The Socio –Economic State of Cameroon and the Way Forward
By
Nanche Billa Robert
Cameroon has been held hostage by a group of persons who manipulate state power for their enrichment. It is time we told them that Cameroon is nobody’s farmland that it belongs to all its compatriots.
Cameroon’s economic activities are below expectation because consumption have overtaken production .No importance has been given to development, instead we have become dependent on the western states which set low prices for raw materials and high prices fro manufactured goods. This dependence is because our bourgeoisie is intellectually lazy; they do not produce, build nor labour. They have no economic power, ideas nor are dynamic. It will be difficult to industrialise Cameroon because of their incapability to accumulate wealth. They are more of businessmen than industrialists. They embrace conspicuous consumption in order to hide their stagnation; they build grandiose mansions, drive luxurious cars, and spend week-ends in sybarite night clubs
A society progresses when part of its products meant for consumption is invested in its economy. On the contrary, Cameroon’s elite does not invest in their stagnating economy. Their savings are sent abroad rather than being invested in productions and the rest are used to pay people who are not involved in production but render auxiliary services such as civil servants, merchants, soldiers, entertainers etc. They do not reinvest in agriculture nor industries. They squander the wealth produced by peasants and workers by purchasing cars, suits, whisky etc. Wealth does not come from taxes, it comes from nature: turning raw materials into finished goods for human consumption.
In 1968, when Cameroon became an entrepreneurial state, about forty industries were created. This was a very good step but these industries were not well managed: their surplus was not invested in them but sent to the state and there was no systemic innovation: similar industries were not created in other areas .In 1979, petrol brought a lot wealth to the country but this wealth was not put in the national budget which was regrettable. Our rulers said they were preserving it for rainy days. Where was the money when the economic crisis struck in 1986?
The above cases could have transformed Cameroon into a veritable industrial nation as the case is with Hong-Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and South Korea today.
It is ironical that it is the peasants who produce wealth; it is thanks to their food and cash crops that our sterile civil servants are champions of consumption. If this poor peasants stop production, will there not be famine and malnutrition? Cameroon rulers give more preference to political than economic power because they love dignified life. The situation would have been different if they had thought of economic power at independence. One notices that Cameroonians lack capitalistic spirit: hard work, austerity and knowledge. Cameroon has great natural resources but the poorest in terms of goods and services provided by and for its citizens.
Can you imagine that 16.8% of Cameroonians in the urban areas and 45.6% in the rural areas have no durable goods such as television, refrigerator, cookers; about 8.5% in the urban areas and 2% in the rural areas have a personal car, about 50% of Cameroonians have access to potable water, infant mortality is about 151 out of a 1000; 80% of Cameroonians are below poverty line. The percentage of 3-4 Cameroonians sharing a room is about 18.7%; the life expectancy is about 47 years as compared to about 74 in the western world. It is estimated that at least 15,786 students graduate from Cameroon’s six state universities annually and only about 2,951 of them finally gain employment in both public and private sectors. Is it not funny that people should lack jobs where everything has to be redone? Unemployment has led to high rate of prostitution banditry and feymanism. Nearly everyone wants to fall bush. How many Cameroonians can today say in good faith the words of the head of state “I am born a Cameroonian, I will live a Cameroonian and I will die a Cameroonian”?
As Lincoln is reputed to have said, “you can fool some people some time; you can fool all the people some of the time; but you cannot fool all the people all the time.” That is the reason why we must fight to put an end to such wanton plunder of our resources, the regression of our nation and the total neglect of Cameroonians. For us to breakthrough this mess, we need the energy of everyone. Let’s join hands to formulate a new order, to build a new Cameroon.
For this new Cameroon to be possible we need to:
-Adopt an aggressive industrialisation and export policies, strive to copy, to innovate, to invent and to buy designs abroad whenever we have difficulties.
-Develop economic nationalism; hard work and the desire to catch up with the industrial world. We must have a sense of saving for investment and the acceptance that enjoyment must be postponed; instead of using huge sum of money to buy conspicuous goods, we should use it to buy the technology used in manufacturing them. We should take great interest in the law of science which can be harnessed in the form of machinery to work and make profit on their behalf. An economy economy’s strength is measured using its productive capacity and not its capacity to import goods.
- We must sensitise the public on the disadvantages of sumptuous consumption and the advantages of investing in the agricultural and industrial domains of the economy.
- We must also have to encourage our elite to invest in the agricultural sector because the food production sector must flourish in order to feed its citizens and the surplus on it will generate industries.
The above are some of the policies we have to adopt if we want to march forward .Let’s work together as one person.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Marriage in Cameroon (BY Nanche Billa Robert )
Marriage in Cameroon
BY
Nanche Billa Robert
Douala Cameroon
Today the search for glamour and high profile husbands has destroyed the institution of marriage in Cameroon. Girls always think of a dream world thereby detaching themselves from their own reality. In Cameroon, especially in Douala where about 80.5% of the population lives in poverty, only very few people get married
47.5%, 31.7%, 5%, 5.4% and 4% of the population of Douala are married, single, divorcees, engaged, cohabiting. Those who are married are those having prestigious and high salary jobs. Most single people work in the informal and private sectors are students and unemployed. The more prestigious ones job is, the higher the likelihood that one will be married and the reverse will mean that one is single and is cohabiting.
Those who are affected are those <30-40 years old because they are seriously crushed by poverty.48% and 50% of those between 30-40years earn about 24,000-75,000frs and 75,000frs -125,000frs respectively which is far beyond the poverty-line of 177,000frs.Only 8%of those below 30 earn above the poverty line.
This is an indication that marriage is more of interest than sacrifice. Very few people will find a wife that will accept them with little or no interest. Your wife accepted and supported you up to what you are today. I hope that will be a lesson to our self-centred sisters. It is difficult to find a lady who will like to marry someone without having an ulterior interest. whenever there is money, one will be the best husband on earth and they will often say: “what will I have been without you” If in the course of their cohabitation or marriage, suffering strikes, she will make life miserable to the man and it is very common to hear utterances such as “You dirty man. What have you ever done for me? It is better to live in my father’s compound than to suffer here. When I took the decision to marry you I thought life would be better but I didn’t know that I was a fool». She will say over and over again “This marriage you want to contract with me will not work because we are not compatible”. Must compatibility be determined by money? That is the major reason why people especially men want to have a good job before engaging in a legal marriage. Very few women are willing to work together with their spouse in order to build together. They want to marry men only when the storm is over. I know of a lady who asked her partner to pay her for all the domestic works she had done for the time they had been together. You know what she gave him a bill of two million and said her month was worth 60,000frs. Where in Cameroon does a housemaid earn that sum? The child they had had she changed her name to her father’s name forgetting all what had happened in the past.
How is it possible for one to get married when ones partner doesn’t identify herself with what one is doing? Whenever one does something positive she thinks it is for oneself and not for the family as a whole. When she welcomes and treats her family members better than she will treat her partners’. Even when they are legally married some women still fail to identify themselves with their husband’s home. One still hears other saying that they have delivered children for their husbands as if the children are not theirs as well. It is only when women identify themselves as part of their husband’s home that we can have a stable marriage. When they feel for each other, when they hear each other heartbeat, when they share the joyful and timorous events of their partner’s life then can we have real blissful marital home. But when they continue to say “your mother” “your father” “your sister” instead of our mother, father and sister” there will not be veritable peace in the household. The Bible says when two people get married they become one therefore people must stop using discriminative words. What belongs to Adam must also be Eve’s. They must be together for what God has united nobody should put asunder
Young girls will prefer to go out with people who are older than their parents not because they love them but because they are sure that their daily bread and other needs will be guaranteed. You certainly know of the cases of mboma at our state universities. Prof Chinje: a Sociologist said, in the western world, in the first year university students observe each other and in the second year they approach each other and may even end up getting married to each other. It is the reverse at our state university where girls will prefer older persons than their own classmates certainly because their classmates having got the wherewithal. Today our sisters want to get married to albinos (whites) at all cost: they send them pictures in which they are stake naked. This is because they think they will have a better life if they are married to them. When they fail in their attempt to get what they want, they then desperately look for someone to hang on. However, there are a few women who are selfless and are willing to support whatever situation to make their marriage work. This category of women, who are difficult to come by, must be encouraged.
For marriage to be successful in Cameroon, we need a change of mentality: money can provide everything we need for our comfort but marriage is much more than that. Love should be the core of marriages and not money because of the vicissitude of life It needs people who understand each other and are ready to work together to achieve a common goal. Since the youth of our country is entrenched in poverty, very few engaged themselves in marriage. Less than four out of every ten young people in their thirties are married.
BY
Nanche Billa Robert
Douala Cameroon
Today the search for glamour and high profile husbands has destroyed the institution of marriage in Cameroon. Girls always think of a dream world thereby detaching themselves from their own reality. In Cameroon, especially in Douala where about 80.5% of the population lives in poverty, only very few people get married
47.5%, 31.7%, 5%, 5.4% and 4% of the population of Douala are married, single, divorcees, engaged, cohabiting. Those who are married are those having prestigious and high salary jobs. Most single people work in the informal and private sectors are students and unemployed. The more prestigious ones job is, the higher the likelihood that one will be married and the reverse will mean that one is single and is cohabiting.
Those who are affected are those <30-40 years old because they are seriously crushed by poverty.48% and 50% of those between 30-40years earn about 24,000-75,000frs and 75,000frs -125,000frs respectively which is far beyond the poverty-line of 177,000frs.Only 8%of those below 30 earn above the poverty line.
This is an indication that marriage is more of interest than sacrifice. Very few people will find a wife that will accept them with little or no interest. Your wife accepted and supported you up to what you are today. I hope that will be a lesson to our self-centred sisters. It is difficult to find a lady who will like to marry someone without having an ulterior interest. whenever there is money, one will be the best husband on earth and they will often say: “what will I have been without you” If in the course of their cohabitation or marriage, suffering strikes, she will make life miserable to the man and it is very common to hear utterances such as “You dirty man. What have you ever done for me? It is better to live in my father’s compound than to suffer here. When I took the decision to marry you I thought life would be better but I didn’t know that I was a fool». She will say over and over again “This marriage you want to contract with me will not work because we are not compatible”. Must compatibility be determined by money? That is the major reason why people especially men want to have a good job before engaging in a legal marriage. Very few women are willing to work together with their spouse in order to build together. They want to marry men only when the storm is over. I know of a lady who asked her partner to pay her for all the domestic works she had done for the time they had been together. You know what she gave him a bill of two million and said her month was worth 60,000frs. Where in Cameroon does a housemaid earn that sum? The child they had had she changed her name to her father’s name forgetting all what had happened in the past.
How is it possible for one to get married when ones partner doesn’t identify herself with what one is doing? Whenever one does something positive she thinks it is for oneself and not for the family as a whole. When she welcomes and treats her family members better than she will treat her partners’. Even when they are legally married some women still fail to identify themselves with their husband’s home. One still hears other saying that they have delivered children for their husbands as if the children are not theirs as well. It is only when women identify themselves as part of their husband’s home that we can have a stable marriage. When they feel for each other, when they hear each other heartbeat, when they share the joyful and timorous events of their partner’s life then can we have real blissful marital home. But when they continue to say “your mother” “your father” “your sister” instead of our mother, father and sister” there will not be veritable peace in the household. The Bible says when two people get married they become one therefore people must stop using discriminative words. What belongs to Adam must also be Eve’s. They must be together for what God has united nobody should put asunder
Young girls will prefer to go out with people who are older than their parents not because they love them but because they are sure that their daily bread and other needs will be guaranteed. You certainly know of the cases of mboma at our state universities. Prof Chinje: a Sociologist said, in the western world, in the first year university students observe each other and in the second year they approach each other and may even end up getting married to each other. It is the reverse at our state university where girls will prefer older persons than their own classmates certainly because their classmates having got the wherewithal. Today our sisters want to get married to albinos (whites) at all cost: they send them pictures in which they are stake naked. This is because they think they will have a better life if they are married to them. When they fail in their attempt to get what they want, they then desperately look for someone to hang on. However, there are a few women who are selfless and are willing to support whatever situation to make their marriage work. This category of women, who are difficult to come by, must be encouraged.
For marriage to be successful in Cameroon, we need a change of mentality: money can provide everything we need for our comfort but marriage is much more than that. Love should be the core of marriages and not money because of the vicissitude of life It needs people who understand each other and are ready to work together to achieve a common goal. Since the youth of our country is entrenched in poverty, very few engaged themselves in marriage. Less than four out of every ten young people in their thirties are married.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Ethnic politics
I know constructive criticism is what we all strive for and freedom of speech is not an excuse for anybody to say whatever they want without considering the implication of whatever they say. That said, nobody should prevent the other from expressing their views, because they are unconformable with what is being said. If we are not allowed to express ourselves in our house, where else are we going to be free? If those we have elected as our leaders are not treating us well, what do we expect from those who do not know us?
The truth must be spoken in love at all times even though it will make people uncomfortable. I agree with both of you, that we prefer talking behind people’s backs and not confronting them when given the opportunity to do so. It is deeply entrenched in our culture and anybody that does not toe the line is considered abnormal. Our leaders and elders are always right and are above reproach. “Little children are to be seen and not to be heard”. If I was born before you, I am always right and you must listen to me and not speak up. No doubt we grew up hearing that the youths are leaders of tomorrow, but most of us still have to wait for another century for a chance to become leaders.
Mr. Agendia, I agree with you that we do not need a minister from Lebailem for the needs of our area to be met. We have lived with this lie for a very long time and I think the time has come for us to face it head long. We have seen how little ministers from other parts of the country have benefited the common man. At their best their immediate family and close friends are those that benefit.
Why is our country where it is? Part of the reason is the manipulation of the masses under the pretext of regional balance. This policy reinforces “tribalism” resulting in a false sense of ethnicity. As such people lose sight of the broader picture and are prevented from asking the right questions. Therefore elections are not centered around issues, but on ethnic affiliations. That is why it is not surprise to hear that an election as important as the plebiscite was reduced to “will you vote for Foncha a Bamenda man or for Endeley a Bakweri man?
We are all aware of what the out come of the plebiscite is. Although we are still being told all is well and that nobody should complain or speak up. After all the problem is from the “came no goes” we have to send back to where they belong. How long are we going to play this ethnic card? I hear there is a lot of jubilation on the streets of Bamenda, because a son of the soil has been appointed the prime minister. Give me a break. Is he the first or the last Bamenda prime minister? Many have come and gone and we know the North West still has a very long way to go. I drove by the house of one of their former prime minister, who tarred the road from the dusty main road to his house. What a shame.
We will only get what we desire and expect. Politics of ethnic balance has kept us where we are. The colonial masters played that card and our leaders have mastered it very well. It sounds well and has the appearance of being the best option, but it is a deadly smoke screen used by those in power to manipulate, control and dominate the masses. The good news is this deceit will not go on forever. The time has come and now is the time to speak against such a blatant lie that has enslaved our people. Do not vote for somebody because he or she is your “country man” vote for them because they have the interest of Cameroon at heart.
The truth must be spoken in love at all times even though it will make people uncomfortable. I agree with both of you, that we prefer talking behind people’s backs and not confronting them when given the opportunity to do so. It is deeply entrenched in our culture and anybody that does not toe the line is considered abnormal. Our leaders and elders are always right and are above reproach. “Little children are to be seen and not to be heard”. If I was born before you, I am always right and you must listen to me and not speak up. No doubt we grew up hearing that the youths are leaders of tomorrow, but most of us still have to wait for another century for a chance to become leaders.
Mr. Agendia, I agree with you that we do not need a minister from Lebailem for the needs of our area to be met. We have lived with this lie for a very long time and I think the time has come for us to face it head long. We have seen how little ministers from other parts of the country have benefited the common man. At their best their immediate family and close friends are those that benefit.
Why is our country where it is? Part of the reason is the manipulation of the masses under the pretext of regional balance. This policy reinforces “tribalism” resulting in a false sense of ethnicity. As such people lose sight of the broader picture and are prevented from asking the right questions. Therefore elections are not centered around issues, but on ethnic affiliations. That is why it is not surprise to hear that an election as important as the plebiscite was reduced to “will you vote for Foncha a Bamenda man or for Endeley a Bakweri man?
We are all aware of what the out come of the plebiscite is. Although we are still being told all is well and that nobody should complain or speak up. After all the problem is from the “came no goes” we have to send back to where they belong. How long are we going to play this ethnic card? I hear there is a lot of jubilation on the streets of Bamenda, because a son of the soil has been appointed the prime minister. Give me a break. Is he the first or the last Bamenda prime minister? Many have come and gone and we know the North West still has a very long way to go. I drove by the house of one of their former prime minister, who tarred the road from the dusty main road to his house. What a shame.
We will only get what we desire and expect. Politics of ethnic balance has kept us where we are. The colonial masters played that card and our leaders have mastered it very well. It sounds well and has the appearance of being the best option, but it is a deadly smoke screen used by those in power to manipulate, control and dominate the masses. The good news is this deceit will not go on forever. The time has come and now is the time to speak against such a blatant lie that has enslaved our people. Do not vote for somebody because he or she is your “country man” vote for them because they have the interest of Cameroon at heart.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Breaking news. Cameroon gets new PM
Fuatabong Achaleke "You scratch my back, I scratch your own/ Politics na njangi" ". The real meaning is people are appointed to ministerial positions not only because they are qualified, but to reward those that scratched the backs of the powers that Be. This is done at the detriment of the country and the common man suffers as a result of that. It means the old guard will not be replaced until death do us part. It means the playing field does not need to be level, as long as we blindly support the ruling party. It means recycling the same people over and over, since these individuals are those who are actually scratching the back of the “big man”. It means the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual is the norm of the day. Since power is concentrated in the hands of a single individual who can do and undo everybody must dance to the tune that individual plays. You are not appointed to serve the people, but to appease the people. Appeasing the people helps maintain the present statuesque. Since those who are appointed do not know what will happen next, most of the time is spent taking care of their own wants. “Bellytics” becomes the norm of the day.
"You scratch my back, I scratch your own" is part of the problem and not the solution. Do those who claim are representing us actually do that? If they are representing us, why is it that they are not interested in leveling the playing field for all of us? I mean making sure that we have a good constitution that is respected by all. A constitution that sees beyond their time in office.
"You scratch my back, I scratch your own" is a faulty way of thinking and those propagating it can not be trusted. That is why those waiting for any benefits from such a flawed system are in for a very long wait.
Instead of asking for our own son or daughter to be appointed, we should be demanding for better laws and a level playing field for all. The interest of the entire country and its people irrespective of their political, religious or ethnic affiliation should determine appointments to all office in the land. Those appointed or elected should be those who are qualified and are willing to serve the people and not those who are only interested in scratching the backs of those who appointed them.
Does it surprise us that little is being done to move our country forward? Things will change when we stop operating by the principle of "You scratch my back, I scratch your own". For this principle is pregnant with a lot of deceit and is an instrument of manipulation, domination and control. No good is going to come out of this. At its best "You scratch my back, I scratch your own" will benefit a few individuals and those closest to them.
"You scratch my back, I scratch your own" is part of the problem and not the solution. Do those who claim are representing us actually do that? If they are representing us, why is it that they are not interested in leveling the playing field for all of us? I mean making sure that we have a good constitution that is respected by all. A constitution that sees beyond their time in office.
"You scratch my back, I scratch your own" is a faulty way of thinking and those propagating it can not be trusted. That is why those waiting for any benefits from such a flawed system are in for a very long wait.
Instead of asking for our own son or daughter to be appointed, we should be demanding for better laws and a level playing field for all. The interest of the entire country and its people irrespective of their political, religious or ethnic affiliation should determine appointments to all office in the land. Those appointed or elected should be those who are qualified and are willing to serve the people and not those who are only interested in scratching the backs of those who appointed them.
Does it surprise us that little is being done to move our country forward? Things will change when we stop operating by the principle of "You scratch my back, I scratch your own". For this principle is pregnant with a lot of deceit and is an instrument of manipulation, domination and control. No good is going to come out of this. At its best "You scratch my back, I scratch your own" will benefit a few individuals and those closest to them.
Monday, June 29, 2009
The end justifies the means
This picture speaks volumes about the state of our country and how most people approach live in Cameroon.
Let us not be quick to pass judgment on this "creative rider" who has successfully looked for a way to maximize his bike. For he is operating on the principle of everything goes that is very prevalent in Cameroon and amongst many Cameroonians. Yes everything goes and laws do not matter. If I want to get a job, I will do all in my power to get that job. I will bribe the "big man" and if it means I have to go out will him then let it be. If I find myself out of the country and have difficulties obtaining papers, I will lie about the state of the country and seek for political asylum. Money speaks and those who have money do not necessary have to obey the law. Elections are for those in power to win perpetually. The ruling party always wins. Once chairman, you are chairman for life. One man one vote is a strange concept. The end justifies the means.
Yes, the end justifies the means. In this case what matters is that the rider of the bike wants to move his six passengers from point A to point B. Put your self in the man's shoes. He is saving time, money and maximizing profit. What is wrong in it? Is he not riding his bike that he bought with his hard earned money? The children may be his children. If yes, is he not having the right to carry his own children in anyway he sees fit? Even if the children are not his, another adult must have instructed him to carry the children. What is wrong if two consenting adults decide and agree to do something?
Mr. Chris Ajua says. " I call this mode of transportation: "Unsafe At Any Speed!" So many traffic laws are being broken here and I feel something should be done about it".
I hear him say laws are being broken. Therefore the action of the rider has turned an otherwise safe mode of transportation into a hazardous mode of transportation. When societal laws are broken, the society becomes unsafe for everybody. As such all laws of society must be obeyed by everyone for us to be safe. We have to stop operating by the principle of “everything goes” for the truth is that everything does not go. We must stop rationalizing our disregard for the laws of the land, for two wrongs can not make a right. Therefore the end does not always justify the means. How do we expect to come out of the present quark mire the country is in, if we insist on operating by the faulty principles?
We are talking about the owner of this bike, because he is broking the law in the open. How many of us are different from him? You may be fast to say, your action did not endanger anybody. You did what you did because you had to survive. I have one question for you. Did your dire circumstances force you to break the law? I have not asked, is everyone else doing the same thing that you were “forced” to do? When you break the law, no matter how small it is, you are placing others in harms way. For your action is encouraging others to break other parts of the law. At the end of the day most parts of the law are broken and in some cases the whole law is broken and the resulting consequence is a broken system.
A system where nothing works. A system where without a “God Father” qualified graduates can not get jobs. Hard working students do not get the grades they deserve, but grades are giving to their mates who go out with their teachers. Basic medical facilities, roads, schools, etc are lacking because some contractor, had to oil the lips of numerous “big men”. A system were "man know man "is the norm.
What is the need waiting for your turn when the man at the counter is your friend etc. No doubt there is so much confusion and infighting in the country. No doubt we are overwhelmed by the hopeless surrounding us. The US ambassador recently echoed this in her speech. We have given up all hope. Are we waiting for a messiah to come bail us out? There is no messiah. We can not keep breaking the laws of our land and expect the country to prosper. How can there be stability when our constitution is changed whenever the powers that be deem it necessary to modify the constitution to benefit them? We must level the playing filed for every Cameroonian and make sure our laws are not seasonal.
Our only hope is the rule of law and not a new political ideology. We have to start obeying the law and encouraging others to do same. We must denounce those who break our laws, instead of sitting them on the high table, because they have built a big house and came to the occasion in the latest car. Are we not aware that it is questionable, when a civil servant of certain category amasses a certain amount of wealth?
Let the change begin with you.
Monday, June 22, 2009
U.S. Ambassador Janet E. Garvey: Cameroonians Should Take Ownership of their Country
Remarks by the U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon H.E. Janet E. Garvey To the American Chamber of Commerce - Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Good afternoon, and thank you for inviting me to address you this afternoon.
I am always happy to come speak to the American Chamber of Commerce because you all always eat so much better than we do in Yaounde!
Truly, though, I am always excited to attend these meetings because it offers me the opportunity to meet with you, to hear about the successes of American business in Cameroon and, of course, to hear about the challenges you face.
And I do not need to tell you that these are challenging times. Sometimes the news is slow to travel from the center of activity here in Douala to Yaounde, but I can assure you that officials in Yaounde are now recognizing just how much the global economic crisis will affect Cameroon, Cameroonian households, Cameroonian companies, and the government’s ability to implement its ambitious agenda, known as Vision 2035.
You may recall that at one point some months ago, there were those in Cameroon who said that the crisis would not have an impact in Cameroon, that Cameroon was insulated from the financial crisis because Cameroonian institutions were not linked into the global financial system.
Some of these same voices are now complaining that Cameroon is suffering from an economic crisis it did not create. They say Cameroon’s economic woes are not Cameroon’s fault; they say Cameroon’s economic problems are someone else’s responsibility.
It is certainly true that Cameroon did not “create” the global economic crisis. And I think we all recognize that U.S. economic problems have had a broad-reaching impact. President Obama has spoken about the failure of responsibility in managing the U.S. economy, and he has called for a “new era of responsibility” in the United States.
In his inaugural address to the nation, Obama said:
"What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition on the part of every American that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task."
President Obama has returned repeatedly to the theme of responsibility. He did so again last week, in his speech in Cairo. He has not sought to find excuses or scapegoats for the economic crisis and he has emphasized that we each bear responsibility for our own lives.
So how would we apply this call for responsibility to Cameroon?
First, we should be adamant that poor management decisions and irresponsibility in the U.S. do not excuse poor management decisions and irresponsibility in other countries, including in Cameroon.
A message of responsibility in Cameroon would emphasize that Cameroonians- -in government, in business, in civil society--are ultimately responsible for the destiny of their country.
On the economic front, Cameroonians have the ability to make their economy more diverse and less dependent on oil revenues. Cameroonians have the ability to orient the economy towards its neighbors, to protect it from the inevitable swings in the global economy and commodity prices. Cameroonians have the ability to demand that their budget be transparent and well-spent.
For the last several years, the Cameroonian Government has spent less than 75% of the money it has budgeted for investment. The money is there, the needs exist, so why are these funds not being spent and, more importantly, what are Cameroonians in and out of the government doing to change the situation?
The World Bank’s Doing Business report has shown that the business climate in Cameroon has gotten worse over each of the last few years, at the same time that Cameroon’s peers were making tremendous improvements. This trend cannot be blamed on the economic crisis!
All this is to say that, if the economic crisis is beyond Cameroonians’ control, no one but Cameroonians can take responsibility for Cameroon’s economy. In my view, there are steps that Cameroon can take, of its own accord, to strengthen the economy during these difficult times and to prepare it for the economic rebound when it does happen.
And the rebound will happen. That is something I think many people miss. The time to think about the economic crisis is not now. Now, it is too late. The time to think about this crisis, in Washington and in Yaounde, was five years ago, when prices were high. Now is the time we should be thinking about the rebound. In Cameroon, that means thinking about how to position Cameroon to benefit from the rebound when it occurs, because it most certainly will. The price for aluminum will likely rise again. The demand for timber will rise again. The demand for rubber will rise again. What are Cameroonians doing, now, to prepare to be sure Cameroon is well-positioned for the next five years?
Cameroonians can influence the policies their government enacts to shape the economy. Cameroonians can control their country’s preparedness to take advantage of global economic good times and to ride out global economic bad times.
Notice I say “Cameroonians” and not “the Government of Cameroon.” I am saying that on purpose, to emphasize the fact that Cameroonians are the master of their own destiny. We all know the imperfections of Cameroon’s democracy, which I will not dwell on today. Nevertheless, the Government is responsive, even if imperfectly, to the demands of Cameroonian stakeholders, whether they be university students, labor unions, taxi drivers, or the business community, which includes you, the American Chamber of Commerce.
Too often, people coming to the Embassy ask us what we are doing to fight corruption, to build roads, to improve infrastructure and education.
I will increasingly respond with a question of my own: What are you doing? What is the American Chamber of Commerce doing to make its views known to the Government regarding the pressing need for infrastructure improvements?
You will notice a common theme in the public statements that I and other U.S. officials will make in Cameroon over the coming year. We are going to focus on this theme, that Cameroon belongs to Cameroonians, that Cameroonians possess the power to shape the course of their own nation, that Cameroonians should stop talking about their country as though it is separate from them, their government as though it is not their own.
Often, when the Government of Cameroon takes a particular decision, we receive phone calls, emails, letters and personal entreaties asking us to pressure the Government of Cameroon to change its decision or to take a new decision.
Cameroonians call on the U.S. Embassy as though we are the appropriate way to influence their own government, as though we should be the ones to speak and act for them.
That is not to say that we do not take an interest in the challenges that confront the Cameroonian people. We are proud of the strong and growing friendship between Cameroon and the United States.
But the biggest obstacle to Cameroon’s development, the biggest obstacle that prevents Cameroon from achieving its full potential, is Cameroonians’ lack of ownership for their own nation, their own government, their own communities.
This is not a dilemma unique to Cameroon. Barack Obama reenergized the United States with his determined insistence that “Yes, We Can.” “Yes, We Can” is more than a partisan political slogan, and its significance is more lasting than a presidential campaign. It is an affirmation of hope, of responsibility, of ownership. When we say “yes, we can,” it means also, that yes, we should, and yes, we will.
I am troubled by the spirit of resignation, almost of despair, that seems to prevail among many of my Cameroonian friends these days. Like everyone else in Cameroon, I was disappointed that the Indomitable Lions did not notch a victory in Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium last Sunday. But I was amazed to see how many people were ready to give up, to say that it is all over, that Cameroon is finished. There are still four games remaining, and Cameroon’s prospects are still very much alive. I am looking forward to the next match, with a spirit of “Yes, We Can!”, and I believe Cameroon should still be aiming to be a part of the World Cup next year in South Africa. I hope that Cameroonians—the players on the pitch and the supporters cheering them on—will adopt the same attitude, not just for football, but for all of the challenges that confront Cameroon today.
I know the obstacles that exist in Cameroon as they do in every country around the world. After almost two years in Cameroon, I know about the problems, but the problems do not interest me any longer. I am more interested in learning what Cameroonians have in mind as solutions, how Cameroonians intend to take charge of their country’s destiny.
It was the great American businessman, Henry Ford, who said “Whether you think you can, or think you cannot, you will be right.”
This is a message I hope to deliver throughout Cameroon over the coming months, and I deliver to the American Chamber of Commerce today.
Your membership represents diverse nationalities and a broad range of sectors, but you have a shared stake in the future of Cameroon and a shared responsibility to do what you can to help Cameroon recognize its potential.
The global economic crisis has, in fact, presented you with an opportunity that I hope you will seize. With a renewed focus on how to jumpstart economic growth and create jobs, Cameroonian decision makers will be more open than ever to the recommendations of the business community. The AMCHAM, this room, is filled with leaders who possess invaluable knowledge, who can provide wise advice about what steps are needed to put Cameroon on better economic footing. What are you doing to be sure your wisdom is heard? What are you doing to be sure Cameroon is better positioned for the next global economic swing, whatever it may be?
I will admit: I am not coming to you with solutions. I am coming instead with a call to action. The AMCHAM has a responsibility to advance American business interests in Cameroon, but that entails a broader responsibility, to help Cameroon recognize its potential as a leader in the region. The AMCHAM can play a crucial role in shaping Cameroon’s future for the better. I hope you all will take on that responsibility. Thank you.
Originally published on the US Embassy website
Good afternoon, and thank you for inviting me to address you this afternoon.
I am always happy to come speak to the American Chamber of Commerce because you all always eat so much better than we do in Yaounde!
Truly, though, I am always excited to attend these meetings because it offers me the opportunity to meet with you, to hear about the successes of American business in Cameroon and, of course, to hear about the challenges you face.
And I do not need to tell you that these are challenging times. Sometimes the news is slow to travel from the center of activity here in Douala to Yaounde, but I can assure you that officials in Yaounde are now recognizing just how much the global economic crisis will affect Cameroon, Cameroonian households, Cameroonian companies, and the government’s ability to implement its ambitious agenda, known as Vision 2035.
You may recall that at one point some months ago, there were those in Cameroon who said that the crisis would not have an impact in Cameroon, that Cameroon was insulated from the financial crisis because Cameroonian institutions were not linked into the global financial system.
Some of these same voices are now complaining that Cameroon is suffering from an economic crisis it did not create. They say Cameroon’s economic woes are not Cameroon’s fault; they say Cameroon’s economic problems are someone else’s responsibility.
It is certainly true that Cameroon did not “create” the global economic crisis. And I think we all recognize that U.S. economic problems have had a broad-reaching impact. President Obama has spoken about the failure of responsibility in managing the U.S. economy, and he has called for a “new era of responsibility” in the United States.
In his inaugural address to the nation, Obama said:
"What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition on the part of every American that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task."
President Obama has returned repeatedly to the theme of responsibility. He did so again last week, in his speech in Cairo. He has not sought to find excuses or scapegoats for the economic crisis and he has emphasized that we each bear responsibility for our own lives.
So how would we apply this call for responsibility to Cameroon?
First, we should be adamant that poor management decisions and irresponsibility in the U.S. do not excuse poor management decisions and irresponsibility in other countries, including in Cameroon.
A message of responsibility in Cameroon would emphasize that Cameroonians- -in government, in business, in civil society--are ultimately responsible for the destiny of their country.
On the economic front, Cameroonians have the ability to make their economy more diverse and less dependent on oil revenues. Cameroonians have the ability to orient the economy towards its neighbors, to protect it from the inevitable swings in the global economy and commodity prices. Cameroonians have the ability to demand that their budget be transparent and well-spent.
For the last several years, the Cameroonian Government has spent less than 75% of the money it has budgeted for investment. The money is there, the needs exist, so why are these funds not being spent and, more importantly, what are Cameroonians in and out of the government doing to change the situation?
The World Bank’s Doing Business report has shown that the business climate in Cameroon has gotten worse over each of the last few years, at the same time that Cameroon’s peers were making tremendous improvements. This trend cannot be blamed on the economic crisis!
All this is to say that, if the economic crisis is beyond Cameroonians’ control, no one but Cameroonians can take responsibility for Cameroon’s economy. In my view, there are steps that Cameroon can take, of its own accord, to strengthen the economy during these difficult times and to prepare it for the economic rebound when it does happen.
And the rebound will happen. That is something I think many people miss. The time to think about the economic crisis is not now. Now, it is too late. The time to think about this crisis, in Washington and in Yaounde, was five years ago, when prices were high. Now is the time we should be thinking about the rebound. In Cameroon, that means thinking about how to position Cameroon to benefit from the rebound when it occurs, because it most certainly will. The price for aluminum will likely rise again. The demand for timber will rise again. The demand for rubber will rise again. What are Cameroonians doing, now, to prepare to be sure Cameroon is well-positioned for the next five years?
Cameroonians can influence the policies their government enacts to shape the economy. Cameroonians can control their country’s preparedness to take advantage of global economic good times and to ride out global economic bad times.
Notice I say “Cameroonians” and not “the Government of Cameroon.” I am saying that on purpose, to emphasize the fact that Cameroonians are the master of their own destiny. We all know the imperfections of Cameroon’s democracy, which I will not dwell on today. Nevertheless, the Government is responsive, even if imperfectly, to the demands of Cameroonian stakeholders, whether they be university students, labor unions, taxi drivers, or the business community, which includes you, the American Chamber of Commerce.
Too often, people coming to the Embassy ask us what we are doing to fight corruption, to build roads, to improve infrastructure and education.
I will increasingly respond with a question of my own: What are you doing? What is the American Chamber of Commerce doing to make its views known to the Government regarding the pressing need for infrastructure improvements?
You will notice a common theme in the public statements that I and other U.S. officials will make in Cameroon over the coming year. We are going to focus on this theme, that Cameroon belongs to Cameroonians, that Cameroonians possess the power to shape the course of their own nation, that Cameroonians should stop talking about their country as though it is separate from them, their government as though it is not their own.
Often, when the Government of Cameroon takes a particular decision, we receive phone calls, emails, letters and personal entreaties asking us to pressure the Government of Cameroon to change its decision or to take a new decision.
Cameroonians call on the U.S. Embassy as though we are the appropriate way to influence their own government, as though we should be the ones to speak and act for them.
That is not to say that we do not take an interest in the challenges that confront the Cameroonian people. We are proud of the strong and growing friendship between Cameroon and the United States.
But the biggest obstacle to Cameroon’s development, the biggest obstacle that prevents Cameroon from achieving its full potential, is Cameroonians’ lack of ownership for their own nation, their own government, their own communities.
This is not a dilemma unique to Cameroon. Barack Obama reenergized the United States with his determined insistence that “Yes, We Can.” “Yes, We Can” is more than a partisan political slogan, and its significance is more lasting than a presidential campaign. It is an affirmation of hope, of responsibility, of ownership. When we say “yes, we can,” it means also, that yes, we should, and yes, we will.
I am troubled by the spirit of resignation, almost of despair, that seems to prevail among many of my Cameroonian friends these days. Like everyone else in Cameroon, I was disappointed that the Indomitable Lions did not notch a victory in Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium last Sunday. But I was amazed to see how many people were ready to give up, to say that it is all over, that Cameroon is finished. There are still four games remaining, and Cameroon’s prospects are still very much alive. I am looking forward to the next match, with a spirit of “Yes, We Can!”, and I believe Cameroon should still be aiming to be a part of the World Cup next year in South Africa. I hope that Cameroonians—the players on the pitch and the supporters cheering them on—will adopt the same attitude, not just for football, but for all of the challenges that confront Cameroon today.
I know the obstacles that exist in Cameroon as they do in every country around the world. After almost two years in Cameroon, I know about the problems, but the problems do not interest me any longer. I am more interested in learning what Cameroonians have in mind as solutions, how Cameroonians intend to take charge of their country’s destiny.
It was the great American businessman, Henry Ford, who said “Whether you think you can, or think you cannot, you will be right.”
This is a message I hope to deliver throughout Cameroon over the coming months, and I deliver to the American Chamber of Commerce today.
Your membership represents diverse nationalities and a broad range of sectors, but you have a shared stake in the future of Cameroon and a shared responsibility to do what you can to help Cameroon recognize its potential.
The global economic crisis has, in fact, presented you with an opportunity that I hope you will seize. With a renewed focus on how to jumpstart economic growth and create jobs, Cameroonian decision makers will be more open than ever to the recommendations of the business community. The AMCHAM, this room, is filled with leaders who possess invaluable knowledge, who can provide wise advice about what steps are needed to put Cameroon on better economic footing. What are you doing to be sure your wisdom is heard? What are you doing to be sure Cameroon is better positioned for the next global economic swing, whatever it may be?
I will admit: I am not coming to you with solutions. I am coming instead with a call to action. The AMCHAM has a responsibility to advance American business interests in Cameroon, but that entails a broader responsibility, to help Cameroon recognize its potential as a leader in the region. The AMCHAM can play a crucial role in shaping Cameroon’s future for the better. I hope you all will take on that responsibility. Thank you.
Originally published on the US Embassy website
Saturday, June 13, 2009
The Douala Supreme court hits hard on embezzlement case: Siyam Siewe gets a life sentence
The Douala Supreme court hits hard on embezzlement case: Siyam Siewe gets a life sentence
12/06/2009 The former General Manager of the Doula Ports Authority and three others have been sentenced to life in prison.
The verdict came at about 8:30 PM yesterday 11th of June 2009 at the Douala Appeals Court. The court also confirmed the 15 year sentence given to the former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Port Authority, Edouard Nathanael Etonde Ekotto while the former Deputy General Manager, Simon Pierre Ewondo Noah who was earlier sentenced to ten years in prison shall now serve fifteen years.
Siyam Siewe was appealing a 30 year prison sentence handed down by the Wouri Court of First Instance on 13th of December 2007.
Judgment was overturned for nine of the thirteen accused during the said trial; eight received very severe sentences but for Teguel Maurice, an army officer who was sentenced to one year in jail though absent from the court proceedings yesterday.
This second verdict concerning the State of Cameroon and Ports Authority against Alphonse Siyam Siewe former General Manager was read out in a tense atmosphere.
To ensure order in case of an eventuality, about 150 gendarmes and police officers were put on duty.
Some members of the Bar Council were outraged at the sentencing of Etienne Abessolo, a lawyer amongst the accused. This is the final verdict;
1. Alphonse Siyam Siewe; life in prison
2. Assana Mba’a Thomson; life in prison
3. Kandem Bathelemy; life in prison
4. Siewe Nintcheu; 25 years
5. Etienne Abessolo; 15 years
6. Edouard Nathanael Etonde Ekotto; 15 years
7. Simon Pierre Ewodo Noah; 15 years
8. Babila Tita; 15 years
9. Martin Zibi; 15 years
10. Cheukam Marie epouse Tchatcho; 15 years
11. Faustin Dingana; 15 years
12. Wensitcheu Nincheu; 15 years
13. Teguel Maurice; 1 year
Apart from the time in jail, they have been ordered to pay 75 378 308 010 francs in damages.
Alphonse Siyam Siewe who is former General Manager of the Ports Authorities has also been Minister of Water and Energy.
Pamela Bidjocka, Editor
12/06/2009 The former General Manager of the Doula Ports Authority and three others have been sentenced to life in prison.
The verdict came at about 8:30 PM yesterday 11th of June 2009 at the Douala Appeals Court. The court also confirmed the 15 year sentence given to the former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Port Authority, Edouard Nathanael Etonde Ekotto while the former Deputy General Manager, Simon Pierre Ewondo Noah who was earlier sentenced to ten years in prison shall now serve fifteen years.
Siyam Siewe was appealing a 30 year prison sentence handed down by the Wouri Court of First Instance on 13th of December 2007.
Judgment was overturned for nine of the thirteen accused during the said trial; eight received very severe sentences but for Teguel Maurice, an army officer who was sentenced to one year in jail though absent from the court proceedings yesterday.
This second verdict concerning the State of Cameroon and Ports Authority against Alphonse Siyam Siewe former General Manager was read out in a tense atmosphere.
To ensure order in case of an eventuality, about 150 gendarmes and police officers were put on duty.
Some members of the Bar Council were outraged at the sentencing of Etienne Abessolo, a lawyer amongst the accused. This is the final verdict;
1. Alphonse Siyam Siewe; life in prison
2. Assana Mba’a Thomson; life in prison
3. Kandem Bathelemy; life in prison
4. Siewe Nintcheu; 25 years
5. Etienne Abessolo; 15 years
6. Edouard Nathanael Etonde Ekotto; 15 years
7. Simon Pierre Ewodo Noah; 15 years
8. Babila Tita; 15 years
9. Martin Zibi; 15 years
10. Cheukam Marie epouse Tchatcho; 15 years
11. Faustin Dingana; 15 years
12. Wensitcheu Nincheu; 15 years
13. Teguel Maurice; 1 year
Apart from the time in jail, they have been ordered to pay 75 378 308 010 francs in damages.
Alphonse Siyam Siewe who is former General Manager of the Ports Authorities has also been Minister of Water and Energy.
Pamela Bidjocka, Editor
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