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Yaounde: Controversy as Wizkid performs at private party for First Lady Chantal Biya and daughter

3, January 2020

Yaounde: Controversy as Wizkid performs at private party for First Lady Chantal Biya and daughter 0

Cameroon’s social media space has been buzzing with news of how Nigerian musician Wizkid was flown into the country by the first family for a private party.

The said party was for the first daughter, Brenda Biya, but a video released by some entertainment sites showed that First Lady Chantal Biya was also in attendance. The party which took place in Yaounde was a new year bash according to some reports.

Wizkid, real name Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun is seen singing one of his famed tracks “Joro” in the company of a number of ladies with Christmas tree and gifts also captured.

Naijapals Gistmania✔@Naijapals

Wizkid performing for Cameroonian dictator, Paul Biya and his daughters at a private room

The chatter on Twitter especially is about how taxpayer’s money was used to pay the musician to attend a private party. No proof has been adduced to that effect and government has not commented on the development as yet.

Wizkid had announced that he was going to be in Cameroon on eve of the New Year 2020 for a show in Yaounde, but he did not mention performing for the first family.

Apparently the main reason for the visit, the private opening of a restaurant took place before he was invited to entertain the First Family.

For some commenters, the musician needed be paid for his services irrespective of the source of funding. Others were of the view that it was wrong for taxes to be used in such a manner.

Source: Africa News

Middle East Tensions: US President Trump ordered killing of Iranian General Soleimani

3, January 2020

Middle East Tensions: US President Trump ordered killing of Iranian General Soleimani 0

President Donald Trump had ordered the US military to kill Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani, the Pentagon has said in a statement.

Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the second-in-command of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), were killed in US airstrikes in the Iraqi capital Baghdad early on Friday.

The IRGC confirmed in a statement that Soleimani and al-Muhandis were martyred in the attack carried out by US helicopters. The Iraqi pro-government group also confirmed the incident.

Commander of Iran’s Quds Force, PMU deputy head martyred in US strike

“At the direction of the President, the US military has taken decisive defensive action to protect US personnel abroad by killing Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force,” the Pentagon said in a statement on Friday.

“This strike was aimed at deterring future Iranian attack plans. The United States will continue to take all necessary action to protect our people and our interests wherever they are around the world,” read the statement.

Meanwhile, US troops with the 82nd Airborne Division arrived in Kuwait as part of the Immediate Response Force, the US Department of Defense announced.

Source: Presstv

Biya Francophone regime dispatches new military convoy to Southern Cameroons

3, January 2020

Biya Francophone regime dispatches new military convoy to Southern Cameroons 0

Yaoundé has reportedly brought in a new column of military forces including troops from neighboring Equatorial Guinea to be deployed in Southern Cameroons, only days after President Biya announced in a New Year speech his intention to crush the Ambazonia Restoration Forces.

Our chief correspondent in the Douala metropolis reported that the Francophone soldiers entered the Northern Zone through Mbouda and in the Southern Zone via Dschang, and consisted of military vehicles as well as trucks carrying logistics.

On Tuesday the 31st of December, Biya said Cameroon government army soldiers were ready to wipe out the Southern Cameroons Self Defense Forces.

The Biya Francophone regime is taking advantage of the noise, toxicity, scamming, blackmail, hate and smears that are all making room for many weak minded Southern Cameroonians to be victims to French Cameroun temptations as they see hopelessness and uncertainty in and within the revolution.

Three weeks ago, Cameroon Intelligence Report, citing local sources, reported that a French Cameroun military convoy had entered the Lebialem County.

By Sama Ernest

Military plane crash in Sudan’s West Darfur leaves 18 dead

3, January 2020

Military plane crash in Sudan’s West Darfur leaves 18 dead 0

A military transport plane crashed on Thursday after taking off from an airport in Sudan’s West Darfur, killing 18 people on board, according to the military.

The Antonov 12 plane crashed five minutes after taking off from al-Geneina, killing its crew of seven as well as three judges and eight other civilians, including four children, the statement said.

The cause of the crash is being investigated.

Al-Geneina, which is the capital of West Darfur and lies close to Sudan’s border with Chad, has seen deadly clashes between ethnic groups in recent days.

There is a heavy military presence around the city, which has received security reinforcements and visits by senior officials this week. 

(Source: Reuters)

Pope’s bodyguards criticised over slapping incident

2, January 2020

Pope’s bodyguards criticised over slapping incident 0

Pope Francis’s attempt to wrest himself from the grasp of an ardent follower this week have left some asking — where was the pontiff’s security detail?

Often dubbed the “People’s Pope,” Francis’s ability to engage with crowds — and his apparent relish in doing so — puts him in close proximity with the throngs who gather to greet him.

Whether taking selfies with the faithful, shaking hands, or blessing children, the head of 1.3 billion Catholics around the world is protected by bodyguards from a special corps charged with the pope’s security.

But on New Year’s Eve in Saint Peter’s Square, televised images showed a woman behind a barricade grabbing Francis’s hand, while three men in black can be seen in the background.

The Pope swats at the woman’s hand to free himself, before one of the men is seen restraining her hands. Francis later apologised for setting a “bad example.”

By Thursday, after the images circulated online, some people took to Twitter to question how the incident could have happened.

“The guy has a literal army to protect him and has to do his own slapping?” asked one Twitter user.

Another commented: “The Pope has a very lax security detail.”

The Vatican’s security department declined to comment.

One security expert however said bodyguards should have intervened earlier.

“It’s the Pope’s security team who should be apologising,” said the founder of Italy’s elite special police interventions unit, whose identity is protected but who goes by the name Commandant Alfa.

“The lady wouldn’t let go of the Pope’s hand, and he was forced to slap her hand a little bit in order to get out of the way,” Alfa told the AGI news agency. “But it shouldn’t have gotten to that point.”

The pope’s chief bodyguard and head of Vatican security, Domenico Giani, resigned in October after an internal security memo related to a Vatican financial probe was leaked to the press.

– Personal style –

Papal security became a top priority at the Vatican after the 1981 assassination attempt of pope Jean Paul II by Mehmet Ali Agca, a Turk, in Saint Peter’s Square. Heightened security measures that followed included making the Popemobile bulletproof and the addition of metal detectors on entering the square.

But even overly enthusiastic fans have posed security risks. In 2009, before a Christmas Eve Mass given by then pope Benedict XVI, a woman who later said she wanted to give the pontiff a hug jumped over a barricade and grabbed his robes, pulling the 82-year-old to the ground. Benedict was not injured but a French cardinal broke his leg in the melee.

When Francis became pope in 2013, his low-key style and desire to bring the Roman Catholic Church closer to the people posed new headaches for the Vatican’s elaborate security team, whose colourful Swiss Guards are the most visible members.

“You have to respect the personal style of each pope,” said Francis’s spokesman at the time, Federico Lombardi.

“It’s not for the heads of security to decide these things.”

Source: AFP

Cameroonian Albino mocked by people who believed she was ‘cursed’ becomes model

2, January 2020

Cameroonian Albino mocked by people who believed she was ‘cursed’ becomes model 0

An albino woman taunted because of her skin has defied negative comments from people who believed she was ‘cursed’ by becoming a model.

Christelle Mengue, 29, was born in Cameroon, Africa but raised in Paris, France as her family decided it was best for her safety to live with family there because people believed she was ‘cursed’ by a witch.

But the big move didn’t make it any easier for Christelle because she felt rejected by both the black and white communities.

She spent her teenage years dying her hair and wearing dark make up to mask her white skin after being mocked by bullies.

But she’s now signed with Models of Diversity – who campaign for greater diversity of modelling talent on the catwalk – and acts as an advocate for others with albinism and embraces her skin.      

Christelle, 29, was taunted because of her skin (Image: Caters News Agency)

Christelle, who lives in Sutton, Surrey said: “When I was younger, I knew I was different, but I had no idea why – even when I grew up in a white community in France, I didn’t feel accepted.

“I have six brothers, but I am the only one with albinism – perhaps one of my ancestors has it.

“In Cameroon, my family accepted me but the other people in my country thought I was cursed.

“Medics said I was disabled because of my condition because of the lack of melanin.

“My parents decided it would be best for me to live with my family in France, so I moved for a better life when I was five-years-old.

Christelle as a child with her brother (Image: Caters News Agency)

“Throughout my time at school, I was constantly taunted because of my skin, the kids would say I call me ugly, weird or a ghost.

“It got harder when I grew into my teens as the other girls started getting boyfriends and I was always the odd one out.

“I started dying my hair darker and wearing weaves along with putting dark foundation on so I would be accepted as a mixed-race girl.

“I suffered with low self esteem and had no confidence, but I eventually got sick of hiding – my hair was damaged from the dye and the makeup wasn’t my shade.”

At 19-years-old, Christelle was scouted by a French modelling agency and her whole outlook on albinism started to change over time.

Christelle as a baby with her brothers (Image: Caters News Agency)

She adds: “I grew up without a role model and I never seen anyone like me on TV or in a magazine.

“I had no idea what albinism even was so I took matters into my own hands and began researching and realised I am not the only one.

“People had very low knowledge of that condition .

“I was just starting doing research about my identity. I  wasn’t till I was 23-years-old that I was fully able to define myself as an albino and explain that condition to others.

“It doesn’t affect my brain and I am just like anyone else.

“For my first shoot, I looked back at the photos and realised I didn’t look that bad on photos and began to embrace my skin.

Now ten years on, Christelle features in Models of Diversity’s 2020 calendar.

She said: “I used to say I was a light skin mixed race girl but now I couldn’t be prouder of who I am.

“I want more people like me to step out of their comfort zones and become role models for others with albinism.

“I am sharing my story to promote diversity – I hope other people see the calendar and realise anything is possible.”

Source: Mirror.co.uk

Ambazonia Crisis: Understanding General Nyambere and Success Nkongho

2, January 2020

Ambazonia Crisis: Understanding General Nyambere and Success Nkongho 0

The video of Success Nkongho and Nyambere’s schemes with the terrorist genocidal regime of Paul Biya, should be watched very carefully to gather intelligence, away from emotional rants and reactions. When I watched people like this in action, I put on my clinical forensic professional cap and listen and watch very carefully. For instance, Nyambere is very scared and very uncertain of himself. He might have genuinely joined the fight initially without full assessments. Part of him being where he is today is a reflection of the state of the revolution and the ways in which it is being managed. The noise, the toxicity, the scamming, the blackmail, the hate, the smears, are all making room for some weak minded people to be victims to temptations and to reassess their future when they see hopelessness and uncertainty in and within the revolution.

 As for the man Success Nkongho, he is a seasoned scammer, conman, a fake and a thief. He knows the risks he is taking because he has been down this lane before many times. People like him work on the pleasures of instant gratification. As he is there he knows that he is a target of both Ambazonia and terrorist la republique. He knows la republique is using him and he can even be killed by them once they get all they want from him. He will work very quickly to outsmart them and get as much from them before they get him. As for the dangers of his betrayal to Ambazonia, he has that at the back of his head and eventually he will have a good plan for that if the Ambazonians dont get to him before he is able to work out a good plan. The danger he faces is that his current betrayal is in Plainview for all to see. He may have taken too much for even the blind to see. In the views of C. Achebe, he steals so much so that he has stolen the walking stick of the blind man to make magic to be richer.

One point or information on intelligence Nyambere gave away is the fact that la republique is sending spies into the refugee camps to misinform and recruit or convince our people. That is a very significant piece of information. Unfortunately we have allowed ourselves and our revolution to fall victims to a leadership system where those who say they are leaders can bask in the glories of any inch of inroads or success registered by our brave ones on the ground but do not take any responsibilities for theirs deaths, their increased exposure to risks, their wellbeing and for creating an atmosphere where fighters like Nyambere can even dare to use as excuses to justify doing what he has just done. It is because of the rogue and visionless leadership that we enable to be part of this revolution,  that the revolution is fast becoming a basking ground and comfortable haven for criminals, borderline civilized village champions and adventurers.

By Christmas Ebini

Football: Andre Onana says top clubs snubbed him because of his skin colour

2, January 2020

Football: Andre Onana says top clubs snubbed him because of his skin colour 0

Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana says he has been overlooked by top clubs because he is black.

The 23-year-old is currently in his fourth season with the Eredivisie giants, and has established himself as Cameroon’s No.1 in the past two years.

Onana joined the Barcelona academy in 2010 having come through Samuel Eto’o’s Foundation in his native Cameroon, before linking up with Ajax in 2015.

He enjoyed a breakout season in 2016/17 when he played 46 times as he helped Ajax reach the Europa League final, where they lost 2-0 to Manchester United in Stockholm.

And he says that it was after that season when he was first approached by one of Europe’s elite clubs, only to be told that the colour of his skin could hinder his chances of a transfer.

Onana


Repatriation of Southern Cameroons refugees in Nigeria underway

2, January 2020

Repatriation of Southern Cameroons refugees in Nigeria underway 0

Cameroon’s Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji said Tuesday that the repatriation of some 700 Cameroonian refugees in Nigeria is underway.

The first batch of the refugees arrived in Cameroon on Tuesday afternoon. Among the 87 refugees were ex-separatists including key leaders popularly known as General Nambere and General Nkongho, who had surrendered their arms.

“We have come home, and we wish to say please kindly give us another chance,” Nkongho told reporters upon arrival at the Nsimalen International Airport in the capital Yaounde.

“I think it’s time for other Cameroonians to say no to fighting,” Nambere said.

According to the United Nations, as of July 2019, nearly 40,000 Cameroonians are seeking refuge in Nigeria following clashes between separatists and government forces in the two English-speaking regions of the country.

Source: Xinhuanet

World leaders call for courage, efforts to make 2020 a better year

2, January 2020

World leaders call for courage, efforts to make 2020 a better year 0

In their New Year messages, leaders of various countries have called for courage and efforts to make 2020 a better year, and overcome challenges as we enter a new decade.

In a New Year speech delivered on Tuesday evening, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to achieve the first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects for China in the “milestone” year.

Xi stressed the year as “crucial in winning the anti-poverty battle” in China, and voiced the hope for a prosperous and stable Hong Kong. “We are not afraid of winds and rains, or any kind of difficulties,” said the Chinese president.

Xi reiterated China’s commitment to peaceful development, world peace and common development, saying “we stand ready to join hands with people around the world to actively build the Belt and Road, push for the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, and work tirelessly to create a better future for humanity.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his New Year message for the Russian people: “We are living in turbulent, dynamic and contradictory times, but we can and must do everything for Russia to develop successfully, so that everything in our lives changes only for the better.”

He called for unity and concerted efforts by the Russian people, noting “our personal plans and dreams are inseparable from Russia.”

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in her New Year’s Eve address, appealed for courage and confidence of the German people to meet the challenges of the new decade.

She emphasized the need to halt climate change, a “real” threat. The younger generation will have to live with the consequences of climate change if politicians do not act, Merkel said, adding that she will do her utmost to ensure that Germany “makes its contribution ecologically, economically, socially” to get the issue under control.

In the New Year’s Eve address broadcast live on Tuesday evening, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to push through the government’s pension reform plan, which was met with union-led national strikes in December.

“The pension reform will be fully carried out,” said Macron, adding he hopes to quickly find a compromise with unions.

The promise to take Britain out of the European Union by the end of January was reaffirmed, and national efforts to usher in a remarkable decade of prosperity and opportunity were urged by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in his first New Year message at 10 Downing Street.

“The first item on my agenda is to fulfil the will of the electorate and take us out of the European Union,” said Johnson. “We can start a new chapter in the history of our country, in which we come together and move forward united, unleashing the enormous potential of the British people.”

For 2020, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in his New Year’s statement on Wednesday made reforms a priority for his government, including creating a social security system that can help people live in a more carefree manner.

Abe also expressed his hope for a successful execution of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics to be held this summer, saying he hopes the games will be a wonderful event that will excite children and let them have dreams for the future.

When sending New Year greetings via social networks on Tuesday, Chile’s President Sebastian Pinera described 2019 as a difficult year for the South American country, which has since mid-October suffered widespread anti-government protests fueled by anger over social troubles.

“But it left us valuable lessons and opportunities so that together we can build a better Chile for all,” he said, adding that the new year is a good time to make balances and projections and work to heal the wounds of the country.

In his end-of-year address to the nation Tuesday evening, Cameroon’s President Paul Biya vowed to continue fighting armed separatists in the central African country, saying the separatists pose “one of the most urgent problems.”

Meanwhile, he said new legislations on greater autonomy to local communities and bilingual and multicultural practices are paving the way for a new Cameroon that is “adapted to present times and looks to the future.”

Zambia’s President Edgar Lungu in his New Year address broadcast on state television on Tuesday described 2019 as “a very challenging year” with extreme weather greatly affecting agricultural production and electricity generation.

He said his government has made plans to get the landlocked central African country out of a harsh economic situation, and pledged the continued empowerment of women in national development.

Source: Xinhuanet

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