Civil Protection - Cameroon Honoured in Geneva

MINADT boss, Réne Emmanuel Sadi, and the Director of Civil Protection, Dr Nana Jean Pierre, were given posts of responsibility during the 20th General Assembly of ICDO.

The International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO) has recognised Cameroon's efforts in ensuring the protection and assistance of the population and the safeguarding of property and the environment from natural or man-made disasters amidst growing challenges. Among the outcomes of the ICDO 20th General Assembly that ran from November 28 - 29, 2012 in Geneva, Switzerland, was the admission of Cameroon's Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation, René Emmanuel Sadi, into the International Order of Civil Protection to hold the title of Commander. The MINADT boss is also the Chairman of the Inter-ministerial Committee for the Follow up of Regional Strategy for Risk Prevention and the Management of Catastrophes in the 10-member countries of Economic Community of Central African States, (ECCAS).

Another red feather that was added on Cameroon's cap was the re-election of the Director of Civil Protection, Dr. Nana Jean Pierre, for a second two-year mandate as President of the General Assembly of ICDO. Dr Nana was also raised to the rank of Officer in the International Order of Civil Protection.

According to Dr Nana, the distinctions came on the heels of concerted efforts in the country to cushion the effects of flood that left so many victims on its path in the North, Far North, East and North West Regions. He said Minister René Sadi, who led the Cameroonian delegation to the Geneva rendezvous, also used his stay there to clinch deals with countries and institutions in view of disaster management in the country. Switzerland announced humanitarian aid for civil protection in Cameroon while Qatar promised a 50,000 dollar aid still in that direction. While other donors promised thousands of tents for the flood victims, Dr. Nana said the government of Russia pledged to construct a water-holding facility in the Far North.

On Wednesday December 5, 2012 after an audience with the Head of State at Unity Palace, Russian Ambassador to Cameroon, Nikolai Léonidovitch Ratsiborinskiy, told reporters that his country was interested in building a water stabilisation structure in the Far North.

All these distinctions and promised international humanitarian aid are coming at a time government is leaving no stone unturned to nib future disasters in the bud. After the disastrous floods in the North and Far North Regions, President Paul Biya announced the creation of a Fund for Assistance to Victims of Natural Catastrophes and Disasters. Government has set aside FCFA 2 billion in the 2013 State budget to take the Fund off the ground.