Day: June 21, 2024

Minister Paul Atanga Nji has halted indefinitely the elevation process of Balekouet village to a second class chiefdom in Menoua division, West Region. This decision marks a reversal from an earlier directive he signed more than a year ago.

The suspension follows strong opposition voiced by the Fon of Baleveng, who argued that granting Balekouet second class status would sow division among their people. Baleveng, currently a second class chiefdom, includes Balekouet and other surrounding villages classified as third class.

The controversy ignited when a March 5, 2023 decision surfaced on social media, purportedly signed by Minister Atanga Nji, announcing Balekouet’s elevation. Public opinion quickly split, questioning the authenticity and justification of the decision.

‘We reject decisions that could divide our community. Establishing a chiefdom requires adherence to certain rules. I have personally contacted the Minister to express our concerns, and investigations will be conducted,’ declared Fon Guemgni
of Baleveng during a recent public gathering in Baleveng.

Critics accused Fon Pierre Aime of Balekouet of manipulating public sentiment. The West Region House of Chiefs convened and pledged to scrutinize the matter.

A subsequent communication from the Ministry of Territorial Administration to the Senior Divisional Officer for Menoua on June 19, 2024 confirmed the authenticity of the March 5 decision. However, Minister Atanga Nji has requested a comprehensive report detailing Balekouet’s demographic profile and its relationship with Baleveng and neighboring villages.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

On June 21, 2024, a group of women from the Hausa quarters of Fiango, Kumba 2 subdivision, staged a protest against the rising tide of illicit drug use in their community. The women, citing threats to public safety and harm to their families, called for authorities to crack down on drug dealers and users.

The protestors expressed deep concern about the impact of drug use on their children. Several women claimed their children, some of whom are drug users themselves, have committed crimes like rape and torture. This personal connection fueled their outrage and their demands for action.

The Fiango women’s protest involved the destruction of ‘illicit drug arenas’ within the community They also directly petitioned authorities in Kumba 2 to track down and apprehend drug dealers. The protest comes on the heels of recent arrests by local authorities, with 22 individuals, including five women, apprehended for drug consumption just days prior. Despite this action, the Fiango women expressed frustration and threaten
ed to take matters into their own hands if the drug problem persists

Source: Cameroon News Agency

A somber atmosphere gripped the community of Kumbo following the tragic deaths of Moctaru and Nyuyki Hans in Melim. The incident occurred when military personnel reportedly directed them to retrieve an explosive device discovered along a roadside. The device was placed on the road by Ambazonia fighters who were monitoring the movements.

Moctaru, a resident of Melim known for his proximity to the incident site, was reportedly at a farm in his neighborhood when military personnel approached him. Nyuyki Hans, a well-known figure in Kumbo, particularly noted for his role as a middleman in loading trucks transporting maize, beans, potatoes, and kola nuts across the country, was riding his bike through the Melim area at the time.

Eyewitnesses recount that the military spotted the explosive device and compelled Moctaru and Hans among other civilians to assist in its retrieval. Tragically, both individuals lost their lives in the attempt.

Moctaru, described as a Muslim who resides close to the incident location,
was known among locals for his ties to the Melim community. Meanwhile, Nyuyki Hans, residing in Mbve Kumbo, was actively involved in the agricultural transport sector, facilitating the movement of produce from Kumbo to various destinations.

The directive from the military, which led to their deaths, has sparked widespread concern and calls for clarity on the circumstances surrounding the incident. Community members have expressed shock and grief over the loss of Moctaru and Nyuyki Hans, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the events that unfolded.

Local authorities have been urged to provide further information and transparency regarding the incident, as residents mourn the untimely passing of two individuals deeply rooted in their respective communities.

The tragic deaths of Moctaru and Nyuyki Hans serve as a stark reminder of the risks faced by civilians in conflict-affected Bui division highlighting the need for careful handling of security situations to prevent further loss of life.

A
uthorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.

The community of Kumbo remains in mourning as they reflect on the lives lost and await answers regarding this tragic turn of events.

Earlier CNA reported that Hans was killed in his farm but details have now proven that he was pushed to the act by government forces.

Can also obtained an amateur video showing the military and civilians searching for explosives worh someone giving commentary revealing that he is Major General Talk and Do, a separatist commander in the area.

Source: Cameroon News Agency