Bakassi Community Rock The Lists

The objective of the project was to increase the registration on voter list and the participation of Cameroonians living in the oil rich Bakassi Peninsular in local elections and the democratic process of the nation in General.

We planned to carry out a four day intensive sensitization and mobilization campaign in two localities of the area as well as engage the staff of the newly created Bakassi FM radio station airs our produced spots and microprogrammes on the radio

To do this we carried out a door to door campaign in the selected localities and use national emblems like the Flags and Copies of National Anthem as well as Calendars and Almanac’s with the names and pictures of member of governments etc.

This was to make them be aware of the civic structures of the country and their need to register and choose their leaders

Our team also held group meetings with the authorities of the localities before the mobilization and sensitization exercise proper.

At the end of the project there was a renewed hope for our brothers since they declared their   interest in the electoral process.

Target population assured us of  better citizen participation in the  registration process and the democratic process of Cameroon through peaceful, credible, free and fair presidential, Municipal and legislative election in Cameroon.

Hence with our campaign we are sure of reduced rate of voter apathy

Many More women showed interest in the registration process but expressed the needs for facilitation of the acquisition of identity cards.

School children now understand the National Anthem and other Civic realities of Cameroon as some could be seen waving the colours of the national flag and reciting the national anthem.

The technical problem we faced was the fact that the Bakassi Radio had a technical fault throughout our stay there hence we could not listen to the spots and micro programmes but echoes from Ndian have it that will make an impact due to the language and tone of the messages

II.         Country Context: (1/2 page)

Bakassi Peninsular which has only recently been handed over to Cameroon by the International Court of Justice after a series of dispute has been the focus of development by the Cameroon government since then.

Nigerians living over the other side of the oil rich peninsular are not happy with the Green Tree Accord so they are bent on continuing the long years of war with Cameroonian soldiers in the area.

Under different names like the Bakassi Freedom Fighters and that Movement for the liberation of Bakassi, rebels have been raiding the place especially Jabane and Idabato which are in the creeks.

Only recently, that is a few days to the start of this project, another group had declared  Bakassi and independent state.

More than one Mayor has been kidnapped especially the Mayor of Akwa, Aboko Patrick who was kidnapped alongside the Divisional officer of Kombo Abedimo and latter he was killed and the Mayor released.

The green tree accords expects the Cameroon government to develop the area and make habitable for the people so the government is taking its services of administration gradually to the place

However, the fact that the people are not used to the Cameroonian realities and are not engaged in the civic process, they hardly take part in any election.

This poses a problem because most often their needs are meet and are sometimes imposed priority projects by the state since they are not involved in the decision making process from the very beginning.

This project will address the problem of fitting the inhabitants of the area in the Cameroonian realities, encourage them to take part in the municipal and parliamentary elections in 2013 and give them a right to make proposal to the competent authorities on their prioritized needs and avoid imposed prioritization by the government which is sometimes waste of resources.

III.       ANALYSIS AND SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES: (about 2 pages)

After a long and tedious six hours journey on the degrading road from Kumba to Mundemba, the CAMP team of four people along side Mr. Valerie of Counterpart International was received by its president Mr. Tarhyang Tabe who had been on the ground in Akwa and Isangele for a familiarization tour.

After checking into a hotel, and having a rest, Mr. Tabe immediate held a meeting with the whole team during which they strategized on how to go about the four day sensitization work in the Bakassi localities of Kombo Abedimo and Isangele.

The meeting began with a welcome note from Mr Tabe who then thank all for enduring the difficult roads to the location especially Mr. Valerie of Counterpart who’s presence on the field was very essential given the fact that he is one of the trainers and the importance Counterpart attaches the project.

Material to be used on the field was presented to all. These include 500 PIECES OF Flags with the Rock The List Message, 500 copies of National Anthem and 400copies of calenders as well as the copies of the spots and microprogrammes. There were also two colorful banners, handouts, a handy flag and designed brief cases carrying the same message on the tracts to be used by the sensitizers. The quantity of the materials was based on the population sample. The Counterpart representative made some remarks and took photos of each of the gadgets. There radio spots and micro-programes were to be broadcast over the Bakassi community radio.

Valerie reminded that a clear understanding be made with the radio on the airtime schedule and the duration.

He also asked to know who was being interviewed on the micro-program which was in the form of an interview and was satisfied to know that Mr. Tabe himself was the one being interviewed given his knowledge of the new electoral code and the trainings with Counterpart International.

 Mr. Valerie then underlined the fact that the essential is not to have the spot on radio but to ensure that the targeted audience be consistent and that they get the message.

Mr. Tabe then presented an 8 hour daily schedule which consisted of meeting with the authorities and a door to door sensitization of the people.

The team was divided in three pairs. The Counterpart representative then took the floor. He asked to know if CAMP had intention of receiving funds from any other donor or source for this same project proposal apart from Counterpart International. Mr. Tabe frankly replied this question reiterating that CAMP has chosen to work with Counterpart and is not ready to involve any other funding organization as of now.

Valerie also asked to know if there were any suggestions to make to counterpart as far as the project is concerned. Mr. Tabe then pointed out the necessity to put at the disposal of the grantees enough means to be able to reach the desired goal create the necessary impact and for results that last. He also added that the project is just on time given its magnitude and importance to the Bakassi area and Cameroon as a whole.

Day 1

As early as 5 am the next day, we were set for another yet another 4 hour rough road to the Bakassi peninsula.

It was rather an exciting experience but mixed with fear as for most of us, it was just the first time to go pass Mundemba.

 Despite the rough nature of the road, we managed to reach Bakassi by pushing were we had to and digging with hands without hesitation.

On reaching Bakassi at about 10:30 am, we had to signal our presence to the National Gendarmerie Brigade of Akwa, had a brief meeting with the D.O of Kombo Abedimo, who then presented us and our mission to other authorities of the place.

We then had the green light to carry out our sensitization campaign. The various pairs visited every single household in the Akwa locality and explained to them with the help of the gadgets, the necessity for them to get themselves registered on the electoral register when the time comes. Though they were very excited to know that they were being thought of for this important civic responsibility, they however pointed out their grievances to the fact that they don’t have national identity cards not because they don’t want to but due to the fact that some of them who even have the means to obtain one have tried to no avail. They are being refused this service and when they even go as far as Mundemba or Ekondo Titi to obtain one they hardly come back satisfied. “They say we are not Cameroonians” is a common responds we could get as a reason for the refusal to issue them this document which is a prime one for Cameroon to enjoy legacy over the Bakassi territory. However, the CAMP team could boast of having been able to rekindle their feelings as Cameroonians but much still needs to be done for the follow up toward this exercise. Children in this locality showed their zeal for education as some of them could recognize the national anthem on some of the calendars and could sing it even though not clearly.

After the 3 hour exercise in Akwa, the team took off for the next locality, Issangele. Because of the familiarization tour that the president of CAMP had made to this locality which constitutes about half of the Bakassi population, the team had a warm welcome from the chief and his subjects who knew already the reason of our visit.

Without any waste of time, the team continued the exercise just as they did in Akwa. Isangele is also were the Bakassi community radio is situated but our spot and micro-program could not be broadcast at the time of the visit due to a technical fault on the transmitter which has been down for about three days.

A small meeting was held at the end of the day with the chief and some of his people during which they expressed their worries and concerns over the exercise. These were taken note of by the team leader Mr. Tabe. Some youths of this locality expressed their wish to see this exercise successful and gave their contacts for eventual necessity.

The team then left back for Mundemba where an evaluation meeting of day one was held that evening. Mr. Tabe appreciated and thanked the Counterpart official for his assistance to the team on the field.

Focus was on the reactions of the Bakassi people towards the exercise and the Electoral process as a whole.

Also presented at the meeting was the communication officer of Elecam office of mundemba, Mr. Roland Mbonteh who happened to be friend of CAMP.  He did not hide his feelings for the work that was done on that day. He acclaimed the work he witnessed in the field and encouraged the efforts to work hand in gloves with administrative officials and more over the door to door move to reach the targeted population.

 He also pointed out indications which prove that project was a good one relating to the fact that it has brought about another problem which is that of identification.

The ELECAM official was so impressed by the initiative which he said was going to ease their work in that community. He invited the team to their office for a courtesy visit. The next day program was then agreed upon.

Day 2

Mr. Valerie’s departure from Mundemba marked the beginning of day two activities which were centered on two other small settlements around Isangele towards mundemba where the team continued with the distribution of calendars and flyers, meetings during which they noted the complaints of the various villagers. In one of these villages, team was welcomed with the sad news of the kidnap of their chief and one of his subjects.

The team sympathized with them but couldn’t stay there for long as this was a signal of great danger to them.

The villagers were enlightened on the registration procedures with emphasis on why it was important for them to register. We also met with the manager of the community radio to whom he gave the spot and micro-program for eventual broadcast once the transmitter shall be repaired.

Because of the inaccessibility earlier reported at Idabato, the team resolved to meet with the Lord Mayor and D.O of the locality for day three so as to make sure that the material that was destined for that population could reach them through a secured and reliable channel.

We spoke to the mayor and the then handed the materials for distribution since it was not accessible by land.

We tried to work on the creeks with the fishermen of Idabato for the rest of the day; the team met with fishermen on board their canoes and handed them materials and preached to them the Rock the List message.

Day 3

Before moving to Akwa for the final day there and last day we made a stop at the Senior Divisional Office for Ndian.

The team then an impromptu visited to Mr. Peter Tie Nde, the first personality of the division. Despite the sudden nature of the visit, the S.D.O however was pleased to welcome the six man delegation. Mr. Tabe introduced the group and presented the mission statement.

The S.D.O immediately realized the importance of the meeting and requested the presence of his first assistant who in no time was sitting with us.

 The S.D.O being very conscious and cautious of the stakes involved in the exercise expressed concern over the legality of CAMP and its involvement in the Electoral process. … An attendance sheet was passed round on which the team noted their presence. Mr. Tabe then continued by presenting samples of the working materials to the S.D.O. he also reported on the activities carried out on the previous days including the familiarization tours.

 The S.D.O praised the team for the work they are doing but pointed out that the mission would have been more understand if we they were accompanied in the process by ELECAM.

He was so touched with the message on the banners that he was just ready to have it in his keeping but he advised that the team should meet with the ELECAM officials of Mundemba before leaving.

Mr. Tabe then informed him of the invitation from Mr. Mbonteh which the team had to honor the next day.

In Akwa we visited the households that we could not meet during the first day in Akwa, though during the holidays we paid visits to school teachers, headmasters and discussed our message of Strengthening Civic Engagement in the area.

Day 4

On the morning of Day four we went back to evaluate and finished up sensitization in Isangele, the news of the kidnapped chief could not give us more than two hours of work; however, the first day at Isangele and the neighboring village including the materials handed to one of the chiefs and his councilors and municipal authorities for continuity in meetings and churches

We then returned to Mundemba. At the Elecam office, Mr. Mbonteh welcomed the team on behalf of the Divisional Delegate who was unavoidably absent and presented the staff.

Mr. Tabe also presented his team and their mission which is to encourage the biometric registration on electoral registers.

He presented samples of the working materials and explained the outlook of the various samples. The communication officer of ELECAM requested that the exercise should not be limited to just the Bakassi community but be extended to cover the all of Ndian division.

 He also asked to know why CAMP had decided to carry out this sensitization campaign that early when ELECAM had not lunched the process of registration yet.

 Mr. Tabe responded promptly by explaining that it was a strategy to get the people prepared before hand and that the mission is supported by an organization with a well defined purpose and a lifespan. The banner and a sample of each working material were left at the ELECAM office for them to put it into use till we may need them. Mr. Mbonteh also requested that CAMP should send in an application to work with ELECAM during the registration process which is to begin soon. This meeting marked the end of CAMP’s mission to Bakassi, The Promise Land.

IV.       INDICATORS OF MONITORING AND EVALUATION: (1 / 2 page)

One Meeting with the Administrative and Local Authorities held

Five hundred Packs of Civic materials (National Anthem, Motto, Creed, flag, List of Governors and Ministers etc) produced

- Five Hundred packs distributed and received by community members

-Two sensitization meetings with the target population involving five women in each of the meetings

-Two Micro programmes and Radio spots produced

-At least Five Hundred people sensitized on voter registration and the biometric system

Beneficiaries addressed by the grant

• Number of individual beneficiaries served 550
• Disaggregate beneficiaries served by:           

                                                      Male 50                                                                               

                                                              Female 15

                                     Youth (18-30 years old)) 25

• Number of potential beneficiaries served   640
• Number of people reached                        640
• Number of organizations served                8

(Please disaggregate data on organizations served by type and subtype, using the table provided below)            

TYPE	Subtype	Number
Civic organization/group	Total
	Business or Professional Association
	Disabled People organization/group
	Faith based organization
	Human Rights Organization/group
	IDP Organization/group
	Interest-based Association or Network
	Media Support Organization
	NGO support organization
	Organization/Group representing a religious minority
	Organization/Group representing an ethnic minority
	Think Tank
	Women’s Organization/Group
	Youth Organization/Group
	None of the above
Government	Total
	Judges
	Local executive government	1
	Local legislative officials	1
	National executive government	1
	Parliament/National legislative officials
	None of the above
Academic institution	Total	3
	Academic administrator	1
	Primary/Secondary Teacher	1
	Professional Development Institute Faculty
	University Faculty/Academic/Researcher
	None of the above
Independent Government Agency	Total	2
	Anti-Corruption Agency
	Election Commission
	Human Rights Commission
	Ombudsman
	Women’s Commission
	Youth Commission
	ELECAM	1
Media Outlet	Total	1
	Community Media Outlet	1
	Private Media Outlet
	Public Media Outlet
Buseness sector	Total	1
	Agriculture/Livestock producer group
	Formal Credit Facility
	Informal Credit Facility
	Microenterprise/Entrepreneur
	Small/Medium Enterprises (SME)
HealthCareInstitutionProvider	Total
Labor Union	Total
Political Party	Total
Think Tank	Total
Religious organization	Total
Tribal Group	Total	1
Other	Total

V.         ACHIEVEMENTS / LESSONS LEARNED

There project had a total of close to 98 percentage execution rate and the objectives of the project were attained with a lot of new lessons learnt.

Some of which include the fact that the people are willing to be fully Cameroonians yet the process of obtaining the basic documents is not facilitated.

We also discovered that the people are not used to their leaders since most of them leave out of their areas of jurisdiction and hardly interact with them.

We equally learnt that the lukewarm attitude in participation in the governance is facilitated the administration so as to instill high voter apathy which gives room for electoral fraud since the population is not there to protect their votes after casting since they do not even register

However we believe that things will definitely not be the same.

Hence our work will be a base study for other projects in civic engagement such as facilitation of the acquisition of identity cards, election monitoring and participatory development; that is making the citizen to hold the elected officials accountable to them

VI.       CHALLENGES / RECOMMENDATIONS

As said earlier; the goals of the project were attained but for the fact that at the time of execution the Bakassi Radio had a technical fault.

Secondly the insecurity and inaccessibility of the creeks made us not to work in Idabato as previously planned.

These are technical factors and needs to be taken in to consideration.