Breaking News

1, August 2016

The SDF dictator turns 75 ⁰

North West Governor, Adolphe Lele Lafrique, Senator Simon Achidi Achu, North West Fons, SDF faithful, friends and relatives were on July 31, 2016 part of special prayers for God’s grace and protection for the SDF National Chairman, Ni John Fru Ndi at 75 .The event at Presbyterian church, Baba II, home of the leading opposition party leader, inspired Fru Ndi to continue to work towards the betterment of Cameroon.

The thanksgiving event honoured and glorified God for Fru Ndi, whom speaker after speaker cheered as a rare statesman. Family Head and Son, Ni Thomas Ndi and Benjamin Fru Ndi thanked all who have supported and criticized the Chairman to be a better nation builder. Fru Ndi summed it himself when he said ”I will continue to be who I am when Cameroon is the subject, though I stretched my hand and the President did not take it the way I like”.

Twenty four hours earlier, Fru Ndi presided over a National Executive Committee (NEC) session of the SDF at his Ntarinkon residence where crucial decisions were endorsed to move forward the reorganization of SDF party structures in some regions that have so far, suffered speed brakes.

Cameroon Tribune

1, August 2016

CRTV: Benn Pufong is Mister News ⁰

The new general manager of CRTV has announced technical changes on programs in the corporation. Charles Ndongo recently decreed that the 7:30 and 8:30 news bulletins will henceforth have just one anchor person. Correspondingly, Benn Meno Pufong was appointed to host the 7:30 English language news while Adele Mballa was accorded the 8:30 news in the French language.

The Charles Ndongo order also nominated Atta Badyne Oumar and Esther Kima Tabot to deputize for Benn Pufong and Adele Mballa over the weekends. Ibrahim Cherif, the Chief of Information on national television defended the Ndongo move saying the duo presentation was no longer popular.

Rita Akana (Cameroon Concord News Group)

1, August 2016

GCE 2016 Session: Board Registrar reveals over 900 cases of examination malpractices ¹

The results of the 2016 session of examinations organized by the General Certificate of Education, GCE board have recorded an overall improvement compared to 2015. Statistics from the General Certificate of Education Board show that there has been a 6% improvement in the 2016 GCE Session of the examination.

However, there was a decline in the performance at the GCE Technical Advanced Level from 45 percent in 2015, to 40 percent this year. The Registrar of the GCE Board Humphrey Monono Ekema revealed over 900 cases of examination malpractices. The registrar also cited cases of candidates who have been banned for fighting with invigilators.

Humphrey Monono said there were cases were about 13 candidates in a single examination centre had the same errors. The Registrar thanked the invigilators and the teaching community and congratulated the successful candidates.

CRTV

31, July 2016

After Jacob Nguni: Menoua shines again as Miss Cameroon 2016 ⁰

Nguimfack Cheugueu Frankline Julie, 24, an MA student, Department of Management in the University of Douala who hails from Menoua in the West region like the great Jacob Nguni was crowned on Saturday as Miss Cameroon 2016 succeeding Jessica Ngoua Nseme who won the contest in 2015.

By Rita Akana

31, July 2016

Samuel Eto’o apology to Prime Minister Philemon Yang: CAMCORD News Chairman says Eto’o playing the Francophone game ⁰

Two years after Samuel Eto’o committed an act that remains today the biggest humiliation ever to a highly placed Cameroon government official, the former Cameroon skipper has apologize to Prime Minister Philemon Yang. The incident occurred during the final phase of the FIFA World Cup 2014 that held in Brazil. The Prime Minister and Head of Government, Philemon Yang, descended on that fateful Saturday, June 7, 2014 at the Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium at the end of a friendly farewell encounter against Moldova to hand over the national flag to the team before their departure for Brazil. The captain, supported by his teammates, refused to leave the dressing room to receive the flag. They wanted their bonuses to be paid first.

The disgrace was complete and total and a beaming Prime Minister Yang Philemon eventually handed the flag to the German technician Volker Finke, then head coach of the Indomitable Lions. Two years later, Samuel Eto’o Fils says he regrets his behavior. Said the Cameroon football legend, “There is someone who has been deeply offended, which is His Excellency the Prime Minister to whom I apologize. I have never had the opportunity to explain myself before him and to our people”. Samuel Eto’o made this statement during an interview broadcast last Friday, July 29, 2016 on the antennas of the Vox Africa TV channel in an interview conducted by Martin Camus Mimb and moderated by Laura Dave.

Reacting to the Eto’o apology late on Saturday, the Chairman and CEO of Cameroon Concord News Group, Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai observed that it was too little too late. Our chairman added that Eto’o was merely playing the Francophone game “because he understands that an apology to a senior citizen is not made via a foreign television channel.” Mr Soter Agbaw-Ebai blamed President Biya for the invitation he accorded Samuel Eto’o and his wife during the visit of French president Hollande when Eto’o had not apologized to the Prime Minister and the Cameroonian people for such a costly mistake.

Sama Ernest (Cameroon Concord News Group)

31, July 2016

Koffi Olomide is freeeeeeeed ⁰

While a court reportedly extended Koffi Olomide’s detention period to 15 additional days, the artist announced on his Face Book page late last night that he has been released and is back home with his family. Koffi added a thank you message to all his friends and fans and observed that he was humbled and grateful for the unwavering support.

On Friday the 29^th of July, a collegiality of judges rejected the bail application made by Koffi’s counsel. The court remanded him in custody for 15 days. Koffi’s lawyers we learned, appealed the decision.

He is pursued by the justice of his country for a violent kick on one of his dancers in Nairobi in front of television cameras. The video raised a stir in the world. The Congolese star was expelled from Kenya and saw his concert canceled in Lusaka (Zambia).

Chi Prudence Asong (Cameroon Concord News Group)

31, July 2016

Turkey closing all military academies ⁰

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says from now on all military commanders will report directly to the country’s defense minister and that all military academies will be closed. During an interview with the Turkish broadcaster A Haber on Saturday, Erdogan said that the new measures were aimed at bringing the military under full civilian control. He added that the military academies would be replaced with a national defense university.

“We are going to introduce a small constitutional package (to parliament) which, if approved, will bring the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and chief of staff under the control of the presidency,” he said. Erdogan also announced cuts in the size of the country’s gendarmerie security forces along with upgrades to their weaponry. He also noted that his lawyers had started work on withdrawing lawsuits against persons who had insulted him.

The Turkish president has filed hundreds of court cases against critics, including many journalists, for insulting him since he took office in August 2014. On Friday, he had announced that in the spirit of “unity” following the coup he would revoke the said lawsuits. Earlier, Turkish authorities announced the release of over 750 soldiers who were detained following the failed coup, noting that 231 soldiers still remain in custody.

Presstv

30, July 2016

USA: 16 killed in hot air balloon crash ⁰

At least 16 people have been killed after a large hot air balloon caught fire and crashed into a field in the US state of Texas. The accident happened early Saturday morning near Lockhart, south of Austin, after a blaze broke out in the basket section of the balloon, according to Aviation officials.

“It does not appear at this time that there were any survivors,” the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office said. Investigators have been sent to the scene to determine the number of victims and their identities. “When the Emergency Responders and the Sheriff’s Office arrived it was apparent that the reported fire was the basket portion of a hot air balloon,” said the statement.

A photo was posted on social media reportedly showing the the balloon in the air with huge flames spurting underneath. Texas Governor Greg Abbott expressed condolences to those affected by the crash and promised an investigation into the “heartbreaking tragedy.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, as well as the Lockhart community,” he said in a statement. The incident is probably the second-deadliest balloon accident in history. The first hot air balloon crash occurred in Luxor, Egypt in 2013. The balloon caught fire when it was attempting to land. The accident killed 19 of the 21 passengers on board the balloon.

Presstv

30, July 2016

Militants in Aleppo have surrendered to government forces ⁰

A number of militants operating in the eastern areas of the Syrian city of Aleppo have laid down their weapons and surrendered themselves to government troops, who are making more gains in the embattled province. The capitulation took place in Aleppo’s Salaheddine neighborhood on Saturday, Syria’s official SANA news agency reported.

The report further noted that tens of families went out through the corridors set up by army forces for the safe departure of the civilians trapped by terrorist groups in Aleppo’s eastern districts. The families were sent by the Syrian army to makeshift centers upon their arrival to the Salaheddine neighborhood, the report added.

Earlier this week, the Syrian army sent text messages to residents and terrorists in eastern Aleppo, saying it will grant safe passage to people wishing to leave the area. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad also vowed amnesty for those who turn in their weapons, stressing that the policy has been exercised by Damascus since the beginning of the crisis in the Middle Eastern country.

Meanwhile, Russia announced several corridors for civilians and surrendering militants to leave Aleppo’s eastern parts.Aleppo Province also completed arrangements to receive the citizens fleeing militant-held eastern Aleppo and house them in well-equipped temporary accommodation centers.

Presstv

30, July 2016

Muslims and Christians have taken part in Friday prayers in tribute to elderly priest killed in France ⁰

Muslims and Christians have taken part in Friday prayers at a mosque in the northern Normandy region to pay tribute to an elderly priest who was recently killed by terrorists.

The service was held at the Yahya mosque in the town of Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, with a sign holding outside the house of worshipping hall reading “Mosque in mourning.”

Anouar Kbibech, the head of Franc’s main Muslim organization, the CFCM, attended Friday’s gathering, calling on Muslims to visit churches on Sunday to show solidarity with Christians as they pray.

On July 26, two knife-wielding assailants, identified as Adel Kermiche and Abdel-Malik Nabil Petitjean, interrupted a service at the St. Etienne church.

They forced the 85-year-old parish priest, Father Jacques Hamel, to his knees and slit his throat. Two nuns and an elderly couple were also held hostage until the attackers were shot dead by police.

Presstv