MP Nintcheu Calls for Atanga Nji’s Resignation Over Crisis Mismanagement

During a heated address, the MP lambasted Atanga Nji’s perceived incompetence and mismanagement, calling for his immediate resignation.

Failure to Manage National Crises

Hon. Nintcheu began by highlighting the ministry’s failure to adequately respond to two major catastrophes that struck Cameroon in 2024:

1. Flooding in the Far North Region: The collapse of the Logone dyke and the Maga dam led to devastating losses, including:

   • 17 deaths.
   • 368,000 people affected.
   • 13,000 hectares of farmland destroyed.
   • 197 schools inundated.
   • 1,600 cattle lost and 262 water points submerged.

2. The Dschang Landslide in the West Region: Dozens of lives were lost due to landslides, which Hon. Nintcheu argued could have been avoided if the Directorate of Civil Protection had implemented preventive measures, such as cordoning off the area and establishing a no-access zone after the initial landslide.

Warnings Ignored

Nintcheu accused Atanga Nji of ignoring multiple warnings from experts. He cited studies conducted by students in Earth Sciences at the University of Dschang, which had flagged the instability of the Dschang cliff years prior. These warnings were allegedly dismissed by the ministry, leaving citizens vulnerable.

“Managing is anticipating,” said Nintcheu, criticizing the ministry’s failure to act on these alerts or to respond adequately once disasters struck.

Mismanagement of Resources

Nintcheu raised serious questions about the use of funds allocated for disaster relief, stating that:

• 2 billion FCFA allocated by President Paul Biya for flood victims in the Far North were reportedly returned to Yaoundé without reaching affected populations.
• Over 72 billion FCFA allocated for civil protection over the past 12 years remains unaccounted for.

“Where did the money go?” he asked, citing allegations that flood victims in Vele, Mayo-Danay, received no assistance despite widespread devastation.

Civil Protection in Shambles

Hon. Nintcheu painted a grim picture of the state of Cameroon’s civil protection services:

• A 2008-2009 report remains the most recent public record on civil protection in the country, despite annual allocations of billions of FCFA.
• Civil protection agents lack basic equipment and training, as evidenced by untrained locals using rudimentary tools to dig out landslide victims in Dschang.
• Emergency operations are conducted with little coordination or foresight, as heavy machinery is deployed without prior ground analysis.

Critique of the Proposed National Civil Protection Agency

The government’s proposal to establish a National Civil Protection Agency was also criticized by Nintcheu. While he welcomed the idea in principle, he argued that allowing 50% of the proposed special fund to remain under the Ministry of Territorial Administration would perpetuate inefficiency and corruption.

“The creation of this agency proves that civil protection under your leadership has failed miserably,” he said, accusing Atanga Nji of clinging to resources to mask his incompetence.

A Call for Accountability

Hon. Nintcheu concluded his statement with an unequivocal demand:

“Resign from your position as Minister of Territorial Administration. It is an urgent matter of public interest.”

He labeled Atanga Nji’s tenure as disastrous, summarizing his performance with the phrase:

“Calamity Atanga Nji.”

A Broader Critique of Governance

Nintcheu’s speech goes beyond Atanga Nji’s leadership, serving as a broader critique of governance in Cameroon. His call for transparency, accountability, and competent leadership resonates with many Cameroonians who feel abandoned by their government during crises.

The question now is whether these criticisms will lead to meaningful reform or whether, as Nintcheu fears, the proposed agency and future policies will fall victim to the same systemic failures.