Two Cameroon politicians detained in connection with Albatross plane scandal
April 19, 2012
Cameroon's political world is alive with scandal, as former prime minister Ephraim Inoni and presidential hopeful Marafa Hamidou Yaya were arrested in connection with an illegal purchase of a presidential place in 2004. Reuters reports the pair are suspected of playing a role in the purchase of a plane from the U.S. that was made to look new, dubbed the Albatross. When the president and his family took the inaugural flight in the aircraft, there were mechanical problems almost immediately and the plane made an emergency landing.
"All I can tell you is that the two were arrested and are being detained for their alleged role in the fraudulent deal to buy a presidential plane, the Albatross, in 2004," an anonymous court official told Reuters.
When the deal went down, Yaya was serving as Cameroon's secretary general, and Inoni was his deputy. Inoni went on to serve as prime minister for five years following the purchase of the plane, while Yaya had hopes of replacing President Paul Biya.
Those who want to learn more about the arrest as the story unfolds can find out by calling Cameroon with international phone cards and asking their friends.