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17, July 2026

Ngoh Ngoh-Nathalie Moudiki: Cameroon cannot afford governance by rival fiefdoms ⁰

The spectacle unfolding around two competing refinery and oil depot projects is more than a bureaucratic disagreement. It is a disturbing illustration of a governance culture in which competing centers of power appear to be pursuing parallel agendas, with little regard for coherence, transparency or the national interest.

When infrastructure projects worth millions of dollars become associated primarily with the influence of powerful individuals rather than with a clearly articulated national energy strategy, the real loser is Cameroon. Whether one project is perceived to enjoy the backing of Nathalie Moudiki at the Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures (SNH) and the other the support of Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh at the Presidency matters less than the broader institutional failure such perceptions reveal. Public investment should never be reduced to a contest of political patrons.

Cameroon has long spoken of strengthening its refining capacity, improving fuel security and expanding strategic petroleum storage. These are legitimate national priorities that deserve careful planning, rigorous technical evaluation and transparent procurement. Instead, the public is left watching what increasingly resembles a contest between rival power blocs. Such a situation raises uncomfortable questions. Is the country following a single energy policy or are major projects being driven by competing networks of influence? Who ultimately decides national priorities? And on what criteria?

This is not merely an issue of political optics. It is an economic one. Investors seek predictability, consistency and institutional clarity. Development partners expect governments to speak with one voice. When conflicting projects emerge simultaneously without a clear explanation of how they fit within a unified national framework, confidence is inevitably weakened. Every unnecessary duplication, every delay born of institutional rivalry and every opaque decision carries a financial cost that is ultimately borne by Cameroonian taxpayers.

The danger extends beyond wasted resources. Governance based on personalities rather than institutions undermines accountability. Decisions become difficult to scrutinize because they are perceived as reflecting political influence rather than objective analysis. Public officials should compete in delivering better policy outcomes, not in assembling competing infrastructure projects that appear to represent rival camps within the state.

Cameroon deserves better. The country’s energy future should be guided by comprehensive planning, independent technical assessments, environmental considerations, financial sustainability and measurable public benefit. If two refinery or oil depot proposals exist, the government owes citizens a transparent explanation of their respective merits, costs, financing arrangements and strategic objectives. If only one is justified by national demand and fiscal realities, then resources should be concentrated there through an open and accountable decision-making process.

Strong states are distinguished by institutions that outlast individuals. They do not allow strategic sectors such as petroleum to become theatres for elite competition. The Unity Palace, the SNH, the Ministry of Water and Energy and every relevant public institution should be working from the same blueprint, pursuing the same national objectives and communicating with the same clarity.

Cameroon’s greatest development challenge has never been a shortage of ambition. It has been the persistent gap between institutional governance and personal influence. The current confrontation over refinery and oil depot projects, whatever its underlying dynamics, should serve as a wake-up call. National development cannot be built on competing power centers. It requires unity of purpose, transparency in execution and unwavering fidelity to the public interest.

The country’s oil infrastructure is too important to become another chapter in elite rivalry. Cameroon deserves governance that inspires confidence rather than confusion, coordination rather than competition and institutions that serve the nation rather than personalities who seek to define it.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

17, July 2026

Cameroon advances key trade corridor upgrade to Equatorial Guinea ⁰

Cameroon has moved a step closer to rehabilitating the Ebolowa-Ambam highway, a strategic trade corridor linking the country’s southern region to Equatorial Guinea, as technical studies enter a more advanced stage.

According to a statement published on July 15 by the Ministry of Public Works, contractor HAB S.A. has intensified topographic and geotechnical surveys along the section between kilometer point 0 and kilometer point 47+600.

The studies are intended to refine the engineering design and identify the most appropriate technical solutions before rehabilitation work begins. The ministry said the contractor has strengthened its field operations by deploying a project director, topographic and geotechnical teams, laboratory technicians, an environmental specialist, and specialized equipment, including a deflection testing truck, a dual-frequency GPS station, and additional support vehicles.

Administrative procedures are also underway to secure authorization for the quarry that will supply construction materials for the project.

A key trade corridor

The rehabilitation carries significant economic importance. The 92-kilometer Ebolowa-Ambam section forms part of National Road No. 2, which links the capital of Cameroon’s South Region to the border with Equatorial Guinea.

The corridor is a major route for transporting agricultural products, timber, and other goods to border markets while facilitating trade with neighboring members of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC). Over time, however, the road’s deteriorating condition has increased transport costs, lengthened travel times, and raised vehicle maintenance expenses, reducing the competitiveness of businesses operating in the region.

The project forms part of the broader rehabilitation of the Ebolowa-Ambam-Olamze road. In June 2025, Public Works Minister Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi launched a restricted national tender under an emergency procedure for the first phase of rehabilitation works.

The CFA15 billion project will be financed through the government’s public investment budgets for 2025, 2026, and 2027. Planned works include pavement rehabilitation, pothole repairs, shoulder restoration, and replacement of road signs.

Supporting regional integration

For Cameroon, upgrading the highway is about more than improving mobility. The project is part of a broader strategy to strengthen transport corridors connecting the country with its neighbors at a time when trade within CEMAC remains relatively limited.

A more efficient road is expected to facilitate cross-border trade, reduce logistics costs for businesses, and improve market access for agricultural producers. For investors in agriculture, forestry, logistics, and related sectors, transport infrastructure remains a key factor in investment decisions and business expansion.

The technical studies currently underway therefore represent more than a routine administrative step. They will determine when construction can begin on a project expected to generate economic benefits well beyond the Ntem Valley department, supporting development across Cameroon’s South Region while strengthening commercial links with Equatorial Guinea.

Source: Sbbc

15, July 2026

Douala port resumes operations after vessel collision ⁰

Cameroon’s main port of Douala has resumed operations, its transport minister said on Tuesday, after a collision between two cargo vessels at the weekend temporarily obstructed ‌the navigation channel.

The accident occurred early on Sunday near buoy No. 20 in the Douala-Bonaberi port channel when the outgoing Tuvalu-registered cargo vessel MV Sea Honor collided with the inbound Cyprus-flagged MV Black Rhino.

No fatalities were reported, but both vessels sustained significant damage and the ⁠collision temporarily blocked access to the channel, disrupting maritime traffic at one of Central Africa’s busiest ports. The impact of the disruption was not disclosed.

The Port of Douala-Bonaberi handles the majority of Cameroon’s seaborne trade and serves as a crucial transit corridor for imports and exports destined for Chad and the Central African Republic.

The Port Authority of Douala said a technical investigation has been launched to establish the exact circumstances of the accident. ‌However, ⁠it noted that initial findings suggested that a loss of steering control on board MV Black Rhino may have been the cause of the collision.

“MV Sea Honor was cleared from the channel and towed to the anchorage area, while ⁠MV Black Rhino was deliberately run aground along the line of red buoys to ensure the safety of navigation and facilitate clearance operations,” Minister Jean Ernest Massena ⁠Ngalle Bibehe said in a statement.

The 15 crew members aboard MV Black Rhino were evacuated safely and received assistance in line with national maritime ⁠rescue procedures, the transport ministry said.

The ministry said the channel had since been fully cleared and maritime traffic had returned to normal under standard safety conditions.

Source: Reuters

12, July 2026

Cameroon cocoa farm gate price rises ⁰

With one week to go before Cameroon’s 2025-2026 cocoa season ends on July 15, trading activity is picking up. Farmgate prices rose by 250 CFA francs per kilogram in two days, reaching their highest level since the season began.

According to data released by the National Cocoa and Coffee Board’s Commodity Information System, cocoa traded at between 2,750 and 2,850 CFA francs per kilogram on July 9, nearing the 3,000 CFA franc mark. On July 7, prices ranged from 2,500 to 2,600 CFA francs per kilogram, according to the same source.

The latest increase may reflect stronger buying activity toward the end of the season, although available data do not yet show how significant it is. More broadly, it continues a recovery that began about two months ago. Despite repeated increases across producing regions, prices remained below 2,000 CFA francs per kilogram until June 22. The 2025-2026 cocoa season officially began in Mbankomo on August 7, 2025.

A Less Favorable International Market

Current prices nevertheless remain far below the records set during the previous two seasons. In the 2024-2025 season, cocoa prices reached as high as 5,400 CFA francs per kilogram. A year earlier, during the 2023-2024 season, prices climbed to about 6,000 CFA francs per kilogram in some producing areas.

Those exceptional prices fueled high expectations for the 2025-2026 season. When the season began, Cameroonian authorities forecast farmgate prices of between 3,200 and 5,400 CFA francs per kilogram. Market conditions, however, proved significantly less favorable than expected.

The gap between the initial forecasts and actual prices is partly attributable to a reversal in the international cocoa market. After supply constraints pushed prices to historic highs, the latest available estimates from the International Cocoa Organization show that the global market moved back into surplus in the 2024-2025 season, following a historic deficit in 2023-2024.

Improved supply conditions, combined with slowing industrial demand in some consumer markets, helped ease upward pressure on prices. The increase recorded in Cameroon toward the end of the 2025-2026 season has provided some relief to farmers, but prices remain well below the exceptional peaks of the previous two seasons.

Source: Business in Cameroon

10, July 2026

Douala: Ngute admin begins rollout of long-acting injectable HIV prevention drug ⁰

Cameroon has kicked off a pilot programme for Cabotegravir, a long-acting injectable drug for HIV prevention, officials announced on Thursday.

The launch took place in Douala, the country’s economic capital.

Public Health Minister Manaouda Malachie said the new option, known as CAB-PrEP, is given as an injection every two months and is up to 95 per cent effective at preventing HIV infection.

He stressed that CAB-PrEP is not meant to replace barrier contraceptives, regular testing or medical follow-ups.

Instead, it adds another tool to the country’s prevention strategy and could help people at high risk stay consistent with protection.

“This is a major step forward in our goal to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030,” Manaouda told reporters.

For the pilot, the drug will be made available in areas with the highest transmission rates, starting with Douala, according to health officials.

The minister added that success will depend on clear public information, close medical supervision and stronger involvement from community groups to fight stigma and boost uptake.

The announcement comes days after Cameroon reported progress on two of the UN’s “95-95-95” HIV targets.

Results from a national survey on the impact of HIV released on Tuesday showed that 96.4 per cent of people diagnosed with HIV are now on antiretroviral treatment, and 95 per cent of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression.

The same survey estimated HIV prevalence at three per cent among people aged 15 and older, equal to about 501,000 people living with HIV nationwide. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.

Source: nst.com

10, July 2026

Football: Mbappé sends France past Morocco to World Cup semi-finals ⁰

France defeated Morocco 2-0 in a hard-fought quarter-final encounter, with Mbappé opening the scoring after initially missing a penalty in the first half.

Mbappe curled in his eighth goal of the tournament on 60 minutes before Dembele doubled Les Bleus’ lead six minutes later to settle a clinical victory at the Gillette Stadium outside Boston.

The win sends the 2018 champions into a last-four showdown against either Spain or Belgium in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday.

The Atlas Lions had been tipped to pose a serious threat to France’s hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final.

But Didier Deschamps’ men were always in control against a limited Morocco side who failed to register a single shot on goal until an 83rd minute free-kick by Azzedine Ounahi was parried away by France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

France though struggled to find a breakthrough, and missed the opportunity to take the lead on 28 minutes when Mbappe saw a penalty saved by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Mbappe had won the penalty after being brought down by Noussair Mazraoui but was forced to wait several minutes before being allowed to take the kick after a protracted VAR check.

Resilient Bounou

Morocco managed to hold out to half-time but it was always only a matter of time before France’s relentless pressure paid off.

The breakthrough came on the hour mark, with Mbappe bending a brilliant right-foot shot past a resilient Bounou from the edge of the area.

Paris Saint-Germain star Dembele made the game safe in the 66th minute, striding forward menacingly from midfield before steering a low finish into the bottom corner.

France now await the winner of Friday’s quarter-final in Los Angeles between European champions Spain and Belgium.

Spain, who have not conceded a single goal so far, eliminated Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the last 16 and will fancy their chances of overcoming Belgium, who thrashed United States 4-1 to reach the last eight.

Source: AFP

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