Government orders halt of Kamto’s anti coronavirus fundraising, says move is illegal

Days back the MRC’s Maurice Kamto announced the creation of a non partisan initiative, Survie-Cameroon-Survival Initiative (SCSI) to help Cameroonians combat the coronavirus.

With € 362.774 (Over FCFA 218 million) already donated, Territorial Administration Minister Atanga Nji has called off the operation terming it illegal.

In a press release this evening the minister lauds measures he says were prescribed by President Biya to combat the virus. They include the closure of borders; the closure of schools with e-learning as an option;
the closure of drinking spots, restaurants and recreational centres by 6 pm;
the prohibitions of gatherings involving more than 50 persons; the limitation of the number of passengers in public transport vehicles and hygiene measures like regular handwashing and putting on face masks.

In addition to these, he says president Biya “has created a special National Solidarity Fund intended to finance operations of the Anti-coronavirus strategy.”

Minister Atanga says he “has noticed, with dismay that leaders of some political parties and associations have called for public fundraising, allegedly for the same purpose, in defiance of the legislation in force.”

Citing Law No. 83/002 of 21 July 1983 governing appeals for public generosity and Decree No. 85/1131 of 14 August 1985 to lay down the conditions for authorization of an appeal for public generosity, the minister says “the provisions of these legal instruments formally prohibit any individual or organization of any kind, from calling for public generosity without due authorization from the Minister of Territorial Administration.”

“All those who have taken upon themselves to organise these illegal fund-raising activities to stop immediately, to close any bank account opened for this purpose and to report to him as soon as possible, without prejudice to the penalties provided for by the legislation in force” he warned in the release.

“Banks and microfinance establishments lodging these accounts without any legal backing are called upon to close them immediately. They can only be reopened upon explicit authorisation from the Minister of Territorial administration” he says.

“Any citizen or organization of goodwill wishing to contribute to the fight against coronavirus” the minister adds “can do so in all transparency, within the framework defined by the Head of State and implemented by the Prime Minister, Head of Government.”

At press time Maurice Kamto is yet to make a statement regarding the minister’s declaration.

He had however threatened to take legal action for the president to prove he is still in charge if running the country.

MMI