On February 14 and 15, 2020, the Extraordinary Summit of African Sovereigns and Traditional Leaders took place in Addis Ababa, resulting in the formation of the Organizing Commission of the Federation of Associations of Traditional and Customary Authorities of Africa (COFAA). COFAA aims to unite various organizations representing customary authorities and traditional leaders in Africa, creating a constitution for a network that promotes peace, security, and hospitality. Mr. KATEBE KATOTO Raphael was appointed as the Commissioner General for this initiative.
However, the summit’s organization faced significant issues, including a rushed schedule and poor financial management, leading to discontent among attendees. Participants reported several irregularities and suspected misappropriation of funds, prompting the establishment of an inquiry led by Majesty TANYI Robinson, Princess Julie KONGO, and Her Majesty Suanu Baridam.
The inquiry revealed that King Tchiffi Zié failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding financial transactions, exhibited destabilizing behavior, and did not step down during the investigation. Consequently, on August 16, 2020, traditional leaders removed him from his position as President of COFAA.
A provisional executive committee, led by Princess Kongo Julie, was formed to reorganize COFAA, which was renamed the African Indigenous Governance Council (AIGC) / Council of Indigenous Governance (CAGT). The new structure sought to facilitate elections for a leader with a fixed-term mandate.
On February 14, 2021, His Majesty TANYI Robinson was appointed president of the new organization for a renewable two-year term.
AIGC President
Entitlements: Lawyer, Banker, Administrator, General Manager, Councillor, Traditional Ruler, Consultant in Forestry, Natural Resources, and Trade
Education:
- Doctorate in Management, North American University, Cotonou, Benin (2018)
- Master's in Banking & Finance, RTDC Banking Academy, Karachi, Pakistan (1986-88)
- Master’s in Public Law, University of Yaoundé, Cameroon (1981)
- DEUG in Law & Economics, University of Yaoundé, Cameroon (1979)
Positions:
- Traditional Leader of TINTO-MBU Community, Manyu Division, Cameroon
- Founding Member/Secretary General, Pan African Council of Traditional & Customary Authorities (since 2015)
- Secretary General, South West Chiefs Conference (since 2014)
- Secretary General, African Network of Traditional Leaders on Biodiversity (since 2015)
- National President, Federation of Community Forests (since 2015)
- Councillor, TINTO Municipal Council (2000-2019)
Current Roles:
- Consultant/Country Coordinator, National Network of Traditional Rulers on Biodiversity
- Member, National Consultative Board on NTFP/PFNL, Ministry of Forestry, Cameroon
- Member, National Consultative Committee on Land, Mining & Forestry Reform
Skills:
- Bilingual in English & French - IT literate - Experienced in Management, Administration, and Finance
Fellowships:
- Member of the Rotary Club Estuaire, Douala Cameroon
- Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Pakistan
- Member of the Commonwealth Business Council, London