25, April 2024
10 Million Cameroonians lived on less than $1.80 per day 0
The 5th Cameroonian Household Survey (ECam5), published by the National Institute of Statistics (INS) on April 24, revealed that nearly two in five Cameroonians live below the national poverty line, estimated at CFA813 ($1.42) per day and person. The INS report states that “with this threshold, about 10 million people live in poverty in 2022, for a total population estimated at around 27 million inhabitants.”
The INS attributes this situation to several factors, including insufficient economic growth, distortions in wealth distribution, and various endogenous and exogenous shocks related to the Russo-Ukrainian conflict and fluctuations in global commodity and export prices. The report also notes that, as has been the case for years, poverty is more prevalent in rural areas, with a 56.3% incidence, compared to 21.6% in urban areas. “The regions of the Far North, North-West, North, Adamawa, and East are the poorest, with poverty levels above the national average. Consumption inequality remains high, as the wealthiest 20% of households have a consumption 10 times higher than the poorest 20%,” the report states.
Most of the regions considered poorer in Cameroon face security challenges. These include the Far North, where the Nigerian Islamist sect Boko Haram is active; the North-West, where separatist demands have intensified in recent years; the Adamawa region, which faces kidnappings targeting mainly herders and traders; and the East, which borders the Central African Republic and suffers from the actions of armed militias from that country that roam the border with Cameroon.
Source: Business in Cameroon
26, April 2024
King Charles III to resume public duties next week following cancer treatment 0
King Charles III will resume his public duties next week following treatment for cancer, Buckingham Palace announced Friday.
Charles took a break from public appearances almost three months ago to focus on his treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer.
The palace said Charles would make a public visit to a cancer treatment center on Tuesday in the first of several appearances he will make in coming weeks. One of his first major engagements will be hosting a state visit by the emperor and empress of Japan in June.
The palace didn’t provide an update on the king’s health or his treatment, though it says that the “medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about the King’s continued recovery.″
Charles continued his state duties, including reviewing government documents and meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak after his diagnosis was disclosed on Feb. 5.
“His Majesty is greatly encouraged to be resuming some public-facing duties and very grateful to his medical team for their continued care and expertise,” the palace said in a statement.
Charles’ return will relieve pressure on other members of the royal family after the king’s absence, coupled with that of the Princess of Wales, also due to illness, highlighted the challenges faced by a slimmed down monarchy.
Amid the king’s commitment to cut costs and the decision of Duke and Duchess of Sussex – more commonly known as Prince Harry and Meghan – to walk away from royal duties, there are simply fewer family members available to carry out the endless round of ribbon cuttings, awards ceremonies and state events that make up the life of a modern royal
Source: AP