Headline News

3, June 2025

Allowing Biya to run in October is like spitting on the graves of Anglophones killed by BIR soldiers ⁰

The CPDM Central Committee’s anticipated decision to announce Biya as its candidate for the October presidential election is like spitting on 7000 graves in Southern Cameroons, our senior political man Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai has said.

Soter Agbaw-Ebai told a German radio host during his recent trip to Mulheim in the Nordrhein Westphalia region of Germany that any decision by the ruling CPDM party allowing the 92-year old Biya to seek another term is making a mockery of the more than 7000 Southern Cameroonians that troops from the Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR) have killed in Anglophone Cameroon since 2016.”

Mr Soter Agbaw-Ebai stated that “it will be a complete mockery and it will be like spitting on 7000 graves, extending Biya’s mandate.”

Soter Agbaw-Ebai (53) was a teenager in 1982 when President Paul Biya took over from the late Ahmadou Ahidjo.

“Biya has been a political disaster that has been around since November 6, 1982” he noted.

“As a victim of bad governance imposed on Cameroonians by the failed regime, I believe that it is time for a young soldier to kick Biya and his corrupt gang out,” Mr Agbaw-Ebai said.

“The fact that elections are in October and Biya has still not come out to say he will be running speaks volumes in relation to his bill of heath” Agbaw-Ebai furthered.

The genocide currently going on in Southern Cameroons has had a terrible and enduring effect on the entire English speaking community, Mr Agbaw-Ebai noted.

“Prime Minister Dion Ngute’s recent visit to the South West was simply trying to whitewash and romanticize the difficult situation for the younger generation who should be more than ready this time around to chase Biya and his men out of the so-called Unity Palace” Agbaw-Ebai concluded.

By Chi Prudence Asong

2, June 2025

Bill Gates to give most of his $200bn fortune to Africa ⁰

Microsoft founder Bill Gates says that most of his $200bn (£150bn) fortune will be spent on improving health and education services in Africa over the next 20 years.

The 69-year-old said that “by unleashing human potential through health and education, every country in Africa should be on a path to prosperity”.

Speaking in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa, he also urged Africa’s young innovators to think about how to build Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve healthcare on the continent.

Gates announced last month that he would give away 99% of his vast fortune by 2045, by when his foundation planned to end its operations.

“I recently made a commitment that my wealth will be given away over the next 20 years. The majority of that funding will be spent on helping you address challenges here in Africa,” he said in an address at the African Union (AU) headquarters.

Mozambique’s former First Lady Graça Machel welcomed his announcement, saying it came in a “moment of crisis”.

“We are counting on Mr Gates’ steadfast commitment to continue walking this path of transformation alongside us,” she said.

The US government has cut aid to Africa, including programmes to treat patients with HIV/Aids, as part of US President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy, raising concerns about the future of healthcare on the continent.

Gates said his foundation, which has a long history of operating in Africa, would focus on improving primary healthcare.

“What we’ve learned is that helping the mother be healthy and have great nutrition before she gets pregnant, while she is pregnant, delivers the strongest results,” he said.

“Ensuring the child receives good nutrition in their first four years as well makes all the difference.”

In a message to young innovators, the tech billionaire noted that mobile phones had revolutionised banking in Africa, and argued that AI should now be used for the continent’s benefit.

“Africa largely skipped traditional banking and now you have a chance, as you build your next generation healthcare systems, to think about how AI is built into that,” he said.

Gates pointed to Rwanda as an example, saying it was already improving services using AI-enabled ultrasound to identify high-risk pregnancies.

The Gates Foundation said it had three priorities: ending preventable deaths of mothers and babies, ensuring the next generation grows up without having to suffer from deadly infectious diseases, and lifting millions of people out of poverty.

“At the end of 20 years, the foundation will sunset its operations,” it said in a statement.

Last month, Gates said he would accelerate his giving via his foundation.

“People will say a lot of things about me when I die, but I am determined that ‘he died rich’ will not be one of them,” he wrote in a blog post, external.

Giving away 99% of his fortune could still leave the fifth-richest person in the world a billionaire, according to Bloomberg.

Along with Paul Allen, Gates founded Microsoft in 1975, and the company soon became a dominant force in software and other tech industries.

Gates has gradually stepped back from the company in recent decades, resigning as its chief executive in 2000 and as chairman in 2014.

He said he had been inspired to give away money by investor Warren Buffett and other philanthropists.

However, critics of his foundation say Gates uses its charitable status to avoid tax and that it has undue influence over the global health system.

Source: BBC

2, June 2025

Port of Douala and partners sign CFAF50B deal for logistics expansion ⁰

The Port Authority of Douala (PAD) and Douala Port Container Solution SA (DPCS) have signed a landmark agreement to build a 25-hectare logistics platform dedicated to the storage and management of empty containers. Signed on May 30, 2025, in Douala by Cyrus Ngo’o, Director General of PAD, and Evariste Eloundou Onana, General Administrator of DPCS, the project is set to transform operations at the Port of Douala’s timber dock.

The public-private partnership (PPP) is financed and will be executed by DPCS, a project company of the Cameroonian group Project Partners, which specializes in the port, shipping, and maritime industries. The agreement spans 28 years, allocating one year for design studies, two years for construction, and a 25-year operational phase.

Development plans include a 21-hectare area for container storage, a 1-hectare zone for empty container repairs, and a dedicated refrigerated container management area. This refrigerated section will feature approximately 240 outlets, designed to proactively address potential congestion at the main container terminal.

Beyond core container facilities, the project encompasses the construction of a head office, a 5,800-square-meter technical zone, and a 5,000-square-meter green space. Supporting infrastructure will include two 300-square-meter gatehouses, a 5,000-square-meter engine maintenance area, and a 4,000-square-meter administrative building housing various offices for the logistics zone’s services.

DPCS will also undertake complementary activities, such as stacking and preparing empty containers before the stuffing of raw materials like cocoa, coffee, or cotton. The platform will additionally offer rentable storage space. The total project cost is estimated at 50.4 billion CFA francs, with DPCS contributing 10 billion CFA francs (20%) in equity and securing the remaining 40 billion CFA francs (80%) from financial partners.

According to PAD, the project is projected to yield an impressive internal rate of return of approximately 18%. By the end of its operational period, it is expected to generate total revenues of around 220 billion CFA francs. DPCS will receive an estimated 128 billion CFA francs (58%), while PAD royalties and state duties and taxes are projected to amount to 91 billion CFA francs (42%).

Joseph Nguene Nteppe, Head of the Analysis and Cooperation Division at PAD, stated the initiative is expected to create 1,200 direct and indirect jobs. Furthermore, he noted its contribution to modernizing and securing handling operations at the Port of Douala, simultaneously boosting the port’s overall revenues.

Source: Business in Cameroon

1, June 2025

PSG crush Inter Milan to end long quest for Champions League glory ⁰

At long last, Paris Saint-Germain have their hands on the big one.

After a string of embarrassing Champions League debacles, PSG fans had come to despair of ever winning the biggest trophy in European club football.

When victory finally came on a balmy night in Munich, it proved almost too easy, with a thumping 5-0 defeat of three-time winners Inter Milan – the widest margin of victory in the competition’s 70-year history.

PSG’s astonishing triumph caps a rollercoaster journey that began in 2010 with a lunch at the Élysée Palace attended by Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Qatari emir whose tiny gas-rich country was poised to change European club football forever.

Fifteen years, several billion euros, and some notorious Champions League fiascos later, the team owned by Qatar Sports Investments are finally at the apex of the sport.

It’s been a steep learning curve for the Parisian upstarts, who had to first ditch their ‘Galactico’ delusions before finding the winning formula.

On paper, the team that triumphed in Munich was PSG’s least eye-catching in years, stripped of the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Neymar, the frustratingly inconsistent poster boy for the club’s “bling-bling” era.

But it was also their most accomplished – and in no small measure.

In two years at the helm, coach Luis Enrique has transformed PSG from an assortment of overpriced soloists to a youthful, cohesive and tactically disciplined unit that has delivered some of the most entertaining football this season.

Source: France 24

31, May 2025

Biya has been hiding cancer for years ⁰

After he peed on his trousers during national day celebration, Cameroon Intelligence Report sources in Yaoundé revealed late on Friday 30 May, 2025 that President Paul Biya has been suffering ever since he had a prostate cancer operation in New York City some two decades ago and he is no longer capable of governing.

The 92-year-old leader’s May 20 outing, caused a political and ethical storm all over the nation with his acolytes and close allies now saying that he is unfit to rule.

A well placed medical source who confirmed that Biya may not get to October sued for anonymity on grounds that he will be denounced for breaking the medical confidentiality rule.

Cameroon Radio and Television (CRTV) drew heavy criticism from its viewers for airing very little on the president during the gala inside the Unity Palace.

Biya’s cancer has been kept a state secret for years even after the operation in New York.

Biya is no longer fit to govern because he is so unwell and he spends most of his time lying down in his villa in Mvomeka’a, and is frequently too tired to look at documents.

An unnamed source was quoted recently as saying that Mr Biya knew about his cancer even before he changed the constitution that made him president for life.

In a country where every CPDM baron’s illness is being kept secret, no one expects Etoudi to be open about Biya’s bill of health.

Cameroon Intelligence Report understands that President Biya underwent cancer treatment in the United States under an assumed name in a process that was teleguided by the late Dr Martin Belinga Eboutou. Since then he has been receiving treatment which involved him being put on a drip every day, even at summits and on state visits.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

30, May 2025

Liberia: Plane carrying president involved in landing scare ⁰

Flights were temporarily disrupted at Liberia main airport on Thursday night after a private jet carrying President Joseph Boakai almost crashed while landing.

Part of the presidential jet’s landing gear malfunctioned while approaching the runway, causing a rough landing, airport authorities said.

The incident, which sparked panic at the airport, forced the cancellation of all scheduled flights for the night, local media reported.

President Boakai, who was returning from a trip in Nigeria with his entourage, was safely evacuated unharmed, as authorities announced an investigation.

Executive Mansion - Liberia / Facebook A close-up of President Joseph Boakai wearing a hat — Boakai spoke to journalists at the airport without mentioning the incident

Photos of the stalled jet at the Roberts International Airport (RIA) circulated on social media, triggering concerns about the president’s safety.

Local media, citing airport authorities, said one of the plane’s tyres had burst upon landing leaving it stranded on the runway.

In a statement, the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) confirmed the “unfortunate near-accident situation” involving the presidential jet.

The authority dismissed reports suggesting that the incident was caused by poor runway conditions.

“The runway infrastructure remains fully compliant with international aviation safety standards,” the LAA said.

The aircraft has since been removed from the runway and normal operations have resumed at the airport, the authorities said.

“At this stage, investigation to establish the actual cause of the incident is ongoing, and the airport authority will keep the public informed,” the LAA said.

The Liberian presidency is yet to comment on the incident but it shared photos of Boakai arriving at the airport, where he briefly spoke to journalists without mentioning the plane scare.

He had gone to Nigeria to attend the 50th anniversary of the regional Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas).

Source: BBC

30, May 2025

Yaoundé: police dismantles bank robbers’ network ⁰

Police have dismantled a criminal network responsible for multiple robberies in Yaoundé, the capital. According to CRTV, the gang stole goods over CFA10 million worth of goods in multiple raids, including two robberies in the Nkoabang district and another at a poultry farm about 30 km from the city center.

The Judicial Police Department (DPJ) arrested the suspects after a three-week investigation. “These criminals, most of whom were repeat offenders, operated with bladed weapons, automatic pistols, and other techniques,” said Senior Superintendent Christian Ngom, head of the DPJ’s studies, research, and criminal investigations department. Police seized a vehicle, gas cylinders, electronic devices, and various stolen goods.

Robberies remain a persistent concern in Cameroon. On April 11, assailants attacked a money van in Nkolafamba, also in the Centre region, stealing more than CFA700 million. In September 2024, police arrested six suspects for armed robberies, including at the home of a widow in Emana, where property worth about CFA2 million was taken.

Authorities are reinforcing their commitment to combating insecurity. They urge citizens to collaborate more closely with law enforcement to strengthen the effectiveness of security efforts.

Source: Sbbc

30, May 2025

Yaoundé: FECAFOOT unanimously approves 2025 budget ⁰

The Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot) has taken a decisive step forward with the unanimous approval of its 2025 budget during an extraordinary general assembly held on May 24 in Odza, Yaounde. This landmark decision follows months of discussions and signals a new chapter for Cameroonian football, setting the stage for unprecedented strategic investments.

Presiding over this critical session via videoconference, Fecafoot President Samuel Eto’o witnessed full agreement among the federation’s leaders. The unanimous vote reflects a renewed unity within the governing bodies of the national football scene.

“This assembly marks a fresh start for our football,” said Elizabeth Mosima, an observer of Cameroon’s sporting institutions. Attendees approved all proposed amendments focusing on strategic goals set for July 2023.

The meeting also ratified decisions from the executive committee’s December 16, 2024 session in Mbankomo. These resolutions include a financial restructuring plan and an optimized allocation of resources aimed at developing grassroots football.

Such consensus stands in contrast to previous divisions that had stalled key decisions. This restored unity promises more effective management of federation affairs moving forward.

The impact of this budget extends well beyond numbers. It outlines a clear roadmap to modernize the country’s football infrastructure and enhance the performance of national teams.

Coming at a time when Cameroonian football strives to reclaim its stature on both the continental and global stages, the planned investments are expected to benefit the Indomitable Lions as well as domestic leagues.

The unanimous support during the vote bolsters the legitimacy of the budgetary directions championed by Eto’o’s leadership, inspiring hope for a vibrant future in Cameroon’s football landscape.

Source: Footboom

30, May 2025

Football: Bayer Leverkusen to sign Cameroonian talent Christian Kofane ⁰

Bayer Leverkusen have reached an agreement with Christian Kofane (18) of Albacete. The Cameroonian forward scored eight goals and provided one assist for the second division side last season, and will cost a reported €5m.

Bayer Leverkusen have fought off interest from Porto, Benfica and AS Monaco to sign Kofane, whom Real Madrid also ‘put out feelers’ for, per Kicker. Should the Bundesliga side reach a full agreement to sign Kofane, the 18-year-old attacker will be loaned back to Albacete.

Kofane only moved to Spain from Cameroon in November 2024 and was intended for Albacete’s youth teams but after impressing, made his first team debut in January 2025, and went on to play 19 second division games under Alberto González.

The signing of Kofane would add further youth to Bayer Leverkusen’s attack, who already have promising Artem Stepanov within their ranks. The 17-year-old Ukrainian will spend next season on loan at 2. Bundesliga side Nürnberg.

Source: Yahoo Sports

29, May 2025

Sidi Ould Tah elected president of African Development Bank ⁰

Sidi Ould Tah of Mauritania was today elected President of the African Development Bank Group at the Bank’s Annual Meetings held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Tah was elected by the Bank’s Board of Governors, comprising Finance and Economy Ministers or Central Bank Governors of the Bank Group’s 81 regional and non-regional member countries. The board is the highest decision-making authority for the Bank Group.

The results were announced by Niale Kaba, Minister of Planning and Development for Côte d’Ivoire, and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Bank Group.

The winning candidate is required to obtain at least 50.01% of both the regional and non-regional votes.

A Mauritanian national, Tah brings over 35 years of experience in African and international finance. He served as president of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) for 10 years from 2015, where he led a full transformation that quadrupled the Bank’s balance sheet, secured a AAA rating, and positioned it among the top-rated development banks focused on Africa.

A former Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance of Mauritania, Tah has held senior roles in multilateral institutions and has led crisis response, financial reform, and innovative resource mobilization for Africa, including the establishment of BADEA’s $1 billion callable capital program for African MDBs.

The Board of Governors Steering Committee received and approved a total of five candidates by the closing date of 31 January 2025. The list of candidates was officially announced on 21 February 2025.

The other candidates in the election were:

Amadou Hott (Senegal)
Samuel Maimbo (Zambia)
Mahamat Abbas Tolli (Chad)
Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala (South Africa)

Tah will assume office on 1 September 2025, for a five-year term, following the end of the second mandate of current President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.

The African Development Bank’s past heads since its inception in 1964 are:

Mamoun Beheiry (Sudan), 1964-1970
Abdelwahab Labidi (Tunisia), 1970-1976
Kwame Donkor Fordwor (Ghana), 1976-1980
Willa Mung’Omba (Zambia), 1980-1985
Babacar N’diaye (Senegal), 1985-1995
Omar Kabbaj (Morocco), 1995-2005
Donald Kaberuka (Rwanda), 2005-2015
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina (Nigeria), 2015-2025.

The election of a new president comes at a crucial time in the Bank Group’s six decades of existence. Africa has remained resilient despite climate shocks, economic disruption, and a shifting geopolitical landscape, but needs to move faster or risk falling behind on delivering on the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals, summed up in the Bank Group’s High 5’s.

The 2025 Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank Group are taking place from May 26 to 30 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire under the theme “Making Africa’s Capital Work Better for Africa’s Development.”

The African Development Bank Group comprises three entities: the African Development Bank, the African Development Fund and the Nigeria Trust Fund. Its shareholder countries include 54 African countries or regional member countries, and 27 non-African countries or non-regional member countries.

Source: CNBC News