STANDARD MIRROR

Top Female Cameroonian Journalist, Mimi Mefo, shortlisted for 2019 Freedom of Expression Awards

According to information on the website of the international NGO, Index on Censorship,Cameroonian top female journalist, Mimi Mefo is one of the 16 shortlisted for the awards. The organisation campaigns and defends free expression worldwide, publishes works by censored writers and artists, promote debates, and monitor threats for free speech
Shortlisted from over 400 public nominations, 16 names chosen for the freedom of expression Awards, exemplifies courage in the face of censorship. Mimi is the only African on the list as an individual.
Here is the organisation’s reason for shortlisting the Cameroonian UK based journalist as published on its website:

Mimi Mefo is one of less than a handful journalists working without fear or favour in Cameroon’s climate of repression and self-censorship. An award-winning broadcast journalist and the first-ever woman editor-in-chief of private media house Equinoxe TV and Radio, Mefo was arrested in November 2018 after she published reports that the military was behind the death of an American missionary in the country. Mefo reports on the escalating violence in the country’s western regions, a conflict that has become known as the “Anglophone Crisis” and is a leading voice in exposing the harassment of other Cameroonian journalists, calling publicly for the release of those jailed.

Advocacy led to her release and since then, she has not been able to practise freely in Cameroon.
Few days ago, pictures emerged on the award winning journalist’s Facebook wall who is in London. She is seen beside Antonia Byatt, Director of English, PEN International London,as she adds that, it will be a fantastic time for her learning more on Press Freedom and Advocacy.
Press freedom and freedom of expression are still very difficult human right aspects in an increasing crisis affected Cameroon, and no hopes in sight yet.

The judging panel for the awards comprises a Filmmaker, writer and social activist, an academic writer and a CEO and Executive Editor. The award day is yet to be announced.

Cameroon Government Disowns Minister’s Genocidal Propaganda, as relationship with Israel Sinks.

After a day of diplomatic consultations and considerations, spokesman for the Government of Cameroon and Communication Minister, Emmanuel Rene Sadi, issued a statement on monday 4th February 2019, distancing Government from one of her Ministers, Jean De Dieu Momo.
According to the statement, the stance of Jean Momo, newly appointed Minister Delegate in the ministry of Justice, were clearly his personal opinion and not that which reflects the government of Cameroon.

Jean Momo who is known not only to be an opposition political leader but also an ardent supporter of President Biya’s regime revealed on a televised program, “Actualite Hebdo” over state owned CRTV that, the government will wipe out supporters and tribesmen of arrested CRM leader, Maurice Kamto, just as Adolf Hitler of Germany did to the Jews during the Nazi Regime.

This anti Semitic utterance prompted the isreali Embassy in Cameroon to demand an immediate apology. The Israeli Government in Yaoundé also believes that, it is a genocidal attack on the Bamileke People of Cameroon, (from where Prof Kamto hails), who can be likened to the rich, powerful and hardworking Jews in the 1933 Hitler regime.

Hate language is a common aspect within the government of President Paul Biya who has also never apologized to Cameroonians. State officials have often referred to Anglophones of the country as Dogs, enemies in the house, cubes of sugar( to be dissolved), Anglofools, insignificant minority etc.

President Biya himself has called for the complete neutralisation of Anglophones who opt for a news Anglophone state, as tension continue with massive killings in Anglophone Cameroon. Many think that, no one could question the very strong regime and Minister Jean Momo’s overzealous attitude from inside, if the Isreali Embassy had not stepped in. Another front line political party, the SDF had also issued a statement against the hate speech of Jean Momo. Its also alleged that, Isreal is the powerhouse of Cameroon’s military might, reason for the prompt reaction from the carefree regime of President Biya.

Cameroon’s Prominent female lawyer, shot by military at a Protest Rally

The Cameroon Renaissance Movement party, CRM, of Professor Maurice Kamto had announced a nationwide protest for January 26th without the approval of Government. Many are those who took the Cameroonian political guru for a Lilliputian, until about midday Saturday, when images of the protest surfaced on social media, of the rally in the political capital, Yaounde and economic capital Douala.

Amongst the protesters, was Barister Michelle Ndoki, a firebrand Cameroonian female lawyer, human right defender and one of the pillars of the CRM party. Michel had led one faction of the protest in Douala, when the military fired life bullets. she got shot on the right thigh and was rushed to the hospital.

Bar Michel Ndoki had won the admiration of Cameroonians when she exercised fine intellectual and professional might in the country’s constitutional court in November 2018 , in a bid

to defend her presidential candidate, Maurice Kamto, who had declared himself winner before the presidential results.

Before Bar Ndoki, another member, Celestine Djamen had equally been shot on the leg. The protest was organised to continue decrying electoral fraud of October 7th 2018, where the party emerged second. Also, to demand that justice be done to the state officials who poorly managed state funds, yet let the Confederation of African football, CAF, cease 2019 hosting rights from the country.

Two prominent members of the another opposition party, Social Democratic Front, had been arrested earlier this week for same reasons. At the time of this article, The CRM national Chairman, Maurice Kamto, had left Yaoundé for Douala to assess the situation.

For more than two years now, north west and south west regions are in a war situation sparked by a teachers and lawyers strike in November 2016, with more than a thousand dead, 150 villages attacked, 160,000 IDPs, and so much to ride home interms of humanitarian crisis. Cameroon military is noted to be one of the continent’s worst, under 84 years old President Paul Biya who still rules the country since 1982.

NW Media, The Odds, The Solutions

By Mbaku Jude

You are not a “trained journalist”, as one of my former Bosses would often say ( to intimidate me). But being in the media landscape of the region for 5 years running, is enough to earn me a Master degree in “how the profession functions here”.

Maybe going by my former employer’s thoughts, I’m not going to be academical but pragmatic in my presentation as someone who learned journalism, “on the job”.

For easy assimilation of my write up, I will also like to pen this down in segments and style that is easiest for any reader. I’ll point out the lapses at the level of various stakeholders in the information industry of the region.

The Lapses and proposed solutions:

1- Media Investors and Entrepreneurs;

Infact, over the last few years, media multiplicity in the region had supposed to have given rise to competition. However, one would think that at such instance, media entrepreneurs could compete positively in bringing out the best, but its farfetched. A comparative analysis with the other regions and countries on the kind of workplace they provide, doesn’t make journalist here think out of the box. I have been to many radio studios in town, non has refined technological equipment to boast workers in the 21st century workplace. A guest humbled me once on the kind of studio seat and environment I hosted him on air.

As a solution, let our media entrepreneurs upgrade our studios, provide good equipments especially for TV. Give reporters a classical touch for their efforts, provide up to date equipments.

Let them also look beyond just creating Radios. It isn’t the only media outlet. They could invest in planting TV houses, 1 or 2 in the region. Its a blow that the entire north west has no TV house.

2- Managers and publishers:

Most of them employ non professionals like myself. Its not a problem. The problem lies in them not equipping these newbies appropriately to meet the realities on the field. Many media managers in the region do not care about the standards of their employees and outlets. The workers, be it employed, volunteers or student journalists should be checked, and provided adequate working tools.

These managers should organise seminars, teach staff especially on professional issues, labour issues, media codes etc. Pay them for job done to always ensure that they represent your media well, keep it out of trouble and sell your media with patriotism.

3- *Journalists/ Reporters:*

For obvious reasons, these professionals have not been able to stand competitive to those in other regions and countries. We have often been looked upon by our peers and colleagues as underdogs in national journalism sphere. The reasons abound;

Financially broke, Poor attire, Poor work energy, poor reports, laxity, etc.

These lapses are interconnected and owe to the major fact that, the journalists are not well paid or not paid at all. A poor man has no voice.

Ours is a profession that is public. We are stars and leaders in society. We must be up to standard to inspire society. For this to be better, journalists must be treated right. Journalists should learn multi tasking too to challenge poverty. They must be well cultured to keep their dignity on and off job. Stay professional at all times.

4- Senior Colleagues;

Since i started practice in the region, I have had very few senior colleagues I respect and admire. Its a huge blow on continuity. Our seniors have often seen us as competitors, but knowing they should be mentors. I can’t count how many times seniors have fought over “Gombo” or have struggled to keep the younger ones out from money for coverages. It plays alot on respect which is primordial in every profession.

Seniors should inspire young ones with their experience and good professional practices.

5- Associations/ Trade Union:

They are suppose to be the courts for journalists. In the region, they are still very weak. Many are those who see no “professional need” but friendship ties, to join such gatherings. They have not been able to credit journalists the ways they should be. They could Organise seminars, enroll newcomer compulsorily to avoid washing down the profession, save the faces of journalist on the field etc. It happens with lawyer, and their dignity is recognized. Journalism is too loose in the region and needs stamina.

Many don’t have press cards, many reporters aren’t in associations, something even their employers should be obliged to do in order to protect these vulnerable and poor workers. What benefit do we have belonging to these unions and associations? Organize training programs, travel opportunities, leisure and study trips, scout for job placement schemes for members etc. These must be looked into.

6- Event Organiser:

They respond the way we react. Let them know journalism is not a peanut profession. I know many who pay 7 times money for an event in other regions than in Bamenda. We have Been taken for beggars. The narrative must change. We must learn to reject humiliating job payments from especially government officials.

7- Impersonators;

These ones are not just journalists who fake media, but also those ones who create begging associations to gain favour from government officials. They pass for members of journalism confederations and what not. The legal and legitimate associations must put an end to this and declare them persona non gratas.

8- Government Policies

Issa Tchiroma, one time communication minister said, all media in Cameroon function under administrative tolerance. That is to say, the government censors the press.

We must come together and under one umbrella and fight this acts that has seen many journalists suffer for doing just their jobs. The associations and trade unions must diversify modus operandi for this.

….to be continued

Mbakujude7@gmail.com… 2019

26 years old Sport Journalist appointed SG of NW FecaFoot

During the first general meeting of bureau members of the Cameroon football Federation, North West on January 16th, one of the main points was to choose a new Secretary general for the new bureau.

Of all nominees, one of North west finest sport reporter,analysis and football actor, Ndi Tsembom Elvis, was selected. The young sport commentator who works for Rush FM Radio in Bamenda, capital city of the North West, has over the years proven his competence in football management. He has a wealth of 10 years in sport reporting and was Team press officer for “America for Africa” football club.

Speaking to the press after his appointment, Ndi Tsembom believes his appointment is an assessment of his competent to redynamize football in the region. His first task is to ensure that the only stadium in the region, 2500 capacity Bamenda municipal stadium is completed.

The New SG will work alongside the new President, Mbigha Felix who was voted President in November 2018. The new team many say, resonates hope to a limping football world in region

AGC3 Conveners poise for a solution, change Moves, send emissaries to Europe and the Americas.

During a press conference held Saturday January 12th in Bamenda, the Conveners of the All Anglophone General Conference 3, revealed to the press that, they are changing their modus operandi in ensuring that their strive to bring peace and stability in the troubled North West and South West regions of the country is successful. According to the lead convener, His Eminence Christian Cardinal Tumi, alot has not been done yet to sensitize the anglophone communities back home and abroad, on the mission of the AGC3. “We all agree that enough consultations have not been done, that is why we are sending missions to America and Europe and within the country, to the Chiefs and to other English speaking Cameroonians. As soon as we get the results of the extensive consultation missions, a date and a place for the conference will immediately be announced”, says the veteran Catholic Prelate.

The press conference availed journalists the opportunity to clear out some doubts since the team had only landed the North West Region for the first time. Here are excepts.

Question:

There is an Online Referendum proposed by the AGC3 Conveners. We will love to know the Authenticity of that documents.

(Ngong Song Jean Marie, The Rambler Newspaper)

Answer: (Elie Smith, AGC3 Spokesman).

Any thing referendum is not from Us. By contrast, there are 3 questions, one is on Decentralized States and the preceding one on Federalism. The third says, if you are not satisfied with the first 2, you make yours. Its going to be contradictory for the people of the AGC to say they are neutral and at the same time, issue a referendum. ( AGC3 has a Facebook page, Not yet a website).

Question:

Who is sponsoring the AGC3 from the International Front? Is the AGC again on a Fact finding mission when anglophones expect a solution?

( Mbaku Jude, Standard Mirror and LTM TV)

Answer: Imam Mohammed Aboubakar, Buea

We are not sending out people to come back and give you the same results. Don’t misinterpret us to be the kind of Commissions setup by the state. We are a religious body and concern about the welfare of Cameroonians, especially anglophones.

As for who is sponsoring Us, we can consult bodies like the UN. Some of the representatives that are here. These people are not sponsoring us.

Question:

Why is the team not gender sensitive? Are women not worthy to be part of the solution process according to the Conveners?

(Larry Ucheena, METEO Radio)

Answer: ( Rev Fonki Samuel, PCC Moderator)

Non of the leaders of the churches is a woman, she would have been brought in. We hope that at various stages when we will bring everyone on board, women leaders will come in to sensitize the rest.

Question:

Given that we can not all as Anglophones gather in one hall, how will participation look like on the conference day?

(Bah Toko Emmanuel, CBC radio Bamenda station manager)

Answer: ( Elie Smith and Rev Fonki)

(Elie): The first Criteria is that, you should be a native of anglophone Cameroon. Either yours father and mother are from NW/SW Cameroon (Southern Cameroon or West Cameroon after reunification) Or your parents settled there before 1961. This is because, you will know the exact problems of the Anglophones. Other Cameroonians who are not Anglophones will come as Observers.

(Rev Fonki):We will come out with credible groups that will represent their subdivisions, Divisions, and regions, in that order. The mobilisation groups will be charged with this. We won’t work haphazardly.

The press conference was hosted by the Executive president of the Cameroon Baptist Convention, Rev Dr Ncham Godwill, who was out of the country at the time the idea of AGC3 was conceived. He now joins the Conveners team.

The AGC3, born July 2018 has suffered several setbacks and challenges. Two dates scheduled for the conference have been shifted for another yet to be announced. Again, both parties of the crisis, The Separatists and the State of Cameroon, have not accorded their blessings for the impending conference. The pioneer Spoke person, Dr Simon Munzu, had earlier given up due to threats on his life.

So far, the AGC3 is the only local platform that avails the Anglophone community exclusively, the chance to have a new look into what they want from the unitary Government of Cameroon. Many International organizations, Governments, And other opinion holders have called on President Biya’s government to call for a National Dialogue. In his 2018 end of year speech, the president who has ruled since 1982 November says, he will dialogue only with people of goodwill and not “War Mongers”.

Since october 2016, more than a thousand people have died, 150 villages and communities burnt down and economy of the 2 regions at a standstill with dark days still looming in the former Southern Cameroon State of the republic of Cameroon.

Kamto’s Renaissance Television,RTV, Goes International. Another warning Signal to Cameroon Government.

When news of the launch of a Pro-Maurice Kamto Television broke out earlier this week, many who haven’t heard from the no-nonsense Cameroonian political leader took it a joke. Some even called him a sleeping dog that has gone comatose after his failure to consolidate his self declared victory in the last presidential election of October 7th 2018.

After the online launch of RTV- Renaissance Television on Friday December 28th in the country, the next big launch event is scheduled for the United State of America, USA, this monday December 31st. The name of the media outfit, “Renaissance” TV is derived from Maurice Kamto’s “Cameroon Renaissance Movement” CRM Party. The mission of the TV as explained by the proprietor, is to reshape, orientate and refocus the mindsets of Cameroonians towards good Governance principles. The National Youth leader of the party, Awasum Mispa, earlier this week indicated to the STANDARD MIRROR that, the political icon will be celebrating New year with the vulnerable Children in Yaounde, capital city of the country. To her, such lofty initiatives and others, provides media content for RTV that will reshaped the minds of young Cameroonians.

The Ace International lawyer is already tipped as one of Cameroon’s finest opposition leader to have dared the 36 years old Biya regime, when he first declared himself winner of the 2018 presidential election. His legal battle at the country’s constitutional council, earned his MRC party a 14.23%, second to Paul Biya’s 71.28%. Kamto’s public and press outings have been under scrutiny by the Government of Cameroon after his move to take over the Etoudi Presidency failed.

Kamto declares himself victor , October 2018

The speedy proliferation of Anti-Government media in Cameroon is becoming a hot Potato in the hands of the government. In just about a year, Proponents of the separation of the North West and South West Regions (Ambazonian State) of Cameroon, have created two television channels. The SCBC ( Southern Cameroon Broadcasting corporation) and the ABC (Ambazonia Broadcasting Corporation) with pro separatist agendas. Online radios too have had their own effects in exacerbating the ongoing crisis in these two region.

Government authorities like Communication Minister, Issa Tchiroma Bakary has on several occasion, caustioned Cameroonians not to watch these channels for they only aid in jeopardising national unity and Patriotism. The military was ordered to dismantle satellite dishes of inhabitants who watch the channels in the restive Anglophones regions the early days of their broadcast. The president of the National Communication Council, NCC, Peter Essoka on his part, has continually called on media practitioners to avoid hate speech and violent information that can cause unrest. Afrique Media was sent packing out of Cameroon for it’s anti Government editorial lines. Last week, some media organs and journalists were sanctioned by the council for unethical and non professional blunders towards the state. Many journalists have gone to prison for serving anti Government news. Many media structures in Cameroon function under “administrative tolerance” (Clandestine known by Government) making it hard for the press to have freedom.

Freedom of press is still a problem in Cameroon. Many now watch to see what hopes, and changes the Pro-Kamto Movement, Renaissance Television will bring.

Mbaku Jude

After soldier’s head paraded in Bamenda, Army Spokeman, Col. Badjeck sends bitter words.

In the afternoon hours of Friday December 28th, the city of Bamenda suffered another automatic shutdown, with everyone fleeing for their lives. This occurred after a human head was dumped at the Travellers Neighbourhood by unknown men belonging to the Militia groups fighting in the North West region of the country. The head is that of a soldier by name Caporal NDONGUE of “BAFUSCO” AIR Force, formerly with the Presidential Guard. He comes from Adamawa region of the Northern part of the republic of Cameroon. In a video circulated online by the separatist fighters, the soldier is seen begging for mercy from the ADF (Ambazonian Defense Forces) militia to no avail.

Few hours after the incidence, Army spoke person, Colonel Didier Badjeck wrote a touching, bitter but warning not,e to those who perpetuate and condone with the extra- judicial killings especially of the soldiers. He reiterates their resolve,commitment and professionalism before State Authorities. Here is his full note below;

A video of an extreme barbarity circulates at the moment in the social networks. It clearly shows a soldier of the Cameroonian army tortured, then executed in the most bestial and wild manner. We hope that all those who stir the confusion by slanderously exposing alleged abuses committed by the Cameroonian Army, will have the courage to denounce this abject and ignoble act. We are waiting for the reactions that we may not require. When the consciences of men and women still possessing a virtue are indignant, It can only be comforting; especially when sacrificial measures are invested to restore peace. On the other hand, those who remain silent or indifferent in the face of such acts, will be guilty of complicity in infamy. Finally, it will take more to discourage the commitment and patriotism of our Forces who will have no recourse to retaliation, to remain compliant with the High Instructions of the hierarchy and remain professional. “Colonel Didier Badjeck.

Since fierce fighting erupted in the anglophone regions of Cameroon late last year between the army and separatist militia groups, beheading of humans has also been a way of summary execution of victims. The head of a civilian fondly called “Sam Soya” was plucked off in Belo by elements of Cameroon military and circulated online. Fears loom in the entire region as militia actions seem to increase in broad daylight. The Governor of the region, Adolf Lele L’Afrique had earlier called off a 9pm to 6am curfew for 12 days to enable citizens enjoy the festive season. This has not calm tension from both fighting camps.

MP for Bafut-Tubah, Hon. Fusi,survives deadly attack, Decries military excesses

The Honorable member of parliament for the Mezam North, Bafut-Tubah constituency, North West region, Hon. Fusi Naamukong, is yet to recover from what he describes as a barbaric attack by Cameroonian armed forces on him.

At about 3pm, Saturday December 14th, the SDF MP had left from his Bafut residence for a family meeting in Bamenda. At Nchoubuh(Mankon), a locality that leads to the BIR ( elite force) base also called the Bamenda Airport, he was intercepted by over 12 uniform men. Despite his frantic efforts presenting himself as a representative of the people, the “trigger hungry” officers won’t spare him their bullets. The Prado car driven by Hon. Fusi himself, received 4 shots at different angles. His tyres punctured, as the soldiers violently asked him to drive off.

The MP lamented that, the action caused denizens of the area especially bike riders to flee, after which their bikes, about 7, were set ablaze by same soldiers. The screens of other vehicles coming behind him were shattered and the occupants molested. To him, such destructions will only enhance unemployment rate, and force the youngsters to join the secessionist groups.

“As a parliamentarian, i owe a duty to this state, to be law abiding, and to promote development and social justice in our nation Cameroon” says Hon. Fusi.

Prado of Hon. Fusi

He says, he has always made sure that he is endulged into actions that will promote the peace and unity of the fatherland,and so he expects the military to be civil in maintaining peace and social justice.

The MP added that” Our military has transformed themselves into a force if torture, kidnapping, victimisation, killing of innocent civilians, persecution, extortion of funds from helpless inhabitants. Many are brutalised and left helpless by the presumed forces of law and order”.

Hon Fusi says, he wishes that the government does a thorough investigation into such excesses and grant general amnesty to all suffering from the crisis. Not just that, but a meaningful dialogue with separatist fighters should be engaged.

Military awards for peace keeping

Just about a week ago, some Cameroonian military officers in Bamenda were promoted for keeping peace and fighting proponents of separation of the country.

This has not helped rising tensions in the region. Since the outbreak of the militia groups and with the presence of military forces in the restive north west and south west regions, both camps have left untold sufferings as legacy to innocent civilians. Cases of tortures, arsons, kidnaps, and killings have been perpetuated even on high ranking personalities like Divisional officers, Chiefs, and top business operators, by the military and the “Amba boy” ( militia groups).

Mbaku Jude

Standard Mirror

Another Win for the Press corp, anglophone Cameroon Journalist, Akumbom Elvis McCarthy Freed.

Amongst the 49 of 289 detainees released Friday 14th from the Bamenda central prison is Abakwa FM’s Akumbom Elvis McCarthy. The pidgin newscaster based in Bamenda, regional capital of the restive North West Region of Cameroon, was arrested on March 20th 2018. His release is part of a presidential Clemency ordered by Paul Biya, to detainees with misdemeanor cases connected with the ongoing Anglophone crisis. The 289 detainees were in about 9 detention centers across the country.

Akumbom, in his late thirties was charged for promoting the separation of the English part of the country from French Cameroon.

McCarthys’ was part of the 49 cases that appeared at the military court in Bamenda. The presiding magistrate, Colonel Nkengue, took less than ten minutes to read the decree ordering the release and declared immediately that, these men have no charge against the Cameroonian Government and people of Cameroon.

Answering to questions from the press minutes after his release, McCarthy said;

“I still insist that for for peace to come, we need inclusive dialogue. The president’s move is a good one and if it applies even to the separatist leaders, it will be a good thing”.

Another journalist practising in the region who also benefitted from the presidential largess is Moki Hanson, publisher of “Cameroon Report Newspaper”. He was arrested with about 7 of his workers and charged for same crimes.

These two media professionals join Mimi Mefou of Equinox TV in a wave of journalists recently favoured by presidential decrees in connection to the crisis. Journalists in these regions ( North west and South West), have often complained of cruel press censorsorship. More journalists are still being incarcerated in prisons across the country for exercising their duties.

According to a recent release by the international organisation, Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Cameroon ranks amongst world’s worst countries in respect to imprisonment of Journalists.

Story: Mbaku Jude