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20, January 2019

French Cameroun Politics: Biya “concerned” over growing insecurity in Ambazonia and Adamawa ⁰

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya said on Friday he was “very” concerned about rising insecurity in the two English-speaking regions and in its mountainous Adamawa region. He pledged efforts to restore peace.

In the Adamawa region, “shepherds are victims of criminal groups specialized in kidnappings with ransom demands,” Biya said while presiding over the graduation ceremony of the Combined Services Military Academy in the capital, Yaounde.

“The situation in the Northwest and Southwest is and remains at the center of my concerns. The armed groups have in recent months engaged in killing spree. The populations are the main victims of these groups,” Biya added.

The president raised the concerns amid increasing calls across the country for peace and stability to be restored in the aforementioned regions.

“I will spare no effort to ensure that this legitimate aspiration to peace is realized. I reiterate my appeal to our young people who have let themselves be dragged into a dead end to return to the right track,” Biya said.

Local authorities said last week Adamawa region was going through its “worst moments” in history with about 150 cases of kidnapping recorded in the region last year.

In the two English-speaking regions of Northwest and Southwest of the largely French-speaking African country, armed separatists have been clashing with government forces to create a nation called “Ambazonia.”

Xinhuanet

19, January 2019

Did Southern Cameroons ever achieve independence by joining French Cameroun? ⁰

A review of UN General Assembly resolutions and other international legal principles regarding the right to self-determination shows incontrovertibly that Southern Cameroons became independent in 1961, but has since been recolonized and occupied by French Cameroun. The ongoing struggle to restore Southern Cameroons independence is therefore consistent with International Law, including the right to self-determination. The right to separate from La Republique du Cameroun is laid out under Principles VII and VIII of UNGA Resolution 1541 of December 15, 1960.

Besides, the obligation imposed by the UN that Southern Cameroons should obtain “independence by joining” either Nigeria or French Cameroun violated Article 76(b) of the UN Charter, and UNGA Resolution 1541; both of which reaffirm independence as the inherent and inalienable right of all colonies and Trust Territories.

So, when La Republique du Cameroun says Southern Cameroons is an integral part of its territory because they have been administered jointly for 57 years is lame and ridiculous. We remember that Ukraine and Russia separated despite sharing over 1,000 years of common history. Also, Southern Cameroons broke away from Nigeria in 1953 despite sharing 44 years of common history. Even if La Republique claims Southern Cameroons is only two of its ten regions, it cannot forget that Eritrea used to be the only Red Sea province of Ethiopia. That did not stop Eritrea from gaining independence.

Ambazonians are not buying the decentralization that Biya is selling as tangible reform under the 1996 Constitution because even regional autonomy makes the wrong assumption that Southern Cameroons is part of French Cameroun and not an illegally occupied and recolonized territory. It is a pity that the 85 year old President Biya misread Anglophone public opinion and chose to stand on the wrong side of history.

19, January 2019

Warwick Law School speaks of Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute ⁰

Warwick Law School postgraduate alumnus Joseph Dion Ngute has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of Cameroon. Dion Ngute took office on 5 January 2019, replacing Philemon Yang, the country’s longest-serving Prime Minister.

Dion Ngute has served in the Cameroonian government since 1997, including positions at the Ministry of External Relations and at the Presidency of the Republic, and he has represented Cameroon on both the UN Human Rights Council and the African Commission for Human and People’s Rights.

Dion Ngute came to Warwick in 1978 to research a PhD on comparative contract law under Jill Cottrell, which was awarded in 1982. His thesis, entitled “Standardized Contracts in a Bi-jural State: the United Republic of Cameroon”, is available to read online at the Warwick Research Archive Portal

19, January 2019

CAF club clash abandoned at possible Cup of Nations venue ⁰

A CAF Champions League match was abandoned Friday over crowd trouble in an Egyptian stadium likely to be one of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations venues. The Cameroonian referee halted a match between hosts Ismaily and Tunisian opponents Club Africain in stoppage time after sections of the crowd hurled bottles on the pitch.

There had been a number of crowd-related stoppages at the Ismailia Stadium before the premature end to the Group C clash of former champions in which Africain were leading 2-1. Egypt were chosen this month as replacement Cup of Nations hosts after original choice Cameroon fell behind with preparations and there were also security concerns.

While Egyptian football has a history of crowd disturbances, they usually involve one of the two most popular clubs, Al Ahly and Zamalek, who are both based in Cairo. Ismaily, who lost their first group match last weekend, took an early lead when Namibian Benson Shilongo converted a low cross.

But Ghazi Ayadi converted two penalties late in the opening half to turn the game in favour of Club Africain, also matchday 1 losers. The second spot-kick infuriated the crowd as the referee initially awarded a free-kick before altering his decision after consulting with an assistant.

Ismaily supporters became increasingly angry as the second half progressed and an assistant referee had to abandon his position with five minutes left after objects were flung at him. With pleas for calm from the coaching staff of the Egyptian club being ignored, the referee called the match off in additional time.

CS Constantine from Algeria host leaders TP Mazembe from the Democratic Republic of Congo Saturday in the other Group C fixture.

– Khenissi brace –

A Karim Walid goal on 85 minutes earned record eight-time African champions Al Ahly a 1-1 draw away to group newcomers JS Saoura of Algeria in Bechar. Sid Ali Yahia-Cherif had put the local club ahead just before the hour in the western city near the border with Morocco.

Ahly top Group D with four points, but could be overtaken by Simba SC Saturday if the Tanzanian outfit avoid defeat away to V Club from DR Congo. Taha Yassine Khenissi bagged a brace as defending champions Esperance from Tunisia overcame limited FC Platinum from Zimbabwe 2-0 in Group B in an empty Tunis stadium.

The crowd ban followed trouble during both the semi-finals and final last year, including the stoning of the bus carrying Ahly to the stadium for the second leg of the title decider. Khenissi, a shock nomination for the 2018 African Player of the Year award having failed to score a single CAF goal last year, netted after 24 and 56 minutes.

Orlando Pirates from South Africa lead Esperance on goal difference after a surprisingly comfortable 3-0 victory over Horoya from Guinea in Soweto. Horoya, who held SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns in African group matches near Pretoria during the past two years, were unlucky to only draw with Esperance last weekend.

But the form that enabled them to dominate the trophy-holders was not evident and Zambian Justin Shonga netted twice in the second half after Thembinkosi Lorch opened the scoring. A further four matchday 2 fixtures are scheduled for Saturday with the clash of the 2016 and 2017 champions, Sundowns and Wydad Casablanca from Morocco, near Pretoria the highlight.

AFP

19, January 2019

Douala International Airport embarks on new solar scheme ⁰

A new ground-mounted 1.2MW solar installation at Cameroon’s Douala International Airport has been put into operation to help reduce the CO2 emissions produced by aircraft during ground operations. Aircraft currently use jet fuel based auxiliary power units (APUs) or diesel-driven ground power units (GPUs) to provide pre-conditioned air and electricity to aircraft during ground operations.

Though its new solar installation, Douala Airport will now be eliminating at least 2,575 tonnes of CO2 from over 5,100 flights annually, based on the more than 5.5 million kWh per year it is projected to generate. As a demonstration of its engagement to the project, the Government of Cameroon funded the purchase of airport gate electric equipment to be connected by the newly installed solar park.

Simulation is a key assessment technique in air traffic control used for training programs and for the validation of new concepts. Jean Ernest Massena Ngalle Bibehe, Minister of Transport of Cameroon, said: “With this solar facility at Douala International Airport, Cameroon advances the modernisation of its energy sector by using renewable energy to reduce green-house gases emissions and protect the environment. The Government of Cameroon is determined to continuing the implementation of tangible actions for a more sustainable aviation.”

Jane Hupe, ICAO Deputy Director Environment, said: “Sustainable development and climate change continue to be critical issues for the international community, and this latest commitment by Cameroon is a great example of the concrete actions which can be implemented as part of a broader air transport environmental strategy. ICAO expects to see many other countries replicating these cost effective and emissions reducing solar-at-gate solutions.”

The new “Solar-at-Gate” pilot project is the third such initiative implemented by ICAO, and the second to be realised in Africa following on recent installations in Jamaica and Kenya. The installations are part of a longer-term Capacity Building for CO2 Mitigation from International Aviation assistance programme which ICAO has been carrying out, with funding support from the European Union. It provides direct assistance to 12 African and two Caribbean region States.

Mr. Steven Rault, Chief of Programmes of the EU Delegation in Cameroon, commented: “The construction of the solar photovoltaic system at Douala International Airport shows the results achieved by the ICAO-EU partnership on the environment, in which the authorities of Cameroon have been actively participating. By funding such initiatives, the EU wants to contribute to the sustainable development of the international aviation.”

Source: International airport review

19, January 2019

International Criminal Court grants prosecution request to keep President Gbagbo in custody ⁰

Ivory Coast ex-president Laurent Gbagbo will stay behind bars at least until a fresh appeal hearing on February 1, despite his acquittal this week by the International Criminal Court, the tribunal said Friday.

Judges cleared 73-year-old Gbagbo on Tuesday on charges of crimes against humanity relating to a wave of violence after disputed elections in 2010, and ordered his immediate release. The crisis claimed some 3,000 lives.

But prosecutors at the Hague-based court challenged the release of Gbagbo, who has already spent seven years in jail, saying he should be detained while they make a broader appeal over his acquittal.

“The detention of Mr Laurent Gbagbo… shall be maintained pending the consideration of the present appeal” against his release, the ICC’s appeals judges said in a statement.

They will hold a fresh hearing on February 1 “in order to hear further submissions on the appeal.” Judges made the same order for Gbagbo’s co-defendant and right-hand man Charles Ble Goude.

Prosecutors had argued that there was a “concrete” risk the Ivorian pair fail to return to the ICC if a subsequent appeal overturned Tuesday’s decision to acquit them. Gbagbo’s daughter has said he intended to return to the Ivory Coast if released.

(AFP)

19, January 2019

Cameroon, Nigeria to collaborate in anti-graft campaign ⁰

Cameroon and Nigeria have begun seeking ways to collaborate to fight corruption in both countries, according to officials of Cameroon’s anti-graft body on Wednesday.

Officials of National Anti-Corruption Commission (CONAC) and Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), met in the capital Yaounde on Wednesday to lay down the guidelines for the collaboration.

“Our coming here is to canvass for greater understanding in terms of relationship, exchange of ideas and information,” Mohammed Abba Umar, EFCC’s Director of Operations, told reporters. “It (corruption) is not a problem of one country but all countries in Africa and we appreciate the cooperation between Cameroon and Nigeria,” CONAC Chair, Dieudonne Massi Gams said.

Transfer of illicit funds within Cameroon-Nigeria borders is on the rise and there is an urgent need to track down the funds and arrests offenders, the officials said. “The joint operations can help us to recover lot of looted funds.” Umar said. The collaboration is the first of its kind between the two countries.

Source: Xinhua

19, January 2019

Camtel reveals it has sacked 50 employees ⁰

State-own telephone network service provider Cameroon Telecommunications (Camtel) has reportedly fired 50 of its employees, including administrative, commercial and technical staff. According to an official statement by the company, Judith Yah Achidi Achu, General Manager of Camtel, made this decision based on recommendations of a disciplinary committee established to evaluate the cases of the concerned workers on an individual basis.

Details are sketchy at this point, but a source at Camtel said that the GM is believed to have ordered an internal audit to investigate and identify specific HR issues. These include employees who have secured employment using fake certificates or who have earned undue bonuses, or whose salary does not match their qualifications.

The latest development has occurred while the company’s new management is attempting to rejuvenate the beleaguered corporation. Specifically, the intention is to address financial difficulties including debt and the result of inability to recover substantial amounts owing.

According to a report released by the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications in August 2018, Camtel had 3,634 permanent staff across the country, a figure which has been on the rise since 2006. There is speculation that more jobs could be lost as the audit progresses. The company provides landline connectivity services and CDMA, and plans to incorporate GSM going forward.

Source: itwebafrica

19, January 2019

Yaounde forced several thousand refugees back to Nigeria: UN ⁰

The United Nations said Friday it was “extremely alarmed” by the forced return by Cameroon of thousands of refugees to northeast Nigeria, where Boko Haram Islamists pose a continuing threat to civilians.

“This action was totally unexpected and puts lives of thousands of refugees at risk,” the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, said in a statement.

Cameroon forced “several thousand” refugees back to Nigeria this week, including 267 on Wednesday, the UN refugee agency said.

“I am appealing to Cameroon to continue its open door and hospitable policy,” Grandi said, while calling on the government to “halt immediately any more returns” and meet its obligations under international law.

Cameroon is currently hosting 370,000 refugees, 100,000 of whom are Nigerians, according to the UNHCR.

Earlier this month, more than 9,000 people fled to Cameroon after an attack on a military base and aid buildings in the town of Rann in northeast Nigeria’s Borno state.

The attack was blamed on the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) faction of Boko Haram, which has carried out similar raids against troops since July last year.

The upsurge in violence has forced tens of thousands of people to flee, including internally displaced people who have returned home after previous attacks.

AFP

19, January 2019

36 passengers kidnapped in Southern Cameroons released ⁰

Thirty-six passengers have been released one day after they were abducted by gunmen on Tuesday along the Buea-Kumba highway in Cameroon’s southwest, one of the two war-torn English-speaking regions, according to local authorities.

“They (kidnappers) took us somewhere and collected money, phones and other belongings from us and released us after. They asked us to trek to our various destinations.” said Divine Asong, one of the kidnapped passengers. “We trekked for a long distance. It was a sad experience,” he added.

After the release, locals held an emergency meeting with senior government officials in Kumba, one of the commercial towns in Cameroon Anglophone, to discuss ways of curbing the rampant kidnappings in the troubled region.

“We asked that government should put in place urgent measures to restore peace in the area. Among other things, we asked that detained separatist leaders should be released and the region demilitarize to appease the people,” a local who attended the meeting told Xinhua.

The abduction came about two months after a group of 79 school children were kidnapped in Bamenda, the most populous city of Cameroon’s Northwest, another English-speaking region. The local government has blamed armed separatists for the abductions, yet the separatists claimed that the government staged the kidnappings to tarnish their image internationally.

Source: Xinhua