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A Critical Rebuff: The International Criminalization of Liberation Movement and the Complicity in the Ambazonian Genocide

19, September 2025

A Critical Rebuff: The International Criminalization of Liberation Movement and the Complicity in the Ambazonian Genocide 0

The recent, coordinated international arrests of key Ambazonian leaders—the illegal detention of our President, Dr. Cho Ayaba, in Norway, and the charges against our compatriots, Benedict NwanaKuah and Pascal Kikishy Wongbi, in the United States—represent a sinister and calculated escalation in the global campaign to annihilate the Ambazonian quest for self-determination. These actions are not isolated judicial events but political acts, designed to decapitate our liberation movement and provide diplomatic cover for the genocidal campaign being waged by the puppet regime of Paul Biya in La République du Cameroun and its master, the French government.

This moment reveals a profound and damning hypocrisy within the international order, drawing direct parallels to other gross injustices, such as the unwavering support of Trump’s USA for the Israeli genocide in Gaza.

1. The Political Persecution of Ambazonian Leadership: A Global Witch-Hunt

The arrest of Dr. Cho Ayaba, the recognised President of the Federal Republic of Ambazonia and leader of our decolonisation struggle, is an egregious violation of international law and the principle of political asylum. As detailed by Fatshimetrie, this detention, likely executed under intense pressure from Yaoundé and Paris, is a blatant attempt to:

•          Silence Our Chief Advocate: Dr. Ayaba is the most potent and articulate global voice detailing the genocide against our people. His incarceration is intended to mute our narrative on the world stage.

•          Criminalize a Legitimate Struggle: By falsely equating our right to self-defence—a right enshrined in the UN Charter—with terrorism, our oppressors and their international sponsors seek to delegitimize our cause and justify their own ongoing atrocities.

•          Demoralize Our People: The message is clear: no Ambazonian leader is safe, even in nations that profess a commitment to human rights. Norway has shamefully become an outsourcing agent for the Biya regime’s political repression.

Similarly, the charges against Benedict NwanaKuah and Pascal Kikishy Wongbi in Minnesota must be viewed with extreme scepticism. While we do not condone attacks on civilians, the timing and nature of these charges reek of a politically motivated setup, orchestrated to corroborate the false narrative of “Ambazonian terrorists” and to provide a pretext for further international crackdowns on our diaspora and funding networks. This is a classic tactic of colonial powers: to provoke a resistance and then use the response to justify overwhelming, brutal retaliation.

2. The Biya Regime and Its French Patron: Architects of the Ambazonian Genocide

As the AGOVC has meticulously documented (agovc.org), the Cameroonian state is not engaged in a “conflict” but is executing a premeditated genocide against the people of Ambazonia. This campaign, supported logistically, militarily, and diplomatically by France, includes:

•          Systematic Massacres: The burning of entire villages (e.g., Ngarbuh, Muyenge, Kumba) and the summary execution of civilians.

•          Scorched-Earth Tactics: The deliberate destruction of homes, hospitals, schools, and farms to induce famine and force the displacement of our people.

•          Torture and Sexual Violence: Widespread use of rape as a weapon of war and horrific torture in clandestine detention centres.

•          Economic and Medical Siege: Imposing illegal blockades that restrict access to food, medicine, and humanitarian aid.

France’s role is that of the primary enabler. It arms, trains, and funds the Cameroonian military. At the UN Security Council, it provides diplomatic immunity for the Biya regime, blocking any meaningful intervention or sanctions. France protects its economic interests (managed by corporations like Bolloré and Total) and its neocolonial Françafrique influence at the cost of Ambazonian blood. Paris is not a mediator; it is a co-sponsor of this genocide.

3. International Hypocrisy: The Palestine-Ambazonia Parallel

The world’s silence on Ambazonia is part of a broader pattern of hypocrisy and selective application of international law. The parallel with Palestine is unmistakable:

•          The Oppressor’s Playbook: Both the Israeli state and the Cameroonian regime employ the same rhetoric of “counterterrorism” to justify a brutal military occupation and the collective punishment of a civilian population.

•          Great Power Complicity: Just as the Trump administration provided unconditional political cover, funding, and weapons for Israel’s crimes in Gaza, the French government provides the identical support package to the Biya regime. The United States and France act as the twin guarantors of impunity for these genocides.

•          Media and Institutional Blackout: Both crises are met with a deafening silence from the international media and a cowardly refusal by global institutions to uphold their own laws and conventions.

The message to oppressed peoples is clear: your right to exist and to self-determination is contingent on the geopolitical interests of powerful nations. International law is a weapon used against the weak and a shield for the powerful.

A Call to Action

The arrests of our leaders are a desperate attempt to break the spirit of the Ambazonian people. They will fail. Our resolve, forged in the fires of immense suffering, is unbreakable.

We therefore demand:

1.        The Immediate and Unconditional Release of President Dr. Cho Ayaba and the immediate dropping of all politically motivated charges against Benedict NwanaKuah, Pascal Kikishy Wongbi, and all detained Ambazonians.

2.        An End to French Complicity: An immediate arms embargo and the cessation of all military and diplomatic support from France to the Biya regime.

3.        ICC Investigation: A full, independent investigation into the genocide in Ambazonia by the International Criminal Court, with charges brought against Paul Biya and his military commanders.

4.        UN-Supervised Decolonisation: The immediate initiation of a UN-mediated process for the complete and sovereign independence of the Federal Republic of Ambazonia, rectifying the historical crime of the 1961 plebiscite.

The world failed Rwanda. It is failing Palestine. It must not be allowed to complete the genocide in Ambazonia. History is watching.

#FreeAyabaCho #FreeAmbazonia #EndGenocide #FranceStopTheKilling #Cameroon #USAHandsOffAmbazonia

By Dr. Larry AYAMBA, Former Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the Ambazonia Governing Council (AGOVC)

Cameroon cocoa challenges deepens amid disease and insecurity

19, September 2025

Cameroon cocoa challenges deepens amid disease and insecurity 0

Cameroon’s cocoa industry, the world’s fourth-largest, is facing a compounding crisis that combines disease, insecurity, and corporate pullback. The sector generates over CFA 359 billion (about USD 595 million) from 180,095 tons in the first half of 2024/25 and sustains nearly one million people, but output is under acute pressure. National production, commonly ranging from 250,000 to 290,000 tons, is expected to contract by at least 10% this season, with the South-West region, the supplier of nearly half the crop, being hit hardest.

The first blow is biological. Heavy rains since July 2025, topping 2,200 mm in the South-West, have triggered a surge in black pod disease (Phytophthora megakarya). Infection rates of 65–70% have been reported in key districts such as Muyuka and Kumba. Counterfeit fungicides undermine farmers’ efforts to contain the outbreak, as many are smuggled across the Nigerian border. The result is pod losses ranging from 30% to as high as 90% on some farms, eroding both quality and volume simultaneously.

Layered on top is insecurity. The Anglophone conflict has entrenched “ghost town” lockdowns in the South-West and North-West, enforced by separatist groups. On these days, all economic activity halts, and farmers risk ambush if they attempt to reach plantations. A recent one-month lockdown disrupted government field inspections and fungicide quality checks, worsening the spread of disease. Historically, these ghost towns have cut cocoa sales from the South-West by as much as 40%, and 2025 has seen their persistence alongside sporadic clashes and extortion on rural roads.

Corporate retrenchment adds another dimension. Telcar Cocoa Ltd., which once handled up to 40% of the nation’s beans, suspended processing operations in mid-September, citing a “bean quality crisis.” The move follows Telcar’s earlier split with Cargill and reflects both the deterioration of crop quality and the logistical disruptions caused by ghost towns. By withdrawing, Telcar reduces domestic processing capacity, pushes more beans onto spot markets, and signals growing uncertainty to investors. The suspension also deprives farmers and small grinders of a key buyer, deepening income losses.

The mechanics of the crisis show a classic supply shock in a commodity with inelastic short-term output. Farmers cannot quickly expand acreage or replace diseased trees. With fewer beans being moved to market, prices rise. At the same time, ghost towns and insecurity impose frictional costs: shipments are delayed, storage risks rise, and smuggling surges. For small grinders, the effect is severe — input costs can increase 20–30%, throughput is disrupted, and margins are compressed by as much as 70%. Many risk closure without relief.

Global markets are already feeling the ripples. Futures on ICE were trading at USD 7,364 per ton on September 17, down slightly on the day but vulnerable to upward spikes. Cameroon’s potential 25,000–40,000-ton shortfall alone cannot overturn global supply dynamics dominated by Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, yet in a context of regional weather shocks and political volatility, it magnifies uncertainty. Price volatility in Q3 has already risen above 7%, and Telcar’s exit will feed risk premiums in forward contracts.

Policy and commercial responses are lagging. Government inspection programs remain hampered by insecurity, while fungicide certification and distribution channels are too porous to prevent the penetration of counterfeit products. Extension services are restricted, and there is no adequate insurance or risk-sharing mechanism for grinders. Without rapid action, production in 2025/26 could contract by 15–25%, resulting in sustained high local prices (4,000–6,000 CFA/kg) and hollowing out processing activity and rural incomes.

The crisis is a test of resilience for Cameroon’s cocoa economy. Farmers require secure corridors to access plantations and reliable fungicide supply chains. Small grinders need cooperative mechanisms and hedging tools to manage volatility. For investors, the message is twofold: the near-term opportunity lies in long positions on West African cocoa, but the long-term risk is systemic — without integrated solutions that tackle both disease and insecurity, Cameroon’s comparative advantage in premium-quality cocoa could erode irreversibly.

Source: Business in Cameroon

Kamto calls on opposition candidates to rally behind a single contender

19, September 2025

Kamto calls on opposition candidates to rally behind a single contender 0

With less than a month to go before Cameroon’s October 12 presidential election, Maurice Kamto, leader of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC), has issued an urgent call for the 11 opposition candidates to rally behind a single contender or form a strong coalition against incumbent President Paul Biya of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM).

In his statement on Wednesday, September 17, Kamto stressed that the country is facing “a historic moment where political change is possible,” urging opponents of the regime to avoid splitting the vote. He argued that the opposition must “clarify the situation and simplify voters’ choice through a political alliance,” in order to enable change “peacefully and at the ballot box.”

Just days earlier, on Friday, September 12, Kamto hosted Issa Tchiroma Bakary, leader of the National Salvation Front of Cameroon (FSNC) and one of the 11 contenders cleared to face the outgoing president.

Kamto described their talks as “frank and cordial,” while Tchiroma’s campaign portrayed the meeting as “a gesture of respect and solidarity” toward “a key opposition figure unjustly excluded from the presidential race.” In a statement, the FSNC said the encounter demonstrated “the strength of unifying leadership, placing the nation’s higher interest above personal ambitions.”

Although barred from the ballot by the Constitutional Council on grounds of “multiple nominations”—a decision he denounced as a “political maneuver”—Kamto remains a central figure of the opposition. His resignation from MANIDEM, formalised on September 12, cleared the way for his return as MRC leader, in line with a resolution of the party’s National Council.

As President Paul Biya, in power since 1982, seeks an eighth term, Kamto reiterated that “the struggle continues,” calling on the 11 opposition candidates to act like a football team by choosing “the striker with the best chance of scoring the winning goal.”

Source: APANews

Yaoundé: Religious leaders urge peace as presidential election nears

18, September 2025

Yaoundé: Religious leaders urge peace as presidential election nears 0

Cameroon’s churches and mosques are intensifying efforts to promote calm and civic responsibility as the country prepares for its 12th October presidential election, amid fears that rising tensions could trigger violence.

The Central African nation has been rattled by years of unrest, including a separatist insurgency in its English-speaking regions and widespread allegations of corruption. Economic hardship and deepening mistrust in state institutions have heightened anxiety ahead of the polls, with analysts warning that online hate speech and political rivalries could inflame unrest before or after results are announced.

Catholic bishops have been among the most vocal religious voices calling for peace. In August, Bishop Barthélemy Yaouda Hourgo of the Diocese of Yagoua ordered all parishes to ring bells daily at 12:30pm for the Angelus prayer, calling on the faithful to pray for stability.

“As pastor of this diocese, I ordain that all the faithful recite the Angelus together each day to ask God for peace and entrust the elections to the Virgin Mary,” Hourgo said, adding that peace “is a gift from God but also the fruit of our daily commitment.”

Archbishop Samuel Kleda of Douala used his pastoral letter to denounce what he called “anti-Gospel acts,” including corruption and bad governance, which he said are fueling public discontent.

“Our country is thirsty for social justice expressed through respect for human rights,” he said. “Every Cameroonian must resolve to do his or her bit in the fight against the many ills that are destroying the country.”

During Bafoussam’s annual Peace Pilgrimage, Bishop Paul Lontsié-Keuné reminded Christians that their prayers must translate into action. “If we are sincere and really Christians, our prayer for peace must inspire our action – and our action must also be prayer,” he said.

The Council of Protestant Churches of Cameroon (CEPCA) has pledged to mobilise congregations against hate speech and promote peaceful participation in the vote. In late August, a 15-member delegation led by Rev Hamadina Salomon met with Minister of State Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh at the Unity Palace. Ngoh Ngoh, representing President Paul Biya, praised the initiative and urged clergy to act as “apostles of peace” and “guardians of stability.”

Muslim leaders have also organised a national “peace and stability” conference and collective prayers for unity, encouraging worshippers to see peaceful participation in the election as a religious duty.

Pastor Emmanuel Ngang, a traveling preacher in Cameroon’s western region, has been holding services in both city churches and rural chapels to spread a simple message: unity is stronger than division.

Ngang said he keeps his message brief and practical so congregants can take it to heart. “I remind people that peace starts with each of us,” he said. “We must speak carefully, vote honestly and keep the country together.”

His visits often include meetings with youth groups, where he encourages young people to avoid spreading inflammatory posts online.

“Many of them fear what will happen if things turn violent,” he said. “I tell them fear can paralyse us, but faith can guide us.”

Observers say that religious leaders play an outsized role in Cameroon’s public life, often serving as moral voices in a country where political trust is low. But they also walk a fine line: some critics argue that their close contact with government officials risks undermining their independence.

Still, analysts agree that their combined influence could help shape the tone of the electoral period. Faith leaders say they are not endorsing candidates but trying to keep the peace.

“My task is not to tell people who to vote for,” Ngang said after a recent service. “It is to remind them that Cameroon will still be here the day after the election – and we will still need to live together.”

Source: sightmagazine

Paul Biya at 92: will defections weaken his grip on absolute power?

18, September 2025

Paul Biya at 92: will defections weaken his grip on absolute power? 0

Cameroonians go to the polls in October 2025 in what some people hoped might be a break from the country’s troubled recent past. They thought that President Paul Biya (92) might stand aside to allow a transition.

Three years ago I was one of those who expressed optimism about the 2025 poll. But I was wrong.

Biya is set to run yet again for an 8th term. He is already one of Africa’s longest ruling presidents, behind only Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Nguema.

Biya is on the cusp of achieving lifetime presidency since taking office in 1982.

In July 2025, after months of speculation, he confirmed in a tweet that he would run again.

Having weathered coups, silenced dissent, defied death rumours, and outlasted generations of challengers, he reminded friend and foe alike that he remains at the centre of Cameroon’s political ecosystem.

I am a long time scholar of and commentator on African politics, regime transformation, democratic transition and broader governance. Given regional developments that have seen the military deposing long term leaders, one might expect Biya to superintend a managed transition. The intriguing question is: what is it about the situation in Cameroon that continues to defy logic?

There is evident restlessness and frustration among young Cameroonians as well as clear clamour for change. Yet, the incumbent remains the front-runner, supported by the ruling party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement, and his near-total command of the state’s political machinery.

Simply, the system has been designed to serve Biya’s interests. With government control of the media, resources, and judicial and electoral institutions, it is unlikely that the opposition can bring about systemic change.

Some things have changed, however. Biya’s previous wins were landslides that left no room for debate. This time things could potentially be different on account of high-profile defections from his party. These men will be challenging him at the polls.

The field

The last electoral cycle, leading up to the 2018 poll, was characterised by subdued challenges and a co-opted or deeply divided opposition. This time Biya appears to face a relatively organised opposition.

Initially, 83 candidates signalled their interest. In July the electoral commission cleared 13 to run. The commission controversially disqualified Maurice Kamto, a renowned legal scholar who performed respectably in the 2018 electoral cycle with 14% of the vote.

Human Rights Watch warned that this would cast a shadow over the credibility of the electoral process.

Nevertheless, several credible figures across the political spectrum remain in the race and present alternatives.

Biya faces two other former allies turned political adversaries.

One is Issa Tchiroma Bakary, his minister of employment and vocational training. A longtime insider of the regime, he served in various ministerial roles and was long considered a loyalist. Yet in June 2025, he resigned from the government, delivering a searing critique of the system he once represented.

He then launched his campaign, running on the ticket of the Front for the National Salvation of Cameroon.

The minister of tourism and leisure, Bello Bouba Maigari, still formally holding office, declared his intention in July 2025 to run against his boss in the October elections.

This announcement was especially striking given the deep political history between the two men. Maigari is not just any cabinet member. He is a long-standing confidant of the president, having been appointed Biya’s prime minister in 1982 and hailing from the vote-rich northern region. The decision to enter the race marks a shift from loyal lieutenant to presidential challenger, revealing the growing fissures within the ruling elite.

Others in the race worth noting are:

Akere Muna, the son of a former speaker who swore in Biya in 1982 and a tireless advocate for transparency and accountability. He ran for the top job in 2018 (but withdrew at the last minute).

Cabral Libii, from the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation, a young and dynamic leader who also ran for president in 2018 and garnered 6% of the total vote.

Joshua Osih, a seasoned politician with a strong track record.

The issues

The nation’s pressing issues remain the same as they have been for a long while.

These include:

Endemic corruption. Cameroon is ranked 140 out of 180 countries by Transparency International. The reasons are systemic decay of state institutions and maladministration.

Economic stasis, including stubborn unemployment forecast at 7.34% by Statista; 23% live below the international poverty line and 3.3 million are food insecure.

The ongoing anglophone regional crisis pitting the English speaking regions against the dominant francophone centre.

Biya’s ability to govern and the succession question, given his very advanced age and the potential vacuum or infighting if he couldn’t complete his term.

The external dimension

Western actors have been consistent critics of Biya’s regime in the recent past. However, some have adopted a more cautious tone, balancing criticism with strategic interests.

The US, for instance, suspended some military assistance to Cameroon in 2019 over human rights abuses. But it continues counter-terrorism cooperation against Boko Haram.

The European Union, while pressing for peaceful resolution of the anglophone conflict, remains an important trade and aid partner.

China has become Cameroon’s largest bilateral creditor and a top trading partner. According to a report by Business in Cameroon, in 2024 Cameroon owed about 64.8% of its external bilateral debt to China. This is primarily for infrastructure loans that have funded projects like the Kribi Deep Sea Port, the Yaoundé-Douala highway, and hydropower stations.

For regime survival, Biya has pursued a pragmatic foreign policy. Beijing’s diplomatic stance of non-interference and respect for sovereignty resonates with Cameroonian political elites wary of western scrutiny and criticism over democratic backsliding and the anglophone conflict.

But Biya has not severed ties with the west. For example, the government maintains partnerships with France for security training, with Germany for decentralisation support, and with the US for counterinsurgency.

This balancing is not simply geopolitical. It is also deeply embedded in domestic patronage networks. Foreign aid, loans and investments serve as resources to consolidate elite power, strengthen the patronage system and suppress dissent.

The October polls are sure to reaffirm the status quo.

Culled from The Conversation

Battle for Etoudi: UNDP militants block Minister Djalloh, demand resignation

17, September 2025

Battle for Etoudi: UNDP militants block Minister Djalloh, demand resignation 0

Angry members of the National Union for Democracy and Progress (UNDP) blocked government minister and senior party official Nana Aboubakar Djalloh from entering the party’s headquarters in Yaoundé on Monday, September 15. The protesters demanded his immediate resignation.

“He must resign! He is not entering! We want change!” chanted the activists, who were determined to prevent him from accessing the Etoa Meki building. Senator Pierre Flambeau Ngayap, the UNDP’s secretary general, tried to open a path for Djalloh but was met with firm resistance. Ngayap was forced to step back, with some female members even urging him to avoid a confrontation. The minister attempted to threaten the protestors but was unsuccessful. “He will not enter here until we see his resignation,” one man shouted, while another added, “If the national president has resigned, we don’t want to hear anything else.”

The UNDP has been an ally of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) for nearly two decades, an alliance that secured several ministerial portfolios for UNDP members. Djalloh has served as Minister Delegate to the Minister of Environment since June 2009. A doctor by training, he previously served as Secretary of State for Transport from 1998 to 2004.

The political landscape changed last June when UNDP’s national president, Bello Bouba Maïgari, left the government to launch his presidential bid against incumbent Paul Biya, effectively ending the alliance. This split was expected to lead to the departure of other UNDP ministers, including Djalloh, Marie Rose Dibong (Secretary of State for Housing), and Mouhamadou Ahidjo, the roving ambassador and son of a former president.

In June, Marie Rose Dibong told the state broadcaster CRTV that she would not resign, arguing that her position was based solely on a presidential decree. “Only the Head of state can revoke me,” she said. Djalloh and Ahidjo never publicly took a position but did not leave their posts. On August 19, Bello Bouba made a surprising move, publishing his campaign team, which included both Nana Aboubakar Djalloh and Mouhamadou Ahidjo as members of the national coordination.

The September 15 incident highlights a growing rift between the party’s rank-and-file, who want a clean break from the ruling party, and a leadership accused of playing a double game. While Bello Bouba claimed to be acting at the request of his supporters to legitimize his campaign, the internal unrest now calls into question the coherence of his strategy and fuels criticism about his and his allies’ true commitment to the split.

Source: Business in Cameroon

Germany: Cameroonian nurses set up association

17, September 2025

Germany: Cameroonian nurses set up association 0

A group of Cameroonian nurses in the Federal Republic of Germany have set up the Cameroonian Nurses Association (CNA) to help carry out their valuable work.

The organization, which will be inaugurated this Saturday, comprises registered nurses working in Germany from Cameroon.

There is a huge number of Cameroonian nurses in Germany at the moment and many are based in the North Rhein Westphalia region.

Cameroon Concord News understands that the group was established to unite nurses of Cameroonian origin under one umbrella and to promote excellence in healthcare, professional development and community well-being.

The Cameroonian Nurses Association (CNA) also strives to provide nursing support, share vital health information, and encourage healthy lifestyles within communities.

Through collaboration with institutions in Cameroon and Germany, CNA aims to enhance nursing education and create pathways for Cameroonian nurses aspiring to build successful careers abroad, while contributing to improved healthcare standards at home and beyond.

The founding members are experienced healthcare professionals who are seeking to bring Cameroonian nurses together to promote collaboration, mutual support, and professional growth.

The Saturday 20 maiden event beginning at 4 pm prompt will be hosted at Talent Werkstatt, Oberhausenerstr 192 in Mulheim Styrum.

By Chi Prudence Asong in Mulheim

Manyu Cultural Festival: Heritage and Unity as Birmingham Hosts First-of-Its-Kind Jamboree in the UK

16, September 2025

Manyu Cultural Festival: Heritage and Unity as Birmingham Hosts First-of-Its-Kind Jamboree in the UK 0

In March 2021, the Manyu community in Europe, together with friends of Manyu, came together with an ambitious vision: to create a forum where members could connect, support one another, and foster both personal and professional growth. The goal was to build a thriving, vibrant Manyu community in Europe. The initiative also aimed to provide a platform for Manyu children to interact and thrive while complementing and collaborating with existing Manyu associations across Europe. The name of this new association is Manyu Solidarity Group.

During the weekend of 29-31 August 2025, the streets of Birmingham came alive with rhythm, flavour, and tradition as the city hosted a three-day cultural festival unlike anything the Manyu community in the UK had ever seen. The festival was powered by Manyu Solidarity Group. From Friday’s welcoming meet-and-greet to Saturday’s vibrant showcase of traditional performances and Sunday’s barbecue finale, the event drew hundreds of attendees, some reconnecting with their roots, others discovering them for the first time. For a first-time event, the turnout was extraordinary: over 380 guests on the opening night, more than 550 on Saturday, and a lively crowd of over 340 for Sunday’s barbecue. This was more than a cultural celebration; it was a bridge across generations and a show of unity within the Manyu community Europe.

The Friday evening merriments set the tone for the festival and were emceed by Yvette Bissong and Dr. Nelson Agbor. Guests were welcomed with warm smiles, a delicious tanchut soup, and complimentary drinks. “I haven’t tasted tanchut soup like this in my over 50 years on earth,” said Lady Claire Obioma from London. The atmosphere was one of joy and reconnection, further lifted by the presence of esteemed Manyu traditionalists, including Sessekou Gaspari of Norway, Chief Eyong Paolo of MECA Germany and Sessekou Wilson Eyong of Ireland. The crowning moment of the night was the entrance of His Royal Highness Chief Prof. Negbo Abangma, who effortlessly blended history with his present. It was a truly glorious sight. As Mgbe UK performed their Manyu cultural formalities, the evening faded with love and anticipation for the next day.

If Friday was for tasting, Saturday was for witnessing. Under the leadership of Nfor Mgbe Dr. Agbortoko, the day featured live Monikim dances, Bekundi processions, and a show-stopping Obasinjom invocation. The energy was electric as attendees didn’t just watch, they participated. For some, it was their first experience of live Manyu cultural performances; for others, it was a long-awaited reconnection with their custom. “I am so proud of what the organising team and many volunteers achieved this weekend,” said Prince Julian Ebai, Chairman of Manyu Solidarity Group. Free food was available throughout the event, with snacks and drinks offered at below-market prices. A highlight for the children was some surprised pizzas from Domino’s. In the end, strangers became friends, and the sight of Nyene Mawn, Eyumema, MOHWA, and Manyu Simple Sisters celebrating together with laughter and joy was simply heart-warming. Manyu in Europe was truly alive.

By Sunday, the festival had already secured its place as a landmark event. The closing day featured a barbecue made possible by the thoughtfulness and hard work of Ms. Aggie Epaw, Mr. Valery Bissong, Mr Jerry Eko and Ms. Jacqui Bissong. The air was filled with the aroma of sizzling meats, fish, and burgers, accompanied once again by free drinks. Children played in the park, and many remarked that the weekend had shown them their culture and community is alive and thriving. Phone numbers were exchanged, future plans were made, and discussions of making the Manyu Cultural Festival an annual tradition were put in place.

What set the weekend apart was its authenticity and spirit. It was the first time this cultural tapestry had been woven so vibrantly and publicly in the UK. “We started with a dream and a few determined people,” said Chief Fidelis Takor of the organising committee. Prince Ebai added a note of reflection: “We must start looking after the vulnerable in our community and use every opportunity to celebrate ourselves. We can’t wait until someone dies to shower them with praises. Manyu Solidarity Group will continue to invest its energy in pastoral care to ensure our members feel loved and supported.”

The weekend marked the launch of Eyoungoh Manyu, a remarkable compilation of academic works by distinguished Manyu minds and scholars. Contributors came from as far as the United States, Cameroon, and Norway. The book is highly recommended for its educative, informative, and persuasive nature. Eyoungoh Manyu stands as both a documentary and an archive of our proud culture, traditions, and customs—reminding all Manyus that they are custodians of a unique heritage that must be preserved.

Thanks to the trust, energy, and commitment of its members, Manyu Solidarity group has grown to over 445 members, making it the largest gathering of Manyu people and their friends in Europe. Over the past two years, its members and leaders have regularly reached out to those in need of companionship by visiting, shopping, and even cooking for them. It is now standard practice for the leadership of Manyu Solidarity to call unwell members, send get-well-soon cards, and quietly help individuals with their CVs, enabling many to regain paid employment. Prince Julian Ebai closed the barbecue with these words: “Over the coming days, after a rigorous accounting process for transparency and visibility, the proceeds realized will be sent to Mamfe General Hospital to address a specific need. Your attendance and support this weekend is a clear declaration that we are all committed—working hand in hand—for an even better spectacle in 2026. See you all next year, by God’s grace.”

Chief Oru, President of MECA Birmingham also reminded attendees: “For just £35, many have enjoyed a memorable event, made possible by the sacrifices of the organizing committee and the generous contributions of groups and individuals who believe in Manyu. We must continue to move from strength to strength, as one indivisible Manyu, while respecting the diversity and autonomy of our unique communities in the UK and across Europe.”

MOHWA Global, Nyene Mawn Europe, Manyu Simple Sisters, EYUMEMA, and the Cameroon High Commission, Mr and Mrs Charles Mambo, were among the many generous donors who helped make the Manyu Cultural festival a success. As the grills cooled on Sunday evening and the last notes of music faded into the warm August night, one thing was clear: this was not the end, but the beginning of something greater. “This is history,” said Ms. Yvette Bissong of Kent. “And great actions always demand a sequel. 2026 here we come.”

By Sessekou Isong Asu

London Bureau Chief

Cameroon Concord News Group

Struggling Camair-Co adds Boeing 737-800 in a $77m fleet renewal drive

16, September 2025

Struggling Camair-Co adds Boeing 737-800 in a $77m fleet renewal drive 0

Cameroon Airlines Corporation (Camair-Co) has taken delivery of a Boeing 737-800, marking the launch of a five-year expansion plan aimed at transforming the national carrier into a competitive regional airline. The aircraft, leased from Czech operator Smartwings, is the first step in Camair-Co’s 2024–2028 strategy to rebuild and expand its fleet.

The project envisions an initial fleet of 14 aircraft—11 passenger and three cargo planes—before reaching 18 jets by the fifth year, comprising 16 passenger and two cargo planes. Financing is supported by a CFA47 billion ($76.8 million) direct loan from the Development Bank of Central African States (BDEAC).

Fleet Modernization Amid Challenges

Camair-Co currently operates six owned and two leased aircraft, with repeated breakdowns of aging planes causing operational disruptions. The wet lease of the Boeing 737-800 provides immediate reliability while management works to phase in additional aircraft.

“The new aircraft allows us to restore confidence in our existing routes while we prepare for broader expansion, this is about building the foundation for sustainable operations.” said General Manager Jean Christophe Ella Nguema.

The recovery strategy focuses on three key objectives: enhancing competitiveness, improving operational efficiency, and restoring profitability. Executives view short-term leasing as a necessary bridge to long-term modernization, although the higher costs of wet leasing weigh on already fragile finances.

Camair-Co’s network today serves six domestic destinations—Douala, Yaounde, Bafoussam, Garoua, Maroua, and Ngaoundéré—alongside three regional routes to Libreville, Bangui, and N’Djamena. The expansion plan includes resuming suspended regional services and opening new ones, with Douala and Yaounde targeted as transit hubs for Central Africa.

Management hopes to capture some of the regional traffic that currently transits through Addis Ababa, Nairobi, or Lomé. However, competition is intense, as Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and ASKY already dominate the skies of Central and West Africa.

Financial Pressures

The expansion highlights both ambition and risk. Camair-Co carries a total debt of CFA 124 billion ($204 million), making it Cameroon’s second most indebted state-owned company. Since its creation in 2006 and operational launch in 2011, the airline has never posted a profit and has relied on repeated government bailouts.

Analysts note that successful African turnarounds—such as Ethiopian Airlines or Air Côte d’Ivoire—required heavy upfront investment. But they caution that Camair-Co must address fundamental operational weaknesses alongside fleet growth to avoid repeating past failures.

Government project documents indicate that the expansion could generate 3,000–4,500 indirect jobs over five years, with benefits extending across aviation services, logistics, and hospitality. New frequencies and additional domestic routes are also expected to improve integration between northern and southern Cameroon, strengthening national cohesion.

The initiative could create opportunities for local aviation professionals, though Camair-Co faces labor tensions. Reports of disputes between pilots and management over pay and working conditions underscore the importance of maintaining workforce stability as the fleet expands.

The wet-lease arrangement offers an immediate boost, but it also increases operating costs. With Camair-Co’s owned aircraft prone to breakdowns, sustainability hinges on the airline’s ability to modernize its core fleet while integrating leased capacity.

“The arrival of the new jet is encouraging, but execution will be decisive,” said one regional aviation consultant. “Expanding routes without fixing fundamentals risks repeating old mistakes.”

Looking Ahead

Management emphasizes that the 737-800’s arrival is only the first milestone in a staged program. Over the next five years, the fleet is expected to grow from 14 to 18 aircraft, encompassing both passenger and cargo segments. Long-haul ambitions remain on the horizon, with Paris identified as a potential route once regional expansion consolidates.

“This isn’t just about adding aircraft, it’s about building an airline Cameroon can be proud of. The real challenge lies in execution.” said Nguema.

As the aircraft begins commercial service, Camair-Co faces a dual test: delivering growth while addressing structural weaknesses. Success would strengthen Cameroon’s regional connectivity and help Douala and Yaounde emerge as aviation hubs. Failure could add to the financial burden of one of Central Africa’s most fragile carriers.

Source: Business in Cameroon

Football: Onana off to flying start in Turkey

16, September 2025

Football: Onana off to flying start in Turkey 0

Cameroon international Andre Onana was named Man of the Match in his first game for Turkish Süper Lig side Trabzonspor in their 1-0 loss to Fenerbahçe on Sunday.

The 29-year-old completed a loan move from Manchester United after not featuring in their first three Premier League games of the season. His spell in the English top flight was heavily criticized, with the shot-stopper becoming known for his mistakes.

Trabzonspor were reduced to 10 men in the 20th minute at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium on Sunday as Okay Yokuşlu had his yellow card changed to a straight red by VAR.

Onana kept out former United teammate Fred’s effort from the edge of the box in the 45th minute but could not stop the follow up from Youssef En-Nesyri.

Despite conceding, the goalkeeper faced 29 shots, made eight saves and four diving saves, doing well to keep his side in the game and earning Man of the Match for his performance.

Trabzonspor sit third in the Süper Lig after suffering their first loss of the season, with a record of three wins, one draw and one loss.

Source: African Football

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