Headline News

26, August 2017

Yet another ghastly accident along the Douala-Bafoussam highway claims 8 lives ⁰

A 60 seater bus owned by Noblesse transport agency has crashed into a Guinness Cameroon truck on the Bafoussam- Douala highway killing 8 passengers on-board. The public transport vehicle that left the West region was not far from the economic capital, Douala when it recorded a head-on collision with a truck loaded with Guinness Cameroon products in the village of Bomono. Local media report say the accident took place around 1 am this Saturday, August 26, 2017.

A spokesperson for the national gendarmerie revealed that the Guinness truck driver was attempting to move away from a crazy bike rider when he bombed into the Noblesse bus. Eight people including the truck driver and his conductor died on the spot.

There has been conflicting reports on the death toll with unofficial sources stating that 20 people were killed in the incident. Roads are increasingly becoming deadly in Biya’s Cameroon and Cameroon Concord News has advised Southern Cameroonians in the Diaspora not to travel home except in unavoidable circumstances. In the last three weeks, road accidents have claimed the lives of 150 people.

By Chi Prudence Asong
Cameroon Concord News

26, August 2017

“The best case scenario for the Indomitable Lions is to beat Nigeria in Uyo” ⁰

The pressure is mounting on the Indomitable Lions, who have less than four days to prepare for the 3rd and 4th qualifying days of the 2018 World Cup qualifying against the Super Eagles. The first leg of the double confrontation against the Super Eagles holds on August 31 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom. Seen as a decisive match by the likes of striker Benjamin Moukandjo, the Indomitable Lions have their work cut out against the Eagles, who top Group B with six points, after two wins against Algeria and Zambia.

Bassogog Cameroon stay second in the group standings, with two points after two draws against Algeria and Zambia. Feeling the pressure, as only group winners qualify for the World Cup in Russia, the Indomitable Lions are desperate to get a positive result in Uyo, which will be seen as a boost ahead of the return leg four days later in Cameroon.

With a draw, the reigning African champions will cut the deficit on Eagles to three, but fear of being overtaken on the table by Algeria or Zambia, should either side win their match. But the best case scenario for Cameroon is a win in Uyo, which will see them cut Eagles lead to one point, enough to put their foes under pressure and making for an explosive return leg on September 4 in Yaounde, which Coach Hugo Broos side will be confident of winning.

Players of the Indomitable Lions see the two matches in Uyo and Yaounde as the litmus tests that will decide their World Cup hopes. And the choice of players for the games is also troubling Belgian-born coach, Broos. With attackers, who still struggle to satisfy the yearning of fans for goals, the Indomitable Lions seem more of ah defensive unit than a attacking force. There is no shortage of examples to illustrate this point.

At the last African Cup of Nations in Gabon, of the six strikers used at the tournament, only Vincent Aboubakar, Christian Bassogog and Benjamin Moukandjo found the net, accounting for three goals out of the seven registered by Cameroon. Central defender, Michael Ngadeu, with two goals, was Cameroon’s top scorer of the competition. This is a clear departure from previous years, when the trio of Samuel Eto’o, Patrick Mboma and Joseph Job, who ended past AFCON competitions with nearly ten goals as was the case with AFCON 2000 jointly-hosted by Nigeria and Ghana and the 2002 edition in Mali.

Observers feel a not-too prolific attack like that of this crop of Indomitable Lions can certainly do with some new blood and initiative Coach Broos believes the return of Clinton N’jié and Eric Maxime Choupo- Moting might address the issue, which admits is giving him sleepless nights. “Of course, I worry over the scarcity of goals from my strikers. With new additions, hopefully, the problem will be solved”, said Broos. The Marseille striker had a very good pre-season preparation, scoring five goals in as many matches for the Ligue I outfit.

Having scored three goals in the current French Ligue 1campaign, N’jié intends to play a leading role in the looming games against the Super Eagles. He is co – top scorer with Mariano Diaz of Lyon and world record signing, Neymar of PSG On Maxime Choupo- Moting, who plays for Stoke in the English Premier League, hopes are high that Cameroon will find a regular scorer in the youngster. Fans eyes are now turned firmly on the strike force of the Indomitable Lions to see if they can finally deliver the goals when they confront the Super Eagles on September 1st and 4th in Uyo and Yaounde respectively.

Culled from the Vanguard

26, August 2017

Angola: Ruling party claims election victory ⁰

The ruling party in Angola has claimed a widely expected election victory, setting the stage for a change of leadership after decades of authoritarian rule by the cold war veteran José Eduardo dos Santos. Though final results from Wednesday’s voting were still being counted, the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) said it was on track to win a two-thirds parliamentary majority, based on its calculations.

In Angola, political parties are allowed to observe the elections by posting party members at every polling station and by assimilating results, the parties attempt to predict the election outcome. Though the MPLA has yet to lose an electoral contest since a return to multiparty democracy 25 years ago, the real significance of the poll was that 74-year-old Dos Santos, who has ruled Angola for 38 years, did not stand as a presidential candidate.

His successor as president – should the MPLA projections be confirmed – will be João Lourenço, the 63-year-old defence minister and party veteran. “We can affirm that the future president will be comrade João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço,” João Martins, MPLA secretary for political and electoral affairs, said.

The main opposition, National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (Unita), disputed the MPLA’s projected result. “Looking at the trend, the MPLA won’t have a majority at all,” Unita’s parliamentary head Adalberto Costa Júnior told Reuters news agency.

Culled from the Guardian

26, August 2017

Trump’s deputy assistant Sebastian Gorka resigns from White House ⁰

In yet another blow to the administration of US President Donald Trump, his deputy assistant, Sebastian Gorka, has resigned, media outlets report.

According to the Federalist newspaper, which cited multiple sources familiar with the situation, the national security and counterterrorism expert wrote a letter in which he announced his resignation over his dissatisfaction with the current state of the Trump administration.

“[G]iven recent events, it is clear to me that forces that do not support the MAGA promise are – for now – ascendant within the White House,” Gorka wrote, according to the Federalist. “As a result, the best and most effective way I can support you, Mr. President, is from outside the People’s House,” he added.

Gorka is another official who has resigned after Trump’s inflammatory remarks about a violent incident in Charlottesville, Virginia earlier this month. On August 12, a man linked to white supremacist groups ran over a group of counter-protesters during a gathering of white nationalists in Charlottesville, killing one woman and injuring some 20 others.

Trump stirred a firestorm by refusing to blame the violence on white supremacists and saying that both sides were at fault. His flip-flopping on Charlottesville prompted a wave of resignations on two high-profile White House advisory boards, leading Trump to officially disband both.

Every member of the White House arts committee also resigned over the issue. In the wake of Charlottesville, four in ten Americans support Trump’s impeachment and removal from office, according to a new poll. According to the new poll recently released by the Public Religion Research Institute, 40 percent of Americans back impeaching Trump, compared to 30 percent who said the same in February.

Source: Presstv

25, August 2017

CPDM FECAFOOT Gang: “La FIFA nous sa mis dans la sauce” ⁰

The Francophone Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Bidoung Mpkatt has said that La Republique du Cameroun is on the same wavelength as FIFA and that the country is going ahead with preparations for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Minister made the statement during a press briefing today Friday in the conference room of the Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium in Yaoundé, following the establishment of a new standardisation committee at FECAFOOT.

“Cameroon takes note and is ready to cooperate with FIFA and CAF for a return to serenity in Cameroonian football,” noted the Francophone Minister. He added that “Our country is ready to cooperate fully with FIFA and CAF for the harmonious implementation of this process.”

The controversial CPDM official however opined that FECAFOOT will continue to carry out its activities. “The Standardization Committee does not mean the suspension of activities within FECAFOOT. The decision concerns the election of the Executive Board. FECAFOOT continues to carry out its activities.”

By Fru James
Cameroon Concord News
MAY 15:58

25, August 2017

CRTV: So fed up with mediocrity, Charles Ndongo calls veterans back on active duty ⁰

The general manager of the Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV), Charles Ndongo has launched a one-week exercise to push journalists to perfection. The operation dubbed, “La Radio des Icônes” or the Radio for Icons begins 28th August through 3rd September 2017.

During this time, fifteen former CRTV journalists who won the admiration of the Cameroonian people will present prime time news bulletins and programs on radio. Detailing the project to CRTV National Station newsroom staff, Charles Ndongo encouraged all to follow the footsteps of the icons that are being celebrated till date.

Renowned names in Cameroonian journalism like Abel Mbengue, Peter Essoka and Jean Claude Ottou hailed the Director General’s initiative calling it an opportunity to encourage the younger generation.

One of the media gurus on schedule, Peter Essoka advised the young journalists to be inquisitive, intuitive and humble. CRTV’s audience will therefore get another opportunity to listen to inspiring voices of the 80’s and 90’s.

Below is the program schedule:

Monday 28th August 2017
– One PM News Presenter: Jean Claude Ottou
– Sports Page Presenter: Abel Mbengue
– Three PM News Presenter: Peter Essoka

29th August 2017
– Les Matinées de la CRTV Presenter: Jean Marterne Ndi
– Seven PM News Presenter: Gideon Taka

30th August 2017
– One PM Presenter: Zacharie Ngniman
– Luncheon Date Presenter: Paul Kode

31st August 2017
– Les Matinées de la CRTV Presenter: Sally Messio
– Luncheon Date Presenter: Victor Epie Ngome

1st September 2017
– Five PM News Presenter: Barbara Etoa
– Weekend Sports Presenter: Njomo Kevin

2nd September 2017
– One PM news Presenter: Pascal Mebe Abah
– Saturday Evening Request Presenter: Mweng Meombo

3rd September 2017
– Dimanche Midi Presenter: Antoine Marie Ngono
– CRTV Afternoon Edition: Ngyetiko Musi

Source: CRTV

25, August 2017

Kaput!! Germany rules out EU membership for Turkey under Erdogan ⁰

Turkey will never be accepted into the European Union as long as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is in office, Germany’s Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel says, blasting the Turkish head of state for not taking accession talks seriously. “It is clear that in this state, Turkey will never become a member of the EU,” said Gabriel, who is also Germany’s Vice Chancellor. “It’s not because we don’t want them but because the Turkish government and Erdogan are moving fast away from everything that Europe stands for.”

European leaders have been critical of Erdogan over his government’s crackdown on opponents following last year’s botched military coup in the country. The Turkish president has also come under fire for holding a referendum to expand his presidential powers.

Gabriel’s remarks followed a series of fiery exchanges between the leaders of the two countries. Germany has repeatedly criticized Ankara’s crackdown on those suspected of involvement in the coup, saying the Turkish government has acted beyond the rule of law.

Ankara in response, has accused Berlin of sheltering outlawed Kurdish militants and allowing their sympathizers to stage anti-Turkey rallies across Germany.

Erdogan

Erdogan stirred more tensions between the two sides last week, when he accused Berlin of Nazi-like behavior and urged the three million or so Turkish nationals living in Germany to vote against German Chancellor Angela Merkel in the country’s September federal election.

The comment drew a strong response from Germany, with Gabriel denouncing Erdogan’s “interference” in the vote. The Turkish president in response said Gabriel has to learn his “limits.” “He knows no limits! Who are you to talk to the president of Turkey? Know your limits. He is trying to teach us a lesson… How long have you been in politics? How old are you?” Erdogan said Saturday.

Erdogan says both the crackdown and the bid to increase presidential powers were necessary to address security challenges Turkey faces at home and abroad.

Source: Presstv

25, August 2017

Most Americans say Trump is dividing country ⁰

A majority of Americans think US President Donald Trump is doing more to divide the country and believe hate crimes and prejudice have dramatically increased since his election, a new poll has found.

A total of 62 percent of registered US voters say Trump is fueling divisions, while 31 percent say he is doing more to unite the country, according to a Quinnipiac University national poll released Thursday. Sixty percent of American voters disapprove of Trump’s response to the recent white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where one counter-protester was killed and 19 others were injured.

The survey also found that 59 percent of voters said Trump’s decisions and behavior have encouraged racist and white supremacist groups. Some 55 percent of American voters say there is too much prejudice in the nation today. Prejudice against minority groups is a “very serious” problem, 50 percent of voters say.

Since Trump’s election, “the level of hatred and prejudice in the US has increased,” 65 percent of voters say. Trump has been widely criticized for his response to the Charlottesville rally after he said “both sides” were to blame for the violence.

UN human rights experts have urged the US government to “unequivocally and unconditionally” condemn racist speech and hate crimes, warning that a failure to do so could fuel further violent clashes by white supremacist groups.

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), issued an “early warning and urgent action” statement on Wednesday, which is reserved for serious situations, saying that “there should be no place in the world for racist white supremacist ideas or any similar ideologies that reject the core human rights principles of human dignity and equality.”

The warning specifically noted the August 12 rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where deadly clashes broke out between white supremacists and counter-protesters. The UN experts asked US politicians and public officials to undertake concrete measures “to address the root causes of the proliferation of such racist manifestations.”

Source: Presstv

24, August 2017

Polls open in Angola in election marking end of president’s 38-year rule ⁰

Angolans have headed to the polls in a historic election marking the end of the 38-year rule of ailing President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, with his MPLA party expected to retain power but with a reduced majority.

Polling stations opened on Wednesday across the country – a former Portuguese colony – amid reports of a slow start in the nation’s capital of Luanda, where Dos Santos and his hand-picked successor and front-runner, Defense Minister Joao Lourenco, are due to cast their ballots later in the day.

Dos Santos’ retirement, which was reportedly prompted by ill health, has triggered the biggest political transition in decades for Angola, a leading oil exporter in Africa. He will, however, keep his position as the MPLA head. Nearly 9.3 million Angolans are registered to cast their ballots to decide the fate of the country’s 220-member National Assembly. The winning party will then appoint the president.

The main opposition challenger in the election is the UNITA party, a former rebel group that battled the MPLA in Angola’s civil war. The party has ruled the nation since its 1975 independence from Portugal. The MPLA, which stands for People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola, won the 2012 polls with 72 percent of the votes amid widespread allegations of voting irregularities.

Meanwhile, at a weekend rally in front of thousands of MPLA party supporters, Dos Santos, a frail-looking 74-year-old, made a brief appearance to endorse the likely new president. “We have no doubt about the victory of the MPLA, and our candidate will be the future president, which is why I ask you: August 23, vote MPLA … and Joao Lourenco,” he said in a weak voice.

Dos Santos has been dogged by reports of illness, and his regular visits to Spain for “private” reasons fuelled criticism that his health status was being hidden from ordinary Angolans. Despite its oil wealth, however, Angola is plagued by poverty, corruption and human rights issues, though some observers argue that the new leadership may open the way to more accountability.

Source: Presstv

24, August 2017

Biya regime crumbling as FIFA takes control of Cameroon’s FECAFOOT ⁰

FIFA has appointed a normalisation committee to run the Cameroonian Football Association (FECAFOOT) for the second time in four years. The latest intervention of world football’s governing body comes after the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld a decision made by the Olympic and Sports Committee of Cameroon’s Chamber of Conciliation and Arbitration to annul the electoral process that saw the current executive committee of FECAFOOT appointed in 2015.

According to a statement released by FIFA on Wednesday, recent attempts to reconcile football stakeholders in Cameroon have failed. The normalisation committee will be charged with running the daily affairs of FECAFOOT, drafting new statutes and conducting elections to form a new FECAFOOT executive committee.

Comprising a joint FIFA and Confederation of African Football (CAF) delegation, the committee’s remit is not expected to extend beyond February 2018. Tombi A Roko Sidiki was elected president of FECAFOOT in September 2015, a prior normalisation committee having been in place since elections were scrapped amid infighting in May 2013.

Despite the issues with its governing body, Cameroon’s national team won the Africa Cup of Nations in February and the country is due to stage the tournament in 2019, although a scheduled CAF inspection to determine its readiness was postponed this month following the withdrawal from the process of international auditing firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Source: The worldgame