In search of a new home: The case of an Anglophone student.

By James Chechi.

Brutalized and arrested in Buea by security agents in June 2017 as the Anglophone crisis gathered momentum, Njusu Thobias Lobe,a Cameroonian student pursuing further studies in Ireland, was terribly demoralized.

 He had just returned from Europe to carry out research for his school work but  did not know he would  live the bitter experiences of the armed conflict between Cameroon Security forces and separatist fighters.

Reports said security agents got intelligence that Mr.Lobe, born on July 4, 1984 in Muyuka,one of the strongholds of separatist fighters in Cameroon, was one of many Anglophone activists abroad who staged Anti-President Paul Biya’s protests abroad, demanding the independence of the two English-speaking regions of Cameroon.

 Mr.Lobe is reported to be  a  member of the Ambazonian Governing Council(AGOVC).

Both regions were formerly UN-British Southern Cameroons and had gained its independence on October 1, 1961 by joining La Republique du Cameroun.

As the story goes, not only was Mr.Lobe tortured by his captors, his Boduma –Buea residence was reportedly searched and his laptop seized in search of incriminating evidence .Neighbors watched the drama helplessly.

But Mr. Lobe, thanks to some intervention, was later released from detention. His family and friends had feared that could he be transferred to Yaounde and jailed with many other Anglophone activists, accused of secession and terrorism-related activities.

 In Cameroon, those found guilty of terrorism could be given to death penalty.

After gaining his freedom from detention, Mr. Lobe reportedly returned to Europe later in 2017. And, he resurfaced in Cameroon early July 2019 when he learned of his mother’s critical health situation. He had feared that his beloved mom could die without them discussing intimately. Thus, his decision to return home.

Unfortunately, when he left Douala Aiport en route to Buea, he is said to have been arrested along the Misselele-Tiko road at a police check point.Mr. Lobe would be detained in Buea still in connection with his alleged participation in anti-government protests abroad.

As fate would have it Mr. Lobe again “fought” his way out of detention, but this time vowing, to his family and friends, to flee Cameroon and only return when the Anglophone Crisis, which erupted in October 2016 with lawyers and teachers’ protests, would end -and when indiscriminate arrests and detentions because of the crisis will no longer be common. 

Separatists seeking the independence of Anglophones are labeled terrorists by Cameroon government. Many have been prosecuted, jailed and persecuted for what the Biya regime describes as their attempt to destabilize the country.

The Southern Cameroons National Council (SCNC), created in 1994 with the intention of ensuring the independence of Anglophones, was on January 17, 2017 outlawed by Cameroon government as the crisis was only escalating.

After arresting from Nigeria and imprisoning in Yaounde ,Sisisku Julius Ayuk ,president of the Interim Government of Ambazonia and  his cabinet, Cameroon later compiled a list of secessionist leaders abroad, whom it   wanted extradited The long list includes rights activists  John Mbah Akuroh,Tapang Ivo, Mark Berata, Cho Ayaba, and Eric Tataw. 

Cameroon’s campaign to arrest many activists abroad for secession and terrorism-related activities’ trials back home is scaring many Cameroonians abroad to return home, as they prefer their safety and protection elsewhere. 

Yet, Anglophones seem bent on having their independence, as they complain bitterly of gross marginalization by the majority French-speakers. 

The Anglophone Crisis has resulted to the deaths of over 2000 people

. 

More than 200 villages have been burnt down and property worth billions of Fcfa destroyed in the two English-speaking regions of Cameroon

 Rights groups say about forty thousand Cameroonians fleeing the crisis are in neighboring Nigeria for asylum.

Amid calls for a meaningful and inclusive dialogue to see a lasting solution to the crisis,it is only escalating, with critical observers fear that it could morh into Cameroon’s civil war.

Crackdown, separatist uprising inflame Cameroon prisons

Cameroon's government has sent troops into English-speaking provinces, where a separatist insurgents are fighting (AFP Photo/MARCO LONGARI)

Libreville (AFP) - Crushed inside disease-ridden cells, with no beds, little food and even less hope, inmates in Cameroon's prisons were already tense before an influx of political detainees and Anglophone separatists stirred up an explosive mix.

At an overcrowded central prison in the capital Yaounde this week, hundreds of prisoners revolted against their poor conditions in an upsurge of violence broadcast on Facebook.

On Monday, videos spread across social media of prisoners ransacking and burning the Kondengui jail library and a sewing workshop before security forces crushed the munity.

Filming on their phones, inmates posted parts of their protest, chanting: "We want more to eat than porridge," and "We want to go to trial."

A day later, security services had reestablished control.

But the riot highlighted the crisis in the central African nation's prisons, exacerbated by a crackdown on opposition parties, Boko Haram militants, and a separatist uprising that has rocked English-speaking regions since 2016.

"Prison overcrowding is exacerbated by the socio-political crisis that began in 2016 in the Anglophone areas and the post-election crisis," said Maximilienne Ngo Mbe, director of the local REDHAC rights group.

"The situation in Cameroonian prisons has become catastrophic... How is it that people languish in prison for two or three years without being tried."

The Cameroon prison population has increased steadily from 23,500 in 2013 to almost 31,000 in December 2017, according to the last report published in 2018 by the National Commission for Human Rights and Freedoms of Cameroon.

Kondengui prison, the scene of the riot, was built to accommodate 1,500 inmates but is estimated to house more than double.

Some prison occupancy rates are three times over normal capacity, according to official data.
Rights groups say prisons also suffer from a prevalence of tuberculosis, HIV, AIDS, cholera and scabies.

- Growing numbers -

Since 2017, fighting between government troops and English-speaking separatists demanding independence in two western regions has killed hundreds and forced nearly 500,000 people from their homes.

The government has rejected the demands for autonomy and cracked down on English-speaking communities which chafe at what they see as discrimination from the French-speaking majority.

Some prisons have been filled with English-speaking activists accused of militancy by the authorities, but who are yet to face trial.

In Buea, the capital of an English-speaking region, tensions erupted at a prison on Tuesday housing many separatist inmates -- a day after the revolt in Yaounde.

Gunshots were heard around the prison and flame and smoke were seen rising from its roof, witnesses said.

Prisons have increasingly become political incubators, according to analysts, also because the opposition MRC party has faced a crackdown.

Party chief Maurice Kamto has been held in jail in Yaounde since January after claiming the 2018 presidential election results were rigged.

The official victor -- President Paul Biya, now in power for 36 years -- has long sought to control the political space in the country.

Last month hundreds of opposition supporters were also arrested.

Many have been released but after the Kondengui prison riot, lawyers for MRC members still detained said several had been taken to a security force detention facility.

Human Rights Watch has warned that over the past year security forces at such facilities have "used torture without fear of repercussion."

- Packed into cells -

Prison overcrowding is also blamed on the fight against Nigeria-based Boko Haram jihadists, which have launched numerous attacks in the country.

For years, prisons in Cameroon's big cities have struggled, says Marie Morelle, a geographer at the University Paris 1, and specialist in the country's prisons.

In the north of the country, the jailing of Boko Haram fighters alongside the crackdown on suspected separatist militants has accentuated overcrowding in the northern Maroua prison, she said.

The arrival of political prisoners in recent years has encouraged the expression of grievances, Morelle added.

Mutinies in Cameroon prisons are not uncommon. In 2015, a revolt broke out in the prison of Garoua in the north, following the death of an inmate.

He died of suffocation after being locked in a disciplinary cell measuring 4 metres squared and packed with 22 people.

In 2016, a riot erupted in the same prison over a lack of drinking water.

A year later in Bafoussam in the west, prisoners protested jail conditions and in Kumbo a jail was partially destroyed by a riot and fire.

Courtesy:AFP

Moderator laments over Social Media attacks on PCC: "Insult me but keep the church safe"

The Rt. Rev. Fonki   giving communion to his fellow colleagues at his Induction on March 15, 2015 in Buea. Photo credit:Chris Ambe

By Christopher Ambe

Following is a pastoral letter dated July 8,2019 and  written by the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon(PCC),the Rt. Rev. Fonki Samuel Forba, in the heat of  sustained Social Media attacks, supposedly by insiders on  the  church. 

The Moderator believes such attacks on the PCC are meant to destabilize the church, and calls  for the attackers to exercise restraint.

It would be recalled that when the PCC Webmaster, Synod Office Chaplain and (pioneer) Parish Pastor of Synod Office  Congregation Rev.Numfor Godwin, was last March 24, instituted and inducted in Buea , he was particularly assigned the mission of  rescuing PCC Christians from social media misinformation and disinformation.

Rev. Besong Johnson Tabe, Secretary of Committee of the Ministry, while inducting Rev.Numfor Godwin as webmaster, had noted:

“The PCC is passing through a crisis period and as Webmaster, you (Rev Numfor) have the power to change mindsets in the church and Ministry.

 “The Social Media has complicated the crisis situation, making it difficult to manage.”
But it now appears the social media attacks on the church are only increasing 

Read on:

******************************************************* 

To All Presbyterians, PCC

(To be read in all Institutions and Congregations)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

Pastoral Letter: A Call for Peace

Our Lord Jesus Christ who is the Head of the Church underlined amongst others four beautiful attitudes of the Kingdom of God. Permit me use them as my greetings to you:

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Mt. 5: 4, 7-9).

At a time when we are being consumed by the ongoing armed conflict that is destroying the lives and properties of thousands of our brothers and sisters in the Northwest and Southwest Regions of Cameroon, and almost the entire community faces complete destruction, and our hearts are bleeding as blood is flowing on a daily basis; it’s unfortunate that our church that is supposed to provide hope is rather supplying unedifying information that bears no semblance to the good news of Jesus Christ.

The history of the Christian Church tells us that the Church, for all times has often and remains under attacks, not necessarily because she has done any wrong, but because she stands as light in the midst of darkness. The same history tells us that the Church is not always persecuted by a majority of people, but by a selected few who have allowed themselves to be used by the Prince of darkness and can manipulate many to see darkness instead of light in the Church.

 We strongly believe that the insults and counter accusations is a deliberate attempt to destabilize the church. The idea is to pollute the mind of the people, keep repeating those lies until they become acceptable truths. But as we have often said, if it is the truth, it will be said with love, to heal, to build and to transform. Also, if it is the truth, it would be said at the right place, the right time and in the right tone. 

Protestants always protest. Our Presbyterian democracy is our strength but also our weakness. It seems that we have to learn to live with hostilities every five years when we carry out elections in the church. In 1985, because of elections, some Presbyteries in the Forest region were at the verge of a break away from the entire PCC. Thank God for the spiritual maturity of some of the key persons who put the interest of the church of God above personal interest. Some years back, it was a local tabloid that was used to maligned church leaders. The owner of that tabloid died (Lord have mercy) and the tabloid disappeared from the stands. This year the insults have multiplied because of the wrong use of the Social Media. It suffices for someone to describe the corrupt state of his own mind and attribute it to someone somewhere on the Social Media. “To the pure all things are pure but to those who are corrupted and do not believe nothing is pure” (Titus 1:15). These are trying and tempting times but as Paul says, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Cor. 10:13).

Final Appeal

 Jesus Christ said, “From the days of John the Baptist; until now, the Kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing and forceful men lay hold of it” (Mt. 11:12). He Himself suffered all false accusations and was crucified falsely. Many of you out there have certainly at one time or another in your life or often been falsely accused. That is happening to our great church today and to some of her leaders. During such moments of great persecution, adversity and attack, those with weak and fainthearted faith would easily give up. But we can only encourage and urge you that “Don’t be moved, the God of truth and justice is in firm control and will vindicate the innocent.”

We have exposed ourselves enough on the Social Media. In the Name of Jesus, stop all these insults on one another. When we insult and accuse people falsely, it is the sacred image of God that is desecrated, when we cast doubt on our most cherished faith, it is the Body of Christ we afflict. We undermine our own very mission when we cast doubts on the church and cause the weak to fall. When disciples or God’s children run away from the church because of our character, we deny them God’s gracious gift of salvation. We accept all the insults and bad reports with a forgiving spirit. Insult ‘Fonki’ but let us not insult the church of God. Insult ‘Fonki’ but do not insult faithful Presbyterians and hardworking servants of God. Inflict pain and bruises on ‘Fonki’ but keep the church of God safe. For it is the last place of hope for many hopeless people. We ask for forgiveness for any Presbyterian who has been insulted or misunderstood and misrepresented in this current situation.

Persistence, patience and perseverance in prayers, love and forgiveness is what the PCC needs from every genuine member of this Great family.

 Way Forward

 “The Synod is the supreme authority of the Church. In spiritual matters its decisions shall be final and shall not be subjected to litigation by any civil court” (Art. 107 (i) P 40). Concerning the Board of Trustees and its Chairperson (Art. 155.1 P56), they are appointed by the Synod and therefore cannot be above the Synod or act in lieu of the Synod. Anyone or group of persons who are calling for amendment and revision of the PCC Constitution should follow the procedures as started in article 165 (I – vii P 60).

On the responsible use of the Social Media, a code of conduct is about to be completed for Pastors, Congregational and other church leaders on how to use the Social Media and other means of communication. But before this comes out, Pastors, Elders and other leaders of the church using the Social Media to inflame and defame individuals and institutions of the church are advised to desist from doing so.  May we respect ourselves and others.

 “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual favour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayers. Share with God’s people in need. Patience hospitality” (Rom. 12: 11-13)

Yours for the Sake of the Faith,

 Rt. Rev. Fonki Samuel Forba,

PCC Moderator

cc:

 -      The Synod Clerk, PCC

 -    The Financial Secretary, PCC

Swiss police arrest Cameroon president's security staff over journalist attack

FILE PHOTO: Cameroon President Paul Biya meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping (not pictured) in Beijing, China March 22, 2018. Lintao Zhang/Pool via Reuters

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - Swiss police said Wednesday they had arrested 6 members of the Cameroonian president's security staff over an attack on a journalist in Geneva that sparked a diplomatic incident.

Geneva cantonal police said in a statement they had "identified 6 members of Cameroon President Paul Biya's security service" for the attack on Jun. 26, and had placed them under arrest.

Last week, a journalist with Swiss broadcaster RTS, Adrian Krause, filed a criminal complaint stating he was assaulted by a group of men outside Geneva's luxury Intercontinental Hotel, where Biya is believed to have been staying since Jun. 23.

He said he had been filming a clash between around a dozen demonstrators against Cameroon's 86-year-old president and men he believed to be the president's security detail, when the men attacked him and grabbed his equipment, wallet and phone.

He was slightly injured in the assault and his possessions were damaged, police said.

The attack spurred Bern to summon Cameroon's ambassador last week to inform him that "such incidents are unacceptable," and that "freedom of the press is protected and must be respected," Foreign Ministry spokesman Georg Farago told AFP.

Geneva police confirmed Wednesday that 6 suspects were members of Biya's security staff.

"They were arrested on July 2, 2019, and 5 of them were put at the disposal of the prosecution authority," it said in a statement.

The 5 remaining in detention were all men, while the sixth suspect, a woman, had been released because she held a diplomatic passport, police explained.

"The attorney general, who is in charge of the procedure, questioned and confronted the parties today. The hearing will continue this afternoon," Wednesday's police statement said, stressing that the suspects "benefit from the presumption of innocence."

The announcement came after a violent demonstration against Biya shook Geneva's international neighborhood over the weekend, with riot-gear-clad police firing a water cannon and tear gas at angry protesters trying to reach the five-start Intercontinental Hotel.

Several protesters told AFP they wanted to "expel" Biya, who has run Cameroon since 1982, from the hotel, where he often stays for long periods, reportedly to seek Swiss medical treatment.

And last week, dozens of protesters managed to enter the hotel and reportedly scuffled with Biya's security staff inside the lobby.

The president appeared to still be staying at the hotel on Wednesday. Members of his security staff remained stationed outside, and a large police contingent was also visible.

Courtesy:AFP

US Congress Delegation Calls for Talks with Rebels in Cameroon

By Moki Edwin Kindzeka

A United States Congressional delegation visiting Cameroon has called for unconditional talks between the government and rebels on the country's separatist conflict. The two-year struggle, in which Cameroon's English-speaking western regions have fought to separate from the French-speaking government, has killed close to 2,000 people and displaced hundreds of thousands. But the government says it will not engage in any talks with the rebels that includes the issue of separation from Cameroon.

California Congresswoman Karen Bass told journalists in Cameroon late Monday that the government and rebels should respect human rights, end all violence, and begin talks on the separatist conflict. 

"We especially want to see a peaceful dialogue, a peaceful resolution without conditions. We want to see all sides come to the table. We recently passed a resolution in Congress saying this and we wanted to come and see first-hand what is happening in the country," she said.

Bass made the comments after meeting with refugees and displaced people from the conflict in Cameroon's English-speaking western regions as well as government ministers. 

She is leading a seven-member Congressional delegation to Cameroon with a focus on health and human rights issues. 

On Tuesday, the U.S. delegation is scheduled to meet with Cameroonian activists and rights groups. 

The United States, United Nations, and rights groups have been calling for sincere dialogue between authorities and the rebels to try to resolve the deadly conflict. 

Government spokesperson Rene Emmanuel Sadi says they are not against talks in principle. But, he stresses that President Paul Biya has made it clear that splitting the country is off the table. 

"At a time when Cameroon is resolutely moving towards its emergence, everything must and will be done to preserve peace and stability. Cameroon is and remains a rule of law," he said.

International observers and rights groups say Cameroon's separatist conflict is getting worse by the day.

The United Nations says at least 1,800 people have been killed and more than half a million displaced in the two years since fighting began.

Cameroon's aid workers in June said they feared travel to the region after suspected rebels attacked and burned several truckloads of aid. 

Congresswoman Bass says humanitarian needs are increasing in both the English-speaking western regions and in Cameroon's north, due to the Islamist militant group Boko Haram.

"We are concerned about humanitarian aid in the far north as well as in the northwest and southwest, making sure that there is access to aid, that the people that provide humanitarian assistance are able to provide that freely and fully to the population," she said.

The U.S. Congress in a May resolution condemned abuses by Cameroon's security forces and armed groups. 

The abuses included extrajudicial killings and detentions, the use of force against civilians and protestors, and violations of the freedoms of press, expression, and assembly.

The Congressional resolution called on Cameroon's military and rebels to cease the abuse, use of child soldiers, torture and kidnapping, and attacks on schools and teachers.

Courtesy: VOA