Monthly Archives: April 2026

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

6, April 2026

Yaoundé: lawmakers revive vice presidency, handing aging Biya sweeping control over the post ⁰

Cameroon’s parliament overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment to reintroduce the vice president position, a move the opposition says will further strengthen President Paul Biya’s grip on power.

Biya, 93, is the world’s oldest leader and has led the central African nation since 1982. He won a widely disputed election last year, his eighth term in office.

The widely criticized bill, which Biya is expected to sign into law, was approved Saturday in a joint session of the National Assembly and Senate and boycotted by the main opposition party; 200 voted in favor, 18 against and 4 abstained.

The newest amendment gives the aging president absolute authority over the office of the vice president, as he can appoint and dismiss them at will and the deputy can only exercise powers delegated by Biya. If the president dies, resigns, or becomes incapacitated, the vice president will serve as interim president for the remainder of the seven-year tenure.

Members of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) hailed the legislation as a measure to ensure institutional stability. Critics, however, said the new law undermines democratic principles by replacing electoral legitimacy with presidential appointment.

The opposition Social Democratic Front (SDF) said in a statement that the amendment “fails to guarantee democratic legitimacy, inclusiveness, and proper institutional balance.”

Fusi Namukong, an SDF member of parliament, told The Associated Press that the law paves the way for a monarchy. “It’s not democratic. This is a republic, and in a republic, those who wield power at the highest level of the state should be elected and not appointed,” Namukong said.

The Cameroon Bar Association also warned the amendment “erodes the democratic legitimacy (of) the presidential office” and undermines the country’s constitution.

The office of the vice president was scrapped in 1972 following a constitutional referendum.

Biya’s health has been a topic of speculation as he spends most of his time in Europe, leaving governance to key party officials and family members. His reelection in 2025 sparked widespread protests that left at least four people dead, signaling growing tensions between the mostly young population and its aging leader.

Source: AP

3, April 2026

Etoudi plans constitutional reform to create vice president role ⁰

A proposed constitutional reform to create a Vice President position in Cameroon is triggering sharp debate among lawmakers and raising questions about governance and legitimacy.

The draft bill, submitted to parliament on April 2, 2026, seeks to amend key provisions of the constitution. President Paul Biya has called for an urgent congress bringing together both the National Assembly and the Senate to fast-track the changes.

Supporters of the reform say the move would strengthen institutional stability and ensure continuity in leadership.

Tabouli Célestin, a ruling party lawmaker, defended the proposal, saying it would enhance governance.

“There will be modifications to certain articles of the constitution which, according to what we have been told, will allow the President to establish a Vice President post. This would, of course, contribute to the proper and harmonious functioning of institutions.”

However, opposition figures have criticized both the timing and the process, arguing that such a significant reform requires wider consultation.

Ndam Njoya Hermine Patricia Tomaino questioned the legitimacy of the move, especially given concerns over extended parliamentary mandates.

“Regarding this amendment, a broad consultation should really have taken place… submitting the text to elected officials whose mandates are supposedly extended raises questions about the legitimacy of these men and women.”

Under the proposed changes, the Vice President would be appointed and would take over in the event of a vacancy in the presidency.

The initiative, which until recently had circulated only as speculation, has now become a focal point of political tension, with critics warning it could reshape the balance of power in Cameroon’s political system.

Source: Africa News

3, April 2026

Russia conducts massive rolling aerial attacks on Ukraine ⁰

Russia has conducted rolling aerial attacks on Ukraine ‌since Thursday evening, Ukraine’s air force said Friday, ⁠adding that a large number of enemy drones were in Ukrainian airspace.

The bombardment was the second ‌time in a week that Russia has followed a overnight drone barrage with ⁠heavy daytime attacks, a new tactic as Moscow probes ways to penetrate Ukraine’s air defences.

“The Kyiv region is once again under a massive enemy missile and drone attack,” Mykola Kalashnyk, the regional governor, said.

“We can see that the enemy is using new routes, new drones which they are constantly ‌modernising, and new tactics,” air force spokesman Yurii Ihnat said on state television.

He added that Russia had launched more than 400 long-range drones in the past ‌24 hours, as well as ten ballistic missiles that primarily targeted areas near the front line.

Ihnat said the bombardment was similar to Tuesday’s attack which killed at least four people when an overnight barrage of over 300 drones was followed by another of similar size in the middle of the day.

Large-scale Russian bombardments cause disruption across Ukraine as many government institutions, public transport services and businesses close during the attacks, which can last many hours.

“The enemy is exerting (pressure) on our population, paralysing the work of certain public institutions, as well as learning institutions,” Ihnat said.

In the eastern region of Kharkiv, one person was killed and 25 others injured by missile, bomb and drone ⁠attacks over the past 24 hours, governor Oleh Synehubov said on social media.

That included four ⁠ballistic missiles that struck the regional capital, also called Kharkiv, overnight. Authorities only reported one injury from that strike.

“Duty fighter jets have ‌been scrambled, and ground-based air defence systems as well as radar reconnaissance have reached a state of maximum readiness,” said the Operational Command of the ⁠Polish Armed Forces on X.

No violations of Polish airspace ⁠were recorded and military aviation operations linked to Russian strikes on ‌Ukraine ended later Friday, said the Operational Command of the ‌Polish Armed Forces.

“Activated ground-based air defense and radar reconnaissance systems have returned to standard operational activities,” the army wrote on X. “We inform that no violation of the airspace ⁠of the Republic of ⁠Poland was observed.”

Meanwhile Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has invited US negotiators to Kyiv to relaunch three-way talks with Russia, according to comments released Friday.

“I invited the American negotiating delegation to Kyiv. The delegation will do everything possible in the current conditions – during the war with Iran – to come to Kyiv,” Zelensky told journalists on Thursday.

Source: Reuters

3, April 2026

Cameroon, Switzerland sign MoU positioning Obala Institute as Central Africa Agri-Research Hub ⁰

Cameroon and Switzerland have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Yaounde, marking a new phase of agricultural cooperation and positioning the Agricultural Institute of Obala (IAO) as a key partner in research, training and agribusiness in Central Africa. Signed on March 25 at the Swiss Residence, the agreement brings together the IAO and three Swiss institutions: Agroscope, FiBL and the Fondation Rurale Interjurassienne (FRI). The ceremony, held during a reception for Switzerland’s State Secretary for Economic Affairs Helene Budliger Artieda, was attended by senior Cameroonian officials on the sidelines of the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14).

The MoU establishes a framework to deepen technical cooperation by facilitating the mobility of researchers and students, strengthening institutional linkages and expanding joint research programmes. It designates the IAO as Switzerland’s main partner for agricultural research in Central Africa and builds on more than two decades of cooperation with the Obala-based institute, which currently trains over 2,000 students.

The partnership is expected to enhance capacity development in agronomy, support knowledge transfer in organic and productivity-focused farming systems, and reinforce links between training institutions and Swiss companies operating in Cameroon. The focus on research, training and applied innovation aligns with efforts to improve agricultural productivity, value chains and market access, areas considered critical to the sector’s economic contribution.

Speaking at the event, Switzerland’s State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Helene Budliger Artieda, highlighted the shared priorities underpinning the partnership.

“As we do not have as much land as Africa, we focus on productivity so that agriculture benefits the farmer and their business. We have understood that education is crucial for success. That is why we share common ideals with the IAO, which has a long tradition in agriculture and in training young people,” she said.

On his part, the founding director of the IAO, Louis Ndjie, underscored the operational approach of the partnership, stating: “What is interesting with Swiss cooperation is that it works over the long term. They are very demanding in terms of quality and governance.”

According to officials, the agreement comes at a time when Cameroon is seeking to strengthen its agricultural sector through improved yields, skills development and integration into regional and international value chains. The designation of the IAO as a regional partner also positions the institute as a hub for collaboration with international stakeholders, with potential spillovers for agribusiness development and employment.

The initiative extends longstanding bilateral ties between Cameroon and Switzerland into areas with direct economic relevance for food production, trade and rural enterprise development.

Source: Business in Cameroon

3, April 2026

Iran’s military vows to continue war until US, Israel ‘regret’ aggression ⁰

The senior spokesman for Iran’s Armed Forces says the country will continue the war as long as it makes the United States and the Israeli regime “regret” their illegal act of aggression.

Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi made the remarks on Friday, the 35th day of the criminal US-Israeli military assault that has triggered Iran’s powerful reprisal attacks against the enemies.

“Our strategy is not limited to eye-for-an-eye or reciprocal actions. Our strategy is to punish the aggressor so that it fully regrets [its move] and to guarantee the permanent removal of the threat posed to the nation,” he said.

“The goal is not to announce a ceasefire today and see the resumption of the aggression tomorrow under various pretexts, with people feeling worried and remaining in anxiety.”

Shekarchi also noted that the world has realized the invincibility of the Islamic Republic, which stems from its large capacity.

Many countries in the world condemn the imposed war on Iran while many of Washington’s allies are not willing to join it as they see the catastrophe caused by the US’s presence in the region, he added.

The unprovoked US-Israeli aggression on Iran began on February 28 with airstrikes that assassinated senior Iranian officials and commanders.

The Iranian Armed Forces have responded by launching daily missile and drone operations targeting locations in the Israeli-occupied territories as well as US military bases and assets across the region.

They have also blocked the Strait of Hormuz to oil and gas tankers affiliated with the adversaries and those cooperating with them in an attempt to maintain security at the strategic waterway.

The US has sought to form a coalition to open the strait, asking NATO countries to contribute naval and air assets. However, most of Washington’s allies have declined to commit forces.

Source: Presstv

2, April 2026

Cameroon Football: Ebwelle Bertin takes charge to revive Panthère du Ndé ⁰

Bertin Ebwelle has taken the helm at Panthère Sportive du Ndé with the ambition of breathing new life into a team searching for stability.

The news is now official: Bertin Ebwelle is the new head coach of Panthère Sportive du Ndé. The Cameroonian tactician succeeds Yves Clément Arroga, who recently stepped down amid a tense atmosphere.

The Bangangté club’s management wasted no time in responding. Riding the momentum of a convincing win over Dynamo de Douala, Panthère du Ndé opted to hand the reins to an experienced profile in order to steady the team’s sporting trajectory.

A former Cameroon international, Bertin Ebwelle joins an ambitious club—recent winners of the Cameroon Cup—that is eager to finish the first half of the season on a high note.

A high-pressure mission

Having previously managed Stade Renard de Melong, the coach has already settled in at Bangangté, where he arrived in recent hours. He was even received by local administrative authorities, a testament to the importance of his assignment.

But the challenge is considerable. Currently ninth in the standings with a game in hand, Panthère du Ndé is desperate for a turnaround. Ebwelle will need to make his mark quickly in an environment where results are demanded without delay.

Arroga, a departure amid tensions

The exit of Yves Clément Arroga still lingers in everyone’s mind. The now-former coach left the club after publicly denouncing the chairman’s interference in sporting affairs, pointing to an authoritarian management style.

The new man in charge at Panthère’s bench will soon face his first test. This Sunday, his team will take on Aigle Royal de la Menoua at the Fotso Victor Stadium in Bandjoun.

Source: Foot Africa

2, April 2026

Pope Leo XIV in Cameroon-The “Ambazonia crisis” in Southern Cameroons ⁰

Bamenda, the capital of Cameroon’s Northwest Region, which Pope Leo XIV will visit on April 16, is at the heart of the so-called “Anglophone crisis” that has shaken the country since 2016.

The origins of the crisis date back to the colonial era. A former colony of Wilhelmine Germany, Cameroon was divided in two at the end of World War I: one under British mandate and the other under French mandate. The French-speaking part became independent in 1960, while the English-speaking part in 1961. The latter, through a referendum, decided to join French-speaking Cameroon. In 1961, the Federal Republic of Cameroon was proclaimed, uniting territories with different languages and administrative practices. Federalism was abandoned in 1972 in favor of a unitary state. As a result, Cameroon’s English-speaking population felt increasingly marginalized and feared the disappearance of its legal and cultural distinctiveness.

The Anglophone crisis began in 2016 with a strike by lawyers and teachers who opposed the appointment of Francophone judges in Anglophone regions. The demonstrations were repressed by the Cameroonian government and were followed by episodes of violence.

In October 2017, Anglophone separatists proclaimed the Republic of Ambazonia (referring to Ambazonia Bay), thus formalizing their secessionist aspirations.

Since then, a conflict has erupted with a devastating human cost. Both sides in the war are using education as a weapon.

In Cameroon, public education is a prerogative of the state. Therefore, when attacking schools, armed groups are primarily targeting the symbol of a state institution. Schools, in particular, embody the flashpoints of the crisis, especially the language issue. French and English are the two official languages and enjoy equal status. However, French is used far more than English, thus fueling a sense of marginalization among Anglophone Cameroonians. Teaching and educational programs are, in principle, bilingual, even in Anglophone areas, something that is not accepted by the most radical separatists.

Since 2017, more than 700,000 children have been forced to drop out of school. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), more than 1.5 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in the Anglophone regions. OCHA also estimates that at least 334,098 people have been internally displaced by the violence in the two regions, while more than 76,493 have sought refuge in Nigeria. Both separatists and government forces have perpetrated targeted attacks against health facilities and humanitarian workers, severely reducing access to medical care and forcing several international humanitarian organizations to suspend their operations.

Furthermore, the conflict has degenerated into a veritable criminal industry based primarily on kidnappings for extortion. Under the pretext of financing the independence cause, criminal gangs abduct ordinary people, demanding sums of money from their families in exchange for their release. But the kidnappings also have a political objective: they are abductions aimed at silencing women in particular, since they often play a crucial role in conflict resolution in Cameroon’s traditional and tribal societies.

The latest available data is from 2024, with 450 kidnapping cases recorded. Among those abducted are also priests. It is worth recalling the kidnapping of the late Cardinal Christian Tumi, Archbishop Emeritus of Douala, in 2020 who had expressed his willingness to mediate between the government and the separatists.

Furthermore, the separatists, known as the “Amba Boys,” have imposed a monthly “revolutionary tax” on the local population: 10,000 CFA francs (15 euros) for men and 5,000 CFA francs (7.50 euros) for women.

In this situation, the Church community continues its work of evangelization despite numerous difficulties, and Catholic institutions and representatives are striving to play a mediating role. In a statement sent to Fides, Andrew Nkea Fuanya, Archbishop of Bamenda, affirmed: “The Church has not taken sides with either the separatists or the government precisely so that it can offer its mediation services. Despite the violence, in the Archdiocese of Bamenda I have not closed any parishes nor have I fled. I engage in dialogue with both the government and the separatists in the constant search for the path to peace.”

Source: Agenzia Fides