By Charity Nginyu
In a troubling turn of events, the mysterious death of Mr. Michael Fotabong, an offshore worker for Smit Lamnalco, has left his family in distress and seeking answers.
The Buea-based sea worker who departed from his hometown to work with the company operating around the Kribi ocean, was last heard from on Sunday February 4, 2024, when he communicated with his wife via phone.
According to the wife, the distressing news of his disappearance reached them the following morning when Mr. David Otte Nanje, a representative of Smit Lamnalco, who received the worker at the company, contacted his wife to report that her husband could not be located on the boat.
Our source stated. ‘After pressure from us, the company Lamnalco through Mr. Nanje Otte David lied that Mr. Michael Fotabong fell from the boat.’
Despite these claims. Mr. Fotabong’s family remained skeptical. ‘What is certain is that Mr. Michael is a very good swimmer and if he falls from the boat mistakenly without anyone harming him, he
will definitely swim and return to the boat.’ the source emphasized. ‘If someone harmed him, there is no way he can return to that boat.’
Amidst the turmoil, Gendarmerie authorities in Kribi have called on the family to collect a death certificate, after his body was discovered at sea. However skepticism persists, as the circumstances surrounding Mr. Fotabong’s disappearance remain shrouded in uncertainty.
Lawyer solicits Transport Minister’s intervention
In a recent development, a lawyer, Chuo Anguaba Jr. has joined the chorus of voices demanding justice for Mr. Michael Fotabong and accountability for the alleged human rights violations surrounding his disappearance within Cameroon’s waters.
Speaking on the matter, Barrister Angabua called on Cameroon’s Minister of Transport to ensure swift and transparent action to address the tragedy.
‘The loss of Mr. Fotabong under such circumstances is deeply troubling and demands a thorough investigation.’ Barrister Angabua stated in an open letter to the Transport
Minister. ‘We urge the Cameroonian authorities to conduct an impartial inquiry into the events leading up to his disappearance, ensuring that any potential negligence or wrongdoing is uncovered and those responsible are held accountable under the law.’
He went ahead to call for increased transparency from both Smit Lamnalco and Cameroonian authorities, urging them to fully cooperate with the investigation and provide access to relevant evidence. including CCTV footage from the vessel. ‘Transparency and accountability are essential in ensuring that justice is served for Mr. Fotabong and his family.’ Barrister Angabua affirmed.
It should be noted that all attempts to obtain CCTV footage of the said evening from the company’s proved futile.
With mounting pressure from the family and other stakeholders, the spotlight remains firmly on the Cameroonian authorities to take decisive action in addressing the alleged human rights violations and ensuring that similar incidents are prevented in the future.
Despit att
empts by the Cameroon News Agency to reach Mr. DAVOD OTTE for comment on the matter, all efforts have proved futile as he has not responded to any of our messages.
Source: Cameroon News Agency
Addis Ababa: Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Claver Gatete said ECA remains committed to working together with the Africa Union to realize an education system fit for the 21st century.
Speaking at the 44th opening of the Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of AU today, ECA Executive Secretary Claver Gatete emphasized the need to build resilient education systems in Africa.
He highlighted the importance of education as a fundamental human right and a key driver of socio-economic development.
Under the theme “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa,” Gatete stressed the urgency of transforming education to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
Gatete acknowledged that despite progress, significant barriers to education in Africa remain. Issues such as limited access, unequal opportunities, and inadequate quality pose cha
llenges to achieving inclusive and lifelong learning.
He noted that by 2030, nearly half of the global youth population will be African, highlighting the need to equip them with the necessary skills to participate fully in the evolving workforce.
The COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing crises have accelerated the adoption of technology and reshaped the global landscape. Gatete emphasized the importance of aligning education systems with these changes, particularly in areas such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
He highlighted the potential of these fields to drive economic growth, competitiveness, and innovation.
To achieve a workforce for the future, Gatete called for increased investments in education, focusing on areas that enhance productive capabilities and global competitiveness.
He emphasized the need for a digital transformation of education systems, citing Africa’s low share of global innovation and limited expenditure
on research and development.
Gatete underscored the role of education in sustainable industrialization, economic diversification, and job creation.
ECA Chief emphasized that innovation would be the foundation for achieving these goals. calling for strategic investments in infrastructure, resources, and curriculum development to leverage Africa’s natural and human capital, particularly in sectors such as agribusiness, manufacturing, and global health.
Gatete also stressed the urgency of addressing the digital gender divide and making education a top priority.
“Education is a basic human right and a key enabler for achieving our collective socio-economic development objectives. When we fail to provide accessible and inclusive education, we deny people this right. This Summit marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to transform our education system to one that is ‘fit for purpose’ in today’s world.”
He expressed the commitment of the United Nations and the ECA to collaborate with the African Union in reali
zing a 21st-century education system that prepares African youth for the future
Source: Ethiopian News Agency