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22, March 2019

Voodoo Economics: Biya regime aims for a CFA 60 billion Ecobank loan to fund its 3-year Emergency Plan ⁰

Cameroonian President Paul Biya inked March 19, 2019 a decree authorizing the finance minister to conclude with Ecoank Cameroon a XAF25 to 60 billion loan agreement.

Monies will partially fund the 3-year Growth Acceleration Emergency Plan (Planut), adopted by the government in December 2014. The plan requires a capital of XAF925 billion.

Focus sectors include agriculture (seed distribution and opening of agricultural roads), health (improving technical capacities of certain hospitals), real estate (construction of 1000 social housing units across the country) and road infrastructure. Overall, 35,000 jobs are expected to be created under the scheme.

Planut is co-financed by five banks including the Cameroonian subsidiaries of BGFI, Standard Chartered Bank, Banque Atlantique, Ecobank and Deutsche Bank of Madrid.

Source: Business in Cameroon

21, March 2019

Champions Cameroon among 21 teams seeking Cup of Nations places ⁰

Defending champions Cameroon are among 21 countries hoping to fill one of 10 places up for grabs this weekend in the final 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Indomitable Lions will be among the 24 finalists in Egypt this June provided they avoid defeat at home against the Comoros in Yaounde.

Other hopefuls include South Africa and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang-captained Gabon while Burundi, the Gambia, Lesotho and the Comoros dream of qualifying for the first time.

AFP Sport assesses the eight groups where places are on the line ahead of the first Cup of Nations to feature 24 teams and the first in the modern era to be staged in mid-year.

Group B

Cameroon coach and former Dutch star Clarence Seedorf has lamented a poor goal return — three in five qualifiers — and he will lack suspended Karl Toko Ekambi.

The Villarreal striker, who scored twice in La Liga last weekend, is suspended and an injury rules out fellow attacker Vincent Aboubakar.

Only a win will suffice for the Comoros and they will lack suspended El Fardou Ben Nabouhane, their chief source of goals.

Group C

Gabon must win in Bujumbura to prevent Burundi creating history and the return of Arsenal star Aubameyang is a timely boost for the underperforming Panthers.

Last year, he refused to visit South Sudan because of unhappiness with the condition of the chartered plane and injury ruled him out of the next qualifier, a home loss to Mali.

Aubameyang managed only one goal in other qualifiers while his Burundi equivalent, Abdul Razak Fiston, has netted six times.

Group D

Benin, Togo and the Gambia have varying chances of joining already-qualified Algeria at the biennial African football showcase.

The Gambians face a near-impossible task as they would have to win in Algeria and hope Benin and Togo draw 48 hours later.

A likelier scenario is Benin and Togo slugging it out in Cotonou with the home team needing a draw while the visitors, who may include veteran Emmanuel Adebayor, must win.

Group E

Three-time champions Nigeria are already through, leaving perennial underachievers South Africa and Libya to scrap for second place.

A draw will suffice for South Africa, who started with a shock away win over Nigeria before a draw in the Seychelles against a team including a pastry chef set them back.

Workmanlike Libya have to win and a stunning midweek win for their Olympic team over Nigeria has boosted morale.

Group G

Leaders Zimbabwe, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and bottom-place Congo Brazzaville are all contenders for two places.

Zimbabwe and DR Congo have home advantage over generally poor travellers Congo and Liberia respectively and victories will ensure qualification.

Khama Billiat is set to be an attacking threat for Zimbabwe while the Congolese hope the pace of Yannick Bolasie and stealth of Cedric Bakambu can cause damage.

Group I

Angola hold a two-point advantage over Burkina Faso in an intriguing two-team chase to join first-time qualifiers Mauritania.

The Angolans, whose winger Geraldo can unlock the tightest defences, are away to poorly performing Botswana and a win guarantees qualification.

But if they slip, 2017 Cup of Nations bronze medallists Burkina Faso can squeeze through by winning at home against Mauritania.

Group K

Traditional African football minnows Guinea-Bissau can make back-to-back Cup of Nations appearances provided they do not lose at home against Mozambique.

Namibia, away to already-eliminated Zambia, will also go to Egypt provided Guinea-Bissau do not lose.

The section was expected to be won by 2012 champions Zambia, but three losses eliminated the Chipolopolo (Copper Bullets) and cost Belgian coach Sven Vandenbroeck his job.

Group L

Uganda have booked their passage to the finals with an unbeaten record and outstanding veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango has kept five clean sheets.

Lesotho lie second despite only one win and three goals from five outings and victory in Cape Verde will take the Crocodiles to the finals for the first time.

If Cape Verde triumph, they will qualify unless unpredictable Tanzania obtain maximum points at home to Uganda in an east Africa showdown.

Star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who hopes to lead Gabon to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals this weekend, celebrates scoring for Arsenal

AFP

21, March 2019

Southern Cameroons Crisis: 38 Countries Call For Dialogue ⁰

The UK expressed its deep concern about the deteriorating human rights situation in North-West & South-West Cameroon, due to high levels of violence, and called on Cameroon to engage fully with OHCHR.

Thank you Mr Vice-President

I am delivering this statement on behalf of 38 countries.

Technical assistance from the international community can support partner nations to ensure the protection and realization of human rights across a range of contexts. In Cameroon, we encourage the Government to accept offers of assistance from regional and international partners to prevent further erosion of the human rights of those living in the North-West and South-West of Cameroon, resulting from the conflict between armed separatists and the Government of Cameroon.

We are deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in the North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon, marked by human rights abuses and violations and high levels of violence including a recent attack on a hospital. There are concerning reports of armed separatists committing kidnaps for ransom, killing non-collaborators, burning schools and committing acts of sexual violence. There are concerning reports of security forces burning villages, shooting unarmed civilians and committing acts of sexual violence.

We call on all actors to end this cycle of violence. The humanitarian impact is worsening, and has led to over 1,000, mostly civilian, deaths, since September 2016. It has displaced 437,000 people from their homes and forced over 32,000 to seek refuge in neighboring countries. We call on all sides to ensure safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access to the affected population.

Taking note of Cameroon’s previous positive engagement with the UN, regional and multilateral organizations, and as a member of the Human Rights Council, we urge Cameroon to work alongside the international community, including with regional partners, to ensure prompt and thorough investigation of all violations and abuses. We stand ready to offer assistance in this regard.

Moreover, an inclusive political dialogue to address the root causes of the crisis is essentiale. As a first step, the Government of Cameroon could build confidence towards dialogue and reconciliation by ensuring the timely, fair trial or release of political detainees, and initiating a meaningful dialogue with the participation of all sectors of society, in particular women, the youth and representatives of religious communities.

Mr Vice-President,

We encourage the Government of Cameroon to accept coordinated offers of international technical assistance and cooperation. This includes the offer of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to conduct an urgent assessment mission to the North-West and South-West regions, and engaging with any future regional led initiatives to find a path towards peace and reconciliation.

We remain committed to dialogue and look forward to bilateral, regional and international cooperation in this regard.

21, March 2019

Hundreds of Trucks Blocked on Cameroon-CAR Border ⁰

Hundreds of trucks transporting food and humanitarian assistance to the Central African Republic are blocked at the border with Cameroon, as rebels have cut off the road to the capital, Bangui. The rebels acted to protest the president’s new cabinet, which they say is not being representative enough.

Among the 230 trucks and more than 500 drivers stranded in Garoua Boulay was Kum Aki, 54, who was transporting rice, maize and vegetable oil to the troubled CAR. He said most of the drivers had exhausted their $200 to $400 allowances they were given to cover the distance within a maximum of 10 days.

Expenses mount

“We are almost about 10 days here. … You have eaten, you have paid hotel bills and all this. So now we are short of money,” he said.

Alex Nseumen, president of the CAR transport trade union, said he crossed the border but was asked to return.

He said that when he crossed the border, he was told that CAR rebels had blocked the road at Nzokombo, 14 kilometers from the town of Garoua Boulay. He said he was expecting his boss to send additional funds so he could take care of himself and the assistant driver.

Garoua Boulay residents have complained of the mass movement of panic-stricken CAR residents across the border, expressing concern it may escalate.

In a crisis meeting Monday, Laurence Diyem Jam, the highest-ranking government official in Garoua Boulay, assured the population of their safety and said the military was controlling the border.

El Hadj Oumarou, Cameroon coordinator of the land freight transportation bureau, offers encouragement to stranded drivers in Garoua Boulay, March 19, 2019. (M.E. Kindzeka/VOA)

El Hadj Oumarou, Cameroon coordinator of the land freight transportation bureau, visited the drivers and thanked the government of Cameroon for assuring their safety.

He said he was very happy that the government had secured the trucks, goods and lives of the stranded drivers despite the tension their presence is causing in Garoua Boulay. He said they had not documented any incidents that would be a threat to anyone’s life.

Officials of Cameroon's land freight transportation bureau visit stranded drivers in Garoua Boulay, March 19, 2019. (M.E. Kindzeka/VOA) — Officials of Cameroon’s land freight transportation bureau visit stranded drivers in Garoua Boulay, March 19, 2019. (M.E. Kindzeka/VOA)

Landlocked CAR depends on Cameroon’s Douala seaport for about 95 percent of its supplies.

Etienne Mbonjo, director of Catholic Church Health Services in CAR, said patients might begin to suffer soon, if drugs meant for Bangui remained in Cameroon for another week.

He said it took courage to meet the rebel groups, though negotiations failed to open the border. He said health and humanitarian needs were increasing daily and that the United Nations should take note.

CAR rebel groups accuse President Faustin-Archange Touadéra of failing to comply with a 2018 peace agreement that required a government with representatives from all armed groups. Only six of the 14 groups that signed the deal have members in the cabinet.

VOA

21, March 2019

Abducted Cameroonian coach released ⁰

The coach of Cameroonian first division club Yong Sports Academy of Bamenda, Emmanuel Ndoumbe Bosso who was kidnapped on 19 March has been released.

A club official confirmed that coach Bosso was abducted while driving to the team’s base for training.

“Coach Bosso was freed last night and is now with his family” Yong Sports spokesperson Wanchia Cynthia confirmed to BBC Sport

“There wasn’t any ransom paid and we don’t know why he was kidnapped. “We believe pressure from the fans and the media played a huge role in our coach getting released”

Bosso, who won the 2013 Cameroon Cup with Yong Sports and worked with Union Douala and Sable de Batie, has so far declined to comment on his ordeal.

Yong Sports will resume training today however it is uncertain whether coach Bosso will take charge of the session.

The club are are tied on 12 points with UMS of Loum at the top of Pool B in Cameroon aib championship after the first phase of the league

The team found in the City of Bamenda, North West is one of two English speaking regions where secessionists have been fighting government forces for 3 years in a bid for independence.

Despite kidnappings on the increase, the abduction of Bosso on Tuesday is the first time a player or football official is kidnapped.

Source: BBC

21, March 2019

US: 8-year-old Nigerian, chess champ in NYC, invited by former President ⁰

Tani, an eight-year-old Nigerian chess champion in New York, may be living in the United States as an immigrant but he could be meeting a former American president soon.

When the story of his witty exploits was shared on Twitter, the 42nd US president Bill Clinton reacted to the fact Tani had defied all odds to win his category at the New York State chess championship.

Here is a youngster who was introduced to the game a little over a year ago. “Refugees enrich our nation and talent is universal, even if opportunity is not,” the president wrote.

“This story made me smile. Tanitoluwa, you exemplify a winning spirit – in chess and in life. And kudos to your hardworking parents. You all should stop by my office in Harlem; I’d love to meet you,” he added.

Incidentally, Tani’s three-hour weekly chess practice is in Harlem whiles he practices more often on his father’s laptop.

Full name, Tanitoluwa Adewumi, the chess whiz kid, has been widely covered by international media and local portals back home. His story was first broken by a New York Times, NYT, columnist, Nicolas Kristof.

Tani, his brother and mother currently live in a New York City homeless shelter as immigrants awaiting refugee status. Their next hearing is slated for later this year.

The Adewumis – whose name denote they hail from Nigeria’s southwest according to reports arrived in the United States in 2017 having escaped Boko Haram insurgency – meaning, they must have been living in the northeast, be it Borno, Adamawa or Yobe states.

Mr Adewumi, works as a licensed real estate salesman and doubles as an Uber driver as his wife and sons await asylum request hearing scheduled for August.

The NYT piece that set Tani’s story on a media blitz was achieved after an interview with the family at their shelter in Manhattan. “I want to be the young grandmaster,” Tani told Kristof.

Whiles his biggest achievement yet is as New York State Primary Chess Champion (Top Players K – 3rd Grade), he has won a handful of trophies playing the game.

His mother Oluwatoyin Adewumi was a pillar in his love for chess having backed him in the early stages when he expressed interest in a game that was entirely new to him. Her appeal to Tani’s programme patron had his fees waived.

His patron and tutor spoke highly about Tani’s abilities and grasp of the game. Shawn Martinez his tutor said, “He is so driven. He does 10 times more chess puzzles than the average kid. He just wants to be better.”

A GoFundMetext page set up by NYT readers has far exceeded the target set. As at midday March 20 (GMT), 3,588 contributors had raised $188,253 despite the initial goal being $50,000.

Africa News

21, March 2019

London: Manyu Women To Unite For 30th Anniversary Celebration ⁰

The Manyu Women Association in London is preparing to celebrate its 30^th anniversary on Saturday the 8^th of June 2019 and hopes that with it will come a new beginning for the entire Manyu community in the United Kingdom. The event promises to be an amazing cultural experience with performances by the renowned V12 De London, a live band, Monikem masquerade and dancing.

Manyu Women London UK, a cultural organization that promotes the core values of the Manyu people is a none profit organization run by volunteers who deliver its objectives. Through its monthly meetings and events, it connects a community of Manyu ladies in the Diaspora, educating them on the importance of tradition, language, food, history and Manyu tribe culture.

Speaking to Cameroon Concord News Group ahead of this year’s celebrations, Olivia Nyamsi, Executive chair observed that: “We want to ensure that Internally Displaced Persons who are victims of the ongoing crisis in Cameroon are at the forefront of our activities.”

Part of the strategy to reignite an interest in the Manyu culture will be the presentation of the Monikem Dance-the first of its kind in London. The 30^th anniversary celebration will also be graced by other Manyu Women’s organizations all over the world including the famous Manyu Daughters Heritage in the Irish Republic.

The celebration that will be hosted at the Petchey Academy Shacklewell Lane, London E8 2EY will be a very culturally based event, linking several Cameroonian communities together. Cameroonian delicacies including delicious foo foo and eru, ndole, roast meat and fish dishes will be served throughout the evening.

All attendees are encouraged to wear African native and traditional attire for what is expected to be a fantastic opportunity to experience a celebration of the rich Manyu culture in London.

By Soter Agbaw-Ebai

20, March 2019

Southern Cameroons Crisis: Atanga Nji thugs kidnap University of Buea students ⁰

Some 15 University of Buea students have been kidnapped by gunmen armed by the Minister of Territorial Administration. The group of thugs has been armed by the government to discredit Southern Cameroonian fighters who have been protecting the civilian population which is being decimated by government troops.

The kidnappers, most of whom are desperate for money and are from poor families, have been hired by the government’s territorial administration minister to do as much as they can to discredit the Southern Cameroons rebellion that aims at bringing total independence to the indigenous people of Southern Cameroons.

A source close to the group has hinted that the gunmen are being used by the government to give Southern Cameroonian fighters a very bad name. He added that the U.S. Undersecretary of State for African Affairs’ visit to Cameroon has left the government with a black eye as Americans are urging Mr. Biya to quit office so as to bring back peace to the troubled country.

The kidnappers, according to the source, say by committing such acts, the government will be able to prove to Americans and some of its allies that it is dealing with terrorists who are intent on destroying the country.

The source however said that some of the kidnappers are prepared to come clean, but are scared of the government, especially Atanga Nji who may retaliate.

The Cameroon Concord News Group Chairperson, Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai, promises to provide details on the situation, especially as Kingsley Betek is already on the ground to have firsthand information on the atrocities being committed by government agents in the southwest region of Cameroon. Stay tuned for Kingsley Betek’s detailed report as promised by the Group Chairman.

20, March 2019

Southern Cameroons Crisis: President Trump’s message hits Biya like a ton of bricks ⁰

The messages delivered by the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Tibor Nagy, to Cameroon’s President, Paul Biya, on Monday have hit the Cameroon strong man like a ton of bricks. The true meaning of the messages is sinking and it is becoming clearer that he is losing his staunchest supporter, France, which is already looking for a replacement for the ailing 86-year-old president who has ruled his country for almost 37 years.

While some of the messages were clearly expressed, some were coded and required time for analysis. The most coded was the picture that the straight-talking American gave to Mr. Biya. The picture of Mr. Biya and late president George Bush Senior was taken in 1991. While Mr. Bush left power a long time ago, Mr. Biya has hanged on to power for many decades and has no plan to leave power.

Americans want him out and there is no better way to let him know that he has overstayed his welcome than by letting him know that his contemporaries are all gone. Sources at the Unity Palace say the 86-year-old Biya is fuming and is losing sleep as his allies are already walking away from him.

Even France is reducing contact with the dictator who is now considered by the French as more of a liability than an asset. The French are gradually coming to terms with the fact that they might lose their influence in Cameroon if they continue to count on Mr. Biya as the only person who is capable of protecting their interest.

Over the last week, the French have been urging Mr. Biya to change course and embrace dialogue in order to address the multiple issues facing the country, especially the Southern Cameroons crisis that has gained international attention for things to return to normal while they continue their search for a new strategy to keep their influence in Cameroon.

Mr. Biya is at his wit’s end. He remembers what happened to President Mobutu of Zaire and he knows that if he does not listen to the Americans, he might incur their wrath. The American ambassador in Yaounde had urged Mr. Biya to think about his legacy in 2018, but the sit-tight leader did not heed the ambassador’s advice.

With the message coming in a different form and from a higher authority in the State Department, Mr. Biya might want to consider his options. Though the meeting between the U.S. diplomat and president Biya was friendly, there were still some rough edges which left the Yaounde strong man ruffled.

During Mr. Biya’s meeting with the U.S. diplomat on Monday, the American urged the president to embrace the frank and inclusive dialogue proposed by the international community, adding that Southern Cameroonians only wanted to be considered as normal citizens of Cameroon and that they would never accept the second-class citizenship the country had imposed on them.

He said that the US administration was closely monitoring events in Cameroon, pointing out that only dialogue could put an end to the crisis in the country. Mr. Nagy also stressed that the route taken by the government to end the crisis was unnecessary and that the loss of human life and property was a clear indication of a disproportionate use of force by the government.

Mr. Nagy also said America would encourage the country to pursue other forms of government that might reduce tensions in the country, adding that Donald Trump’s administration was ready and willing to lend a hand in the development of a truly federal system in Cameroon, a message that had also been sent to the Cameroon government by the Canadian embassy in Yaounde.

Canada, it should be underscored, has significant experience in the handling of minority issues and is very willing to bring that experience to Cameroon so as to enable the two linguistic groups that make up the country to live in peace.

Mr. Nagy used the occasion to remind Mr. Biya that Cameroon was a major American ally in the region, stressing that chaos in Cameroon could spill over to other countries and this could result in disorder that might disrupt life in the entire region.

He hailed Cameroon’s economic potential, adding that the country was blessed with abundant human and natural resources that could be used to bring about shared prosperity and wealth, but for this to happen, there must be peace and justice.

Speaking to journalists after his meeting with President Paul Biya, the American diplomat said diplomatic discussions were always confidential, but added that his discussion with Mr. Biya was frank and direct. A statement which has made sources close to the government to hold that Mr. Biya has been delivered a tough message which he has to take seriously or face destabilization from the frustrated American administration.

Mr. Nagy however said he appreciated Mr. Biya’s wisdom, adding that the United States and Cameroon had much in common and that he would like to bring many American investors to Cameroon so as to create opportunities for the country’s youths.

He said America wanted the best for Cameroon, stressing that he would like young Cameroonians to have the best jobs possible, but that would require peace in the country.

By Linda Embi in Yaounde

20, March 2019

Top-flight coach abducted in Bamenda ⁰

The coach of Cameroonian top-flight club Yong Sports Academy of Bamenda, Emmanuel Ndoumbe Bosso, has been kidnapped by unidentified gunmen

Bosso, who won the Cameroon Cup in 2013 with the team, was taken hostage as he headed to a training session at the club’s stadium.

“Coach Ndoumbe Bosso is loved here in Bamenda and we don’t think anyone will want to hurt him” club chairman Yong Jacques told BBC Sport.

“We’ve called off the two training sessions billed for today and the club is working closely with all interested parties to make sure that our coach is safe”

The club confirmed they have not been contacted with demands for a ransom as yet.

Yong Sports Academy are based in the city of Bamenda, which is in one of the two English speaking regions in Cameroon, where secessionists have been fighting government forces for almost three years in a bid for independence.

Despite kidnappings in the region increasing in recent months this is the first time a football official has been abducted.

Yong Sports Academy are tied on 12 points with UMS of Loum at the top of Pool B in Cameroon’s championship after the first phase of the league.

As an assistant coach he won the Cameroon Cup in 1997 with Union of Douala before wining leading Sable de Batie to the Cameroonian title two years later.

BBC