” Adisa said. “I will continue to manage until the government comes to our aid to clear the weeds.”

– Jobs at risk –

Originally from South America, the plant has caused chaos across several countries in Africa. Earlier this year, a thick green carpet of the weed choked up Kenya’s main entry to Lake Victoria, the largest body of water in Africa.

It was first noted in Nigeria in the early 1980s, in the Badagry creeks west of Lagos, reportedly spreading from neighbouring Benin.

Since then, mats of weeds have spread to rivers across the country, including Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger delta.

Fishermen say the weed is so thick it creates a dense cover that makes it difficult for fishing boats to navigate the river.

It is having a damaging impact.

One study, from Nigeria’s Obafemi Awolowo University, estimated it put at risk one-third of Nigeria’s local fish supply, a cheap source of food millions rely on.

That threatens to put thousands of fishermen out of a job.

“It has become a menace to the marine ecosystems of Lagos,” said Nkechi Ajayi, spokeswoman from Lagos State Waterways Authority, adding that it impacted “the socio-economic activities” of river communities.

– Propeller problems –

Water transportation is also at risk. Operators complain of damaged boats and risk of accidents.

“We often find it difficult to navigate whenever the weeds clog the river,” said boat driver John Ibikunle, as he waited to pick passengers on Lagos Island.

He said many commuters, who once preferred water transport to beat the perennial Lagos traffic gridlock, are returning to the roads, tired of being stuck on water with weeds snagging the propeller.

“They cause mechanical problems to the propulsion system of boats,” added Ajayi, from the waterways authority.

The plant doesn’t grow well in salt water, and environmental experts say the plant expands during the rainy season when the level of fresh water rises in Lagos lagoon.

“It is a seasonal plant,” said Noah Shemede, an environmental activist, from the vast area of wooden homes on stilts built into the water, a fishing settlement called Makoko.

“In the Makoko community for instance, its impact is felt when the rain is heavy and the salt level is lower,” Shemede said.

– ‘Underwater lawn mower’ –

Lagos State Waterways Authority chief Abisola Kamson said they have brought in two water hyacinth removal machines to clear the weeds.

“The machines act like an underwater lawn mower,” Kamson said. “It cuts the vegetation, collecting and storing the weeds and debris on board.”

But while fishermen and boat operators struggle with the weed, one local entrepreneur sees a business opportunity.

Achenyo Idachaba set up a firm that processes the weed into handwoven products including baskets and bags.

“The weeds are harvested from water channels and spread out in the sun to dry,” Idachaba said. “They are processed into small ropes, required to weave the products together.”

Some see a brighter future.

Scientists at the University of Lagos say the plant could also be converted into energy as biomass production, to help solve part of Nigeria’s chronic electricity shortages.

AFP

31, May 2019

Southern Cameroons Crisis: SONARA under attack ⁰

A series of explosions have occurred at the national oil refinery (SONARA)in the Southwest port city of Limbe with separatist claiming that they are responsible for the fire. Mark Bareta, one of the separatist spokespersons has published on his Facebook page that separatists are at work and they are responsible for the disaster that is unfolding in the oil refinery.

A source in Limbe has also indicated that government officials are suspecting separatists for the explosions, though some reports hold that the fire is a pure accident in one of the extension tankers. The source adds that government security officials are already on the ground to contain the fire, but they are scared separatists might be implementing their agenda of sabotaging government facilities. He stressed that separatist fighters have infiltrated all government organizations and institutions and government officials are really concerned as these fighters have the intention of bringing down the economy to its knees.

Southern Cameroons separatists have been targeting the oil refinery for years as part of their scheme to rob the Yaounde government of vital oil resources. Many Southern Cameroonians hold that the oil refinery has not brought them any good and that it could as well just been brought down. Since the discovery of oil in the Rio Del Estuary in the Southwest region, the region has been impoverished and locals are not being employed in the refinery. This has caused a lot of angst among the English-speaking minority, especially as SONARA workers, most of whom live in soecial neighborhoods are Francophones.

Image may contain: night, fire and outdoor

31, May 2019

Southern Cameroons bloodshed escalates as world turns blind eye ⁰

Human rights groups are demanding investigations into the killing of hundreds of people during demands for independence by English-speaking Cameroonians. An estimated 650 civilians, 235 members of the security forces and nearly 1 000 alleged separatists have been killed as a result of the ongoing conflict northwest of the country.

More than 530 000 people have been displaced in the English-speaking regions. In the most recent violence, On May 15, soldiers from Cameroon’s Air Force and Rapid Intervention Battalion attacked the city of Bamenda, the capital of the Anglophone northwest region, reportedly burning down approximately 70 homes and shops as well as executing at least one person in the street.

Satellite imagery acquired by Human Rights Watch, as well as eyewitness reports and other evidence – appears to show dozens of burned buildings and extensive property damage in the Mankon area.

The attack was reportedly in reprisal for English-speaking separatists killing two Cameroonian soldiers earlier that day.

Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect expressed concern the United Nations (UN) had failed to address the armed conflict, despite it having already lasted more than 18 months.

However, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, warned that the conflict in Cameroon risked spiraling completely out of control if timely preventive action was not taken.

“There is a clear – if possibly short – window of opportunity to arrest the crisis,” she said.

Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect called on UN member states and regional organisations to suspend military aid to Cameroon until the country made progress towards ending the conflict in the Anglophone regions.

Source: CAJ News

31, May 2019

Cameroon: Graduation of Students under the Decent Rural Jobs Project ⁰

On 28 May, 92 students under the AUDA-NEPAD Decent Rural Jobs project graduated in Yaoundé, Cameroon, after receiving training and mentorship in agribusiness and entrepreneurship. It was the second cohort of students to graduate under the project in Cameroon, which aims at equipping rural youths with skills to engage in entrepreneurship along agriculture and agribusiness value chains.

The project, supported by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is currently implemented in Benin, Cameroon, Malawi and Niger. In Cameroon, the participating training centres include the Practical School for Agriculture Binguela, the Rural Training Centre, Mbanga and the Multi-Purpose Regional Youth Centre in Buea.

Before the students were presented with their certificates, Mrs Estherine Fotabong, the AUDA- NEPAD Director of Programmes, expressed joy at the successful outcomes of the project in the four countries. She commended FAO for its partnership and support in improving the lives of the young men and women in the four countries. With 2019 dedicated by the African Union to strengthen action towards refugees and displaced persons in order to develop durable solutions, the project contributes to the AU objectives to bring stability amongst its youths.

Graduation of Students under the Decent Jobs Project in Cameroon

Mrs Fotabong underscored the value addition of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Cameroon to the project. According to the Director, “The coordination role of the Ministry ensured increased participation of the private sector in agriculture and agribusiness activities. We need to continue to build synergies between public and private sectors for transformative growth through integrated programmatic approach”.

In congratulating the graduating students, Mrs Fotabong made reference to the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA), which commits African countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, progressively liberalise trade in services, and address a host of other non-tariff barriers. Accordingly, the AfCFTA will facilitate market access to the students as they embark on their rural enterprises.

The ceremony was graced by H.E Mr Gabriel Mbairobe, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Cameroon. The Minister was appreciative of the efforts and commitments of FAO and AUDA-NEPAD, to provide decent rural jobs for the Cameroonian youths. Mr Mbairobe stressed that the project on promoting Decent Rural Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship in Agriculture and Agribusiness has motivated the government to build more partnerships within the youth populace. According to the Minister, Cameroon has rolled out youth-centred projects to support the agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors.

Other Ministers in attendance included: H.E Mr Issa Thiroma, Minister of Employment and Vocational Training; H.E Dr Taiga, Minister of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, and; H.E Mr Mounouna Foutson, Minister of Youth and Civic Education. The success of the project is a result of the collaborative and integrated approach, which is reflected by the presence of the Ministers concerned with skills development for youth employment.

Other attendees include government officials, development partners, civil society organisations and members of the media. The event was concluded with an exhibition that showcased products manufactured by the students.

Culled from NEPAD

31, May 2019

Nigerians shocked by speech-less start to Buhari’s second term ⁰

Nigeria’s president Muhammadu Buhari surprised many when he did not deliver a speech at his inauguration on Wednesday.

The 76-year-old former military leader faces a long list of challenges, including combating a sluggish economy, high unemployment and a decade-old Islamic insurgency.

Buhari will need to create jobs if he is to turn around the country’s fortunes over the next four years. Nearly a quarter of the workforce is unemployed and most of its 190 million people live on less than $2 a day.

“Our expectation is that Mr President will now focus more on the issue of security, employment and agriculture because these are the core areas,” said Basil Ejidike, who chairs the APC in southern Anambra state.

Reactions to inauguration

Some social media users were critical of the absence of a speech. Software developer Tosin Olugbenga called it was a “missed opportunity”.

“It is an opportunity for the president to speak to Nigerians and give further assurance of his commitment to a better Nigeria,” he said in a tweet.

A nation in trance

Buhari now has a second chance to turn campaign promises into policies aimed at stimulating economic growth.

Nigeria’s economy grew by 1.93% last year, its fastest pace since the recession. Growth of 2.1% is forecast by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for this year, though that would be among the slowest rates in Africa.

Tackling insecurity across much of the country is already a priority. The military is fighting jihadist group Boko Haram and an offshoot linked to Islamic State in the northeast, while contending with communal violence over grazing land in central states.

A separate surge of bandit attacks and other violence in the northwest has forced 20,000 to flee to neighbouring Niger since April, the U.N. refugee agency said on Tuesday.

REUTERS

31, May 2019

Trump praises Johnson and Farage ahead of UK state visit ⁰

US President Donald Trump has heaped praises on Boris Johnson, a main candidate to become next British prime minster, saying he may meet him and Nigel Farage, Britain’s top eurosceptic politician, during an upcoming visit to London.

Speaking outside the White House on Thursday, Trump described Johnson and Farage as good and interesting guys and said they were friends of him.

“Nigel Farage is a friend of mine, Boris is a friend of mine. They’re two very good guys, very interesting people.”

Trump said the two, known as the architects of Britain’s imminent withdrawal from the EU, have done a good job in politics.

PressTV-UK PM hopeful Johnson summoned to court

“I think they’re big powers over there. I think they’ve done a good job … I like them, I mean they’re friends of mine,” he said.

Trump said that he might meet the two in his trip to the UK starting on June 3.

Although insisting he is not supporting them, Trump’s remarks on Johnson and Farage could be an immense show of political support for the two as they try to have a more powerful presence in the British politics and on Brexit.

Johnson is currently the top favorite to win a late July leadership race in the ruling Conservative Party and replace incumbent Theresa May who will officially step down on June 7.

PressTV-Trump wants to have Farage beside him in UK visit

Farage, whose newly -established Brexit party gained a significant 32 percent of the votes in last Thursday EU parliament elections, is also believed to be looking for a way to have a say in government’s way of handling Brexit.

Trump’s visit to the UK comes against the backdrop of increasing calls for protests in London and other places, especially in Portsmouth, where he will attend a June 5 ceremony to commemorate the Second World War events.

Senior political figures have boycotted a ceremony by British queen to host Trump in Buckingham Palace, saying the divisive US president should not be welcomed in the UK.

Source: Presstv

31, May 2019

Yaounde declares polio public emergency after 4-year absence ⁰

Cameroon has declared a public emergency after reporting a polio case in its far north, four years after the virus disappeared from the country, the health ministry said on Thursday.

The confirmed case of polio type 2 was found in the Mada area in the remote north bordering Chad and Nigeria, the ministry said in a statement.

It declared a “new polio epidemic following the confirmation of a case of poliovirus type 2 detected in samples.”

A source at the ministry said the outbreak may have been caused in part by a refusal of vaccinations and the cross-border movement of people in the area.

Polio is a highly infectious viral disease which mainly affects young children and can result in permanent paralysis. There is no cure and it can only be prevented through immunisation.

International polio vaccination efforts have run into problems in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Militants and religious leaders in rural areas often tell locals immunisation is part of a shadowy conspiracy to weaken their faith.

Source: AFP

31, May 2019

Biya regime says NGOs are exaggerating the crisis in Southern Cameroons ⁰

Cameroon is accusing the international NGOs of exaggerating the crisis in the country’s two English-speaking regions. Separatists there have been fighting the government troops since 2017, alleging years of marginalization by authorities of the mostly French-speaking country.

External relations minister Lejeune Mbella Mbella said Thursday his country has been the object of ceaseless attacks from international NGOs, rights groups and aid agencies over its handling of the separatist movement.

This week, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told lawmakers in Paris that he is disturbed by the growing loss of human life in the regions.

On Wednesday, Refugees International said the Cameroonian government has refused to recognize the severity of the crisis and that international donors may be forced to reconsider their contributions.

The United Nations estimates at least 1,800 people have been killed and more than 530,000 displaced since fighting broke out in the English-speaking Northwest and Southwest regions in 2017. It says about 1.3 million people are in need.

Mbella Mbella said the figures are exaggerated to give the impression Cameroon is not able to handle the situation.

He said the government, with the assistance of its international partners, has distributed humanitarian assistance including goods of basic necessity, school books, planting seeds and building material to 75,000 of the 150,000 internally displaced persons.

Mbella Mbella did not give a number for those who have died but said it was Cameroon’s duty to lead peace efforts to ensure that stability and peace return to the regions.

FILE - Men arrested in connection with Cameroon's anglophone crisis are seen at the military court in Yaounde, Cameroon, Dec. 14, 2018. — FILE – Men arrested in connection with Cameroon’s anglophone crisis are seen at the military court in Yaounde, Cameroon, Dec. 14, 2018.

He said the government is capable of doing that as a sovereign state without the intervention of other nations.

He said although it has been accused of committing atrocities, the Cameroon military has only been protecting its citizens from separatist fighters and defending the territorial integrity of the country. He said the military has been very professional in executing its task against what he termed barbaric fighters.

Mbella Mbella accused some rights groups of wanting to destabilize Cameroon by giving an impression the crisis is escalating and the government is not doing enough to resolve it.

One of the groups accused was Human Rights Watch.

Ilaria Allegrozzi, a central Africa researcher for HRW, was refused access to Cameroon last May, on the grounds she did not give proper information about the crisis.

She says the group should be allowed to do its work, which is essentially to promote human rights.

“We have tried to establish and open frank dialogue with the government and we will continue to do so. By enabling human rights organizations to operate without obstacles and without difficulties, Cameroon would demonstrate its willingness to allow rigorous and independent scrutiny of its efforts to adhere to international human rights law,” Allegrozzi said.

Alice Nkom, a local human rights lawyer, says humanitarian needs are rising by the day because the crisis is worsening and the military option taken by President Paul Biya is not a good one.

“He is still deaf and dumb when it is about peace or dialogue. He wants to use soldiers and give them the mandate to do what they can do with guns,” Nkom said.

Biya has said he is open to dialogue with the separatists but will not discuss the division of Cameroon. He has branded the separatists as terrorists.

Source: VOA