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19, May 2025

A Suit Is Not Leadership: On the Love of Nation ⁰

In a truly patriotic nation, leadership is measured by service, not by status. But in Cameroon today, the reality is heartbreaking.

Walk into many government offices—grand from the outside, but rotting within. You’ll find cracked walls, broken chairs, dusty files piled high, and toilets that haven’t worked in years. The buildings themselves are a metaphor for the state of governance: neglected, mismanaged, abandoned.

And yet, the men and women who inhabit these spaces wear the finest suits and drive the latest luxury vehicles. They are surrounded by aides and convoys, protected by tinted windows and distance. They wear the uniform of power, but not the spirit of leadership.

This is not love for country. This is love for comfort. Love for self.

True love for nation means putting the people first. It means walking into that same office and asking: What do my people need today? It means sacrificing privilege for progress. It means fixing the broken chair before buying the next luxury car. It means listening more than commanding.

Our leaders were not elected or appointed to decorate themselves. They were called to serve. When that service turns into self-enrichment—when public duty becomes private profit—then what we witness is not governance. It is betrayal.

Cameroon is rich in resources and even richer in people. What we lack is not talent, nor capacity. What we lack is leadership rooted in love.

And so we raise our voices—not out of hate, but out of hope. Because to speak out against injustice, decay, and indifference is the greatest form of patriotism. It is because we love this country that we demand better. It is because we believe in her future that we hold her leaders accountable.

A true leader wears the weight of the people before they wear a suit. A true patriot walks with the nation, not above it.

Cameroon deserves no less.

Barrister Agbor Balla

19, May 2025

Former US President Joe Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive’ prostate cancer ⁰

Former US President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, a statement from his office said on Sunday.

Biden, who left office in January, was diagnosed on Friday after he saw a doctor last week for urinary symptoms.

The cancer is a more aggressive form of the disease, characterised by a Gleason score of 9 out of 10. This means his illness is classified as “high-grade” and the cancer cells could spread quickly, according to Cancer Research UK.

Biden and his family are said to be reviewing treatment options. His office added that the cancer was hormone-sensitive, meaning it could likely be managed.

In Sunday’s statement, Biden’s office said: “Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms.

“On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterised by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone.

“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management.”

After news broke of his diagnosis, the former president received support from both sides of the aisle.

President Donald Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social that he and First Lady Melania Trump were “saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis”.

“We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family,” he said, referring to former First Lady Jill Biden. “We wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”

Former Vice-President Kamala Harris, who served under Biden, wrote on X that she and her husband Doug Emhoff are keeping the Biden family in their prayers.

“Joe is a fighter – and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership,” Harris said.

In a post on X, Barack Obama – who served as president from 2009 to 2017 with Joe Biden as his deputy – said that he and his wife Michelle were “thinking of the entire Biden family”.

“Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery,” Obama said. In 2016, Obama tasked Biden with leading a “cancer moonshot” government-wide research programme.

In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “I am very sorry to hear President Biden has prostate cancer. All the very best to Joe, his wife Jill and their family, and wishing the president swift and successful treatment.”

Source: BBC

17, May 2025

Football: Palace stun Man City to win FA Cup for first time ⁰

Crystal Palace stunned Manchester City on Saturday to win the FA Cup for the first time as Eberechi Eze sealed a 1-0 victory that piled on the misery for Pep Guardiola’s troubled side.

Eze’s early strike rocked City before Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson saved Omar Marmoush’s penalty late in the first half of a dramatic final at Wembley.

While Eze’s clinical finish was the culmination of his remarkable rise from rejection by Arsenal, Fulham and Millwall as a youngster, it was Henderson who emerged as Palace’s hero with a series of superb saves.

City will protest that Henderson should have been sent off for a first-half handball outside his penalty area.

But Henderson made the most of that controversial moment to ensure Palace clinched the first major trophy in their 120-year history and a place in next season’s Europa League.

Beaten by Manchester United in their previous FA Cup final appearances in 1990 and 2016, Palace’s shock win was no more than they deserved as City once again imploded in a dismal season that will be their first without major silverware since 2016-17.

After winning the Premier League in the previous four seasons, City have endured a turbulent campaign that ranks among the worst in Guardiola’s storied managerial career.

Currently sixth in the Premier League, City host Bournemouth on Tuesday and travel to Fulham on May 25 as they try to salvage their wretched year by at least qualifying for the Champions League.

Guardiola had questioned his players’ hunger as they failed to keep pace with Liverpool in the title race and crashed out of the Champions League.

While desire might not have been an issue against Palace, City’s lack of direction in their second successive FA Cup final defeat was an alarming sign for the future as Guardiola was out-witted by Eagles boss Oliver Glasner.

Not for the first time, Guardiola sprang a surprise with his selection for a final as he picked an ultra-attacking line-up with no holding midfielder.

Source: France 24

16, May 2025

US: Cameroonian charged in complex money laundering and elder fraud scheme ⁰

An arrest warrant has been issued for a 34-year-old Cameroonian citizen involved in a money laundering and elder fraud conspiracy, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Leslie Kibula Bongajum faces one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and could face up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted.

Bongajum is the fourth Cameroonian national charged in connection with a transnational criminal organization conducting elder fraud scams and laundering stolen money. Three other Cameroonian nationals, 38-year-old Sylas Nyuydzene Verdzekov of Chino Hills, 44-year-old Lovert Che of Lomita, and 29-year-old Mustapha Nkachiwouo Selly Yamie of Inglewood, were arrested in Southern California on February 27 and charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering.

The criminal complaint alleges that from at least November 2021, Bongajum, Verdzekov, Yamie, Che, and their co-conspirators created fake identification documents and established at least 36 shell companies in California. These companies, which conducted no legitimate business, were used to further their criminal activities.

Source: Mountain Democrat

16, May 2025

Gabon’s deposed leader Ali Bongo and family given asylum in Angola ⁰

According to intelligence sources, Gabon’s former head of state Ali Bongo and his family left Libreville on Thursday 15 May 2025 for Angola.

His arrival has been confirmed by the Angolan presidency.

Ali Bongo and his family were discreetly exiled by the new strongman in Libreville after intensive negotiations led by President João Lourenço, President of Angola and current Chairman of the African Union.

The Bongo family left the country on the night of 15 to 16 May 2025 aboard an aircraft flying the Angolan colours.

This highly confidential exit comes just a few days after the Angolan President’s private visit to Libreville on 12 May, where he met Ali Bongo at the La Sablière residence. This meeting, images of which were briefly broadcast by the Angolan presidency, now appears to be the diplomatic prelude to the departure operation.

By Rita Akana with files

16, May 2025

Biya preparing to exit ⁰

Amid a secret scheme to widen patronage and appoint a dauphin, President Paul Biya (92) is at last preparing his exit from the political stage in Yaoundé.

Top regime advisors are at work on reforms designed to broaden representation and increase the accountability of government through more parliamentary seats and new posts, according to sources close to the dictator.

The private political consultation started following the arrival of a delegation from the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria in Yaoundé on 7 April to investigate several cases of mismanagement of funds granted to the Biya Francophone regime.

Source: Africa Confidential

16, May 2025

Football: Emmanuel Kunde dies aged 68 ⁰

African football has been struck with yet devastating news following the death of one of its revered sons Emmanuel Kunde, heralded as one of the greatest defenders of all time from Africa.

Former Cameroon international Emmanuel Kunde passed away at the age of 68, on Friday, May 16 leaving behind a legacy that helped shape African football across two golden decades.

According to initial reports, the legendary centre-back went to bed on the evening of Thursday, May 15, and tragically never woke up. His remains have been deposited at the Yaoundé Central Hospital mortuary, pending further announcements from the family.

Among the many tributes pouring in, Cameroon FA president and African football icon Samuel Eto’o shared his sorrow via Instagram, using sad face emojis to mourn the fallen legend. Meanwhile, UK-based Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana also expressed deep shock at the news, stating: “This is sad to hear. What happened?” He went on to describe Kunde as a footballer whose game intelligence and physicality made life miserable for even the most clinical strikers.

Who is Emmanuel Kunde? Kunde’s name resonates across generations not just because of his decorated CV but due to the commanding aura he brought to the game. Known for his strength, tactical intelligence, and versatility, he operated primarily as a central defender, but was equally effective as a defensive midfielder.

He remains Cameroon’s fifth-most-capped player and, remarkably, is also among their top 10 goal scorers — a rare feat for someone in his position. His eye for goal, especially in set-piece situations, became a signature weapon for the Indomitable Lions.

Kunde was instrumental in Cameroon’s Africa Cup of Nations triumphs in 1984 and 1988. On the world stage, he represented his country at the 1982 and 1990 FIFA World Cups, with the latter tournament marking Cameroon’s historic run to the quarter-finals, a first for an African nation. He began his football journey at Mbankomo FC before featuring for clubs such as Canon, Tempête de Nanga-Eboko FC, Provenance, and Olympic Mvolyé. Following his retirement from active play, Kunde took his leadership skills to the dugout, managing teams including PWD Bamenda, Canon Yaoundé and US Bitam across two spells.

Source: yen.com

15, May 2025

Putin not on Kremlin list of officials attending Ukraine peace talks in Turkey ⁰

Russian President Vladimir Putin is not among the names listed by the Kremlin as being due to attend peace talks on the war in Ukraine in Istanbul on Thursday, despite calls from Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky for him to attend.

Russia’s delegation will instead be headed by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, according to the Kremlin statement.

Zelensky had previously said he would attend the talks and meet Putin in person if the Russian president agreed, and said he would do everything he could to ensure the face-to-face meeting took place.

US President Donald Trump will also not be attending, according to media reports, despite previously hinting he would if Putin were there.

Zelensky will be in the Turkish capital Ankara on Thursday to meet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

He said he would attend direct talks in Istanbul with Russia, but only if Putin also attended.

“I am waiting to see who will come from Russia, and then I will decide which steps Ukraine should take. So far, the signals from them in the media are unconvincing,” he said in his nightly video address on Wednesday.

Putin and Zelensky have not met in person since December 2019. Russia and Ukraine last held direct negotiations in March 2022 in Istanbul, shortly after Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of its neighbour.

Fighting has raged in Ukraine since then. Russian forces have slowly expanded the amount of territory they control over the past year, mostly in the east of Ukraine.

On Sunday Putin called for direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in Turkey’s largest city “without pre-conditions”. Zelensky then announced he would go in person and expected the Russian president to travel as well.

Putin’s suggestion of direct talks in Istanbul followed Western powers’ call for a 30-day ceasefire, after European leaders met in Kyiv on Saturday.

After Trump called for Ukraine to accept the offer on Sunday, Zelensky said he would travel there himself.

“There is no point in prolonging the killings. And I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally,” Zelensky wrote in a social media post.

Earlier on Wednesday, Trump had floated the possibility of joining the meeting himself if Putin did.

The US president, who is currently in Qatar, told reporters he did not know if his Russian counterpart would attend “if I’m not there”.

“I know he would like me to be there, and that’s a possibility. If we could end the war, I’d be thinking about that,” Trump said.

The US is expected to send a high-level delegation to the talks.

The country’s top diplomat, Marco Rubio, arrived in Turkey on Wednesday, where he will meet Nato foreign ministers on Thursday.

Ahead of that meeting, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said he met Rubio on Wednesday evening. Sybiha said he had reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to US peace efforts, and called on Russia to “reciprocate Ukraine’s constructive steps”.

Rubio plans to travel onwards to Istanbul on Friday, where the State Department says he will attend talks with European counterparts to discuss the war in Ukraine.

Arriving at his hotel in Antalya on Wednesday, Rubio did not answer when the BBC asked him if Putin would be coming to Turkey.

Since returning to the White House, President Trump has sought to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.

He ended a years-long Western boycott of Russia’s leader by speaking to Putin over the phone in February, and his envoy Steve Witkoff has met Vladimir Putin for talks in Moscow.

Trump has previously said Russia and Ukraine were “very close to a deal”.

On Sunday, when Putin proposed the direct talks, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform: “A potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine!”

Source: BBC

15, May 2025

Biya Francophone regime says South West to receive 8 billion in development funding in 2027 ⁰

The Southwest is slated to receive approximately 8 billion CFA francs in funding by 2027, according to Minister of Decentralization and Local Development Georges Elanga Obam. The minister disclosed this information during an April 29 signing ceremony between the President of the Southwest Regional Assembly and the coordinator of the Local Governance and Resilient Communities Project (Prolog).

Minister Elanga Obam noted that the region is expected to receive subsidies totaling about 3 billion CFA francs in 2026. However, he emphasized that these subsidies are contingent on the performance of the regional executive. An additional 1.5 billion CFA francs is planned for 2027.

Separately, municipalities within the South-West region are projected to receive 2.6 billion CFA francs in financial support this year as part of a broader program benefiting 70 municipalities nationwide.

The agreement signed with Prolog entails 1.1 billion CFA francs in funding for the construction of essential socioeconomic infrastructure. This Prolog-provided funding will specifically support the construction of a 12-meter reinforced concrete bridge over the Mbabe 2 River, including paving its access road connecting the Nsuke-Mbabe-Ngusi Nyandong communal road in the Tombel and Konye districts (Kupe Muanenguba and Meme divisions).

The project also includes equipping medical imaging centers at the Mamfe District Hospital (Manyu division) and the annex of the Kumba Regional Hospital (Meme division), as well as constructing an eight-classroom educational block with four offices and four toilets at Limbe High School.

Source: Sbbc

15, May 2025

Football: Real Madrid delay Barca celebrations with late win over Mallorca ⁰

Los Blancos cut the gap on the Catalan giants to four points ahead of Barcelona’s visit to neighbours Espanyol on Thursday, where they can wrap up the title with a victory.

Trailing for much of the game after Martin Valjent’s 11th-minute opener, two second-half goals for Madrid ensured their arch-rivals did not claim their 28th La Liga title just yet.

Madrid needed to win to deny Barca and Kylian Mbappe’s equaliser and Jacobo Ramon’s 95th-minute strike allowed them to do just that.

Los Blancos’ defeat by Barcelona on Sunday in the Clasico left the Catalans on the brink of the title but Carlo Ancelotti’s side showed fighting spirit in the final stages against Mallorca.

“The team played very well, it fought a lot, played with a lot of intensity and it was a totally deserved victory,” said Ancelotti.

“We are happy because we want to finish the season well and this game didn’t start well but afterwards we did very well in all senses.”

Madrid coach Ancelotti is departing to take charge of the Brazilian national team at the end of a disappointing season in the Spanish capital, and has two games left in his post.

The Italian’s Madrid side, riddled with injury problems, were without Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes among other star names as Mallorca visited the Santiago Bernabeu.

“Having 12 players injured is very strange, we were able to overcome the absences with a good attitude, individually and as a group,” added Ancelotti.

The islanders, ninth, are hoping for European football for the first time since 2004 and put up a strong performance.

Madrid’s 18-year-old striker Endrick, whom Ancelotti may call up for Brazil in the future, came close early on but Leo Roman tipped his effort away.

Mallorca took an early lead when Valjent received the ball on the right of the box in an ocean of space.

The defender took his shot early and beat Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, making his 200th La Liga appearance.

Roman made a fine save to thwart England international Jude Bellingham as Madrid pushed for an equaliser.

The stopper, who also excelled for Mallorca in a recent narrow defeat at Barcelona, denied Mbappe and then Fede Valverde before the break.

Eventually Mbappe found a breakthrough for Madrid after 68 minutes, with some superb footwork to escape three Mallorca players trying to shut him down, and he drilled past Roman.

It was Mbappe’s 40th goal of a productive season on a personal level, although his team are set to end it without a major trophy and having been beaten four times by Barcelona across all competitions.

Source: France 24