Paul Atanga Nji (born 1960)[1] is a Cameroonian politician who has served as the Minister of Territorial Administration since 2018. He is a prominent member of the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM), the ruling political party in Cameroon.[2]
Paul Atanga Nji | |
|---|---|
| Minister of Territorial Administration | |
| Assumed office 2018 | |
| President | Paul Biya |
| Minister in charge of Special Duties at the Presidency | |
| In office 30 June 2009 – 1 March 2018 | |
| Secretary-General of the Central Committee of the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (RDPC) | |
| Preceded by | René Sadi |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1960 Bamenda, Far North Region of Cameroon |
| Political party | Cameroon People's Democratic Movement |
| Spouse | Marguerite Fonkwen Atanga |
| Occupation | Politician |
Early life and education
editPaul Atanga Nji was born in 1960 in the Bamenda, Northwest Region of Cameroon. He pursued his primary and secondary education in Cameroon before continuing his studies in France. He holds degrees in economics and management, as well as a certificate in financial management.[3]
Career
editPolitical Career
editPaul Atanga Nji's political career began in earnest in the 1990s when he took on various roles within the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement. He gained prominence for his loyalty to President Paul Biya and was seen as a representative of the party's interests in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon.[4][5]
In 2018, he was appointed as the Minister of Territorial Administration by President Paul Biya, succeeding René Emmanuel Sadi. This role made him responsible for overseeing the internal security of the country, managing administrative divisions, and coordinating with regional governors.[6] His tenure as Minister has coincided with the Anglophone Crisis, a period of political unrest and violence in Cameroon's Northwest and Southwest Regions, which are predominantly English-speaking.[7] On 9 October, Paul Atanga banned media outlets in the country from discussing the president's health.[8][9][10][11]
Controversies
editThroughout his tenure, Paul Atanga Nji has been a controversial figure in Cameroonian politics. Critics have accused him of being dismissive of the concerns of Anglophone communities and of failing to address the root causes of the Anglophone Crisis.[12] His strong rhetoric against opposition groups and international organizations has also drawn criticism, particularly regarding his approach to foreign intervention and advocacy groups.[13]
Personal life
editPaul Atanga Nji is married to Marguerite Fonkwen Atanga a banker.[14] He is known for his close ties to the inner circle of President Paul Biya's administration and is considered one of the most influential Anglophone politicians within the CPDM
Notes
edit- Collaborators of the Head of State[15]
References
edit- ^ "Paul Atanga Nji | Profile | Africa Confidential". www.africa-confidential.com. Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- ^ "Territorial Administration minister says he is ready for opposition politicians". Cameroon News Agency. Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- ^ "Paul Atanga Nji 1930".
- ^ "Fierce battles Atanga Nji has fought for Biya regime". Fierce battles Atanga Nji has fought for Biya regime. Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- ^ "Anglophone: Minister say Sisiku Ayuk Tabe, odas dey fine but lawyers nova see dem". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- ^ Alfa Shaban, Abdur Rahman (2018-04-16). "Cameroon will not dialogue with separatists - Minister Atanga Nji reiterates". Africanews. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
- ^ soter. "Southern Cameroons Crisis: Where is Paul Atanga Nji? – Cameroon Concord News". Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- ^ "Cameroon bans media talk of president's health amid rumours". France 24. 2024-10-10. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
- ^ "Paul Biya's health: Cameroon bans reports on condition of president". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
- ^ "Cameroon President Paul Biya: Authorities ban report around di leader health". BBC News Pidgin. 2024-10-11. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
- ^ Egbejule, Eromo (2024-10-11). "Cameroon bans discussing president's health as absence fuels speculation". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
- ^ "Atanga Nji, rewarded for denying existence of Anglophone crisis?". Actu cameroun.
- ^ "Au Cameroun, Paul Atanga Nji, ministre des controverses - Jeune Afrique.com". JeuneAfrique.com (in French). Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- ^ "Marguerite Fonkwen Atanga is new director of CCA Bank – Cameroon Concord News". Retrieved 2024-10-23.
- ^ https://www.prc.cm/en/the-presidency/collaborators-of-the-head-of-state