Headline News

10, June 2025

Global Economy Set for Weakest Run Since 2008 Outside of Recessions ⁰

Heightened trade tensions and policy uncertainty are expected to drive global growth down this year to its slowest pace since 2008 outside of outright global recessions, according to the World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report. The turmoil has resulted in growth forecasts being cut in nearly 70% of all economies—across all regions and income groups.

Global growth is projected to slow to 2.3 percent in 2025, nearly half a percentage point lower than the rate that had been expected at the start of the year. A global recession is not expected. Nevertheless, if forecasts for the next two years materialize, average global growth in the first seven years of the 2020s will be the slowest of any decade since the 1960s.

“Outside of Asia, the developing world is becoming a development-free zone. said Indermit Gill, the World Bank Group’s Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Development Economics. “It has been advertising itself for more than a decade. Growth in developing economies has ratcheted down for three decades—from 6 percent annually in the 2000s to 5 percent in the 2010s—to less than 4 percent in the 2020s. That tracks the trajectory of growth in global trade, which has fallen from an average of 5 percent in the 2000s to about 4.5 percent in the 2010s—to less than 3 percent in the 2020s. Investment growth has also slowed, but debt has climbed to record levels.”

Growth is expected to slow in nearly 60 percent of all developing economies this year, averaging 3.8 percent in 2025 before edging up to an average of 3.9 percent over 2026 and 2027. That is more than a percentage point lower than the average of the 2010s. Low-income countries are expected to grow 5.3 percent this year—a downgrade of 0.4 percentage point from the forecast at the start of 2025. Tariff increases and tight labor markets are also exerting upward pressure on global inflation, which, at a projected average of 2.9 percent in 2025, remains above pre-pandemic levels.

Slowing growth will impede developing economies in their efforts to spur job creation, reduce extreme poverty, and close per capita income gaps with advanced economies. Per capita income growth in developing economies is projected to be 2.9 percent in 2025—1.1 percentage points below the average between 2000 and 2019. Assuming developing economies other than China are able to sustain an overall GDP growth of 4 percent—the rate forecast for 2027—it would take them about two decades to return to their pre-pandemic trajectory with respect to economic output.

Global growth could rebound faster than expected if major economies are able to mitigate trade tensions—which would reduce overall policy uncertainty and financial volatility. The analysis finds that if today’s trade disputes were resolved with agreements that halve tariffs relative to their levels in late May, global growth would be 0.2 percentage point stronger on average over the course of 2025 and 2026.

“Emerging-market and developing economies reaped the rewards of trade integration but now find themselves on the frontlines of a global trade conflict,” said M. Ayhan Kose, the World Bank’s Deputy Chief Economist and Director of the Prospects Group. “The smartest way to respond is to redouble efforts on integration with new partners, advance pro-growth reforms, and shore up fiscal resilience to weather the storm. With trade barriers rising and uncertainty mounting, renewed global dialogue and cooperation can chart a more stable and prosperous path forward.”

The report argues that in the face of rising trade barriers, developing economies should seek to liberalize more broadly by pursuing strategic trade and investment partnerships with other economies and diversifying trade—including through regional agreements. Given limited government resources and rising development needs, policymakers should focus on mobilizing domestic revenues, prioritizing fiscal spending for the most vulnerable households, and strengthening fiscal frameworks.

Finally, to accelerate economic growth, countries will need to improve business climates and promote productive employment by equipping workers with the necessary skills and creating the conditions for labor markets to efficiently match workers and firms. Global collaboration will be crucial in supporting the most vulnerable developing economies, including through multilateral interventions, concessional financing, and, for countries embroiled in active conflicts, emergency relief and support.

Source: World Bank

10, June 2025

Cameroon welcomes new Cement brand Cimaco ⁰

The Cameroonian cement market is set to welcome a new brand, Cimaco, starting in June 2025. This news was announced in an advertisement by Chinese-owned Sinafcam Sarl, which produces the cement in Edéa, located in Cameroon’s Littoral region. For its market debut, Sinafcam is introducing three product grades: 32.5, 42.5, and 52.5. The plant currently has an annual production capacity of one million tons.

Sinafcam’s entry brings the total number of cement producers in Cameroon to seven. This expansion comes a decade after Cimenteries du Cameroun (Cimencam), a subsidiary of Lafarge Holcim Maroc Afrique (LHMA), ended its 48-year monopoly. Cimencam, with a production capacity of 2.3 million tons, faced its first significant challenge with the arrival of Dangote Cement Cameroon in 2015, paving the way for several new entrants since then.

Current producers include Nigeria’s Dangote Cement (1.5 million tons); Moroccan firm Cimaf, which recently tripled its original output of 500,000 tons through a plant expansion; Medcem Cameroon (600,000 tons), a subsidiary of Turkey’s Eren Holding; Mira Company, which increased its capacity from 1 million to 1.5 million tons with a new production line commissioned in June 2022; and Portuguese group Cimpor (1 million tons).

Additionally, the Ministry of Industry anticipates two more Chinese cement plants in Edéa: Central Africa Cement (CAC) is projected to produce 1.5 million tons annually, while Yousheng Cement aims for 1.8 million tons.

Despite a decade-long surge in cement production facilities, the retail price for a 50kg bag of cement remains high, hovering between 5,100 and 5,300 CFA francs in major cities like Douala and Yaoundé. Both producers and government officials attribute these high prices to the elevated cost of importing clinker, the primary ingredient in cement production.

However, with prices showing little movement despite increased supply, Trade Minister Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana has repeatedly voiced suspicions of “illegal price-fixing agreements” among producers.

Source: Business in Cameroon

10, June 2025

Frederick Forsyth: bestselling author of ‘The Day of The Jackal’, dies age 86 ⁰

Prolific British thriller writer Frederick Forsyth, who instantly became a global bestselling author when his book “The Day of the Jackal” was published in 1971, died on Monday aged 86, his literary agents Curtis Brown said.

Forsyth famously penned his most famous work about a fictional assassination attempt on French president Charles de Gaulle by right-wing extremists in just 35 days after falling on hard times.

“The Jackal” went on to be made into a hit film starring Edward Fox as the assassin. A Netflix remake last year with Eddie Redmayne in the lead role was released last year.

“We mourn the passing of one of the world’s greatest thriller writers,” his agent Jonathan Lloyd said.

Forsyth died at home surrounded by his family following a brief illness, according to Curtis Brown.

The former journalist and pilot wrote over 25 books including “The Odessa File” (1972) and “The Dogs of War” (1974) and sold over 75 million copies worldwide.

Many of his novels were also turned into films.

“Only a few weeks ago I sat with him as we watched a new and moving documentary of his life … and was reminded of an extraordinary life, well lived,” said Lloyd.

“After serving as one of the youngest ever RAF pilots, he turned to journalism, using his gift for languages in German, French and Russian to become a foreign correspondent in Biafra (in Nigeria),” he said.

‘Spectacular luck’

“Appalled at what he saw and using his experience during a stint as a secret service agent, he wrote his first and perhaps most famous novel, ‘The Day Of The Jackal’,” he added.

A sequel to “The Odessa File”, entitled “Revenge Of Odessa”, on which he worked with thriller writer Tony Kent, is due to be published in August, his publisher Bill Scott-Kerr said.

“His journalistic background brought a rigour and a metronomic efficiency to his working practice and his nose for and understanding of a great story kept his novels both thrillingly contemporary and fresh,” Scott-Kerr added.

Forsyth attributed much of his success to “luck”, recalling how a bullet narrowly missed him while he was covering the bloody Biafra civil war between 1967 and 1970.

“I have had the most spectacular luck all through my life,” he told The Times last November in an interview.

“Right place, right time, right person, right contact, right promotion – and even just turning my head away when that bullet went past,” he said.

Asked why he had decided to give up writing – although he later went back to it – he told AFP in 2016 he’d “run out of things to say”.

“I can’t just sit at home and do a nice little romance from within my study, I have to go out and check out places like Modagishu, Guinea Bissau, both hellholes in different ways,” he said.

Forsyth had two sons by his first wife. His second wife, Sandy, died last year.

Conservative MP David Davis paid tribute to his friend as a “fabulous wordsmith”.

He told Sky News that Forsyth “was a great believer in the old values – he believed in honour and patriotism and courage and directness and straightforwardness, and a big defender of our armed forces”.

Source: AFP

9, June 2025

Yang Philemon: Vietnamese Prime Minister meets President of UN General Assembly in France ⁰

Vietnam consistently supports multilateralism and the United Nations’ central role in global governance, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh told President of the UN General Assembly Philemon Yang on the sidelines of the third UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, on June 9.

Amid emerging global challenges like climate change, resource depletion, and population aging, PM Chinh underscored the need for international solidarity, adherence to international law, and an inclusive and comprehensive global approach.

He outlined Vietnam’s development strategy and foreign policy priorities, expressing his hope that Yang will bolster UN – Vietnam cooperation. This, he said, could include advancing ongoing programmes and projects in Vietnam, supporting human resources training, and creating opportunities for more Vietnamese professionals to join UN bodies.

PM Chinh also thanked President Yang, a former PM of Cameroon, for consistently supporting and enhancing Vietnam – Cameroon relations. He proposed that Yang further promote the two countries’ traditional friendship and affirmed Vietnam’s readiness to assist Cameroon in agricultural development, alongside encouraging greater investment by Vietnamese companies such as telecoms service provider Viettel in the African nation.

President Yang, for his part, commended Vietnam’s active engagement in UN activities and its consistent respect for the UN Charter. He highlighted Vietnam’s robust partnerships with the UN and Cameroon, and noted his admiration for Vietnam’s impressive socio-economic achievements.

He welcomed Vietnam’s dynamic role and growing international stature, pledging to work with the Southeast Asian country to promote the adherence to the UN Charter, international law, and multilateralism.

Praising Vietnam’s strengths in science-technology, telecommunications, and agriculture, he also pledged support for deeper Vietnam – Cameroon cooperation in these areas. He promised to address bottlenecks and create optimal conditions for Vietnamese firms operating in his country.

On the occasion, the Vietnamese leader extended an invitation to President Yang to visit Vietnam in the near future.

Source: Vietnamplus

9, June 2025

Maurice Kamto in Douala: Police, opposition supporters clash as election looms ⁰

Tempers flared Sunday in the city of Douala, as activists and supporters of Maurice Kamto’s MRC party fought to access their headquarters blocked off by security forces.

Since Saturday, parts of the city and the airport had been off-limits to motorcycle taxi drivers, as authorities anticipated Maurice Kamto’s arrival in Douala, where he was due to hold a meeting at his party’s regional headquarters.

“They say Professor Maurice Kamto is arriving. I don’t understand why the CPDM needs to advertise it. Is it the government’s or the army’s role to promote Maurice Kamto?,” asked Kouati Robert, a supporter of Kamto.

On Sunday, the MRC leader posted a video stating he was being held at his residence and prevented by police from reaching his party headquarters.

Cameroon is due to hold a presidential election in October and tensions are high. President Paul Biya’s party has held power since 1960.

Kamto officially garnered 14 percent of the votes in the disputed 2018 presidential election.

Biya who is Africa’s second-longest serving leader is expected to seek his eighth presidential term in the October elections. The months leading up to the election have also been marked by an increase in arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and a ban on demonstrations.

Source: Africa News

9, June 2025

Football: First black Premier League referee Rennie dies aged 65 ⁰

Uriah Rennie, the Premier League’s first black referee, has died aged 65.

Rennie officiated more than 300 games between 1997 and 2008, including 175 Premier League matches.

Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out said Rennie was “a trailblazer in every sense”, adding: “He will always be a Premier League legend by becoming its first black referee, providing leadership, talent and visibility that proved inspirational to many.

“Uriah played a massive role in shaping the game as we know it today. Football should always be grateful to him.”

The Premier League said: “Uriah was a pioneering trailblazer whose legacy will live on, continuing to inspire future generations.”

Rennie recently revealed he was learning to walk again after a rare condition left him paralysed from the waist down.

Born in Jamaica, he moved to Sheffield as a child and grew up in the Wybourn area of the city.

He started refereeing in local football in 1979 before making history in 1997 when he oversaw a top-flight match between Derby County and Wimbledon.

“Incredibly sad news about the passing of Uriah Rennie. A Black pioneering referee and leader in the game,” said Leon Mann, co-founder of the Football Black List.

“We owe so much to those who push open the doors. Uriah should never, ever be forgotten.”

Rennie had been a magistrate in Sheffield since 1996 and campaigned on issues including improving equality and inclusion in sport, mental health and tackling deprivation.

He had a master’s degree in business administration and law and, in November 2023, was awarded an honorary doctorate by Sheffield Hallam University for his distinguished contributions to sport and his work with South Yorkshire communities.

In May, Rennie was installed as the new chancellor of the university.

Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association, external described their former chair as a “trailblazing referee” who “broke down barriers, shaped our football community and inspired generations to come.”

Source: BBC

9, June 2025

Cameroon Debt Recovery Agency backs director amid controversy ⁰

The Board of Directors of Société Camerounaise de Recouvrement des Créances (SRC), Cameroon’s public debt recovery agency, reconfirmed its confidence in General Manager Marie-Rose Messi during an extraordinary session held on June 4, 2025, in Yaoundé. This decision follows a wave of disinformation and criticism aimed at the SRC and its leadership, particularly after the forced seizure of assets belonging to prominent state debtors.

In a statement signed by Board Chairman Robert Bapooh Lipot, the board “strongly condemns” these “malicious” attacks, which it attributed to a misunderstanding of the SRC’s mandate. The board urged Messi and her staff to continue their mission of recovering public debts “with commitment and determination.”

Marie-Rose Messi, who has led the institution since 2013, faced significant controversy following a high-profile asset seizure at the residence of a wealthy businessman in Douala. The incident fueled speculation of political rivalries at the highest levels of the state. In response, Messi issued a statement clarifying that “no high-level instruction was given or relayed to return the seized assets,” emphasizing that the sale of those assets was intended to repay outstanding debts.

The board’s support, expressed during a meeting at the national headquarters of the Bank of Central African States (BEAC), marks a significant moment in defending the CEO, whose integrity and legitimacy had been questioned in some circles. An anonymous official from the Ministry of Finance welcomed the decision, noting that Messi retains “a free hand to go after cardboard billionaires.“

This reaffirmation of trust comes as the SRC intensifies its strategic efforts in managing public debt—a politically sensitive task—and as its leadership faces increasing media and political pressure.

Source: Business in Cameroon

8, June 2025

Manyu: Let’s make the Diaspora our trump card ⁰

Manyu Division is without a doubt one of the largest divisions in English-speaking Cameroon and the Manyu Diaspora is large with its members living in almost every nook and cranny of the world.

Manyu is noted for its intellectualism and over the last three decades, Manyu has also distinguished itself as a Division with a vibrant Diaspora which is capable of turning the Division’s fortunes around.

Many Manyu sons and daughters have succeeded in what they doing and many are willing to bring that expertise and financial resources to bear on the development efforts currently taking place in Manyu Division.

Manyu needs its Diaspora and Manyu political leaders – be they in the ruling party or opposition – have a great role to play when it comes to wooing the Manyu Diaspora.

The Manyu Diaspora like the entire Cameroonian Diaspora holds that it is a victim of poor political and economic governance in Cameroon. This may be true as nobody can run away from his home if that home is comfortable. Quitting your country is always a painful event. Everyone loves living with his family but when things are falling apart, looking outwards becomes a possibility.

However, leaving the country for greener pastures does not imply hating the homeland. The beauty about living out of your natural environment is that you embrace new ways which may be useful in the rebuilding of a nation. Traveling is education and the Manyu Diaspora has learned and many of its members are willing to make a modest contribution to development efforts in Cameroon if the environment is enabling.

Helping to rebuild a nation does not imply belonging to a specific shade of opinion, but if that can transform Manyu, then members of the Manyu Diaspora should embrace the shade of opinion that can help Manyu. Manyu is our collective property and it is incumbent upon us to transform what God has given us. God in his infinite wisdom could not have been wrong to have placed us in Manyu Division. We have to prove God right by developing what he has given us.

In Manyu, there are many political views. Politically, it will be hard to get everyone to see things the same way and it will be dictatorial to compel everyone to see things in the same light. While it is normal to hold different political views, the people of Manyu Division must understand that political differences do not imply enmity. The people of Manyu should see politics as a vehicle for the economic transformation of their Division and not a means for self-aggrandizement.

Political pluralism implies that it is sane to belong to any political party but Manyu should be at the center of every political action undertaken by any son and daughter of Manyu Division.

Manyu needs help. The Division is in dire need of economic development, and economic development does not take place in a vacuum. Politics and economic development will always intersect and politics is that key ingredient which will help a people to incarnate their economic development agenda.

Cameroon is undergoing key development transformations. The political landscape will surely be different in the next five years, especially as there will be multiple elections taking place this year and next year.

When those changes occur, will Manyu be in a good position to benefit from the ensuing economic benefits? What role will be attributed to the growing and prosperous Manyu Diaspora in the new economic development landscape?

Manyu needs all its sons and daughter for its economic transformation and its Diaspora will be a key asset when that moment comes. It is therefore necessary for Manyu political leaders to start wooing the Diaspora for it to play its rightful role when the time comes.

Manyu needs development finance and the Diaspora can help in this regard. Manyu’s economy needs a shot in the arm and the Diaspora can deliver that jab that will help to give Manyu a facelift. The Diaspora can count if the Division’s political establishment does not see the Diaspora as its enemy.

The Manyu Diaspora loves Cameroon and Manyu Division. Its members want Manyu to be a better place than they met it. Manyu’s Diaspora has some of the finest Cameroonian brains. These brains can be sourced for them to help engineer a modern and prosperous Manyu. No individual has the magic wand. Developing Manyu must be a collective effort.

This does not imply that the people in Cameroon are not good enough to deliver Manyu from the poverty that has been stalking the Division like a stubborn shadow. An alliance between the Diaspora and home-based economic and political operators can help lift Manyu from its economic doldrums.

Manyu has the men and women. It is rich in natural resources and its youthful population is an asset. This demographic dividend will give Manyu a significant advantage if the Division’s economic transformation is driven by these young people. Manyu’s economic development must be made sustainable through the involvement of its young people and the young people should be encouraged to join politics for them to learn the ropes. They are free to join any political party of their choice provided they make Manyu the purpose of their being in politics.

They have to learn the ropes very early in life and they must be given a chance. Manyu can only be led by its sons and daughters and this youthful energy must tap into to make Manyu great again.

The next five years will be crucial to Manyu’s economic transformation. The Diaspora should be given its rightful place. Our traditional leaders should be seeking ways of making the Diaspora count. The Diaspora is like a beautiful and attractive lady. It must be wooed and this is a job for our political and traditional leaders.

By Dr. Joachim Arrey

8, June 2025

Football: Portugal beat Spain in penalty shootout ⁰

Portugal beat neighbours Spain in a penalty shootout to settle a frantic final in Munich and win their second Nations League trophy.

Cristiano Ronaldo pulled Portugal level at 2-2 in the 61st minute, but there was nothing else to separate the two sides when the referee signalled the end of normal time.

Subbed off before extra time, Portugal captain Ronaldo dropped to the turf and sobbed tears of joy on the sidelines after Ruben Neves slotted home the winning penalty following Diogo Costa’s save from Alvaro Morata’s spot-kick.

Winners of the 2023 edition, Spain had opened the scoring in the 21st minute when Martin Zubimendi poked home after Portugal failed to clear their lines.

Their lead was short-lived as Nuno Mendes slammed a low, angled strike past Unai Simon and into the far corner of the net five minutes later.

Mikel Oyarzabal, who netted a late winner in last summer’s European Championship final against England, restored La Roja’s advantage before the break.

But Ronaldo came to Portugal’s rescue as he shrugged off Marc Cucurella to reach Mendes’ deflected cross and hook a volley in from close range.

Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Nuno Mendes all calmly fired their penalties home before Morata’s weak effort was stopped by Costa.

And as Neves converted the final spot-kick, Portugal became the first team to win two Nations League titles – denying Spain, who were vying for the same honour.

Source: BBC

8, June 2025

Football: Italy’s Spalletti reveals own sacking in news conference ⁰

Luciano Spalletti has announced his own sacking as Italy’s head coach at a news conference on Sunday after his side lost 3-0 to Norway in a World Cup qualifier on Friday.

Italy conceded three first-half goals in Oslo to fall to defeat in their opening qualifier for the 2026 tournament

The 66-year-old said he would still take charge of Monday’s game against Moldova, but it will be his last with the national team.

“Last night we were very together with president [Gabriele] Gravina. He told me that I will be relieved of my position as coach of the national team,” said Spalletti.

“I had no intention of giving up. I would have preferred to stay in my place and continue doing my job. I’ll be there tomorrow evening against Moldova, then we’ll resolve the contract.”

The Italian, who eventually stormed out of the news conference, has been in charge since 2023 and led the team at Euro 2024 where Italy were knocked out in the last 16 by Switzerland.

Spalletti, who has managed Napoli, Inter Milan and Roma in Serie A, has taken charge of 23 matches as Azzurri head coach and won just 11.

Italy are in Group I of Uefa World Cup qualifying alongside Norway, Moldova, Estonia and Israel.

“I’ll be there tomorrow night against Moldova,” added Spalletti. “These are the results under my management and I have to take responsibility.

“I love this shirt, this job and the players I’ve coached. Tomorrow night I’ll ask them to demonstrate what I asked even if I haven’t been able to get them to express their best.”

Source: BBC