2003 BLCC Vs. Cameroon - Prof. Kofele-Kale's Oral Submission to the African Commission

Submission Before the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, Banjul, The Gambia in the Matter of In the Matter of BLCC v Cameroon - 15 November 2003 (10:15 a.m.-12:28 p.m.)

Thank you, Mr. President, distinguished members of the Commission. My name is Ndiva Kofele Kale, and it is indeed an honor to appear once again before this Commission on behalf of the Bakweri Land Claims Committee, Complainants. Also appearing with me today, is Maitre Ibrahima Kane, of Interights, London,who is well known to the Commission; and Attorney Hillary Dewhirst, of the University of Tennessee Legal Clinic, who is making her first appearance before the African Commission.

Mr. President, I am accompanied by a small but powerful delegation of BLCC led by HRH Epupa Ekum,Chief of Dikolo, Bimbia, and Princess Joffi Esembe-Efange. And for company, these royal personages have brought with them two Bakweri notables: Mola Mbua Mofoke, of Bonjongo, BLCC Technical Adviser, and Mola Njoh Litumbe, BLCC’s most able Secretary General.

Click here to print or download Prof. Kale's submission in PDF format

Comments

[Obama leroi]

Let the gov't pay the Bakwerians what they are due.kudos to Prof Kale for his defending the interest not only of Bakwerians but all anglophones.

[Dr. Juris Cand. Valentine Nde Fru]

The most important result of the BLCC is to get the claim, the claim files and the claim submissions to be recognised internationally, each time academic discussion touches on the isue of customary land rights hideously encroached on and carried forward as part of the legacy of colonialism of all communities colonised. The Success of a similar case in Australia, the Mabo Case, leaves no doubts of the high chances of success of the BLCC endeavour.
It also highlights the free consciousness of the Bakweri people, which today is known globally, especially their dedication to fighting a hundred year old suppression and socio-economic injustice. I took part at a seminar on Biodiversity protection in Bremen Germany and felt very proud as a Cameroonian and especially as somebody born and bred here in Buea, when the issue was raised and i was called upon to make a comment.
May god continue to bless abundantly the forerunners of the BLCC.