Headline News

4, November 2019

9 crew members of a vessel owned by Norway abducted by pirates off Benin ⁰

A vessel owned by Norwegian shipping firm J.J. Ugland was boarded by pirates while at anchor off the coast of Benin on Saturday, and nine crew members were kidnapped, the company said on Sunday.

The remaining crew of the Norwegian-flagged MV Bonita notified local authorities, and the vessel docked at the port city of Cotonou later on Saturday, the company said in a statement. The dry bulker Bonita carried a cargo of gypsum, a mineral commonly used as fertiliser, which was destined for Benin, Ugland said.

While piracy has decreased worldwide, West Africa’s Gulf of Guinea is a high-risk area for abductions and armed robbery, the International Maritime Bureau, a unit of the International Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement last month.

Shippers have reported several abductions in the region in recent months, including eight crew members taken from a German-owned vessel off Cameroon in August, and 10 Turkish sailors off the coast of Nigeria in July.

Citing safety reasons, the Norwegian ship owner did not reveal the crew’s nationalities or how many had avoided capture.

“The Ugland Emergency Response Team are handling this situation as per contingency plans, and they are in contact with relevant authorities. … The families of the crew members have been contacted and will be kept informed by Ugland,” the company said in the statement.

(Source: Reuters)

4, November 2019

2019 SOBA UK Residential Convention in Colchester was a huge success ⁰

From November 1 to November 3rd, more than 300 guests gathered in Colchester with the Sasse Old Boys Association for the 2019 SOBA UK Residential Convention. The SOBA UK show is the biggest and oldest Anglophone Cameroon academic exposition in Europe, and this year the Five Lakes Resort was packed solid as a sea of people enjoyed the SOBA UK annual come together for three days.

According to a study done by the Cameroon Concord News Group, a cross section of the non-SOBA UK participants that attended the SOBA UK 2019 Residential Convention this year were from main land Europe, Russia, Ireland and the United States of America.

Egbe Franklin the new SOBA UK leader observed, “There’s no better way to end the year in Europe than at the annual SOBA UK Residential Convention. It’s the most cost-effective way for families and friends of SOBA UK to communion in truth and in brotherhood.”

The renowned DJ Takeaway was a new exhibitor at the SOBA UK 2019 Residential Convention this year. “It’s been a good experience for me,” he said. The SOBA UK AGM gave attendees a prime opportunity to keep abreast of the latest policies mapped out by the new SOBA UK team to move the association forward.

SOBA UK 2019 Residential Convention attendees browsed the rooms and the golf course of the Five Lakes Resort finding new ideas and discussed some of the difficulties confronting the association. Another unique feature of the 2019 SOBA UK Show was the Synergy Live Band, which put up a wonderful display honoring SOBA UK members who have worked for 10 or more years to make SOBA UK great.

President Emeritus, Akoh Arrey pointed out that the SOBA UK Residential Convention was important enough to travel hundreds, or thousands, of miles to attend. “The gala night hall was filled to overflowing,” observed Dr Enow Humphrey.”

Next year, the SOBA UK show promises to be an even bigger success. Many are hoping that the convention center will again be one of the best in the United Kingdom, and there are plenty of luxury hotels with some of the best dining available.

It is vital to include in this report that the executive chairman and editor-in-chief of the Cameroon Concord News Group, the Right Honorable Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai was a guest of honour at the convention. SOBA UK has already begun planning to make next year’s residential convention better than ever.

By Staff Lady Betty Abeng in Colchester

4, November 2019

Vietnam wants to boost multi-faceted partnership with French Cameroun ⁰

Deputy Prime Minister Vương Đình Huệ visited La Republique Du Cameroun on Friday and Saturday as part of his working trip to Africa.During the visit, Huệ had talks with Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute, visited the Senate and the National Assembly of the Parliament of Cameroon, and had working sessions with Vice President of the Senate Lamido Abubakary Abdulaye and Vice President of the National Assembly Etong Nzok Hilarion.

At the talks with PM Ngute, the Vietnamese Deputy PM affirmed Việt Nam’s policy on promoting multi-faceted co-operation, particularly in economics and trade, with African countries, including Cameroon.

Huệ said to facilitate stronger bilateral collaboration, the two countries should intensify negotiations for bilateral agreements, creating a legal framework for trade as well as co-operation in other fields.

The Cameroon PM admired Việt Nam’s high economic growth of 6-7 per cent a year and said Cameroon wanted to learn from Việt Nam’s development model.

He said Cameroon hoped to set up co-operative ties with Việt Nam, with a focus on sectors where Cameroon has great potential and Việt Nam is strong at, such as agriculture and processing of cashew nuts, wood and coffee. He added that his country wished to boost bilateral ties in telecommunications, which have already started with the operation of Nextel, a joint venture between Việt Nam’s Viettel group and Bestcam, a Cameroon partner.

Discussing support for Vietnamese businesses operating in Cameroon including Nextel, Huệ appreciated the work of the Cameroon government and PM Ngute to facilitate their operation.

At working sessions with Vice President of the Senate Lamido Abubakary Abdulaye and Vice President of the National Assembly Etong Nzok Hilarion, Huệ highlighted the role of the two countries’ parliaments in making laws to facilitate the negotiations and signing of bilateral agreements.

He also noted the need to increase exchange of delegations between the two countries’ governments, sectors, trade associations and people, as well as promote co-operation in culture, education, sports and people-to-people exchange.
Source: vietnamnews.vn

3, November 2019

Yaounde: Kamto Supporters Defy Protest Ban ⁰

Combat-ready troops were deployed in Cameroon’s capital Saturday as supporters of opposition party leader Maurice Kamto defied a ban on protests against the outcome of the 2018 presidential election.

Kamto and his backers contend he won the Oct. 7 election and that his victory was stolen by long-serving President Paul Biya. Kamto was to participate in the protests for the first time since Biya ordered his release from prison, but he reportedly was being held at his house under guard by government police.

Hundreds of supporters of Kamto’s Cameroon Renaissance Movement Party (CRM) demanded that the government withdraw its anti-riot police from the esplanade of the Ahmadou Ahijo Stadium in Yaounde so they could listen to the message that Kamto had for them.

Among the protesters was Etienne Tankeu, 39, a businessman who was arrested with Kamto on Feb. 28 in Douala and detained in Yaounde with Kamto until Biya ordered their release.

Tankeu said he did not understand why each time the CRM has wanted to organize peaceful protests, the government has threatened them with charges of insurrection, revolt and hostilities against the state.

Court proceedings halted

Kamto and hundreds of his supporters were freed Oct. 5. That’s when Biya ordered an end to court proceedings against CRM members following calls from delegates to the national dialogue he held to address the country’s crises.

The Saturday protest in Yaounde was to be the first public meeting between Kamto and his supporters since he was released from custody.

Christopher Ndong, CRM secretary-general, told VOA in a telephone interview that he and some party officials, including Kamto, were prohibited by the police from leaving a home where they met ahead of the protests. He said that despite a heavy police presence, they were still committed to meeting their supporters, who have been eager to hear from their leader.

“We cannot let our fundamental rights be trampled upon,” he said. “We are not afraid, because what we are doing is within the law and it is our right. So you see, this is a government that is confused. They are in fact doing everything with impunity. We cannot be afraid, because we are working and acting upon our rights.”

Similar protests in the southern towns of Sangmelima and Ebolowa were banned by the government. Kamto’s supporters defied the ban in Sangmelima, Biya’s hometown, and a confrontation Friday between CRM followers and those of Biya’s CPDM party left at least six people injured.

Advice to Kamto: Stand down

Rene Emmanuel Sadi, Cameroon’s minister of communications, said Kamto was not relenting from wanting to destabilize Cameroon. He said Biya won the election in a landslide and that Kamto should accept the result or face the consequences as mandated by Cameroon laws.

“We believe that Mr. Kamto and some warmongers among his supporters have failed to take full measure and to grasp the profound meaning of the presidential clemency welcomed by the entire national and international community,” Sadi said.

The election results showed Biya winning with 71 percent of the vote. His strongest challenger, Kamto, was a distant second with 14 percent.

If arrested again, Kamto could be charged with sedition, insurrection and inciting violence. Those are the same charges leveled against him when he defied a government ban on protest marches and was arrested in Douala.

Source: VOA

3, November 2019

Algeria announces presidential election candidates despite protesters’ opposition ⁰

Five candidates will run in Algeria’s presidential election next month, including two former prime ministers, the head of the election authority said on Saturday, amid mass protests rejecting the vote.

The authorities have repeatedly said the Dec. 12 vote would be the only way to get out of a crisis Algeria been facing since the resignation of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in April under pressure from protesters.

Candidates for the Dec. 12 election include former prime ministers Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Ali Benflis, former culture minister Azzedddine Mihoubi, former tourism minister Abdelkader Bengrine, and Abdelaziz Belaid, head of the El Mostakbal Movement party.

They were announced by Mohamed Chorfi, head of the election authority.

Twenty-three candidates had applied to the election authority, but most failed to meet requirements which include collecting signatures from 25 of the country’s 48 provinces. Those who were rejected will be allowed to file appeals.

Tens of thousands of protesters have been staging weekly demonstrations to reject the election, saying it will not be fair as some of former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s allies are still in power.

Bouteflika ended his 20-year-rule in April after mass protests broke out on Feb. 22 demanding the removal of the ruling elite and the prosecution of people involved in corruption.

The army is now the main player in Algeria’s politics, and its chief of staff Lieutenant General Ahmed Gaed Salah has vowed transparency and fairness for the Dec. 12 vote.

The authorities also met some protesters’ demands by detaining several former officials including two ex-prime ministers and several prominent businessmen over corruption charges.

Protesters now also demand the departure of the remaining symbols of the old guard including interim president Abdelkader Bensalah and Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui.

Algeria had canceled a presidential vote previously planned for July 4, citing a lack of candidates.

“There will be full transparency in the handling of the presidential election,” Chorfi said.

(REUTERS)

3, November 2019

UK: Thousands of Scots rally for independence ⁰

Thousands rallied in Glasgow on Saturday calling for Scotland to become an independent country, with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon telling the crowds that their goal was “within touching distance”.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) leader was the headline speaker at the event in George Square, the first time she has addressed an independence rally since the 2014 referendum campaign, with a crucial general election looming next month.

“Make no mistake, the general election we face now on December 12 is the most important election for Scotland in our lifetimes,” she told the crowds.

“The future of our country is on the line.

“We must come out in our numbers and vote in this election,” she added, insisting that the “prize” of independence was “within touching distance.”

“We must seize that prize,” she urged.

Sturgeon is expected, before Christmas, to formally ask Johnson for a Section 30 order, which would give Scotland’s devolved government permission to stage a referendum.

Supporters waved the St Andrews cross emblazoned with the word “Yes” and Catalan flags in solidarity with the fellow independence campaign.

Others wore kilts and played bagpipes, including one musician who had flames leaping from his instrument.Scotland voted against independence in a 2014 referendum by 55 percent.

But nationalists argue that the 2016 British referendum in favour of Brexit means another independence referendum is necessary — because Scotland voted by 62 percent to stay in the European Union.

Nationalists also argue that some people voted against independence thinking it would guarantee their place inside the EU.

Sturgeon promised supporters on Saturday to “lead you to an independence reference next year”.

“It’s time for Scotland to choose our own future, time for Scotland to be an independent country,” she added.

A small number of pro-Union protesters carrying Union Jack flags staged a counter-demonstration.

(AFP)

3, November 2019

UK: Labour leader says Trump benefits from a no-deal Brexit ⁰

UK Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has accused US President Donald Trump of meddling in UK politics “to get his friend” British Prime Minister Boris Johnson elected.

Corbyn made the remarks on Saturday in Swindon, a town in southwest England, during his campaign for a general election to be held on December 12.

“Donald Trump is trying to interfere in Britain’s election to get his friend Boris Johnson elected,” Corbyn said on Twitter.

Corbyn added if Trump “isn’t pleased at the prospect of a Labour government being elected in Britain”, then he’s “entitled to his choice,” adding that he’s willing to speak with Trump in order to discuss his stance on climate change policies.

Corbyn’s comments came after Trump told Nigel Farage’s radio show that it would be “so bad” if Corbyn was elected prime minister.

During their conversation, the US leader said, “Corbyn would be so bad for your country. He’d be so bad, he’d take you in such a bad way. He’d take you into such bad places”.

Corbyn has promised to leave the European Union with a customs union, trade agreement and dynamic protection if he wins the election.

He further promised to hold a referendum at the end of a three-month period to determine whether Britons want to leave the bloc or not.

Britain was scheduled to leave the EU on October 31. However, the country’s parliamentarians did not approve Johnson’s deal with the bloc, prompting the EU to extend the Brexit deadline.

Johnson then called for a general election.

PressTV-Brexit Party ultimatum an opening for Corbyn

Recent surveys have speculated that after the general election, no single party will hold a majority of seats in parliament.

The Conservatives are projected to fill 35% of seats in parliament after the general election, while the Brexit Party is projected to win 13% of seats, according to a recent YouGov survey.

If the Brexit Party splits the Leave vote, Corbyn could end up as the new prime minister. Mr. Corbyn is hoping to curry support from the Scottish National Party and Liberal Democrats, who may be able to act as a “kingmaker” when the final results come in.

Source: Presstv

2, November 2019

Biya regime in downward spiral while Ambazonia resistance multiplying gains ⁰

Ambazonia Vice President Dabney Yerima says the French Cameroun government under the 86 year old Paul Biya is now in a downward spiral following US President Donald Trump’s decision to terminate its eligibility for trade preference benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), as of January 1, 2020, due to persistent gross violations of internationally recognized human rights in Southern Cameroons.

Comrade Dabney Yerima told a cream of reporters late on Friday that it was enormously satisfying for the Ambazonia Interim Government that the US President spoke of persistent human rights violations being committed by Cameroonian security forces. These violations included extrajudicial killings, arbitrary and unlawful detention, and torture of Southern Cameroonians.

Dabney Yerima observed that for three years, the French Cameroun soldiers have not been able to defeat the Ambazonia Self Defense Forces and they are currently stuck. On the contrary, he added, the Southern Cameroons resistance is thriving and actively expanding to pro Yaoundé Southern Cameroons CPDM barons.

Vice President Dabney Yerima also appealed to Washington to play a direct role in the crisis that has rocked the two Cameroons. Yerima launched a scathing attack on the Yaoundé regime that has created armed militia groups all over the Federal Republic of Ambazonia.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

2, November 2019

Rugby World Cup: Historic black captain leads South Africa to victory ⁰

Siya Kolisi, became the first black captain of the South African rugby team, the springboks; to lead them to a world cup title.

He led his charges out a the Yokohama International Stadium in Japan where the competition was taking place. In the end, his team thrashed opponents England to win the title for the third time in the country’s history.

The Springboks also join New Zealand as joint-top winners – each with three trophies to their name. South Africa had previously won the trophy in 1995 and 2007.

Throwback photos to when 1995 and 2007 when then presidents Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki received the winning trophy.

South African President Nelson Mandela ® hands over the William Webb Ellis Cup to Springbok captain Francois Pienaar after his team defeated New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup final June 24, 1995.

South Africa’s rugby captain John Smith (L) hands their World Cup trophy to President Thabo Mbeki at the Union Building in Pretoria before the Springboks paraded through the streets of Pretoria and Johannesburg October 26,2007.

Match Report

Wingers Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe scored South Africa’s first tries in a World Cup final as the Springboks out-gunned England 32-12 to win the trophy for the third time and reassert the supremacy of the southern hemisphere on Saturday.

Superb game management, set piece dominance, brutal defence and almost flawless place-kicking looked like being enough to see off an England side that had dismantled the double defending champion All Blacks in the semi-finals last week.

Mapimpi has been in prolific form this year, however, and he showed the South Africans can play a bit with ball in hand too when he finished off a try created by his own chip-through in the 66th minute.

Kolbe added the second try eight minutes later, skipping past the tackle of Owen Farrell on the wing and racing away to touch down to the delight of the South Africans in the crowd of 70,103.

Flyhalf Handre Pollard had already given the South Africans a clear lead from six penalties and he added the two conversions to take his match tally to 22.

While tactics were as traditional as the dark green Springbok shirt, the team was far more representative of a multi-racial nation than those of 1995 and 2007 and Siya Kolisi is the first black captain to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.

England came into the match with huge expectations after the New Zealand win but only offered flashes of the brilliant all-pitch game which undid the All Blacks last week.

Head coach Eddie Jones, who was in charge of Australia when England won their only World Cup in 2003, becomes the first coach to lose two finals.

Flyhalf Farrell kicked four penalties for England but they were chasing the match all evening and hanging on doggedly trying to contain the rampant Springboks by the end.

The English suffered a huge blow when prop Kyle Sinckler went off with concussion in the third minute leaving their scrum all but uncompetitive against the Springbok pack.

South Africa made the most of the weakness, winning a string of scrum penalties and building a foundation that enabled their wingers to seal the victory in the last 15 minutes.

The Springboks became the first team to lose a pool match at a World Cup and go on to win it, having lost to the All Blacks in their tournament opener at the same Yokohama International Stadium.

Source: Africa News

2, November 2019

Monaco: French Cameroun Foreign Minister meets Armenian counterpart ⁰

Armenian FM Zohrab Mnatsakanyan had a meeting with Cameroon Foreign Minister Lejeune Mbella Mbella within the 36th Ministerial Conference of the Francophonie in Monaco.

The FMs expressed mutual readiness to work together to enrich the bilateral agenda and make full use of the great potential existing in Armenian-Cameroon relations. The importance of holding consultations between the FMs and activating high-level contacts and mutual visits were highlighted.

The two expressed satisfaction with the cooperation and mutual support established within international structures.

In this context, the partners particularly referred to the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie as an important platform for expanding cooperation in the Francophone region.

The Ministers discussed the results of the 36th Ministerial Conference of the Francophonie, the priorities of the Armenian Presidency and the joint work planned within them.

Source: News Armenia