Maurice Kamto’s initiative raises over 260 million FCFA in three days despite government ban

Days back Prof Maurice Kamto announced the creation of a non partisan nitiative to assist Cameroonians in the fight against coronavirus.

Days after launching a crowd funding campaign for the initiative dubbed Survie Cameroun Survival Initiative, the minister of Territorial Administration, Atanga Nji said the move was illegal.

In a release yesterday, he cited 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 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” the release said.

“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 added.

Despite these orders, reports say the movement received almost 50 million FCFA from more donors hours after the minister’s statement. The donation started on Monday April 6 has already had over 262 million FCFA within just three days.

“Nothing will prevent us from being by our people. Let us continue” Engelbert Lebon Datchoua of the MRC wrote on social media yesterday.

Assuring donors that everything is going according to plan, Christian Penda Ekoka, chairman of the management committee of the fundraising operation said everything is being done to achieve the objectives.”

Prof Maurice Kamto however is yet to react to the minister’s prohibition.

MMI