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Cameroon: Catalogue of Problems
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Cameroon Tribune (Yaoundé)
14 March 2008
Posted to the web 14 March 2008
Elizabeth Mosima
Most artists in Cameroon are yet to know the importance of protecting rights.
The law of December 2000 relating to author's rights went into force Cameroon in November 2001. The law brought about the creation of different enterprises to ensure the protection of the rights of authors. One of the particularities of the author's rights Cameroon and Africa in general is the fact that it recognises and protects works inspired by folklore. Over the years, few persons have benefited from author's rights in Cameroon. Most artists in Cameroon are yet to know the importance of protecting rights. Since the creation of the Cameroon Music Cooperation (CMC), the enterprise which has aim to protect Cameroonian music, has been swimming on rough waters.
The creation of the Cameroon Music Corporation was a source of hope for many musicians. Shortly after its creation, the future of the CMC became bleak as the enterprise was plagued with squabbles among its members. The former Minister of Culture had to intervene from time to time to call the members of CMC to order. The bone of contention within the CMC is the poor management of funds generated by the author's rights. The salary scale of some workers of the CMC as published in September 22, 2004 brought about gnashing of teeth among artists. Also, huge sums of money were allocated for the rehabilitation of the offices in Douala and its environs, as well as the offices of the General Manager and the President of the Board of Directors for the purchase of equipment for offices. Certain artists have cried foul against such mismanagement in the enterprise. As a result, many artists have wished that the rights of CMC be withdrawn.
In SOCILADRA, the struggle for leadership has almost dragged the enterprise down the drain. Rents arrears, as well as salary arrears landed the enterprise into huge debts amounting to about CFA 400 million. One group headed by former President of the Board of Directors, Hubert Mono Ndjana refused to quit the premises and assured the public that the enterprise was capable of paying its debt and there was no need to move. The conflict between the board chairman and the general manager called for the intervention of the former Minister of Culture. The minister ordered the holding of an extraordinary general assembly of the corporation. Last march 5, 2008, the Minister of Culture, Ama Tutu Muna, appointed Professor Minkoa She at the helm of the Permanent Committee for Mediation and Control (CPMC). He replaced Professor Magloire Ondoa. For several years voices were raised to decry the poor management of the former boss. Artists in Yaounde last monday congratulated the Minister for having changed the bureau at CPMC. The boss is expected to run the enterprise in the strict respect of author's rights.
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