Selbé Darang Residents Face Eviction, Accuse Authorities of Corruption

Residents of the Selbé Darang neighbourhood in Ngaoundéré, Adamawa Region of Cameroon, are living under the threat of imminent eviction as the government plans to expand the nearby airport. The situation has sparked outrage and confusion, with residents accusing local authorities of corruption and a lack of transparency.

“If I have come to you this time, it is because of a situation that we are experiencing here in Ngaoundéré. We are experiencing a situation in which every new neighborhood that needs to be developed by residents in terms of building construction, the administration intervenes with strong obstruction, claiming that it is government property,” a concerned citizen of the locality told MMI.

Awounfack Alienou Yves Bertrand, the outgoing SDO (Senior Divisional Officer) of Vina Division, is accused of ordering the demolition of houses without proper notification or compensation. In a leaked recording, Bertrand reportedly described with “joy” how he would break down houses “one early morning.”

The catalyst for recent unfolding crisis dates back to the 18th of January when the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) was transferred, paving the way for the appointment of a new SDO. The installation of the incoming SDO, Kuela Valéri Norbert, is scheduled for today 6th of February. However, the transition has been marred by troubling incidents that raise questions about the use of force and questionable practices.

In a detailed account shared by a concerned victim, it is alleged that on Saturday, the outgoing SDO, Awounfack Alienou Yves Bertrand, deployed police and gendarmes to forcefully demolish houses in Selbé Darang. The lack of media presence and restrictions on recording or documenting the event have left the community in a state of uncertainty. Approximately 250 hectares of disputed land, home to 352 families and under construction by others, is facing an alarming threat of destruction.

“Currently and as I write to you, the population of Selbé Darang in the subdivision of Ngaoundéré 2, Adamaoua Region, is experiencing an alarming situation where the population is under imminent threat of destruction,” the resident said.

The crux of the issue lies in a disputed land area. In 2018, the Minister of Lands signed a “DUP” (declaration of public utility) for the land, effectively classifying it as government property. However, this DUP expired in 2020 and was not renewed. Despite this, residents purchased plots and began construction in the area, believing it was available for development.

“It all started with the signing of the ‘DUP’ (declaration of public utility) in 2018 by the Minister of Lands. After one year of extension, the DUP becomes null and void,” explained the whistleblower. “But curiously, on June 2, 2023, the President of the Republic signed a decree classifying the same area in the artificial National domain; and on June 20, 2023, the Prime Minister signed a list of people to benefit from eviction compensation in the area.”

In June 2023, a twist emerged. President Biya signed a decree classifying the same area as part of the national domain, followed by a Prime Ministerial list identifying individuals eligible for eviction compensation. This list, however, is contested by residents, who claim it includes people who don’t live in the area and haven’t invested there. Additionally, the compensation process was abruptly halted after only two days, leaving many residents questioning its legitimacy.

Frustrated by the lack of response from authorities, residents have petitioned the Prime Minister and other high-level officials since July 2023. However, their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.

“We are struggling Cameroonians who still believe in this country,” one resident stated. “What crime have we committed? Why can’t the civil aviation authority use its budget to develop other empty land instead of causing us pain?”

The situation in Selbé Darang highlights the complex issue of land rights and development in Cameroon. While infrastructure projects like airport expansion are crucial, they must be implemented with transparency, accountability, and respect for the rights of affected communities. The residents of Selbé Darang deserve clear answers, fair compensation, and a chance to be heard.

Key questions remain unanswered:

• Why has the Prime Minister ignored residents’ petitions since July 2023?
• What is the basis for the eviction list, and why does it include seemingly ineligible individuals?
• Why was the compensation process halted abruptly?
• Are there alternative solutions that could accommodate both airport expansion and residents’ rights?

Only time will tell if the authorities will address these concerns and find a just resolution for the residents of Selbé Darang.

Mimi Mefo Info (MMI)