Was government’s promised aid to Cameroonians trapped in China a scam?

Weeks ago, Cameroonians living in China and their parents back in Cameroon made several calls to authorities in Cameroon, signalling they had been neglected.

Those in charge at the Cameroon embassy in Beijing- China said had remained mute following the devastating outbreak of the corona virus now Covid-19.

In response to their complaint, the government announced it was going to disburse the sum of 50 million FCFA to assist Cameroon students in the Asian country most affected by the virus.

Weeks later, a follow up letter has been sent to President Paul Biya, concerning the situation of the COVID-19 affecting the activities of Cameroon citizens undergoing China’s lockdown.

The various committees (student and workers), James Chuyum and Dr. Pisso Nseke write on behalf of the Executive Bureau of the Cameroonian community in Hubei province, “have already sent their various members, including their passport details and numbers to the embassy.”

“Your excellency, the Cameroonian community in Hubei Province is in great distress due to the wait for assistance. Many of us lack food, water and other basic supplies” they tell President Biya.

Expressing their dissatisfaction that the expected aid is set to be distributed to Cameroonians in areas not affected by the virus, James Chuyum and Dr. Pisso Nseke in the letter say “we want to remind you that the press release from the Ministry of external relations concerning the presidential aid mentions only the Cameroonians in Hubei province.”

Noting that Cameroonians in Hubei “are the only community quarantined since the 23rd of January, 2020”, they add that “we are pleading on your urgent intervention because the situation is critical.”

With the delay, many fear the aid or money meant for it may fall into the hands of unscrupulous officials in charge.

According to figures provided by the embassy.
According to the Cameroon Embassy in China, Wuhan , the epicenter of the deadly COVID-19 outbreak hosts 200 of the over 300 Cameroonian students in the Hubei province.

MMI