VZCZCXRO5584
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 
 
¶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 
 
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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