By Washira Helene
A woman identified as Mengue Eyenga Natacha is currently on a run after embezzling the sum of 2.5 million FCFA from a ‘njangi’ (self-help financial association operating for the benefit of members) group she was presiding.
The njangi group known as “Je m’en sors” (I am capable) was formed in Yaounde in 2017 and has since then been functioning properly for the benefit of its members, until a few weeks ago when its peace was disrupted by the president.
The embezzled money according to the members of this association was meant to support one of its members whose wedding is coming up a few weeks from now.
The members of the association have been trying to get in touch with Natacha who is nowhere to be found. According to them, she has been noticed online reading the numerous messages and threats directed towards her.
Left with no option, the victims decided to match to their president’s family house where they were advised to seek a new president for their association and move on.
“We will advise you to organise elections for that vacant position and continue with your association” a family member is reported to have said.
It is not clear at the time of this report whether the victims are going to take legal action to claim back the money they have been defrauded of.
Njangi associations are very common in Cameroon and Nigeria (where it is commonly known as ajo) and are largely built on trust. It is a system by which members contribute specific sums of money and hand to one person, who uses it to solve a problem and they take it in turns to contribute for every member.
It is usually considered a cheaper alternative to modern-day loans as it is an interest-free system. However, stories such as this highlight the limitations of the system, which could leave members without a solution.
