Grief remains acute in Gidado, a village in the Ndu municipality in Cameroon’s conflict-hit North-West region, following an attack overnight on January 14 that officially left 14 people dead, including women and children. Since the assault, the Mbororo community says it has been living in fear, amid kidnappings and other abuses.

On January 19, a delegation representing the community went to the Prime Minister’s Office at the Immeuble Étoile in Yaounde to raise its concerns with the government. The lamido of Didando, a traditional leader, described persistent insecurity. “Several members of the Mbororo community have since been kidnapped and released for ransom, or simply killed,” he said, adding that they were also “victims of all kinds of looting.”

In response, Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute condemned what he described as a “barbaric act” and announced full state support for the victims. The government also pledged to assist “all Mbororo families in distress” and to reinforce security in the region, according to statements reported after the meeting.

For the delegation, the exchange was presented as an important signal after years of violence. “We are republicans and we support the institutions. That is why we came here to bring this situation to the attention of the government,” representatives said before leaving the Prime Minister’s Office.

Mboscuda calls for probe into repeated attacks

The meeting follows earlier alerts from the Mbororo Social and Cultural Development Association (Mboscuda). The day after the attack, the organization issued a statement condemning what it described as “targeted, repeated” violence, including kidnappings for ransom and killings affecting its members.

Mboscuda says it has compiled statistics pointing to hundreds of victims and significant material losses. Its secretary general, Oumarou Sanda, has called on the government “to open an investigation” to identify those responsible and bring them before the courts.

Since late 2016, Cameroon’s English-speaking North-West and South-West regions have been affected by armed violence between government forces and separatist groups. In this context, long-standing land tensions between Mbororo Fulani herders and farmers from other ethnic groups have also contributed to insecurity.

Amnesty International France has noted that “Mbororo Fulani are perceived as supporting the authorities and, as such, are particularly targeted by armed separatists.” The Mbororo community is now awaiting concrete action from the state to restore security, prevent further attacks, and allow a return to more stable daily life.

Source: Business in Cameroon

The fate of the ten detained Ambazonian leaders, widely known as the NERA 10, will be decided on March 19, 2026, after Cameroon’s Supreme Court on January 15 concluded hearings in their long-running appeal case and adjourned proceedings for the delivery of judgment.

The hearing lasted nearly three hours, as defence lawyers urged the country’s highest court to grant liberty to the appellants, led by Sisiku Julius Ayuk Tabe. While the court did not issue a substantive ruling at the close of arguments, defence counsel cautiously welcomed what they described as a modest indication of judicial openness.

The legal team representing the appellants was led by veteran lawyer Barrister Eta Besong Jr., with prominent advocate Akere Muna among the counsel, alongside six other attorneys. Their submissions focused on challenging the legality of the proceedings that led to the life sentences handed down by a military tribunal in 2019, as well as the broader constitutional and human rights implications of the case.

At the end of the session, the presiding judge adjourned the matter to March 19, 2026, when the Supreme Court is expected to deliver its judgment.

The NERA 10 are central figures in the separatist movement that emerged in the North West and South West regions. They were arrested in Abuja, Nigeria, in January 2018 and subsequently extradited to Cameroon under circumstances that drew criticism from rights groups and international observers. Their extradition and trial have remained at the heart of persistent debates over due process and judicial independence.

In 2019, a military tribunal sentenced the group to life imprisonment on charges including terrorism, secession and hostility against the state. Since then, their lawyers have consistently argued that the military court lacked jurisdiction to try civilians and that the proceedings violated both Cameroonian law and international legal standards. These arguments form the basis of the appeal now before the Supreme Court.

The latest hearing follows an earlier adjournment on December 18, 2025, when the Supreme Court deferred the case to January 2026, further extending an already protracted legal process. At the time, defence lawyers warned against repeated delays, insisting that “justice deferred must not become justice denied.”

Source: panafricanvisions

The Yaoundé Military Court in Cameroon’s political capital has delivered a landmark judgment in the long-running trial over the 2020 Ngarbuh massacre, finding three members of the Cameroonian armed forces and one local Fulani militiaman guilty of murder, arson and destruction of property.

The verdict delivered on January 15, 2026, relates to the killing of 23 civilians, including 15 children and two pregnant women, during a military operation in the village of Ngarbuh, in Ntumbaw, Ndu subdivision of the North West Region. While the court has established the guilt of the accused, sentencing has been deferred to a later date.

The ruling is being widely described as historic, marking one of the rare instances in which members of state security forces have been held criminally responsible for grave human rights abuses committed during the Anglophone Crisis. For years, military operations and the actions of allied militias in separatist-affected areas have largely gone unpunished, fueling accusations of impunity.

The Ngarbuh massacre occurred on February 14, 2020, at the height of the conflict between government forces and English-speaking separatist groups seeking an independent state known as Ambazonia. According to investigations by human rights organisations, including Human Rights Watch, government troops accompanied by local Fulani vigilantes entered the village and deliberately targeted civilians.

Witnesses reported that homes were burned, property looted, and residents beaten, with no evidence of a significant clash with armed separatists at the time of the attack. The killings shocked both national and international opinion, drawing condemnation from rights groups, foreign governments and the United Nations.

Initially, Cameroonian authorities denied responsibility, claiming the deaths resulted from an accidental explosion during a confrontation with separatist fighters. However, mounting pressure forced President Paul Biya to establish a commission of inquiry, which later acknowledged that “uncontrolled” soldiers and local auxiliaries were responsible for the killings and had attempted to destroy evidence by setting houses ablaze.

The trial opened in December 2020 before the Yaoundé Military Court but was repeatedly delayed, raising concerns about the authorities’ willingness to fully address abuses committed by security forces. Proceedings were marked by slow progress, procedural concerns and limited involvement of victims’ families, prompting criticism from civil society groups and human rights advocates.

Despite these challenges, Thursday’s convictions have been welcomed as an important though incomplete step toward accountability. Many observers note that only low-ranking soldiers and a single militiaman were convicted, while questions remain about the role of senior commanders and the chain of command behind the operation.

Human Rights Watch reacted cautiously to the verdict, describing it as a partial advance toward justice while stressing that accountability should extend to all those responsible, including those who planned or authorised the operation. The organisation’s Central Africa researcher, Ilaria Allegrozzi, has consistently argued that justice will remain unfinished unless higher-ranking officials implicated in the massacre are also investigated and prosecuted.

For families of the victims, the judgment represents long-awaited recognition of the suffering endured by innocent civilians in the North West and South West regions.

Source: panafricanvisions

At least 12 civilians, including women and children, were killed early Wednesday when suspected separatist fighters raided a community in Cameroon’s restive Northwest Region, local authorities said.

Fifteen people were also wounded, two critically, in the attack that occurred at around 5:30 a.m. local time in Mbandfung, a village in the English-speaking region’ Ndu subdivision, Abdou Kanfon Borno, mayor of Ndu Council, told Xinhua by phone.

“The separatist terrorists invaded the Gidado neighborhood of the village, targeting the Mbororo community who live there,” Abdou said. “There were no clashes. The villagers were still asleep. They just opened fire on everyone, including children and women. A respected community elder was killed.”

He condemned the attack and called for calm as authorities investigate.

There have been frequent deadly clashes between separatist fighters and armed Mbororo tribesmen since 2017, when an armed separatist conflict erupted in Cameroon’s two Anglophone regions of Northwest and Southwest.

Source: Xinhuanet

At least 11 separatist fighters have been killed in a military ambush in Cameroon’s war-torn English-speaking region of Northwest, security sources said Tuesday.

The fighting occurred on Tuesday at about 3:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) when troops ambushed a motorcycle convoy of separatist fighters in Ntabah locality of the region, a security source in the region said.

A soldier was injured in the operation and is receiving treatment, the source said.

Cameroon’s English-speaking regions of Northwest and Southwest have been gripped by an armed conflict since 2017, as separatist groups seek to establish an independent state in the two regions.

Source: Xinhuanet

It has been brought to the attention of the Board of Directors of the Cameroon Concord News Group that the young, dynamic and determined mayor of Eyumojock in Manyu Division of Cameroon, Chief Ayamba Jacques Ita, has been kidnapped by some reckless, irresponsible and destructive armed men who are using the Southern Cameroons crisis to line their pockets and settle scores.

The brilliant mayor who has the interest of his people at heart was picked up by men of the underworld while driving along the Mbakem-Taboh road.

These criminals must release Chief Ayamba Jacques Ita immediately for him to continue delivering the good results he is known for.

The Cameroon Concord News Group is informing the kidnappers that they have crossed the reddest of the red lines and that this irresponsible and cowardly action will come back to hurt them in a big and bad way.

These kidnappers, who have little or nothing to do with the crisis, must know that they will not escape the wrath of the people and the full strength of the Cameroon military.

The Cameroon Concord News Group is calling on the kidnappers to release Chief Ayamba Jacques Ita immediately if they must escape the wrath of the law.

The Cameroon Concord News Group will use all the resources available to it to ensure that the criminals are brought to justice if they fail to release this young mayor who is loved by his people. They should not underestimate the will and determination of the media.

The criminals are therefore being urged to do the right thing before it is too late. Anybody suspected of being involved directly or indirectly in the kidnapping of Chief Ayamba Jacques Ita should understand that he or she will not go unpunished.

Signed by:

Dr. Joachim Arrey

Chairman Board of Directors

Cameroon Concord News Group.

Fellow Cameroonians,

My dear compatriots,

During my recent swearing-in ceremony, I pledged to continue working, together with you, for the emergence of a united, stable and prosperous Cameroon.

In my view, achieving this objective is a sacred duty. It is a duty to which I intend to continue devote all my time and energy, as I have in the past.

I am duty-bound, given the trust you have continued to place in me since my accession to the helm of State. Moreover, you just renewed that trust in a convincing manner in the 12 October poll.

To me, this is an expression of satisfaction with what we have achieved together this far, and a commitment to continue our joint efforts with ever greater determination for the advancement of our country.

My dear compatriots,

During the year ending and throughout the seven-year term that has just ended, we successfully overcame many challenges together.

Even more daunting challenges await us in the coming year and as we embrace the new seven-year term. However, I have no doubt about our collective ability to face these challenges.

Everything will be possible as long as we stay united. Indeed, we have the courage, ingenuity and determination.

My dear compatriots,

There is no doubt whatever that significant progress has been achieved in many areas this year, despite numerous internal and external constraints.

On the political front, our democratic system has once again proven its vitality. The successful organization of the presidential and regional elections confirms the entrenchment of democracy in our country.

Despite the post-presidential election unrest due to the actions of some irresponsible political leaders, the vast majority of Cameroonians demonstrated great maturity. Together, we have preserved what we cherish most: national unity, peace and stability.

Security wise, our defence and security forces, whose professionalism I will continue to commend, have been waging a courageous fight against terrorists and other criminals who jeopardize the safety of our people and their property.

On the economic and financial front, the structural reforms we have implemented with the support of our international partners have consolidated our public finances and preserved the main macroeconomic balances.

The investment budget has increased significantly.

Despite the uncertainty of the global economy, necessary measures have been taken to curb inflation and boost local production.

Many projects are being implemented or launched across various sectors to address the concerns of the people and improve their well-being.

In this respect, the commissioning of the Nachtigal Dam and numerous solar power plants, especially in the northern regions, has increased power supply.

There is ongoing construction of new power transmission lines and rehabilitation of the existing grid. The completion of these projects will improve electricity supply to industry and households.

Furthermore, I instructed the takeover of ENEO, marking a decisive milestone towards restoring our energy sovereignty and controlling the reform of this strategic sector, which requires substantial investment.

Significant progress has also been made to provide our people with drinking water in urban and rural areas.

To this end, the rehabilitation and extension of drinking water distribution networks will be stepped up to meet the needs in the area.

Rest assured that I am deeply concerned, just as you are, about improving our road infrastructure.

As I recently announced, a special programme to rehabilitate degraded roads and construct new ones will be launched in the year just beginning. It will help, among other things, to improve urban and inter-urban mobility, as well as access to production basins.

In the same vein, we will intensify efforts to enhance the performance of our education and public health systems. We will also pay special attention to the development of the digital economy, the strengthening of our industrial fabric, the processing of agricultural produce and the improvement of the business climate.

Fellow Cameroonians,

My dear compatriots,

As you may have noticed, Cameroon has remained steadfast in its resolute march towards progress, thanks to Government’s tireless efforts and the invaluable contributions of our hard-working citizens.

This reality can be seen, felt and observed by all. Of course, during election periods, such as the one we have just experienced and will experience again in the coming months, it is common for candidates seeking to win the trust of the people to make statements that do not reflect the reality.

Hence, some of them claimed that the current government has done nothing, absolutely nothing. They also promised you the moon and claimed to be able to solve all your problems with a wave of a magic wand.

There could be no better lie. I have not stopped and will never stop warning you against these purveyors of false hope.

For my part, since my accession to the helm of State, I have opted to tell you the truth. I have never tried to hide from you the difficulties we face, mainly due to an increasingly complex international context.

These difficulties which delay or hinder the implementation of projects designed to improve your well-being are, however, not insurmountable. We proved it yesterday. We are proving it today, and we will prove it again tomorrow, together.

My dear compatriots,

True to the duty of truth that I have just mentioned, I readily acknowledge that, despite the laudable track record that I have just presented to you, sustained efforts still need to made, without delay, to significantly improve your living conditions.

Such will be the priority for the Government that I will form in the coming days.

Fellow Cameroonians,

My dear compatriots,

During the election campaign and in my swearing-in speech, I presented to you the agenda that I intend to roll out to address your concerns, aspirations and demands.

I would like to reiterate that improving the situation of women and the youth will be the core of my priorities, as I pledged to do.

Under my authority, the Government will ensure the effective implementation of the Special Youth Employment Promotion Plan, the guidelines for which were presented during my swearing-in ceremony.

The sum of 50 billion CFA francs has already been set aside in the 2026 State budget to finance initial tranches of youth-led projects.

I will also ensure that measures are implemented to improve women empowerment and to guarantee greater youth participation in the management of public affairs.

Let me recall, however, that the idea is not to stigmatize other age groups or categories of our society. Beyond the age and gender criteria, qualifications, skills, integrity and commitment to serving the public interest will continue to be prioritized in access to or retention of duty posts, as well as in promotions.

However, we will strive to better reconcile youth and experience than in the past and, above all, to vigorously combat injustices arising from membership of a particular ethnic or cultural group, gender, religion or age group. In this way, we will be able to better promote equal opportunities and enable skills that are too often overlooked, at home and in the diaspora, to participate in the lofty task of nation building.

My dear compatriots,

In line with my appeal during the swearing-in ceremony, I would like to stress the need to step up our collective efforts to promote living together and consolidate national unity in the face of cultural isolationism and hate speech that are replete in the media and threatening the very foundations of our beloved and great country, Cameroon.

We are a people renowned for our diversity. We are an assortment of ethnic groups, languages, cultures and religions that many envy. This distinctive feature is an undeniable asset and a source of pride. We must make the most of it. Indeed, it is our greatest asset. We must make it the crucible of our indispensable unity, one that will be even stronger because it is forged by this desire to live together, which is also our distinctive feature.

Fellow Cameroonians,

My dear compatriots,

I urge you to do everything in your power to preserve peace and the stability in our country. They have been severely put to test in recent years, particularly in the Far-North, North-West and South-West Regions. They were also tested during the unrest that followed the post-election period. They are challenged on a daily basis by increasing attacks on State authority, widespread disregard for the rule of law, and the growing use of violent language and behaviour, all of which is underpinned by a creeping sense of impunity. This is not acceptable.

The nation-building process to which we are firmly committed cannot tolerate disorder, indiscipline and impunity. It is essential that we take vigorous control of the relevant sectors. We will set about doing so forthwith.

We will pursue, with renewed determination, our efforts to consolidate the gradual return to normalcy taking place in the regions mentioned earlier on. I have high hopes for the virtues of community dialogue, which I recently encouraged. I urge the administrative authorities, traditional rulers and vital forces of the regions concerned to commit themselves resolutely to this process.

Fellow Cameroonians,

My dear compatriots,

I would like to reiterate my appeal for unity in the best interests of our beloved and great country. I know I can count on your unwavering support in this regard. I reiterate my determination to remain worthy of the trust you have placed in me.

Let me restate tonight that I have confidence in the future of our country. Rest assured that the best is still to come.

I wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year 2026.

Long live the Republic!

Long live Cameroon!