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1, October 2018

What does it take to get Biya a celebrity red carpet in Buea? An Elung Paul and Ekema Patrick ⁰

During our editorial meeting today in Dublin, we got a bit curious as to what happens behind the scenes at a red carpet event like President Biya’s anticipated trip to Buea, capital of Southern Cameroons. Sure, we have plenty of Chantal Biya celebrity selfies to show our readers how the French Cameroun presidential couple enjoys tax payer’s money round the world.

But our senior political man, Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai was interested to know what happens before Biya arrives Buea. In other words: the getting ready part. Like, how long does it take to arrange the red carpet, how involved is the presidency of the republic, and what happens if there’s a major drama like Biya and Cavaye Djibril turning up at the same time(a coup d’état)? So many questions!!

Our intelligence officer visited the venue in Buea and discovered that it was Minister Paul Elung and Mayor Ekema who were actually doing the mean job of setting up the so-called Red Carpet. The photo attached to this flat report actually shows Paul Elung at work in Buea. To be sure, this is part of the job description for a Southern Cameroons Minister and Assistant Secretary General at the Presidency of the Republic in French Cameroun.

By Chi Prudence Asong

1, October 2018

Southern Cameroonians defy government orders to celebrate independence ⁰

The indigenous people of Southern Cameroons have staged public rallies, including a sit-at-home as per a directive from the Interim Government throughout the territory and even beyond as part of celebrations marking Ambazonian Independence Day.

Southern Cameroons agitators defied a curfew imposed by the Biya regime in Yaoundé. In the UK, Ambazonian protesters reportedly blocked the main road to 10 Downing Street in London to make their voices heard.

October 1 is recognized by all Southern Cameroonians as their independence day and the significance of October 1 was again echoed by President Sisiku Ayuk Tabe during his historic declaration that led to the creation of the Federal Republic of Ambazonia.

Today’s celebrations in the UK and in Southern Cameroons have sent a strong message to the international community that Southern Cameroons’ restoration is a priority to all Ambazonians at home and abroad.

The Acting President of the Federal Republic of Ambazonia, Dr. Samuel Ikome Sako addressed the Ambazonian people early on Monday on the state of the Southern Cameroons resistance and the quest for independence. Like President Sisiku Ayuk Tabe Julius, he promised to never let Ambazonia down.

Earlier, the Ambazonian Communications Secretary, Hon. Chris Anu, urged all Southern Cameroonians to join forces with all genuine and sincere individuals and groups so as to make Ambazonia a strong and respected nation.

In Bamenda, Muyuka, Ndian, Mamfe, Akwaya, Ndop, Batibo, Menji and Wum, Southern Cameroonians paraded the Ambazonian flags and sang the national anthem of Africa’s newest nation.

A well-placed source deep within the Ambazonian Interim Government hinted Cameroon Concord News Group that Acting President Sako will also call on Southern Cameroonians to boycott the counterfeit presidential elections scheduled for October 7.

Reacting to the success of today’s Independence Day celebrations in Southern Cameroons, a CPDM baron who braved the bad roads to Buea to prepare for President Biya’s campaign trip to the Southwest region observed that “it is the beginning of what is about to happen in no distant time. The restoration of Ambazonia is equally a political lesson to those South West pro-Biya comedians who think that they are in charge.”

By Asu Vera Eyere

1, October 2018

Southern Cameroons refugees in Nigeria seek help ⁰

Cameroonian refugees in Nigeria have urged the Nigerian government and international donors to help them with basic needs of life, indicating that it is not yet safe for them to return home.

Violence between Francophone state forces and English-speaking separatists has forced of thousands of Cameroonian refugees into Nigeria, splintering families and leaving many people sleeping rough, without access to staples such as food, clothing and education

More than 25,000 people have crossed the border into Nigeria to escape the fighting. Many are school-aged children and the United Nations and local authorities are trying to come up with a plan to provide education services for students who have not had access to schools since fleeing Cameroon.

Source: Aljazeera

1, October 2018

Yaounde insists it will be ready to host Africa Cup of Nations ⁰

A top Cameroon football official told AFP on Sunday his nation “will be ready” to host next year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), even though the final decision has been delayed.

Cameroon’s hosting of African football’s showpiece event has been in jeopardy for months since the decision to increase the tournament from 16 to 24 teams.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) had been expected to confirm Cameroon as host on Friday at their meeting in Sharm el Sheikh, but instead postponed a vote until the end of November.

It said there had been a “big delay in the building of infrastructure” in Cameroon. But Dieudonne Happi, the interim head of the west African country’s crisis-hit football federation, said: “In the current state of things, I can tell you bluntly and without any risk of being wrong that Cameroon will be ready.

“The delay will be made up,” said Happi, the chairman of the Cameroonian federation’s normalisation committee, adding that the country will be ready “no later than December 31”, the deadline set by CAF in March.

An inspection committee from CAF and world football’s governing body FIFA will visit Cameroon in October to assess preparations.

The Cameroonian league is currently suspended because of funding issues and the federation is without a president.

Morocco, which unsuccessfully bid to host the 2026 World Cup, has lobbied to replace Cameroon as hosts.

“We are obviously ready to organise a major African event,” said Hamza El Hajoui, the president of the Moroccan football federation, adding that his country was “respectful” of both the CAF process and “the candidacy of a friendly country that is Cameroon.”

Ahmad Ahmad, the CAF president, denied that his organisation had already decided to take the tournament away from Cameroon.

“CAF has not yet taken any decision to the contrary… that the Cup of Nations will be origanized in Cameroon,” he told a press conference.

The tournament will take place on June 15-July 13. The tournament used to be in January, forcing European clubs to release their players in the middle of the season.

AFP

1, October 2018

Southern Cameroons conflict, rooted 100 years ago ⁰

Cameroon elects its president on October 7 against the backdrop of bloody violence in its two separatist English-speaking regions, which have vowed to not let voting take place.

Tensions can be traced back to events a century ago when Britain and France occupied Cameroon, taking over Germany’s major colony in West Africa.

Some background:

World War I split

Cameroon was a German colony until 1916, when British and French troops forced the Germans out.

The two countries divided it into separate spheres of influence that were later formalised by the League of Nations, the forerunner to the UN.

The much larger French colony gained independence in 1960.

A year later, the British colony also gained independence. Some of the English-speaking areas chose to join newly formed Nigeria, others to become part of the federation of Cameroon.

In 1972 the Cameroon’s federal structure was scrapped and it became one state.

English-speaking minority

Cameroon’s two mainly English-speaking southern provinces are home to around a fifth of its 23 million population.

Named the Northwest Region and Southwest Region, they jut into southeastern Nigeria.

The English-speaking areas are allowed some self-governance and national authorities have made concessions to their language, for example opening bilingual schools.

But many English speakers complain of discrimination at the hands of the francophone majority in education, the justice system and the economy.

Disputed ‘unity’

Calls for a breakaway English-speaking state mounted in the 1990s, with demands for a referendum on independence accompanied by low-level unrest.

In 2001 banned protest rallies turned violent. Several people were killed when security forces moved in and secessionist leaders were arrested.

The separatist Southern Cameroons National Council (SCNC) set up a “government” in Britain and leaders moved into exile.

2016 flare-up

There was a new outbreak of tensions in November 2016.

Lawyers in two regions, which are also strongholds for the political opposition, went on strike to demand the right to use Anglo-Saxon common law.

Teachers followed, protesting at the appointment of francophones in the regions’ education system.

The following month the national flag was torched at protests and a separatist version hoisted.

Demands for greater autonomy were rejected by President Paul Biya, in power for more than 35 years, leading to an escalation.

In 2017 anglophone separatists took up arms, attacking security forces and torching symbols of the administration, such as schools.

They kidnapped police officers, civil servants and businessmen, sometimes foreigners.

Biya branded the secessionists “a band of terrorists” and ordered a crackdown with curfews, raids and other restrictions.

In January 2017 senior secessionist activists were arrested and charged with terrorism and rebellion.

In an apparent effort to calm the situation Biya halted the secessionists’ trials in August.

In October separatists made a symbolic declaration of independence. “We are no longer slaves of Cameroon,” said Sisiku Ayuk Tabe, the self-declared “president” of a new republic called “Ambazonia”.

2018: election threat

The standoff has escalated into daily acts of violence.

It had degenerated into a “civil war”, the main opposition Social Democratic Front (SDF) said in April.

The International Crisis Group said in September that at least 400 civilians and 170 members of the security forces had been killed in a year.

The government says that 109 members of the police and security forces have been killed. The separatists have not issued a reliable toll.

Around 200,000 people have fled their homes.

Amnesty International has condemned a “horrific escalation of violence” and called for an investigation into crimes by both sides.

Hundreds of families have been fleeing the regions in advance of the October 7 vote, fearing an upsurge in violence.

Source: AFP

1, October 2018

Yaounde: Camrail to appeal disaster conviction ⁰

Cameroon rail company Camrail said on Thursday it will appeal its conviction along with 10 of its executives of manslaughter for a 2016 rail disaster that killed 79 people and injured around 600.

The Cameroonian branch of France’s Bollore group, in which the state holds a 13 percent stake, was Wednesday also ordered to pay $89 000 to the victims, Guy-Olivier Moteng, the lawyer for the plaintiffs, told AFP.

Camrail said it would “immediately appeal this decision”, in a statement sent to AFP.

The train was travelling between the capital Yaounde and the economic hub of Douala when it derailed on October 21, 2016. A government inquiry found that Camrail was mainly to blame for the derailment as the train was going at more than twice the speed limit, was overloaded and its brakes were defective.

Moteng said the compensation ordered by the court was far higher than the initial estimate of three million euros. Camrail said the government inquiry was marked by a “complete lack of qualified and competent expertise” and said the experts were former employees who bore a grudge against the company. It said the engine of the train had undergone the necessary checks and tests.

Source: AFP

1, October 2018

US First Lady starts African tour: What she said about her hosts ⁰

Melania Trump, the United States First Lady is expected in Ghana today, October 1, as she kick starts a four-nation African tour. The tour is her first solo trip as First Lady and will take her to a region each across the continent except for Central Africa. An African trip was announced in August before the specific countries were listed last week.

Mrs. Trump, leading her ‘BE BEST’ campaign will partner with USAID to undertake a series of events in Ghana, Malawi, Egypt and Kenya. She described her hosts as four beautiful and very different countries.”

October 1 will mark the first day of my solo visit to four beautiful and very different countries in Africa – Ghana, Malawi, Kenya, and Egypt – all of which have worked alongside USAID and our partners to make great progress in overcoming some of their biggest challenges.

BE BEST, was launched with “the goal of combating some of the issues that children face today by shining a spotlight on successful programs and organizations that teach children the tools and skills needed for emotional, social and physical well-being,” Melania said.

So what did she say about each host? The White House published her comments of September 26 on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

What Melania said about Ghana

I’d like to take a moment and thank the First Lady of Ghana for being with us today. Mrs. Akufo-Addo, I look forward to visiting your country and know we will find ways to continue working together even after my visit.

In Ghana, USAID’s programs have focused on healthcare by supporting efforts to expand the coverage and quality of healthcare for mothers and newborns, and educating women and young children about the importance of proper nutrition.

What Melania said about Malawi

I see the First Lady of Malawi is also with us today. Professor Mutharika, thank you for being here. In Malawi, USAID has demonstrated that education is one of the keys to combating poverty and promoting prosperity.

Their efforts aim to increase access to education, and work to ensure all children acquire the skills needed to succeed in school and life.

I am very excited to have the opportunity to visit Malawi and better understand how our countries can continue working together for a prosperous future.

What Melania said about Kenya

I also want to recognize Mrs. Kenyatta, of Kenya. Wonderful to see you again. It was great to host you in the White House a few weeks ago.

In Kenya, USAID works on a variety of programs, including early-childhood education, wildlife conservation, and HIV prevention.

Mrs. Kenyatta, I look forward to visiting your country and know that together, we will be able to do great things on behalf of children.

What Melania said about Egypt

My final stop, which is Egypt, will focus on the country’s tourism and conservation projects, but I know that through USAID, we have worked with the people of Egypt to promote an environment in which all groups of society – including women and religious minorities – can lead productive and healthy lives.

In fact, their programs have directly supported a reduction in infant and maternal mortality rates, improved early-grade reading, and restored and preserved historical sites vital to Egypt’s tourism.

Source: Africa News

30, September 2018

Ambazonia National Day: Biya regime declares 48-hour curfew in Southern Cameroons ⁰

Government officials in Cameroon’s strife-torn Anglophone Southwest and Northwest regions on Saturday declared a 48-hour curfew ahead of planned “independence” celebrations by armed separatist forces.

“Movement of persons from one sub-division to another within the Northwest region is hereby prohibited for a period of 48 hours from Sept. 30 to Monday Oct. 1, 2018” said Adolph Lele Lafrique, governor of the Northwest region, adding that public gatherings and assembly of more than four persons shall be strictly forbidden.

“All off-licenses, snack bars and night clubs shall not operate. Motor parks shall remain closed and the circulation of motorbikes completely suspended,” Lafrique said in a statement that was released on Saturday.

In Buea, chief town of Southwest region, local authorities also announced a curfew from Sept 30 to Oct. 1.

“During the period there shall be systematic closure of all business and drinking places, suspension of leisure activities, be it cultural, social or sporting, prohibition of all forms of transport, both public and private, and closure of motor parks,” said Kouam Wokam Paul, divisional officer for Buea sub-division.

Authorities in the restive regions had earlier imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew indefinitely but extended the measure to a 48-hour one after armed separatists’ announcement that they will be celebrating the “independence” of Anglophone regions on Oct. 1.

On Oct. 1, 1961, Francophone and Anglophone Cameroon officially reunited to form one country, after Anglophone Cameroonians voted to join Francophone Cameroon in a plebiscite that was organized by the United Nations on Feb. 11, 1961.

However, separatists now want the two Anglophone regions to secede from French-majority Cameroon to form a new nation called “Ambazionia,” complaining that they have been marginalized since unification.

In the midst of a presidential campaign, fighting is escalating in the two Anglophone regions, displacing over 180,000 people internally, according to the United Nations.

By Haggai Fung Achuo

30, September 2018

Grand Prix Chantal Biya: Things fall apart as 17 injured in International Cycling Tour ⁰

Seventeen people including 15 cyclists, one driver and one race commissioner were injured after a coaster bus transporting international cyclists, Honore Yossi, president of Cameroon Cycling Federation said on Saturday.

The accident occurred early Saturday at a place called “Memiam” on the Mbalmayo-Zoetele highway, Yossi said.

“The 17 victims were immediately transported by ambulances of the caravan to Mbalmayo District Hospital where they were placed under the care of doctors and nurses. No one died. The victims sustained minor injuries,” Yossi said.

He said, the incident will not interrupt the competition.

“The teams from Rwanda and Burkina Faso have left the hospital and are now observing in Yaounde. The Ivoirians have decided to continue the race. The competition continues for the other runners,” Yossi said.

The 18th edition of the International Cycling Tour of Cameroon dubbed Grand Prix Chantal Biya started on Wednesday. 10 teams from Europe and Africa are taking part in the competition that ends on September 30.

The tour is organized by Cameroon Cycling Federation under the supervision of International Cycling Union.

Source: Xinhuanet

30, September 2018

Southern Cameroons War: Cameroon faces being dropped as African Cup host ⁰

Fighting between separatists and government forces, along with concerns its stadiums won’t be ready, have left Cameroon facing the possibility Saturday of being stripped of its hosting of next year’s African Cup of Nations soccer tournament.

Tournament organizer the Confederation of African Football declined to back the country as host after a two-day meeting of its executive committee in Egypt. Instead, CAF said it was delaying a decision on Cameroon’s staging of the continent’s top soccer event until the end of November, and after two more inspection visits.

That will be just over six months before the African Cup kicks off. Morocco is a possible replacement host for the tournament in June and July if Cameroon, which was chosen in 2014, is dropped. The first inspection visit next month will be by a joint CAF-FIFA delegation to assess the security situation in the western part of Cameroon, where bloody fighting between the government and English-speaking separatists started in late 2016 and has escalated this year.

That visit by CAF and security experts from world body FIFA will come after Cameroon’s Oct. 7 presidential election, when the violence could come to a head.

“We have to wait (to see) what is going to happen with the elections,” CAF deputy secretary general Anthony Baffoe said in an interview with the BBC. “That is why also we said after the elections we do the next inspection visit.

“Then I think you can have a bit more feeling about the political situation and what is going on.”

There has been “horrific escalation of violence” in Cameroon’s southwest and northwest, Amnesty International said this month, citing a graphic video of a beheaded security officer.

Two cities due to host African Cup games, Limbe and Bafoussam, are deep in those regions where the fighting is.

Claiming they are being marginalized in the largely French-speaking country, the English-speaking, or Anglophone, separatists have vowed to disrupt the presidential election and also the African Cup if it goes ahead in Cameroon next summer.

In a thinly-veiled threat, they said soccer players, officials and fans may not be safe.

“We shall not be able to guarantee the security of football players, technical staffs, members of official delegations and thousands of soccer lovers from across the world,” some separatist groups said in a letter they claim to have sent to CAF in August.

If Cameroon is retained as host, it’s possible that some of Africa’s biggest soccer stars who feature for top European clubs would decline to go and play in a region where people are being shot and killed, bridges are being blown up and buildings torched. Up to 400 civilians have died in the violence, Amnesty said, and the killing, looting and burning has sent nearly 200,000 fleeing.

The security concern has now overtaken serious delays with stadiums and related tournament infrastructure as Cameroon’s No. 1 problem.

The readiness of the country’s six stadiums had already been a major headache for CAF before the upsurge in deadly violence.

Cameroon’s team is the African champion and was hoping to defend its title at home.

The country’s tournament preparations were also complicated when CAF expanded the tournament from 16 to 24 teams after the country was chosen as host. That increased pressure on the struggling infrastructure, requiring six stadiums and not just four like the previous two versions of the African Cup in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

“Definitely six venues is not easy in Africa,” Baffoe said in the BBC interview.

CAF said its most recent report on Cameroon’s preparations “revealed a significant delay as far as the delivery of infrastructures is concerned.”

The Cup of Nations is Africa’s showcase soccer tournament — probably its biggest sports event — but it’s also been highly problematic for CAF in recent years.

South Africa took on the 2013 version after war-torn Libya admitted it couldn’t host. Morocco was stripped as the 2015 host because of plans it was proposing to stop fans traveling from regions affected by that year’s Ebola outbreak. Libya again withdrew as host two years ago, sending the African Cup back to Gabon for the second time in five years.

Held every two years, the African Cup in Ivory Coast in 2021 is also already a cause for concern, CAF said Saturday.

“Of the six stadiums required for the competition, four are to be built and two are undergoing major renovations,” CAF said. “For accommodation, three out of five cities do not have the required infrastructure.”

Source: Fox News