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10, August 2026

Nyene Mawn in Germany: Manyu Women leading, Manyu girls rising, Manyu communities thriving ⁰

The Manyu Women’s International Association, fondly known as Nyene Mawn, has once again demonstrated what can be achieved when women come together with purpose, vision and an unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of their community.

The recently concluded mini summit in Duisburg in the Federal Republic of Germany was more than a gathering of women. It was a celebration of solidarity, leadership, service and the enduring strength of Manyu women. The election of Maureen Tabe as the new President-General has added another important chapter to the association’s remarkable journey.

At a time when societies across the world are increasingly recognizing that the future of any nation depends significantly on how it educates, protects and empowers its girls, Nyene Mawn deserves particular commendation for its contribution to the girl child in Cameroon. By supporting initiatives that encourage girls to dream, learn, develop confidence and become responsible members of society, the association is investing not merely in individuals, but in the future of Cameroon itself.

A girl who is educated is a woman empowered. A woman who is empowered can transform a family, strengthen a community and influence a nation.

This is why the work of Nyene Mawn is so important.

Perhaps even more inspiring is the manner in which the association continues to lead by example. Leadership is not simply about holding positions or making declarations; it is about service, responsibility, integrity and demonstrating the values one wishes to see in others. Through its activities, its commitment to community and its emphasis on the advancement of women and girls, Nyene Mawn is showing younger generations that leadership is both a privilege and a responsibility.

The Duisburg summit also reflected the association’s appreciation of faith, culture and community. Ending the gathering with a Holy Mass celebrated together with the Cameroon Catholic Community in Mülheim was a beautiful reminder that service to humanity is strengthened by fellowship, humility and gratitude to God. It brought a fitting spiritual dimension to a gathering dedicated to unity, renewal and the future.

The election of Maureen Tabe as President-General therefore comes at an important moment. She inherits not merely an office, but a legacy of women who have chosen to make a difference. Her leadership will undoubtedly carry expectations, but it also comes with tremendous opportunities to build upon the achievements of those who came before her.

We of the Cameroon Concord Group congratulate Maureen Tabe most warmly and wish her wisdom, courage, strength and God’s guidance as she takes up the mantle of leadership. May her tenure be marked by unity, inclusiveness, meaningful service and even greater opportunities for women and girls, particularly those in Cameroon.

To Nyene Mawn, we say: keep leading, keep serving and keep inspiring.

Your greatest legacy may not be found only in the programs you organize or the achievements you record, but in the young girls who look at the example you set and begin to believe that they, too, can lead, serve and change their communities.

When women rise together, generations rise with them.

Congratulations, Nyene Mawn. Congratulations, President-General Maureen Tabe. May the journey ahead be fruitful, impactful and blessed.

By Chi Prudence Asong with additional reporting from Soter Agbaw-Ebai

10, August 2026

Indomitable Lionesses dump champions Nigeria out of WAFCON ⁰

A new champion will emerge at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after defending champions Nigeria were eliminated by Cameroon in the quarter-finals on Sunday.

South Africa, who also won the title in 2022, were eliminated by hosts Morocco on Saturday.

The Indomitable Lionesses produced a resilient display in Casablanca to end Nigeria’s title defense and book their place in the semi-finals, while also securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Cameroon struck the decisive blow in the 19th minute through 20-year-old Myriam Maéva Nyadjou, who unleashed a thunderous effort from distance that flew into the top corner, leaving Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie helpless.

Nigeria looked for an immediate response a minute later when Rasheedat Ajibade delivered a dangerous cross into the area, but Gift Monday was unable to make a clean connection after Cameroon had dealt comfortably with the initial threat.

The Super Falcons continued to push forward and came close again in the 28th minute. Rinsola Babajide’s delivery found Jennifer Echegini in a promising position, but her effort was well saved as Cameroon protected their slender advantage.

Despite Nigeria enjoying spells of possession and creating opportunities, Cameroon remained organised at the back and carried their 1-0 lead into the half-time break.

Nigeria emerged for the second half with even greater urgency in search of an equaliser but found Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina in inspired form.

The shot-stopper produced one of the saves of the tournament in the 70th minute, stretching out a strong hand to deny Uchenna Kanu’s powerful header and preserve her side’s lead.

Cameroon nearly doubled their advantage six minutes from time when Achta Njoya’s well-struck free-kick from a tight angle forced Nnadozie into a sharp save, with the Nigerian goalkeeper tipping the effort over the crossbar.

The defending champions threw everything forward in the closing stages and almost forced extra time through substitute Esther Okoronkwo.

After using her pace to beat her marker, Okoronkwo sent a left-footed effort agonisingly wide of the post, with substitute Asisat Oshoala waiting for a simple lay-off beside her.

Cameroon held firm through the final minutes to seal a memorable victory, eliminating the 10-time champions and punching their ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Following Nigeria’s defeat, the Super Falcons will face South Africa on Thursday for a place in the inter-confederation World Cup play-offs, with the fixture determining one of Africa’s representatives at the qualifying tournament.

Culled from The PUNCH

10, August 2026

Far North Region: 8 killed in suspected Boko Haram raid ⁰

Suspected Boko Haram fighters killed at least eight people and injured one in an overnight attack on Kangaleri village in the Mayo-Sava division of Cameroon’s Far North region, local sources said Saturday.

The sources said the attack occurred at around 11 p.m. local time Friday, when the gunmen entered the village under cover of darkness, a tactic the group frequently uses, before fleeing the area.

Six residents were killed at the scene, while three others were badly wounded and taken for treatment. Two of the injured later died in a hospital, and one remained under medical care as of Saturday.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact circumstances of the raid.

In a separate incident the same night, gunmen believed to be from Boko Haram were reported in Tourou, a town in the Mokolo district near the border with Nigeria. Local sources said the assailants looted shops and livestock and damaged a market on the outskirts of the town. No deaths were reported from that attack.

The Boko Haram terror group has been carrying out attacks in Cameroon’s Far North region since 2014, inflicting heavy human and material losses across the region.

Source: Xinhuanet

9, August 2026

US immigration arrests hit record high as Trump expands enforcement ⁰

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made approximately 51,000 arrests in July, the highest monthly figure in the agency’s history, as the Trump administration intensified its immigration enforcement campaign.

Figures released by ICE and reports from US media outlets showed on Friday that the agency carried out an average of about 1,645 arrests per day during the month.

The total exceeded the previous monthly record of roughly 43,000 arrests recorded in June, making July the second consecutive month in which ICE reported record-breaking enforcement activity.

The rise in arrests follows President Donald Trump’s renewed push to expand immigration enforcement after returning to office. The administration has instructed federal agencies to increase operations targeting people living in the United States without legal status.

The intensified campaign has resulted in increased enforcement activity across the country, with ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reporting a broader push to identify and remove individuals accused of violating immigration laws.

In Georgia, an expanded immigration enforcement operation resulted in the arrest of 1,226 people accused of immigration law violations.

ICE data also showed that more than 30 people were arrested at airports last month as part of expanded enforcement actions.

The increase in arrests comes as DHS reports a rise in deportations. The department announced in June that 356,389 people had been deported during the fiscal year to date.

DHS calls crackdown ‘public safety measure’

The Department of Homeland Security has tried to defend the expanded enforcement campaign, saying it is aimed at enforcing immigration laws and removing individuals it considers “threats to public safety.”

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said, “By removing these criminals, we are making America safe again.”

The increased enforcement activity has drawn criticism from immigrant advocates, who have raised concerns that some people detained during recent operations did not have criminal records and held valid work authorization or parole documents.

Advocates have questioned whether the expanded operations are affecting individuals beyond those with criminal histories.

9, August 2026

FIFA Crisis: Infantino denies affair allegation ⁰

FIFA on Saturday issued a statement defending its president, Gianni Infantino, against what it called a “concerted and ongoing effort” to undermine his leadership of the organisation. It came a day after a British newspaper accused the FIFA boss of paying off a former lover while at UEFA, allegations Infantino has categorically denied.

FIFA on Saturday warned against what ⁠it called a “concerted and ongoing effort” to undermine its leader, Gianni Infantino, saying attempts to challenge his leadership must follow the governing body’s statutes and democratic procedures.

It came amid an increasingly bitter standoff over Infantino’s leadership following the collapse of his proposal to raise about $4.2 billion by selling a stake in the commercial rights of the World Cup and other tournaments.

The statement was released Saturday, a day after a report by British newspaper The Daily Telegraph raising questions about an exit package paid by UEFA to a female staffer who worked with Infantino when he was general secretary of European soccer’s governing body. Infantino has categorically denied the allegations, according to the article.

UEFA confirmed that a “departure payment” was made to the employee and said it was “in line” with regulations at the time.

Infantino worked at UEFA for 16 years before being elected FIFA president.

In the statement Saturday, FIFA accused Infantino’s critics of trying to weaken his authority and remove him from office without due process.

“It is increasingly evident that there is a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine FIFA and its president,” said the FIFA statement, which was also posted on X. “Those who do not have the support of FIFA’s member associations should not seek to achieve through allegation, insinuation or misinformation what they cannot achieve through FIFA’s established democratic processes.”

Infantino faced intense backlash after details of his plan to sell World Cup profits to private equity were published. UEFA and two other continental confederations

He did receive backing from FIFA’s management board last Wednesday following a meeting in Morocco, and he apologized over the process. UEFA’s threat to have its 55 member countries boycott FIFA competitions until the plan was scrapped remained, with UEFA saying Thursday that the announcement “changes nothing.”

While confirming the exit payment “was in line with the regulations that existed for departing staff at the time,” UEFA said the rules had been tightened since 2016 and currently “reflect those found in a modern, high-profile organization.”

It said some reporting has included “unsubstantiated assertions and demonstrably false claims” which shouldn’t be presented as fact.

“Change inevitably challenges established interests, but disagreement with that change cannot justify efforts to undermine the democratic mandate of FIFA’s president or the institution he was elected to lead.”

Source: Reuters

9, August 2026

Aliko Dangote met Canada’s prime minister to discuss African investment ⁰

Aliko Dangote met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at his office in Canada to discuss investment partnerships between Canada and Africa, in a meeting the Dangote Group described as focused on opportunities inside Canada.

The stated agenda was the direction less commonly reported. According to the group, the discussions covered expanding investment opportunities in Canada and how the Dangote Group, alongside other African investors, might contribute to Canadian economic growth. The two also discussed Canada’s Africa Strategy and two-way trade flows.

No investment figure, sector, agreement or timeline was disclosed.

“Strategic partnerships between Africa and Canada have immense potential to drive sustainable growth and create value for both regions,” Dangote said. “There is a strong case for increasing investment, fostering innovation, and building mutually beneficial commercial relationships.”

He said closer economic ties would create jobs, support innovation and advance industrial development.

Dangote also met Ahmed Hussen, a member of parliament who chairs Canada’s foreign affairs committee. Hussen was born in Mogadishu and arrived in Canada as a refugee at 16, later serving as immigration minister and international development minister. Those discussions covered trade, investment and long-term cooperation.

A G7 prime minister taking a personal meeting with an African industrialist about outbound African capital is a departure from the pattern of the past two decades, in which Western governments have positioned themselves as sources of development finance for Africa rather than destinations for African investment.

Carney spent his career in central banking before entering politics, running the Bank of Canada through the financial crisis and the Bank of England through Brexit, which gives the meeting a different character from a routine trade call.

The timing sits alongside the largest capital raising Dangote has attempted. Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has filed with Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission for an initial public offering expected to conclude in October, seeking about $5 billion in what would be the largest share sale ever conducted in Africa. Exchanges in South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Ghana and Rwanda have held talks with the company’s advisers about allowing local investors to take part.

Source: Billionaires.Africa

8, August 2026

Douala flags 31 dangerous buildings, 19 at imminent risk of collapse ⁰

Services of the Douala Urban Community (CUD) identified 31 buildings with “structural defects,” including 19 that expose occupants to an “imminent risk” of collapse.

Douala Mayor Roger Mbassa Ndine disclosed the findings in a statement dated Aug. 3, 2026, after a series of inspections conducted under the city’s urban-risk prevention policy. The remaining 12 buildings present what authorities classify as an “ordinary” risk.

The city attributes the situation mainly to violations of urban-planning rules and construction standards, unauthorized works, unsuitable building materials, modifications made without technical supervision and the prolonged abandonment of some structures.

Against this backdrop, the mayor recalled that “any construction, extension, additional-floor, substantial modification or rehabilitation operation must comply with the legislative and regulatory provisions in force, particularly through the prior acquisition of the required urban-planning authorizations.”

The mayor also stressed the need to assess any building that shows signs of structural weakness before owners undertake work. He said qualified professionals must conduct the assessments before interventions to protect occupants and people living nearby.

The authorities will now handle each identified building on a case-by-case basis.

Seals

Municipal services will first conduct additional technical assessments before notifying owners, occupants or operators about the measures they must implement and the deadlines they must meet, according to the mayor.

Authorities will require owners to secure or reinforce buildings when their condition allows such interventions. However, authorities may order the immediate evacuation of the most dangerous buildings and place seals or impose other precautionary measures to prevent access.

Authorities will demolish buildings that they consider beyond repair or buildings whose owners fail to comply with administrative requirements, in accordance with regulations.

Beyond enforcement measures, Roger Mbassa Ndine urged property developers to comply strictly with technical and administrative construction rules.

He also called on residents to report buildings with major cracks, structural subsidence, unusual cracking sounds or other signs that could signal a collapse. The mayor also urged residents to report construction sites that lack the legally required display of a building permit.

The campaign follows a tragedy in Bonamoussadi, Douala, where a building collapsed in mid-July and killed six people, including three children.

The latest accident highlighted the recurring risk of building collapses in Cameroon’s economic capital and renewed calls for stricter enforcement of construction standards.

Through the campaign, the city aims to prevent further disasters by strengthening oversight of high-risk buildings and holding developers, owners and other industry stakeholders accountable.

Source: Sbbc

8, August 2026

Trump’s top general seeks way out of Iran war as US military options narrow ⁰

US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Daniel Caine has privately urged senior Trump administration officials to seek a way to de-escalate the war with Iran, warning that further military escalation could achieve little while exposing US forces and allies to devastating retaliation, a report says.

CNN reported on Friday, citing three people familiar with the discussions, that Caine raised his concerns with CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance.

“Caine is looking for an off ramp,” one source told the outlet, as senior officials increasingly question whether President Donald Trump can force Tehran to accept his demands.

Caine and other senior officials were skeptical of a proposed escalation in late July because of fears that Iran could retaliate against US allies and regional energy infrastructure, the report said.

Trump ultimately postponed the operation after Persian Gulf partners warned that expanding the aggression could expose them to Iranian strikes, according to the report.

US officials are also increasingly concerned about depleted stocks of air-defense interceptors and precision munitions, potentially limiting Washington’s ability to sustain a prolonged war against Iran.

The report said officials are now searching for an outcome Trump could present as a political victory while leaving the door open to diplomacy, including a possible agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

8, August 2026

US to close its consulate in Douala months after making Yaoundé a regional visa hub ⁰

The Trump administration plans to close the U.S. embassy branch office in Douala, Cameroon, as it cuts smaller diplomatic posts around the world.

The closure is part of a wider State Department restructuring that also affects missions in Canada, Grenada, Indonesia and Japan. The Associated Press reported that the five closures are expected to save the U.S. government about $4.4 million a year.

For Cameroon, the decision comes after the United States shifted routine visa services across much of Africa to a smaller group of regional hubs. Yaoundé, not Douala, is one of the posts designated to handle those applications.

That distinction matters because Douala is Cameroon’s commercial centre and largest city. Business travellers, students and families dealing with U.S. visa requirements will continue to rely on Yaoundé for routine processing, even as the U.S. reduces its physical footprint in the country.

The United States has already reduced the number of African posts that handle routine visa cases. Its new hub system has added travel and accommodation costs for applicants in countries whose local embassies no longer process applications.

Cameroon has become part of a broader change in how Washington manages its relationship with African countries. The State Department says the hub model is intended to make screening and visa decisions more consistent, while the Trump administration has presented the wider restructuring as a cost-cutting exercise.

The closure does not mean the U.S. embassy in Yaoundé is shutting down, and it does not introduce a new visa rule for Cameroonians. But it removes a U.S. diplomatic office from the city where a large share of the country’s business activity is concentrated.

For companies, exporters and people who travel regularly between Cameroon and the United States, the practical issue is proximity. A more centralised system can make routine interactions with U.S. officials more difficult for people based in Douala and the surrounding Littoral region.

The shift is also likely to be watched in a country where China has expanded its commercial and infrastructure presence. The United States is narrowing some smaller posts while seeking to preserve influence through larger embassies and priority missions.

The State Department has not publicly set a closure date for the Douala office. Cameroon-based travellers should continue to use official U.S. visa instructions and the Yaoundé embassy for appointment.

Culled from African Business Insider

8, August 2026

Issa Tchiroma “I Am President of 30 Million Cameroonians” ⁰

Opposition figure Issa Tchiroma Bakary has renewed his claim to Cameroon’s presidency, declaring that he will continue to fight to defend the “stolen” victory of the October 12, 2025 presidential election.

Speaking on a Southern Cameroons platform, Issa Tchiroma Bakary said he remained committed to the will expressed by Cameroonian voters and vowed to take whatever steps necessary to reclaim his electoral mandate. “Mr Biya’s time is over,” Tchiroma declared. “Any decision taken by Mr Biya is null and void.”

This is the latest challenge to President Paul Biya from the leader of the Cameroon National Salvation Front and comes amid continued political uncertainty surrounding the country’s leadership.

Tchiroma argued that Biya had “confiscated power” and accused the president of seeking to transform Cameroon into a monarchy by preparing the ground for his son to eventually succeed him. He also rejected any constitutional changes that could facilitate such a succession, describing them as illegal and warning that he would not recognise them.

The opposition leader further dismissed any attempt to install a successor to Biya without what he considers a legitimate electoral mandate. “Whosoever is appointed to take over from Biya, we will not accept. I am the president of 30 million Cameroonians,” he said.

Tchiroma, who is a former Minister under President Biya’s government, also sought to dispel concerns about his own health, insisting that he was in good condition. “Mr Biya should understand there is nothing God has created that will last forever,” he said.

Disputed Presidential Election

Tchiroma has continued to maintain that he won the 2025 presidential election and that the official declaration of Biya as winner did not reflect the actual choice of voters.

Biya was declared the winner of the October 12, 2025 presidential election, securing another seven-year mandate. The election was, however, followed by allegations of electoral irregularities and disputes over the results.

The post-election period was also marked by deadly protests and arrests, with opposition and independent sources reporting significant casualties and thousands of arrests. The authorities, however, maintained the legality of the electoral process and the official results.

Tchiroma’s renewed declaration comes against the backdrop of continuing uncertainty over Biya’s prolonged absence from Cameroon. Government spokesperson René Emmanuel Sadi recently insisted that Biya remains president and is expected to return to the country soon, rejecting calls for a declaration of a vacancy in the presidency.

Sadi argued that Cameroon’s Constitution clearly establishes the circumstances under which a vacancy can be declared, including death, resignation or permanent incapacity, and said none of those conditions had been formally established. The government has also maintained that state institutions continue to function normally despite the President’s absence.

Culled from PanAfricanvisions