STANDARD MIRROR

War Against Cameroon’s Draconian and Obnoxious Media Laws steps up

Thursday march 24th at the Mountain Hotel in Buea, South West Region, close to 50 media/Communication experts and journalists brainstormed on new perspectives in bringing the much needed reforms in laws governing the media in Cameroon. The project is led by AFRICAphonie, a grassroot Non-Governmental Organization that creates Avenues for institutions and professional groupings to make their voices heard through decent advocacy. The one day crucial seminar brought together Varsity Dons, Ace Communicators, Journalism Veterans, Practicing Journalists, Legal Professionals and some Journalism Post graduate students, with special focus on examining the current laws and regulations governing media activities in the country.

At the heart of the exchanges, Professor Kingley Lyonga Ngange, Departmental Head of Journalism and Mass Communication of the University of Buea, traced the historical evolution of the laws from the Colonial Era through the 1966 laws, 1987 to 1990 Adjustments and the amendment in 1996. He noted that, the hunger for freedom of speech and multipartism in the country, early 1990s, heralded the crafting of the Liberty laws, with which is found the Mass Communication Laws. However, they haven’t been able to meet the aspiration of a free, independent and a viable media landscape given the punitive natures of the articles that extend even into the penal code.

The long time University Lecturer took special interest in Sections 13, 14, 15, 16, 74, and 81 that have to do with the censored procedure of Newspaper production, Setting up of Media Structures and criminal sanctions on journalists. According to Professor Ngange, getting this law No 90/052 of 19/12/1990 corrected, media professionals must first know these them in their detail, then unite in purpose and seek a better platform to ensure a freer and more pluralistic Press.

On his part, Veteran Journalist, Publisher of The Rambler Newspaper, Charly Ndi Chia, shared practical experiences with younger colleagues as a journalist of yesteryears with over 30 years of experience, how he overcame the tortures of this current piece of legislature and also encouraged participants to be firm in pushing this agenda to the appropriate quarters for redress.

Other facilitators like Jesse Konang (Civil society actor and media practitioner) and Frankline Sone Bayern (Freelance Investigative Journalist) all accepted that for there to be a smooth flow of information and accessibility, it will be momentous for the media in Cameroon to come under a synergy and mainstream these laws and Access to information through an information act

Participants took rounds in the close to 7 hours intense discourse to discuss other issues that are plaguing the trade, while proposing best solutions and channels for redress

Cameroon has often been on the lamplight for malpractices towards journalists. In a recent outing by the International structure, The Committee to Protect Journalists, CPJ, Cameroon was ranked 3rd just after Egypt and Eritrea as the worst jailers of Journalists in the continent. The challenge of the new technology has also brought another burden on the shoulders of journalists coupled with the hard economic and political climate under which they function especially in the Restive Anglophone regions of the country. This has made the media in Cameroon, a gullible and daunting profession.

On May 3^rd 2022, these media professionals will join their international peers to commemorate the World Press Freedom day with special focus on the security of journalists under the theme, “JOURNALISTS UNDER SUIVEILLANCE”.

Ending this seminar, the Executive Director of AFRICAphonie, Mwalimu George Ngwane, hoped that, these media stakeholders get into concrete actions and not hold on anymore. The project is in it’s second phase after the first that held earlier this year in the national capital, Yaounde.

JUDE MBAKU

PCC Appoints Rev Nta, Pioneer Director of Peace Academy, PJC

Rev Nta William Nche, National Peace coordinator at the Peace Office of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon has been appointed pioneer Director of the newly created structure, Peace and Justice Center, PJC. This appointment reaffirms the trust that the church has on this servant of God who has been at the helm of the Peace works for over 3 years now

The Peace and Justice center is a structure, a training institute that will breed persons willing to take up Peace related activities and will be short-term, 3 months duration. It will comprise practical academic works, field activities and trainings plus research works. With topnotch course instructors at the disposal of trainees, they will be expected to cover atleast, 240 credit hours to validate 12 modules in their Peace Building and Conflict Transformation training.

Rev Nta William Nche at a Peace training seminar

Speaking to Standard Mirror, the New Director of PJC says his vision is to see a huge center for PCC that goes beyond Peace training but other aspects as Peace and security, Humanitarian response and more that will bring people from all over the would into Buea for studies.

“I know for sure that it will not take long that this center will be an attraction to world peace” Rev Nta added

Rev Nta William hails from Ngwo, a village in Momo Division of the North West Region. He is clergy with the PCC for over 2 decades now and has a rich experience in Peace Building studies out of Cameroon. Many have described him as a Peace Loving gentleman whose works are visible enough to attract the trust of the PCC Moderator, Rev Samuel Fonki to this recent appointment. As work begins for his team, trainees of all faith based backgrounds are encouraged to enroll, with an academic base of atleast the GCE Advanced level

HIBMAT Buea gets a Third Campus.

The days ahead promise to be glorious for the Higher Institute of Business Management and Technology HIBMAT Buea, after the announcement of a Campus C. The 2000 meter square piece of land situated opposite the Catholic Cathedral at the Buitingi Neighborhood in Buea is quite strategic, visible and accessible.

December 18th 2021 in a ceremony to lay the foundation stone, the Secretary General at the Ministry of Higher Education, Prof Wilfred GABSA, representing Minister Jacque Fame Ndongo said, he was excited to have been at the event, to personally ensure that the ceremony goes on hitch_free. The Secretary General noted with gladness the effective participation of HIBMAT’s mentor Universities in the whole process.

“I have noted the implications of these universities because, as mentor Universities, they are supposed to serve as the eyes and ears of the Minister Of State Minister Of Higher Education to respect the basic principles of quality assurance, professionalisation and Digitalisation of Teaching, and the employability of graduates” says Prof. Wilfred GABSA.

Cutting the ribbon of the foundation stone, he was aided by top administrative authorities of the region, religious, traditional and Academic figures.
Speaking at the ceremony, the President and Chief Executive Officer of HIBMAT, Mr Jude A. Chilaka noted that, the Institute is working towards the introduction of many other programs and faculties. He added that, HIBMAT is witnessing an increase in enrollment making it hard for the present campus to accommodate the students.
He adds that,

“HIBMAT is grateful for the effective presence of the Secretary General, the partnership with the ministry even as a Private Institute and will ensure that the Institute’s credibility is kept in the Higher Education Sector“.

On his part, talking to members of the Press, Professor Emeritus, RECTOR at HIBMAT, Prof Ibrahim Kashim Tala emphasised HIBMAT’s strength in academics and that, the institution is on the right path to have pushed through from campus A to C in barely 11 years.

It should be noted that, the current Campus isn’t far off from the new Campus C. Campus A as well, situated at the Strategic Checkpoint, Molyko opposite the Stadium.

This move for another befitting campus has been applauded by learners and parents, as HIBMAT remains one of the best choices of Private University Institutes in the country.

MTN Cameroon, 2021 Best

MTN Cameroon has been declared best telecommunication Company in Cameroon for the year 2021. The announcement that break news channels, January 12th 2022 has had many users of the network excited as usual for always trusting and sticking to their network.

The announcement made by Rohde & Schwarz and Umlaut, topnotch international agencies indicate that, MTN Cameroon has the best call services and internet connectivity. In respect to this declaration, a survey, test had been carried out on 1000KM space across the country, binding on close to 70 thousand users.

In it’s report to MTN Cameroon, Rohde & Schwartz SwissQual AG says, it used a fully transparent, harmonized and user centered measurement methodology to assertain this reality .

” The calculation of the overall performance was also based on this approach. This methodology includes the key aspects of Mobile communication services and the network performance results reflect the perception of users on a daily basis, regardless of the technology available“, the report of Rohde and Schwarz indicated

On it’s part, Hakan Ekmen, the Global CEO, Telecommunications of Umlaut says, the method used by his agency is world standard given that they based their findings on global digital infrastructure in a fair and transparent way. Umlaut focused on mobile internet and tested 175 million samples from 74,000 users in 6 months. They came to the conclusion that MTN Cameroon has the best performance especially in download speed.

With this great achievement in Cameroon for more than 20years of existence, CEO of MTN Cameroon, Stephen Blewett remains upbeat to his company’s continuous resilience in providing the best of quality in all the nooks and crannies of the national territory. Speaking after the announcement was made, he says,

“We are used to saying that out network is not only unbeatable, but also the number one network in Cameroon. This is not an advertising slogan, since analyses according to international standards prove this assertion“, Stephen Blewett, CEO MTN Cameroon.

While MTN Cameroon remains poised to giving Cameroonian subscribers the best yet in store, the above 10 million subscribers are already enjoying 2G, 3G, 4G and or 4.5G network technologies. Though this amazing news didn’t come as a surprise to many Cameroonians who already know the worth, services and plans offered by MTN Cameroon, many await more accolades in 2022 from this company that has also shouldered a huge burden of corporate social responsibility over the years.

Jude Mbaku

Cameroon Losses 8, Many For Boko Haram at Fotokol.

Cameroon Military is reporting that 8 of it’s men have been killed in an offensive against Boko Haram in the Locality of Sagme, Fotokol Subdivision, Logone and Chari Division of the Far North Region.

According to a statement from Military Spokesman, Col. Guemo Atonfack Cyrille Serge, the fierce battle shifted grounds into the Borno State of Neighbouring Nigeria. The military statement dated July 25th also says, while these 8 soldiers lost their lives, many more assailants from the camp of the Boko Haram were neutralized.

“Several Assailants neutralized and their bodies cartered away as the terrorists retreated, as in their customs in such circumstances”, Col. Atonfack added.

At the moment of this occurence, the Head of State, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Paul Biya is in Europe for a Private stay. However, through the Minister Delegate at the Presidency incharge of Defense, he extends his condolences. The military says, it remains alert towards any more Attack from the “Terrorists” even beyond borders.

Attacks on the soldiers has become recurrent as insurgency grips most parts of the country especially the Anglophone regions were many operations too are ongoing.

Jude MBAKU

HIBMAT-UB FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT: Hibmat Buea Launches Bsc. and 1 Year Top_Up Degree Programs.

The Higher Institute of Business Management and Technology, Buea, has signed a Partnership Framework and Specific agreement, with the Renowned University of Buea, UB. The ceremony that took place on June 17th 2021 at the UB Campus under the guide of UB Vice Chancellor, Prof Horace Manga.

Within this framework, Advanced Level students who enroll into HIBMAT will now study for 3 straight years to obtain a Bachelor degree, or study for a year after an HND to Top_up for an academic degree, under the Mentorship of the University of Buea. This will apply to the school of Business and Management Sciences, The School of Engineering and Technology in various disciplines.

Speaking to the HIBMAT Delegation at the event, Prof Horace Manga, VC UB highlighted that it’s a win_win process for both institutions and calls for respect in implementation of the agreement terms and references.

“We are calling on the mentee institution to make sure that they meet up with the terms of the agreement. On our part, we will make sure that teaching and management of these courses are well done” _ Prof Horace.

On his part, the President of HIBMAT, Mr Jude Chilaka thanked the Ministry of Higher Education and UB, indicating that, it’s a hallmark achievement for HIBMAT, and it will be a pleasure having the leading Anglo-saxon University in the country mentoring these courses.

Before now, HIBMAT trained students for the HND, BTech and MBA under the Mentorship of the University of Bamenda, UBa. Right now, Bsc under UB.

Anne_ Regine Enjema, Dean of Studies, HIBMAT says, their team is willing to live up to the quality standard of Education needed by the Mentor University.

Accredited in 2010 by the Ministry of Higher Education, HIBMAT has a long standing experience in Professional Private Education. Currently, 4 Schools operate: The School of Business and Management Sciences, The School of Engineering and Technology, The School of Education and The School of Transport/ Logistics.

While this has been sealed for delivery from next Academic year, there is hope that, higher Education students and potential ones will use this opportunity to grow their forever Academic and Professional careers at HIBMAT, be it in Buea or Douala.

Jude Mbaku

JOURNALISTS vs AMBAZONIANISM: Who Is Scandalizing SNJC?

Monday May 31st, Denis Kwebo, National President of the Cameroon Journalists Trade Union (CJTU) known in it’s french acronym, SNJC, published a disclaimer communiqué.

In it, he exonerated the Association from some forcified posters and Newspapers circulated online by agents of fake news, Libelous and propagandists fellows who enjoy wallowing and basking in the heat of the ongoing Crisis in the Anglophone Cameroons.

It had become a common thing pitting Journalists and their works Against the separatist movements inorder to get wider visibility, not minding the risk involved for members of the Press corp nor the laws regarding Defamation and Hatespeech.

Several Newspapers have been attacked for force editing to satisfy the taste of the agents. Amongst; The Guardian Post, The Median, The Sun, Cameroon Tribune etc.

Reacting on June 1st, just a day after the cyber attack on SNJC, Kwebo says;

We stand very strong. We Guess who they are. We are coming. Our team is investigating this cyber attack
Mind you, they are not very far away. They should know that WE have spotted them already.
They are going to be exposed

While investigations go on, readers of most especially English Language Tabloids are to be vigilant on what they consume due to the exponential rise of Fake News and Propaganda.

Members of the SNJC have been invited to remain calm and observant to denounce any of such treacherous acts towards the Trade Union.

Perpetuators of the acts are reminded of the 1990 law on association and The current effort by the Cameroon Government in fighting Hatespeech. This could result to heavy jail term if found guilty.

MBAKU Jude
STANDARD MIRROR

PENASED TO STRENGTHEN OPERATIONS, LAUNCHES NEW RECRUITMENTS

In a communiqué dated May 25th 2021, the Executive Coordinator of the Pentecostal Advocates for Socio_Economic Development, Joseph Wato, calls for Applications

The vacancies include;
A Program Assistant, Community Health Program Assistant, A resource Mobilisation and Partnership Assistant, an Accounting and Financial Assistant and a Bilingual Administrative Assistant.

The Communique further indicates that, those vying for these offices have till Friday June 18th 2021 to submit requirements.

According to the Faith Based institution created in 2015, this recruitment exercise is embodied in their 2021 – 2024 Strategic plan which focuses on improving the living conditions of underprivileged and Vulnerable populations.

PENASED’s key areas of attention are Maternal and Child Wellbeing, Career Orientation for Decent Jobs, Enterpreneurship for Wealth Creation, Social Inclusion and Human Rights.

MBAKU Jude
Standard Mirror
Buea, Cameroon

Killers of KUMBA School Kids Killed.

Captain Atonfack Guemo Cyrielle Serge, head of the Communication Division of the Cameroon Military, has again signed out a detailed communiqué dating February 9th 2021. The Press Release gives the military version of the Operation that occured, night of Sunday 7th and Monday 8th January 2021, leaving some Ambazonian fighters and leaders dead in Balangui, Mbonge Sub Division, Meme Division, South West Cameroon.

“It is worth underscoring that ABOVE THE LAW (Sometimes called Mirror) is the leader of the Barbaric horde that perpetrated on 24th October 2020 in the Fiango quarter in Kumba II, The attack on the Private School complex Mother Francisca International Bilingual Academy and Coldly Opened fire on students in classrooms causing 7 deaths and about 15 seriously wounded”,. This statement concludes the 1 page Press Release.

Ambe Augustine alias General ABOVE The LAW and Wanshe Celestine Aka T.Boy, are the 2 leaders whose corpses battered with bullets were displayed at the Command Post of the 6th Military Battalion base in Mabanda, kumba, under the Col. Desire Maduan. Military also says, 5 more Separatist fighters were killed in the operation while more injured ones escaped.

Col Désire Maduan — Commander 6th military, Mabanda

The communiqué also defined the role of the population in the capture process. It says, based on civilian information that a “Pedestrian Infiltration” approach was used by the military to meet these fighters. They had opened fire on the Defense forces who equally provided a swift and appropriate response.

Since the Killing of the school children in Kumba, National and International voices have been for justice to take it’s course. How the world reacts to this is yet to be known given that no evidences have been detailed publicly to ascertain the Right culprits. Also given that the Cameroon Military is a belligerent, many have doubted their statements. However, what is true is that, the Ambazonian fighters have huge records of atrocious crime against humanity as well haven been indicted primarily for the Kumba act.

Please tell us in the comment section below:

Do you see the killing of Gen. Above The Law and Group, as JUSTICE for the Kumba kids?

Thanks for your response

DDR Buea Celebrates Huge Financial Package plus Integration Process for 70 Returnees.

Peace had barely returned to the center hosting 184 ex Separatist fighters who started a protest on Monday February 1st 2021. They complained of haven been in the center longer than they were assured. Read our previous article

Programmed to be in Buea on Thursday February 4th, the special envoy of the Prime Minister came 24 hours earlier, Wednesday February 3rd, urgently address the situation.

She was accompanied by an inter_ministerial delegation from the Ministries of Fishery and Animals husbandry, Youth Affairs and Civic Education and that of Agriculture. Potential ministries that can Facilitate the employment possibilities of the ex Fighters.

In a hall full with tension, plackcards visible at every end calling for their release back home, only an assuring message from the special Adviser of the Prime Minister, Madam Doh Belta could savage the situation. It was her third time at this Center sent by Prime Minister, Joseph Dion Ngute. She regretted the fact that alot would have been done at the center Early enough if not of the coronavirus pandemic that caused a global standstill late last year.

After these following words of hers, the hall went wild in euphoric flames.

“The incidence which occured on monday the 1st did not leave the Prime Minister indifferent. As a father who has your interest at heart has sent me to you. Under his instructions, i have come to announce the graduation of the second batch of this Center effective from today“. Doh Belta, declared.

Madam Doh went ahead to give out physical cash of One Million Frs CFA to the Director of the center inorder to speedily Facilitate the documentation process of the second batch of 70, especially in the Production of their National Identity Cards .

More jubilations filled the space when a physical cash of 3 million frs CFA was handed over to these Returnees as upkeep allowance from the Prime Minister. Every one entitled to approximately 16,000 Frs

As the first 70 chosen celebrate, it took the Deputy National Coordinator of the DDR centers, Col. Francis Ekoss, tact to convince others that their turn is ahead. He however promised to do his best with the Government in ensuring that these Returnees are Reintegrated into Society.

While chanting the popular patriotic song “Paul Biya, notre Président”, luring the August guest into her car, Madam Doh Belta reminded them of the need to remain patriotic and continue to invite their peers in the Bushes to drop their arms.

The official date for this graduation ceremony is yet to be fixed.

MBAKU Jude