Day: March 13, 2024

KATIMA MULILO: The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform on Wednesday dispatched extension officials to some parts of the Zambezi Region’s river field areas, following an outbreak of African migratory red locusts.

According to the ministry’s spokesperson, Jona Musheko, in an interview with Nampa, the locusts were detected at Lake Liambezi and old Masokotwani, destroying maize crops, with about 10 hectares destroyed last week.

He said the locusts were also detected in the Ohangwena Region, on 29 February 2024.

Farmers in the surrounding areas of the Kapani, Kanono, Linyanti, Nakabolelwa, Masikili, Ngoma, Isuswa, Loma, Mutikitila, Ibbu, Mahundu, Ngala, Kapani, Chinchimani, Singobeka, Maunga, Sangwali and Oshikunde village have been warned to be on the lookout for locusts and to report any sightings to the constituency offices.

Musheko said four teams consisting of extension officers were dispatched on Wednesday to intensify surveillance and spray the affected areas.

‘In most of the areas where the
locusts were reported, they are still in the hopping stage, which is easy to control, which is why we are in a hurry so we can start spraying because it becomes very challenging when they start flying and they can spread to other reshoots not presently affected,’ Musheko said.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

A Member of Parliament for the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation, Hon. Rolande NGO ISSI MBOCK, said the Minister of Interior, Paul Atanga Nji, is not fit to be in that position as Minister because his actions show that he knows nothing about governance.

This statement was made following a warning from the Minister to some political coalition movements which the minister said was illegal.

READ HERE: Atanga Nji issues warning against activities by ‘illicit’ political movements – Cameroon News Agency

‘In all my short years of existence, I have never seen Ministers of the Republic as null and void as those of my country, in this case, the current MINAT. So, Mr. Minister, perhaps you should be reminded that Cameroon is not a country isolated from the rest of the world, that the Constitution is the fundamental norm, the norm of norms, that the laws that are passed in Parliament and made available to you (the government) for their implementation. Escape you in their contexts and their objectives, particu
larly those relating to the activities of political parties. But let me remind you that your role as MINAT is not to dictate to political parties what they should do because they are entities that operate in a specific way and per the law.’ She wrote.

The Interior Minister has frowned at the way some political opposition parties were already preparing for the 2025 presidential elections-especially when it was announced that some Separatist leaders in jail were contacted. Atanga Nji said this was illegal because those in jail were terrorists who were sentenced to life imprisonment.

‘From the above, you should know that your ridiculous ultimatums will take nothing away from the momentum that has already been set in motion. If you are so keen to stay in power, work instead to bring the majority of Cameroonians to trust you more for other terms, Mr MINAT, stop polluting our political environment. Where do you get this mediocrity from?

Cameroon is not your neighborhood or your household. Remember that before is
suing your communiqués which do no honor to the republic given the responsibilities you hold. Reading you is even enough to justify the urgent need for a new ruling class based on alternative institutions.’ Hon. Rolande noted.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

GOBABIS: Executive Director (ED) in the Office of the Prime Minister, I-Ben Nashandi on Wednesday said the government is making use of technology to accelerate their assignments, including the delivery of drought relief food to affected communities.

Nashandi made the remarks at a three-day annual plan development workshop for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, taking place at Gobabis in the Omaheke Region.

The ED said the use of technology would improve the delivery of food assistance under the drought relief programme, adding that his office has observed that the logistics of extending services at times leads to delays.

‘We want to make sure that we undertake assessments because the rain this year is a bit challenging. Since last year there have been predictions that we will be having an El Niño phenomena that will have an impact on our food production and food security in particular,’ he said.

The grass condition in most parts of the country has not improved and this has necessitated his office to assess the si
tuation before the current drought relief programme ending in March lapses, he said.

Nashandi said his office has thus put concrete interventions in place to assist the most vulnerable communities.

‘Key to assisting is the timely delivery of that assistance, and that is what we are planning to do. Among other things, we are also going to review our administrative operational procedures and ensure effective coordination between offices in ministries and agencies and making sure that correct information reaches people appropriately,’ he expressed.

The ED also said his office has urged farmers to de-stock as early as possible while their livestock are in good condition, saying that it will become very challenging to sustain the animals throughout the drought.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

A Member of Parliament for the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation, Hon. Rolande NGO ISSI MBOCK, said the Minister of Interior, Paul Atanga Nji, is not fit to be in that position as Minister because his actions show that he knows nothing about governance.

This statement was made following a warning from the Minister to some political coalition movements which the minister said was illegal.

READ HERE: Atanga Nji issues warning against activities by ‘illicit’ political movements – Cameroon News Agency

‘In all my short years of existence, I have never seen Ministers of the Republic as null and void as those of my country, in this case, the current MINAT. So, Mr. Minister, perhaps you should be reminded that Cameroon is not a country isolated from the rest of the world, that the Constitution is the fundamental norm, the norm of norms, that the laws that are passed in Parliament and made available to you (the government) for their implementation. Escape you in their contexts and their objectives, particu
larly those relating to the activities of political parties. But let me remind you that your role as MINAT is not to dictate to political parties what they should do because they are entities that operate in a specific way and per the law.’ She wrote.

The Interior Minister has frowned at the way some political opposition parties were already preparing for the 2025 presidential elections-especially when it was announced that some Separatist leaders in jail were contacted. Atanga Nji said this was illegal because those in jail were terrorists who were sentenced to life imprisonment.

‘From the above, you should know that your ridiculous ultimatums will take nothing away from the momentum that has already been set in motion. If you are so keen to stay in power, work instead to bring the majority of Cameroonians to trust you more for other terms, Mr MINAT, stop polluting our political environment. Where do you get this mediocrity from?

Cameroon is not your neighborhood or your household. Remember that before is
suing your communiqués which do no honor to the republic given the responsibilities you hold. Reading you is even enough to justify the urgent need for a new ruling class based on alternative institutions.’ Hon. Rolande noted.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia bade farewell to the former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen.

In his speech at the farewell program, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie said that the leadership experience of Demeke was exceptional.

Ambassador Taye also said that he will continue on strengthening the good works that he had started in the Ministry during his tenure.

Foreign Affairs State Minister Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, on her part expressed that Demeke played a key role in generating problem-solving ideas and providing decisive leadership for the country to overcome the challenges it was facing.

She also mentioned that he contributed to Ethiopia’s success in bilateral and multilateral diplomacy.

Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke for his part thanked staff and leaders of the Ministry for their significant contribution during his leadership.

He also extended gratitude for the recognition and said tha
t he will spend the rest of his time helping the institution and country.

Head office leaders, employees, managers and employees of affiliated institutions were present at the send-off and recognition ceremony, according to Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

The Government spokesperson was guest of the podcast ‘Le Grand Invité Afrique’ hosted by Christophe Boisbouvier on Wednesday March 13, 2024 where in close to 5 minutes, the Minister made some declarations on the political aspect of the country.

He began by declaring that there is no need for a political transition in Cameroon at the moment, when asked his point of view on Pr Titus Edzoa advocacy for a Political transition in Cameroon

‘There is no need for a political transition in Cameroon, institutions are operational and the President is fully exercising his duties. The question is inappropriate, that our point of view.’ Minister René Sadi.

In the outing, the Government spokesperson kept on defending the Biya regime refuting claims that the president has overruled the country.

He asked on whether he expects a change after 41 years of power by Biya, René Emmanuel Sadi said ‘Cameroonians are the ones to decide and presidential elections are being announced in 2025, there we shall see if Cameroonians to ch
ange in one way or the other.’

Christophe Boisbouvier on his part continued to talk of the former Secretary General at the presidency who said that since 2018, no campaign promise has been fulfilled.

In reaction, René Emmanuel Sadi qualified the declaration as unfounded

‘ That’s another unfounded expression. Politically, the President of the Republic organized a Major National Dialogue which led to the creation of a special status in the North West and South West Regions. Economically, great works have been engaged notably with the construction of hydroelectric dams, bridges, just to name a few. In the socio-cultural and sports domains, as you know, our country in 2022, organized one of the AFCONS, which is one of the best ever organized on the African continent. Pretending that nothing has been done since 2018 according to Pr Titus Edzoa, that should be of bad faith.’ René Emmanuel Sadi declared.

He continued by revealing that the president of the Republic will make known his decision on whether to stand
for another term or retire by the end of his mandate.

‘ President Paul has on many occasions, publicly pronounced himself on the question of his eventual candidature at the end of his current mandate. He has always said that at the end of this mandate, Cameroonians and the international community will be informed of his decision. That of whether his continues or his retires’ He said

The declaration which can be considered as the declaration of the day is when the government spokesperson was asked if the Paul Biya ‘s age will be a major talking point in the days ahead in the party.

‘ I think this question which has become recurring and needs to be put in relative terms. Experience counts and experience comes with age’ declared Sadi.

René Emmanuel Sadi in addition, also revealed that there is no political prisoner in Cameroon and that his party does not interfere in matters linked to justice when questioned on his reaction the detention of political prisoners and some former members of government.

‘These c
ompatriots as you know appeared in front of courts. They were transparently judged before the public for offenses we all know, which are common law offenses and not political. There is no political prisoner in Cameroon, this should be made clear. It is therefore the judiciary that will have to decide on whether they be freed or not. If any action was to be decided or wished, it will be a presidential pardon which is legal and follows the norms’he said.

Worthy to note is the fact that Cameroon has since 1982 been governed by President Paul Biya who has never been electorally beaten. In 2025, the 91-year-old will surely be seeking an umpteenth mandate given that his militants have been using the usual motions of support motives for him to seek another term.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

Prof. Carlson Anyangwe, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, Barr. Fru Joseph Awah, Barr. Abdul Oroh and Barr. Mbinkar Ernestine Singeh, have reportedly submitted a petition to the Nigerian federal lawmakers on behalf of Ambazonia Separatist leaders who were picked up from a hotel in Abuja, Nigeria on January 5, 2018, and taken to Cameroon where they are serving life imprisonment sentence.

Ambazonia leader Sisiku Julius Ayuktabe and other Professors say they were legal residents of Nigeria while some were Asylum seekers but consider their arrest, as ‘abduction’ from Abuja to Yaounde.

The detainees also said their detention in Cameroon is unlawful there have been two judgments from Nigeria, asking the federal government to demand the repatriation of the Nera 10 men. At least 6 of them were professors teaching in Nigerian universities.

The content of the petition

‘Cause the government of Nigeria to institute an urgent action to secure the implementation of Communication 59/2022 of 14th October 2022 of the UN-HRC-WGAD call
ing for the release of the Petitioners.

‘Cause the Government of Nigeria to take action and implement the rulings in the 3 judgments of the Federal High Court of Abuja in 2019, ordering the release and compensation of these Petitioners.

‘Cause Nigeria to leverage on the Abuja 2002 ruling in the case of Kelvin Ngwang Ngumne et al Vs the FGN, demanding that Nigeria intervenes to resolve the conflict between Southern Cameroons and La Republique du Cameroun and respect for the particular clause of the Green Tree Agreement which demands that both la Republique du Cameroun and Nigeria retain their boundaries at independence, To pursue the self-determination quest of the Southern Cameroons to its logical conclusion as mandated by the FHC 2002 judgment.

‘Cause the Government of Nigeria to take action and urgently initiate proceedings before the ICJ and other international jurisdictions citing la République du Cameroun to be sanctioned for fraudulent misrepresentation during the Bakassi Peninsula case in the ICJ.

‘Cause the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to take its rightful place as ‘big brother’ in African politics and cause the African Union or the United Nations to intervene in the matter between the Southern Cameroons and La Republique du Cameroun or to proceed as mediator and resolve the ongoing conflict and restore peace and stability in the Gulf of Guinea region.’

Sahara Reporters noted that at the last hearing of the subject before the House Committee on Public Petitions, Mohammed Manu, a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had no record of the petition.

The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Mike Etaba, adjourned the hearing till April 16, 2024, for proper service and hearing.

Source: Cameroon News Agency