Reconstruction evaluation: Bamenda city mayor asks churches, NGOs to seek peace first, not justice

By Nukapuh P.

The city Mayor of Bamenda, Paul Achobong Tembeng has challenged churches, religious authorities and NGOs operating in the North West region to embrace peace before seeking justice.

Paul Achobong was speaking on March 28, 2023 during the evaluation meeting of the Presidential Plan for the Reconstruction and Development, PPRD of the North West region. During the one-on-one discussion and presentations headed by the President of the steering committee of the reconstruction plan, Balungeli Confiance Ebune. The implementation partner of the projects, United Nations Development Programme, UNDP presented a draft of all the projects that have been executed in the 7 divisions of the North West region.

The City Mayor appreciated the steps taken so far by the government to rebuild the region. Paul Achobong during his speech demanded more and called on the population and religious leaders to play their part.

“I am launching an appeal to all our fellow brothers and sisters to drop their weapons and embrace the reconstruction process. I will like to appeal to NGOs and churches to go for peace first and not justice. We should stop counting the loss and asking for revenge in the name of justice, peace is all we need,” Paul Achobong said.

In response, the representative of the Arch Bishop of Bamenda commented that they have been doing their best:

“We want more please if you have something to add, do. I wish to say that the people of Bamenda and the North West region are tired and want more of these projects in order to boost development in their communities. I think development has started at the center and it will definitely reach all the areas.”

On his part, the President of the steering committee, Balungeli Confiance Ebune said the population must convince the government by being peaceful to show that they need the projects.

The representative of the UNDP in the North West region disclosed that about 45 projects have been realized in infrastructure reconstruction, 8 in livelihood revitalization and 5 in the aspect of social cohesion restoration in all 7 divisions of the region.

The team visited some of the projects realized in Bamenda III subdivision and will continue on Wednesday in Bamenda I and II to round up the evaluation.