Cameroon’s health Minister rejects Kamto’s Covid-19 gifts

Since the coronavirus outbreak in Cameroon, several groups and individuals have carried out different initiatives to mitigate the spread of the virus as well as bring comfort to the population.

Similar actions by Prof Maurice Kamto and his Survie-Cameroon-Survival Initiative (SCSI) have however not been well received by the government.

Earlier today, Prof Kamto announced that he was making a personal donation of close to 17,000 face masks and 950 test kits to be used by Cameroonians and health workers in the fight against the virus. The items have however been rejected by health Minister, Manaouda Malachie.

The items were taken to the ministry by Christian Penda Ekoka- SCSI President who had earlier accused mobile telephone network companies of blocking mobile money accounts for donations to the initiative.

Many have expressed outrage over government’s refusal to accept the aid of the MRC leader despite getting aid from other individuals and groups for the fight against the virus on a daily basis.

Today’s incident comes after the Minister of territorial administration- Paul Atanga Nji called for the closure of SCSI bank and mobile money accounts that were used to collect donations for the initiative. In an April 7th communiqué, Atanga Nji said those who had taken upon themselves to organise “illegal fundraising” activities to cease and “to close any bank account opened for this purpose.”

Maurice Kamto addressing Cameroonians in response had accused government officials of lacking genuine concern for citizens. President Biya he warned “will be solely responsible for what will happen to any slippage during the peaceful distribution of assistance to the population.”

“Authorities” Kamto added “decided to sacrifice the people at the altar of their pride.”

Reacting to the Kamto-government row, some critics had said the pandemic is a health issue that concerns everyone and should not be an avenue for settling political scores.

Cameroon remains one of the most countries most hit by the coronavirus in subsaharan Africa with over a thousand cases. Despite the hundreds of recoveries registered, many warn that a broader outbreak will be harder to control due to the ill-equipped hospitals and inadequate medical facilities.

Mimi Mefo Info