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20, May 2025

May 20: Will the real Biya please come out and meet the Cameroonian people ⁰

No one in Yaoundé including those serving the regime can say authoritatively that today’s so-called national day celebration recorded a good parade. But everything went well without any incident.

The world watched a fine military display from a contingent of Nigerian army soldiers in a celebration of national unity that not all political parties were invited.

This was the third time that Cameroonians saw their head of state on duty in 2025. Biya is a president who lives abroad and only goes home thrice a year: on December 31, on February 11 and on May 20 for a fête de je ne sais quoi.

Photos and videos were forbidden!! State television did not show the Cameroonian people when the 92-year-old President Biya got out of his presidential limousine and when he finally took his seat at the ceremonial ground.

Guests were asked to leave their android telephones at home or in a locker that was provided by the Francophone dominated secret service. All this maneuverings were undoubtedly to avoid the public from noting errors between the real and fake Biya. Today in Yaoundé, Biya was so fake that his effigy that was displayed everywhere, showed a figure in his 40s, younger than his son Franck.

Everyone at the May 20 Boulevard today looked like Biya and our Yaoundé city reporter couldn’t tell one from another. It appears the ruling CPDM crime syndicate came up with the idea that every male citizen attending today’s ceremony had to look exactly like Biya.

What makes today’s national day celebration more interesting is that no one had an idea of which of the Biyas was sitting there as head of state. This is going to be a major problem for Cameroonian voters come October! If you are going to cut off the head of a snake, which snake are we talking about?

The real Biya cannot walk, can’t talk and cannot stand for more than twenty minutes! The one million dollar question is: Is the ruling CPDM planning to use an impostor at public rallies in October?

It is still a secret, but the Cameroonian opposition now headed by Barrister Akere Muna has ordered the Chinese to develop a device that can tell the difference between a real Paul Biya and a false one.

Cameroon Intelligence Report does not know when it will be ready, but intelligence forces are well aware that there is no sense killing innocent Cameroonians when it is now evidently clear that Biya will die before October.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

20, May 2025

CPDM Crime Syndicate: soldiers deployed to construct 53 km Bangem-Nguti road ⁰

Cameroon’s Ministry of Public Works (MINTP) announced progress on the Bangem-Nguti road project in the Kupe-Muanenguba department, despite ongoing security challenges in the region.

As of May 12, topographical and geotechnical studies have concluded on the first 10 kilometres of the 53-kilometre road. Laboratory analysis of soil samples is underway.

The Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR), contracted for the project, continues laying the sub-base between kilometre points (KP) 0+900 and 4+250. Construction of a 3 x 2 x 19-metre culvert at KP 0+893 has begun. Living quarters at KP 4+000 are 80% complete, and earthworks proceed between KP 0+500 and KP 8+000.

Despite the security challenges, local communities support the work, helping teams navigate security constraints linked to the regional crisis. The MINTP set up a task force to coordinate activities with the BIR.

Additional work includes depositing excavated material from KP 0+900 to KP 7+950, building masonry ditches, and creating drainage outlets between KP 0+893 and KP 4+000. Mintp plans to continue studies, open the full road length, and supply aggregates for the base course.

Challenges include difficulty in accessing some areas, compensation for affected plantations and dwellings, and delays caused by the absence of an on-site geotechnical laboratory.

The MINTP has allocated CFA10 billion to the project, which serves a landlocked area.

Source: Business in Cameroon

20, May 2025

Young Cameroonians face prospect of new bid by 92-year-old leader ⁰

Young Cameroonian voters hoping for change in this year’s elections still face the possibility that 92-year-old President Paul Biya could announce a bid to extend his more than four decades in power.

Biya, who took the reins in 1982, has remained tight-lipped on whether he plans to stand again in October.

But with just a month to go before candidates have to officially register, some of the party faithful have been calling for him to do so.

Younger voters who have never known another leader in their lifetimes are sceptical about another mandate for the man who is already the world’s oldest head of state.

“It would be one candidacy too many,” said Ange Ngandjo, 35, a banking consultant.

“He’s given what he could. Our generation, trained and competent, also wants to build this country.”

Tweaking a motorbike engine at his workshop in Mokolo, a district of the capital Yaounde, 29-year-old Ibrahim Baba echoed the sentiment.

“A new term for Paul Biya? I don’t think so,” he said.

Law student Celestine Mbida, 24, who attends the University of Yaounde II, will be voting for the first time.

She stopped short of openly criticising the outgoing president but said: “This election represents a lot… It’s the future of the country that is at stake. I want to participate by giving my vote.”

Ruling party divided

After highly contested elections in 2018, Biya tightened his grip on power, cracking down on dissenting opinions with arrests and prison terms, rights activists say.

But even within his Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (RDPC), of which he is national party president, support is no longer unanimous.

While some members have called for continuity, others complain that the party has not held a congress to choose its candidate since 2011.

Among them is Leon Theiller Onana, a municipal RDPC councillor for Monatele, a town north of Yaounde. He has lodged a legal complaint to contest the “legality and legitimacy” of his party’s ruling bodies.

Supporters of the president have sought to win over the younger generation.

A gathering under the banner “100,000 youth united behind Paul Biya in 2025” recently took place in the town of Maroua, a presidential stronghold in the poverty-hit Far North.

Organisers said the aim was to unite around Biya for “a resounding victory” in the forthcoming vote.

“He deserves our support,” said Mohamadou Atikou Kalda, coordinator of a regional youth platform.

Biya was behind several projects that supported development in the north, he added. “To continue on this path is essential.”

A ‘charade’

But not everyone is happy; some critics even accuse the organisers of stage-managing the event.

“They rounded up children to make people believe he still has support in the Far North,” one young man said in a video widely shared on social media.

“It’s false, it’s a charade,” he added.

Political analyst Aristide Mono of Yaounde II University said whoever wins the presidency faced high expectations from voters.

“Whether you’re young, old, a woman or a man, the concerns are the same,” he told AFP. “Persistent insecurity in the Far North, anglophone (separatist) crisis, high unemployment, cost of living, tribalism.”

“Young people, like other social groups, are asking themselves about the post-Biya era — because one day or another, in one way or another, Paul Biya will no longer be in power,” he added.

“So we have to anticipate and organise the succession to avoid succession crises that have often led to civil wars.”

‘Lack of succession plan’

The uncertainty weighs on Cameroon’s international standing.

In a November report, Fitch Ratings confirmed the country’s “B negative” rating, putting the chance Biya might run for another term in its “Political Risks” list.

“The lack of a succession plan and political divisions exacerbate the risk of a disorderly transition of power,” it noted.

At 71, Maurice Kamto, leader of the main opposition Movement for the Renaissance of Cameroon (MRC), is hardly the youth candidate, even if he has tried to appeal to them.

“If our country is to survive and achieve a certain rank tomorrow, the youth must be prepared,” he said.

In a country where 60 percent of the population is aged under 25 and youth unemployment is close to 74 percent, the vote will likely be decisive for a generation looking for opportunities and change.

Source: AFP

19, May 2025

European Union sees Cameroon as a central partner in Africa ⁰

This month, the European Union marked 50 years of its delegation in Cameroon with a new book. Brussels calls Cameroon “a key player in European cooperation in Africa.” The statement highlights Yaoundé’s role in 1963, when it hosted the first free trade convention between the European Economic Community (EEC)-the EU’s predecessor–and 18 African states.

Walter Hallstein, the first President of the European Commission, praised this choice at the time. He said, “The fact that our friends from the Associated States have chosen Yaoundé is of symbolic value. In this city with its fraternal welcome, for which we too are deeply grateful, we understand and feel the difficult but peaceful and confident effort of an entire people to melt into the crucible of unity so many different races, religions and historical heritages – a fine symbol and fine example indeed for the whole of Africa”.

Hallstein’s words carry weight. Cameroon’s colonial past is complex. It was once a German protectorate and later governed by France and Great Britain. The country is often called “Africa in miniature” because it features all the continent’s geographical zones. It also hosts hundreds of tribes.

Beyond symbolism, Cameroon holds a strategic location. It sits at Africa’s center and the heart of the Gulf of Guinea. The book “50 years of the European Union delegation in Cameroon, a strategic partnership with Cameroon” explains: “Just independent since 1960, Cameroon was becoming a hub for trade and development in the region. Its location made it a natural link for cooperation between Europe and Africa.”

Source: Business in Cameroon

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