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8, July 2026

World Cup: Egypt files complaint against referee after exit ⁰

“Hany Aburida, president of the Egyptian Football Federation, filed a complaint with FIFA, demanding an investigation into the French referee Francois Letexier… after the serious refereeing mistakes committed by the team of referees and double standards,” said a statement from the federation.

On Tuesday, Letexier ruled out a Mostafa Ziko goal when Egypt were leading 1-0 after VAR intervened to spot a foul on Lisandro Martinez much earlier in the move.

A few minutes later, Ziko put Egypt 2-0 up and on the brink of a place in the last eight for the first time, but there was further controversy in added time, after Cristian Romero and Lionel Messi had brought the champions level.

In the build-up to Argentina’s winner scored by Enzo Fernandez, Egypt believe they should have been awarded a penalty for a pull by Alexis Mac Allister on Hamdy Fathy.

“Aburida demanded the investigation of the entire team of referees, including the video technology referees, because of the blatant errors and insisting on not reviewing some of the footage that we believe are in favour of the Egyptian national team, and we see in it the Pharaohs’ right to a correct goal and a penalty,” said the Egyptian statement.

It added the president had also “demanded the exclusion of the referee and the entire crew from the World Cup after investigating these mistakes and proving the crime of discrimination against the Egyptian national team”.

The statement echoed remarks by Egypt coach Hossam Hassan immediately after the game.

“I do not want to put it nicely and talk about hard luck. We have been cheated unfairly today, we have suffered injustice,” Hassan told reporters.

“We haven’t seen respect or fair play. There has not been respect or fair play.”

Hassan told broadcaster BeIN Sports: “Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champions in the competition. Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running.

“In football, there are sometimes external factors that go beyond the technical aspects. The world champions received support at every level.”

Source: AFP

6, July 2026

Sudan: Over 300 children killed or injured in war over six months ⁰

More than 300 children have been killed or injured in Sudan during the past six months, with drone strikes responsible for most casualties, the UN children’s agency (UNICEF) says as fighting continues across several parts of the African country.

According to a statement released by UNICEF on Monday, around 60% of child casualties recorded during the period were caused by drone warfare. The agency said the conflict is currently concentrated in the Kordofan, Darfur, and Blue Nile States.

UNICEF said drone strikes and shelling have targeted civilian infrastructure, including schools, markets, fuel facilities, and water stations, placing more than 500,000 people at risk. It added that civilians have endured conditions resembling a siege for more than a year.

“Children are being caught in a relentless cycle of violence, displacement and deprivation,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF representative for Sudan.

The United Nations, meanwhile, called on all parties to the conflict “to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, allow and facilitate safe, rapid, and unimpeded humanitarian access, and take all possible measures to protect children from harm.”

Sudan has been engulfed in war since April 2023 between the Sudanese military and the so-called Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The UN has expressed alarm over the possibility of atrocities as the Sudanese military and the RSF militants battle for control of the strategic city of el-Obeid in North Kordofan.

UN rights council adopts Sudan measure

Also on Monday, the UN-backed Human Rights Council in Geneva approved, without a vote, a measure condemning escalating violence by the RSF and its allies in and around el-Obeid.

The measure also encourages increased support for countries hosting refugees from Sudan and condemns “all forms of external interference” in the conflict.

The war has killed at least 59,000 people, displaced about 13 million others and pushed many parts of Sudan into famine.

More than 30 million people across the country are in need of humanitarian assistance.

Source: Press TV

4, July 2026

Questions emerge over Biya’s health as family members gather in Switzerland ⁰

Fresh concerns have resurfaced over the health of the Cameroonian dictator Paul Biya following reports that several close relatives, including family members rarely seen during his overseas stays have traveled to Switzerland, where the 93-year-old head of state has been staying.

The unusual presence of members of Biya’s inner family has fueled widespread speculation about his condition, especially as Cameroon continues to receive limited official information regarding his prolonged stay in Geneva.

The controversy intensified after a sister publication Jeune Afrique reported that President Biya had been admitted to a private clinic in Switzerland after reportedly feeling unwell during celebrations marking Cameroon’s National Day on May 20. The report quickly attracted regional and international attention.

However, the Cameroonian government has strongly rejected claims that the president is hospitalized. Government spokesman René Emmanuel Sadi stated that while President Biya is indeed in Geneva, he is “by no means admitted in any medical facility” and insisted that he remains capable of overseeing state affairs. Officials described reports of hospitalization as “malicious and unfounded speculation.”

Despite these assurances, Biya’s prolonged absence from public engagements, combined with reports of close relatives gathering in Switzerland, has intensified speculation over his health and the possibility of succession discussions behind closed doors. No official evidence has been presented confirming that the relatives’ presence is linked to a medical emergency.

President Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, has frequently spent extended periods in Switzerland during his presidency. His overseas stays have repeatedly sparked rumors about his health, particularly given his advanced age and the government’s traditionally limited disclosure regarding his medical condition.

Some political commentators say the latest developments are likely to increase public debate about leadership succession in Cameroon ahead of future political milestones. Nevertheless, until independent confirmation emerges, claims regarding any severe deterioration in the president’s health remain unverified.

As of now, the only confirmed facts are that President Biya is in Geneva, Switzerland, and that the Cameroonian government denies reports that he has been hospitalized. Assertions that the presence of family members signals a critical health crisis remain speculative and have not been independently confirmed.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

30, June 2026

World Cup: Morocco beat Netherlands on penalties to reach round of 16 ⁰

Morocco defeated the Netherlands on penalties after a dramatic 1-1 draw following extra time in Monterrey to book their place in the World Cup round of 16. Cody Gakpo’s second-half opener looked set to send the Dutch through before Issa Diop headed home deep into stoppage time.

The Atlas Lions’ goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made the crucial save to block the Netherlands’ fifth penalty from Crysencio Summerville before striker Ismael Saibari stepped up to blast home the winning spot-kick that sealed a 3-2 shootout win.

The victory sends Morocco into a last 16 clash with Canada in Houston on Saturday.

An enthralling match had gone to extra time after Issa Diop had glanced in a dramatic equaliser for Morocco in the first minute of stoppage time as the Netherlands closed in on victory.

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The Dutch had taken the lead midway through the second half with a goal from Cody Gakpo, playing just days after his partner had confirmed the death of the couple’s unborn son.

Liverpool forward Gakpo sank to the turf and appeared overcome with emotion as he was surrounded by team-mates in a prolonged group embrace.

But Morocco forced extra time when an unmarked Diop headed home from substitute Chemsdine Talbi’s cross in injury time.

Morocco had created the better chances of a fractious encounter, which saw players from both sides flying into tackles to test the patience of Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio.

The Atlas Lions almost took the lead on 20 minutes when Neil al-Aynaoui glanced an Achraf Hakimi corner goalwards only to be denied by a superb reflex save from Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

Verbruggen was pressed into action moments later, this time doing well to tip a vicious strike from Hakimi over the bar.

The fierce nature of the contest was on full display midway through the half when Saibari was lucky to escape sanction after elbowing Jan Paul van Hecke in the face.

The Dutch continued to enjoy plenty of possession but were unable to convert it into goalscoring chances.

2-hour drama

Their best effort came on 44 minutes when Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven uncorked a ferocious shot from the edge of the area that was tipped over by Bounou.

Van Hecke continued to find himself in the thick of the action, and after bloodying his head in a collision in the penalty area, made his presence felt with a crunching tackle that upended el-Aynaoui just before half-time.

As the half ended Saibari just failed to connect with a cross that flashed across the Dutch goal before going behind.

The drama continued into an end-to-end second half, but appeared to have tilted in the Netherlands’ favour when coach Ronald Koeman brought on forward Wout Weghorst in a flurry of substitutions after the hydration break.

Weghorst made an immediate impact flicking on a long ball to send Summerville bearing in on goal. Summerville crossed to Gakpo, who hurled himself at the ball to score.

The Netherlands, superbly marshalled by Gakpo’s Liverpool team-mate Virgil van Dijk, appeared to be heading for victory but Diop’s late header sent it to extra-time.

Morocco looked to have made the breakthrough when Soufiane Rahimi went through on goal in the 96th minute, only to be denied by a jaw-dropping save from Verbruggen.

The Netherlands held on for penalties but despite Morocco missing their first when El-Aynaoui hit the bar, the north Africans recovered to win.

Source: AFP

24, June 2026

Cameroon, PROPAV Infrastructure Ltd sign MoU for construction of Bekoko-Limbe-Idenau road ⁰

Cameroon has taken a step toward the construction of the Bekoko-Limbe-Idenau road with the signing of an agreement with British firm PROPAV Infrastructure Ltd, which will now prepare financing proposals for the project.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Yaounde on June 19 by Minister of Public Works Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi and representatives of the British firm. The corridor cuts through the South-West Region and is considered strategic for trade, mobility and economic activity along Cameroon’s Atlantic coast.

The agreement establishes a framework for the next phase of project development, including site visits, technical assessments and the preparation of financial proposals required before construction can begin. Authorities say the move is intended to accelerate implementation of a project regarded as a key component of the region’s economic development plans.

According to the Ministry of Public Works, the Bekoko-Limbe-Idenau road has been identified as the priority project among three major road corridors discussed with PROPAV Infrastructure Ltd. The other routes are Loum-Tombel-Kumba-Mundemba and Mutengene-Buea. Officials said Bekoko-Limbe-Idenau was selected first because technical studies have already been completed, allowing preparations to advance more quickly toward financing and execution.

The project is expected to improve connectivity between major economic centres in the South-West Region, facilitate the movement of goods and people, and strengthen access to commercial and industrial zones. The agreement marks an important step in moving the project from the planning stage toward investment mobilisation and eventual construction. Authorities believe the road will play a significant role in supporting economic activity along Cameroon’s Atlantic coast.

Djoumessi said the MoU was intended to translate a shared commitment into concrete action. He noted that the parties had identified three strategic roads in the South-West Region, with the Bekoko-Limbe-Idenau corridor designated as the priority project.

“Based on this Memorandum of Understanding, PROPAV, which is based in London and has financial backing, will propose financing conditions for the project and we will move forward. Together, we will discuss a timetable so that work can begin very quickly and ensure that the signing of an MoU does not remain only a document,” he said.

The agreement also enables PROPAV Infrastructure Ltd to submit technical and financial offers aligned with the expectations of the contracting authority. Company officials said they are ready to undertake the technical, financial and environmental assessments required before field operations commence.

United Kingdom High Commissioner to Cameroon Matt Woods, who accompanied the PROPAV delegation, welcomed the signing and praised the cooperation between the parties. He also thanked the Ministry of Public Works for its cooperation during discussions leading to the agreement.

“I am very pleased to be here with PROPAV and its Country Manager, Paula Miguel. This is the first step of a collaboration that I believe will be very fruitful. I have seen the personal commitment of the minister and the commitment of PROPAV, and I am confident that this road will be delivered,” Woods said.

British partners also reiterated their commitment to supporting implementation of the project, noting that the required studies for the priority road have already been completed. The MoU now provides the framework for advancing technical preparations, financing discussions and planning ahead of the start of construction works.

Source: Business in Cameroon

23, June 2026

Owona Nguini’s attacks on Samuel Eto’o are becoming increasingly unconvincing ⁰

Professor Mathias Éric Owona Nguini is among the many French Cameroun political elites facing war crime charges in Southern Cameroons. The so-called professor has every right to criticize the leadership of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) and its president, Samuel Eto’o.

Frankly speaking, healthy debate is essential in football administration. However, Owona Nguini’s recent attacks increasingly appear driven more by personal and political motives than by a balanced assessment of the realities facing Cameroonian football.

In the aftermath of the Indomitable Lions’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Owona Nguini publicly blamed the Cameroon Football Federation and Eto’o for the disappointment. The Cameroon Football Federation responded by rejecting his accusations and defending its role during the qualification campaign.

What is very disturbing is that the so-called professor’s interventions rarely come with practical solutions. Cameroon football has suffered from administrative conflicts, CPDM government interference, poor infrastructure and institutional rivalries for decades. Reducing every problem to Samuel Eto’o is an oversimplification that ignores the broader challenges that existed long before Eto’o arrived at FECAFOOT and deliberately ignoring the destruction that was caused by Owona Nguini’s late dad Professor Joseph Owona and his gang during their time at the FIFA Normalization Committee.

Many football commentators and observers are beginning to wonder whether Owona Nguini’s constant criticism is linked to a desire to maintain the influence once exercised by his late father within Cameroonian football circles. Whether that perception is fair or not, the so-called professor’s repeated attacks risk looking like a campaign against a man rather than a constructive contribution to football governance in Cameroon.

Samuel Eto’o’s tenure has not been free of controversy. He has faced criticism and disciplinary issues during his time as FECAFOOT president, and those matters deserve scrutiny. But criticism should be accompanied by credible alternatives and concrete proposals.

For those who do not know like Owona Nguini, Cameroon football does not need endless personal battles. It needs ideas, reforms and unity. If Mister Owona Nguini wants to be taken seriously as a stakeholder in the future of the Cameroonian game, he should spend less time launching personal attacks and more time presenting solutions. So far, many of his interventions have generated headlines and controversy, but little in the way of a roadmap for improving Cameroonian football.

The future of the sport in Cameroon will not be built through nostalgia, Owona family legacies or media confrontations. It will be built through competence, accountability and results—standards that should apply equally to President Samuel Eto’o, CPDM Professor Owona Nguini and anyone else seeking influence in the Cameroonian game.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

20, June 2026

World Cup: Iran to lodge complaint with FIFA over travel restrictions ⁰

Iran’s World Cup team will lodge a complaint with FIFA saying they are being subjected to travel restrictions during the tournament in North America, the Iranian football federation spokesman said on Thursday.

“Despite having submitted its preparation schedule for the tournament well in advance, Iran’s national football team has once again encountered restrictions imposed by the organisers, affecting the implementation of its technical staff’s plans,” the spokesman said.

Iran wanted to fly from their base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, to the United States two days before their next match, against Belgium in Los Angeles on Sunday.

But the Iranian federation said its request was turned down.

“Given that the game will be played at 12pm local time in Los Angeles, the Football Federation of Iran requested that the team be allowed to travel to Los Angeles two days before the match,” the spokesman said.

“The aim was to provide sufficient time for players to adapt to the match conditions, complete their final training session, and finalise preparations.

“Despite the technical reasons presented by the federation, the request was once again denied.”

The Iranians were also angry that they had to leave Los Angeles the night of their first game of the World Cup, a 2-2 draw against New Zealand.

The US administration has pushed back against the Iranian claims.

Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, said on Monday that Iran had been informed in advance that they would be allowed to come into the United States only on the day before the game.

“The team will be allowed to come in, match day minus one, so the day before the match,” Giuliani told CBS News.

“They’ll be asked to leave the day that the match wraps up, so the evening of the match. And they’ll be able to do that again in Los Angeles.”

He added that the procedure would be the same for Iran’s final group game against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

Source: AFP

20, June 2026

Promote 2026 opens in Yaoundé ⁰

Cameroon’s small and medium-sized enterprises are showcasing their products and services at the 10th edition of Promote, the International Trade Fair for Business, SMEs, and Partnerships, which opened on June 12 at the Yaoundé Conference Center.

According to organizers, 236 local SMEs are taking part in the event, which runs through June 21 and remains one of the most important business gatherings in Central Africa.

Many of the participating companies received support from either the government or large private-sector firms. Afriland First Bank, one of Cameroon’s leading lenders and a longtime supporter of the event, sponsored the participation of 40 SMEs this year. The Ministry of Economy financed the attendance of another 100 local businesses.

Held under the theme, “Private Enterprises and the Business Environment: Navigating National and Global Economic Challenges,” Promote 2026 features a broad program that includes an exhibition, conferences, thematic workshops, business meetings, and networking activities.

Organized every two years by the Inter-Progress Foundation on behalf of the Cameroonian government, Promote has grown into the largest economic forum in Cameroon and the wider Central African region. The event now attracts about 1,000 exhibitors from both Cameroon and abroad.

Participants from the public and private sectors represent a wide range of industries, including agriculture and agribusiness, energy, manufacturing, construction, mining, infrastructure, information and communication technologies, healthcare, banking, finance, insurance, tourism, crafts, and communications.

Source: Business in Cameroon

17, June 2026

Cameroon, Nigeria sign border security pact ⁰

Nigeria and Cameroon have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral defense cooperation, with a focus on securing their shared southern border and strengthening maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

The agreement was signed in Yaoundé on Wednesday by Nigeria’s Minister of Defense, General Christopher Musa (retd.), and Cameroon’s Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defense, Mr Joseph Assomo, following two days of deliberations by defense and security experts from both countries.

According to a statement on Wednesday by Musa’s media aide, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the MoU establishes a framework for cooperation across terrestrial and maritime domains and covers intelligence sharing, operational coordination, logistics support, joint military training, personnel exchange programmes, and collective response mechanisms to emerging security threats.

“In a major step toward regional stability, the Honourable Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, General Christopher Musa (retd.) OFR, today signed an MoU with the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence of the Republic of Cameroon, Mr Joseph Assomo, to deepen bilateral defence cooperation and secure their shared southern border.

“The signing ceremony in Yaoundé concluded two days of intensive deliberations by defense and security experts from both nations. The agreement establishes a modernised framework to counter emerging threats across both terrestrial and maritime domains.

“The Memorandum of Understanding establishes a renewed framework for cooperation in securing the terrestrial and maritime domains along the Nigeria–Cameroon southern border and reinforces the long-standing defence relationship between both nations.

“Key areas highlighted during the engagements included enhanced operational coordination, intelligence sharing, logistics support, joint military training, personnel exchange programmes, and strengthened mechanisms for collective response to emerging security challenges,” the statement partly read.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Musa said the agreement “would henceforth provide a structured framework for military cooperation and operations between both countries and further institutionalise collaboration in addressing common security concerns.”

Both sides also discussed the operationalisation of the Combined Maritime Joint Task Force, described as a strategic platform for enhancing maritime security and safeguarding economic interests within the Gulf of Guinea, where Nigeria and Cameroon are key stakeholders.

On defense industry cooperation, General Musa noted that “one of the enduring challenges confronting African defence capability development has been limited indigenous production of military hardware,” and stressed the need for stronger regional industrial partnerships. He highlighted opportunities under Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation framework and reaffirmed Nigeria’s openness to collaboration in defence manufacturing, technology transfer, research and innovation.

Assomo, in response, expressed interest in advancing cooperation in defense technology and confirmed that a formal proposal framework is being finalised to concretise bilateral arrangements in that area.

The signing marks what both governments described as a pivotal milestone in Nigeria–Cameroon relations, reinforcing their shared commitment to regional peace and sovereignty.

The signing comes days after armed Cameroonian soldiers allegedly invaded the Danare community in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, causing widespread panic.

Culled from Punch Nigeria

17, June 2026

Yaoundé: US ambassador signals shift from aid to investment ⁰

The United States is stepping up efforts to expand trade and investment ties with Cameroon, positioning itself as a business partner rather than a traditional aid donor. At a conference organised by the American Chamber of Commerce in Cameroon (AmCham) during the PROMOTE 2026 Enterprise Fair in Yaounde on June 16, John Robinson, Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Cameroon, said Washington is prioritising investment, financing and private-sector partnerships to drive economic growth in Cameroon and across Africa.

Robinson said US agencies continue to support trade, export promotion, project financing and entrepreneurship while encouraging American companies to pursue opportunities in Cameroon through partnerships with local businesses. He added that Washington’s approach to commercial diplomacy in Africa centres on mutually beneficial economic partnerships designed to stimulate sustainable growth and create opportunities for businesses on both sides.

“Washington’s vision for commercial diplomacy in Africa is clear. We want to be a reliable partner for economic growth, one that emphasises mutually beneficial trade, investment and technology transfer rather than aid. We recognise that a thriving private sector is the engine of economic growth,” Robinson said.

He noted that agencies including the US Commercial Service, the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the Small Business Administration remain active in supporting entrepreneurs, facilitating trade and connecting American companies with opportunities across Africa.

According to Robinson, the US Embassy works closely with AmCham Cameroon to strengthen the country’s business ecosystem and create conditions that allow both American and Cameroonian companies to expand their operations. He said the objective is to help local firms benefit from American expertise, technology and investment while encouraging US companies to increase their presence in the Cameroonian market.

Cameroon positioned for expanded commercial partnerships

Robinson described Cameroon as a strategic economic partner and said the participation of American businesses at PROMOTE reflected growing interest in the country’s commercial opportunities. He encouraged Cameroonian firms to engage with AmCham and the embassy’s commercial services to explore programmes designed to support expansion into new markets and investment partnerships.

“AmCham’s presence sends a clear signal that American companies are ready to compete, partner and succeed in Cameroon. Together, we can build a stronger and more dynamic US-Cameroon economic partnership,” Robinson said.

Speaking to reporters after the conference, AmCham Cameroon President Laure Djoukam said several US agencies continue to provide support for bilateral trade and investment through financing facilities, business matchmaking and commercial promotion programmes.

She cited the DFC’s role in financing projects and joint ventures involving American and Cameroonian partners, as well as support from the Export-Import Bank for projects involving equipment and products sourced from the United States. Djoukam noted that while some requirements have evolved under the current US administration, particularly regarding American content in supported projects, the agencies remain actively engaged in promoting trade.

“We have concrete achievements. Companies have been established following trade missions and business missions, particularly in agribusiness, processing and poultry production. There is also activity in the energy sector and a major hotel project being developed through American financing,” Djoukam said.

She pointed to developments in agribusiness, poultry production, energy and hospitality as examples of investments linked to business missions and commercial exchanges between the two countries. Among the projects cited was the construction of a major Radisson hotel supported through American financing.

While Cameroon remains outside the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) framework, business leaders at the conference expressed optimism that efforts to restore the country’s eligibility could further strengthen trade relations. In the meantime, officials say ongoing investments in key sectors suggest that commercial engagement between the United States and Cameroon continues to expand through private-sector partnerships, financing arrangements and business development initiatives.

Source: Business in Cameroon