Sports Minister Blames Douala City Council for Transportation Issues at African Championship

In a statement dated June 22, Minister of Sport and Physical Education, Narcisse Mouele Kombi, attributed the transportation issues at the ongoing African Athletic Championship to the Douala City Council. His remarks came in response to numerous organisational failures, particularly regarding athletes and official transportation.

Athletes from various countries reported having to pay for taxis to reach the event, while others were seen arriving with police escorts. Minister Kombi emphasised that “the City of Douala, co-organiser of the event, has pledged its support in many ways, including urban transport, communications, corridor layouts, public awareness, and mobilisation.”

Deflecting blame from his ministry, Kombi stated, “As is customary when our country is hosting such international sporting events, the state has taken useful and necessary measures by disbursing significant financial resources to ensure the smooth running of these championships. Support was provided to the FCA for the organization of the event, the preparation and payment of bonuses to Team Cameroon, international and local transport, as well as accommodation and catering for officials and athletes of all nationalities. Funds were also made available to the National Sports Facilities and Equipment Board (ONIES) to bring the track at the Bepanda stadium up to IAAF standards. However, due to technical constraints, the rehabilitation of the track could not be completed, and it was finally decided a week beforehand to move the competition to the Japoma Sports Complex, where ONIES was reorganizing and tidying the infrastructure.”

While he did not disclose the exact amount allocated by the state for the event, Kombi highlighted the roles of different organizations: “The organization of this event is mainly based on three operational pillars: the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), which is the owner and continental governing body; the Cameroon Athletics Federation (FCA), the host association; and the renown city of Douala, the host city of the event.”

Acknowledging the event’s poor mobilisation, Kombi noted that corrective measures were being implemented: “The City Mayor decided to put in place corrective measures to ensure greater public awareness and participation in the event, bearing in mind that entry into the Japoma Stadium is free as concerns this event.

“Several shortcomings were identified on the first day, and the CAA Technical Officials, who tested the good quality of the facilities, promised that these would be rectified so that the competition could continue smoothly. It should be noted that the Confederation is responsible for managing all aspects of the technical and technological facilities, including chronometry and related systems,” he added.

Despite these reassurances, athletes continued to express dissatisfaction with the organization, with some refusing to collect their medals. This controversy is unfolding while Hamat Kalkaba Malbum, a Cameroonian, serves as president of the Africa Athletic Federation.

The 23rd edition of these championships features 1164 athletes from 56 countries, including 50 from Africa and six from Europe and America, competing in all athletic disciplines. According to the CAA, this record number underscores the importance of these qualifying championships for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Mimi Mefo Info