News

2, March 2026

Iran says Israeli PM’s fate unclear after ‘surprise’ missile attack on his office ⁰

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says the fate of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is uncertain following “purposeful and surprise” attacks on his office and the residence of the regime’s air force commander.

In a statement on Monday, the IRGC said Iranian Armed Forces heavily attacked the office of Israel’s criminal prime minister and the residence of commander of the Israeli air force.

They were hit during “purposeful and surprise” attacks by Kheybar missiles, the elite force stated.

According to the statement, the 10th phase of Iran’s successful missile attacks on occupied territories focuses on the Israeli regime’s premises.

The IRGC said it would later announce the achievements of the attacks and provide further information.

The United States and Israel launched a joint war of aggression against Iran early on Saturday, assassinating Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and several senior military commanders before attacking military and civilian sites across the country.

Iranian armed forces have responded with massive missile and drone strikes, hitting strategic targets deep inside the Israeli-occupied territories as well as American military bases scattered across the region.

Iranian authorities say the retaliatory attacks will continue as long as necessary and that it will be the Islamic Republic that will decide when and how the war will end.

Source: Presstv

1, March 2026

Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi, the martyred Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces ⁰

Major General Seyed Abdolrahim Mousavi, the Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, attained martyrdom in a cowardly Israeli-American aggression on Saturday.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, was also martyred in the Saturday aggression, alongside many top-ranking military commanders and defense officials.

Major General Mousavi succeeded Major General Mohammad Bagheri following the 12-day war in June last year and carried forward the remarkable legacy of his predecessor.

He played a particularly vital role in the June 2025 war, leading the Iranian armed forces in their retaliatory operations that forced the Israeli regime to beg for surrender.

Mousavi previously served as the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army and played an instrumental role in bolstering the might of the army.

On August 21, 2017, he was promoted from Brigadier General to Major General and appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army by the Leader, replacing Seyed Ataollah Salehi.

Later, on May 28, 2019, Ayatollah Khamenei appointed him as the commander of the Khatam al-Anbia Air Defense Base, while he continued to serve as the army’s top commander.

Mousavi was born in 1960 in the holy city of Qom in central Iran. He was a graduate of the Army’s Ground Forces Officers’ University and held a doctorate in defense studies from the Supreme National Defense University. He joined the Iranian army in 1979.

During the years of the Imposed War in the 1980s, Major General Mousavi served in the Army’s artillery unit on various fronts, including the western battlefields in Kurdistan (28th Kurdistan Division) and the southwestern fronts (33rd Artillery Group of the Ground Forces) in Khuzestan province.

He participated in many operations such as Valfajr 4, Valfajr 9, Beit al-Moqaddas 5, Qader, Nasr, and several others. He is recognized as a veteran of the war.

After the Imposed War ended in 1997, he completed the Advanced Command and Staff Course (DAFOS) and later earned a doctoral degree in defense management at the Supreme National Defense University.

From 1999 to 2005, he served as the Chief of Joint Staff of the Army, and from 2008 to 2016, he was Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Army. Following that, from 2016 to 2017, he held the position of Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces.

Mousavi held several significant leadership positions within Iran’s military. From 1999 to 2005, he served as the Chief of Joint Staff of the Army, later assuming the role of Deputy Commander-in-Chief from 2008 to 2016.

In 2016, he was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, a position he held until 2017, when he was named Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, a role he held until today.

Additionally, since May 2019, served as the Commander of the Khatam al-Anbia Air Defense Base, further solidifying his central role in the country’s military strategy and operations.

Major General Mousavi also served as the Commander of Imam Ali (PBUH) Officers’ University, where he contributed to the training and development of military personnel.

He also led the Army’s Northeast Operational Base, overseeing strategic operations in the region.

In addition, he was the Deputy for Training and the Deputy for Planning and Programs within the Army Ground Forces, playing a key role in shaping military preparedness and strategy.

Mousavi’s expertise in operations led to his appointment as the Head of Operations for the Army, and later, he became the Director of the Army Strategic Studies Center, where he engaged in high-level research and policy development.

Source: Presstv

28, February 2026

Sona Ngoh Appointed to the Board of Ziaur Rahman International Research Centre ⁰

The Ziaur Rahman International Research Centre (ZRIRC) has announced the appointment of Sona Ngoh to its Board as a member of its international advisory panel, recognising his extensive professional experience and longstanding commitment to public service. He was elected from a pool of more than 100 nominees with another African MP and lawyer from Zambia, Mr Jeffery Mulebwa. Another Cameroonian, the economist, academic and former banker, Dr Rexon Nting, sits on the board as a member of the editorial committee.

Sona Ngoh is a distinguished chartered accountant with more than two decades of experience in auditing, taxation, and corporate finance. Throughout his career, he has consistently championed fiscal discipline, accountability, and transparency across both private and public sector roles. His strong command of financial systems has enabled him to contribute to sound economic management and responsible governance.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr Ngoh serves as Vice President of the Committee for Finance, Infrastructure, Planning, and Economic Development at the South West Regional Assembly in Cameroon.

In this capacity, he has supported policies aimed at strengthening institutional accountability, encouraging sustainable development, and promoting economic growth for the benefit of local communities.

Mr Ngoh, as discussed by the board Chairman, Dr Mushfiqur Rahman, also brings valuable insight into governance, democracy, and human rights, developed through both research and practical engagement.

His interest in transparent institutions and inclusive development aligns closely with the centre’s mission to promote research, dialogue, and good governance.

His appointment to the Board is expected to enhance the centre’s strategic direction and strengthen its commitment to promote accountability, research excellence, and international collaboration.

He is likewise anticipated to leverage his role to deepen partnerships and commercial ties between Cameroon and Bangladesh. This will require him to frequently lead trade delegations to Bangladesh, as well as facilitate visits by Bangladeshi investors and business leaders to Cameroon and the broader sub-region that are keen to explore investment opportunities there.

He is expected in London soon for a meeting at the House of Commons with other board members.

The Ziaur Rahman International Research Centre was established as a Think Tank in London by scholars, former and current government officials, business figures, and supporters of Bangladesh who sought to honour the outstanding leadership of Ziaur Rahman, the former President and military leader of Bangladesh and founder of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. His son, Tarique Rahman, won the elections this February 2026 and now serves as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

Following Ziaur Rahman’s assassination, his wife, Khaleda Zia, served as Prime Minister for many years.

By our London Correspondent

28, February 2026

Iran launches missile, drone strikes against Israel in response to US-Israeli aggression ⁰

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has announced the launch of a massive wave of missile and drone strikes against targets inside the Israeli-occupied territories, after Israel and the US initiated military assault against Iran.

In a statement on Saturday, the IRGC said it launched the first wave of Iran’s extensive missile and drone strikes targeting the occupied territories in response to the “aggression by the hostile and criminal enemy.”

The IRGC said they had targeted the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, other American interests in the Persian Gulf and Israel.

Explosions were also heard over central Doha and near Al-Udeid military base, the largest US facility in the region.

Iran’s region wide missile salvo could be heard in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE, as well as Israel and Iraq, in the hours following the first strikes, after it had repeatedly vowed to retaliate fiercely should it be attacked.

Earlier in the day, the Israeli regime and the United States launched unprovoked assaults targeting several cities in Iran, including the capital Tehran.

On Saturday morning, a number of loud explosions were heard in Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, Tabriz, and Kermanshah.

A strike on a school in southern country of Minab in Iran killed at least 24 civilians and injured 45.

Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Syria, the UAE and Israel all closed their airspaces to civilian traffic, at least in part, and multiple airlines cancelled flights to the Middle East.

US embassies in the Persian Gulf region urged American citizens to take shelter.

Source: Presstv

27, February 2026

Southern Cameroons Crisis: Situation Report ⁰

The security situation in the North-West and South-West regions remained tense in December. This period has been marked by frequent and intense violent clashes between non-state armed groups (NSAGs) and state security forces (SSF), leaving the security and humanitarian situation very fragile and volatile. Drawing towards the end of the year, multiplicity of illegal check points led to a high rate of extortion from the civilian population by NSAGs in the name of “Liberation tax” across most of the divisions in the two regions. Also, there has been an increase in arbitrary arrest, kidnapping for ransom, including some government current and former officials.

Over 14 incidents involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs) targeting government officials and military convoys were recorded in the North-West and South-West regions. One of these incidents involved IED targeting the convoy of the Donga Mantung Senior Divisional Officer, while another IED detonated beside a military base in Bamenda 1 subdivision targeting a senior SSF official in the North-West region. Another IED detonated against a SSF vehicle travelling along the Mundemba- Bulu road (Mundemba subdivision) in the South-West region. The use of IEDs in public places and on busy highways largely increases fear and poses high risk to civilian populations.

Continuous violence resulted in multiple population displacements with over 2,072 people from 400 households reportedly displaced to nearby bushes, villages, and towns from Donga-Mantung, Bui, and Mezam divisions, in the North-West and Manyu division in the South-West region with Bui, Manyu and Donga Mantung divisions being the most affected respectively. The displacements expose the affected communities to major protection risks among others, as they move to and from their homes seeking safety and protection, placing additional burdens on communities that are already very fragile.

Access was constrained due to insecurity and multiple informal check points with strict verification of “liberation tax” receipts, as well as imposition of large sums on road users including pedestrians. These restricted movements narrowed the humanitarian space and negatively affected response activities. With coordination support from OCHA, humanitarian partners mobilized to carry out needs assessment in preparation for a potential response to the affected population.

Source: reliefweb

27, February 2026

Ambazonia crisis reaches unenviable decade milestone ⁰

Ten years after it began, the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon is worsening and continues to be one of the most under-reported conflicts in the world.

The conflict, which has been ravaging the North-West and South-West regions, started in late 2016 and has grown into the worst crisis in the Central African country post-independence.

Pitting militants agitating for the autonomy of the English-speaking regions citing marginalisation by the French-speaking-dominated government, it has exposed civilians to human rights abuses.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) reports how the security situation remains tense, marked by frequent and intense violent clashes between non-state armed groups (NSAGs) and state security forces (SSF), leaving the security and humanitarian situation very fragile and volatile.

The UNOCHA notes that drawing towards the end of the year, multiplicity of illegal checkpoints led to a high rate of extortion from the civilian population by NSAGs in the name of “Liberation tax” across most of the divisions in the two volatile regions.

“Also, there has been an increase in arbitrary arrest, kidnapping for ransom, including some current and former officials,” said a spokesperson.

In December, according to the UN agency’s statistics, at least 14 incidents involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were reported in the North-West and South-West.

More than 2 000 people were reportedly displaced from 400 homes.

Humanitarian agencies decry how the displacements expose the affected communities to major protection risks among others, as they move to and from their homes seeking safety and protection, placing additional burdens on communities that are already very fragile.

Access during December was constrained due to insecurity and multiple informal check points with strict verification of “liberation tax” receipts, as well as imposition of large sums on road users including pedestrians.

“These restricted movements narrowed the humanitarian space and negatively affected response activities,” UNOCHA stated.

The crisis began as peaceful strikes and protests by English-speaking lawyers and teachers against the alleged “Francophonisation” of the legal and educational systems in Anglophone regions.

This situation escalated into an armed conflict between the military and separatist groups following a violent government crackdown in late 2016 and early 2017.

Separatists declared the symbolic independence of “Ambazonia.”

Independent since 1961 and previously a German colony, Cameroon was colonised by both Britain and France following the defeat of Germany in World War I.

Eight of Cameroon’s ten regions are predominantly Francophone.

Around 80 percent of the country of 30 million people is French-speaking.

Source: CAJ News

26, February 2026

Epstein probe: Bill and Hillary Clinton to testify before Congress ⁰

Bill and Hillary Clinton will testify in a US House investigation surrounding deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a spokesman for the ex-president said, heading off a potential vote to hold the couple in contempt.

They had originally refused to appear before lawmakers examining how authorities handled earlier investigations into the disgraced financier, who had connections and correspondence with the world’s business and political elite.

“The former President and former Secretary of State will be there. They look forward to setting a precedent that applies to everyone,” Angel Urena said on X.

The House Rules Committee had advanced resolutions accusing the Clintons of defying subpoenas to appear in person to explain their links to Epstein, who died in custody in 2019.

The Epstein affair continues to cast a long shadow over Washington, entangling some of the most prominent names in US politics and highlighting the sharp partisan battles that have shaped the scandal.

Democrats say the probe is being weaponised to attack political opponents of President Donald Trump – himself a longtime Epstein associate who has not been called to testify – rather than to conduct legitimate oversight.

Trump spent months trying to block the disclosure of investigative files linked to Epstein, who moved in elite circles for years, cultivating ties with billionaires, politicians, academics and celebrities.

Democratic divisions

Neither Trump nor the Clintons have been accused of criminal wrongdoing related to Epstein’s activities.

In letters where they initially refused to appear in Washington, the Clintons had argued that the subpoenas were invalid because they lacked a clear legislative purpose.

Republicans say the Democratic couple’s past links to the business tycoon, including Bill Clinton’s use of his private jet in the early 2000s, justify in person questioning under oath.

Instead, the couple submitted sworn written statements describing their knowledge of Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking.

Bill Clinton acknowledged flying on Epstein’s plane for Clinton Foundation-related humanitarian work, but said he never visited his private island.

Hillary Clinton said she had no meaningful interactions with Epstein, never flew on his plane and never visited his island.

The contempt vote and its targeting of the Clintons could have exposed divisions among congressional Democrats.

Some Democrats have privately acknowledged that their party has long argued no one should be beyond scrutiny in efforts to uncover the full scope of Epstein’s crimes.

But others feared that advancing the contempt resolutions would have played into a partisan strategy to shift attention away from Trump’s past contacts with Epstein.

The Justice Department released last week what it said would be the final batch of files related to the investigation into Epstein.

Source: AFP

26, February 2026

UN condemns death of opposition figure Anicet Ekane in custody ⁰

The United Nations said Friday it was “appalled” by the death in custody of Cameroonian opposition figure Anicet Ekane, who had been arrested in late October.

The left-wing nationalist politician, who died on Monday, was arrested in Douala on October 24, on the eve of the publication of presidential election results that returned 92-year-old Paul Biya to power for an eighth mandate.

The exact circumstances of Ekane’s death in detention in Yaounde remain unclear. He was 74 and led the African Movement for the New Independence of Cameroon (Manidem) party for several years.

“We’re appalled by the death in detention of opposition leader Anicet Ekane and concerned for the wellbeing of protesters detained following the presidential election,” the UN human rights office said on X.

“The authorities must ensure the investigation they have announced is thorough and impartial and results in full accountability.

“All protesters arbitrarily arrested must be immediately and unconditionally released,” it added.

Ekane was close to fellow opposition figure Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who contested Biya’s 43-year grip on power in the October 12 election.

Along with other political leaders, Ekane was arrested for publicly supporting Bakary’s self-proclaimed presidential victory ahead of the publication of official results.

Ekane, whose death triggered a groundswell of reactions on social media, ran as Manidem’s presidential candidate in 2004 and 2011.

Source: Mwanzotv

25, February 2026

Pope Leo to visit Yaoundé, Bamenda and Douala from April 15 to 18 ⁰

Pope Leo XIV will visit four African nations in April, the Vatican said Thursday, including Algeria – the first time a pope will travel to the North African Muslim nation.

The Vatican announced a series of international trips in the months ahead for the US pontiff, who was elected last year, including to Spain and Monaco.

But the official trip to Algeria, which will see Leo visit Algiers and Annaba from April 13 to 15, will be particularly symbolic.

Algeria is the birthplace of the fifth-century St Augustine and the pope belongs to the Augustinian order, which was founded in the 13th century.

Islam is the state religion but the constitution guarantees freedom of worship, subject to approval by the authorities for the place of worship and the preacher.

Leo’s visit, which is expected to focus on interfaith dialogue, comes 30 years after the beheading of seven French Trappist monks from a monastery during the 1990s civil war.

The head of the Catholic Church will then visit Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea.

Leo will visit Yaounde, Bamenda and Douala from April 15 to 18, then Luanda, Muxima and Saurimo between April 18 and 21, before travelling to Malabo, Mongomo and Bata between April 21 and 23.

The pope is likely to appeal for peace and dialogue while in Angola and Cameroon, where long-running separatist struggles continue to kill civilians.

Monaco, Spain

Before his trip to Africa, the pontiff will visit Monaco for a day, the Vatican said.

The visit to the principality on the French riviera will take place on March 28 and will be the first papal trip to the city state in modern times.

A statement from the principality in the name of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene said it would be “a historic moment for Monaco and stand as a strong sign of hope, in a spirit of dialogue, peace, and shared responsibility”.

Leo will also visit Spain from June 6 to 12.

The Vatican News website said he would first visit the capital Madrid, and then travel to Barcelona, where he will inaugurate the newest and tallest tower of the Sagrada Familia Basilica.

The visit marks 100 years since the death of its Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudi, who was declared “venerable” by the Catholic Church in 2025, the first step on the path to sainthood.

Leo will then travel to the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the coast of West Africa, a key point on the migration route to Europe.

The American pope, who became head of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics in May, is a vocal defender of migrants, an issue which was also dear to his predecessor Pope Francis.

While in the Canary Islands, Leo will visit Tenerife and Gran Canaria, Vatican News said.

The announcements of the trips follow news the pope will visit a series of areas within Italy in the coming months, including the island of Lampedusa.

Source: AFP

25, February 2026

Yaoundé grants traditional chiefs power to issue provisional land certificates ⁰

Starting April 1, 2026, the Cameroonian government will allow third-degree traditional chiefs to issue provisional land certificates for portions of national land.

In a circular dated February 20, Minister of State Property, Surveys and Land Tenure Henri Eyebe Ayissi introduced two documents intended to establish “initial proof of the occupation or exploitation of a parcel of national land by the applicant.”

The two documents are the Certificate of Recognition of Customary Land Rights (ARDFC) and the Certificate of Peaceful Enjoyment of Land (AJPTER). According to the circular, the ARDFC and AJPTER are “intermediate documents in the process of obtaining a land title, which is the official certification of real estate ownership.” Their introduction is described as part of an effort to align national practices with international standards in land governance.

The ARDFC is intended to promote land rights of customary communities, family groups and their members. The AJPTER seeks to strengthen protection of land occupation and use rights for individuals actively exploiting the land.

Issuance Assigned to Third-Degree Chiefs

The ministry specifies that these certificates will be issued by third-degree traditional chiefs within national land located in their areas of jurisdiction. One objective is to strengthen the role of traditional authorities in preventing and resolving land disputes involving national land.

The measure also aims to provide customary communities, family groups and land occupants with provisional instruments recognized by traditional authorities, confirming customary possession or peaceful enjoyment pending, where applicable, completion of the formal land title process.

Eligibility Conditions

Customary communities, family groups or their members, as well as holders of customary land rights, are the only parties authorized to request an ARDFC for national land they occupy or exploit.

The AJPTER may be requested by Cameroonian nationals who have demonstrably developed the land and who reside within a customary community, family group or village. It requires at least five years of proven development and peaceful occupation or use.

The minister stresses that these certificates apply only to occupied or exploited land classified as first-category national land. Vacant land, land free of occupation, or land that has not been developed is excluded.

Through these new instruments, the government says it intends to safeguard the vital space of customary communities by initiating a land security process while preventing disputes. The measures are also designed to strengthen recognition and protection of customary land rights for occupants, users and land developers.

Source: Business in Cameroon