Monthly Archives: June 2026

Football:  Onana congratulates Ivory Coast, questions Cameroon’s World Cup exit

27, June 2026

Football:  Onana congratulates Ivory Coast, questions Cameroon’s World Cup exit 0

André Onana congratulated Ivory Coast after their qualification for the knockout stage but then appeared to question the reasons behind Cameroon’s failure to reach the same stage.

The Manchester United goalkeeper shared a message on social media celebrating the Elephants’ progress, while also expressing frustration over Cameroon’s elimination from the tournament.

Ivory Coast secured their place in the Round of 32 after defeating Curaçao, with Nicolas Pépé scoring twice to help his team continue their World Cup journey.

Following the result, Onana posted a message congratulating the Ivorian national team but included a remark that quickly attracted attention among supporters.

“Congratulations to the family. It could have been us, but… Ego… Ego… Donatien K’s ego… Anyway, good night.”

The message began as a tribute to Ivory Coast’s achievement but later appeared to suggest that problems beyond football may have contributed to Cameroon’s early exit.

Onana did not directly explain the full meaning behind his comments, but his reference to “ego” was interpreted as a criticism of issues within the Indomitable Lions setup.

The goalkeeper’s statement comes amid ongoing discussions surrounding Cameroon and the challenges affecting the national team. His public reaction has added another layer to the debate over the reasons behind their disappointing World Cup campaign.

While Ivory Coast continue their historic run at the tournament, Cameroon are left reflecting on a missed opportunity after failing to progress.

Onana’s comments have created further discussion around the Indomitable Lions, with many questioning whether internal issues played a role in preventing the team from achieving their ambitions.

The Cameroonian international first acknowledged Ivory Coast’s achievement before turning attention to what he believes may have gone wrong within his own national team.

As the World Cup continues, Ivory Coast will focus on their next challenge in the competition, while Cameroon face questions over what changes may be needed before future international tournaments.

Source: Africa Soccer

Venezuela quake death toll nears 1,000

27, June 2026

Venezuela quake death toll nears 1,000 0

The death toll of the Venezuela earthquake has reached close to 1,000 as more international rescuers arrive in the country at a crucial time.

Two strong earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude rocked Venezuela within seconds of each other on Wednesday, causing many structures to collapse in the country’s north, including in the capital Caracas, trapping people under the rubble.

According to the government statistics, 920 people have been killed and 3,360 others injured. However, many more people are still unaccounted for, and as time passes, they are feared to be perishing under the rubble.

Venezuelan authorities announced more than 50,000 people remain missing in thousands of collapsed structures.

Rescuers keep searching for survivors, and families wait desperately for news of their missing ones.

La Guaira region, north of Caracas, has been hit the hardest.

Natacha Diaz told media that her two daughters, aged 22 and 23, were still trapped under the rubble of a collapsed mall in La Guaira.

“They were with their friends,” she said. “I just want them to be found. I have faith and hope that they are there.”

“I just want them back with me. They are all I have, please.”

At least 243 people have been rescued from under the rubble of collapsed buildings in La Guaira, so far.

The news of the people who have been rescued alive “brings us joy that they can embrace their families and loved ones,” Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said at a televised briefing on Friday.

There have been 214 aftershocks since the quakes started, she added.

UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said almost 2,000 international rescue workers are taking part in the search operation.

Fletcher told the media on Saturday that rescue teams from different countries were still pouring into Caracas.

He stressed that the first 72 hours after the earthquake were “crucial.”

“It’s absolutely grim, it’s devastating, and for us, we are driven on minute by minute, hour by hour, by the sound of the survivors underneath the rubble.”

“We cannot pause for a second while we hear them, but the worst thing is when those voices go quiet. We’re determined to save as many lives as we can.”

Source: Press TV

Football: Senegal crushes 10-man Iraq to remain in hunt for knockout spot

27, June 2026

Football: Senegal crushes 10-man Iraq to remain in hunt for knockout spot 0

Senegal became the first African side to score five goals in a World Cup match, a stunning double by Pape Gueye inspiring them to a 5-0 win over 10-man Iraq in their final Group I match on Friday.

Senegal also boosted their chances of progressing to the last 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams – they have the best goal difference of the teams on three points.

Iraq go home without a point after a hugely disappointing campaign following an arduous route to qualify.

Senegal struck early, Habib Diarra getting the slightest of touches to Abdoulaye Seck’s header from a corner, for his first international goal since he scored in a friendly against England last year.

Iraq’s already slim hopes of keeping their hopes alive suffered a hammerblow a few minutes later.

Defender Rebin Sulaka had been brought into the starting line-up by Iraq coach Graham Arnold but his contribution lasted just 13 minutes.

English referee Anthony Taylor red-carded him after consulting the VAR screen for fouling Sadio Mane when the Senegal talisman was clear on goal.

It was the earliest red card of the nine so far in the World Cup, the fourth fastest in the tournament’s history.

Senegal's defender #04 Abdoulaye Seck celebrates after scoring his team's first goal
Senegal’s Abdoulaye Seck celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal.

Iraq were unable to fashion a chance in the rest of the half and despite their one man advantage Senegal could only muster one, Ismail Jacobs fierce strike from outside the box just going wide with the keeper beaten.

Senegal came out for the second-half bristling with intent.

Iraq had been further destabilised as they had to replace goalkeeper Ahmed Basil, who had taken a knock in the first-half, with Jalal Hassan at the break.

Hassan survived the early wave of attacks but was helpless when Senegal finally got into their stride.

Ismaila Sarr tapped in in the 56th minute, for his third goal of the tournament, after a dreadful error by former Manchester United player Zidane Iqbal deep inside his own half gifted Senegal possession.

The relief of the second goal had Sarr lying prone on his back pumping his fists with joy.

Then came the Gueye show and it had the fans off their seats.

Within 89 seconds of coming on as a substitute he let rip from outside the box with a sublime curling effort that gave Hassan no chance for 3-0 in the 59th minute.

The Villarreal midfielder possibly outdid that effort with a vicious half volley 12 minutes later that flew past the keeper.

Arnold was reduced to leaning on the dugout and ruefully shaking his head, and could only watch as Iliman Ndiaye scored with another screamer eight minutes from time.

Source: AFP

Burkina Faso cuts diplomatic ties with France

27, June 2026

Burkina Faso cuts diplomatic ties with France 0

Burkina Faso on Friday severed diplomatic ties with former colonial ruler France, accusing Paris of persistently acting against its interests.

The military regime led by Captain Ibrahim Traore, in power since a coup in September 2022, is pursuing a policy hostile particularly France.

“The government of Burkina Faso hereby informs the national and international community that it has decided to sever diplomatic relations with France with effect from today, June 26, 2026,” it announced in a statement read out on the west African nation’s national television.

The government also accused France of harbouring “neo-colonial ambitions, made evident by its active support for subversive networks and the terrorists who are plunging our country and the Sahel into mourning”.

Burkina Faso, like several of its neighbours, has for a decade been hit by deadly violence by jihadists affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

According to the statement, this decision “concerns exclusively the institutional framework of relations between the two states at the diplomatic level”.

It “in no way calls into question the historical, human, cultural and social ties that unite the Burkinabe and French peoples”, the government said.

Anti French sentiment runs high in some former African colonies as the continent becomes a renewed diplomatic battleground, with Russian and Chinese influence growing.

Once master of vast expanses of northern, central and western Africa, France has played a crucial role in the continent’s post colonial history, repeatedly intervening militarily since the early 1960s.

France has vowed to abandon the so-called “Francafrique” strategy, under which Paris sought to keep francophone Africa under its thumb through political collusion, exclusive access for French businesses and oblique financial deals including graft.

Source: AFP

US and Iran trade strikes putting new strain on Mideast ceasefire

27, June 2026

US and Iran trade strikes putting new strain on Mideast ceasefire 0

The United States and Iran traded military strikes after Washington on Friday accused Tehran of attacking a cargo ship, jeopardizing a fragile ceasefire as diplomats struggle to contain the Middle East war.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said Saturday that they had attacked US sites in the Gulf region in retaliation to American strikes in Iran, according to state television.

The US military had earlier announced that it had struck targets in Iran in response to an attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, which it attributed to Tehran.

“If the aggression is repeated, our response will be broader than this,” the Guards said, according to a post by state TV on Telegram.

By Asu Isong in London

World Cup: South Africa reaches knockout stage for first time

26, June 2026

World Cup: South Africa reaches knockout stage for first time 0

South Africa beat South Korea 1-0 on Wednesday to reach the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history, an astonishing turnaround after a dismal opening defeat.

The Bafana Bafana, playing in a World Cup for the first time since they hosted it in 2010, were widely written off after their 2-0 loss to Group A winners Mexico in the tournament’s curtain raiser.

But they battled to a draw against the Czech Republic and came out on top of what was effectively a shootout with South Korea for second place in Monterrey, thanks to Thapelo Maseko’s second-half strike.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos said it was difficult to put his side’s achievement into words.

“We scored that goal, and it was 20 minutes of heartbeating and hoping that the game should be finished as soon as possible,” said the Belgian.

“So yes, we are in the second round. It’s historic. But I’m very happy for the guys. I’ve worked with them for five years. And what we did in those five years is amazing.”

South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo made a shock call by leaving captain Son Heung-min — considered by many to be Asia’s greatest-ever player — out of the starting line-up.

The Asian team started strongly, with stand-in captain Kim Min-jae’s powerful header blocked on the goalline by Aubrey Modiba before Lee Kang-in flashed wide.

South Africa quickly settled, playing with hunger and adventure, but their finishing was wasteful.

They seemed certain to take the lead in the 30th minute when the ball fell to Evidence Makgopa after South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu parried Thalente Mbatha’s shot.

But Makgopa could only tamely poke the ball straight at the goalkeeper from close range.

Son came on at the start of the second half, one of three changes made by coach Hong as he sought to change the script.

Early in the second period Maseko squandered another good position while South Korea forward Oh Hyeon-gyu tested goalkeeper Ronwen Williams at the other end.

As news filtered through from Mexico City that the host nation were leading against the Czech Republic, there was an added sense of urgency.

South Africa seized their moment with Tshepang Moremi crossing to Maseko, who this time kept his cool, firing home inside the near post in the 63rd minute.

South Korea pushed hard in the closing stages but ran out of time, meaning South Africa will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on June 28.

Ochoa’s sixth World Cup finals

Co-hosts Mexico topped the group with nine points after winning all three of their matches.

El Tri completed their first round with a 100% record after romping past the Czech Republic 3-0 in the Estadio Azteca.

Mexico move on to a last-32 match in the same stadium on June 30 while the Czechs return home after finishing bottom of the group.

Mateo Chavez gave Mexico the lead in the 55th minute and Julian Quinones took advantage of disarray in the Czech defence six minutes later to extend the lead.

Alvaro Fidalgo completed a sparkling evening for the Mexicans as he smashed in a cross four minutes into added time.

Mexico even brought on goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa as a second-half substitute, allowing the veteran to play in a sixth World Cup finals at the age of 40.

Source: AFP

Dion Ngute admin targets power grid expansion

26, June 2026

Dion Ngute admin targets power grid expansion 0

Cameroon wants to attract more investment into electricity transmission, marking a new phase in the country’s energy strategy. After years of financing new power plants, particularly large hydropower projects, the government now sees the transmission network as the sector’s biggest priority.

The shift was reaffirmed on June 19 in Yaoundé, where Minister of Water and Energy Gaston Eloundou Essomba met with Italy’s Ambassador to Cameroon, Natalia Sanginiti, and Riccardo Rossi Van Lamsweerde, head of the regional office of Italy’s public financial institution, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti. During the meeting, which focused on investment opportunities in the energy sector, the minister encouraged Italian partners to give greater attention to electricity transmission infrastructure.

“The transmission segment should continue to receive the attention of our partners. They should take an interest in it,” he said. The appeal is part of Cameroon’s National Energy Compact, a roadmap that seeks to mobilize $12.5 billion in additional financing by 2030. The government describes the plan as a roadmap for developing sustainable energy infrastructure that will expand access to clean energy for households and businesses while supporting industrial development and clean cooking.

Among the proposed reforms is a broader opening of the electricity transmission segment to private investors through public-private partnerships. The government hopes this approach will speed up infrastructure development while easing pressure on public finances.

A Grid Under Pressure

The growing focus on transmission comes as Cameroon prepares to significantly expand its electricity generation capacity.

After commissioning the Nachtigal hydropower plant, which increased supply to the Southern Interconnected Grid, the government is advancing several other major projects.

The 500-megawatt Kikot hydropower project remains one of the country’s top priorities. The Minkouma project is also moving forward, while Bini à Warak is approaching another milestone with the expected signing of a development agreement. At the same time, the government, with support from the World Bank, is conducting studies for large-scale solar power plants in the country’s northern regions.

As electricity production increases, expanding the transmission network has become more urgent. Without sufficient investment in high-voltage transmission lines, substations, and evacuation infrastructure, part of the new generating capacity may never reach households, businesses, and industrial zones.

The issue has become even more important as electricity demand grows alongside new industrial, mining, and port projects. In that context, electricity transmission is no longer just a technical component of the power sector. It has become a key factor in industrial competitiveness and in maximizing returns on the country’s investments in power generation.

Sonatrel Faces Major Investment Needs

Created by presidential decree in 2015, the National Electricity Transmission Company (Sonatrel) is responsible for transmitting electricity, managing the national transmission grid, and planning, developing, and building new transmission infrastructure on behalf of the state.

The company, however, faces significant investment needs to modernize and expand a network that remains insufficient for the country’s growing energy ambitions.

According to figures cited by the Ministry of Water and Energy, nearly 30% of the electricity generated in Cameroon is lost before reaching consumers because of weaknesses in the transmission and distribution networks. Reducing those losses is one of the government’s main priorities for improving the technical performance and financial sustainability of the electricity sector.

Opening the transmission segment to new financial partners is therefore viewed as a strategic step. The government hopes it will accelerate the construction of transmission lines, modernize existing infrastructure, and gradually strengthen interconnections between the country’s different power networks. The interest shown by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti in Cameroon’s energy projects could open the door to additional financing.

For the government, the challenge now is to convert growing electricity production into tangible economic gains. That will require a transmission network capable of reliably delivering power to households, industrial sites, and future manufacturing hubs.

After focusing much of its effort on expanding generation capacity, Cameroon now faces the next stage of its energy strategy: building a transmission network that can support economic growth, strengthen energy security, and make full use of the country’s investment in power production.

Source: Business in Cameroon

$1.12 billion highway for Cameroon

26, June 2026

$1.12 billion highway for Cameroon 0

The World Bank has approved a $1.12 billion project to upgrade the Douala-Bangui Corridor in Cameroon. This will be carried out under the Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA) programme.

The Douala-Bangui Corridor is of importance to Cameroon as well as the neighbouring Central Africa Republic (CAR), so the project will deliver major benefits to both nations for transport and economic growth. Carrying up to 80% of Cameroon’s goods transport, the route is crucial for the region. But years of neglect have resulted in the road surface becoming deteriorated and in poor condition.

The first phase will be worth $525 million and will be used to upgrade infrastructure, road safety, and road maintenance.

Source: Global Highways

Martinez Zogo Affair: Missing phone remains a major gap in murder trial

25, June 2026

Martinez Zogo Affair: Missing phone remains a major gap in murder trial 0

Digital evidence again took center stage on June 22 before the Yaoundé Military Court in the trial over the murder of journalist Martinez Zogo.

During further questioning by the government prosecutor, cybercrime expert Georges Bell Bitjoka reaffirmed what has become one of the central issues in the case: investigators never recovered the phone allegedly used by businessman Jean Pierre Amougou Belinga in exchanges with Lieutenant Colonel Justin Danwe, the former head of operations at the General Directorate for External Research (DGRE).

Military prosecutor Cerlin Belinga asked the expert to clarify which device had been used to exchange messages between the two men. Bitjoka told the court that investigators were never able to formally identify the phone used by Amougou Belinga.

Messages Recovered Only From Danwe’s Phone

According to the expert, investigators recovered deleted WhatsApp messages after examining one of Justin Danwe’s phones. They also identified frequent calls involving a recurring phone number. Using that number, investigators traced the unique identifier of the corresponding device, which Bitjoka described as an iPhone 12. He added that the phone had been located “at a gentleman’s home,” but investigators did not consider it necessary to recover it.

“We did not recover Amougou Belinga’s phone,” Bitjoka told the court. He added that, in his view, the device used for those exchanges had been “removed.”

An Incomplete Digital Investigation

The testimony builds on statements Bitjoka made during a June 1 hearing. At that time, he said investigators had examined only a limited share of the phones linked to Amougou Belinga. According to his testimony, less than 30% of the devices associated with the businessman had been analyzed, while a significant portion of his digital footprint remained either unidentified or inaccessible. The expert stressed that the digital mapping of Amougou Belinga’s communications remained incomplete and that potentially important evidence had never been fully recovered or examined.

An Indirect Digital Link

Bitjoka also testified that one of the phone numbers that communicated most frequently with Justin Danwe before Martinez Zogo’s abduction and murder on January 17, 2023, belonged to Amougou Belinga’s secretary. According to the expert, however, that phone had been completely reset before investigators received it. As a result, investigators were able to establish a technical link between Danwe and Amougou Belinga only through the deleted messages recovered from Danwe’s phone.

Even then, Bitjoka maintained an important qualification before the court. “I did not find explicit evidence linking Justin Danwe and Amougou Belinga regarding the Martinez Zogo case,” he testified.

A Key Issue for the Prosecution

The incomplete digital investigation continues to shape the case. While the recovered data strengthens suspicions surrounding communications between several defendants, the absence of the phone allegedly used by Amougou Belinga prevents investigators from directly examining what could have been a critical part of the evidence.

The issue extends beyond a technical question. It goes to the strength of the prosecution’s case. Earlier in the trial, another cybercrime expert, Jean Pierre Ouloumou, testified that phones presented as belonging to Amougou Belinga contained no data.

At this stage of the proceedings, the June 22 hearing has highlighted one of the prosecution’s biggest challenges. Investigators have reconstructed part of the digital exchanges, but without full access to the devices allegedly used by one of the case’s main defendants.

In a trial where electronic evidence plays a central role, that gap continues to fuel both suspicion and questions about the completeness of the prosecution’s case.

Source: Sbbc

“Do not be afraid”: Apostolic Nuncio to Diocese of Edea

25, June 2026

“Do not be afraid”: Apostolic Nuncio to Diocese of Edea 0

The representative of the Holy Father in Cameroon has urged the people of God in the Catholic Diocese of Edéa not to be afraid as the local Church enters a period of leadership transition following the retirement of its Bishop.

In his homily during the Welcome Mass of the Apostolic Administrator of Edéa Diocese appointed on June 4, following the retirement of Bishop Jean-Bosco Ntep, Archbishop José Avelino Bettencourt urged the faithful to embrace unity, prayer, and fidelity.

“Do not be afraid, because our Heavenly Father knows us intimately and protects us,” the Nuncio said during the June 21 Eucharistic celebration that was held at Sacred Heart Cathedral of Edéa Diocese.

He acknowledged that moments of transition in the life of the Church can bring concern, but insisted that Christian hope is anchored in God’s providence rather than human circumstances.

The Vatican diplomat reminded the faithful that Christ repeatedly encourages believers not to succumb to fear.

At the same time, he distinguished between fear rooted in anxiety and what he described as “holy fear,” a reverent awareness of God that leads to deeper faith and vigilance.

“Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Evil has no power over us unless we give it to it,” he said.

Archbishop Bettencourt urged the faithful to cultivate trust in God as the strongest defense against fear, temptation, and despair, especially in a world marked by instability and moral challenges.

“The best remedy is a deep trust in God,” he said.

The Apostolic Nuncio in Cameroon, since his appointment in August 2023, further emphasized that Christian life is built on two inseparable dimensions: discipleship and mission, noting that all baptized believers are called to be both followers of Christ and witnesses to the Gospel.

“As baptized, you and I are called to be both disciples and apostles. Eternal life begins here and now,” he said.

The Apostolic Nuncio cautioned against attempts to privatize the faith, insisting that the Gospel must be proclaimed openly and courageously.

“The world tries to convince us that proclaiming the Gospel is not for everyone. But Jesus tells us: What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light,” he said.

The member of the Clergy of Canada’s Ottawa-Cornwall Catholic Archdiocese warned that Christians may face misunderstanding or suffering for living and proclaiming their faith, but encouraged them not to be discouraged.

“If we preach the Gospel, we will suffer, yes, like those who preceded us. But Jesus says: do not be afraid,” he said.

Turning specifically to the Diocese of Edea, the Apostolic Nuncio called for unity among the faithful as they welcome Mons. Paul Nyaga.

“We must be one Church, one diocese, one body of believers,” he said.

Archbishop Bettencourt also paid tribute to Bishop Ntep, who led the Diocese of Edéa for over 20 years, describing his retirement as a normal and prayerful transition in the life of the Church.

“This does not mean that he loves you less. On the contrary, it means he loves you more, because he understood it was time for someone else to take over,” the Nuncio said.

Commending Mons. Nyaga’s experience and service, he called on the faithful to support him with prayer and openness during this period of transition.

“We invite you all to pray with the Holy Father for your new Bishop,” he said.

The Nuncio invited the people of God in the Diocese to deepen their listening to the Word of God and to remain anchored in the Eucharist as the foundation of their unity and mission.

“We begin to listen to the Word of God—not the word of one another, but the Word of God,” he said.

Mons. Nyaga is expected to govern the Diocese of Edéa until a Local Ordinary is appointed.

Source: aciAfrica

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