Minister Atanga Nji breaks silence on OCHA Bamenda boss’ departure, accuses him of publishing fake information

Weeks ago, the head of UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, OCHA in Bamenda, North West Region of Cameroon, Andrew Jack Pendleton left the country.

Coming shortly after a press conference on the Ngarbuh massacre that left over 35 including a pregnant woman and children dead, concerns were raised with some suggesting that he was not on good terms with Cameroon authorities.

“The situation needs more verification and I believe that a very serious investigation should begin as soon as possible,” he had said about the Ngarbuh massacre in the press conference.

“This needs to be investigated, this needs to be understood, this needs to stop now… It brings a new dimension into the work because the people in Northwest Cameroon are severely traumatized,” he added.

In a latest turn of events, Territorial Administration Minister, Paul Atanga Nji has voiced out his opinion about OCHA. Talking at a press conference in Yaounde today, the Minister said “Andrew Pendleton had published false information”.

“The resident representative of OCHA in the North West region who published a fake report against the defence and security forces was received by administrative authorities in the Region. He disclosed that he got instructions from his hierarchy to fabricate the report to tarnish the image of Cameroon’s defence and security forces,” Atanga Nji said, adding that “this official left Cameroon unceremoniously. If he wasn’t guilty, why did he leave the country in that way?”

Accusing NGOs, Rights groups and Civil Society Organisations for failing to criticise the recent attacks in Bamenda in the North West and Galim in the West regions, the Minister once more called out OCHA .

“Where is OCHA? Where is Human Rights Watch? Where is International Crisis Group? Where are the International Community lesson givers?” He asked.

“The silence of these NGOs in the face of such atrocities committed against our defence forces and citizens is suspicious and it is clear proof of connivance with terrorists. Divine Justice will catch up with plotters, even after retirement. Their consciences will live to judge them,” Atanga Nji added.

Following Andrew Pendleton’s departure from Cameroon, CNA had said “speculations are rife that he must have had some pressure from the government after holding that meeting at 4:30 PM that fateful Saturday.”

The UN on its part said Pendleton had come to the end of his mandate in Cameroon.