Egypt: Searching for Democracy

By Tazoacha Asonganyi, Yaounde.

A journalist once asked our God-sent, president-in-perpetuity what he would like to be remembered for. Remember what his response was? He said: I will like to be remembered as the one who gave (brought) democracy to Cameroon. There is an opposition leader in Cameroon who usually declares that Cameroonians should be grateful to him (or is it his party?) for bringing democracy (or is it making it possible for them to experience democracy?)

All preposterous!

   Democracy is bigger than all of us. It can neither be brought nor given to a people. It has always been acquired through a do-or-die struggle with autocratic forces; through the collective sacrifice of a people or society. Democracy is the state of mind of an informed, rigorous and critical citizenry acquired through a struggle-based continuing education process that constantly reinforces the state of mind, leading to innovation, evolution and strengthening of democracy and society. The role of government is to create, sustain, expand and strengthen the societal space in which this struggle and learning process occur.

   The iconic Aung Sang Suu Kyi of Myamar seems to know better. Gustaaf Houtman quotes her in his book Mental culture in Burmese crisis politics: Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy as saying the following to her followers: “Do not think that I will be able to give you democracy. I will tell you frankly, I am not a magician. I do not possess any special power that will allow me to bring you democracy. I can say frankly that democracy will be achieved only by you, by all of you...”

  About a week ago when Mohamed Morsi was still enjoying his position as “democratically-elected” president of Egypt, he declared in a show of bravado that he would not step down precisely because he bore that sobriquet. It made me to choke with laughter; and I shouted back at him on my TV screen that if the venerable, God-sent, “democratically-elected,” president-in-perpetuity Muhammad Hosni El Sayed Mubarak could resign following the same demands from Tahrir Square, what more of the few-months-old Morsi? And it came to pass; he went the Mubarak way, equally nudged by the military!

   The other day a French colleague was mourning the many lives being lost in Egypt and virtually boasting that they (the French) have also had “massive” demonstrations in France recently, but nobody can think of overthrowing their president. I snapped back that if the French invite us each year to celebrate 14^th July which also brings to memory several casualties that made it possible, they should let other peoples to look for their own “revolution” day to celebrate in future. And if nobody can think of overthrowing their president, it is precisely because they had already lived their 14^th July moment!

  One would say virtually the same thing to most of the lesson-donors in newsrooms, situation rooms and other ante-chambers around the world. Egyptians are engaged in a trying search for democracy. With luck, they may find a version that suits their yearning – their hunger - after a short struggle. Otherwise, it could well take a while. Either way, they should not be encouraged to settle for half-measures after the road they have covered so far.

   They may well end up with Mohamed Morsi II. No matter. What is certain is that Morsi II will be different from the first “democratically-elected” Morsi who wanted to serve the Moslem Brotherhood, rather than all the people of Egypt. 

 

Cameroon: Gethsemane Baptist Church launches ministry to check social problems

By Christopher Ambe

Gethsemane Baptist Church Bokoko-Buea, Sunday July 7, launched what it calls the Doulous Ministry, whose mission statement is “We exist to create a sound moral society for the glory of God”

  Doulous, which was launched at an evening divine service at church premises, Bokoko, is a Christian based association “aimed at ameliorating the moral conditions in our community by checking common social problems”, according to its  founder/visionary president,Rev.Timothy Liombe

  In trying to kick out corruption out of Cameroon, the Doulous Ministry will focus on areas such as corruption, anti-human trafficking, training, education, sustainable livelihood/development, counseling, health (HIV/AIDS)

“The whole idea of this para-church association is to see how together-Christians and non-Christians can help Cameroon”, Rev Liombe told The Recorder. “If we can work together by the Grace of God, I think God will listen to our cries. And that way we can transform Cameroon into a paradise. Cameroon is a blessed country, having all the resources. We are the problem. We are the only ones to solve our problems. You can sit in your house and expect someone to come and sweep the house”

  The Doulous ministry in its activites, will mostly target youth (aged 7-18).A total of  about 5.5 million Fcfa ,will be spent by the time that phase one of the project  which includes the establishment of an office, phases out.

   At the launching of Doulous, Rev Paul Mokake, Soppo Field Pastor, in a sermon titled “Let Justice Be restored in the Land”, urged Cameroonians to be supportive of the efforts of the Doulous ministry, which, he said, stand s for justice. His sermon was inspired by the Bible book of Amos 5:21-24

   Rev. Mokake quoted rights activist Martin Luther king Jr who once remarked that “The Problem of the world is not the presence of bad people, but the silence of the good people.”  He was confident that the Doulous ministry has come to help break the silence

“The silence of the church in the face of oppression, moral decay and evil is perhaps the greatest captivity of the nation. The silence of good people is a fuel to oppression”, Rev.Mokake remarked.

  The launch was enlivened by choral singing, and award of prizes to winner of a church-organized football competition.

 The Chief of Bokoko, the Director of Buea Borstal Institute, Njie Ewome ; the President of Fako Elite Organization(FEDO), Mr.Ekema Luma and host pastor Benjamin Lyonga

(First Published in The Recorder Newspaper,Cameroon,of July 11,2013)

Cameroon:Luma Stephen- Advocate of National Integration

Luma Stephen

*Needed as Buea CPDM Parliamentary Candidate.

*But will he accept to upgrade his status from Alternate to Substantive MP?

By Christopher Ambe
With municipal and parliamentary elections now scheduled  for September 30,political parties are on alert, so as to  get  on board  only candidates who, they are convinced,  will win  tickets in the Cameroon's lower house of Parliament, the National Assembly.
    But in Fako 3 CPDM Section (Buea), almost immediately after the convening of the Electoral College, the name of one gentleman-described as a go-getter is the talk of the day-within and out of CPDM circles. This is the time for him to become Buea Urban's substantive candidate for Parliament.
  Luma Stephen Njoke ,54,is the much-talked about name.  This Alternate MP for Buea Urban, for six years, has been under repeated pressure and persuasion from not only CPDM members and sympathizers but also from admirers elsewhere, to run for the parliamentary seat this time as a substantive candidate.
  As alternate to to late Hon Ngale Adolf Namme(May his soul rest in peace),Mr. Luma was  described as  a good backup for Late Hon Ngale.
The Recorder learned that,Mr.Luma advised and guided Hon Ngale so well that ,in many places and occasions, the former was even thought to be the serving MP. Mr.Luma, we gathered, gave his almost to ensure the success of the late MP.Thus Hon.Ngale had total respect for him, until the former died.
  Mr.Luma, who has been a committed member of the ruling CPDM for over two decades, has the credentials, maturity, experience and ability to run for a seat in Parliamen, pundits monitoring Buea Politics insist.
 "Mr. Luma won't be doing Buea People any good should he decline popular calls to be the people's representative in the National Assembly," a civil servant in Buea, who spoke in confidence ,told The Recorder
  But will Mr.Luma accept Buea people's calls to serve them in that honorable capacity?
  Contacted by phone to react to the calls, a careful Mr.Luma, quipped, "I think there is time for everything. I am aware of the calls. I will take a wise decision at the appropriate time… But you should go home with one message: I love to serve people who have trust in me as well as those who know me not".
  It is said Mr.Luma likes challenges. This native of Buea is on record to have transformed many challengers into his admirers.
  By press time, no other Buea CPDM names as possible candidates had emerged. But it is thought that in the days ahead more Buea parliamentary aspirants will show up.

Why is Mr. Luma wining the hearts of Buea people? 

Asked the above question  several Buea residents  were agreed that,Mr.Luma who  for six years now has  been   the President of  CPDM  Buea Central I Subsection, is  development-conscious,selfless,humble,duty-conscious and God- fearing
   It should be noted that, CPDM Buea Central I Subsection includes Mukunda that hosts the Palace of the Paramount Chief of Buea .In fact, some shakers and movers of society such as Chief SML Endeley of Buea and Hon.Meoto Paul Njie, former Director of Cabinet at the Prime Minster's Office and CPDM Central Committee envoy, are militants In Mr.Luma's sub-section.
   A committed Mr.Luma,while working in Wum,Northwest Province, occupied the position of secretary of Luo -Engha CPDM subsection in Menchum 1 Section from 1996 -2002.
  This ENAM-certified senior treasury controller has been serving now for six years as the Municipal Treasurer of Buea Council, and is noted for his stringency in keeping and balancing public accounts. Before his appointment as the Municipal Treasurer, Mola Luma had held several duty posts in the Northwest and Southwest Treasury Services.
   So efficient was this public accountant in scrutinizing public accounts, that even when he was appointed Municipal Treasurer of Buea Council, he was still retained in his previous post as a senior auditor at Buea Regional Treasury. Mr.Luma was auditor from 2002 to 2006.He also served as Interim Treasurer for Tiko, from 2002-2003.
 Before his transfer to the Southwest Region,Mr.Luma served as Chief of Bureau for Councils,Wum Treasury, from 1982-4;occupied post of Chief of Service, Cash and Accounts, Divisional Treasury,Wum from 1984-96;Interim Sub-Treasurer for Santa, from 2001-2 and Chief of Brigade,Recovery,Bamenda Provincial Treasury(2000-2002)
  Mola Luma believes in capacity-building as a means of improving living standards. That is why in 2010 he launched a scholarship program in his Buea Central 1 subsection, and has awarded cash prizes to many deserving pupils and students residing in the subsection.
 "These scholarship awards will be given annually and they are aimed at developing our branches, building the capacity of youth and to encourage education -for as the civil rights Activist Malcolm X states: 'Education is our passport to the future, tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today' ",Mr. Luma remarked during the scholarship award  in Mukunda,Buea Town.
   Described as a philanthropist, Mola Luma assists the needy people. But as a true Christian is required to do, he does not make noise about his assistance to the less privileged. This devout Christian served as ELDER in Presbyterian Church, Buea Town (2004-8) and is currently an active member of Christain Men’s Fellowship(CMF) of the same congregation.
    Mr.Luma becomes even more popular in Buea because of his regular sponsorship of what is styled the Luma Stephen Inter-quarter Football Tournament for Buea Youth, organized during holidays as his contribution to the development and promotion of football in the Southwest Region.
   He also loves farming and owns a relatively large plantation of palm trees, which has given employment to several people,
   From our findings, this gentle husband and father of several children, is generally described as an asset in the CPDM in Buea.
    Mola Luma's marriage to Ambei Ruhama Faizefu, an educationist/university lecturer  and native of  Wum, Northwest Region makes  him even more of an advocate of national unity and integration.
  Militants and sympathizers hold that, he is not only reliable, but politically very knowledgeable; that he has leadership skills.
   It is worthy of note that for ten years, the ruling CPDM has won all elections in Buea-municipal, parliamentary and presidential. Militants say it is due to the continued ground work and hard work of CPDM apologists such as Mayor Charles Mbella Moki -who is a gifted public speaker and political engineer, and the likes of Mola Luma, said to be a political tactician and development agent
  Many Buea Urban residents and CPDM supporters say they will vote for him as their Member of Parliament on  September 30 parliamentary elections, if he accepts to vie for the post. Many Buea people have already indicated their readiness to campaign for Mr.Luma should he finally decide to put his candidature.
  Mr. Luma has said he will make a wise decision at the appropriate time, adding that he has always  loved to be at the service of the public.

(First Published in The Recorder Newspaper,Cameroon,of July 11,2013)

Cameroon:Yaounde Colloquium Adopts Guide to Civic Education, National Integration

By James Mukoh

A three-day International Colloquium on the theme “Civic Education and National Integration: Stakes, Challenges and Perspectives for an Emerging Cameroon” which started Monday July 8, ended July 10 with the adoption of a reference guide to Civic Education and National Integration.

   The forum was  organized by Cameroon’s  Ministry of Civic Education and Youth Affairs with the objective of ‘developing, in a participatory manner, strategies and mechanisms that will cultivate in all Cameroonians, the civic and patriotic spirit and promote harmonious living'.

   The forum, which took place at the Yaoundé Conference Centre, under the patronage of Cameroon’s Head of State Paul Biya, was opened by Premier Philemon Yang, who expressed the hope that the discussions would strengthen the spirit of love and patriotism among Cameroonians.

   The colloquium was variously described as a leap forward in efforts aimed at instilling the spirit of civic education and national integration in people.

Youth from over 20 commonwealth Countries participated in colloquium .Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba delivered a speech at the forum sharing with participants the Commonwealth values  

   Before coming to Cameroon for the forum, Mrs Masire-Mwamba reportedly described Cameroon as a valued member of the Commonwealth, and congratulated the country for organizing the forum.

“The Commonwealth places strong emphasis on civil efforts and civic education as a means to foster national cohesion, which is a key ingredient for promoting peace, democracy, development and respect for diversity,” the Deputy Secretary-General said in a statement.

  She added: “Through the seminal work of the Commonwealth Commission on Respect and Understanding, practical toolkits for promoting harmonious living in diverse societies were identified. We believe that the findings of the Commission, particularly the focus on the role of young people and civic education can complement the excellent efforts that Cameroon has set in motion through this national integration process.”

  It is hoped that the charter adopted on civil education and national integration at the forum  , would help enforce the rule of law, the respect of moral values, respect for human rights,love and patriotism among Cameroonian youth in particular and youth in general. 

(First Published In The Recorder Newspaper,Cameroon,of July 11,2013)

Cameroon:National Civic Agency to support 100 SW-based Youth

By James Mukoh

The National Civic Agency for Participation in Development, also known by its French acronym ASCNPD, will support 100 Southwest-based youth this year.

    The disclosure was made, July 5, as the agency launched its second phase of assistance to youth groups. Clement Fon Ndikum, secretary-general at Buea Governor’s office, who chaired the ceremony, cautioned the selection commission to be fair and objective when selecting the groups that will benefit from this year’s support package  

    The support project ,launched early this year, according to the SG, is part of President Biya’s program of greater achievement, aimed at molding Cameroonian youth, encouraging them to be part of nation –building and be  to be patriotic in the performance of their civic duties.

    The overall goal of the project is to enable young Cameroonian youths nation-wide to get grants from the government, in order to help them improve their lot, and also promote youth employment

   The Regional Selection Commission is expected to select soon SW-based 100 youth groups to benefit from the ASCNPD project. In the South West Region, focus will be on youth groups from around the Bakassi area, Idenau and Akwaya.

    For his part, Essua Enow,  head of the ASCNPD delegation to the launch in Buea said in this year’s edition ,preference has been given to the minority groups, such as the Mbororo’s, street children, and those living in border town such as Bakassi and Ideneau.

   The selection criteria contained in a decision signed by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education. According to this decision, selection is based on group application and not individual. Groups must be young Cameroonian of not less than 18 and not more than 35 years old. Group membership must not exceed ten.

   Mr. Enow said each selected group receive financial support to the tune of two million francs CFA and will be trained on project execution.
In all, the ASCNPD project, targets 1000 youth groups nation-wide this year. Last year alone, some 750 youth groups benefited from the program
  ASCNPD is a program conceived in July 2012, by the Minister of Youth and Civic Education, Bidoung Mkpatt. The vision is to give Cameroonian youths an avenue to participate in nation building and development by exercising their civic rights through projects that encourage sustainable development, and self employment.

(First published In The Recorder Newspaper,Cameroon,of July 11,2013)