Monthly Archives: April 2026

10, April 2026

Yaoundé summons Russian envoy over deaths of Cameroonians in Ukraine ⁰

The Cameroonian government summoned Russia’s ambassador to Cameroon, Georgy Todua, in Yaounde on April 7, 2026, following the reported deaths of 16 Cameroonian nationals who had been serving as contract soldiers in what Russian authorities describe as a “special military operation zone.”

In an official statement, Foreign Minister Lejeune Mbella Mbella conveyed to the ambassador “the deep concern of the Cameroonian government and the victims’ families.” Yaounde is seeking clarification on the circumstances under which some of its nationals, who had reportedly left the country for civilian purposes, including tourism or study, became involved in military operations.

The diplomatic move comes as the presence of foreign fighters in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has drawn growing scrutiny. Several analyses have cited financial incentives as a possible factor driving such enlistments. Foreign recruits were reportedly offered bonuses of up to 10,000 euros, or approximately 6.5 million CFA francs, a prospect that could appeal to young people seeking economic opportunities.

Cameroonian authorities had previously taken steps to curb the trend. In a March 13, 2025 message, Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defense Joseph Beti Assomo asked defense and security force commanders to strengthen measures aimed at preventing soldiers from deserting to conflict zones in Eastern Europe.

The situation comes against a sensitive diplomatic backdrop. Cameroon and Russia maintain cooperative ties across several sectors, including military training, higher education, energy and diplomacy. Cameroonian students regularly receive scholarships to study in Russia, and political exchanges between Yaounde and Moscow have increased in recent years.

This cooperative framework makes the matter delicate for Cameroonian authorities. Yaounde is seeking to shed light on how its nationals were recruited and deployed, while avoiding any damage to a bilateral relationship that has until now been presented as stable.

Source: Business in Cameroon

9, April 2026

Bamenda: How a papal visit is sparking an infrastructure ‘miracle’ ⁰

Beyond hopes for spiritual renewal and reconciliation in a country fractured by violence, Pope Leo XVI’s planned visit to Cameroon has sparked what the Archbishop of Bamenda describes as “an infrastructure miracle.”

In a wide-ranging interview on PRC TV – a channel affiliated with the Presidency of the Republic that broadcasts news about presidential activities – Archbishop Andrew Nkea stated that the papal visit has served as an unmatched catalyst for socio-economic and infrastructural development in Bamenda. This city, where nearly all development had stalled – either due to the ongoing separatist conflict or government neglect – has experienced significant progress.

The archbishop marveled at the “miraculous” transformation taking place, including the construction of new highways, the installation of running water in areas that lacked it for decades, and the historic reopening of the Bamenda airport after six years of inactivity.

“I am Archbishop of Bamenda, and what I am seeing here is nothing short of a miracle,” Nkea said.

“Highways are being built, roads in the quarters are being constructed.” He said since the Bamenda Archdiocese was opened in 1970, there has never been a sustainable source of water for the bishops’ residence that happens to be found on a hill.

“All of a sudden, water is going up to my hill,” Nkea said, thanks to the coming of Pope Leo.

Terrence Shey Tume, a motorcycle rider in Bamenda, told Crux Now that for years, riding his bike through the streets of Bamenda was a nightmare.

“Roads were filled with potholes. I could spend a whole day and not make up to 5,000 CFA (about $8.) This has changed. The roads are so smooth that one can close his eyes and still ride his bicycle,” he said.

And with approximately 650,000 people expected to attend the Bamenda stop of the visit, along with at least 750 priests and bishops, the hotel sector is also on the rise.

Nkea said that for the first time in seven years, a plane will land at Bamenda airport.

“The pope will not carry all these roads, water, hotels and other development projects back to Rome,” the archbishop said.

“Bamenda people will benefit from these roads, because when the pope goes, these roads will remain with us,” he added.

The archbishop recently distributed helmets to bikers in Bamenda because he fears that the good roads might become a source of danger.

“In late January, I met with motorcycle taxi operators to emphasize the need for collaboration during the construction works, highlighting that these roads are a permanent legacy for the community. We also distributed safety helmets, recognizing that improved infrastructure often leads to higher speeds and a greater risk of falling. We urged the riders to use the helmets to prevent head injuries on the tarmac,” the archbishop said.

The pope’s effect is also felt in other areas he will visit.

Cameroonians, witnessing such a transformation, have been vocal in their praise, with some telling Crux Now that it would be great if the pope visited Cameroon every year.

“It will become our development blueprint since our government has always failed to develop even the basics to make life better for us,” Assumpta Demse, a member of the Catholic Women’s Association told Crux Now.

Pope Leo will visit Bamenda, the capital of the war-torn North West region, during his stay in Cameroon, where he will meet with religious and traditional leaders as well as civil society members to discuss justice and peace. In Douala, the economic capital, he will meet with youth to address issues of unemployment and migration. In Yaoundé, he will meet with government officials to talk about good governance.

A visit unlike others

Although the improved infrastructure definitely creates a celebratory mood among the citizens, the pope’s visit, according to Mgr. William Neba, General Coordinator of Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Bamenda, signifies something larger than just an ordinary Apostolic visit.

In a letter dated April 2, 2026, sent to the bishops, clergy, religious, and lay members of the Bamenda Catholic Church, Father William Neba highlighted the seriousness of the moment.

“This visit is not just like any other Apostolic Visit… but this one has significant overtones, especially for us in this province, when we look back on what we have gone through for the past nine years and are still going through today,” he said.

“The Holy Father shall celebrate Holy Mass for Peace and Justice at the Bamenda International Airport,” Neba added.

The archbishop of Bamenda had recently come under intense scrutiny for emphasizing the need for a return to peace: He overlooked the importance of justice.

By including the word justice in his April 2 letter, Neba suggests that Pope Leo might be more interested in addressing the root causes of the conflict, and “the Peace and Justice our Province has been longing for… may become a reality.”

Source: Crux

8, April 2026

Football: Bayern Munich beats Real Madrid 2-1 as Kane rules the roost vs Mbappe ⁰

Bayern Munich took control of its Champions League quarterfinal on Tuesday with a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at the ‌Santiago Bernabeu, earning a slender first-leg advantage after a high-tempo contest in the Spanish capital.

Vincent Kompany’s side struck just before half-time when Serge Gnabry slipped a precise pass through ⁠for Luis Diaz, who beat the offside trap and fired low past keeper Andriy Lunin in the 41st minute.

Bayern doubled its lead seconds after the restart as Michael Olise squared for Harry Kane to finish neatly from the edge of ‌the box following a swift counterattack.

Real improved after the hour, and Kylian Mbappe pulled one back in the 74th minute, turning in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s low cross at the far post.

Manuel ‌Neuer then denied Mbappe and Vinicius Jr with a series of sharp saves as the host pressed ⁠for an equaliser that never came, as Bayern headed home with a slender yet significant ⁠advantage.

The winner of the two-legged tie will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Liverpool, who play their first leg on Wednesday, in the semifinals.

“We came out for the second half and conceded a goal straight away. Both goals we conceded were gifts. Both sides had plenty of chances but Bayern’s best ‌player today was Neuer. In the end, that’s how it goes,” Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger told Movistar Plus.

Bayern imposed itself from the outset and went close to scoring in the ninth minute, only for Alvaro Carreras to produce a goal-line clearance to deny Dayot Upamecano from point-blank range after Real ‌failed to clear their lines.

The visiting side dominated possession in the first half, seeing more than 65 per cent of the ball as Alvaro Arbeloa’s side dropped into a deep defensive block and looked to break on the counter.

Real nonetheless created chances. Vinicius forced a superb one-handed save ⁠from Neuer in the 17th minute, the Bayern goalkeeper tipping away a low drive from the edge of the box at full stretch.

REFLEX SAVE

Mbappe squandered two openings soon after and was denied again in the 29th minute ‌by an outstanding reflex save from Neuer.

Bayern made the breakthrough four minutes before the interval following a slick passing move. Kane and Gnabry exchanged quick passes before Gnabry slipped a perfectly weighted ball through the centre for Diaz, who slipped behind the defence and drilled a low finish inside the right post in the 41st minute.

The German side doubled its lead seconds after the restart. Carreras lost possession in midfield, and Bayern countered swiftly as Kane, unmarked on the edge of the area, finished calmly just inside the right ‌post.

It was Kane’s 49th goal of the season and his 11th in the Champions League.

Real responded with urgency. Vinicius burst clear after an error from Upamecano in the 60th minute but dragged his shot wide as Neuer rushed out to narrow the angle.

The goalkeeper then produced another fine one-handed save to ⁠deny Mbappe in the 65th minute and moments later watched the France forward pull an angled effort wide after ⁠clever play from Vinicius.

Mbappe pulled one back in the 74th minute, with the referee ruling the ball had crossed the line despite Neuer appearing to get a hand to the shot.

Neuer remained ‌defiant, blocking a fierce strike from Vinicius in the 81st minute and holding an Eder Militao curler shortly afterwards, while Mbappe sent another effort narrowly wide in the 89th minute as Real poured forward.

Bayern wasted chances to extend its lead on the break but returned home with the advantage after a compelling first leg.

Source: Sportstar

8, April 2026

Iran declares ‘historic victory’ over US, says enemy forced to accept its proposal ⁰

Iran has declared a “historic and crushing defeat” of the United States and the Israeli regime after 40 days of war, announcing that Washington has been forced to accept a 10-point Iranian proposal that includes a permanent ceasefire, the lifting of all sanctions, and the withdrawal of US combat forces from the region.

In a statement addressed to the “noble, great, and heroic nation of Iran,” the Supreme National Security Council said the enemy had suffered an undeniable defeat and now saw “no way forward but to submit to the will of the great nation of Iran and the honorable Axis of Resistance.”

The announcement comes on Day 40 of the US-Israeli war of aggression on Iran, which began with the assassination of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and top-ranking commanders on February 28.

According to the statement, the United States has agreed to a 10-point proposal that fundamentally commits Washington to:

No new aggression against Iran

Continued Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz

Acceptance of enrichment

Removal of all primary sanctions

Removal of all secondary sanctions

Termination of all UN Security Council resolutions

Termination of all Board of Governors resolutions

Payment of compensation to Iran

Withdrawal of US combat forces from the region

Cessation of war on all fronts, including against the heroic Islamic Resistance of Lebanon

“Iran has achieved a great victory and has forced criminal America to accept its own 10-point proposal,” the statement read.

The statement by the top security body described the past 40 days as one of the “heaviest combined battles in history,” in which Iran and its allies in Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and occupied Palestine inflicted blows that “the historical memory of the world will never forget.”

“Iran and the Resistance have almost completely destroyed the American military machine in the region,” it stated. “They have inflicted crushing and deep blows on the vast infrastructure and capabilities that the enemy had built and deployed around the region over many years for this war against Iran.”

The statement added that within the occupied territories, Resistance forces had dealt “devastating and crushing blows to the enemy’s forces, infrastructure, facilities, and assets.”

It further stated that the United States understood as early as 10 days into the war that it could not win.

“Not only did none of the enemy’s main objectives materialize, but the enemy realized from about 10 days after the start of the war that it would have no ability to win this war,” the statement said. “For this reason, through various channels and methods, the enemy began efforts to establish contact with Iran and request a ceasefire.”

The top security body further said the enemy had initially imagined a quick military victory, believing Iran’s missile and drone capabilities would be “quickly extinguished,” and noted that the “vile global Zionism” had convinced the “ignorant President of the United States” that the war would finish Iran.

While declaring victory, the top security body also urged continued vigilance.

Source: Presstv

8, April 2026

Yaoundé confirms deaths of 16 Cameroonians fighting for Russia in Ukraine ⁰

Cameroon said Russia had confirmed the deaths of 16 of its nationals who were killed while fighting for Moscow in its war against Ukraine.

Reuters reported on Tuesday that the central African nation acknowledged the deaths on state television by urging relatives of the deceased to contact the foreign ministry for further information.

The outlet also cited a “Cameroonian diplomatic note” on Monday that mentioned “military contractors of Cameroonian nationality” who died in a special military operation zone – terms that align with Moscow’s official designation for its Ukraine invasion.

The document did not provide details on the circumstances of their deaths or explain how the 16 men became involved with Russia.

Cameroon had not previously acknowledged that its citizens were fighting for Russia, despite reports in local media describing appeals from families seeking information about relatives believed to have been recruited by Russian authorities.

In February 2026, Ukraine’s foreign minister said over 1,700 African nationals have been enlisted to fight alongside Russian forces since the start of the full-scale invasion started in 2022, with Egypt, Cameroon and Ghana among the most common countries of origin.

Ghana’s foreign minister visited Kyiv the same month to appeal for the release of two prisoners of war (POWs) captured by Ukraine, while acknowledging that at least 55 of its nationals have died fighting for Moscow.

The statements came just days after reports of Ukrainian troops operating out of bases in north Africa’s Libya, though Ukraine’s Military Intelligence (HUR) has refused to comment on the reports.

The same month, the watchdog organization “All Eyes on Wagner” published a list of 1,417 African nationals from 35 nations recruited by Moscow between January 2023 and September 2025, estimating that at least 316 of them were killed.

Ukrainian officials have reported that Russian recruitment of foreign nationals has intensified as Moscow seeks to fill manpower gaps, with recruits lured into signing contracts after being promised education opportunities, employment and high monthly salaries, before being dispatched to combat units.

Source: Kyivpost

8, April 2026

Etoudi debunks report of Biya appointing his son as vice president ⁰

Cameroon has debunked reports of President Paul Biya appointing Franck Biya, his son, as vice president.

The reports began to circulate on Saturday after the Cameroonian parliament overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment to reintroduce the position of vice president.

The lawmakers voted 200 to 18 in favour, with four abstentions, to pass the bill.

The bill stipulates that the vice president will automatically assume the presidency if Biya dies, resigns, or becomes incapacitated.

Biya, 93, has led the country since ⁠1982 and is the world’s oldest serving head of state. The president is rarely seen in public, and discussion about his health is banned.

The viral reports claimed Franck was named vice president and head of the country’s military authority.

According to the reports, the order was contained in the legislation.

But in a copy of the bill indicates, no such appointment was given to Franck. His name was also not mentioned in the document.

The legislation mandates that the vice president will be appointed and dismissed by the president, serving for the remainder of the president’s seven-year term.

However, the interim leader would be prohibited from initiating constitutional changes or running in a subsequent election.

Officials of Cameroon’s ministry of foreign affairs debunked the reports of Franck’s appointment.

“On April 4 2026, the Cameroonian Parliament adopted a historic constitutional amendment creating the post of Vice-President of the Republic,” the ministry said in a statement.

“But the Vice-President has to be appointed by the Head of State to ensure the continuity of power.

“Till date, no one has been appointed to that position.”

Cameroonian media also did not report Franck’s alleged appointment, neither did the country’s presidency nor the national assembly.

The vice presidency was previously part of Cameroon’s governance structure but was abolished in 1972 following a constitutional referendum.

Source: The Cable

6, April 2026

Football: Real Madrid hoping Champions League magic halts Bayern juggernaut ⁰

Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich visit Real Madrid on Tuesday in the Champions League quarter-finals high on confidence and looking like Europe’s most complete side, bolstered by the likely return of superstar striker Harry Kane.

Record 15-time winners Madrid have endured a difficult season, plagued by inconsistency, but have made a habit of pulling off the unexpected in this competition.

Just as it seemed their well of Champions League magic was running dry, Madrid produced their best performance of the season to crush Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the last 16.

Despite Madrid’s prestige and troupe of attacking stars — Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham included, as well as City hat-trick hero Federico Valverde — Bayern are arguably favourites to lift the trophy.

“It would be presumptuous to assume that we’ll definitely advance,” said honorary Bayern president Uli Hoeness. “But we haven’t had such great chances in terms of the playing quality as we have this year in a long time.”

Kane, who has scored 48 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions this season, missed Bayern’s battling 3-2 Bundesliga win at Freiburg on Saturday with an ankle issue.

“He’d play in a wheelchair,” said Bayern midfielder Joshua Kimmich, while Kompany added that he had “a feeling” that the England striker would be ready.

With Michael Olise and Luis Diaz joining Kane in attack, Kompany’s side play an aggressive, high-pressing style which helped them demolish Atalanta in the last 16, 10-2 on aggregate.

Bayern came from two goals down to beat Freiburg and match-winner Lennart Karl said that fighting spirit was crucial heading into the Madrid clash.

“It gives us a lot of confidence. It was very important — we actually feel unbeatable at the moment,” he said, with Bayern’s last defeat coming in January, 14 matches ago.

In that same period Madrid have lost four times, with coach Alvaro Arbeloa struggling to find the right balance when all his superstars are fit, just like Xabi Alonso and Carlo Ancelotti before him.

“They’re not playing the best football, but they’re outstanding in terms of experience,” noted Hoeness.

Bernabeu factor

Madrid fell to a disappointing defeat at Mallorca in La Liga on Saturday, leaving them seven points behind rivals Barcelona in the Spanish title race.

Arbeloa brushed off the loss and said it would have no bearing on his team’s performance against Bayern, in the club’s favoured competition.

“I know what my players are capable of, I know they understand the importance of Tuesday’s game,” Arbeloa told reporters.

“The demand on the team will be maximum and I know the support that Madrid fans will offer us — with them, everything is easier.”

Bayern are well aware of the impact of Madrid’s supporters on big European nights at the Bernabeu, which, along with the weight of history and sublime individual quality, helps Los Blancos pull off remarkable results even when the odds are against them.

“It’s the stadium and the fans who, together with the team, transform into a hurricane that sweeps over the opponent,” said Bayern powerbroker Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

“You need nerves of steel, you have to stay calm, and you have to be mentally prepared… it’s not just an ordinary game. It will be the toughest test.”

Two Bayern players who understand that more than most are goalkeepers Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich, who have both cracked in the Bernabeu pressure cooker before.

In the 2018 semi-final Ulreich went to pick up a back pass before suddenly realising his mistake and let it run past him, with Karim Benzema tapping into the empty net.

Madrid went on to win that tie, as they have on all of the last four knockouts against Bayern. In each of those years, they went on to lift the trophy.

In the 2024 semi-finals former Stoke City striker Joselu struck twice in the dying embers of the second leg, the first after a Neuer handling error, to send Bayern crashing out.

No teams have faced each other more in the competition, with Tuesday’s match the 29th occasion Madrid will meet Bayern.

The German giants last eliminated Los Blancos in 2012 but believe they finally have the quality this year to rewrite the narrative of the last decade.

Source: AFP

6, April 2026

Planet Labs withholds US military loss imagery upon Trump censorship request ⁰

Satellite imaging company Planet Labs says it will indefinitely withhold visuals of American military losses to comply with a censorship request from US President Donald Trump amid the ongoing US-Israeli aggression against Iran.

In an email to customers on Saturday, the US company announced that the Trump administration had asked satellite imagery providers to impose an “indefinite withhold of imagery.”

Planet Labs further said that it would now switch to a “managed distribution of images” deemed not to pose a risk to safety.

The firm, which was founded in 2010 by former NASA scientists, will release imagery on a case-by-case basis for urgent, “mission-critical requirements or in the public interest.”

“These are extraordinary circumstances, and we are doing all we can to balance the needs of all our stakeholders,” the California-based firm said.

The restriction expands upon a 14-day delay on imagery of the Persian Gulf and West Asia region that Planet Labs implemented last month, which extended an initial 96-hour delay.

The firm said the move was meant to “prevent adversaries from using the imagery to attack the US and its allies.”

Planet Labs said it will withhold imagery dating back to March 9 and that it expects the policy to remain in effect until the end of the war.

The US and Israel started a fresh round of military aggression against Iran on February 28, some eight months after they carried out unprovoked attacks on the country.

The US-Israeli aggression led to the martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and hundreds of Iranian civilians, including women and children, as well as several senior military commanders.

Iran began to swiftly retaliate against the strikes by launching barrages of missiles and drone attacks on Israeli-occupied territories as well as on US bases and interests in regional countries.

Source: Press TV

6, April 2026

Congo’s World Cup extended celebration triggers growing tensions in Spain ⁰

Three Spanish clubs have formally lodged complaint with La Liga against the DR Congo national team after several players failed to return on time following the country’s qualification for FIFA World Cup.

Real Betis, Espanyol and Elche jointly submitted the complaint to La Liga which is expected to escalate the matter to the Spanish Football Federation and inform as tensions grow over what clubs see as a breach of international regulations.

Players absent days after qualification

DR Congo secured their place at the 2026 World Cup — set to take place in June across the United States, Canada and Mexico — marking their first appearance in the tournament in more than five decades.

However, the celebrations that followed have created friction.

Several Congolese internationals, including Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis), Yannick Bolasie Dianagana (Elche), and Leandro Bikél (Espanyol), have yet to return to their clubs days after qualification. All three players have already missed official matches, raising concerns among their teams.

According to reports, the Congolese Football Federation kept the squad in the country to take part in extended celebrations, delaying their release.

He added that the case has now been referred to FIFA’s disciplinary bodies warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent.

“An unusual situation” says Espanyol coach

Espanyol manager Manolo González also expressed frustration ahead of his side’s recent fixture against Real Betis.

Source: Foot Africa

6, April 2026

Cameroon Football: Unisport crowned first-half champions, Colombe Sportive delivers a master class ⁰

The 13th match day of the Cameroonian championship marked the end of the first half of the season, delivering major talking points. Unisport du Haut-Nkam wrapped things up in style to clinch the honorary title, while Colombe Sportive made a statement on a goal-filled day packed with confirmations.

Already guaranteed to finish top, Unisport du Haut-Nkam put the finishing touch on their campaign with a 2-1 win away to Dynamo de Douala. Trailing after Samuel Ntomba opened the scoring, the leaders turned things around thanks to Kouam Mbappé and Vivien Koloto. This gritty victory takes their tally to 29 points.

With a four-point lead over their runners-up, the Western Torch closes out an impressive first half and establishes itself as the clear favorite for the title.

Coton Sport takes the derby and stays in the hunt

In the northern showdown, Coton Sport de Garoua claimed the “Garouassico” against Gazelle FA (2-1). Roger Emga and Harrison Djonkep made the difference for the Cotoniers, despite Serge Daura’s late consolation goal. This crucial win cements Coton Sport’s hold on second place with 25 points.

Despite the defeat, Gazelle remains fourth with 21 points and is still in the race for a podium finish.

Colombe Sportive puts on a show, the champions awaken

This was the standout performance of the day. Colombe Sportive du Sud outclassed Fauve Azur (4-0) in a one-sided affair.

By halftime, Eyango Priso, Njuma Conrad, and Bayebane had already put the game to bed. Brice Sindjo capped off the win in the second half, orchestrating the attack like a true maestro.

With this emphatic victory, the defending champions climb back into the top group (4th/5th place depending on results) and send a strong message ahead of the second half of the season.

PWD solid, Panthère keeps rolling

PWD of Bamenda confirmed their solidity by crushing Aigle Royal du Moungo (4-1). Buoyed by a brace from Junior Nguimbat, the Abakwas Boys move onto the podium with 23 points. Panthère du Ndé continues its resurgence with a second straight win (2-1) over Aigle de la Menoua. Yapendé and Tiba secured all three points, moving their team up to eighth with 18 points.

Canon strikes in Limbe, Victoria slips again

In Limbe, Canon Sportif de Yaoundé delivered with a 2-0 win over Victoria United. Junior Ebogo and Pascal Ombolo got the job done for the Kpakum, despite two late red cards. This victory breathes new life into Canon, now firmly in the mid-table mix.

Victoria, meanwhile, continues to struggle and remain ninth. Stade Renard beat AS Fortuna (1-0) and climbs to tenth with 14 points. AS Fortuna stays second from bottom and is still suffering. Fauve Azur, heavily beaten, remains under pressure in eleventh place. Aigle Royal du Moungo sinks to bottom spot with just 7 points.

Source: Foot Africa