Fru Ndi Mandated To Negotiate With Biya

By Chris Mbunwe

The National Executive Com mittee, NEC, of the opposi tion Social Democratic Front, SDF, has mandated the party’s National Chairman, Ni John Fru Ndi, to start negotiations that should lead to joining the Biya government. The decision was taken at a NEC meeting in Bamenda over the weekend.

Briefing the press at the Ideal Park Hotel on Sunday, November 7, the Head of the SDF Communication Unit, Martin Nkemngu, said, “it has been clearly indicated that any discussions with the Biya government, for whatever reason, should come through the hierarchy of the SDF, that is, the National Chairman of the party, Ni John Fru Ndi.”

Nkemngu said Fru Ndi remains the sole official of the party, authorised to be contacted, should the need arise for dialogue for whatever reason. “Any other militant or official of the party who attempts to negotiate, will be subjecting him/herself to disciplinary sanctions,” he said.

The Communication Officer said the party has not made any contacts with the government yet. “But, should that happen, the sole channel through which any such discussions can take place, should be through the National Chairman Ni John Fru Ndi as mandated and endorsed by the National Executive Committee NEC.” Nkemngu also said if Fru Ndi deems it necessary for any decision to be taken by the party, then NEC can be summoned to hold discussions on that issue.

  Assistant Secretary General, Others Fired

Another outcome of NEC’s last meeting was the dismissal of the party’s Assistant Secretary General, Mr. Pierre Mouafo, accused of campaigning against Fru Ndi, the party’s candidate at the just ended Presidential election.

According to Nkemngu, it was revealed at the meeting that Mouafo carried out nocturnal campaigns for the Coalition candidate, Adamu Ndam Njoya, against Fru Ndi in Mbouda. “NEC noted with dismay that a number of militants and some officials acting contrary to sections 18.4 and 8.2 did not support the candidate of the party.

So a good number of them were disciplined including four councillors in Bafoussam, who openly campaigned against Fru Ndi.” NEC also fired Paul Lozenou, former Mayor of Douala 11, who was said to have openly campaigned against Fru Ndi.

Nkemngu said all those who have been sanctioned, have the right to appeal. Nkemngu said Fru Ndi, who presided at the meeting, called on Mouafo to present his defence. He said Mouafo denied all the charges against him.

Mouafo Reacts

Talking to the press later, Mouafo said NEC sentenced him without listening to his own side of the story. “This is an act of intimidation. Nobody can intimidate or chase me out of the party. At no moment, except during the SDF Convention in Bamenda at the primaries, did I openly campaign for Noutchi Tchowago, who challenged Fru Ndi.” He said he campaigned for Noutchi to prove to the CPDM that “in the SDF we do not have natural candidates.”

He also wanted to stop Fru Ndi from taking the leadership of that party for granted and for others to know that the Bamilekes in the SDF can also aspire for the Presidency of the Republic on the ticket of the SDF party.” Mouafo said NEC erred because the SDF Constitution says before Article 8.2 is applied, the accused must be heard. “I was not given the floor for my side of the story to be told. Instead, I was shown the door at the NEC meeting and was only informed later, that I have been dismissed from the party.

Even if I committed any crime, it was not as grievous as the signing of a Peace Pact which some MPs and party officials of the Northwest signed with the government in July 2002”, he said. To him, it sounded ridiculous for NEC to rely on rumour that he had supper with a DO of his area and consider it a crime. “Even if it is true, I think I have the right to dine and wine with an administrator, who is a friend.”

Asked why he did not join the SDF hierarchy to campaign for his party Chairman, Mouafo said it was purely personal. “I did not campaign for the SDF, neither did I for the Coalition candidate against Fru Ndi.” Mouafo noted that Article 8.2 of the party is not subjected to any appeal. “What they have done, is passing judgment to kill and, after killing me, they want me to testify. I don’t consider myself expelled from the SDF.

I remain a social democrat.” He warned that it is only the National Convention of the party and not NEC that can declare his post vacant. NEC suspended one of the SDF’s Legal Advisers, Barrister Wilfred Ndongla, from his functions for levity.

NEC warned that Ndongla should not pose anywhere as an SDF Legal Adviser. The files of the Mayor of Nkor and Mbiame, said to be on the firing line, were handed to SDF Legal Advisers, for study and necessary action.

The National Executive Committee expressed indignation that some Divisional Officers on the instructions of the Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation, Marafa Hamidou Yaya, carried out massive fraud during the October 11 polls.

Post Election Evaluation

According to the Communication Unit of the SDF, the party stands by their own results, which scored Biya 44 percent and Fru Ndi 45 percent. “What Marafa read on radio, later proclaimed by the Supreme Court, did not reflect the reality of votes we counted,” Nkemngu said.

He said NEC resolved that the SDF will soon start sensitising Cameroonians on the need to register and vote and also to mount pressure on the government for the creation of an Independent Electoral Commission to handle the whole electoral process from registration of voters to proclamation of results.

“This is because we realised that the National Elections Observatory, NEO, and its members, were absent, passive or busy conniving with the administration, in rigging the election in most places we visited.” Nkemngu said NEC gave out new conditions on joining any Coalition. “Henceforth, if there is need for opposition parties to form alliances, we resolved that such parties should have it clearly in their minds that they are coming to join the SDF, as a leading opposition party and not otherwise,” Nkemngu said.

Comments

[A. Che Mofor]

What has been the effect of the coalition problem?

When I wrote here in the past that Fru Ndi and the SDF made a mistake by turning their back to the coalition, some people (Muyuka Woman and Thomson) almost crucified me, saying that the SDF was the strongest party in Cameroon and that they were going to change the regime with the help of Fru Ndi. Some even warned me not to mislead Cameroonians. It is now time to take stocks.!

As a staunch supporter of the SDF and as one who has organised and lead demonstrations as SDF militant, I must tell SDF militants that Cameroonian politics is not politics of the majority. If you rest asured that your party has the majority support, then you will never win any elections. What worries me much is that in the past 14 years of SDF, there have been so many mistakes that make me ask whether the SDF is out to change Cameroon or only to preach utopic democracy.

Every opinion poll before the elections showed that Ndam Njoya was leading, followed by Biya. With more than 30% from his rival Biya, one would not have imagined that Ndam Njoya shall not win the election. Just as I said about Cameroonian democracy, Ndam Njoya did not even emerge 2nd, but 3rd according to official results. The SDF candidate (Fru Ndi) scored only about 17 percent. You and I know that these results are cooked. Even the Commonwealth observers made it clear that the election was full of irregularities, but reflected the choice of those who voted. The fact is that these results may not reflect the interest of Cameroonians, but how far the results were cooked, remains a question to answer. So we find that the SDF candidate did not manage to score even 30% according to official results. The next question is, how could this be avoided?.

As a Cameroonian and a citizen of the world, I am free to give my opinion, even if it annoys you again. Can you prove that Ndam Njoya was a spy in the coalition as Thomson said? My judgement is that, forgetting about ambulant voters and registration frauds, the opposition lost many supporters to Biya as a consequence of their inability to work as a consistent coalition. The other support came from the election malpractices - election malpractices alone would not have even given them the 70% voters they had. The SDF and every other opposition party was aware right from the Genesis that the elections would never be free and fair under Biyaism. (Remember that elections in advanced democracies like the USA also have iregularities), but they facilitated Biya's victory by sending in 15 opposition candidates to contest against Biya. It is so silly that even parties that are made up only of a presidential candidate and his family members hoped to win the elections. This is pure evidence that they were out to fill their pockets. My problem with the SDF is that its leaders have not been able to clearly identify the battle ground on which they are fighting. This idea of putting people first before politics is one of the main sources of failure in the SDF. Must it be Fru Ndi? Must he be the presidential candidate for the Cameroon opposition?. Ni John is a man that you and I highly respect and even adore for his contribution to multipartism and democratic change in Cameroon, but his followers must not forget that he must not be the one to end it and he shall never be the one to end it. It is a continuous process. I still cheer him for his achievements, but it is a positive contribution to criticise him and the party. This is an aspect of democracy as well. So people should not try to crusify other party supporters who critise the leaders. If you do not learn to identify mistakes, you shall never learn to improve!

What is happening now? Fru Ndi has been mandated to negotiate with Biya's government (according to Post News Line). Is he not the very peoson who vowed never to negotiate with Biya? What has happened now that the SDF is prepared to negotiate? They completely refused to work with other opposition parties in Cameroon, but are prepared to negotiate with the Biya government after having lost the elections? Why this zig-zag mption? If I now say that the direction of the SDF cannot be predicted even with Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, some die-hearted followers will call me names.

I remain a sympathiser of the SDF and shall always criticise in the interest of the party - whether you like it or not!

[Janvier Tchouteu]

I am tempted to comment on this issue of the last electoral masquerade each time I read utterances from its contestants. It was predictable even to the most stupid political novice that Biya's electoral rigging machinery (the most efficient in the world) would declare him victorious despite his less than 10% of popular support. All those who contested the election, Fru Ndi included knew that. No struggle can succeed if it fails to be scientific (taking into account statistics) and dialectic. It was also clear that by participating, the contestants would be legalizing Biya's usurpation. So, Fru Ndi continues to madden me with his cry of "foul" when he had the most favorable position against Biya and blew it(deliberately and also perhaps out of ignorance), thereby setting the true exponents of change years back in the struggle to realize a new, united, progressive, democratic and economically promising and advanced kamerun.

We should be honest with ourselves and accept the harsh reality by asking this question. The SDF has participated in five elections and has been cheated massively in all. But how many times has Fru Ndi led the people in virulently contesting the results? The harsh answer is that only in the 1992 and 2004 presidential elections that he contested. So over the years Fru Ndi failed to distinguish the interest of the struggle (the ideals of Kamerun's union nationalism with the fulcrum being the realization of the objectives of reunification and independence) and his personal interests (power, wealth, glory). In the struggle for the future new Kamerun, Fru Ndi, Ndam Njoya, Bello Bouba, and all the other fake opposition leaders have become irrelevant. It is time they bow out of the scene instead of being an obstacle in the struggle with their presence. They contributed in keeping Kamerun at this stage of political incomprehension and lethargy.

[Joseph Nkeze]

It is a shame that the SDF is trying to negotiate with the CPDM. President Biya has not made any overtures. The same party that was criticizing Biya's fraudulent elections is now whinning about who has the right to negotiate with Biya.
The SDF needs to get out of this double standard and articulate a different platform for the Cameroonian people. This party has actually been hijacked by Fru Ndi. He has lost two elections and I think it is time for him to resign and watch new leadership grow. Fru NDi has been using Article 8.2 to stifle dissent and to cow his opponents who genuinely want Social Democracy. Fru Ndi has been in power for 14 years, yet he criticizes Biya for being in power for 22 years. He deals with his opponents ruthlessly, and expects Biya to listen to him. He suppresses all forms of dissent and wants a democratic system of govenment in the country. Fru Ndi, this is idealistic. I think you are living in fantasy land. You got to wake up man and resign for losing two major presidential elections.
Joe Nkeze
WA State

[Jo. B]

I strongly agree with views of Mr Che Mofor, Moses didn't get to the promise land though he led the people out of Eygpt. Why can't the oppositions parties in Cameroon learn from the lessons the opposing parties in Kenya taught.
It's unfortunate that we have come to a point, vis a vis that, 'if you can't beat them, join them', bringing Cameroon to a one party state. Where there will be no check and balances in her modis operandi. Not too far from us, where is the UNDP today ? Nowhere, with nothing to contribute to the country.
What a joke, the civilised world will find in us, this goes to confrim Chirac's declaration at one point that 'Democracy is a luxury to Africans'.
It's an uncomfortable situation we are faced with today. God save Cameroon.
JO.B

[Fotso Divine]

If the SDF were to join a CPDM led government of Paul Biya bi Mvondo, then the justification of the erstwhile one-party system in Africa is founded. In fact, serious questions need to asked: On what bases or principles will such a participation consist of? Will the SDF withdraw form the government when these principles are violated? In fact, past experiences show that the CPDM government has never respected the terms of governmental platforms signed with other parties. That is why we are still standing almost on the same spot in our "advanced democracy," while other African nations are progressing. Broad-base participation of parties in government is commendable, if tailored and implemented to meet the needs of the populace. When ministers serve themselves than the citizenry, the SDF should be cautious in whatever attempt they wish to undertake in participating in Mr. Biya's government. The credibility factor is important. Consistency (sometimes revision) of political action and strategy is the hallmark of mature politicians. Radical changes in party policy sometimes leads to its collapse. This may be the collapse of the SDF. The party and its hierarchy should learn from these wise words of Michael Forbes "Failure is success if we learn from it". To achieve power, they SDF should revise its electoral strategies and fight seriously to ensure that "each votes counts" and be counted. If course, it is not the role of SDF alone. It involves all Cameroonians. But the party is the leading oposition party-with great responsibilities- that needs to show prove of having a "shadow cabinet" and alternate governance project.

[Oliver]

Please I am confused who is argue to join with another. Is it that Ni Fru is begging for the Etoudi or Biya is guilty of his masses fraud in the last elections.

For me I see that Biya is very unstable to maintain that post because of his presworing speech.

This time there are very scanting motion of supports as it used to be

God knows the source and will one day relief us...

[courtney]

CNU oye!

[Felix Assah]

Our Father in heaven, .... deliver us from evil! Amen

[Martin Enow]

IT IS SAD IF NOT PATHETICA THAT 16 YEARS AFTER THE DECALRATION OF MULTIPARTISM IN CAMEROON WE ARE STILL AT SUCH A STALEMATE. WHEN THE SDF WAS FORMED AS AN OPOSITION PARTY TO THE RULING CPDM, I THOUGHT HURRAH WE HAVE GOT THE FORCE THAT WILL SERVE AS A WATCH DOG TO THE GOVERNMENT.IT IS SAD AND BEYONG BELIEF THAT YEARS HAVE GONE BY AND NOTHING IS CHANGING. THIS BRINGS ONE THING TO MY MIND, THAT THERE IS A SERIOUS LAPSE SOMEWHERE AND SOME ONE HAS TO SHOULDER THE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR IT. INITIALLY, THE SDF WAS A VERY STRONG FORCE TO RECKON WITH BECAUSE AT THE TIME OF ITS FORMATION, PEOPLE FOUND IN THE SDF A SOURCE OF SALVATION FROM THE HANDS OF THE CPDM. I WAS A STUNCH SUPPORTER OF THE SDF MYSELF. AS THE YEARS GO BY I AM FILLED WITH DISILLUSIONMENT AND HAVE THE BELEIEF THAT POLITICAL CHANGE IN CAMEROON WILL ONLY COME THROUGH NATURAL SELECTION ( DEATH )
WHEN THE SDF WAS FORMED, THE CPDM GOVERNMENT DID NOT SEE THEM AS A THREAT. BUT A SERIES OF BLUNDERS HAVE MADE THE WEAKNESSES OF THE SDF TO BE CONSPISCIOUS TO THE GOVERMENT AND ALL THEY CAN DO IS TO EXPLOIT THE SITUATION TO THEIR ADVANTAGE. ALL I CAN SAY AND FEEL IS THAT THE SDF IS NO QUITE READY TO SUPPORT CHANGE THROUGH COLLECTIVE ACTION AS THEY CLAIM TO SAY. THE COURSE FOR CHANGE HAVE BEEN HINDERED BY A LOT OF BLUNDERS SINCE 1992 WHEN THE FIRST MULTI PARTY PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS WERE HELD. THE FAILURE FOR THE OPPOSITION TO COME UP WITH A UNIQUE CANDIDATE LOST THEM THE ELECTIONS. AND ALL OF YOU WHO WERE OPOSITION LEADERS DURING THAT TIME REMEMBER YOU OWE POSTERITY AN EXPLANATION. IF YOU TOOK THE RIGHT DECISION THEN THE LEVEL OF DESTRUCTION THIS COUNTRY HAVE ENCURED IN THE HANDS OF THE CPDM WOULD HAVE BEEN REDEEMED DURING THE LAST 14 YEARS. THE SDF HAVE BECOME A PARTY OF INTERNAL SQUABBLES ,ORE THAN AN OPPOSITION PARTY. DICTATORS AND SELF CENTRED POLITICIANS IN THE SO CALLED NEC COMMITTE THINKS ALL THEY CAN DO IS TO DISMISS THOSE WHO THEY CLAIM IS NOT LOYAL TO THE PARTY. HOW CAN SOME ONE BE DISMISSED FROM A PARTY BECAUSE HE TALKS AGAINST THE CHAIRMAN OR CAMPAINGS AGAINST HIM.WHY DO AFRICANS MYSTIFY POSITIONS? WHY DO AFRICANS CONTINUE TO PREACH DEMOCRACY WHEN WE ARE SO UNDEMOCRATIC. IF WE CAMEROONIANS FROM THE CPDM TO ALL OPPOSITION PARTIES CANNOT IDENTIFY TGHE NORMS AND VALUES OF OUR SOCIETY FIRST AND FOREMOST, IT WILL BE DIFFICULT FOR US TO MOVE BEYOND THE PRIMITIVE SOCIETY STAGE. WE SHOULD HAVE THE STATE AT HEART MORE THAN OUR OWN SELFISH AMBITIONS FOR NO BODY WAS BORN TO LEAD BUT LEADERS ARE MADE. IF WE TRY AND FAIL WE SHOULD GIVE THE WAY TO OTHERS TO TRY AND HISTORY WOULD HAIL US FOR THAT. LET US ALL NOT BE LIKE THE RULING GOVERNEMENT FOR IF WE ARE THEN THERE IS NOTHING GOOD WE ARE DOING TO OUR COUNTRY BUT TAKING IT BHING AND POSTERUTY WILL NOT FORGIVE US

[James]

Any party that is taking part in elections is seeking governance. By voting for the SDF, the electorate as given the a mandate and the government can no longer reflect the views of the people if a party with such following is to actively taking part in the government. The CPDM does not have goverment. The people do. This party has broken the ice in cameroon with many good ideas. why are we trying to frustrate their big opportunity to prove themselves. What do you guys think about multipartism. That an opposition party should never have any dealing with the party in power? What is going on here. What is this debate about?