Grief and tears are the words that best describe the atmosphere that reigned in Bokova on the outskirts of Buea on Saturday November 26 during the funeral service of late Mrs. Anne Mojoko Musonge, wife of former Prime Mnisiter Peter Mafany Musonge, who passed away on October 20, 2011. High profile officials, traditional and religious leaders joined hundreds of mourners who came to pay their last respects to a lady whom many describe as “affectionate, considerate and God-fearing.”
Eulogies by the daughter, Etonde Musonge Tarkang, Isaac Jackai Musonge, the representative of FAWODA and CWF, amongst others, highlighted the qualities of a virtuous woman, a role model who lived a meaningful life and leaves a wonderful legacy for others to emulate. Mourners learnt that she was a benevolent lady, a philanthropist and a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC).
Exemplary lady
On behalf of CERAC’s Founding President Mrs. Chantal Biya, the representative of the First Lady, Mrs. Linda Yang revealed that Mrs. Musonge will be remembered as the pioneer General Coordinator of the Circle of Friends of Cameroon (CERAC). And thanks to her, she said, “CERAC was able to live up to its motto: We are together. We are one.” In a voice laden with grief, Mrs. Linda Yang said Mrs. Anne Mojoko Musonge had exemplary qualities, devoted all her energy to attain the objectives of CERAC, rallied behind the First Lady to aid rural women in all the 10 Regions of Cameroon, helped the needy, waged a sustained war against HIV/AIDS, etc. “Rest assured that we will never forget you,” Mrs. Linda Yang stressed.
A message from the CPDM Central Committee paid tribute to “a great comrade who devoted her political life and made outstanding personal contributions to the CPDM Party.” The Very Reverend Dr. Nyansako-ni-Nku, in a moving homily, called for sustained prayers and the glorification of God’s name. Drawing inspiration from Luke 22 verse 42, he called on Christians to remain devoted and be holy because “time rushes on.”
One of the major highlights of the funeral service was the reading of President Biya and wife’s condolence message to the bereaved family by the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) for Fako Mr. Bona Ebengue François. Military honours ensued and on behalf of President Paul Biya, South West Governor Koumpa Issa posthumously decorated Mrs. Anne Mojoko Musonge to the Officer of the National Order of Valour.
Mrs. Anne Mojoko Musonge was born 22 February 1944. She leaves behind four children, the husband, family members and friends to mourn her.
