CCFGA determined on getting legal approval despite administrative holdback
In a recent press conference, the Coalition of Cameroon Federalist Groups and Activists (CCFGA) shared their challenging experience in an attempt to officially register the association as a civil society organisation, focused on policy change and good governance, in a federated Cameroon.
However, the registration process experienced some administrative challenges, which according to CCFGA’s Chairperson, Mike Takie “are not just challenges resulting from occasional mistakes; they reflect a pattern of deviation from the law, where the government is in the habit of acting unlawfully by giving out instructions which go against the law.”
According to the press document, CCFGA is resolute on their goal of getting legal approval to operate, even if that would mean “to pursue all legal actions possible until our constitutional freedom of association is acknowledged.”
That notwithstanding, “the CCFGA firmly believes that Cameroon is one nation that should be sustainably preserved and properly governed as a federation. We believe that the path to federalism and the subsequent preservation of the restored federation should strictly follow the rule of law and adhere to the principles of constitutional democracy. That is why we are opposed to the use of arms and all forms of violence in our fight, as well as in the desire to preserve the unitary state or to achieve separation. It also explains our firm desire to become a duly registered civil society organization promoting policy change and good governance.
The Frustrating Experience
Even though, “Law No. 90/053 of 19th December 1990 regulates the actualization of the Freedom of Association by any civil society group. It requires that persons intending to form an association declare such an association by submitting relevant documents to the office of the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO).
“On October 17th, 2023, our Second Vice Chairperson, Mr. Peter Atemkeng, approached the office of the SDO of Fako in Limbe, with the relevant documents for the registration of the CCFGA. Staff in the SDO’s secretariat told him that the type of association we intend to declare is only registered at the Ministry of Territorial Administration.
“24th October 2023: Surprised by the deviation from what the law prescribes, we commissioned a bailiff to deliver the declaration package to the SDO’s office and secure an acknowledgement of receipt. Once more, the staff at the SDO’s secretariat declared that such a declaration can only be done at the Ministry of Territorial Administration in Yaounde.
“6th November 2023: Although we knew that the recommendations of the SDO’s secretariat were at variance with the law, we sent our First Vice Chairperson, Mr. Jean Carol Zanda, to submit the declaration documents to relevant office at the Ministry of Territorial Administration. He was directed to the office most competent in matters of associations. There he was informed that the right address for such a declaration is the SDO’s office. He was therefore advised to return the documents to the SDO of Fako in Limbe.
“16th November 2023: Heeding the advice of the Ministry of Territorial Administration and the law, we once more requested the services of a bailiff to submit our declaration package. This time around, the bailiff delivered the documents to the SDO’s staff for onward transmission. The receiving staff, however, declined to acknowledge receipt by signing the bailiff’s act” CCFGA’s 1st Vice Chairperson, Jean Carol Zanda shared their frustration.
He concluded by adding that “CCFGA is still waiting for a response from the S.D.O.”
CCFGA’s message to the S.D.O of Fako
“Respected sir, we are counting on you to acknowledge receipt of our application and register our association. This fundamental right has already been granted to us by the constitution. We are law abiding citizens who want nothing but the very best for our beloved country. We want to preserve the unity of Cameroon by fighting for the federalist foundation of our nation. Cameroon is, and ought to remain, One Nation, federated.
“We further want the SDO to know that we are determined to have our association declared and registered. If we do not hear from the SDO within three months, starting from November 16th we will consider taking legal actions against that unit of the executive branch. Our determination is such that even if an initial case against the SDO’s office is unfavorable, we will appeal to the next court in the judicial hierarchy, until the matter reaches the Supreme Court. We shall not allow ourselves to be dribbled from one office to the other”, CCFGA’s 2nd Vice President, Peter Atemkeng said in the statement.
CCFGA’s message to DGSN on the Issue of N.I.C
“Enough is enough! Cameroonians are suffering because of the national identity card crisis. The suffering of Cameroonians in former Southern Cameroons regions is unbearable. The ID card issue should be treated as a national emergency. All issued cards lying idly in offices around the country should be released to their owners immediately. Show that you understand the regional differences in the gravity of the situation. These differences directly diminish the political leverage of the people of former southern Cameroons. They constitute part of the discrimination, domination, subjugation, and assimilation they complain of. These unfortunate experiences have led to the current armed conflict. The lack of progress in addressing the crisis will be considered as a systematic attempt to limit the voting rights of some Cameroonians, especially those from the former Southern Cameroons” CCFGA’s Secretary General, Ben Akih said.
