Headline News

30, November 2018

Oprah, Beyonce in South Africa for Mandela 100 concert 0

Celebrated American television host and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey has urged young people in South Africa not to give up on their dreams, asking them to emulate the country’s first black president Nelson Mandela.

Oprah, who was delivering a keynote address at the University of Johannesburg, also shared fond memories of her time spent with the global icon.

“Nelson Mandela’s life story is a testament to the power of the human spirit and one man’s ability to change the world by standing up for what he believed in,” said Oprah.

Nelson Mandela’s life story is a testament to the power of the human spirit and one man’s ability to change the world by standing up for what he believed in.

“It is one of the great honors of my life to have spent so much time with him, and I look forward to celebrating his courageous life.”

Mandela 100 concert

Oprah, who runs a girls school in South Africa, is also scheduled to speak at the Global Citizen: Mandela 100 concert, on Sunday.

The concert, which is part of a campaign on the Global Goals to end extreme poverty, will be headlined by leading artists from across the world including Beyonce, JAY-Z, Ed Sheeran, Eddie Vedder, Pharrell Williams, Usher and Chris Martin.

Sho Madjozi, Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, Cassper Nyovest, D’banj and Femi Kuti are also lined up to perform.

World leaders including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Amina J. Mohammed, Norway’s Prime Minister Erna Solberg and Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo are also expected to attend the festival.

“This significant event not only honours the legacy of one of the greatest global citizens of our time, but provides a powerful platform for youth around the world to make a positive and tangible contribution for people and planet,” said UN Deputy SG Amina Mohammed.

Responding to Nelson Mandela’s call for this to be the generation that ends extreme poverty, artists and leaders will be joined by 100,000 Global Citizens who’ve taken action on the Global Citizen social advocacy platform to earn free tickets to the festival at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.

Global Citizen’s campaign aims to rally $1 billion in new commitments, with $500 million of that set to impact the lives of 20 million women and girls worldwide.

Africa News


Cameroon,Nigeria, Chad, Niger agree to change Boko Haram tactics

30, November 2018

Cameroon,Nigeria, Chad, Niger agree to change Boko Haram tactics 0

In a renewed call to arms   in N’djamena, capital of the Republic of Chad, yesterday, President Muhammadu Buhari held a one-day consultation with Heads of State and Governments of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, LCBC. The meeting was called to address the recent upsurge in terrorist activities in the region, and the Nigerian President rallied his colleagues from Chad, Niger Republic, and Republic of Cameroon to a fresh onslaught against insurgents, particularly the Boko Haram group. Boko Haram attack Borno, set imam, family members, others ablaze “Times as these call for quick interventions and measures.  As you are aware and have witnessed in recent times, there are new developments of security concern in our sub-region. ‘’The region in the recent past has witnessed increasing attacks, particularly on military formations by elements of the Boko Haram terrorists as well as the renewed kidnapping of people. These activities are aimed at weakening our collective resolve to eradicate them from the region. “We must not cave in.

The group’s renewed strategy of increasingly mining the general area as well as its recent deployment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance activities have proved to be critical factors in the resurgence of attacks in the region,’’ President Buhari said. Commending what he called the “untiring efforts” of the leadership of the LCBC, and officers and men of the Multi-National Joint Task Force, MNJTF, President Buhari noted that the efforts of those who strive to bring peace and stability to the region would never be forgotten. He said:  “We are committed to ensuring that the ideals of restoring peace, stability and viability of the Lake Chad Region to its glorious state, for which some of you have paid the ultimate price is attained.’’

President Buhari in a statement by his spokesperson , Femi Adesina, stated further:  “We must not relent and allow the enemies of the region to succeed in their quest to destabilize the area. We must reinvigorate our collective will and commitment towards eradicating terrorism from our region. “We must remain focused and true to ensuring sustainable development. To this end, I have requested that bilateral and multilateral platforms of engagements by member countries affected by the conflict be revamped to ensure collective actions towards stamping out the remnants of the terrorists from the region. “There is no gainsaying that also fueling the crisis are the twin menaces of poverty and the continued shrinkage of the Lake Chad, which have rendered the people of the region vulnerable to terrorist activities. ‘’Attention is drawn to the Lake and its resources, which have always been the source of livelihood for the millions of people that live within and around the basin.” He charged the Presidents and Heads of Governments in attendance to make concerted efforts to ensure the actualization of efforts to recharge the Lake, through Inter-Basin Water Transfer, from the Congo Basin. Buhari stressed that if meticulously pursued, the project “has the capacity to unlock the economic potentials and provide solutions to the myriad of interrelated challenges confronting the region.”

As chairman of the Summit of Heads of State and Governments of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, Mr Buhari assured of his commitment to providing the required leadership and direction for the actualization of peace and security in the area. He reiterated an earlier promise he made to troops fighting terrorism: “We are committed to ensuring you have the requisite and enabling equipment to optimally function. Your welfare is, and would continue to remain our priority. Together, we shall restore the Lake Chad Region to its glorious days.” In attendance at the consultation, apart from President Buhari, were President Idris Deby Itno of Chad, President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger Republic, and Prime Minister of Cameroon, Philemon Yang, who represented President Paul Biya. In a joint communique, the Heads of State and Governments, resolved to change modus operandi, collaborate more, and renew assault on all forms of terrorism and criminal acts, till wholesome peace was restored to the region.

www.vanguardngr.com


30, November 2018

Samuel Eto’o inspiration made me choose Cameroon over Germany: Franck Evina 0

The Bayern Munich teenage prodigy dubbed ‘the Bavarian Hulk’ claims he rejected Germany for African champions Cameroon due to the inspiration of all-time record scorer Samuel Eto’o.

Franck Evina, 18, chose to represent Clarence Seedorf’s side instead of Germany earlier this month, inspired by Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o.

Despite making his first-team debut for the Bundesliga champions this year and featuring for Die Mancshcaft’s U-18 side, the talented forward has opted four the country of his birth.

“It’s my love for Samuel Eto’o that spurred me to play for Cameroon,” Evina told BBC Sport.

“I’ve always admired him, he is a wonderful striker and I wanted to play like him. The thought of playing for Cameroon just like my role model was too attractive to ignore.

The robust forward, who has been nicknamed ‘The Bavarian Hulk’ by Munich-based press, was called up to Cameroon’s U-23 team for their fixture against Chad, but did not make his international debut.

“Watching Eto’o play for Cameroon was exceptional and getting to know that I can play for the Lions like him is incredible.

“It was never an easy decision because both nations have very competitive and talented teams,” Evina explained.

“But I believe joining Cameroon was the best choice for my career. Germany means a lot to me. I’m in one of the best clubs in the world and there’s a part of me that feels German.

“I spoke with my parents extensively on this and also spoke to [Niko] Kovac in Munich. They understood my worry and the coach asked me to make the best decision and I think this is the best choice for my career.”

Source: KICKOFF.Com


30, November 2018

US Congressman petitions FIFA to strip of Cameroon from hosting 2019 Africa Cup of Nations 0

A member of Congress of the United States (House of Representatives) Dana Tyrone Rohrabacher has written to FIFA to consider moving the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations from Cameroon.

Cameroon has been given the nod to host Africa’s flagship football tournament scheduled for June to July in 2019 but Rohrabacher believes staging the tournament at a different venue will be safer and more secured.

In the lengthy letter of concern, the 48th congressional representative of California cited a number of violence cases and insecurity in Cameroon to prove why his plea should be considered.

There have been reliable reports of civil conflict and Boko Haram terrorism threats currently on going in the Central African country.

According to the BBC, Amnesty International have recently described the situation in Cameroon as “escalating violence” and a “deadly cycle of violence.”

This has led to the killing of hundreds of people and thousands more displaced in recent months per the reliable reports.

On Friday in Accra, CAF’s Executive Council will meet to decide whether or not the 2019 AFCON will continue to be staged in Cameroon.

Source:Ghanasoccer



Africa Cup of Nations 2019: D-day for Biya regime

30, November 2018

Africa Cup of Nations 2019: D-day for Biya regime 0

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will discuss Friday in Accra the staging of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations following reports that host nation Cameroon’s preparations were in difficulties. AFCON The executive committee meets in the Ghanaian capital Accra on the sidelines of the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations tournament, an official of the Cairo-based told AFP.

A report of the last two inspection visits to central African state Cameroon will be made during the meeting. CAF inspectors recently travelled to the country, which last hosted the tournament in 1972, to check security, infrastructure, stadiums and accommodation. After the executive committee meeting, a decision whether Cameroon should continue as hosts of the June 15-July 13 African football showpiece is set to be made.

If Cameroon are rejected, CAF will have to launch a new application procedure to designate another host country for the biennial tournament first staged in Sudan 61 years ago. Morocco, who lost out to a United States/Mexico/Canada bid to host the 2026 World Cup, have regularly been reported as possible replacements for Cameroon.  At a September executive committee meeting in Egyptian resort Sharm el-Sheikh, CAF noted “a significant delay in the realisation of the infrastructures” necessary for holding the Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

No plan B

However, CAF president Ahmad Ahmad declared the following month during a visit to Cameroon that his organisation “did not have a plan B. “CAF has never thought about withdrawing from the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon… it depends on Cameroon,” he stressed after talks with head of state Paul Biya. In Sharm el-Sheikh, Cameroon Football Federation head Happi Dieudonne assured executives that “Cameroon would be ready” to organise the Cup of Nations. Cameroon is experiencing a tense security situation with persistent attacks by Boko Haram jihadists in the north and a conflict between the army and separatists in the two English-speaking regions.

The 2019 Cup of Nations will be the first to feature 24 teams — up from 16 at the 2017 edition in Gabon. It will also be the first Cup of Nations played during June and July after the last CAF president, Issa Hayatou, refused to budge from the traditional January/February timetable. The January kick-off meant many Africans with clubs in the leading European leagues had to leave their clubs in the middle of the season for up to six weeks. Cameroon, as hosts, and 12 other countries, including record seven-time champions Egypt, have qualified for the 2019 tournament. The other 11 places will be decided during the final qualifiers in March.

www.vanguardngr.com


International bodies have failed Southern Cameroonians: SWELA Belfast President

29, November 2018

International bodies have failed Southern Cameroonians: SWELA Belfast President 0

The President of the South West Elites Association in Northern Ireland, Chief Martin Nchong Ayuk says international organizations have disappointed the Ambazonian people regarding the issue of Southern Cameroons independence, urging freedom-seeking people to support the Ambazonian struggles against French Cameroun regime’s occupation.

Chief Martin Nchong made the remarks in reaction to an anti United Nations declaration made by the Ambazonian Secretary of Communications, Chris Anu on Wednesday. Chief Nchong told Cameroon Concord News that he stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Chris Anu and added that the Southern Cameroons Interim Government  have pushed for recognition of the Federal Republic of Ambazonia, but international organizations such as the UN, AU and the EU have disappointed them.

The SWELA Northern Ireland president, however, stressed the determination of the Southern Cameroons people to stand by the Interim Government and said, “As long as the IG and Southern Cameroonians on Ground Zero continue to resist, the Federal Republic of Ambazonia will be a reality.”

He also vowed to encourage Southern Cameroonians in the Diaspora to make financial donations to the Ambazonian Interim Government.

By Sessekou Asu Isong in London


African Development Bank approves €17.96 million loan to finance North West Ring-Road

29, November 2018

African Development Bank approves €17.96 million loan to finance North West Ring-Road 0

The African Development Bank has approved a €17.96 million loan to the Republic of Cameroon to finance the construction of a Ring-Road Project in the North-West Province of the country.

The Ring Road project, which falls under phase three of the country’s Transport Sector Support Programme, aims to improve the movement of goods and people. It will also strengthen the foundations for strong and sustainable growth by promoting domestic and regional trade.

The loan for the 365 km Ring Road is the Bank’s third intervention in the implementation of this important road network rehabilitation and upgrading project. The loop road crosses five of Cameroon’s seven divisions of the North West Region and includes several links to the Nigerian border.

The project will also include institutional support for the transport sector and related works such as the development of rural roads, the rehabilitation of socio-economic infrastructure for improving women and youth living conditions.

The road project is line with the government’s Growth and Employment Strategy Paper (GESP) 2010-2020, to build an integrated and efficient transport network at low-cost that covers the entire country opening the country to neighbouring countries to effectively enhance economic growth and reduce poverty.

The Transport Sector Support programme under which the project falls is also consistent with Pillar I of the Country Strategy Paper (CSP) 2016-2020 for Cameroon, which focuses on strengthening infrastructure to support agricultural value chains for inclusive growth and aligns with the Bank’s High 5 priorities.

Cameroon’s northwestern region has enormous economic potential, particularly in agriculture, which stands to benefit from the road. Other lucrative sectors include livestock and fisheries; tourism, particularly the spectacular natural landscapes such as the Menchum Falls, Lakes Awing, Oku and Nyos, the Mbengwi Caves.

The project is also expected to have a positive impact on transportation – greatly reducing travel time ; increase in traffic of passenger and goods; foster job creation for women and lead to work for 30,000 youths. The road will result in savings on vehicle operating costs; increase in household income and reduction in post-harvest losses.

The total cost of phase one of the Transport Sector Support Programme is estimated at €255 million (XAF 167.270 billion). It will be implemented from December 2018 to June 2024, with the Bank’s co-financing loan of €179.60 million, an Africa Growing Together Fund (AGTF) loan of €42 million and the Government’s counterpart funding of €32.84 million.

At the end of August 2018, the Bank’s portfolio in Cameroon comprised 24 operations (18 national and five multinational operations) for total net commitments of €1,369.02 million. The public sector accounts for €1,218.03 million for 19 operations, while the private sector accounts for four projects valued at €150.99 million. (Transport and ICT sectors account for 63% of the portfolio).

Since 1972, when the Bank started operations in Cameroon, it has participated in financing 28 transport sector operations.


Southern Cameroons: Whereabouts of three abducted Claretian priests still not known

29, November 2018

Southern Cameroons: Whereabouts of three abducted Claretian priests still not known 0

Three Claretians (Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary) have been kidnapped in the Anglophone region in southwest Cameroon. They are: Fr Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang, Fr Placide Muntong and a student from the same religious congregation.

The three were kidnapped on Saturday, 24 November, by armed men on the road to Muyenge, where they were going on a mission of evangelization and assistance at the local parish.

So far there is no further information on the identity of the kidnappers.

Several religious have been victims of the violence in Cameroon. On November 21, Fr Cosmas Omboto Ondari, a Kenyan missionary from the Missionary Society of St Joseph of Mill Hill, was shot dead in Kembong, a few kilometres from Memfe, the provincial capital of the South-Eastern Province.

Source: Fides


29, November 2018

World Council of Churches condemns killing of Catholic priests in Cameroon and S.Sudan 0

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit condemned the killing of two Catholic priests, one in South Sudan and another, less than one week later, in Cameroon.

Jesuit priest Fr Victor Luke Odhiambo was attacked and killed by unknown people on the night of 15 November in Cueibet South Sudan. The late priest was known for his commitment to education and social transformation for the people of South Sudan.

Odhiambo, who was the first Kenyan Jesuit priest, was also the principal of Mazzolari Teachers College and acting superior of the Cuibet Community of the Jesuits in South Sudan since 30 January.

In Cameroon, on 21 November, Kenyan priest Fr Cosmos Omboto was killed outside his office by crossfire between the military and separatists. His death came only months after he was ordained.

He served at the Miller Hill Catholic Church in the Diocese of Mamfe, and was known for working with people displaced by conflict in Cameroon.

“We condemn these attacks, and we hold the victims, their families, their communities and their church in prayer,” said Tveit. “These attacks are even more abhorrent because we have lost two peacemakers who had dedicated their lives to bringing justice to their respective countries.”

Tveit further called for political and social action in the contexts in which these crimes are taking place. “We must redouble our efforts to counter the hate and intolerance, and promote respect for diversity, human dignity and rights, and for freedom of religion or belief for all.”

WCC member churches in South Sudan

WCC member churches in Cameroon


29 hurt in a suicide blast in Cameroon’s Far North Region

29, November 2018

29 hurt in a suicide blast in Cameroon’s Far North Region 0

At least 29 people were wounded Wednesday when a women bomber blew herself up in a border town in Cameroon’s Far North, a region frequently hit by Boko Haram jihadists, security sources said.

But a second bomber was shot dead by troops deployed in the town before she could detonate her explosives, the source said.

“A suicide bomber blew herself up this morning in Amchide” on the Nigerian border, a regional security source said, speaking on condition of anonymity and giving a toll of 29 wounded.

The attack occurred on market day when the town was filling up with early-morning shoppers, a local civil defence group official said. “There were many people hurt, I saw about 20,” he said. “After the attack, the market emptied.”

A once-bustling trade hub, in 2014 Amchide was thrust into the forefront of a major battle between Cameroonian troops and Boko Haram militants who held the nearby Nigerian town of Banki for several months. The violence forced most residents to flee the town, although some have now begun to return.

After pushing back Boko Haram, the Cameroonian army dug long trenches around Amchide and even inside the town to foil new incursions by the jihadists, with Wednesday’s attack the first in many months.

AFP


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