CAMTEL GM, Judith Yah Sunday épouse Achidi, talking to employees
By Andrew Nsoseka
The General Manager of Cameroon Telecommunications, CAMTEL, Judith Yah Sunday épouse Achidi, has urged employees to actively protect the company’s infrastructure from vandalism and sabotage.
This message was echoed on May 1 in Yaoundé during the 139th International Labour Day celebrations, themed, “Social Dialogue and Decent Work: For a Peaceful Cameroon.”
Speaking to CAMTEL workers, Yah Sunday stated, “Our heritage is under attack.” She highlighted the rising incidents of vandalism, sabotage, and the night-time digging up of fibre optic cables, sometimes involving trusted individuals. “Enough is enough. CAMTEL will not tolerate looting,” she stressed.
She pointed out that every damaged cable and sabotaged node means not just financial loss, but also disrupted services like schools without internet and businesses unable to operate. “It’s shameful for a country aiming to progress to have to fight against its own people to protect its infrastructure,” she added.
Yah Sunday called on all CAMTEL employees to act as monitors and report any suspicious activities. “If you see something, report it. If you have doubts, investigate. If you hear something, report it,” she urged.
She stressed that Cameroon’s digital sovereignty depends on securing its telecom infrastructure, which she described as “our heritage.”
However, she acknowledged that some sabotage comes from within the company. Yah Sunday noted that when an employee defrauds a customer, it damages the entire company’s reputation and erodes public trust. “This behaviour is intolerable, and we will not accept it,” she asserted.
The General Manager mentioned that serious misconduct cases have been sent to the disciplinary board, and appropriate actions have been taken to maintain transparency and accountability. She emphasised that social dialogue cannot thrive in silence against disloyalty.
“CAMTEL is a home for everyone and a public service institution with rules and values,” she stated. “We will not build the future on past mistakes or through fraud. We will connect Cameroon with integrity and loyalty.”
She encouraged open communication, dignified work, and steadfast support for the company. Yah Sunday inspired CAMTEL officials to continue striving for excellence and innovation. “Let’s keep our spirits up, never give up, and stay connected—both humanly and strategically.”
Regarding the theme of the celebrations, she noted its importance, especially in a world facing social tensions and economic challenges. “Dialogue is essential, and decent work is key to stability,” she said.
Yah Sunday highlighted that CAMTEL has made significant progress, stating that the past year has tested the company. “If CAMTEL were a bandwidth, it would be ‘ultra-high-speed.’ Despite challenges and attacks, we maintained our signal and even amplified it,” she remarked.
Reflecting on the past, she confirmed that CAMTEL has honoured its commitments, including paying retirement benefits and initiating back pay for advancements. “Respecting work means recognising career paths,” she added.
Looking ahead, she announced that the Mobile Network Expansion project has moved into its operational phase, promising improved service in previously underserved areas. The launch of Blue Money, CAMTEL’s entry into mobile money, is also on the horizon. “We aim to provide a reliable and national alternative,” she stated.
The Staff Representative acknowledged CAMTEL’s efforts but urged the company to intensify its work to address ongoing challenges.
The 2025 International Labour Day celebrations began with a march along Yaoundé’s 20th May Boulevard, where CAMTEL secured third place. The event was chaired by Minister of Labour and Social Security, Grégoire Owona, along with state officials and international guests.
