Cameroon should be in the news in the weeks and months to come in the run-up to, and after,Presidential elections set for 9 October. Paul Biya, the country's ruler for 29 years, will be running for another 7-year-term in office.
Here are some tit-bits on Biya, some of his aides and opponents and concerns about democracy, governance, stability, and security in that West-Central African nation of about 19 million inhabitants.
These are drawn from leaked U.S. diplomatic cables released via Wikileaks.
Of Paul Biya (see photo) and his rule...
U.S. Ambassador Niels Marquardt said in a May 2006 cable: "In its 46 years of independence, Cameroon has only known two presidents, Ahmadou Ahidjo (1960-1982) and Paul Biya (1982-present)...Under Ahidjo, Cameroon's economy fared well; the country enjoyed some of the strongest economic and social indicators in Africa. Since then, Biya has transformed Cameroon into a multi-party democracy with a growing focus on human rights and civil liberties. His economic legacy, however, has been marred by massive indebtedness, corruption, a ten year economic downturn and falling social indicators..."
"The outstanding question is whether Biya is capable of engineering a turn-around of his negative legacy of corruption, stagnation and neglect in the five years remaining in his presidency."
U.S. Ambassador Janet Garvey said in an August 2009 cable: “President Paul Biya has been masterful at balancing interest groups and staying in power for almost 27 years. He has survived a coup attempt (1984), a period of economic crisis (mid 1980s-early 2000s, leading to a 75% salary cut for civil servants and a painful devaluation), contested election results (1992), and nationwide riots (1992 and 2008). Even his most ardent critics admire his political skill, including his ability to maintain an aging elite support network through patronage and a permissive attitude toward corruption.”
“Nonetheless, Cameroon has many of the ingredients of a failing state, and rising political and economic risks bear close watching. Cameroon could be wracked again by social unrest similar to the February 2008 riots, which some analysts classified as a "wobble" in historically stable Cameroon. Biya's failure to shore up the foundations of his regime's legitimacy - in fact eroding many sources of stability - will hinder his ability to bounce back from the next wobble.”
of Corruption in Cameroon and the anti-graft effort known as Operation Epervier (Sparrow-hawk)
A September 2008 cable on U.S. efforts to fight corruption said: "Cameroon is seen--by foreign observers and Cameroonians themselves--as among the most corrupt countries in the world... The Minister of Justice estimates that 70 cents out of each dollar in the budget is stolen...
"Many government critics point out that, despite arresting several big fish, the GRC has done little to change a system which perpetuates corruption or to go after the smaller fry who harass average people on a daily basis. They argue that Operation Eparvier is driven by politics more than anti-corruption zeal. All of this is true; anti-corruption efforts are being played out against a backdrop of complex politics as power brokers vie to influence a future post-Biya succession scenario. Cameroon has much work ahead of it to turn the tide of its corrosive corruption. However, even these critics are surprised at the scope of the government's recent arrests. Cameroonians are eager to recover the proceeds of officials who took their money out of the country, a priority which many would say trumps arresting the big perpetrators."
Of Biya's health...
A July 2008 cable following a meeting between the U.S. Political Officer and Biya's (then) Chief of Staff, Jean Baptiste Beleoken said: "When asked about Biya's recent trip to Switzerland, Beleoken said it was not a vacation but a chance for the President to do medical check-ups. (In response to a request to meet the visiting President of U.S. energy company AES, Beleoken said the President will do it if he is in town and not ill).”
Of a possible successor from within Biya's ranks...
Ambassador Marquardt said in his February 2007 cable on possible successors to Biya: “A dynamic, personable and energetic man, MARAFA HAMIDOU YAYA has an excellent relationship with the U.S. Embassy -- as well as the French, Japanese, British, and others. Like PM INONI, MARAFA's intelligence and effectiveness have raised his national profile and make him a possible presidential candidate -- perhaps even the front-runner."
“He is the sole Cameroonian to have admitted, albeit privately, to the Ambassador that he harbors that ambition. He is also the likely preference of every Western Ambassador in town, including this one.”
Of the Social Democratic Front (SDF) and its leader John Fru Ndi...
Ambassador Niels Marquardt said in February 2007 cable: "...the SDF is still the leading opposition party by a wide margin. Nevertheless, the SDF has been unable or unwilling to transform itself from the leading opposition party to the leader of the opposition parties. In 1992, when FRU NDI won 36 percent of the ballots to Biya's 40 percent (according to official results, which FRU NDI still challenges), he was a real contender. Since then, however, his national appeal has eroded considerably. Those who might have seen the SDF as the opposition's hope for winning the presidency in 2011 now are more inclined to blame the SDF for its total disarry and for handing the CPDM an easy victory."
In a June 2008 cable Ambassador Janet Garvey said: "In our meeting, Fru Ndi seemed tired and low key, with few ideas for moving his party or the country forward."
Of the role of France (former colonial power) in Cameroon...
Janet Garvey said in a September 2009 cable: "The French government is in a position to influence Biya's political calculations. If they chose to more actively encourage Biya on democracy and good governance, the French might be able to improve their image among average Cameroonians, many of whom are anti-French, and reinforce our interests here.
“Cameroonians also seem to appreciate our (U.S.) willingness to speak out on democracy and governance issues. Many of our interlocutors are generally skeptical that France can change its neo-colonial ways. However, if the Sarkozy administration were able to reinforce our democracy and governance themes and distance itself to some degree from Biya, we could magnify our chances of influencing a peaceful, democratic post-Biya transition. Such engagement could both improve the image of France on the Cameroonian streets and better serve both of our national interests in the long run.”
Of the influence of the U.S. to change things in Cameroon...
A visibly disappointed Ambassador Garvey said: “We have a limited ability to impact developments in Cameroon. Biya is set in his ways after almost three decades as president. He and his entourage are polite listeners but are fundamentally conservative and preservationist... Biya will listen to us more if Washington engages (through phone calls, meetings, visits etc.) at a senior level, especially if in tandem with France. He wants international legitimacy, especially from our two countries.
The Ambassador outlined seven strategic ways of engaging Cameroon in the future which we'll post in part two of these tit-bits.
Cameroon is in dire need of political change but foreigners should stay out of choosing a leader for Cameroon. It is wrong for any America ambassador to Cameroon to say that Marafa Hamidou Yaya is in good terms with Western embassies in Yaounde and therefore seen as a front-runner to replace Biya as president one day. Recolonization in disguise. Can Cameroon ambassador to the US; Bienvienue Foe Atangana have a say as to who Obama's possible successor will be? Again I see Western intervention in Africa as Neocolonialism and destabilization of African countries for selfish gains.
Posted by: Ngando | September 08, 2011 at 11:45 PM
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21 AprilSouthern Cameroon National Council.SCNCA must readLet every cameroonian know, whether he wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty" (the liberty of the people of Southern Cameroons).
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13 MaySouthern Cameroon National Council.SCNCBREAKING NEWSRemove PostFofuleng Babila La Republic sits on the back of Southern Cameroon choking Southern Cameroonians and making the territory carry its occupation,Yet assures the S.C territory and SCNC that La Republic wish to ease the burdens and lot of the territory except getting off.ha the have offer 25 000 jobs.i tell you what 7 million 400 000 applied.what a great offer
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16 MaySouthern Cameroon National Council.SCNCBREAKING NEWS .RESPOND TO MR. HURBERT FOYwell is easy to know my source is not difficult how many graduates come out of the university and other professional school in Cameroon every year
how many of them succeed into so called concours
is the private sector of cameroon liberal in such a way that the market forces can determine employment.when you begin to ask my source it sadden me because the welfare provision of Cameroon does not include you or those of your family back home;
do you want any further source
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16 MaySouthern Cameroon National Council.SCNCwell is easy to know, my source is not difficult how many graduates come out of the university and other professional school in Cameroon every year
how many of them succeed into so called public concours
is the private sector of Cameroon liberal in such a way that the market forces can determine employment.
when you begin to ask my source it saddens me because the welfare provision of Cameroon does not include you or those of your family back home;
do you want any further source
..
16 MaySouthern Cameroon National Council.SCNC.RESPOND TO MR. HURBERT FOYell is easy to know my source is not difficult how many graduates come out of the university and other professional school in Cameroon every year
how many of them succeed into so called concours
is the private sector in Cameroon liberal in such a way that the market forces can determine employment
.when you begin to ask my source it sadden me because the welfare provision of Cameroon does include you or those of your family back home;
do you want any further source
..
23 MaySouthern Cameroon National Council.SCNCCOLD CASE, THE REVALATION OF THE BREAKING NEWSIt's easy to make a man confess the lies he tells to himself; it's far harder to make him confess the truth. Our fellow Southern Cameroons politicians can tell those lies with so much ease, but, it is like carrying Mt. Fako to Yaoundé to let Ngolle et al face the truth. When our fellow compatriots in high offices are lying In their beds, they know that all is not well and soon and very soon, all hell will break loose! Let us begin by committing ourselves to the truth—to see it as it is, and tell it like it is—to find the truth, to speak the truth, and to live the truth.
No one wants the truth if it is inconvenient. It is inconvenient to those who like darkness, and now that light is coming, darkness must disappear. Of course, we know that nobody speaks the truth when there's something they must have. Nothing is great that is not true.
Open-mindedness should not be fostered because, as Scripture teaches, Truth is great and will prevail, nor because, as Milton suggests, Truth will always win in a free and open encounter. Why is La Republique afraid of dialogue? The reason is simple: fear that the truth ill win in any pen encounter. It is Benjamin Whichcote who said: “Right and truth are greater than any power, and all power is limited by right.”As soon as Southern Cameroons leaders start prioritizing the education of their people, the will know that they will assume their responsibilities rightly.
The first casualty when war comes is truth …and by extension, the first casualty when there is ignorance and confusion is the truth. There is confusion in Cameroon as well as ignorance, and so the truth is yet in trouble. The Southern Cameroons fight is not about the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog. The fact that Southern Cameroonians comprise barely a quarter of the entire population of the supposed “United Cameroon to be continued
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16 JuneSouthern Cameroon National Council.SCNCA brief history of southern cameroonBefore I even give my rebuttal to Mr. Ngoh,s interview, I think it is essential to straighten some loose ends. The responses have been interesting and varied even from Ultracrepidate Redivivus who jumped into the "Debate" with the usual stale invectives of another era.. "To Find palaver". Let me remind all those shrill window dressers that I am more than ready for their inconsequential "Historical" galimatias. The main idea was not to engage in trading insults but engage the audience in trying to understand the mind frame of a so-called Historian. In any event, let them "Bring it on". Man No Run.
That said: Here is another perspective in a "Nutshell" of the REAL History of Southern Cameroons: Dr. Konde, you can interject at any misquote...as I am no Historian. I am simply quoting from other "More Learned" Gentlemen and Scholars than myself.
June 28 1919: League of Nations Mandate; French Mandate called Cameroon; British Mandate divided into Northern Cameroons and Southern Cameroons to be administered from the British territory of Nigeria by Indirect Rule
March 27 1940: E M L Endeley creates CYL (Cameroon Youth League) to oppose UK exploitation of the indigents
June 12 1946: League of Nations ceases to exist; replaced by UN Trust Territory
1949: Southern Cameroons divided into two Provinces with Administrative H/Q in Bamenda and Buea. Sir Edward John Gibbons now carries Title of Commissioner.
1950: 13 Southern Cameroonians elected into the Eastern House of Assembly, Enugu, Nigeria
1953: Following an adopted Doctrine of "Benevolent Neutrality" a delegation of Southern Cameroonian representatives meeting in London, complained of the over-bearing posturing and Neglect in the Nigerian Legislature; requested from the United Kingdom; A Separate Region with Head quarters in Buea.
1954: First Elections in Southern Cameroons with EML Endeley emerging as the winner. Becomes the first Prime Minister.
1959: John Ngu Foncha defeats Endeley and becomes the 2nd Prime Minister of S/C
FEB 11 1961: Plebiscite with Two Alternatives proposed with a 3rd option (Outright Independence for S/C) that was opposed by the UK representative to the United Nations. 1st Alternative = Union with Nigeria (Defeated) 2nd Alternative = Union with Cameroon Republique (Won) Northern Cameroons voted for Union with Nigeria
April 21 1961: UN Resolutions 1514 and 1608 requiring the United Kingdom to engage in dialogue with Southern Cameroons, Cameroon Republique and Nigeria for smooth transitions or Independence preparations.
The above is well documented Historical data available to all and sundry. Revisionist Historians with macabre delusional agendas will not bamboozle us into accepting abracadabra imaginative amphigory in guise of Southern Cameroons History.
fofuleng babila
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16 SeptemberSouthern Cameroon National Council.SCNCDear All,
I have two questions;
If POWER TO THE PEOPLE (Ni John Fru Ndi) is properly articulated, and the people decide that THE TIME IS NOW (Kah Walla), they will CHASE DOWN THE LION (Jean Jacques Ekindi) a then a BORN-AGAIN (AYAH PAUL) Cameroon will be a reality following the October 9, 2011 sham elections.
My questions;
1. Will you Ni John Fru Ndi, Kah Walla, Ayah Paul or Jean Jacques Ekindi throw your weight by October 8, behind any one amongst you who ran the most successful campaign and stands the better chance of having Cameroonians experience CHANGE?
2. Will bystanders like Dr. Chris Formunyoh (an apparent silent but powerful political voice) mobilize his ardent supporters to throw their weight behind any one candidate who by October 8, 2011 he deems has ran the best political campaign and stand a better chance of ushering CHANGE in Cameroon?
I sincerely believe that these 5 individuals are the midwives that can deliver a new Cameroon after all these years of painful labor pains. Such collaboration should be based on an all inclusive TRANSITIONAL government.
To him/her who much is given, much is also expected.
fofuleng Babila
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16 SeptemberSouthern Cameroon National Council.SCNCBREAKING NEWS Q n ADear All,
I have two questions;
If POWER TO THE PEOPLE (Ni John Fru Ndi) is properly articulated, and the people decide that THE TIME IS NOW (Kah Walla), they will CHASE DOWN THE LION (Jean Jacques Ekindi) a then a BORN-AGAIN (AYAH PAUL) Cameroon will be a reality following the October 9, 2011 sham elections.
My questions;
1. Will you Ni John Fru Ndi, Kah Walla, Ayah Paul or Jean Jacques Ekindi throw your weight by October 8, behind any one amongst you who ran the most successful campaign and stands the better chance of having Cameroonians experience CHANGE?
2. Will bystanders like Dr. Chris Formunyoh (an apparent silent but powerful political voice) mobilize his ardent supporters to throw their weight behind any one candidate who by October 8, 2011 he deems has ran the best political campaign and stand a better chance of ushering CHANGE in Cameroon?
I sincerely believe that these 5 individuals are the midwives that can deliver a new Cameroon after all these years of painful labor pains. Such collaboration should be based on an all inclusive TRANSITIONAL government.
To him/her who much is given, much is also expected.
..
Expand · 16 SeptemberSent from [email protected]@mx.facebook.com
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16 SeptemberSouthern Cameroon National Council.SCNCHOW FRANCE WILL INFLUENCE THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONSince France’s Charles De Gaulle created the now defunct Elf Aquitaine, fifty years ago, to maintain a steady supply of oil - his obsession since loosing control of Algerian oil after the Algerian war of independence, - kickbacks to oil-producing African dictators, have been tax deductible in France; a practice described by Loik Le Flock Prigeant, the last director of Elf before its liquidation, as “legal and republican”.
When Robert Bougi, Foccart’s assistant, and France’s liaison with African dictators, from Mobutu, Houphouet, Bongo, Sassou Nguesso to Gbagbo, revealed that he transported 20 million dollars in briefcases of cash to finance Chirac’s and de Villepin’s campaigns from the 1980 and 1990, it was understood as the continuation of the occult French policy instituted by De Gaulle at the eve of Africa’s empty independence.
Although he attempted to shield current French president Nicolas Sarkozy, from the culture of corruption, it is clear, in light of recent accusations from Saif al Islam Ghaddafi, that the corrupt practices that have undergirded the Francafrique relationship are alive and well. Bougi’s belated revelations, thought motivated by a desire to settle political scores and influence the forthcoming French presidential elections, lift a thin veil on the reason why corruption has persisted in French African countries, in spite of the general outcry about deteriorating standards of living and low life expectancy.
The French political system has been using its neo-colonial governments like a slush fund for funding exorbitant standards of living in France, while eviscerating the lives of Africans who have come to accept misery, hunger and unemployment , insecurity and malign neglect as a way of life, while their leaders vacation in the French Riviera.
So far, it is clear that corruption and dictatorship have thrived in Africa , because the West needs mafia-like secrecy jurisdictions to practice what Western tax payers will not tolerate. The West is like a married man who needs a brothel from time to time to satisfy his debauchery, while looking like a good husband to his wife. Pierre Pean has summarized the hypocrisy of the French, in his latest title: France-A Republic of (Cash) Briefcases. With more than twenty French African countries constrained by the Franc Zone accords to keep their currency reserves in the French treasury, the hoax of African independence is every day more evident. With the obsolescence of the African Union, only super –empowered African parliament with representation in the local government areas can create an African currency, the Afro- so that the collusion of the World Bank, the IMF and the banks of offshore secrecy jurisdictions will be exposed in their cupidity.
FOFULENG BABILA
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17 SeptemberSouthern Cameroon National Council.SCNCBREAKING NEWS what we can do"True peace is not merely the absence
of tension, it is the presence of Justice"
Martin Luther King
Any fraudulent election is more of the same injustice
and corruption, manipulation and suppression
not the change we need in Cameroon.
"...Paul Biya must go away from Cameroon presidency.
a Two-year Transitional Government will take over
and ensure the protection of Paul Biya to live honorably
in Cameroon if he becomes honestly supportive
towards this process for Cameroon evolution..."
We are efficiently planning and advocating for justice and for
a Two-year Transitional Government that can properly
set up a genuine Independent Electoral Commission
for free and fair elections in Cameroon.
If CPDM is not intending to rig elections, why are
they timid of a Two-year Transitional Government that
can set up a genuine Independent Electoral Commission
for free and fair Elections in Cameroon?
Cameroon needs commonsense efficiency
not commonsense deficiency.
The ultimate Two-year Transitional Government
will properly and effectively set up a trust-worthy
Independent Electoral Commission for
free and fair elections in Cameroon.
fofuleng babila
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6 minutes agoSouthern Cameroon National Council.SCNCAppreciation for your participation.
Any expression with good intenttion
can be good contribution for evolution
We believe that relevant expression
can yield important evolution.
"We owe our children a better future
and a better Cameroon for the future"
Cameroon as nation should have efficient constitution
with provisions for proper enforcement together with
proper institutions and vision for proper emulations
to foster national and individual evolutions from
generations to generations.
Any relavant ideas or input with good
intention can be great contribution
for the "ULTIMATE CHANGE WE CRAVE
and "THE EVOLUTION WE NEED"
"Cameroon belongs to all
Cameroonians in the Universe.
Any member of this southern cameroon group can also join this link to of open contribition.please accpt the invitation and be a member
fofuleng Babila
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Posted by: fofuleng babila | September 20, 2011 at 05:33 PM