News

US issues ban on traveling to North Korea

3, August 2017

US issues ban on traveling to North Korea 0

The United States has issued a ban prohibiting its citizens traveling to North Korea, following the death of an American national who was imprisoned in the Asian country over espionage charges.

The measure was introduced on Wednesday after American officials said the risk of arrest by North Korean officials presented an “imminent danger to the physical safety” of US citizens. The ban will come into effect on September 1.

“All United States passports are declared invalid for travel to, in, or through the DPRK [Democratic People’s Republic of Korea] unless specially validated for such travel,” read the restriction in the US government’s Federal Register.

Strict warnings against traveling to North Korea were already in place before the ban was first revealed last month following the death of university student Otto Frederick Warmbier who died after falling into a coma in a North Korean prison.

Warmbier, 22, spent 17 months in a North Korean jail over spying charges and was released to his family back in the US after falling into a coma due to a “severe neurological injury.” He died on June 19.

The casket carrying the remains of Otto Warmbier is carried out of  Wyoming High School in Wyoming, Ohio on June 22, 2017. (Photo by AFP)

North Korea has detained at least 17 American citizens over the past decade and three of them remain imprisoned there, according to official reports.

The US says it is concerned by the North Korea’s nuclear and missile tests. Pyongyang, in response, accuses Washington of plotting with regional allies to topple its government.

North Korea has so far conducted a total of five nuclear tests, in 2006, 2009, 2013 and twice in 2016, and numerous missile test-launches.

Pyongyang has defied sanctions and international pressure, saying it will continue to strengthen its military capability to protect itself from the threat posed by the presence of US forces in the region.

North Korea says it will not give up on its nuclear deterrence unless Washington ends its hostile policy toward Pyongyang and dissolves the US-led UN command in South Korea.

Source: Presstv



Motor officer killed during Bishop Bala funeral procession

3, August 2017

Motor officer killed during Bishop Bala funeral procession 0

The funeral procession carrying the body of the late Bishop Jean Marie Benoit Bala of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bafia, to the eponymous city was involved in a serious road accident.

According to information provided by concordant community and security sources, a motorcyclist charged with securing the convoy of transporting the remains to Bafia violently hit a Toyota Corolla vehicle that approached the procession from Efok.

The injured in the vehicle were taken to the emergency ward of the Obala hospital while the rider of the motorcycle who was seriously injured, was driven urgently to the general hospital in Yaoundé from where he was pronounced dead.

By Sama Ernest
Cameroon Concord News Group


Southern Cameroons Revolution: Ministers Laurent Esso, Lejuene Mbella Mbella en route to Brussels

3, August 2017

Southern Cameroons Revolution: Ministers Laurent Esso, Lejuene Mbella Mbella en route to Brussels 0

To counter the Southern Cameroons resistance movement that is gaining more and more grounds at home and abroad, the French Cameroun dictator Paul Biya has launched a major offensive in the countries that are hosting powerful international organizations.

The Biya Francophone Beti Ewondo regime has decided to send a ministerial delegation to Belgium, precisely in Brussels, the capital of the European Union (EU), to meet on Saturday 05 August 2017 from 3pm in the ACP Secretariat room At 451 Avenue Georges Henri, 1200 Brussels, the Cameroonian Community residing in Belgium.

According to a press release published by the Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon in Brussels, to provide the Cameroonian community with clarifications on the situation in Southern Cameroons, a delegation will leave Yaoundé and is made up of three personalities namely Tanyitiku Enoh Achuo, attaché in the services of the Prime Minister, Lejeune Mbella Mbella Minister of External Relations and Laurent Esso the Minister of Justice who has also been appointed as head of the mission.

This delegation is the second that the Biya regime, in power for more than three decades has sent out of the country for the same mission. The first, headed by a pro Biya comedian, Paul Mingo Ghogomu, is scheduled to meet today Thursday, August 03 in New York, USA at the headquarters of the United Nations (UN).

For a week in Uncle Sam’s country, this delegation will try to present the Francophone government’s version of the Southern Cameroons revolution and the measures taken by the CPDM authorities to put an end to the demands of their Anglophone compatriots.

By Chi Prudence Asong
Cameroon Concord News Group



Madagascar: Bus crash kills at least 34

1, August 2017

Madagascar: Bus crash kills at least 34 0

At least 34 people died when a bus carrying young Christian worshippers plunged down a steep ravine in central Madagascar, police and hospital officials said Tuesday.

Police said 12 badly burned bodies were counted at the site, 70 kilometers (45 miles) north of the capital Antananarivo. Hospitals said that 22 other deaths had been confirmed after the late-night crash.

“The bus struggled to climb a road on a hill and fell down a ravine about 20 meters deep,” police spokesman Herilalatiana Andrianarisaona told AFP. “It caught fire after rolling several times.”

The main hospital in the capital Antananarivo said it had accounted for 18 dead, while a hospital in the town of Ankazobe bear the crash scene reported four dead. Passengers on the packed bus were travelling from the central town of Soavinandriana to a church meeting in the north-western coastal port city of Mahajanga when the accident occurred.

(Source: AFP)


Biya sends special team to help fight Southern Cameroons at the UN

1, August 2017

Biya sends special team to help fight Southern Cameroons at the UN 0

Following the visit of the interim leader of Southern Cameroons to the Republic of South Africa and the successful briefing of the UN by Southern Cameroons human rights activists, a French Cameroun delegation is expected in New York this month to counter the offensive. Confirming the decision made by President Biya, the Prime Minister’s office made public a press release that was sent to the Cameroon embassy in the US detailing the mission of the French Cameroun team.

The delegation is composed of Professor Ghogomu Paul Mingo, Minister without portfolio attached to the prime minister’s office, Prof. Elvis Ngolle Ngolle, former Minister and head of the so-called ruling CPDM academic think tank and Prof. Fabien Nkot, Technical Adviser to Prime Minister Philemon Yang. The communique also stated that the men will stay from the 3rd of August to the 9th 2017 in New York.

In a bid to cover up the war crimes committed against the people of Southern Cameroons ever since the revolution started, the Francophone delegation comprised two prominent Anglophones who are serving the regime and have all their investments in Yaoundé. During the mission, the Cameroon government officials will play a similar role like those of the KNDP 1961 delegation and will prospect and strengthen links with the UN as a one and indivisible Cameroon.

The mission is led by Ghogomu Paul Mingo who is wanted in Southern Cameroons on charges of rapes, extra judicial killings and arrests orchestrated by the Francophone dominated army in West Cameroon main counties including Buea, Kumba, Bamenda, Jakiri, Kumbo and Wum. While in the US, the delegation from La Republique is also expected to meet with the CPDM Section executive for North America to reactivate their party there against an increasing backdrop of an upsurge in the numbers of Anglophones joining the secessionist movement.

In his latest address to Southern Cameroonians, the interim leader of the Southern Cameroons Ambazonia Governing Council, Sisiku Ayuk Tabe noted that the journey to the restoration of the independence of our nation is in full gear. The leader said “We have heard your voices from Australia, China, Europe, Americas and Africa. We are very encouraged by the enormous show of support and solidarity from our people back home. We want you all to be reassured that we are in this journey together until we get to Buea, in a country that we will call our own.”

By Chi Prudence Asong
Cameroon Concord News


The looting of Cameroon: Catastrophic revelations puts GM of CNPS in jeopardy

1, August 2017

The looting of Cameroon: Catastrophic revelations puts GM of CNPS in jeopardy 0

A French Cameroun newspaper La Tribune de l’Est Economie that recently reported on the salary situation of the current general manager of the National Social Insurance Fund CNPS, Noel Alain Olivier Mekulu Mvondo Akame has again made public disturbing revelations on the matter.

After threats against the publisher, Chantal Roger Tuile that reportedly came from the management of the CNPS, the newspaper does not seem intimidated. With additional new information on the monthly earnings of the boss of the National Social Insurance Fund, the paper opined in its lead story released on Monday, July 31, 2017 that “Biya’s nephews are running the country dry.”

The weekly in the first stanza of the report published a quote attributed to the general manager of CNPS. “I am the nephew of the Head of State. My name is Mekulu Mvondo, and everyone knows that the head of state’s father was called Mvondo. I’ll have Tuilé and all his acolytes shut up. My friends in the National Communications Council will dissolve La Tribune de l’Est Economie as they did with the other newspapers that were bothering us. People don’t mess around with me … Who are these Tuilés even? Are they stronger than the Roman Catholic bishops? His days on earth are numbered.”

The paper which announced earlier that the general manager of CNPS had a monthly salary of 11 million CFA francs has now revealed that instead of 11 million, the GM of CNPS has a monthly salary of 23 million. The newspaper also added that 200,000 francs have been allocated for the GMs water bills, 400,000 frs for electricity, 400,000 for the “telephone-Internet-Cable” section, and 900,000 for fuel.

The housing allowance amounts to CFAF 1,125,000 and the cost of sovereignty amounts to 16,700,000. La Tribune de l’Est Economie stated that “it is necessary to add to all this, the sum of 35 thousand for the “Health insurance, home management about 3 million, the mansion 7 million two hundred thousand, GM home furnishings and equipment, 40 million, two vehicles 100 million, installation premium 8 million.”

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai with files from Cameroon Info.Net



North Korea can hit most of US

1, August 2017

North Korea can hit most of US 0

North Korea’s missiles are capable of hitting targets across most of the United States, American intelligence officials claim, citing evidence from Pyongyang’s latest missile test. North Korea test-launched a Hwasong-14 ballistic missile on Saturday, calling it a “stern warning” to the US that it would not be safe if it resorts to military action.

The consensus in Washington is that the Hwasong-14 in many ways resembled an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and proved the North’s ability to hit targets on American soil, Reuters reported Monday, citing two US intelligence officials.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the officials said the missile’s 47-minute flight time was indicative of a greater range compared to another missile that was tested on July 4th, which flew 39 minutes.

This picture taken on July 4, 2017 and released by North Korea shows an intercontinental ballistic missile reportedly capable of reaching the US. (Photo by AFP)

The Hwasong-14 also made use of force stabilizing engines that gave it greater height, range and power by deflecting the effects of winds and other forces that could knock it off course while ascending. The Pentagon says the missile’s trajectory, although not direct enough to reach the US, showed that it had the potential.

In a press briefing, Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis refused to reveal the US military’s assessment but confirmed that the missile could fly at least 5,500 km (3,420 miles), the minimum range for what the Pentagon classifies as an ICBM.

“You could have the debate back and forth of whether the capability is proven or not, the fact of the matter is we take it seriously and we are prepared to defend against (it),” he noted. Last month, the United Nations Security Council imposed a fresh array of sanctions on Pyongyang in response to a number of missile tests carried out this year.

Source: Presstv



 

Return of Nigerian Refugees from Cameroon Should Be Voluntary

1, August 2017

Return of Nigerian Refugees from Cameroon Should Be Voluntary 0

The African Union Peace and Security Council has urged Cameroon to ensure the repatriation of Nigerian refugees fleeing Boko Haram is done on a voluntary basis. Hundreds of refugees, most of them children, complain they are thirsty and hungry as they leave Cameroon on their way back to Nigeria.

They are escorted by troops from the multinational joint task force fighting the Boko Haram insurgency. Cameroon Red Cross official Joseph Guisso is among the humanitarian staff accompanying the refugees. He said the military escort is necessary because Boko Haram fighters can surprise them at any moment.

He said they have confidence in the task force and strongly believe the killings will end soon. The soldiers told VOA Boko Haram has been organizing sporadic attacks on a small scale since January. During the past two years, the regional force has retaken much of the territory Boko Haram once controlled.

The number of Nigerian refugees repatriated from Cameroon has not been made public. In March, the governments of the two countries signed a tripartite agreement with UNHCR that stipulated the repatriations must be voluntary.

In June, the U.N. refugee agency condemned what it called the Cameroonian government’s forced repatriation of 887 Nigerian refugees to the border town of Banki. The United Nations said there had been other similar incidents. Cameroon’s government has denied allegations of forced returns.

Cameroon has struggled to meet the humanitarian needs of the approximately 115,000 Nigerian refugees within its borders, as well as an estimated 200,000 Cameroonians displaced by the conflict.

Suicide attacks have picked up recently in border areas in Cameroon, with at least 30 attacks reported in June, including some targeting refugee camps. Far North region of Cameroon Governor Midjiyawa Bakari has argued it would be better for refugees to go to safer localities in their own country.

A delegation from the African Union visited the northern town of Maroua on Friday. The chairman of the African Union Peace and Security Council, Nigerian-born Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, led the delegation. He told VOA only refugees who choose to go back should be repatriated.

“We want to thank the government and people of Cameroon first for hosting these refugees and coordinating all the necessary sectors. With the United Nations agencies, we are suggesting and proposing that all the refugees should return in safety and in dignity,” said Adeoye.

Aid agencies have also expressed concern about the conditions to which refugees are returning. UNHCR and Doctors without Borders have warned food, water and other resources are dangerously overstretched in border communities in Nigeria.

Source:VOANews



Yaounde: Francophone Minister signs order renaming Southern Cameroons territory

31, July 2017

Yaounde: Francophone Minister signs order renaming Southern Cameroons territory 0

The Minister of Youth and Civic Education, Mounouna Foutsou has in a circular to the heads of various departments in his ministry renamed Southern Cameroons territory. The Francophone member of government also ordered his subordinates to attach strict observance to his instruction. The ministerial order stated that the South West and North West regions shall no longer to refer to as the Anglophone regions but simply North West and South West with the French appellation region du sud-ouest and region du nord-ouest being authentic.

Minister Foutsou’ order has been interpreted by members of the Cameroon Anglophone Civil Society Consortium as an insult to the people of West Cameroon. Nothing has so far come out of the Star Building following the publication of the circular at this delicate time in our country’s history.

In time, Southern Cameroons MPs and members of government including Prime Minister Philemon Yang have swallowed their pride and acceded. But for Southern Cameroonians in the struggle, denied a viable part of their identity has gone a long way to energize the sense of injustice festered over three generations and will be a major factor in the battle for secession.

Biya and his Francophone regime have offered many, sometimes contradictory, rationales for the rapes, extra judicial killings and arrests in Southern Cameroons ever since the revolution started. But this recent action by the Youth and Civil Education minister will of course have far reaching consequences.

By Rita Akana
Cameroon Concord News



UK-EU freedom of movement will end in 2019

31, July 2017

UK-EU freedom of movement will end in 2019 0

UK government ministers have said that the free movement of people between Britain and the European Union will end in March 2019. UK Immigration Minister Brandon Lewis told the BBC that the government is “very clear” that “free movement of labor ends when we leave the European Union in the spring of 2019.”

It was a “simple matter of fact” that EU free movement rules would not apply after 2019, Lewis said. Home Secretary Amber Rudd said after March 2019, EU workers moving to Britain will have to register, at least until a permanent post-Brexit immigration policy is implemented.

Rudd said the “implementation phase” would involve new EU workers registering their details when they come to the UK.” “We will ensure we continue to attract those who benefit us economically, socially and culturally,” she added.

“But, at the same time, our new immigration system will give us control of the volume of people coming here – giving the public confidence we are applying our own rules on who we want to come to the UK and helping us to bring down net migration to sustainable levels.”

The UK is currently due to leave the EU at the end of March 2019. Immigration was one of the central topics of last year’s Brexit referendum, which resulted in 52 percent of voters voting in favor of leaving the EU.

British finance minister Philip Hammond said Friday that the Brexit transition could last until 2022 and the UK will try to keep as many aspects of its EU membership in place as possible.

UK and EU negotiators held their first full round of Brexit talks earlier this month. The European Union’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier says that both sides still have “fundamental” differences remaining.

Brexit Secretary David Davis said last week that there is a “moral imperative” to reach a quick deal on the rights of EU nationals living in Britain and UK citizens in the bloc.

Source: Presstv



 

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