The First Biannual Conference of Regional Governors for 2024 opened at the City Hall of Yaounde this Wednesday, July 3, 2024, under the theme “Administrative Authorities and Maintaining Law and Order in a Pre-Election Period.” Minister ATANGA NJI Paul of Territorial Administration presided over the ceremony, which featured a joint presentation on the country’s security situation by the Secretary of State to the Ministry of Defense and the Secretary General to the Delegate General for National Security. Minister Atanga Nji in his address condemned the numerous road accidents, particularly along the Yaounde-Douala-Bafoussam axis, nicknamed the « Triangle of Death. » Truck drivers transporting sand and gravel are often guilty of high speed, poor overtaking, and drunk driving. Therefore, administrative authorities will be required to issue orders to regulate the movement of heavy trucks.Regarding motorcycles, the Minister remarked that identification operations are proceeding smoothly in some cities but stalling in others. Atrocities in the motorcycle sector are alarming, with involvement in drug trafficking, arms trafficking, assaults, armed robbery, and serious traffic accidents. Intensive collaboration will be launched with trade unions to crack down on serious crime. Drivers involved in accidents and those who refuse to be identified will be arrested, given the recurrence of kidnappings for ransom.
In the political pespective, hate speech, and political adventurism are risk factors for destabilization. Administrative authorities are called upon to preserve the nation’s achievements. As such, political and social actors must conduct their activities in strict compliance with the laws of the Republic.
Minister ATANGA NJI Paul emphasized that there will be no room for soothsayers or preachers of doom who think they know Cameroon better than the head of state, especially during debates in several media organs. The first day of the conference also involved a special slot with opinion leaders, publishers of newspapers and heads of media Houses with a special communication from the MINAT boss on the no tolerance to any disturbance from any politician or political party.
The day ended with a closed-door discussion at the Hilton Hotel, with various reports of regional governors on the country’s security situation.