Savannah energy case: Kamto urges Biya to make clear son’s role in public affairs
The president of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) political party, Maurice Kamto has urged President Paul Biya to clarify the public on his son’s role in state and public affairs when he takes steps to defend his private interests under an official flag.
This is contained in a release signed by the official on April 22nd.
Chad announced on April 20, 2023, that it had recalled its Ambassador to Cameroon for consultations. In its statement, the Chadian presidency claims to have written several times to Yaounde to deplore the “unfriendly actions” of Cameroonian representatives within Cotco and the interference of Cameroonian personalities “brewing” around the Savannah Energy.
According to a statement from Savannah Energy PLC, the company has signed a sales agreement with Cameroon’s National Hydrocarbons (SNH) to hand over 10% of the capital of Cameroon Oil Transportation Company S.A. (COTCo). The transaction is subject to certain conditions and is expected to be completed in the second half of 2023.
Kamto stated that he learned Franck Emmanuel Biya went to N’Djamena in September 2022, as part of this case to intervene in favor of this company. He outlined that the trip, with no official functions within the state, was followed by that of Elung Paul Che, Deputy Secretary General number 1 of the Presidency of the Republic of Cameroon, from November 21 to 30 2022.
“It is urgent that he clarifies the situation and explains the role of his son in public affairs where he takes steps to defend private interests under an official flag. If not, national and international public opinion will be justified in suspecting him of being personally involved in this other scandal of our republic,“ he explained.
He noted that Chad is the only country in Central Africa that has stood by Cameroon in its fight against the Boko Haram cult since 2014 and a country where Cameroonian citizens suffer the least harassment.
“It is a brotherly and friendly country, which has historically always had very good relations with our country. As proof, it is the country in the sub-region where Cameroonian citizens suffer the least harassment and humiliation of all kinds from the authorities of the host country,” he stated.
He calls on the Parliament to open a parliamentary inquiry into this scandal.
