Skip to main content

Anglophone Crisis: Dr Fomuyoh Christopher Presses for second phase release, dialogue and school resumption

Dr Fomuyoh Christopher Senior Associate and Regional Director for Central and West Africa at the National Democracy Institute NDI/ President of the Fomunyoh Foundation
From Bakah Derick in Bamenda
The Senior Associate and Regional Director for Central and West Africa at the National Democracy Institute NDI has described the recent release of Anglophone detainees by the President of the Republic Paul Biya as “the right step in the right direction.” Dr Christopher Fomunyoh who also doubles as the President of the Fomunyoh Foundation was speaking in Bamenda Friday September 1, 2017 during an event organised by a Mankon-Based Arts group to present priced gifts of artistic works to the governance experts. While expressing thanks to the arts group for the gesture and honour to him, Dr Christopher used the event to address a couple of other issues. Starting with the recently banned press event in Yaounde during which he was guest, Dr Christopher expressed his dissatisfaction with the ban stating “I consider the government's decision to ban this press event unfortunate and unacceptable, especially in the present circumstances when we need space for healthy and constructive conversations about various crises our country faces, and the way forward.”  He refused to accept that the ban was related to his political ambitions saying that others (citing Chairman Fru Ndi and other diplomats) who have been presidential candidates and will still be have been guested by the same press organisation. In a press release made public by his office, he goes further demanding “I am deeply saddened and extremely disappointed by this development. I impress on the competent authorities and officials at the highest level to reverse this decision and to instruct state employees to avoid actions that exacerbate unnecessarily, social and political tensions in the country.”
Reacting on the way forward after the release of some Anglophone detainees recently and particularly on school resumption, the international election observer said “I see myself as a beneficiary of education. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t go through school. That is why I didn’t discover the problem with the Anglophone educational system in 2016/2017. That is why the foundation has been around this region! This country distributing books encouraging young people to go to school; so I value education and I will continue to work and support education in our country because that is the only our kids are going to get  a leg up in life.” As relates the currents state of affairs in Anglophone Cameroon he adds “ At the same time one must be honest to admit the fact that we are living and going through very trying moments. These are not ordinary times and discussions about education and the time table should be integrated into the brother discussion of giving people a sense of security about their activities where ever they maybe. Education is not just about walking about kids into a classroom and then having security men at the door to make sure the kids stay in the classroom. The kids need to be put in psychological environment to be able to learn, to be able to play in the school yard. Parents have to be confortable in knowing that their kids are safe at school; safe as they walk to school and I think that we must have a holistic conversation in a way that will enable us arrive at point where we no longer subject our kids to lose another academic year as it happened for most kids in 2016.”

The very well-travelled Dr Christopher Fomunyoh also used the event to reiterate his position on running for office of President during the 2018 presidential election stating that for now that was not on his agenda. 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Neh Sandra Fongeh Defends Degree with Unlikely Innovation: Beans Peeling Machine

By Bakah Derick  In a groundbreaking display of creative innovation, Neh Sandra Fongeh, a student of the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, National Higher Polytechnic Institute of the University of Bamenda defended her Bachelor's degree on Saturday, September 9, 2023, using a remarkable beans peeling machine. The unconventional approach caught the attention of faculty members,  fellow students and family members alike, turning Neh's defense into a memorable event. Neh Sandra Fongeh presenting her machine to the Jury Neh Sandra, known for her out-of-the-box thinking and passion for engineering, mesmerized the audience with her extraordinary project during the thesis defense titled: design and realization of a manually and motorized beans shelling machine. While most students opt for a traditional presentation or experiment demonstration, Neh's choice to showcase a beans peeling machine highlighted her unique perspective on problem-solving.

North West Cameroon: Remarkable Cultures I- The Nso People

They own, and with pride, use Lamnso (language of Nso) anywhere they are found. They are from the grassfields of Cameroon, with capital being Kimbo (or today known as Kumbo), the Nso People have a rare structured traditional administrative setup, with the Fon at the summit; then there are the   Vibai, aShufai, aYaa, aFai, aShey, etc.  Yeeh Ngwerong  The very religious people give uncommon value to their traditional beliefs, yet are so attached to Christianity and Islam, the two main religions apart from the traditional practices. Even the most learned of them all would always go back home to identify with their roots, either to pay allegiance to the throne of the tribe, occupied by an "immortal" being, called the Fon; according to the cultural belief, the never dies.    Many would also return home just to be and identify with the people during cultural events. Ngam-Ngonnso’ is the melting pot of Nso culture and traditions. It is a week during which the peoole communinion with