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| Cameroon Flag |
John Fru Ndi proved to Cameroonians that there could be a viable opposition to the ruling CPDM. But then he too became caught up in the same trap that has held Mr Biya Paul since 1982, the sweet taste of power.
His party the SDF has seen an exodus of some of the brightest and most stimulating individuals who gave the SDF its appeal. The SDF has now been reduced to a spitting image of the CPDM with rival fiefdoms and an intractable Chairman, Ni Fru Ndi.
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| Ms. KAH WALLA: Ready to take on Paul Biya |
On the other hand, Mr Biya of late has basically been shooting himself in the leg. When he came to power in 1982, he had the goodwill of the people and he meant good for the country. His appointments for ministerial positions were some of the most astute in their respective fields.
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| Unity Palace, Etoudi, Yaounde |
Alas, he failed to keep close watch on them and so the thieving started. No sanctions were meted out and corruption became institutionalized. Some individuals accumulated so much wealth, it was a cause for concern. So the witch hunting known as
"Operation Epervier" was launched.
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| KAH WALLA: Leading Presidential Candidate in CAMEROON |
It gave the legal framework to take down the most pompous and recalcitrant offenders who posed a threat to the Biya regime. No one was too big or too rich. From the multinational
Fotso agro-industrial empire to close collaborators like Atangana Mebara, the well connected like former ambassador to the USA
Jerome Mendouga.
Now, most ministers or Directors General of parastatals quietly wish for change. No one likes uncertainty to hang over them round the clock. Biya's actions seem erratic - almost like that of someone who is afraid of his own shadow.
If Kah Walla can line up one or two heavyweights from the Western and North or Extreme north regions of the country, she will stand a very good chance of ousting Mr Biya. Most of the Christian South, North West and South West regions support her campaign.
The outpouring of
support for her platform is testament to the feelings of most Cameroonians. Change is needed, and Cameroon badly needs fundamental policy updates to make it competitive on the global stage in the 21st century.
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| KAH WALLA: Presidential Candidate, CAMEROON 2011 |
Kah Walla has an earthy connection with the people.
She is on Facebook. She knows how to organize from the grassroots. She is at home whether lobbying on behalf or rural women in Paris, London, Washington DC, or in Marche Mokolo in Yaounde working with local traders known as Buyam-Sellam on how to get the most money for their produce.
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| CAMEROON 2011: Paul Biya and late President Ahmadou Ahidjo |
Elections are all about organizing and getting the people out to vote. This will be the biggest test to date of Ms Walla's organizational skills. She is up to the task, and Cameroon is all the better for it.
