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6, September 2025

Elecam calls on presidential candidates to name vote counting reps ⁰

The President of the Electoral Council of Elections Cameroon (Elecam), Enow Abrams Egbe, has called on candidates for the October 12, 2025, presidential election to appoint their representatives to the National Commission for the Final Counting of Votes (CNRGV). In a press release issued on Thursday, September 4, Elecam stated that this request is in accordance with Article 68 of the Electoral Code. Candidates are urged to submit the nomination documents for their representatives “as soon as possible” to allow for the official confirmation of the commission’s composition.

The National Commission for the Final Counting of Votes a central role in the electoral process. It is comprised of a member of the Constitutional Council who serves as president, two magistrates, five representatives from the administration, five representatives from Elecam, and a representative for each candidate or political party. According to electoral law, the commission is responsible for the general tally of votes, based on official reports and supporting documents sent by the departmental supervisory commissions. It is also authorized to “correct” any clerical errors in the vote count but cannot invalidate the corresponding reports. The commission prepares an official report of all its operations, signed by the president and members present. A copy of this report, along with supporting documents, must be submitted to the Constitutional Council within five days.

Thirteen candidates are vying for the presidency this year. Among them is the incumbent head of state, Paul Biya of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), who is seeking another term. He will face several well-known opposition figures, including Joshua Osih of the Social Democratic Front (SDF) and Cabral Libii of the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation (PCRN), both running for the second time. A female candidate, Patricia Tomaino Ndam Njoya, president of the Cameroon Democratic Union (CDU), is also in the race.

Source: Business in Cameroon

5, September 2025

US: Trump rebrands Department of Defense as ‘Department of War’ ⁰

President Donald Trump is changing the name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War, the White House announced Thursday, insisting the rebrand will project a more powerful image.

While the department’s official name is set in law, Trump in an executive order is authorizing use of the new label as a “secondary title” by his administration, a White House document said.

Defense officials are permitted to use to use “secondary titles such as ‘Secretary of War,’…in official correspondence, public communications, ceremonial contexts, and non-statutory documents within the executive branch,” according to the document.

It was not immediately clear when Trump planned to sign the order, but his public schedule for Friday said he would be signing executive orders in the afternoon as well as making an announcement in the Oval Office.

The president, a marketing-savvy real estate developer, has repeatedly said in recent weeks that he was mulling such a change.

Late last month, the 79-year-old Republican claimed the Defense Department’s title was too “defensive.”

The Department of War “was the name when we won World War I, we won World War II, we won everything,” he told reporters on August 25.

According to the White House document, the name change “conveys a stronger message of readiness and resolve.”

Established in the early days of US independence, the Department of War historically oversaw American land forces.

A government reorganization after World War II brought it along with the US Navy and Air Force under the unified National Military Establishment, which in 1949 was retitled to the Department of Defense.

“Restoring the name ‘Department of War’ will sharpen the focus of this Department on our national interest and signal to adversaries America’s readiness to wage war to secure its interests,” the White House document said.

The move is the latest overhaul at the Pentagon since Trump took office in January and appointed former Fox News host Pete Hegseth to lead the sprawling department.

Hegseth, a combat veteran, has repeatedly touted the push to restore a “warrior ethos” in the department, and has lambasted prior administrations for policies he and Trump have derided as “woke.”

Hegseth notably has sought to expel transgender troops from the military and change the names of bases that honored Confederate troops back to their original titles, after they were renamed under former president Joe Biden.

While Trump’s order could potentially be rescinded by a future president, it “instructs the Secretary of War to recommend actions, to include legislative and executive actions, required to permanently rename” the department, the White House document said.

Source: AFP

5, September 2025

Football: Indomitable Lions too much for Eswatini ⁰

The Indomitable Lions crushed Eswatini (3-0) thanks to an own goal and goals from Georges Kevin Nkoudou and Arthur Avom on Wednesday in the seventh round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers (Africa zone). The victory was secured within the first half hour, as Marc Brys’ men stifled their opponents.

It took just six minutes for the Indomitable Lions to break the deadlock. In a pressing move, Gift Gamedze accidentally beat his own goalkeeper, giving the Lions the lead (1-0). It was a nightmare start for Eswatini, who were quickly overwhelmed by the pace of the game.

The rest of the match confirmed Cameroon’s dominance as Georges-Kévin Nkoudou doubled the lead with a fine strike in the 25th minute (2-0), before Arthur Avom made it 3-0 three minutes later. By the half-hour mark, the match was already over.

After returning from the dressing rooms, Eswatini, better organised, resisted Cameroon’s attacks. For their part, the Indomitable Lions controlled the game without exerting themselves, managing their lead without taking unnecessary risks. Despite a few chances, the scoreboard remained unchanged until the final whistle.

With this clear victory, Cameroon consolidated its second place in Group D, now with 15 points, one point behind Cape Verde (16 points), the provisional leader. The Indomitable Lions can approach the rest of the qualifiers with confidence, buoyed by a convincing performance and a highly successful attack.

By Rita Akana

4, September 2025

Football: Levy steps down as Tottenham executive chairman ⁰

Tottenham’s long-serving executive chairman Daniel Levy has stepped down after almost 25 years at the helm of the club.

Levy was appointed in March 2001 and leaves after Spurs won the Europa League in May to end a 17-year wait for a trophy.

The 63-year-old was the Premier League’s longest-serving chairman and earned an estimated £50m-plus during his time in charge, but he was also the target of regular protests from Spurs fans, especially last season.

“I am incredibly proud of the work I have done together with the executive team and all our employees,” said Levy, who had a reputation in football for being a shrewd operator and tough negotiator.

“We have built this club into a global heavyweight competing at the highest level. More than that, we have built a community.

“I was lucky enough to work with some of the greatest people in this sport, from the team at Lilywhite House and Hotspur Way to all the players and managers over the years.

“I wish to thank all the fans that have supported me over the years. It hasn’t always been an easy journey but significant progress has been made. I will continue to support this club passionately.”

Source: BBC

4, September 2025

Congo-Kinshasa declares new Ebola outbreak as death toll reaches 15 ⁰

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have declared a new outbreak of the Ebola virus, which has killed 15 people since the end of August, the health minister said Thursday.

The new outbreak is in central Kasai province, Samuel Roger Kamba told reporters in the capital Kinshasa.

The last outbreak of Ebola in the vast central African nation was three years ago and killed six people.

Twenty-eight suspected cases have been recorded, according to provisional figures, with the first case reported on August 20 in a 34-year-old pregnant woman who was admitted to hospital.

“It’s the 16th outbreak recorded in our country,” Kamba said.

First identified in 1976 and thought to have crossed over from bats, Ebola is a deadly viral disease spread through direct contact with bodily fluids, causing severe bleeding and organ failure.

The deadliest outbreak in the DRC – whose population numbers more than 100 million – killed nearly 2,300 people between 2018 and 2020.

Six strains of Ebola exist.

Source: France 24

4, September 2025

Italian designer Giorgio Armani dies ⁰

The Italian fashion designer and billionaire brand owner Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91.

He was the archetype of Italian style and elegance, reimagining men’s and women’s suits for a modern audience.

His company Armani expanded from fashion into an empire spanning beauty, fragrance, music, sport and even luxury hotels, bringing in more than £2bn a year.

Donatella Versace paid tribute to the late designer on her Instagram page, posting a picture of him, saying: “The world lost a giant today, he made history and will be remembered forever.”

Source: BBC

3, September 2025

Mutresor to open CFA18bn five-star Concord Hotel in Yaoundé ⁰

On the hillside of Olezoa in Yaoundé, the Concord International Hotel is taking shape, reshaping the skyline near Avenue Charles Atangana. Backed by the Mutual Fund of Treasury Staff (Mutresor), the five-star complex aims to redefine luxury hospitality in Cameroon’s capital.

The CFA18 billion ($29.6 million) investment was financed mainly through Mutresor’s own funds, supplemented by a bank loan, according to the Ministry of Finance. Construction is nearing completion, with every detail designed to meet international standards.

The facility will offer 119 rooms and suites, including 72 executive and 16 standard rooms, plus two presidential suites and two accessible rooms. Amenities include two restaurants, a snack bar, a panoramic terrace, a spa, an indoor pool, a night club, a casino, conference floors, and parking. Local artisans will supply art and décor to give the hotel a cultural touch.

A diversification strategy

Founded over a decade ago within the Ministry of Finance’s Treasury Directorate, Mutresor counts around 4,000 members including public servants, retirees, and contract staff. Already active in microfinance through Cremincam and owner of a commercial property in Yaoundé, the mutual is expanding its portfolio with the Concord project.

“The profitability of the Concord should increase our lending capacity and help finance health and retirement insurance products,” a Mutresor official said.

Competitive luxury market

Yaoundé’s high-end hospitality market is becoming increasingly competitive. Alongside established hotels like Hilton and Mont Fébé, new entrants are on the way: the 220-unit Radisson Serviced Apartment set for 2026, the 30-story Hôtel du Lac backed by Belgian firm IIDG, and a future Méridien. Investments in these projects range from CFA50 billion to CFA90 billion.

“Luxury hospitality is highly capital-intensive but also high risk,” noted a Douala-based consultant. “It takes more than a beautiful building. Clear marketing, agile management, and internationally trained staff are essential.”

To address these challenges, Mutresor hired Bekolo & Partners to conduct market studies, design the business plan, and lead staff recruitment.

The Concord illustrates a broader shift among public service mutuals in Cameroon. Once limited to member contributions and solidarity, these organizations are emerging as investment vehicles. The National Mutual of Tax Staff (Mundi) has also expanded into commercial real estate and hospitality.

This evolution positions mutuals as economic actors capable of creating wealth and strengthening their role in national development.

High stakes ahead

Venturing into luxury hospitality carries financial and operational risks for Mutresor, whose core mission remains mutual solidarity. Success will depend on governance, strong financial planning, and professional hotel management.

If the Concord succeeds, it could set a precedent for other African mutuals, showing that solidarity-based organizations can drive major investments while continuing to serve their members.

Source: Sbbc

3, September 2025

Cameroonian bags PhD in Swiss School of Business Research in Zurich ⁰

Ogbe Abunaw has joined the long list of Cameroonian academics that have successfully conquered education home and abroad after he bagged a PhD in Strategic Management from the Swiss School of Business Research in Zurich, Switzerland.

Dr Ogbe Abunaw said it was not an easy journey from the University of Buea Cameroon where he earned his BA with honors in History and Political Science to the University of Bolton, UK where he earned his MA in Human Resource Management to Harvard University, USA where he again earned a Professional Development Certificate in Management and Leadership.

Speaking exclusively to Cameroon Concord News, Dr Ogbe Abunaw said he remains deeply grateful to his mother Hon Rose Abunaw for her unwavering love, and support. Dr Ogbe furthered that this achievement belongs to her and to his entire family; friends and mentors who helped turn his dream into reality.

More than a personal milestone, Dr Ogbe Abunaw’s research carries value for the community and the global stage: it translates rigorous research into practical strategies that local businesses can adopt, informs community development and public policy toward more sustainable growth, and strengthens research visibility through international collaboration and elevates the discourse of strategic management on a global platform, and equips students, practitioners, and policymakers with evidence-based frameworks, mentoring, and opportunities to translate insight into impact wherever they are.

By Chi Prudence Asong with files from Soter Agbaw-Ebai

2, September 2025

Cameroon Road Network Crisis: 75% requiring rehabilitation ⁰

Three-quarters of Cameroon’s road network remains in a poor or mediocre state despite public investment, according to a September 2025 project review by the country’s Ministry of Public Works. The report reveals that 91,405 km of the nation’s 121,873 km road system are in disrepair, presenting a significant obstacle to economic activity.

Only 25% (30,468 km) of the network is rated as being in good or fair condition. The quality varies significantly by road type. While 100% of the country’s small stretch of motorways (109 km) are in good condition, only 18% of crucial municipal roads meet this standard. National roads fare better, with 69% rated as good or fair, but regional routes lag at just 35%.

The report indicates a marginal five-percentage-point improvement in overall network quality compared to 2024. Progress is being hampered by several systemic issues, including pavement degradation, the impacts of climate change, and a lack of discipline among road users.

A critical factor cited is the weakness of the domestic construction sector. The ministry noted that many local firms lack the financial, technical, and logistical capacity to execute projects effectively. This has led to the termination of 27 contracts between 2019 and 2024 and the closure of several other projects at the request of the struggling companies.

In response, the government is implementing structural reforms. A 2022 law aimed at protecting national road assets is being enforced to increase infrastructure durability. Furthermore, a decree from July 2025 has reorganized the national Road Fund to improve resource allocation for maintenance and rehabilitation.

As of December 31, 2024, Cameroon’s road network consisted of 10,576 km of paved roads and 111,297 km of dirt roads.

Looking ahead, the government plans to launch 132 major new road projects starting in 2025. The initiative aims to pave 882 km of new roads, rehabilitate 661 km of existing paved roads, and perform maintenance on another 828 km by 2027, covering a total distance of 2,371 km.

Source: Business in Cameroon

2, September 2025

North Korea’s Kim arrives in Beijing with daughter and possible heir ⁰

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has arrived in the Chinese capital Beijing along with his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, images appear to show.

Kim is in China to attend a “Victory Day” parade on Wednesday, which will see him rub shoulders with China’s President Xi Jinping, Russia’s Vladimir Putin and other world leaders – making it his first multilateral meeting.

Kim crossed into China on Tuesday onboard his armoured train, which is said to include a restaurant serving fine French wines and dishes like fresh lobster.

Photos showed him stepping off his train at Beijing Railway Station accompanied by his daughter. South Korea’s spy agency has previously said she was Kim’s “most likely” successor.

Source: BBC