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10, March 2026

Francis Ngannou returns to MMA against Philipe Lins on Netflix ⁰

MMA superstar Francis “The Predator” Ngannou is set to make a highly anticipated return to the cage on May 16, 2026, in Los Angeles.

According to a press release from Most Valuable Promotions on March 9, Ngannou will face Brazilian heavyweight Philipe “Monstro” Lins in a headline bout that will be broadcast globally on Netflix. This event, titled “Rousey vs. Carano, Ngannou vs. Lins,” is historic as it marks the first time a live mixed martial arts event will be streamed on the platform.

Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, remains one of the most feared strikers in combat sports history, renowned for a career defined by devastating knockouts, including seven finishes within the first two minutes of the opening round. His opponent, Philipe Lins, a 2018 Professional Fighters League heavyweight tournament winner, brings his own reputation as a formidable finisher to the cage. Promoters expect a high-stakes clash between the two, noting that they hold a combined total of 22 knockout victories.

In his statement, Ngannou addressed his time away from the sport, describing his silence as the sound of a predator approaching and framing his return not merely as a comeback, but as a reconquest of the heavyweight division. The fight card will also feature a landmark women’s featherweight bout between MMA pioneers Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, further elevating the profile of the evening.

This announcement follows closely on the heels of the formal conclusion of Ngannou’s partnership with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) on March 6, 2026. After joining the PFL in May 2023 to help drive the organization’s international expansion, Ngannou competed just once under their banner, securing a first-round victory over Renan Ferreira in October 2024. During his tenure with the league, Ngannou also pursued high-profile crossover boxing matches against heavyweight titans Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

Culled from APA News by Queen Besumbu Agbaw

9, March 2026

Concerns about public administration in Cameroon ⁰

Cameroon is a challenging country and the challenges are hurting everyone. Some of these problems are generated by administrators who are supposed to address any administrative bottlenecks.

The attitude of some public administrators in Cameroon has become alarming. Those who are appointed to serve the public often end up exploiting the very citizens they are meant to assist. Many Cameroonians continue to express dissatisfaction and frustration about the difficulty of legalizing administrative documents such as birth certificates and national identity cards.

For many citizens, obtaining or legalizing documents in Cameroon feels like a nightmare. The process is often unnecessarily long and exhausting. Offices are sometimes understaffed; some workers arrive late to work, while others are present but inattentive—engaging in personal activities instead of serving the public.

In many cases, citizens are only attended to at the convenience of the officials. When individuals attempt to complain, they are sometimes met with hostility, rudeness, or even insults. Some officials reportedly tell citizens that nothing can be done against them and that those who cannot wait are free to leave. Such behavior undermines public trust and the fundamental purpose of public administration.

As a result of these challenges, many young people have resorted to using intermediaries or “middlemen” who operate within or around public offices. These individuals often demand large sums of money to facilitate document processing. This practice encourages corruption and creates an exploitative system where ordinary citizens are forced to pay extra fees for services that should be accessible and affordable.

It is unfortunate that many citizens feel they have no voice to challenge these injustices. There is a growing perception that accountability is weak and that administrators sometimes act without consequence. Instead of prioritizing efficient service delivery, some offices focus on minor formalities while neglecting the urgent needs of the public.

Public institutions exist to serve the people—not to intimidate, delay, or exploit them. Ethical conduct, professionalism, and respect for citizens must be restored in all government offices and this implies an end to the middleman system, an end to extortion and extra unofficial payments, an end to unnecessary delays and an end to insults and abusive behavior

Public service should reflect integrity, transparency, and accountability. Cameroonians deserve dignity, fairness, and efficiency in their own country.

By Alain Agbor Ebot

9, March 2026

Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei is Iran’s new Supreme Leader ⁰

Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei has been elected the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Iran’s Assembly of Experts, a body of 88 clerics, on Sunday night officially appointed Mojtaba Khamenei, 56 years old, as the new Leader of the Islamic Revolution and the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Mojtaba Khamenei is the son of martyred Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

“By a decisive vote, the Assembly of Experts appointed Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei as the third Leader of the sacred system of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the assembly said in a statement.

The announcement, issued by the Secretariat of the Assembly of Experts, begins with invocations in the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, and extends heartfelt condolences to the noble and free nation of Islamic Iran.

It honors the martyrdom of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, whose heavenly ascension marks the end of an era of wise and steadfast leadership. Ayatollah Khamenei was martyred on February 28 in a terrorist US and Israeli strike.

The statement also pays tribute to other exalted martyrs, including high-ranking commanders of the armed forces and the innocent students of the Shajra Tayyiba School in Minab City, all victims of the barbaric assaults by criminal America and the Zionist regime.

The statement reveres the exalted institution of Wilayat al-Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist) during the occultation of the Imam of the Age (may Allah hasten his reappearance), emphasizing its pivotal role in the Islamic Republic’s system.

It celebrates the 47 years of exemplary governance by the Imams of the Revolution, rooted in dignity, independence, and divine authority.

Following meticulous studies and a decisive vote by the respected representatives, guided by religious duty and accountability before God Almighty, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei (may Allah protect him) was introduced as the new Leader.

The statement expresses gratitude to the members of the provisional council under Article 111 for their interim service and calls upon the entire noble nation of Iran –especially the elites, intellectuals, scholars of the seminaries, and university communities — to pledge unwavering allegiance to the new leadership.

It urges unity around the axis of Wilayat al-Faqih, a bulwark against the plots of arrogant powers.

In closing, the Assembly of Experts statement invokes Almighty God’s continued grace and mercy upon Iran and its resilient people, affirming that the Islamic Revolution remains an indomitable force for justice and independence.

Source: Press TV

6, March 2026

Manyu Solidarity Group supports Mamfe District Hospital ⁰

In every thriving community, there comes a moment when collective effort begins to produce visible and meaningful results. For the Manyu Solidarity Group, that moment is now. Founded in 2021 by Manyu indigenes in Great Britain and the EU, the group has grown into the largest network of Manyu people and friends of Manyu outside Cameroon. With more than 463 registered and active members, the association’s core purpose is to preserve Manyu culture, support members and their families in times of distress, promote unity within the fast-growing Manyu community in Europe, and proudly display Manyu culture and values abroad while supporting vulnerable families back home.

Through committed leadership, active membership, and a shared vision for progress, Manyu Solidarity has emerged as a shining example of what unity and purpose can achieve. At the heart of this progress is a Board that has shown remarkable dedication in guiding the association forward. With clarity of vision and determination, the Board has worked tirelessly to elevate the profile of Manyu across Europe. Their efforts have united members across 28 countries and positioned Manyu Solidarity as a community capable of meaningful action and positive influence.

In August 2025, the group hosted its first Cultural Festival in the United Kingdom. The hugely successful event attracted more than 500 participants over an entire weekend and offered a vibrant celebration of Manyu culture. The atmosphere, performances, and community spirit left a lasting impression on attendees and their guests. The festival generated a net profit of £2,243. From this amount, the Board resolved to dedicate £1,843.85 to support the Mamfe District Hospital in Manyu Division, Cameroon.

Acting on behalf of the association, the Manyu Solidarity Group coordinator in Cameroon, Mr. Cyprian Tabi, used the funds to procure and deliver essential supplies to the hospital. These included ten blood pressure monitoring machines, two hundred bottles of hand sanitizer, one hundred bed sheets, two hundred toilet rolls, and two hundred bars of washing soap.

Receiving the items on behalf of the hospital, the Mamfe District Hospital Director, Dr. George Akikeng, expressed sincere gratitude for the support. He noted that such assistance is invaluable for healthcare facilities operating with limited resources and thanked the group for remembering the needs of their people at home. Speaking on the initiative, the Group Chairman, Prince Julian Ebai, reflected on the significance of the gesture, “Strong communities are built through leadership, trust, and participation. Manyu Solidarity has demonstrated that when people come together with a clear purpose, they can create real change. Supporting the District Hospital in Mamfe is just one example of the impact we can achieve when we work as one community.”

Though modest in scale, the gesture has been warmly received by members of the association. Ms. Barbara Akoachere, praised the initiative, stating, “The leadership of Manyu Solidarity deserves sincere recognition and appreciation. Their transparency and commitment have built confidence among members. For them to make this gesture to the District Hospital in Mamfe is remarkable. They have shown that leadership is not about position, but about service, and I am so proud of them.”

At the height of the political conflict that engulfed Cameroon’s Southwest Region, arsonists burnt Mamfe District Hospital on June 9, 2022. After years of effort and rebuilding, much of it funded by donations from abroad, the hospital finally reopened on the 5th of March 2025. Donations to hospitals in rural Africa often carry enormous impact. Many hospitals in Africa operate with limited resources, outdated equipment, and immense pressure to serve large populations with minimal supplies. Essential items such as blood pressure monitors and basic hygiene supplies are frequently in short supply. For patients and healthcare workers alike, these seemingly simple resources can mean the difference between life and death.

For Manyu Solidarity, this contribution represents far more than a donation. It is an expression of compassion, responsibility, and enduring connection to home. For many families back in Manyu, this support will make a tangible difference at moments when medical care matters most. Mrs. Susan Agbor Ebot, the group’s Financial Secretary, emphasized “This success belongs to all of us. The trust, participation, and belief of our members are what make initiatives like this possible. Strong communities are not built by a few individuals, but by many people working together toward a shared purpose.”

Looking ahead, excitement is already building for the second edition of the Manyu Cultural Festival, scheduled to take place from August 28 to 30, 2026 in the UK. Members are optimistic that the upcoming festival will build on the success of the first and generate even greater support for healthcare initiatives in Manyu. If successful, the next festival will allow the association to expand its impact further, transforming celebration into meaningful assistance for the Mamfe District Hospital and the wider community.

By supporting the Mamfe District Hospital, Manyu Solidarity has demonstrated that the strength of a community lies not only in celebrating its cultural identity, but also in uplifting those who need help the most. Ultimately, Manyu Solidarity is a story of collective action as a community determined to make a difference both at home and abroad. In an increasingly fragmented world, examples like this remind us that strong communities still have the power to change lives.

By Isong Asu

Cameroon Concord London Bureau Chief

5, March 2026

USS Abraham Lincoln flees after precision strike by Iran drones in Sea of Oman ⁰

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy has successfully targeted the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier using advanced domestically-produced drones, forcing the strike group into a rapid retreat near Iranian territorial waters.

A spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters confirmed the operation on Wednesday, stating that the carrier was intercepted approximately 340 kilometers from Iran’s maritime borders in the Sea of Oman.

The vessel had moved into the area, part of the US military buildup against Iran, with the intent to monitor and control the strategic Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing war.

Following the impact, the USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying destroyers were observed fleeing the engagement zone at high speed.

“The carrier group has since retreated more than 1,000 kilometers away from the region,” the spokesperson noted, emphasizing that the US military presence failed to achieve its objective of intimidation.

The retreat of the Lincoln strike group comes at a time of heightened tensions, following unprovoked US and Israeli aggression against Iran.

At the time of publishing this report, the Pentagon has not yet commented on the extent of the damage to the carrier or the reasons for its sudden withdrawal to distant waters.

The IRGC had on Saturday targeted the US USS Abraham Lincoln with four ballistic missiles.

The attack on the US carrier came in the wake of the US attack on Frigate Dena of the Iranian Army in the waters near Sri Lanka while on its way back from India.

More than 120 Iranian sailors were on board the ship at the time of the cowardly attack, which has been widely condemned in Iran and outside.

Source: Press TV

5, March 2026

30,000 Cameroonians take gendarmerie recruitment exam ⁰

About 30,000 young Cameroonians took the written exam for recruitment into the national gendarmerie from Feb. 28 to March 1, 2026, according to figures released by the Ministry of Defense.

The recruitment process aims to fill 3,340 positions, including 300 trainee non-commissioned officers in the general service track, 40 trainee non-commissioned officers in the military health track and 3,000 gendarme recruits.

In Yaoundé, the exams were held at three schools: Lycée Leclerc, Lycée de Ngoa-Ekellé and Lycée Bilingue d’Application. Candidates were tested in general knowledge, mathematics and English. Applicants for non-commissioned officer positions also wrote an essay, while candidates applying to become gendarmes completed a written composition.

Shortlisted candidates will next undergo comprehensive medical examinations, the final stage before admission into the force.

As in previous years, the recruitment exam attracted strong interest. With nearly 30,000 applicants competing for 3,340 positions, the selection process is expected to be highly competitive.

Beyond the prestige associated with the uniform, the strong turnout reflects Cameroon’s economic realities, particularly high youth unemployment. Joining the defense forces is widely seen as a pathway to stable employment, offering a regular salary, social benefits and structured career prospects.

In Cameroon, holding a service number remains a powerful symbol of professional stability and social security. For many families, joining the army or the gendarmerie represents a genuine opportunity for upward mobility.

Prestige of the uniform and career prospects

The prestige associated with the uniform also attracts candidates. As a military force responsible for policing duties, the national gendarmerie embodies state authority and the protection of citizens. For many applicants, joining the force represents both a patriotic commitment and a source of recognition within their communities.

Career development opportunities further increase the appeal of the recruitment process. The gendarmerie offers several areas of specialization, including judicial police work, public order operations and military health services, alongside continuous training and internal promotion systems that allow members to build long-term careers.

Cameroon’s security environment also contributes to the strong interest in the recruitment drive. Defense forces remain heavily deployed to address multiple security challenges, including counterterrorism operations in the Far North region, the crisis in the anglophone regions and cross-border crime.

For some candidates, joining the gendarmerie goes beyond seeking employment and reflects a sense of civic duty.

Over time, the recruitment exam has become an indicator of the country’s socioeconomic pressures. The growing number of applicants reflects both demographic pressures and the need for durable solutions to youth unemployment.

While 3,340 candidates will eventually join the ranks of the gendarmerie, tens of thousands of others will have to wait for the next recruitment cycle, a sign that the call of the uniform continues to resonate among Cameroonian youth.

Source: Business in Cameroon

22, February 2026

US Secret Service kills armed man trying to enter Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate ⁰

US Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputy fatally shot an armed man attempting to enter the secure perimeter of the Mar-a-Lago estate.

The Secret Service said on Sunday that an armed man “unlawfully [entered] the secure perimeter” around the Florida club.

The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, near the property’s north gate.

Authorities said the man, carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can, drove into the secure area as another vehicle was exiting.

According to Anthony Guglielmi, the US Secret Service’s chief of communications, the suspect was confronted by two Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County deputy.

The man was identified as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin of North Carolina, according to sources familiar with the investigation. He was described as a white male in his early 20s.

Source: Presstv

27, January 2026

Dollar Bonds: The biggest risk is what Cameroon looks like post Biya ⁰

Cameroon became the second African nation in less than a week to sell dollar bonds, as frontier markets take advantage of risk-on sentiment to raise funds.

The central African nation priced a $750 million five-year bond at a yield of 10.125%, according to a person familiar with the matter. That compares with a yield of 10.75% on a seven-year dollar note it issued in 2024, when the country last went to market.

Cameroon is rated B-, six levels into junk, by S&P Global Ratings — the same as Nigeria, Pakistan and Angola.

Emerging markets are benefiting from investors shunning the US as geopolitical tensions rise and the independence of the Federal Reserve remains a concern. Risk premia of African frontier markets from Mozambique to Gabon have narrowed to levels below 1,000 basis points over US Treasuries in recent days, prompting nations on the continent and elsewhere to raise foreign-currency-denominated debt.

With conditions having shifted since the last time it came to market, Cameroon should have been in a “position to issue in the single digits,” according to Leo Morawiecki, an emerging-markets analyst at Abrdn Investments in London.

“The biggest risk is what Cameroon looks like post Biya,” he said in reference to the nation’s 92-year-old leader Paul Biya, who won an eighth term in October. “And its very difficult to price that into the bonds as getting a grip on Cameroonian politics is extremely difficult.”

The nation’s $550 million dollar bond due 2031 added 0.27 cents on the dollar Tuesday to 100.80 cents, pushing the yield lower by 6 basis points to 9.31%.

Benin last week sold a $500 million seven-year note at a yield of about 6.2% and an inaugural dollar-denominated sukuk. Ecuador sold $4 billion of bonds on Monday, its largest-ever issuance, in a return to global credit markets after restructuring its debt in 2020. The Democratic Republic of Congo plans a debut $750 million offering in April, the country’s finance minister told Bloomberg last week.

Seasoned eurobond issuers in Africa, such as Ivory Coast and Benin, are unlikely to care that other countries are coming to market given their years of experience, Morawiecki said. “But it likely does have a bigger impact on inaugural issuers such as DRC that look for signs of investor confidence in Africa.”

The continent’s average sovereign-risk premium over US Treasuries fell to the lowest since 2018 this month, and stood at 326 basis points on a closing basis on Monday, according to a a JPMorgan Chase & Co. index.

Source: Bloomberg

21, January 2026

US: Trump’s plane returns to air base after ‘minor’ electrical issue ⁰

US President Donald Trump’s plane was forced to return to an air base late Tuesday due to a “minor electrical issue” shortly after departing for Switzerland, the White House said.

US President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews on January 20, 2026 © Mandel NGAN / AFP

Air Force One returned to Joint Base Andrews out of an abundance of caution, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said. It landed shortly after 11:00 pm (0400 GMT).

Journalists traveling with Trump reported that lights in the cabin went out briefly after takeoff.

Trump and his entourage will switch to another plane and continue the trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, where the US president was expected to face off with European leaders over his bid to seize Greenland.

With its classic blue and white livery, Air Force One is arguably the world’s most iconic plane and an instantly recognizable symbol of the US presidency.

Trump has long been unhappy with the current Air Force One jets — two highly customized Boeing 747-200B series aircraft that entered service in 1990 under president George H.W. Bush.

Last year, Trump said his administration was “looking at alternatives” to Boeing following delays in the delivery of two new 747-8 aircraft.

In May, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth accepted a Boeing 747 that the Gulf emirate of Qatar offered to Trump for use as Air Force One.

The jet — worth hundreds of millions of dollars — has raised huge constitutional and ethical questions, as well as security concerns about using an aircraft donated by a foreign power for use as the ultra-sensitive presidential plane.

Source: AFP

16, January 2026

Yaoundé: Dying season finally arrives ⁰

Cameroon’s Speaker of the House, Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, has been rushed out of the country to South Africa for medical treatment as death showed up in his Yaoundé residence a few days ago to snatch the miserable and dirty life of the Speaker of the House who has made liquor his water of choice.

According to our source in Yaoundé, a medical plane landed in Cameroon from Switzerland then continued to South Africa with Mr. Cavaye as the human cargo where the desperate Speaker of the House is expected to receive treatment for multiple health issues.

Mr. Cavaye has been a colony of diseases for decades. His recklessness is finally catching up with him. A heavy smoker and alcohol addict, Mr. Cavaye currently suffers from a chronic heart problem, failing lungs, high blood pressure, diabetes and an enlarged and painful prostrate which is rubbing him of a good night’s sleep.

The man who has been in parliament for more than half a century was not seen during New Year wishes at the Presidency and in parliament due to health reasons.

A source close to Mr. Cavaye has informed the Cameroon Concord News Group that it will take a miracle for Mr. Cavaye to return to Cameroon alive. He added that it was as if the dying season had arrived in Cameroon as the country’s Senate President, Niat Njifenji, and his second vice president, Chief George Tabetando, are fighting for their lives.

Another source close to Chief Tabetando also informed our sister publication Cameroon Intelligence Report that Chief Tabetando is now a shadow of his former self, adding that he constantly runs out of oxygen. The source adds that Mr. Tabetando has been strapped to an oxygen canister which helps him to breathe in Turkey.

By Rita Akana in Yaoundé