Monthly Archives: September 2025

4, September 2025

Football: Levy steps down as Tottenham executive chairman ⁰

Tottenham’s long-serving executive chairman Daniel Levy has stepped down after almost 25 years at the helm of the club.

Levy was appointed in March 2001 and leaves after Spurs won the Europa League in May to end a 17-year wait for a trophy.

The 63-year-old was the Premier League’s longest-serving chairman and earned an estimated £50m-plus during his time in charge, but he was also the target of regular protests from Spurs fans, especially last season.

“I am incredibly proud of the work I have done together with the executive team and all our employees,” said Levy, who had a reputation in football for being a shrewd operator and tough negotiator.

“We have built this club into a global heavyweight competing at the highest level. More than that, we have built a community.

“I was lucky enough to work with some of the greatest people in this sport, from the team at Lilywhite House and Hotspur Way to all the players and managers over the years.

“I wish to thank all the fans that have supported me over the years. It hasn’t always been an easy journey but significant progress has been made. I will continue to support this club passionately.”

Source: BBC

4, September 2025

Congo-Kinshasa declares new Ebola outbreak as death toll reaches 15 ⁰

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have declared a new outbreak of the Ebola virus, which has killed 15 people since the end of August, the health minister said Thursday.

The new outbreak is in central Kasai province, Samuel Roger Kamba told reporters in the capital Kinshasa.

The last outbreak of Ebola in the vast central African nation was three years ago and killed six people.

Twenty-eight suspected cases have been recorded, according to provisional figures, with the first case reported on August 20 in a 34-year-old pregnant woman who was admitted to hospital.

“It’s the 16th outbreak recorded in our country,” Kamba said.

First identified in 1976 and thought to have crossed over from bats, Ebola is a deadly viral disease spread through direct contact with bodily fluids, causing severe bleeding and organ failure.

The deadliest outbreak in the DRC – whose population numbers more than 100 million – killed nearly 2,300 people between 2018 and 2020.

Six strains of Ebola exist.

Source: France 24

4, September 2025

Italian designer Giorgio Armani dies ⁰

The Italian fashion designer and billionaire brand owner Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91.

He was the archetype of Italian style and elegance, reimagining men’s and women’s suits for a modern audience.

His company Armani expanded from fashion into an empire spanning beauty, fragrance, music, sport and even luxury hotels, bringing in more than £2bn a year.

Donatella Versace paid tribute to the late designer on her Instagram page, posting a picture of him, saying: “The world lost a giant today, he made history and will be remembered forever.”

Source: BBC

3, September 2025

Mutresor to open CFA18bn five-star Concord Hotel in Yaoundé ⁰

On the hillside of Olezoa in Yaoundé, the Concord International Hotel is taking shape, reshaping the skyline near Avenue Charles Atangana. Backed by the Mutual Fund of Treasury Staff (Mutresor), the five-star complex aims to redefine luxury hospitality in Cameroon’s capital.

The CFA18 billion ($29.6 million) investment was financed mainly through Mutresor’s own funds, supplemented by a bank loan, according to the Ministry of Finance. Construction is nearing completion, with every detail designed to meet international standards.

The facility will offer 119 rooms and suites, including 72 executive and 16 standard rooms, plus two presidential suites and two accessible rooms. Amenities include two restaurants, a snack bar, a panoramic terrace, a spa, an indoor pool, a night club, a casino, conference floors, and parking. Local artisans will supply art and décor to give the hotel a cultural touch.

A diversification strategy

Founded over a decade ago within the Ministry of Finance’s Treasury Directorate, Mutresor counts around 4,000 members including public servants, retirees, and contract staff. Already active in microfinance through Cremincam and owner of a commercial property in Yaoundé, the mutual is expanding its portfolio with the Concord project.

“The profitability of the Concord should increase our lending capacity and help finance health and retirement insurance products,” a Mutresor official said.

Competitive luxury market

Yaoundé’s high-end hospitality market is becoming increasingly competitive. Alongside established hotels like Hilton and Mont Fébé, new entrants are on the way: the 220-unit Radisson Serviced Apartment set for 2026, the 30-story Hôtel du Lac backed by Belgian firm IIDG, and a future Méridien. Investments in these projects range from CFA50 billion to CFA90 billion.

“Luxury hospitality is highly capital-intensive but also high risk,” noted a Douala-based consultant. “It takes more than a beautiful building. Clear marketing, agile management, and internationally trained staff are essential.”

To address these challenges, Mutresor hired Bekolo & Partners to conduct market studies, design the business plan, and lead staff recruitment.

The Concord illustrates a broader shift among public service mutuals in Cameroon. Once limited to member contributions and solidarity, these organizations are emerging as investment vehicles. The National Mutual of Tax Staff (Mundi) has also expanded into commercial real estate and hospitality.

This evolution positions mutuals as economic actors capable of creating wealth and strengthening their role in national development.

High stakes ahead

Venturing into luxury hospitality carries financial and operational risks for Mutresor, whose core mission remains mutual solidarity. Success will depend on governance, strong financial planning, and professional hotel management.

If the Concord succeeds, it could set a precedent for other African mutuals, showing that solidarity-based organizations can drive major investments while continuing to serve their members.

Source: Sbbc

3, September 2025

Cameroonian bags PhD in Swiss School of Business Research in Zurich ⁰

Ogbe Abunaw has joined the long list of Cameroonian academics that have successfully conquered education home and abroad after he bagged a PhD in Strategic Management from the Swiss School of Business Research in Zurich, Switzerland.

Dr Ogbe Abunaw said it was not an easy journey from the University of Buea Cameroon where he earned his BA with honors in History and Political Science to the University of Bolton, UK where he earned his MA in Human Resource Management to Harvard University, USA where he again earned a Professional Development Certificate in Management and Leadership.

Speaking exclusively to Cameroon Concord News, Dr Ogbe Abunaw said he remains deeply grateful to his mother Hon Rose Abunaw for her unwavering love, and support. Dr Ogbe furthered that this achievement belongs to her and to his entire family; friends and mentors who helped turn his dream into reality.

More than a personal milestone, Dr Ogbe Abunaw’s research carries value for the community and the global stage: it translates rigorous research into practical strategies that local businesses can adopt, informs community development and public policy toward more sustainable growth, and strengthens research visibility through international collaboration and elevates the discourse of strategic management on a global platform, and equips students, practitioners, and policymakers with evidence-based frameworks, mentoring, and opportunities to translate insight into impact wherever they are.

By Chi Prudence Asong with files from Soter Agbaw-Ebai

2, September 2025

Cameroon Road Network Crisis: 75% requiring rehabilitation ⁰

Three-quarters of Cameroon’s road network remains in a poor or mediocre state despite public investment, according to a September 2025 project review by the country’s Ministry of Public Works. The report reveals that 91,405 km of the nation’s 121,873 km road system are in disrepair, presenting a significant obstacle to economic activity.

Only 25% (30,468 km) of the network is rated as being in good or fair condition. The quality varies significantly by road type. While 100% of the country’s small stretch of motorways (109 km) are in good condition, only 18% of crucial municipal roads meet this standard. National roads fare better, with 69% rated as good or fair, but regional routes lag at just 35%.

The report indicates a marginal five-percentage-point improvement in overall network quality compared to 2024. Progress is being hampered by several systemic issues, including pavement degradation, the impacts of climate change, and a lack of discipline among road users.

A critical factor cited is the weakness of the domestic construction sector. The ministry noted that many local firms lack the financial, technical, and logistical capacity to execute projects effectively. This has led to the termination of 27 contracts between 2019 and 2024 and the closure of several other projects at the request of the struggling companies.

In response, the government is implementing structural reforms. A 2022 law aimed at protecting national road assets is being enforced to increase infrastructure durability. Furthermore, a decree from July 2025 has reorganized the national Road Fund to improve resource allocation for maintenance and rehabilitation.

As of December 31, 2024, Cameroon’s road network consisted of 10,576 km of paved roads and 111,297 km of dirt roads.

Looking ahead, the government plans to launch 132 major new road projects starting in 2025. The initiative aims to pave 882 km of new roads, rehabilitate 661 km of existing paved roads, and perform maintenance on another 828 km by 2027, covering a total distance of 2,371 km.

Source: Business in Cameroon

2, September 2025

North Korea’s Kim arrives in Beijing with daughter and possible heir ⁰

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has arrived in the Chinese capital Beijing along with his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, images appear to show.

Kim is in China to attend a “Victory Day” parade on Wednesday, which will see him rub shoulders with China’s President Xi Jinping, Russia’s Vladimir Putin and other world leaders – making it his first multilateral meeting.

Kim crossed into China on Tuesday onboard his armoured train, which is said to include a restaurant serving fine French wines and dishes like fresh lobster.

Photos showed him stepping off his train at Beijing Railway Station accompanied by his daughter. South Korea’s spy agency has previously said she was Kim’s “most likely” successor.

Source: BBC

2, September 2025

UN raises fears over Cameroon election ⁰

The United Nations on Tuesday said growing restrictions in Cameroon raised fears about whether voters can freely choose their candidate in upcoming presidential elections.

Cameroon’s veteran President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest head of state at 92, is seeking a new seven-year term to extend his nearly 43 years in power in elections on October 12.

“A safe and enabling human rights environment is essential for peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections. It regrettably appears that this is not the case in Cameroon,” said UN rights chief Volker Turk.

He urged the government to take swift action to ensure an environment conducive to a free, transparent election.

Last month, Cameroonian security forces arrested at least 53 opposition supporters, who were accused of public disorder, unlawful assembly, rebellion and incitement to revolt, the UN rights office said in a statement.

“While it is welcome news that all the 53 opposition supporters have since been released, they simply should not have been arrested in the first place. No one should ever be arrested for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly,” Turk said.

Cameroon’s divided opposition is struggling to challenge Biya, who has been accused by rights groups of suppressing political rivals.

Source: AP

1, September 2025

Yaoundé: US State Department says 14,300 Cameroonians held in pre-trial detention for minor offenses ⁰

A recent U.S. State Department report on human rights, released August 25, 2024, indicates that approximately 14,300 individuals in Cameroon are currently held in pre-trial detention for minor offenses. The report, citing the Cameroonian Bar Association, estimates that nearly 75% of those awaiting trial are incarcerated for offenses considered minor under local law. The document also highlights the disproportionate impact on minors, raising significant concerns regarding child protection and adherence to international juvenile justice standards.

Cameroonian law stipulates a maximum pre-trial detention period of 18 months. However, the report notes frequent violations of this legal limit, with many detainees awaiting trial for years. This discrepancy between legal provisions and practical application represents a serious breach of fundamental rule of law principles. The case of independent journalist Kingsley Fumunyuy Njoka exemplifies this issue; arrested in 2020 for articles related to the Anglophone crisis in the Northwest and Southwest regions, he was held for over four years before being sentenced in September 2024 to ten years in prison. Charges against him included secession and complicity with armed groups, despite his initial arrest being linked to his writings.

Structural factors contribute to these prolonged detentions, according to the report. Key issues include pervasive corruption within the judicial system and a severe shortage of court personnel. Additional challenges encompass mismanagement of case files, leading to delayed or lost procedures, and detainees’ frequent inability to cover legal costs. The report also points to systematic denials of bail, even when legal conditions for release are met. Furthermore, some legal proceedings are reportedly influenced by political considerations, requiring directives from higher authorities before judgment.

Despite these practices, the Cameroonian Constitution prohibits arbitrary arrests and detentions. It also guarantees citizens the right to challenge the legality of their arrest or detention before an independent court and to seek compensation for damages resulting from unlawful detention. These constitutional safeguards, though clearly articulated, are largely disregarded in the daily operations of the judiciary.

Criticism regarding the state of justice in Cameroon is not new. For several years, lawyers, local and international non-governmental organizations, and multilateral institutions have raised alarms about the widespread abuse of pre-trial detention. Organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, alongside national legal stakeholders, denounce a system characterized by slowness, high costs, opacity, and, in some instances, political manipulation.

In response to this judicial crisis, several long-awaited reforms are necessary. These include modernizing criminal procedures, increasing judicial staff, depoliticizing judicial actions, and implementing alternative measures to incarceration for minor offenses. Options such as community service, penal mediation, or fines could alleviate prison overcrowding while ensuring appropriate legal responses. Beyond legal aspects, the credibility of the entire Cameroonian judicial system is at stake.

The misuse of pre-trial detention, particularly in politically sensitive cases, erodes public trust in institutions and threatens social stability. An efficient, swift, and equitable justice system remains a cornerstone of any democracy. Cameroon now faces a critical choice: undertake profound reforms or continue to tolerate a system that deprives thousands of citizens of their fundamental rights.

Source: Sbbc

1, September 2025

Douala Port is now the most congested on the West African Coast ⁰

The Douala port is now the most congested port on the West African coast, according to shipping-intelligence platform Gocomet. Vessel delays at the facility reach as long as nine days—two days longer than at Conakry in Guinea, Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire, or Lekki in Nigeria, where waiting times stand at about seven days.

The bottleneck comes at a port that handles between 75% and 85% of Cameroon’s trade, as well as imports for landlocked Chad and the Central African Republic. Authorities have offered no official explanation. However, data reviewed by the Ecofin Agency suggest that seasonal and logistical factors, starting with vessel navigation, are at play.

Ships calling at Douala must sail up the Wouri River, a route that depends on dredging operations and favourable tides. Heavy rains in Douala may also have complicated conditions, further slowing vessel movements in and out of the channel.

Another factor could be a seasonal surge in traffic. August marks the start of cocoa exports, and demand from Chad and the Central African Republic is also expected to rise. In such cases, the structural weaknesses of the port become more visible. The Port Authority of Douala has announced new investments, but these upgrades have yet to alleviate pressure on facilities that are already stretched to their limits.

Business news outlet Investir au Cameroun noted at the end of 2023 that the port authority planned to invest CFA 12 billion ($21.4 billion at the period’s exchange rate) in 2023 in acquiring eight-yard cranes. However, years of reliance on outdated equipment had created inefficiencies that could still be affecting operations in 2025. Operational inefficiency also extends to management and port users.

Douala’s southern neighbour, the Kribi port, offers a potential alternative with delays averaging just two days and a more effective administration. However, routing cargo through Kribi presents its own challenges, including weaker hinterland connections and higher logistics costs. Among 15 West African ports surveyed, a few post far lower delays, often less than a day. That includes Pointe-Noire in the Republic of Congo, Tema in Ghana, and Onne in Nigeria.

Port congestion across West Africa reflects a complex mix of aging infrastructure, surging cargo volumes, bureaucratic inefficiencies, corruption, tidal and environmental constraints, and global supply-chain pressures. These forces combine to create bottlenecks that prolong vessel turnaround and cargo handling.

Modernization programs and new port developments bring some hope, yet chronic underinvestment and governance shortcomings continue to hold back progress. Easing congestion will require coordinated investments in complex infrastructure, digital systems, and regional logistics to meet West Africa’s rising trade demands.

Source: ecofinagency