CM Minister Jacques Fame Ndongo's Subjonctif Error in Public Speaking

• Minister Jacques Fame Ndongo made a grammatical error during his speech at the University Games in Ebolowa.
• He incorrectly classified 'n'eussent été' as the 'subjonctif imparfait', when it is actually the 'plus-que-parfait du subjonctif'.
• The mistake was pointed out by Professor Darren LAMBO EBELLE, a specialist in Letters.
• The incident highlights the importance of attention to detail in public speaking and the need for officials to be mindful of their language and grammar.

In sciences de l’information et de la communication, un axiome s’impose : "la responsabilité éditoriale et politique d’un texte incombe à son auteur, et nul ne peut se dérober à cette responsabilité"

Minister of Higher Education Jacques Fame Ndongo made a grammatical error during his speech at the University Games in Ebolowa. He incorrectly classified 'n'eussent été' as the 'subjonctif imparfait', when it is actually the 'plus-que-parfait du subjonctif'. This mistake was pointed out by Professor Darren LAMBO EBELLE, a specialist in Letters, who criticized the Minister's 'ostentation of knowledge' at the expense of rigor. The video of the speech went viral on social media.

The incident occurred on August 6, 2026, when Minister Ndongo delivered a lengthy and flowery speech, replete with high-flown language and synonyms. However, his grammar was lacking. Specifically, he confused the tenses, as Professor LAMBO EBELLE explained in an interview.

While grammatical errors may seem trivial, they can have significant consequences for public officials like Minister Ndongo. In the context of public speaking, attention to detail is crucial, particularly when it comes to language and grammar. As Professor LAMBO EBELLE noted, 'the responsibility for editorial and political content in a text lies with its author.' This means that even minor mistakes can have far-reaching implications and may require officials to take steps to mitigate potential reputational damage.

In the case of Minister Ndongo's speech, the error was not only grammatical but also reflected poorly on his character. As Professor LAMBO EBELLE observed, 'the posture of a public official is just as important as their knowledge.' The incident highlights the importance of attention to detail in public speaking and the need for officials to be mindful of their language and grammar.

The incident involving Minister Ndongo's grammatical error serves as a reminder that even minor mistakes can have significant consequences. In the context of public speaking, attention to detail is crucial, particularly when it comes to language and grammar. As lawyers and compliance officers know, even small errors can have far-reaching implications and may require officials to take steps to mitigate potential reputational damage.

The incident also highlights the importance of humility and a willingness to learn in public officials. As Professor LAMBO EBELLE noted, 'the posture of a public official is just as important as their knowledge.' By acknowledging his mistake and taking steps to improve, Minister Ndongo can demonstrate his commitment to excellence and set a positive example for others.

This development highlights the importance of attention to detail in public speaking, particularly for high-profile officials like Minister Fame Ndongo. Lawyers and compliance officers should be aware that even minor mistakes can have significant consequences and may need to advise their clients on how to mitigate potential reputational damage.

Source: Original reporting via Le Pr Jacques Fame Ndongo