Paul Biya-Fru Ndi Alliance, Epervier, Albatross, Fotso, Mebara, Inoni, Kah Walla, Hon. Ayah Paul, - the saga continues...

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The presidential aircraft whose botched acquisition has sent many top ranking government officials behind bars in Cameroon has disappeared from the public view in the country. But what became of this infamous aircraft. Here is a quick photo presentation of a brief history and where it is today.


Please note the copyrights belong to the respective holders and are visible at the bottom of each photograph.


Enjoy....

 April 24 2004, with Cameroon's Presidential couple Paul Biya and Chantal Biya on board. This is the fateful flight when the 'Albatross", the newly acquired presidential jet almost crashed en-route to Paris - ORLY. This historic shot was immortalized by aviation enthusiast Stephane Gimard. It is such an unlikely shot that may never have happened. The aircraft returned empty to Yaounde and was hastily sent back to the owner. President Paul Biya and Chantal Biya left France on a leased aircraft to return to Yaounde, Cameroon.

 The two shots above show what the cockpit of the "Albatross" looks like. It had just landed. At the time it belonged to the airline TRANSBRAZIL

Just before acquisition by the Cameroon government, the aircraft belonged to Air Madagascar. It is possible it suffered a fire to the left engine, and in this photo, you can see the engine is missing. It is at a repair facility in California, USA

 This 2005 Photograph taken in Atlanta, USA, shows the aircraft after it had been returned by the government f the republic of Cameroon to its owners. Notice the tail registration has been changed to a US FAA number.

 Another view of the "ALBATROSS" after rejection by the government of Cameroon

View of the cockpit of the "ALBATROSS". Notice the yellow light indicating failure of the Transponder.

 Work in progress before sale to the government of Cameroon. Notice missing left engine.

 A view of the instrument panel of the "ALBATROSS"

Notice left engine fire system has been acticated in this shot. Picture was taken while the aircraft was being refurbished in the USA for sale to Paul Biya of Cameroon.

 View of the interior of the "ALBATROSS"

 After it was returned by the Cameroon government, it flew for a while as a Charter aircraft. Here, it is seen in England flying for FLYJET. Photograph was taken in 2006

January 2010, it is seen in long term storage in the California sun, USA. Notice the engines have been removed and the windows sealed to protect both the interior of the aircraft and the exterior finish. This was after a stint with budget carrier SILVERJET.

And here is what the "ALBATROSS" looks like today. Flying for the government of Djibouti. It would have been doing the same duty for the Republic of Cameroon, instead, its story brings sad memories to the Fotsos, the Mebaras, the Mendoungas, and many others who have been disgraced by their sheer graft and outright corruption that almost cost the lives of the first family of Cameroon.

Who is using Cameroon's Presidential JET - The Swallow ( TJ-AAW)

More pictures and dates of TJ-AAW can be seen here...

 

 

Cameroon's president has of late been using chartered jets to travel, yet, the country has two perfectly functional long range jets for official use.

 

 

Both jets were acquired brand new, under the former Ahidjo regime. They are a Boeing 727 with call name TJ-AAM (Tango Juliet Alpha Alpha Mike) and a Gulfstream Aerospace G-III, call name TJ-AAW (Tango Juliet Alpha Alpha Whiskey).

These jets are no longer seen in public, and most Cameroonians think they are too old or broken down. Reality could not be any stranger. Come to think of it. Both jets are alive and have been cruising the skies. Their new home seems to be - GENEVA in Switzerland. For those who may not be up to speed, this is where the president of Cameroon has elected residence and most likely will retire, in total luxury while the people whose taxpayer money goes to fund his lavish jet-setting lifestyle languish in abject poverty.

 

Also note that most of the dates the jets are in Switzerland do not correspond to any official trips of the Head of State Paul Biya, or his new best friend, Ni Fru Ndi.

So now to the question no one seems to want to ask, what in the world is the Presidential jet of the Republic of Cameroon doing all the time in Switzerland, while close collaborators of the president languish in jail because of a purported botched jet deal.

That question is up for debate.

Herewith are some choice shots of where the petrodollars from KRIBI and BAKASSI are going, while the people cry for roads, schools and Health Centers.

Photos belong to the respective copyright holders.

October 1, 2010 Geneva, Switzerland

More pictures here....

Kah Walla, Hon. Ayah Paul Abine: Getting heard after Biya - Fru Ndi Alliance

The sudden overt friendship between Fru Ndi and Paul Biya, erstwhile at both ends of the political spectrum in Cameroon, seems to have stunned many observers.

So while the potential voters soak in the images coming out of Bamenda, Yaounde, and now Ebolowa, it seems the voice of other opposition to the Biya regime has been drowned out.

So, what can leading opposition figures like the Hon. Paul Ayah and Kah Walla do to take back the thunder from the Fru Ndi-Biya Alliance.

For one, they have to keep communicating with their base. Kah Walla made a recent visit to many European countries and the USA. But just like Alassane Ouattara in Cote d'Ivoire, being the darling of foreign powers does not necessarily an election winner make.

So, her reach within her key constituents - the Buyam Sellams and Bend Skin Riders is still weak, and not far reaching enough to put a dent in a Fru Ndi-Biya Alliance. She also needs some showmanship to spice up her road show, and make up for her lack of charisma. Riding a bike in the midst of Bendskinners in Rond Point Deido, Douala or dancing Makossa with Nanga Mbokos will do wonders for her credibility amongst these key groups.

For the Hon. Paul Ayah, he has a very loyal and dedicated constituency. To bring his philosophy to the grassroots and steal some of the thunder from the Fru Ndi-Biya Alliance, he will need to organize more outreach events so that he can mingle with his constituents and directly tell them his plans for the nation.

Then next few days will be very interesting in presidential politics, as South Westerners wait in anticipation of one of their own filling the seat of Prime minister and head of government, and the SDF awaits on its first entry into government since the party was created some two decades ago.
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President Laurent Gbagbo of Cote d'Ivoire: In God he trusts

Cote d'Ivoire's embattled president Laurent Gbagbo, continues to rule the country, despite international calls for him to hand over power to Alassane Ouattara, proclaimed by the independent electoral council as winner of the recent presidential elections.

So Cote d'Ivoire plods on, with two presidents, and rival governments, the imcumbent in the presidential palace and Alassane Ouattara in a luxury hotel in the capital city of Abidjan.

With a stalemate that has dragged on for more than a month now, it seems the one who makes the most noise will end up running the country.

Posturing, by the two (Gbagbo and Ouattara) or their proxies is taking place in Paris, Brussels, Addis Ababa, New York, and other capitals all over the world. Messages are put out as to why each candidate is better than the other for the people of Cote d'Ivoire.

A new twist to this unfolding drama has been the use of God, chiefly by the Gbagbo camp to legitimize his claim to power. The reasoning backing this claim is that power is sacred, and God-given. As such, only God can take away power, not voters through the ballot box or otherwise.

The one spearheading this campaign for the Gbagbos is none other than Simone Gbagbo, wife of the embattled Laurent Gbagbo who is incumbent president.

This self-proclaimed preacher tells whoever may listen that her husband has been chosen by God to lead Cote d'Ivoire.

Her antics smack of a certain Charles Taylor from Liberia, now undergoing trial at the special tribunal for war crimes for the Sierra Leone in The Hague Netherlands.

In the waning days of his rule, Charles Taylor invoked the word of God every chance he got. It held the people at bay. Whole swaths of the countryside was mesmerized by equating the word of Charles Taylor with those culled from the Holy Scripture. He adopted a "Holier than Thou Attitude".

Another habit that these self-proclaimed men of God love is to dress in all-white garb. As if to prove to the whole world the purity of their hearts or intentions, they insist on wearing all white clothes. It was the case with Charles Taylor in the last days of his regime. Gbagbo is not on his way out yet, but his dressing suggests he has taken a page from the playbook of Charles Taylor.

Now, are these tactics useful? Do they work? To put this question in context, we have to recall that West Africa is chocked full of many unemployed youth. These are the same who take to the streets when it is time for protests. It matters to channel the energy and focus of these young people into something abstract, such as religion. That way, any ill that befall them or their loved ones can be blamed on the hand of the devil - or in the case of Mssrs Taylor and Gbagbo, the opposition and International community.

Religious activism is the new frontier of crowd control of sub Saharan strongmen. It won't be too long before we see some of them facing reelection become self-proclaimed evangelical Pastors.

Watch Paul Biya and Ni Fru Ndi of Cameroon closely. They may soon ditch the Catholic Church, to connect more in an organic fashion with the masses in one large evangelical party, a sort of political campaign- cum -religious experience, and at the end of the sermon, the man in white who will be the master of the people's palace, will still be the same old African dictator, but in sheep's clothing.
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Paul Biya - Fru Ndi: Absence of Opposition in Cameroon with Presidential Elections Looming

Merely days after testing the waters as to the receptiveness of the Cameroonian people to an alliance with the ruling regime's CPDM party, Fru Ndi, the erstwhile opposition leader of Cameroon is at it once more with embattled president Paul Biya.

The two former rivals, after fending off dissent within their camps, are now best pals. Within a space of five weeks, they have met three times in the presence of the press. There is no question initially, they wanted to get a feel of the public opinion about their public rapprochement. Now, there is no further reason for their alliance to remain covert.

It is no secret that the SDF will join the presidential majority, with members of the former opposition party entering government. It would make a strange sight to see John Fru Ndi campaigning for Paul Biya! Well, it is African politics and even as he faces charges in court, joining Mr Biya has given the Chairman some room to maneuver.

So their meeting during the Ebolowa Agro-Pastoral show has finally cemented their union in the collective psyche of Cameroonians.

Now, the poor and disenfranchised wait...and wait for there to be a united front against these autocratic gerontocrats who are stifling the growth and progress of Cameroon.

Kah Walla and the Hon. Ayah Paul Abine offer the best alternatives yet. But will they put aside their egos and present a united front against Biya and Fru Ndi?

That will be answered another day. For now, many people are just trying to make sense of Fru Ndi and his new best friend, Paul Biya.

Like they would say back in the days, "wonders shall never end"
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Contradictoire: Les chinois travaillent au Cameroun quand les Camerounais dorment
YAOUNDE - 17 JAN. 2011 © Alain Bertrand Nkongo | L'Anecdote
La société du pays de Hu Jin Tao qui a gagné le marché de canalisation des eaux de la rivière Mfoundi, fonctionne presque à plein régime. Aux bas mots, 18 heures de travail par jour

La société du pays de Hu Jin Tao qui a gagné le marché de canalisation des eaux de la rivière Mfoundi, fonctionne presque à plein régime. Aux bas mots, 18 heures de travail par jour. Un cas qui n'est pas loin d'être généralisable à toutes les entreprises de l'empire du milieu, au pays du vert-rouge-jaune.

II est 21 heures, ce vendredi 14 janvier 2011, à la poste centrale de Yaoundé. Les vrombissements des générateurs, les crépitements des marteaux piqueurs et autres bruits assourdissants de «China international water and electric corp», entreprise chinoise qui a gagné le marché de canalisation des eaux du Mfoundi, au lieu dit abattoir (Brasseries du Cameroun) à la poste centrale, ne sont pas prêts à s'arrêter pour ce jour. Au contraire. En face du jardin public, voisin de la Sonel Central et de la voirie urbaine, le passant à l'impression, au rythme du mouvement des employés de la société du pays de Hu Jin Tao, d'être en mi-journée.

Amos, comme il se présente, la quarantaine, électricien dans cette structure chinoise, qui observe ses collègues travailler du bord de la rivière, situe leur fin de la journée entre minuit et 2 heures du matin de l'autre journée. En action, ceux chargés d'émietter le granite (pierres) qui empêche les travaux d'évoluer, au nombre de deux, à l'aide de marteaux piqueurs, sont d'une ascèse imperturbable. Il en est de même des ferrailleurs à quelques mètres. Chen, Tchen, Chan et autres responsables de la société, chargés de la supervision, ne sont pas visibles malgré la présence de leur véhicule, mais sont présents, aux dires de notre guide. «Tu ne peux pas voir nos patrons mais ils sont là. Si un employé s'arrête de travailler, tu vas voir un d'eux apparaître là et lui demander d'un geste de la main pourquoi il s'arrête...» Nous confie Amos, qui ne cache pas son admiration de la méthode chinoise. «Ils [chinois] travaillent vraiment, je comprends pourquoi ils se développement rapidement». Se laisse aller l'employé camerounais.

L'électricien nous apprendra que les employés ont juste une heure de pause par jour (entre 12h et 13h). Sur le traitement salarial des employés, Amos nous informe qu'il n'est pas fameux. «Mais c'est mieux que rien et c'est régulier. Ce salaire te permet de subvenir aux besoins primaires de ta famille...». Des confidences de notre interlocuteur, en moyenne, la journée de travail, c'est 18 heures par jour.

Autres endroits, et un autre décor, celui-là festif ou reposant. A Mvog-Ada, Nsam, Atangana Mballa, Mvog-Mbi... Ces quartiers reconnus bon vivants, l'ambiance est à tout, sauf au travail. Les bars, Snack-bars, et autres endroits de débauche sont plein à craquer. Les autres camerounais sont au lit. Certains pour travailler à leur manière, d'autres pour dormir. Comme quoi, les chinois travaillent au Cameroun pour inscrire le Cameroun dans modernité quand les camerounais dorment et dansent. Drôle de contradiction pour un pays qui souhaite devenir émergent en 2035. L'Afrique a raté plusieurs fois le train du développent. Va-t-elle encore rater la main tendue de la Chine pour sortir du sous-développement ? 

Rapprochement: Paul Biya - John Fru Ndi, Acte III

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EBOLOWA - 19 JAN. 2011 © Georges A. Boyomo et Calliope Shema | Mutations
Le chef de l’Etat et le chairman du Sdf se sont rencontrés hier à la faveur du tour des stands devant un gros porc...
Paul Biya, Chantal Biya, John Fru Ndi: Ebolowa January 2011 Copyright MUTATIONS Il avait l’air d’un paysan, au milieu des producteurs qui se déploient au comice, avec sa canne en main comme celle des bergers. John Fru Ndi regardait, au loin, la foule qui suivait chaque pas du chef de l’Etat dans les stands. En attendant que le président n’arrive au milieu des bergers dans lesquels le chairman du Sdf s’était mêlé, lui continuait de discuter avec les éleveurs. John Fru Ndi était néanmoins accompagné de ses ministres dont le vice-président du Sdf, Joshua Osih et le secrétaire général, Elisabeth Tamajong entre autres. A voir la présence de tous ces cadres du Sdf, l’on devinait que le chairman n’était pas venu en simple visiteur. Le chef de l’Etat est venu à la rencontre de John Fru Ndi, qui l’a accueilli par un sourire non feint. Le chairman a dirigé le président vers des vaches bien dodues pour lui montrer le savoir-faire des Camerounais, en demandant même à la première dame de toucher l’un des bovidés. Ils ont échangé quelques mots avant que le Chef de l’Etat ne regagne d’autres stands. John Fru Ndi, qu’une partie de l’opinion critique pour cette nouvelle donne dans les relations avec son éternel rival politique, a tenu à exprimer ce qu’il pense du comice à Mutations. «Le gouvernement n’est venu avec aucun projet pour aider les éleveurs afin de permettre par exemple à leurs vaches de produire plus de lait et transformer ce dernier en produits dérivés. Ceci pour éviter d’importer ces produits que l’on peut produire ici», déclare le chairman. Fru Ndi est également revenu sur le discours de Paul Biya d’hier, lors de l’ouverture du comice agropastoral d’Ebolowa. «M. Biya a fait un bon nombre de promesses. J’ai déjà entendu des promesses et en 28 ans, il fait les mêmes promesses. Quand pourra-t-il effectivement rassurer que ces promesses peuvent être réalisées afin de permettre aux Camerounais de rentrer chez eux en sachant qu’il a fait quelque chose ?», se demande Fru Ndi. Et pour éviter un malentendu quand à cette troisième rencontre avec le Chef de l’Etat, le chairman explique : «Je pense qu’il est temps qu’on cesse d’être un pays de discours, mais un pays d’action. C’est pourquoi je suis sur le terrain afin de m’identifier avec la majorité des Camerounais qui souffrent. Parce qu’ensemble, nous pouvons trouver les solutions contre nos problèmes». A chacun sa stratégie de campagne. C’est en tout cas la troisième rencontre entre Ni John Fru Ndi et Paul Biya en deux mois. Les deux dernières ont eu lieu à Bamenda, en décembre dernier, à l’occasion du cinquantenaire des armées et à Yaoundé, à l’occasion de la cérémonie de présentation des vœux du nouvel an. Un rapprochement qui n’a pas encore manifestement, pour le moment, diluer les élans corrosifs du Chairman contre son rival de l’élection présidentielle de 1992. Une autre rencontre entre les deux leaders n’est pas exclue ce jour à la résidence du chef de l’Etat à Ebolowa. En attendant, nombre de visiteurs ici à Ebolowa auront été émerveillés par la robustesse du chef de l’Etat qui a tenu de parcours pratiquement tout le site du comice à pied, pendant plus de six heures de temps, s’arrêtant devant la majorité des stands, posant des questions pour avoir le plus petit détail. Quelques fois, on a aperçu son épouse Chantal Biya lui nettoyer tendrement le visage. «A un moment, les membres de sa sécurité, inquiets pour lui, lui ont demandé d’arrêter et de rentrer. Le président Biya a alors répondu : mais pourquoi, il ne fait pas encore nuit ! On peut continuer», indique un ministre. Il aura même insisté pour prolonger la visite jusqu’ai site de l’étang, où il a été transporté en voiture pour admirer les poissons.

Trafic d'Influence - Minsec: La Cour suprême tranche en faveur de Jean-Bosco Talla

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DOUALA - 18 JAN. 2011 © Yves-Junior Ngangué | Aurore Plus
Le directeur de publication du journal Germinal a été rétabli dans ses droits par la chambre administrative de la Cour suprême, après avoir été arbitrairement débarqué de ses fonctions de chef de la brigade de contrôle des établissements privés par Louis Bapes Bapes le 24 Avril 2007...
LE MERCREDI 12 janvier dernier, la chambre administrative de la Cour suprême a rendu le verdict, portant annulation d'une décision du ministre des enseignements secondaires. Pour mémoire, c'est le mercredi 24 Avril 2007, 35 jours après sa nomination au poste de chef de brigade de contrôle des établissements secondaires privés, que Jean-Bosco Talla apprendra au journal parlé alors qu'il est en mission à Kribi, qu'il est relevé de ses fonctions pour "nécessités de service". Et c'est dans l'expectative d'une lettre de notification qui tardera à venir trois mois après sa suspension, que l'intéressé initiera une enquête approfondie pour mieux cerner les tenants et les aboutissants de l'affaire. En effet, le 24 Avril 2007 nous dit-on, une délégation de 04 personnes conduite par Jean-Stéphane Biatcha secrétaire général des synergies africaines, Jean¬Christophe Foé Ndi intendant principal du palais de l'unité, Dominique Awono Essama, ex chef du protocole d'Etat (aujourd'hui ambassadeur en Italie) et un autre anonyme, étaient arrivés au ministère des enseignements secondaires, pour rencontrer le maître des céans et son secrétaire d'Etat d'alors Catherine Abena... Et c'est peu après le départ de cette délégation, que Louis Bapes Bapes prendra la décision fatale. Pendant qu'il sied ici de souligner qu'une enquête approfondie ourdie par les fins limiers de votre journal a permis de reconstituer le puzzle de cette affaire sordide aux relents d'intimidation et de trafic d'influence. Il nous a été permis de constater que la décision du lynchage de Jean-Bosco Talla serait venue des plus hautes instances de la République. En outre, c'est la première dame en personne apprend-on, qui aurait demandé la suspension de Jean-Bosco Talla sous prétexte que ce dernier était, disait le rapport confidentiel, propriétaire d'un journal "Le front", dans lequel Chantal Biya et parfois même le chef de l'Etat Paul Biya en personne, étaient régulièrement pris a partie. Ceci pouvant expliquer cela, en dépit de toutes les démarches initiées par l'intéressé, non seulement aucun motif valable ne sera porté à son intention, mais il subira également le tourment du silence de sa hiérarchie eu égard qu'aucune lettre de notification comme cela a cours, ne lui sera servie. Après nous dit-on, avoir demandé et obtenu une audience auprès de Jean-Stéphane Biatcha non pas comme la victime, mais sous la casquette de président de l'observatoire déontologique de l'enseignement et président de Human Rights Initiative, l'on confirmera à Jean-Bosco Talla que la décision de sa suspension émanerait de la première dame en personne qui serait extrêmement fâchée pour ses articles au vitriol (paraissant dans son journal Le front) mettant en cause la first lady. Pour rétablir la vérité, l'intéressé dira illico presto à son interlocuteur qu'il n'est et n'a jamais été propriétaire du journal "Le front", comme cela peut d'ailleurs être vérifiable. Toutefois, las d'attendre réparation du préjudice, Jean Bosco Talla saisira la chambre administrative de la cour suprême, non sans avoir personnellement écrit à Paul et Chantal Biya pour dénoncer les agissements de leur entourage, lesdites correspondances resteront d'ailleurs lettres mortes. Même s'il faut constater que l'affaire Jean-Bosco Talla a tout l'air d'un jeu de massacre, eu égard que depuis lors, l'intéressé est l'objet d'une véritable chasse aux sorcières ourdie par certains dignitaires du régime (avec ou sans l'onction du couple présidentiel, l'on ne le saura sûrement jamais), il va sans dire que ce grand défenseur des libertés, maintes fois emprisonné, et considéré peut-être à tort comme l'un des pourfendeurs du régime, est plus que jamais dans l'œil du cyclone du système Biya.

Biya's next government: Amalgamating the CPDM and SDF

Within the next few weeks, expect Paul Biya, Cameroon's embattled president to appoint a new government. It will have members of the former opposition party, the SDF making their entry into government for the first time.

The key thing to watch out for will be the intricate balancing act that will be made to maintain the North West and South West regional equality. Thus, the prime ministry will go to a South Westerner, most likely H.E Peter Agbor Tabi, and this will create room in government for about two SDF militants to occupy some non strategic ministries.

Recent incidents in the Maghreb may push Biya to get his new team on the ground sooner rather than later. And with presidential hopefuls declaring themselves on a daily basis, the CPDM would rather have their campaign out and rolling.

So, the vetting of potential SDF ministers is taking place in the shadows, while Biya works on logistics (about 5 hours to fly in the old presidential Gulfsteam 3 from Mvomeka to Switzerland non-stop in case Nanga - Mbokos take to the streets like in Tunisia and he has to flee) and waits for his French Vendors who have the contract to produce campaign materials.

So, once those containers with campaign materials hit the Douala seaport, then, we will have the new government, and the roller coaster ride which is what presidential elections look like in Central Africa may begin. Until then, we have a lame duck government, and anything happening now is just people lining their pockets as they are not sure they will be retained when the new government is announced in a few weeks time.
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Biya's next government: Amalgamating the CPDM and SDF

Within the next few weeks, expect Paul Biya, Cameroon's embattled president to appoint a new government. It will have members of the former opposition party, the SDF making their entry into government for the first time.

The key thing to watch out for will be the intricate balancing act that will be made to maintain the North West and South West regional equality. Thus, the prime ministry will go to a South Westerner, most likely H.E Peter Agbor Tabi, and this will create room in government for about two SDF militants to occupy some non strategic ministries.

Recent incidents in the Maghreb may push Biya to get his new team on the ground sooner rather than later. And with presidential hopefuls declaring themselves on a daily basis, the CPDM would rather have their campaign out and rolling.

So, the vetting of potential SDF ministers is taking place in the shadows, while Biya works on logistics (about 5 hours to fly in the old presidential Gulfsteam 3 from Mvomeka to Switzerland non-stop in case Nanga - Mbokos take to the streets like in Tunisia and he has to flee) and waits for his French Vendors who have the contract to produce campaign materials.

So, once those containers with campaign materials hit the Douala seaport, then, we will have the new government, and the roller coaster ride which is what presidential elections look like in Central Africa may begin. Until then, we have a lame duck government, and anything happening now is just people lining their pockets as they are not sure they will be retained when the new government is announced in a few weeks time.
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The Tunisian Effect: Can it happen in Cameroon?

For twenty-three years, the Tunisian people hoped to see their country progress. For twenty-three years, what they saw was oppression and stifled growth. They were denied the opportunity to grow financially.

As anyone who has lived under a repressive regime will tell you, when you halt a people's economic empowerment, you make them hungry, and hungry people are more concerned with finding the next meal, not dissecting the intricacies of where their tax money goes.

So, in typical autocratic fashion, with an African flavor, Mr Ben Ali held his people to ransom for two decades. Unbeknownst to him, books he banned or made difficult to import could be read on the internet. People could bypass his state controlled media and organize in a dispersed way.

And so, the culmination of his rule came this week and was greeted with joy and festivities. He will see the potential and enterprise of a people unleashed from his sumptuous surroundings in Saudi Arabia to which he has been exiled.

Now, could the same thing happen in Cameroon? Could the Cameroonian people rally as one and march to Etoudi to demand Biya's departure?

Conditions in both countries are very similar. The is a large population of youths looking for jobs, both countries have had only two presidents since independence, there is widespread corruption and the president recently instituted the life presidency in Cameroon, something that does not happen in modern societies.

In Tunisia, it was a University graduate who could not find work who set himself on fire, triggering the chain reaction that led to Ben Ali's ouster. The same kind of protests spilled over to neighboring Algeria.

It should be recalled that similar protests occurred in Cameroon in 2008 and led to the arrest of one of Cameroon's foremost artists, Lapiro de Mbanga who is still languishing in jail. He is no doubt subjected a regular passage on the balancoir, Cameroon's fearful version of extraordinary rendition.

Today, it just needs one overzealous policeman to harass a taxi driver or bend skin rider. That will ignite the keg, and Biya will wonder whoever told him the Cameroonian people loved him when he will be watching people dancing for joy on the streets of Yaounde and Douala from his safe haven in Switzerland.

Yes, what happened in Tunisia may happen in Cameroon. It will take much less than someone setting themselves on fire, and yes, there will be a very huge crowd in all the streets, all across the country to mark the end of twenty-nine years of oppression.
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The Tunisian Effect: Can it happen in Cameroon?

For twenty-three years, the Tunisian people hoped to see their country progress. For twenty-three years, what they saw was oppression and stifled growth. They were denied the opportunity to grow financially.

As anyone who has lived under a repressive regime will tell you, when you halt a people's economic empowerment, you make them hungry, and hungry people are more concerned with finding the next meal, not dissecting the intricacies of where their tax money goes.

So, in typical autocratic fashion, with an African flavor, Mr Ben Ali held his people to ransom for two decades. Unbeknownst to him, books he banned or made difficult to import could be read on the internet. People could bypass his state controlled media and organize in a dispersed way.

And so, the culmination of his rule came this week and was greeted with joy and festivities. He will see the potential and enterprise of a people unleashed from his sumptuous surroundings in Saudi Arabia to which he has been exiled.

Now, could the same thing happen in Cameroon? Could the Cameroonian people rally as one and march to Etoudi to demand Biya's departure?

Conditions in both countries are very similar. The is a large population of youths looking for jobs, both countries have had only two presidents since independence, there is widespread corruption and the president recently instituted the life presidency in Cameroon, something that does not happen in modern societies.

In Tunisia, it was a University graduate who could not find work who set himself on fire, triggering the chain reaction that led to Ben Ali's ouster. The same kind of protests spilled over to neighboring Algeria.

It should be recalled that similar protests occurred in Cameroon in 2008 and led to the arrest of one of Cameroon's foremost artists, Lapiro de Mbanga who is still languishing in jail. He is no doubt subjected a regular passage on the balancoir, Cameroon's fearful version of extraordinary rendition.

Today, it just needs one overzealous policeman to harass a taxi driver or bend skin rider. That will ignite the keg, and Biya will wonder whoever told him the Cameroonian people loved him when he will be watching people dancing for joy on the streets of Yaounde and Douala from his safe haven in Switzerland.

Yes, what happened in Tunisia may happen in Cameroon. It will take much less than someone setting themselves on fire, and yes, there will be a very huge crowd in all the streets, all across the country to mark the end of twenty-nine years of oppression.
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Significance of Hon. Ayah Paul Abine's Candidacy

The Hon. Ayah Paul Abine has resigned from the ruling regime's CPDM party. This visionary, who knows the value of CFA 100 has over the course of three terms in parliament been amazed by the budgets brought by ministers for consideration.

The waste was appalling. So, first, he tried to bring other members of parliament to reason. It is always a good thing when there is antagonism between the branches of government.

But, in a move that displays the immaturity of the Cameroonian democracy, some of his colleagues publicly mocked him. Why wouldn't they, they have known only two presidents in 50 years, so the concept of change at the helm is alien to most of them.

The Honorable gentleman's logic is simple, instead of spending so much money on fuel for well-paid government officials, it should be spent on creating jobs for youths. And that is just one line on the government's budget. Imagine the savings that could be realized if waste could be eliminated, if not completely, then least to a reasonable level given the social reality in Cameroon.

So, turning a new page, and as if to fulfil a new year's resolution, the Hon. Gentleman has closed the door of a major chapter in his life - his militancy in the ruling regimes CPDM.

Now, a new chapter in his life and the Cameroonian story begins. What is most lacking for the Hon. Ayah Paul is traction. He says just the right things, has the right ideas, is married to a Francophone from Douala (no fear of secession), and has the academic and professional credentials relevant for the presidency of Cameroon.

Maybe he needs to connect more with the grassroots. The same people who are the silent majority, invisible, yet always present. These are the unemployed youths, the Taximen, Buyam-Sellam, and of course, the Nanga Mboko.

He needs to speak more forcefully to these groups, for they will be the ones to decide the winner of this year's presidential election.

We can only wish the Hon. Gentleman more luck, energy and good health in his battle to ensure a better life for all Cameroonians. History already has him recorded as the one who stood up to Biya's lifelong presidency, now, maybe the next chapter in Cameroon's glorious history may have the Hon. Ayah as the one who built thousands of schools, hospitals and churches. The one who constructed farm to market roads, the one who abolished school fees in Universities, who at last built a road to Akwaya, do that there was no longer a need to go through Nigeria to reach that Sub-Division. In short, history may remember him as the one who made Cameroon prosperous and gave cameroonians the life they all craved.
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Significance of Hon. Ayah Paul Abine's Candidacy

The Hon. Ayah Paul Abine has resigned from the ruling regime's CPDM party. This visionary, who knows the value of CFA 100 has over the course of three terms in parliament been amazed by the budgets brought by ministers for consideration.

The waste was appalling. So, first, he tried to bring other members of parliament to reason. It is always a good thing when there is antagonism between the branches of government.

But, in a move that displays the immaturity of the Cameroonian democracy, some of his colleagues publicly mocked him. Why wouldn't they, they have known only two presidents in 50 years, so the concept of change at the helm is alien to most of them.

The Honorable gentleman's logic is simple, instead of spending so much money on fuel for well-paid government officials, it should be spent on creating jobs for youths. And that is just one line on the government's budget. Imagine the savings that could be realized if waste could be eliminated, if not completely, then least to a reasonable level given the social reality in Cameroon.

So, turning a new page, and as if to fulfil a new year's resolution, the Hon. Gentleman has closed the door of a major chapter in his life - his militancy in the ruling regimes CPDM.

Now, a new chapter in his life and the Cameroonian story begins. What is most lacking for the Hon. Ayah Paul is traction. He says just the right things, has the right ideas, is married to a Francophone from Douala (no fear of secession), and has the academic and professional credentials relevant for the presidency of Cameroon.

Maybe he needs to connect more with the grassroots. The same people who are the silent majority, invisible, yet always present. These are the unemployed youths, the Taximen, Buyam-Sellam, and of course, the Nanga Mboko.

He needs to speak more forcefully to these groups, for they will be the ones to decide the winner of this year's presidential election.

We can only wish the Hon. Gentleman more luck, energy and good health in his battle to ensure a better life for all Cameroonians. History already has him recorded as the one who stood up to Biya's lifelong presidency, now, maybe the next chapter in Cameroon's glorious history may have the Hon. Ayah as the one who built thousands of schools, hospitals and churches. The one who constructed farm to market roads, the one who abolished school fees in Universities, who at last built a road to Akwaya, do that there was no longer a need to go through Nigeria to reach that Sub-Division. In short, history may remember him as the one who made Cameroon prosperous and gave cameroonians the life they all craved.
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Lapiro de Mbanga (Ndinga Man) and Paul Biya: Populism under an Autocratic regime.

Lapiro de Mbanga, aka Ndinga Man, the poster boy for victims of Paul Biya's strong-handed methods still languishes in a rat-infested Cameroon jail, while the president reins in all opposition to his 29 year rule. How he has managed to survive for so long under the same conditions that killed journalist BIBI NGOTA is a miracle.

LAPIRO stands accused of orchestrating nationwide riots in February 2008 that almost cost Biya the presidency. How the Denim-clad and Ray-Ban wearing Tara from the politically restive Mbanga could have mustered the power to coordinate nationwide protests without any formal organization is baffling. To put it simply, it is impossible and Lapiro is innocent.

To back this point, a quick look at the prevailing alimentary uncertainty in Africa and other less developed nations throughout the world during the cited period shows that there was widespread unrest.

True to form, in Cameroon, Biya used the tried and tested technique of the seasoned African strongman, just like Robert MUGABE would - he looked for a scapegoat to throw in jail. Lapiro had the misfortune to have been the one in Biya's sights. Others, such as the elected mayor of Mbanga also faced the same plight.

While Biya and his vast retinue of friends and henchmen may make numerous trips abroad to spend money collected from oil drilled from Cameroon's coast and the royalties from the Chad-Cameroon pipeline, his jailing of a popular icon like Lapiro will not so soon or quickly be forgotten by the people.

Lapiro, the head of a modest family, has had the singular misfortune of being misunderstood, first by the masses, then, by the Biya regime which has been in power for over a quarter of a century in CAMEROON.

In 1992, during the stormy days of the "Villes Mortes", his vehicle was burned down by rioters who reacted on suspicion that LAPIRO may have colluded with the Biya administration to calm down unemployed youths known as "NANGA MBOKO"s who controlled the streets.

Then again, when Biya's bad policies for the past quarter century reached a tipping point in 2008, it was Lapiro once more who was indexed as the spiritual LEADER of the "NANGA MBOKO"s who seized control of the streets.

In a way, it has been seen that Lapiro has a very popular appeal amongst the unemployed youth, many of whom were born after his best days as an artist in the mid-eighties were long gone. So, when the streets are on fire, Lapiro is to blame! What better way to keep things under control than to can the man?

For better or worse, Lapiro, with the connivance of the ineptitude of Biya and his henchmen, has become the symbol of the oppressed in Cameroon. He has also grown into the role pretty well. Who wouldn't, after passing on the BALANCOIR a couple of times and seeing others like BIBI NGOTA die in jail.

He has nothing to lose. The man exudes confidence despite his suffering. With presidential elections due this year (2011) in Cameroon, it is impossible for him to be freed. Ditto for 2012 as the newly re-elected Paul Biya won't want anyone to question his stolen victory.

So, the earliest LAPIRO can be released from jail in Cameroon will be 2013. He will probably seek to stand for elections as municipal councilman, mayor or parliamentarian. Whatever he chooses, he will win the popular vote, and that will be a good thing, not only in and of itself, but especially because any vote for LAPIRO will indeed be a vote AGAINST BIYA.

So, to conclude, LAPIRO is absolutely relevant to this year's presidential elections in Cameroon, and he has excellent pro-democracy credentials, having endured extraordinary rendition under Biya's regime, and thank God - survived. Few have lived to tell what lurks in New Bell and Kondengui, today's equivalents of Tchollire under the Nazi-styled Ahidjo regime which did to the Bamilekes what may have amounted to a silent genocide. Cameroonians should be thankful he is still alive. It will be a beautiful day when he is released from jail, but the fight will continue until Biya retires to Switzerland where he has elected residence.

Until then, we can only ponder some of the wise words from Lapiro - "OVER DONE NA MBOUT" which would translate very loosely as "it may not be a good thing to be wiser than ones self". (I may need a hand here).

Happy New Year Lapiro!
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Cameroon 2011: Kah Walla's options against the Fru Ndi - Biya Coalition

With presidential elections to be held this year in Cameroon, the horse trading is now in full swing.
Paul Biya, the incumbent made the first few moves. He announced he will be going to Bamenda for the anniversary of the armed forces. Then he met with and shook hands with his erstwhile nemesis, Fru Ndi. Since then, it has been hands holding and Khumbaya singing between the two.

Don't be fooled. Fru Ndi actually has little to bring to the table. He is currently embroiled in a court case that has been shifted to the back burner so long as he plays nice with Biya. So, what may seem as Fru Ndi accepting Biya's overtures, is simply the icing on the cake. Biya essentially has Fru Ndi canned. The SDF has no option but to join Biya's next government under a coalition.

To consummate this new-found love, about two to three SDF bureau members will be admitted into Biya's next government, and handed inconsequential portfolios like the ministry of culture, or ministry of women's affairs. This is crucial, because this is the government that will be expected to rally the population and hand what would seem in the eyes of the international community, a slightly credible victory. For the Fru Ndi-Biya coalition in 2011.

So this leaves Kah Walla to fight these two elderly men who love power so much, preach democracy but don't want to relinquish leadership to a younger, dynamic and astute younger leadership to move Cameroon on par with nations like Ghana.

So, the best bet for Kah Walla, and the millions of disenfranchised in Cameroon may be if all major opposition voices aligned behind Kah Walla, to mount a counter-force to the Fru Ndi-Biya coalition.

It is no easy task, as the egos of some individuals will blind them to the ultimate goal which is to remove Biya, and weaken the Fru Ndi-Biya coalition.

It can be done. We just need to believe it can be done. Then register. Then vote for anything other than Fru Ndi - Biya. Life can only get better under another president.

Paul Biya and Fru Ndi belong to the 20th century. Kah Walla belongs to the twenty-first century.

Birds of the same feather will always flock together, and politics is no exception to this rule. They will still flock together, just like the autocratic Fru Ndi and Biya Paul, even when they are about to be voted out like may be the case in 2011 in Cameroon.
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Cameroon in 2011

On January 05th 2011, Paul Biya, president of the republic of Cameroon for the past 29 years received new year wishes from diplomats and dignitaries.

What stood out was the presence of erstwhile opposition leader Fru Ndi in the Unity Palace. As yours truly earlier remarked in this blog, Cameroon no longer has an opposition party. So 2011 marks the end of the SDF being an opposition party, leaving a large void in the political arena in Cameroon.

This year, expect "operation Epervier" to slow down. The arrest of Yves Michel Fotso proved the point that you cannot be too wealthy or powerful in an African state like Cameroon that operates under the radar of Western Watchdogs.

The SDF will enter the next government, with Joshua Ossih picked as minister over the contentious Mbah Ndam. Fru Ndi will wait for the application decree of the Senate and hopes to get a seat (and immunity) in that chamber.

Cavaye Yegiue Djibrill will remain speaker of the parliament. For those who think the North has been forgotten, take a quick look at the budget of the National Assembly. Cavaye is fine, and will rally his people together with Ahmadou Ali to vote for the CPDM coalition.

Peter Agbor Tabi will become prime minister, as some of the youth in Kupe Manenguba and Manyu become more critical of government negligence in the province. Professor agbor Tabi is soft-spoken, and commands respect among a large swath of the country. He also has a proven and hard to beat track record as chancellor of the university of Yaounde 1, and minister of Higher Education. He will bring in the South West vote.

The pending dam projects (about 3 major ones as of this writing) for which money has been raised will not start in 2011 as the country will be in full electoral swing.

2011 will also be the year when at least ninety percent of ministers will be seen dancing on TV to rally their constituents.

Cameroon will still resist efforts to have radar equipment installed to view and control air traffic around Douala and Yaounde airports. The reason will be no one wants to have a record of planes landing at sea and dropping off or picking up contraband destined for latin America. The skies will be unsafe for passengers, but someone at the civil aviation authority will be making serious money to block installation of such equipment.

Kah Walla will become the main opposition to the Biya-Fru Ndi coalition. She will lose the election but have a higher national and international profile for standing up to the two old men (Biya and Fru Ndi).

Hon. Ayah Paul Abine will continue his activism but will not gain traction. The press will randomly pick on his nuggets of wisdom such as pointing out that the restrictive rules endorsed by the CPDM could come back to bit them if they happen to lose power, but for the large part, he will stay a one man operation.

Atanga Nji will use money and other means to personally quell the SCNC activism. Expect secessionists to get wealthy overnight as they are bought over. The story of South Sudan is too real and too close. It could happen to the former West Cameroons and Paul Biya needs the oil money.

Happy new year all and May God bless our beautiful country - Cameroon!
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