Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09YAOUNDE477
2009-05-29 08:04:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Yaounde
Cable title:
ECONOMICS AND ETHNICITY IN CAMEROON'S WEST REGION
how-toVZCZCXRO5584 RR RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMA RUEHMR RUEHPA RUEHRN RUEHTRO DE RUEHYD #0477/01 1490804 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 290804Z MAY 09 FM AMEMBASSY YAOUNDE TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9934 INFO RUEHZO/AFRICAN UNION COLLECTIVE RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 YAOUNDE 000477
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/C
DEPARTMENT PASS USAID
COMMERCE FOR ITA - BURRESS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CM PREL EAGR ECON KOCI PGOV PINR
SUBJECT: ECONOMICS AND ETHNICITY IN CAMEROON'S WEST REGION
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 YAOUNDE 000477
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/C
DEPARTMENT PASS USAID
COMMERCE FOR ITA - BURRESS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CM PREL EAGR ECON KOCI PGOV PINR
SUBJECT: ECONOMICS AND ETHNICITY IN CAMEROON'S WEST REGION
1. (SBU) SUMMARY: On a recent trip to the West Region,
Ambassador spoke with Governor Pascal Mani, who said the
region has not been badly hit by the global economic crisis.
Nonetheless, he expressed
concerns about a slowdown in the timber sector and the impact
of the decline in coffee production on education levels. He
downplayed prejudices about the region,s dominant Bamileke
ethnic group, who are widely seen outside the West as greedy
business people. The West Region is one of Cameroon's
wealthiest, and is highly agricultural. End summary.
Starting to Feel the Pain
--------------
2. (SBU) The prosperous West Region is heavily agricultural.
Driving through the Region, every available inch of land
appears to be used to farm staples such as corn, beans and
onions. In a May 14 meeting with Ambassador, Governor
Pascal Mani explained that the global economic crisis has not
hit the West Region
to a significant degree yet, although he expected it to
affect business. Transport companies are hurting because
much of Cameroon,s timber, which has been particularly hard
hit by the global crisis, transits through the West Region on
its way to port.
Taking Advantage of their Wealth?
--------------
3. (SBU) Although this Region is one of the wealthiest in the
country, the Governor was not convinced that the population
is using its financial resources well. He insinuated that a
lot of the money is used for short-term luxuries rather than
to achieve long-term goals such as development and
infrastructure. Many of the roads in the capital of the
region, for example, are potholed or untarred, he pointed out.
Farming vs. Education
--------------
4. (U) Farmers began switching from planting coffee to
general agricultural products such as corn, cassava, and
beans when the price of coffee began to fall a few years ago.
Coffee production in Cameroon is now down to 30% of its
prior production, Mani said. According to the Governor, the
greater diversification of agricultural products has had an
adverse effect on children's education. Children skip school
for long periods during the planting and harvesting seasons,
which now occur multiple times
throughout the year rather than in one period.
Ethnicity
--------------
5. (SBU) Mani debunked stereotypes of the Bamileke, the main
ethnic group in the West Region, viewed by many non-Bamileke
as being unfriendly to outsiders and constantly searching for
more wealth. The Governor (a non-Bamileke) felt that the
Bamileke are very adept at finding market niches and
exploiting them. He said he lives in harmony with this group
and feels that many of the stereotypes are too harsh.
Comment
--------------
6. (SBU) Mani was informed and candid, asking the Ambassador
intelligent questions about corruption, the
business climate, and national politics. He also seemed to
understand that, in order to attract foreign business,
Cameroon must fight corruption and create a friendlier
business climate.
Biographic Note
--------------
7. (SBU) Governor Pascal Mani was born on January 13, 1953 in
Elig-Ngomo (Obala),Lekie Division, Center Region, Cameroon.
He is married with four children. He is a practicing
Catholic and his hobbies include farming and playing sports.
Mani graduated with a B.A. in Letters and Human Sciences from
the University of Yaounde, and is a civil administrator
trained at the National School of Administration and
Magistracy (ENAM). He has been governor since July 29, 2005.
Prior, he was Divisional Officer of Mfoundi Division in
Yaounde from 2003-2005. Previous postings include
Sub-divisional Officer of Dschang, Menoua Division, West
Region (1988-1991) and Divisional Officer in Memo, Northwest
YAOUNDE 00000477 002 OF 002
Region (2001-2003); Ocean, South Region (2000-2001); Vina,
Adamaoua Region (1996-2000); Mayo-Rey, North Region
(1992-1996); and Mayo Kani, Far North Region (1991-1992). He
was also Chief of Cabinet to the Governor of the Far North
Region from 1983-1988. Although territorial command officers
are supposed to be neutral, Mani (like many of his
colleagues) had often attended rallies organized by the
ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
GARVEY
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/C
DEPARTMENT PASS USAID
COMMERCE FOR ITA - BURRESS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CM PREL EAGR ECON KOCI PGOV PINR
SUBJECT: ECONOMICS AND ETHNICITY IN CAMEROON'S WEST REGION
1. (SBU) SUMMARY: On a recent trip to the West Region,
Ambassador spoke with Governor Pascal Mani, who said the
region has not been badly hit by the global economic crisis.
Nonetheless, he expressed
concerns about a slowdown in the timber sector and the impact
of the decline in coffee production on education levels. He
downplayed prejudices about the region,s dominant Bamileke
ethnic group, who are widely seen outside the West as greedy
business people. The West Region is one of Cameroon's
wealthiest, and is highly agricultural. End summary.
Starting to Feel the Pain
--------------
2. (SBU) The prosperous West Region is heavily agricultural.
Driving through the Region, every available inch of land
appears to be used to farm staples such as corn, beans and
onions. In a May 14 meeting with Ambassador, Governor
Pascal Mani explained that the global economic crisis has not
hit the West Region
to a significant degree yet, although he expected it to
affect business. Transport companies are hurting because
much of Cameroon,s timber, which has been particularly hard
hit by the global crisis, transits through the West Region on
its way to port.
Taking Advantage of their Wealth?
--------------
3. (SBU) Although this Region is one of the wealthiest in the
country, the Governor was not convinced that the population
is using its financial resources well. He insinuated that a
lot of the money is used for short-term luxuries rather than
to achieve long-term goals such as development and
infrastructure. Many of the roads in the capital of the
region, for example, are potholed or untarred, he pointed out.
Farming vs. Education
--------------
4. (U) Farmers began switching from planting coffee to
general agricultural products such as corn, cassava, and
beans when the price of coffee began to fall a few years ago.
Coffee production in Cameroon is now down to 30% of its
prior production, Mani said. According to the Governor, the
greater diversification of agricultural products has had an
adverse effect on children's education. Children skip school
for long periods during the planting and harvesting seasons,
which now occur multiple times
throughout the year rather than in one period.
Ethnicity
--------------
5. (SBU) Mani debunked stereotypes of the Bamileke, the main
ethnic group in the West Region, viewed by many non-Bamileke
as being unfriendly to outsiders and constantly searching for
more wealth. The Governor (a non-Bamileke) felt that the
Bamileke are very adept at finding market niches and
exploiting them. He said he lives in harmony with this group
and feels that many of the stereotypes are too harsh.
Comment
--------------
6. (SBU) Mani was informed and candid, asking the Ambassador
intelligent questions about corruption, the
business climate, and national politics. He also seemed to
understand that, in order to attract foreign business,
Cameroon must fight corruption and create a friendlier
business climate.
Biographic Note
--------------
7. (SBU) Governor Pascal Mani was born on January 13, 1953 in
Elig-Ngomo (Obala),Lekie Division, Center Region, Cameroon.
He is married with four children. He is a practicing
Catholic and his hobbies include farming and playing sports.
Mani graduated with a B.A. in Letters and Human Sciences from
the University of Yaounde, and is a civil administrator
trained at the National School of Administration and
Magistracy (ENAM). He has been governor since July 29, 2005.
Prior, he was Divisional Officer of Mfoundi Division in
Yaounde from 2003-2005. Previous postings include
Sub-divisional Officer of Dschang, Menoua Division, West
Region (1988-1991) and Divisional Officer in Memo, Northwest
YAOUNDE 00000477 002 OF 002
Region (2001-2003); Ocean, South Region (2000-2001); Vina,
Adamaoua Region (1996-2000); Mayo-Rey, North Region
(1992-1996); and Mayo Kani, Far North Region (1991-1992). He
was also Chief of Cabinet to the Governor of the Far North
Region from 1983-1988. Although territorial command officers
are supposed to be neutral, Mani (like many of his
colleagues) had often attended rallies organized by the
ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
GARVEY