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Diocese of Buea: Bishop Bibi recognizes pastoral agents’ “hard work, sacrifices”

2, May 2024

Diocese of Buea: Bishop Bibi recognizes pastoral agents’ “hard work, sacrifices” 0

On the occasion of the annual celebration of the International Labor Day commemorated May 1, Bishop Michael Miabesue Bibi of Cameroon’s Buea Diocese has recognized with “gratitude and appreciation” the sacrificial efforts pastoral workers make in serving the people of God in his Episcopal See.

In a statement issued Wednesday, May 1, Bishop Bibi recalls that Labour Day “honors the contributions and achievements of workers worldwide and recognizes their importance in building societies and economies.”

“It’s a time to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of workers across various sectors and industries,” the Cameroonian Catholic Bishop says.

He thanks pastoral agents in Buea Diocese, saying, “As you celebrate Labour Day with your loved ones, I express gratitude and appreciation for your hard work and sacrifices to the Diocese.”

“Thank you for your endless support and commitment to your duties,” he said, and added, “I equally recognize your contributions to the growth of the different institutions in our Diocese.”

The Cameroonian Catholic Bishop, who started his Episcopal Ministry in March 2017 as Auxiliary Bishop of Cameroon’s Bamenda Archdiocese recognizes the May 1 Feast of St. Joseph the Worker.

“St. Joseph the worker whose memorial we celebrate today was loyal, hardworking and committed,” Bishop Bibi says, and implores, “May he intercede for us all to work devotedly with Joy.”

“May God Our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ in Communion with the Holy Spirit give you grace and peace,” he further implores in his May 1 message.

Celebrated every year on May 1 since 1890 in over 80 countries, Labor Day recalls the “contributions of workers”, seeking to promote “their rights, and commemorate the labor movement.”

This year, the focus is on ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate, a theme that underscores the critical importance of addressing the impacts of climate change on workplace safety and occupational health.

Source: aciafrica

BEAC sets two-week deadline to withdraw CFA150bn from banks in inflation battle

2, May 2024

BEAC sets two-week deadline to withdraw CFA150bn from banks in inflation battle 0

The Central Bank of Central African States (Beac) kicked off its 4th round of bond issuance on April 29, aiming to tighten bank liquidity. Through three bond issuances scheduled between April 29 and May 13, the central bank aims to withdraw a total of CFA150 billion from commercial banks’ coffers.

The first three rounds of bond issuance saw rather mixed success. Out of seven operations, at least two were declared unsuccessful due to lack of subscriptions, while almost all others barely exceeded a 30% demand coverage rate. Since the launch of these operations in February 2024, only the one on April 22, totaling CFA50 billion, saw remarkable success. This offer saw a coverage rate of 156% as reported by the central bank.

Following the increase in key interest rates, suspension of liquidity injection operations, and intensified weekly liquidity withdrawal operations, Beac bonds have become the central bank’s new tool to reduce bank liquidity and restrict access to credit. This is aimed at reducing the share of inflation of monetary origin (20%) in the Cemac zone.

Source: Business in Cameroon

Yaounde: Dion Ngute discusses upcoming S.Korea-Africa summit with visiting Minister Kang

2, May 2024

Yaounde: Dion Ngute discusses upcoming S.Korea-Africa summit with visiting Minister Kang 0

Second Vice Foreign Minister Kang In-sun has met with Cameroon’s Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute in the Central African country and discussed an upcoming leaders’ summit of South Korea and African nations, Seoul’s foreign ministry said Wednesday.

Kang’s courtesy call on Dion Ngute on Tuesday (local time) came during her weeklong two-nation trip as a presidential envoy to the continent this week that also took her to Senegal.

In the meeting, Kang highlighted that the South Korea-Africa summit, set for June 4-5 in Seoul, will serve as a chance for the two countries to significantly boost bilateral cooperation and asked for Cameroon’s support and participation in the gathering.

Kang also expressed expectations that the cooperation with Cameroon will continue to deepen in a wide range of areas, as it has in ICT, health care, agriculture and job training, through robust high-level talks and other exchanges.

Kang separately met with Cameroon’s presidential chief of staff, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, and acting Foreign Minister Oumarou Chinmoun.

In Cameroon, Kang also had a meeting with South Korean officials from the state aid agency, KOICA, and those from other development aid nonprofit organizations.

Source: en.yna

Tens of thousands of trained teachers, doctors and nurses have fled Cameroon

2, May 2024

Tens of thousands of trained teachers, doctors and nurses have fled Cameroon 0

Hundreds of thousands of workers across Cameroon are observing International Labor Day on May 1 by marching against abuses they say include illegal dismissals and failure to pay the $70 monthly minimum wage, even as the cost of living increases.

Trade unions say tens of thousands of trained teachers, doctors and nurses have fled the country in the past year because of unemployment and tough working conditions, with monthly salaries at half the minimum.

Celestin Bama, secretary general of the Confederation of Cameroon Workers Trade Union, or CSTC, addressed workers gathered at the May 20 Boulevard in Cameroon’s capital, Yaounde.

Bama said the government of Cameroon has not done anything substantial within the past 30 years to improve the conditions of workers. Thirty years ago, Cameroon imposed a 70 percent salary cut on government workers, Bama said, adding that there is a growing need to increase wages as prices of basic commodities have spiked 40 percent.

Cameroon trade unions say a 20 percent fuel price hike imposed by the government in February without a corresponding salary increase has also made living very difficult.

Anong Jacob, a member of the Cameroon Teachers Trade Union, or CATTU, said some private school owners pay teachers as little as $50 a month.

“What do you expect from a teacher who earns 40,000 or 30,000 francs in a town like Yaounde or Douala or Bamenda, Bafoussam? What quality of shoe or dress would you expect them to put [wear] and come to school? You see the poor teacher with twisted shirts, with twisted shoes and all of that. Sometimes they don’t have money to pay electricity bills. They suffer a lot of humiliation,” Anong said. “I think the government should put some policies [in place] to see that proprietors and proprietresses respect the minimum wage.”

Cameroon’s agreed minimum wage is $70 per month. Hilary Mbuwel, a teacher and social critic, said private employers do not respect the minimum wage because the government does not police private companies.

“Proprietors know that if they do not respect the minimum wage, nobody calls them to account and so, since there is nobody to call them to account, nobody to punish them, they do it with impunity,” Mbuwel said.

The government says there has been a 10 percent pay raise since 2023, but workers say with inflation so high, the raise is negligible. The government says the inflation rate is about 8 percent.

Cameroon Minister of Labor and Social Security Gregoire Owona said the fragile world economy and several armed conflicts that the government has to manage make it impossible for the state and private investors to satisfy the needs of all workers.

Owona said limited financial resources make it difficult for the government of Cameroon to solve the myriad problems affecting workers. He added that Cameroon President Paul Biya has ordered officials to make sure the wages of all government workers are paid regularly and as agreed in their employment contracts, while the possibility of improved workers’ rights, decent working conditions and fair compensation are being examined.

Owona said the Cameroon government has instructed police and the National Insurance Fund to investigate and punish private employers who neither register their staff members to social security schemes nor respect the minimum wage.

The government says respecting agreed wages and providing retirement benefits and disability income to qualified workers and their families will reduce the current massive migration of workers for lucrative jobs elsewhere, especially in Europe and North America.

Cameroon says at least 10,000 trained professionals have fled the central African state within the past year because of unemployment, poor pay or poor working conditions.

Source: VOA

US: Trump fined $9,000 for repeatedly violating gag order in hush money trial

30, April 2024

US: Trump fined $9,000 for repeatedly violating gag order in hush money trial 0

The New York judge presiding over Donald Trump’s hush money trial fined the former president on Tuesday for defying a gag order and warned that further violations could result in jail time.

Judge Juan Merchan held the 77-year-old Trump in contempt of court for breaching an order that he not publicly attack witnesses, jurors or court staff and their relatives.

Merchan fined Trump $1,000 each for nine specific violations of the gag order, and instructed him to remove seven “offending posts” from his Truth Social account and two from a campaign website by Tuesday afternoon.

The judge also warned the former president that he could be sent to jail if he continues to violate the gag order.

“Defendant is hereby warned that the Court will not tolerate continued willful violations of its lawful orders and that if necessary and appropriate under the circumstances, it will impose an incarceratory punishment,” Merchan said.

The judge delivered his order before testimony resumed in Trump’s historic trial on charges of falsifying business records to pay hush money to a porn star, Stormy Daniels.

Trump is the first former US president to face criminal charges, and his required attendance in court is limiting his time on the campaign trail less than seven months before his likely election rematch with President Joe Biden.

The Republican is accused of falsifying business records to reimburse his then-lawyer, Michael Cohen, for the $130,000 funneled to Daniels just days ahead of the 2016 election against Hillary Clinton.

Daniels, 45, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, was threatening at the time to go public with her story about an alleged 2006 sexual encounter with Trump that could have potentially derailed his White House campaign.

Trump denies having sex with Daniels and has used appearances outside the Manhattan courtroom to rail against his indictment, claiming it is a “witch hunt” brought by Democrats to torpedo his bid to recapture the White House in November.

‘Catch and kill’

Gary Farro, a former senior managing director of the now defunct First Republic Bank, took the witness stand on Tuesday after briefly testifying on Friday.

Cohen, Trump’s “fixer,” set up an account at First Republic in the name of a company called Essential Consultants to arrange for the payment to Daniels.

Cohen, who has become a vocal Trump critic, and Daniels are expected to be star prosecution witnesses during the trial.

The opening of the trial was dominated last week by testimony by a former tabloid publisher who said he suppressed potentially damaging stories about Trump.

David Pecker, 72, outlined a scheme known as “catch and kill,” which involved buying and then burying salacious stories that could have been embarrassing to the real estate tycoon and harmed his campaign.

The former National Enquirer publisher told the court he paid $30,000 to kill a story from a Trump Tower doorman peddling an apparently false claim that Trump had fathered a child out of wedlock.

He said $150,000 was paid to squash a story from Karen McDougal, a Playboy model who claimed to have had a year-long affair with Trump.

The case, heard by 12 jurors and six alternates, is expected to last between six and eight weeks.

In addition, Trump has been indicted in Washington and Georgia on charges of conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

He also faces charges in Florida of allegedly mishandling classified documents after leaving the White House.

Source: AFP

Cameroon Employers Association: Célestin Tawamba’s landslide victory raises questions

30, April 2024

Cameroon Employers Association: Célestin Tawamba’s landslide victory raises questions 0

The election of Célestin Tawamba as the head of the Cameroon Employers’ Association (Gecam) is hailed as a resounding success, according to a statement released after the organization’s first general assembly. Gecam was born from the merger of the Inter-Patronal Group of Cameroon (Gicam) and Cameroon Enterprises (Ecam).

Tawamba’s slate, the only one in contention, secured 550 out of 560 votes, amounting to 98.18% of the valid votes, as stated in the document signed on April 9 by the managing director, Aline Véronique Mbono.

However, the document remains silent on the number of voters. Yet, upon scrutiny of Gecam’s texts, it’s evident that the number of votes no longer matches the number of voters. The new vote distribution is as follows: large enterprises, with revenues exceeding CFA50 billion, have five votes; medium-sized enterprises, with revenues ranging from one to CFA15 billion, possess two votes; small enterprises, with revenues between CFA50 million and CFA1 billion, have one vote; and very small enterprises, with less than CFA50 million in revenue, are allocated 0.2 votes.

Some business owners turn their backs on Gecam

It is important to note that only 295 members participated in Gecam’s inaugural general assembly. This indicates that out of a potential 1,400 members, 295 have formally joined Gecam, comprising 1,000 from Gicam and 400 from Ecam. This reality tempers the claimed landslide victory and raises questions about the consensus around the merger project. Acknowledging this, sources within Gecam admit that the desired unity of the employers’ association has not been achieved. Since Gicam’s extraordinary general meeting on July 11, 2023, when 329 members voted in favor of the merger treaty, no employers’ association gathering has attracted more than 300 people.

Following the merger, a significant number of patrons have not paid their dues and are not actively involved in the activities of the new employers’ organization. Notable absentees include Abakal Mahamat, the CEO of BGFIBank Cameroon, and Reine Essobmadje, the CEO of Evolving Consulting, who was previously one of the vice presidents in Gicam’s last board of directors under Célestin Tawamba’s presidency.

“Many of us were left unsatisfied with the underlying project behind such a merger,” stated Jacques Jonathan Nyemb, a member of the Gicam board of directors, back in December. Nyemb, who served as the spokesperson for Célestin Tawamba until July 11, 2023, further believes that the merger process was marred by irregularities both in substance and in form. This led Emmanuel Wafo, then president of the Gicam’s economic and business development commission, to file several complaints that are still pending before the courts in Douala. For opponents of the merger, the sole aim of this project was to dissolve the country’s largest employers’ organization, thus allowing Célestin Tawamba to prolong his tenure at the helm of Cameroonian business leadership by assuming control of the newly created employers’ federation. It’s worth noting that Gicam’s regulations prevented him from running for office again at the end of his second term in December 2023.”

Tawamba gained ground

At the treaty signing on April 5, 2023, the project’s initiators, Célestin Tawamba and Protais Ayangma, then presidents of Gicam and Ecam respectively, outlined their goal of building a new, stronger, more modern, influential, and representative employers’ organization. Despite some patrons’ reluctance, Tawamba has garnered support, securing official endorsement from the country’s authorities. The inaugural board of Gecam, which he heads, was received by Prime Minister Dion Ngute on April 24, 2024, and the following day by the Secretary-General of the Presidency, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh.

During these meetings, the board presented its program and action plan for the next four years. This program focuses on positioning Gecam at the forefront of discussions for implementing policies affecting the business environment, restructuring its organizational framework to provide tailored services to members based on their size and sectors, and supporting SMEs and micro-enterprises to become engines of growth and employment within Cameroon and the region, particularly within the framework of the AfCFTA.

According to reports from these meetings, “Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh expressed readiness to further support the employers’ association in finding sustainable solutions to improve the business environment through a more inclusive approach.” Prime Minister Dion Ngute emphasized the need for a new paradigm of public-private dialog where the government and employers are equal partners with the same objective.

Source: Business in Cameroon

At Yaoundé Forum: mayors resolve to make birth registration a top priority

30, April 2024

At Yaoundé Forum: mayors resolve to make birth registration a top priority 0

Local and city council mayors in Cameroon have signed a charter which reflects their desire to take birth registration efforts more seriously in all their respective municipalities. The mayors took the resolve at the end of a recent two-day forum in Yaounde which laid bare all facets of problems hindering civil status registration in the country.

The document signed by the mayors also contains proposals on which some action is required by the government in order to improve birth registration figures in the country.

The Yaounde forum – the first of its kind – brought together all the 374 local and city council mayors, heads of secondary civil status registration centers, civil status registration secretaries, civil society actors involved in citizen action, representatives from government ministries, departments and agencies, as well as those of financial and technical partners supporting the government of Cameroon in civil status registration matters.

Speakers during the forum included Decentralisation and Local Development Minister Georges Elanga Obam, UNICEF country representative for Cameroon Nadine Perault and a UNICEF consultant and CRVS expert, Cornelius Williams. They all stressed the importance of birth registration, saying it is the starting point of a human being’s legal existence. They said they hope the forum will provide the necessary impetus for joint action that will prioritize birth registration and make Cameroon an exemplary country in the domain within the central African sub region.

Some proposals contained in the charter, put together during several workshops that characterized the forum, include the need to extend the legal deadline for birth registration beyond the current 90 days from the date of birth of a child, the need to increase financial resources to councils and for government to simplify birth registration requirements and the entire process itself, among other issues.

At the end of the forum, Perault said: “[I’m] inspired by the commitment of Cameroon mayors at the first birth registration forum. Their dedication to improving birth registration systems will help provide children with a strong foundation for a better future.”

She added: “The mayors’ forum on birth registration in Cameroon marks a significant step towards achieving universal birth registration. Let’s amplify our efforts to ensure that no child is left without a legal identity. We have the power to make 2024 the year of birth registration in Cameroon.”

On the commitment taken by the mayors, Elanga Obam remarked: “You have made strong commitments in the charter you just signed. You will be judged by the results achieved through efforts to reduce the seven million Cameroonians without legal identity. History will judge you.”

Source: biometricupdate

Biya Regime Confiscates Starlink Equipment as Service Shutdown Looms

30, April 2024

Biya Regime Confiscates Starlink Equipment as Service Shutdown Looms 0

Cameroon has been seizing Starlink kits at its borders due to the Internet service provider lacking a license in the country. Starlink plans to discontinue service in regions where it isn’t licensed, including Cameroon, on April 30. Cameroonian authorities worry about Starlink’s impact on the national telecommunications and Internet provider, Camtel.

In a notice to customs personnel, Cameroon Customs Director General Fongod Edwin Nuvaga acknowledged the presence of imported Starlink equipment and emphasized its potential threat to national security. He highlighted that this technology, known for providing unrestricted, ultra-fast internet connection, operates without oversight from the Telecommunications Regulatory Board. Nuvaga emphasized ongoing seizure of Starlink equipment until proper licensing and regulation by the telecoms regulator is ensured. Concerns expressed by Cameroonian authorities include unfair competition, fraudulent commercial activities, exploitation of Starlink terminals, and risks related to personal data.

Additionally, Starlink has been requested to halt services for Cameroonians until it obtains official licensing, purportedly to safeguard the market. In an email notification to roaming customers, Starlink explained that its regional and global roaming plans are meant for temporary use by travelers, not for permanent utilization in unauthorized areas. The provider emphasized that using a Starlink kit in an unauthorized location violates the company’s Terms & Conditions. Following the April 2024 deadline, subscribers away from authorized regions for more than two months must either relocate or update their account country to avoid disconnection.

Numerous African nations are imposing restrictions on satellite internet providers, citing licensing and regulatory concerns. In Zimbabwe, the telecom regulator instructed Starlink to disconnect users in April 2024, following a previous announcement in January that distributors and users would face arrest. Conversely, Ghana’s National Communications Authority recently granted approval for Starlink to operate, making Ghana the eighth African country to endorse the satellite internet service, despite previous legal challenges.

Source: techinafrica

Cameroon in 2025

30, April 2024

Cameroon in 2025 0

In the forthcoming presidential elections in 2025, the front runner is a 94 years old sickly candidate who has been in power for close to 50 years and is the only leader the youth have known in many generations.

The image of him presented by the state-controlled media is far from reality, that of a youthful and energetic individual, rather than the geriatric patient that should be left to rest.

It’s therefore not surprising that a survey of youths across the main cities of the country has revealed that 97% of youths want to leave the country given the slightest opportunity.

This mindset in the youths in every way reflects the success of the 50 year old Biya regime in stirring up ambition and hope in the majority of Cameroon’s youthful population to seek for a better prospect in foreign lands. They are now leaving the country at a rate estimated at 6,000 each year.

There couldn’t be a better measure of the success of Biya’s ruler ship of 50 years, if there were any doubts as to why he should not be given another 7 years term.

Voting will be ceremonial in Cameroon as the lead candidate is head of state, supreme commander of the arm forces, first magistrate, creator of Elecam (election governing body), the real coach of the Indomitable Lions, captain of the Indomitable Lions, player , referee , match commissioner and spectator. All 10 regions are under his command.

It would be another testimony to the enactment of the kleptocratic credentials of the country whose constitution was changed to enable Biya to rule for life in 1996.

By Kcastech Ra

Boxing: Francis Ngannou’s 15-month-old son dies

29, April 2024

Boxing: Francis Ngannou’s 15-month-old son dies 0

Heavyweight boxer Francis Ngannou’s 15-month-old son Kobe has died.

The former UFC champion posted on X on Monday night: “Too soon to leave but yet he’s gone.

“My little boy, my mate, my partner Kobe was full of life and joy. Now, he’s laying without life. I shouted his name over and over but he’s not responding.

“I was my best self next to him and now I have no clue of who I am. Life is so unfair to hit us where it hurts the most.”

The fighter’s manager Marquel Martin posted online saying that he along with “millions of others” will be praying for the Cameroonian.

Conor McGregor was among the fighters and fans to send their condolences to the 37-year-old boxer and former mixed martial arts (MMA) star.

“I am so sorry to hear of your loss Francis, my prayers are with you and your family at this time,” the Irishman replied on X.

Ngannou’s last bout was a heavy defeat by Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia. After the fight he dismissed the suggestion of returning permanently to MMA where he made his name.

Source: BBC

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