News

5, June 2025

2,500 containers choke Douala Port; Biya’s men are threatening mass auctions ⁰

Approximately 2,500 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) are currently in “prolonged stay” at the Port of Douala’s container terminal, according to internal sources at the Container Terminal Authority (RTC SA). This term refers to containers that were offloaded over 90 days ago but have yet to be cleared by their owners.

To address the issue, which is contributing to port congestion, Lin Dieudonné Onana Ndoh, the Director General of RTC, issued a memo on May 7, 2025. The memo urged owners of these containers to “carry out all necessary procedures for immediate removal.” Ndoh’s note emphasized that the Douala port container terminal “is not a container storage area, but solely a transit zone for containers,” adding that “the allowable stay in the container yard is eleven working days, in accordance with current port regulations.”

Under current regulations, importers offloading goods at Cameroon’s ports receive an 11-day grace period during which no storage fees apply while awaiting customs clearance. After this period, storage charges are incurred. However, a port operator in Douala pointed out that “under the customs code, importers are required to clear and remove their containers within a maximum period of three months — that is, 90 days — otherwise, they are considered abandoned and transferred to the customs administration for auction.”

Currently, the presence of about 2,500 such containers at the Port of Douala is hindering the terminal’s optimal operations. Members of the port community suggest that the phenomenon is driven by the relatively low storage fees charged at the terminal compared to those at off-site warehouse facilities.

“Importers are tempted to leave their containers in the yard because it’s secure and the storage costs are much lower than outside the port,” explained a seasoned observer of Douala’s port logistics. “This behavior is not consumer-friendly, as the additional charges incurred by this practice are generally passed on to the product once it reaches the market, thereby fueling inflation.“

This is not the first instance of a large quantity of containers being abandoned at the Douala terminal. The practice appears to be entrenched among importers for the reasons mentioned. In 2014, for example, due to congestion caused by containers exceeding the 90-day limit, the Cameroonian government ordered their removal from the port. Nearly 1,000 containers were transferred from the terminal within the port to a three-hectare area known as the “Udeac-Cotco zone,” which was established to hold up to 2,900 TEUs.

Source: Business in Cameroon

5, June 2025

Trump issues US travel ban on 12 countries ⁰

US President Donald Trump has issued a sweeping order implementing a complete travel ban for nationals from 12 countries, while imposing restrictions on travelers from seven additional countries, the White House says.

The directive is part of an immigration crackdown Trump launched this year at the start of his second term.

The banned countries include Afghanistan, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

The entry of people from seven other countries, namely Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela, will be partially restricted.

“We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm,” Trump said in a video posted on X.

He said the list could be revised and new countries could be added.

The proclamation is effective on June 9, 2025, at 12:01 am EDT (0401 GMT). Visas issued before that date will not be revoked, the order said.

Trump said the recent attack on a pro-Israel rally in Boulder, Colorado, had “underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted.”

He claimed there were “millions and millions of these illegals who should not be in our country.”

“We will not let what happened in Europe happen to America,” he said, adding that “very simply, we cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen those who seek to enter the United States.”

The Trump administration has taken increasingly aggressive measures against both student and visitor visa holders, especially those perceived as critical of US foreign policy or sympathetic towards Palestinians.

In January, Trump signed an order mandating enhanced security screening for all foreign nationals applying for US entry to identify potential security risks.

In March, Reuters also revealed that the administration was evaluating potential travel bans affecting numerous countries.

In a related announcement last week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also declared that the administration would begin “aggressively revoking visas for Chinese students,” particularly those he said were bearing ties to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in sensitive academic fields.

Source: Presstv

4, June 2025

Cameroon tops list of world’s most neglected displacement crises ⁰

Cameroon is now the world’s most neglected displacement crisis, according to an annual listing by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) released on Tuesday.

The NGO ranked the 10 most neglected displacement crises in 2024 based on three criteria: lack of humanitarian funding, lack of media attention, and a lack of effective political initiatives.

Cameroon tops the list for the first time since 2019, overtaking Burkina Faso.

Cameroon hosts more than 1 million internally displaced people. Civilians in the country’s Northwest and Southwest regions have suffered violent clashes between state security forces and separatist groups since 2016, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee.

Lake Chad Basin, in Cameroon’s far north, is also the theatre of a protracted conflict with non-state armed groups. Violence and water scarcity in the area, the latter heightened by climate change, have driven displacement.

Cameroon also welcomes nearly half a million refugees from neighbouring countries, mostly the Central African Republic and Nigeria.

The Norwegian Refugee Council said Cameroon’s crisis is “a case study in global neglect: little diplomacy, underfunded and underreported.”

Humanitarian funding received by Cameroon in 2024 covered less than half of the country’s response needs.

The situation could get worse as some major donors are cutting foreign aid budgets, including the United States and several European countries.

“Displacement isn’t a distant crisis: it’s a shared responsibility. We must stand up and demand a reversal of brutal aid cuts which are costing more lives by the day”, said Jan Egeland, Secretary General of NRC.

Overall, eight African countries made the list of the world’s most neglected displacement crises, including Ethiopia in second, Mali in fifth, and the Democratic Republic of Congo in seventh place.

“Funding alone cannot halt the suffering. Without effective conflict resolution, disaster prevention and diplomatic engagement, these protracted crises will go on and on. More people will be displaced, and more lives will be shattered”, Egeland said.

Source: Africa News

4, June 2025

Cameroon loses US protections, told to self-deport ⁰

The Trump administration has announced it will end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Cameroon on August 3, 2025, citing improved conditions in the country, according to a notice published Tuesday.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said a review of current conditions and interagency consultations determined that the West African country no longer meets the criteria for TPS designation, and that individuals who had utilized the program could self-deport.

“This decision will leave many of our community members without the crucial protection they need,” Nils Kinuani, federal policy manager at African Communities Together, told Newsweek in a statement. “We maintain that the ongoing armed conflict and other unsafe conditions in Cameroon clearly warrant a redesignation and extension of TPS.”

Why It Matters

The announcement is the latest in a series of moves by the Trump administration to lift protections from deportation for hundreds of thousands of immigrants who benefited from TPS.

Secretary Noem argues the program has been abused, but immigration advocacy groups have warned that many immigrants would be vulnerable to abuse, torture, or arrest should they be forced to return home.

What To Know

In a brief statement on Tuesday, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed that it would allow TPS to lapse for Cameroonians on August 3, 2025.

A Federal Register notice said DHS had reviewed conditions in Cameroon, alongside other federal agencies, and determined that “while certain conditions that led to the initial designation of TPS for Cameroon may continue, they do not pose a serious threat to individual safety due to ongoing armed conflict and do not result in Cameroonians being unable to safely return.”

Department Of Homeland Security

A U.S. Department Of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection sign is displayed at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Headquarters on May 18, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Kevin Carter/Getty Images

The U.S. Department of State currently lists Cameroon under a Level 2 “exercise increased caution” warning, due to ongoing armed violence, civil unrest, crime, health, and kidnapping concerns in different parts of the African nation.

Source: Newsweek

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

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

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