Wabane Traditional Chiefs: Demand Mayoral Change Over Mismanagement

• Traditional authorities in Wabane, Cameroon, demand a change in mayoral leadership due to alleged mismanagement.
• Mayor Nembo Ketu Israel is accused of fictitious projects, embezzlement, and failing to deliver development over three mandates.
• Specific concerns include paid-for but uncompleted projects and questions about a purchased caterpillar's whereabouts.
• The Fons and Chiefs have petitioned Minister Paul Tasong and party authorities, representing grassroots dissatisfaction.
• They seek accountability, development, and responsive leadership, not confrontation, ahead of municipal elections.

The Fons and Chiefs emphasize that their primary objective is not confrontation but rather to achieve accountability, foster development, ensure peace, and establish a leadership that genuinely responds to the needs and aspirations of the Wabane populace.

The Fons and Chiefs of Wabane Subdivision, located in Cameroon's South-West Region within the Lebialem department, have publicly called for a change in the leadership of the Wabane Council. This demand comes as municipal elections approach, following three terms served by the current Mayor, Nembo Ketu Israel. The traditional authorities accuse Mayor Israel of widespread mismanagement, including allegations of fictitious projects and embezzlement of public funds.

Among the specific issues highlighted by the traditional leaders are numerous projects that were reportedly declared complete but show little to no visible work on the ground, despite full payment for these undertakings. This discrepancy raises serious questions about the allocation and oversight of public funds within the council.

Furthermore, the Fons and Chiefs have raised concerns regarding the procurement of equipment, specifically a caterpillar. They have publicly questioned the council about this machinery, its current location, and its utilization, particularly noting that it reportedly could not access certain villages within the area. The absence of a functional equipment pool for an "enclaved area" like Wabane further exacerbates their concerns about the council's capacity to deliver essential services and infrastructure. These issues, they argue, contribute to a broader pattern of poor services and inadequate development, which also fueled public dissatisfaction during the recent presidential election period.

To ensure their grievances are heard through appropriate channels, the traditional authorities have taken several steps. They have issued a joint statement outlining their demands and have engaged with higher authorities, including Minister Paul Tasong, who is recognized as the political leader of Lebialem. Their petition has also been forwarded to the highest echelons of the ruling party, urging that their concerns be given due consideration in decisions pertaining to the future leadership of the Wabane Council.

The Fons and Chiefs emphasize that their primary objective is not confrontation but rather to achieve accountability, foster development, ensure peace, and establish a leadership that genuinely responds to the needs and aspirations of the Wabane populace. They have appealed to relevant State and Party Authorities to thoroughly investigate their concerns, heed the voices of the affected militants, and take appropriate action in accordance with the law and the best interests of the people of Wabane. The traditional leaders have also issued a stern warning, stating that any group attempting to distort these facts for financial gain will face strong resistance from the local population.

Lawyers advising on public procurement or local government contracts in Cameroon should note the heightened scrutiny and allegations of mismanagement in Wabane, indicating increased political and legal risk for projects and officials in the region. Compliance officers should monitor similar demands from traditional authorities as indicators of potential corruption investigations or shifts in local political landscapes.

Source: Original reporting via Actu Cameroun.