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Senegal on the brink after elections postponed

6, February 2024

Senegal on the brink after elections postponed 0

Senegal’s reputation as a bastion of democracy in an unstable region is on the line after protesters clashed with riot police outside parliament on Monday.

Inside, lawmakers passed a contentious bill to extend President Macky Sall’s tenure and delay elections after he called off a planned election with just three weeks to go.

There was a heated atmosphere in the chamber, and some opposition MPs had been removed before the vote by police clad in riot gear after they tried to block proceedings.

Khalifa Sall, a leading opponent and a former mayor of Dakar, who is not related to the president, called the delay a “constitutional coup” and urged people to protest against it. His political coalition has vowed to go to court.

Thierno Alassane Sall, another candidate, also no relation, called it “high treason” and urged his supporters to gather in front of the National Assembly to protest and “remind MPs to stand on the right side of history”.

The proposal needed the support of three-fifths (i.e. 99) of the 165 deputies to pass. The ruling Benno Bokk Yakaar coalition, of which President Sall’s Alliance for the Republic party is part, has a slight majority in parliament.

In the end 105 MPs voted for the proposal. A six-month postponement was originally proposed, but a last-minute amendment extended it to 10 months, or 15 December.

Mr Sall reiterated that he was not planning to run for office again. But his critics accuse him of either trying to cling on to power or unfairly influencing whoever succeeds him.

No sooner had he announced the unprecedented postponement than protesters marched across the capital, Dakar, to call for a reversal.

Source: BBC

FECAFOOT rejects Samuel Eto’o’s resignation as president

6, February 2024

FECAFOOT rejects Samuel Eto’o’s resignation as president 0

Samuel Eto’o tendered his resignation as president of the Cameroon Football Federation on Monday only to have it rejected by its executive committee.

Eto’o, who won the African player of the year a record four times, has been dogged by allegations of improper conduct, match-fixing and corruption.

The federation said its executive committee met in Cameroon’s capital, Yaoundé, on Monday to evaluate the national team’s performance at the Africa Cup of Nations, and that the meeting started with Eto’o offering to step down while inviting the other members “to do likewise in good faith.”

“At the end of discussions and subsequent deliberations, the members of the executive committee decided to maintain their current mandates and thus unanimously rejected the president’s resignation thereby renewing their confidence in him to continue with the same spirit of reconstruction and development of Cameroon football at all levels as envisaged in his plan adopted by the elective general assembly of Dec. 11, 2021,” the federation said in a statement, referring to the date Eto’o took over as president.

The federation made no mention in the statement of any other decisions taken or conclusions drawn. Cameroon coach Rigobert Song’s future was uncertain after a disappointing Africa Cup campaign.

Cameroon, the five-time champion, needed a win in its final group game to be sure of progressing to the group stage, scored late to achieve it, and was then eliminated by Nigeria after a lackluster performance in the round of 16.

Eto’o, who celebrated with the team after its dramatic win over Gambia in their final group game, has been dogged by corruption allegations in the last year.

Last week, sports website The Athletic reported that it had seen WhatsApp messages, emails, letters and audio recordings that allegedly support a wide-range of accusations, including “match-fixing, abuse of power, physical threats, inciting violence and spreading false information in Cameroon.” It said a file had been sent to FIFA’s ethics committee and that it is also being investigated by the Confederation of African Football.

CAF was already investigating what it said were “serious” allegations from “several Cameroonian football stakeholders” against Eto’o. It noted that the former Barcelona and Inter Milan star was “presumed to be innocent until an appropriate judicial body concludes otherwise.”

Questions were raised in Cameroon about Eto’o’s ambassadorial role with a sports betting company. At least one club complained to the Cameroonian federation about the deal, which could violate the institution’s codes.

Cameroonian soccer had plenty of problems in the past. Before Eto’o was elected president, the national league had been tainted by interference from the government, allegations of corruption and broken promises from soccer leaders.

Eto’o played at four World Cups for Cameroon between 1998 and 2014.

Source: AP

King Charles Bill of Health: US President Biden expresses concern

5, February 2024

King Charles Bill of Health: US President Biden expresses concern 0

President Joe Biden says he is concerned about King Charles’s cancer diagnosis and hopes to speak to him soon.

Buckingham Palace announced on Monday that King Charles III was being treated for cancer.

The type of cancer has not been revealed, but according to a palace statement the King began “regular treatments” on Monday.

He was diagnosed during a recent treatment for an enlarged prostate.

Asked by reporters in Las Vegas what his message was for the King, Mr Biden said he had “just heard his diagnosis”.

“I’m concerned about him,” he told reporters at a union event. “Hopefully I’ll be talking to him soon.”

The King is beginning treatment as an outpatient and will pause his public events, but he will continue with his constitutional role as head of state, including paperwork and private meetings.

Buckingham Palace has not released any details about the stage of cancer, but said King Charles “remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible”.

The US State Department called the announcement “incredibly sad news”.

“Our thoughts are with the King … and his family,” spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters at a regular news briefing.

Former President Donald Trump said the King was a “wonderful man who I got to know well during my presidency”.

“We all pray that he has a fast and full recovery,” he wrote on his social media site Truth Social.

Prince Harry, who lives in California with his wife Meghan Markle, will travel to the UK to see his father, the BBC has been told.

Source: BBC

King Charles III has cancer and is receiving treatment

5, February 2024

King Charles III has cancer and is receiving treatment 0

King Charles III has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and has begun treatment, Buckingham Palace said Monday.

The palace says the cancer is not related to the king’s recent treatment for a benign prostate condition. It did not say what form of cancer the 75-year-old monarch has.

The palace said “a separate issue of concern was noted” during Charles’ treatment for an enlarged prostate last month. “Diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer,” it said.

“His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties,” the palace said. “Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.”

It said Charles “remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.”

The palace added that the king “has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”

Charles became king in September 2022 when his mother Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96.

News of the king’s diagnosis comes as his daughter-in-law Kate, Princess of Wales, recovers from abdominal surgery that saw her hospitalized for about two weeks.

U.K. political leaders sent messages of support. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tweeted: “Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery. I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well.”

Source: AP

Indomitable Lions: Eto’o and Geremi Njitap at daggers-drawn positions

4, February 2024

Indomitable Lions: Eto’o and Geremi Njitap at daggers-drawn positions 0

Former Cameroon international and football icon Samuel Eto’o, currently serving as the president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) has become the center of a controversial incident involving another legendary figure of the Indomitable Lions, Geremi Njitap.

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, already marred by controversies surrounding the Cameroonian team and their eventual elimination, witnessed a shocking event that has added fuel to the fire of existing unrest within the team.

According to Camfoot, Cameroonian squad’s journey in the tournament was beset with challenges both on and off the field.

Reports of discord and friction among team members, the coaching staff, and federation officials were rampant, leading to an atmosphere of uncertainty and tension.

Speculations about such issues began surfacing right after Cameroon’s opening match against Guinea.

However, these were initially dismissed as baseless rumors by the FECAFOOT secretary-general, who labeled them “fake news.”

The situation, however, took a dramatic turn during Cameroon’s final group game against The Gambia.

Following the team’s narrow 3-2 victory, which secured their spot in the round of 16, a series of events in the dressing room revealed the depth of the problems plaguing Cameroon’s football governance.

As various delegates took turns congratulating the players, it was Geremi Njitap’s turn, a former star for Chelsea and Real Madrid, that ignited the controversy.

Geremi’s attempt to address the team was abruptly halted when members of Eto’o’s security personnel intervened.

Geremi’s response to the security was defiant: “Go and tell the one who sent you to come and carry out his instructions himself. What is he afraid of?” This confrontation highlighted the growing rift between two of Cameroon’s most celebrated football figures.

The situation escalated when Etienne Tamo, the head of Eto’o’s security, reportedly issued a stark warning to Geremi: “I received firm instructions from the president of FECAFOOT. Geremi must not enter the locker room. If you take one more step, I will box [punch] you.”

This incident left players and onlookers in utter disbelief, exposing the extent of the internal discord.

The roots of this clash can be traced back to the differing roles and perspectives of Eto’o and Geremi in Cameroonian football.

Despite both players having made over 100 appearances for their country, their relationship soured due to Geremi’s outspoken criticism of Eto’o’s tenure as FECAFOOT president.

Source: Pulse Sports

Anthony Joshua will pay for Super Eagles Africa Cup of Nations victory over Lions

4, February 2024

Anthony Joshua will pay for Super Eagles Africa Cup of Nations victory over Lions 0

Following the Super Eagles’ triumphant victory over Cameroon at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, attention has shifted to the highly anticipated boxing match between Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua and Cameroon-born fighter Francis Ngannou, colloquially referred to as ‘Nigeria vs Cameroon Part 2.’

While no official belts will be on the line in the March bout, fans from both countries eagerly anticipate the clash, fueled by the desire for national bragging rights after the Eagles’ 2-0 win over the Indomitable Lions in the AFCON round of 16.

The friendly banter and national pride surrounding the recent football victory add an element of revenge for Ngannou, who may seek to avenge Cameroon’s loss in the boxing ring.

On social media, posts reflect a mix of national pride and friendly banter, elevating the significance of this match beyond a typical boxing bout.

Cameroonians voiced their opinions on social media, with one Facebook user warning, “It is Anthony Joshua that will suffer the consequences,” and another stating, “Ngannou will unleash our anger on him.”

The anticipation and banter extend to Nigerian fans as well, with social media users humorously speculating about the outcome. One user humorously suggested, “Somebody say na Anthony Joshua go suffer this beating wey Nigeria dey beat Cameroon.”

Scheduled for March 8 in Saudi Arabia, the ‘Knockout Chaos’ heavyweight bout promises an electrifying showdown, characterised by the added narrative of national pride and rivalry.

As fans engage in playful banter and predictions, the bout is poised to transcend a typical sporting event, capturing the attention and emotions of both nations in what is perceived as a symbolic rematch.

Source: Bsnsports

Ivory Coast sink Mali at the death in AFCON quarters

3, February 2024

Ivory Coast sink Mali at the death in AFCON quarters 0

A back-heel goal by Oumar Diakite in added time at the end of extra time gave hosts Ivory Coast a 2-1 win over Mali in Bouake on Saturday after a dramatic Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final.

Reduced to 10 men by a red card at the end of the first half, the Ivorians fell behind in the second half to a Nene Dorgeles goal only for Simon Adingra to equalise in the 90th minute.

The result marked another upward turn for the Ivory Coast in a roller coaster AFCON campaign in which they scraped into the knockout stage after a 4-0 hiding from Equatorial Guinea.

It was a heartbreaking outcome for Mali, who dominated for long periods and, despite missing a penalty, seemed set to maintain a record of never losing a Cup of Nations quarter-final.

Ivory Coast now return to Abidjan, where they will face the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday in the semi-finals, but Diakite is set to miss out after picking up a second yellow card while celebrating his winning goal.

“After this kind of match, there are no real things to explain, it is just emotions,” said Diakite.

“My joy was so great that I forgot that I had a yellow card. It was a mistake on my part. Even if I am not there, we can do the job (reach the final).”

Odilon Kossounou, sent off late in the first half, captain Serge Aurier and forward Christian Kouame have also been ruled out of the semi-final due to suspensions.

This was the sixth meeting of the countries in the AFCON with the two-time champions Ivory Coast winning four and drawing one previously against rivals whose best showing was 1972 runners-up.

Ivory Coast caretaker coach Emerse Fae made three changes to the lineup that started in the dramatic last-16 penalty shootout triumph over defending champions Senegal.

In came midfielder Franck Kessie, scorer of the winning penalty, winger Nicolas Pepe and forwards Kouame in place of Ibrahim Sangare, Diakite and Jean-Philippe Krasso.

Mali had one enforced change to the team that defeated Burkina Faso to set up the west African showdown with Diadie Samassekou replacing ill Mohamed Camara in midfield.

Dominant Mali

Mali made light of the fact that the majority of the capacity 40,000 crowd in the central city were supporting the host nation and established early dominance.

The Eagles had an appeal for a penalty rejected after the ball struck the outstretched hand of Kossounou because there had been an earlier offside.

But when Kossounou fouled Lassine Sinayoko, the Egyptian referee pointed to the spot only for Adama ‘Noss’ Traore to have his 17th-minute penalty saved by Youssouf Fofana.

Ivory Coast were battling to create chances until just before half-time when Seko Fofana blazed over when offered a good chance just outside the area.

A troubled first half for Kossounou got worse on 44 minutes when shown a yellow card for the second time, after clipping Sinayoko, and was sent off.

Fae immediately brought on Wilfried Singo to bolster the defence with Pepe sacrificed, and Ivory Coast were lucky to still be level when the half ended.

Mali attacked continuously against 10 men and finally broke the deadlock when Dorgeles raced across the pitch and from just outside the D unleashed a shot that flew past Fofana.

Substitute Diakite came close to levelling, with his header from a corner finishing just off target.

Diakite was involved in the last-gasp equaliser with Adingra pouncing on a deflection off Boubakar Kouyate inside the area and hammering the ball past goalkeeper Djigui Diarra.

Another Ivorian substitute, Sebastien Haller, headed against the crossbar in the first half of extra time.

Also on Saturday, Cape Verde face 1996 champions South Africa in the last quarter-final in Yamoussoukro and the winners face Nigeria for a place in the final.

Source: AFP

Senegal’s President Macky Sall postpones Feb 25 presidential elections indefinitely

3, February 2024

Senegal’s President Macky Sall postpones Feb 25 presidential elections indefinitely 0

Senegalese President Macky Sall on Saturday announced the indefinite postponement of the presidential election scheduled for February 25, just hours before official campaigning was due to start.

In an address to the nation, Sall said he had signed a decree abolishing a previous measure that set the date as lawmakers investigate two Constitutional Council judges whose integrity in the election process has been questioned. “I will begin an open national dialogue to bring together the conditions for a free, transparent and inclusive election,” Sall added without giving a new date.

It is the first time that Senegal has delayed a presidential vote. Its four largely peaceful transitions of power via the ballot box since independence from France in 1960 have built up its reputation as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies.

Last month, the Constitutional Council approved 20 candidates but disqualified dozens of others from the race, including opposition leaders Ousmane Sonko and Karim Wade.

Sall had repeatedly said he would hand over power in early April to the winner of the vote. After announcing he would not run for a third term as president, Sall designated Prime Minister Amadou Ba from his party as his would-be successor.

Inquiry on Constitutional Council

Senegal’s parliament on Wednesday approved a commission of inquiry into the workings of the Constitutional Council – the body which both finalises the list of candidates and announces the winner of the election.

Many MPs from the president’s own party unexpectedly voted in favour of the inquiry, fuelling speculation that they could be trying to delay a vote they fear losing.

The campaign to establish an inquiry was launched by disqualified candidate Wade. He has accused two of the seven members of the Constitutional Council of having links with presidential hopefuls, including Prime Minister Amadou Ba, endorsed by the outgoing president.

Before the president’s speech, the influential League of Imams and Preachers of Senegal on Saturday warned of the dangers of postponement and appealed directly to President Sall to take steps to avoid fuelling instability.

“Any attempt to postpone the elections would be fraught with pointless risks,” it said in a statement. “As Senegal is stable in all respects and on track for elections, the wisest decision for the head of state would be to do everything possible to ensure that free and transparent elections are held.”

Senegalese voters are due to choose a successor to President Sall, who is not seeking a third term. For the first time in Senegal’s history, the incumbent is not on the ballot. His handpicked successor, Prime Minister Amadou Ba, is among 20 candidates cleared by the constitutional council to run.

Source: Reuters

FIFA set to open investigation on Samuel Eto’o match fixing and threat charges

3, February 2024

FIFA set to open investigation on Samuel Eto’o match fixing and threat charges 0

Cameroon’s football legend Samuel Eto’o has been accused of making threats and match-fixing, with the Barcelona legend’s file sent for investigation to the FIFA Ethics Committee.

Former Barça striker and current President of the Cameroonian Football Federation, has been accused of match-fixing and paying someone to make threats.

According to a report by The Athletic, Samuel Eto’o is facing serious allegations outlined in a file sent to FIFA’s Ethics Committee. The current president of the Cameroonian Football Federation is accused of match-fixing, spreading false information, making threats, inciting violence, and ‘abuse of power.’

Source: India Today

CDC faces workforce exodus and financial strain amid ongoing Ambazonia crisis

3, February 2024

CDC faces workforce exodus and financial strain amid ongoing Ambazonia crisis 0

Between 2021 and 2022, the Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC), a state-owned agro-industrial enterprise operating banana, oil palm, and rubber plantations in the Littoral and Southwest regions of Cameroon, experienced a staggering 34.7% reduction in its workforce. The information was revealed in a recent report by the Technical Commission for the Rehabilitation of Public and Para-public Sector Enterprises (CTR), indicating that 5,518 personnel left the company during the period under review.

The CTR attributes this “significant and continuous decline” in the workforce to the “security crisis that came with the Anglophone conflict.” Indeed, since the conflict started in late 2016, CDC’s facilities and employees have become targets of separatist militants. Incidents such as the incineration of company packaging units, conversion of plantations into separatist base camps, and attacks resulting in severe injuries or fatalities to employees have plagued the CDC. The insecurity prompted a halt in the company’s operations in mid-2018, only to resume nearly two years later. The situation has gradually worsened with the accumulation of salary arrears due to the CDC’s financial difficulties resulting from the Anglophone crisis.

“The operational challenges faced by CDC hinder meeting its financial commitments, resulting in an overall increase in its indebtedness. Social debt has increased due to the 17.78% rise in salary arrears as of December 31, 2022, despite government support, and the accumulation of unpaid social security contributions, which have risen by 15%. As of June 30, 2023, salary arrears amounted to CFA35.7 billion, and the social debt to the National Social Security Fund (CNPS) stood at CFA26.7 billion,” CTR said.

With a monthly payroll estimated at CFA2 billion, according to figures disclosed during a board meeting on December 27, 2018, this volume of salary arrears corresponds to approximately 17 months of unpaid wages. Considering the financial assistance allocated by the state to public enterprises in the 2024 budget, personnel expenses were estimated at CFA16.09 billion in 2022, equating to CFA1.34 billion per month.

With cumulative losses of CFA38.7 billion between 2019 and 2021, as reported by the CTR, CDC emerges as the Cameroonian company bearing the heaviest toll of the ongoing separatist war in the Northwest and Southwest regions.

Source: Business in Cameroon

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