Politics

4, November 2019

Madrid-Catalan Crisis: We don’t like the King of Spain coming here, says protester in Barcelona ⁰

Hundreds of Catalan separatist supporters staged a pot-banging protest in Barcelona on Sunday (October 3) against the presence of Spanish royal family which is due to attend the Princess of Girona Awards ceremony on Monday (October 4).

Demonstrators gathered peacefully at Diagonal avenue, outside the venue where Spain’s King Felipe and his family will attend the event, chanting, banging pots and pans and showing signs against the Spanish monarchy.

“We are here in this demonstration because we don’t like the king of Spain coming here like it was one of the places of his kingdom,” said Jordi, a protester and filmmaker who attended the protest.

Catalan police prepared an special security plan and shielded the venue entrances.

Barcelona has witnessed a series of pro-secession protests since October 14 when Spain’s Supreme Court sentenced nine politicians and activists to up to 13 years in jail for their role in a failed independence bid in 2017, prompting widespread anger in the region and sending shockwaves through Spain’s political landscape as the country heads for a general election on November 10.

(Source: Reuters)

4, November 2019

Vietnam wants to boost multi-faceted partnership with French Cameroun ⁰

Deputy Prime Minister Vương Đình Huệ visited La Republique Du Cameroun on Friday and Saturday as part of his working trip to Africa.During the visit, Huệ had talks with Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute, visited the Senate and the National Assembly of the Parliament of Cameroon, and had working sessions with Vice President of the Senate Lamido Abubakary Abdulaye and Vice President of the National Assembly Etong Nzok Hilarion.

At the talks with PM Ngute, the Vietnamese Deputy PM affirmed Việt Nam’s policy on promoting multi-faceted co-operation, particularly in economics and trade, with African countries, including Cameroon.

Huệ said to facilitate stronger bilateral collaboration, the two countries should intensify negotiations for bilateral agreements, creating a legal framework for trade as well as co-operation in other fields.

The Cameroon PM admired Việt Nam’s high economic growth of 6-7 per cent a year and said Cameroon wanted to learn from Việt Nam’s development model.

He said Cameroon hoped to set up co-operative ties with Việt Nam, with a focus on sectors where Cameroon has great potential and Việt Nam is strong at, such as agriculture and processing of cashew nuts, wood and coffee. He added that his country wished to boost bilateral ties in telecommunications, which have already started with the operation of Nextel, a joint venture between Việt Nam’s Viettel group and Bestcam, a Cameroon partner.

Discussing support for Vietnamese businesses operating in Cameroon including Nextel, Huệ appreciated the work of the Cameroon government and PM Ngute to facilitate their operation.

At working sessions with Vice President of the Senate Lamido Abubakary Abdulaye and Vice President of the National Assembly Etong Nzok Hilarion, Huệ highlighted the role of the two countries’ parliaments in making laws to facilitate the negotiations and signing of bilateral agreements.

He also noted the need to increase exchange of delegations between the two countries’ governments, sectors, trade associations and people, as well as promote co-operation in culture, education, sports and people-to-people exchange.
Source: vietnamnews.vn

3, November 2019

Yaounde: Kamto Supporters Defy Protest Ban ⁰

Combat-ready troops were deployed in Cameroon’s capital Saturday as supporters of opposition party leader Maurice Kamto defied a ban on protests against the outcome of the 2018 presidential election.

Kamto and his backers contend he won the Oct. 7 election and that his victory was stolen by long-serving President Paul Biya. Kamto was to participate in the protests for the first time since Biya ordered his release from prison, but he reportedly was being held at his house under guard by government police.

Hundreds of supporters of Kamto’s Cameroon Renaissance Movement Party (CRM) demanded that the government withdraw its anti-riot police from the esplanade of the Ahmadou Ahijo Stadium in Yaounde so they could listen to the message that Kamto had for them.

Among the protesters was Etienne Tankeu, 39, a businessman who was arrested with Kamto on Feb. 28 in Douala and detained in Yaounde with Kamto until Biya ordered their release.

Tankeu said he did not understand why each time the CRM has wanted to organize peaceful protests, the government has threatened them with charges of insurrection, revolt and hostilities against the state.

Court proceedings halted

Kamto and hundreds of his supporters were freed Oct. 5. That’s when Biya ordered an end to court proceedings against CRM members following calls from delegates to the national dialogue he held to address the country’s crises.

The Saturday protest in Yaounde was to be the first public meeting between Kamto and his supporters since he was released from custody.

Christopher Ndong, CRM secretary-general, told VOA in a telephone interview that he and some party officials, including Kamto, were prohibited by the police from leaving a home where they met ahead of the protests. He said that despite a heavy police presence, they were still committed to meeting their supporters, who have been eager to hear from their leader.

“We cannot let our fundamental rights be trampled upon,” he said. “We are not afraid, because what we are doing is within the law and it is our right. So you see, this is a government that is confused. They are in fact doing everything with impunity. We cannot be afraid, because we are working and acting upon our rights.”

Similar protests in the southern towns of Sangmelima and Ebolowa were banned by the government. Kamto’s supporters defied the ban in Sangmelima, Biya’s hometown, and a confrontation Friday between CRM followers and those of Biya’s CPDM party left at least six people injured.

Advice to Kamto: Stand down

Rene Emmanuel Sadi, Cameroon’s minister of communications, said Kamto was not relenting from wanting to destabilize Cameroon. He said Biya won the election in a landslide and that Kamto should accept the result or face the consequences as mandated by Cameroon laws.

“We believe that Mr. Kamto and some warmongers among his supporters have failed to take full measure and to grasp the profound meaning of the presidential clemency welcomed by the entire national and international community,” Sadi said.

The election results showed Biya winning with 71 percent of the vote. His strongest challenger, Kamto, was a distant second with 14 percent.

If arrested again, Kamto could be charged with sedition, insurrection and inciting violence. Those are the same charges leveled against him when he defied a government ban on protest marches and was arrested in Douala.

Source: VOA

3, November 2019

Algeria announces presidential election candidates despite protesters’ opposition ⁰

Five candidates will run in Algeria’s presidential election next month, including two former prime ministers, the head of the election authority said on Saturday, amid mass protests rejecting the vote.

The authorities have repeatedly said the Dec. 12 vote would be the only way to get out of a crisis Algeria been facing since the resignation of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in April under pressure from protesters.

Candidates for the Dec. 12 election include former prime ministers Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Ali Benflis, former culture minister Azzedddine Mihoubi, former tourism minister Abdelkader Bengrine, and Abdelaziz Belaid, head of the El Mostakbal Movement party.

They were announced by Mohamed Chorfi, head of the election authority.

Twenty-three candidates had applied to the election authority, but most failed to meet requirements which include collecting signatures from 25 of the country’s 48 provinces. Those who were rejected will be allowed to file appeals.

Tens of thousands of protesters have been staging weekly demonstrations to reject the election, saying it will not be fair as some of former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s allies are still in power.

Bouteflika ended his 20-year-rule in April after mass protests broke out on Feb. 22 demanding the removal of the ruling elite and the prosecution of people involved in corruption.

The army is now the main player in Algeria’s politics, and its chief of staff Lieutenant General Ahmed Gaed Salah has vowed transparency and fairness for the Dec. 12 vote.

The authorities also met some protesters’ demands by detaining several former officials including two ex-prime ministers and several prominent businessmen over corruption charges.

Protesters now also demand the departure of the remaining symbols of the old guard including interim president Abdelkader Bensalah and Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui.

Algeria had canceled a presidential vote previously planned for July 4, citing a lack of candidates.

“There will be full transparency in the handling of the presidential election,” Chorfi said.

(REUTERS)

3, November 2019

UK: Thousands of Scots rally for independence ⁰

Thousands rallied in Glasgow on Saturday calling for Scotland to become an independent country, with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon telling the crowds that their goal was “within touching distance”.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) leader was the headline speaker at the event in George Square, the first time she has addressed an independence rally since the 2014 referendum campaign, with a crucial general election looming next month.

“Make no mistake, the general election we face now on December 12 is the most important election for Scotland in our lifetimes,” she told the crowds.

“The future of our country is on the line.

“We must come out in our numbers and vote in this election,” she added, insisting that the “prize” of independence was “within touching distance.”

“We must seize that prize,” she urged.

Sturgeon is expected, before Christmas, to formally ask Johnson for a Section 30 order, which would give Scotland’s devolved government permission to stage a referendum.

Supporters waved the St Andrews cross emblazoned with the word “Yes” and Catalan flags in solidarity with the fellow independence campaign.

Others wore kilts and played bagpipes, including one musician who had flames leaping from his instrument.Scotland voted against independence in a 2014 referendum by 55 percent.

But nationalists argue that the 2016 British referendum in favour of Brexit means another independence referendum is necessary — because Scotland voted by 62 percent to stay in the European Union.

Nationalists also argue that some people voted against independence thinking it would guarantee their place inside the EU.

Sturgeon promised supporters on Saturday to “lead you to an independence reference next year”.

“It’s time for Scotland to choose our own future, time for Scotland to be an independent country,” she added.

A small number of pro-Union protesters carrying Union Jack flags staged a counter-demonstration.

(AFP)

3, November 2019

UK: Labour leader says Trump benefits from a no-deal Brexit ⁰

UK Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has accused US President Donald Trump of meddling in UK politics “to get his friend” British Prime Minister Boris Johnson elected.

Corbyn made the remarks on Saturday in Swindon, a town in southwest England, during his campaign for a general election to be held on December 12.

“Donald Trump is trying to interfere in Britain’s election to get his friend Boris Johnson elected,” Corbyn said on Twitter.

Corbyn added if Trump “isn’t pleased at the prospect of a Labour government being elected in Britain”, then he’s “entitled to his choice,” adding that he’s willing to speak with Trump in order to discuss his stance on climate change policies.

Corbyn’s comments came after Trump told Nigel Farage’s radio show that it would be “so bad” if Corbyn was elected prime minister.

During their conversation, the US leader said, “Corbyn would be so bad for your country. He’d be so bad, he’d take you in such a bad way. He’d take you into such bad places”.

Corbyn has promised to leave the European Union with a customs union, trade agreement and dynamic protection if he wins the election.

He further promised to hold a referendum at the end of a three-month period to determine whether Britons want to leave the bloc or not.

Britain was scheduled to leave the EU on October 31. However, the country’s parliamentarians did not approve Johnson’s deal with the bloc, prompting the EU to extend the Brexit deadline.

Johnson then called for a general election.

PressTV-Brexit Party ultimatum an opening for Corbyn

Recent surveys have speculated that after the general election, no single party will hold a majority of seats in parliament.

The Conservatives are projected to fill 35% of seats in parliament after the general election, while the Brexit Party is projected to win 13% of seats, according to a recent YouGov survey.

If the Brexit Party splits the Leave vote, Corbyn could end up as the new prime minister. Mr. Corbyn is hoping to curry support from the Scottish National Party and Liberal Democrats, who may be able to act as a “kingmaker” when the final results come in.

Source: Presstv

2, November 2019

Monaco: French Cameroun Foreign Minister meets Armenian counterpart ⁰

Armenian FM Zohrab Mnatsakanyan had a meeting with Cameroon Foreign Minister Lejeune Mbella Mbella within the 36th Ministerial Conference of the Francophonie in Monaco.

The FMs expressed mutual readiness to work together to enrich the bilateral agenda and make full use of the great potential existing in Armenian-Cameroon relations. The importance of holding consultations between the FMs and activating high-level contacts and mutual visits were highlighted.

The two expressed satisfaction with the cooperation and mutual support established within international structures.

In this context, the partners particularly referred to the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie as an important platform for expanding cooperation in the Francophone region.

The Ministers discussed the results of the 36th Ministerial Conference of the Francophonie, the priorities of the Armenian Presidency and the joint work planned within them.

Source: News Armenia

2, November 2019

CPDM Crime Syndicate: Dr Efande John Lyonga is Interim Mayor of Buea ⁰

Dr. Efande John Lyonga has been appointed interim mayor of the Buea Council for a period of sixty days before a fresh election is held.

He was appointed on Wednesday October 30th by the French Cameroun Senior Divisional Officer of Fako, Emmanuel Ledoux Engamba following the death of Patrick Ekema Esunge on Sunday.

Voted in as second deputy mayor of the council in 2013, he was elevated to first deputy on July 27, 2019 after the late Ekema Patrick masterminded a council session vote of no confidence on Emmanuel Motomby Mbome

The interim mayor will now run the affairs of the council for sixty days before fresh elections will be conducted to get the successor of Patrick Ekema Esunge.

Source: Journal du Cameroun

1, November 2019

US: Democrats say impeachment rules for Trump same as they were for Nixon and Clinton ⁰

After a historic vote in the US House of Representatives that approved rules for the next steps in the impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump, Democrats denied accusations by Republicans that the rules are unfair.

US Representative Adam Schiff, a Democrat serving for California’s 28th congressional district and chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said Thursday the impeachment process rules for Trump are the same as they were for former Presidents Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton.

“The rules are very much the same as they were during the Nixon impeachment, during the Clinton impeachment,” Schiff told “CBS Evening News” anchor Norah O’Donnell.

“All they have to argue is process and even the president has acknowledged that’s a failure.”

The House of Representatives passed a resolution on Thursday to formally proceed with the impeachment inquiry against Trump, ushering in a new phase of the investigation that poses the greatest threat to Trump’s presidency to date.

The lower chamber of Congress, which is controlled by Democrats, passed the measure largely along party lines, 232 to 196, to formalize the process. Only two Democrats, along with all Republicans, voted against the resolution.

Republican members of the House denounced the resolution as a “Soviet-style” nature of the investigation.

“Maybe in the Soviet Union, you do things like this where only you make the rules, where you reject the ability for the person you’re accusing to even be in the room,” said House Minority Whip Steve Scalise.

Schiff said he’s also concerned about “the president’s threats” to the whistleblower who brought attention to Trump’s call with Ukraine’s leader.

“I’ve made it clear to all the colleagues on our committee that we will not be a part of and we will not permit questioning that is designed to out this whistleblower so that the president can exact political retribution,” Schiff said. “I would hope that members on both sides of the aisle would be speaking out about the need to protect whistleblowers, this one and others.”

1, November 2019

Southern Cameroons War: Peace prospects slim ⁰

A month after Cameroon held a national dialogue hoping to resolve the country’s bloody anglophone separatist crisis, the prospect of peace still seems far away.

Armed anglophone separatist forces have clashed with government troops almost daily over two years of escalating conflict in the North West and South West regions of the central African country.

The population has been hostage to the violence, which has claimed more than 3,000 lives in English-speaking parts of the mostly francophone country, according to the International Crisis Group. More than half a million people have abandoned their homes.

The Yaounde government responded to international pressure by organising the talks that took place from September 30 to October 4, leading to the adoption of dozens of recommendations to restore peace.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian will be in Cameroon on Wednesday for a two-day visit, with the declared aim of encouraging President Paul Biya “to follow up on this dynamic”.

“The population in the crisis zones is still confronted with the same realities as prevailed before the dialogue,” said Blaise Chamango, an activist in Buea, the capital of the South West region.

– ‘Bandit groups take advantage’ –

Schools in some districts “remain closed and inaccessible,” he added, while “dead city” protest strikes imposed every Monday by separatist forces have not stopped.

Several attacks by armed groups have been reported in the past weeks, notably in the North West, reputed to be the more rebellious.

“Atrocities have resumed strongly in Bamenda,” the North West regional capital, Cameroon state radio declared last week.

“There are people who still have weapons, who are still in camps,” acknowledged George Ewane, the spokesman for the national dialogue.

“We’re not necessarily dealing with separatists, but with bandit groups who take advantage of the situation.”

Ewane said that 58 fighters had laid down their arms in the South West earlier this month. “The situation gets better by the day… The grand dialogue has brought much comfort to people’s hearts.”

The five days of talks were boycotted by most separatist leaders, but gathered more than 1,000 participants. They recommended “special status” for the North West and South West regions, home to most of the anglophone minority that makes up 16 percent of Cameroon’s population.

The language split is a vestige from federation in 1961, a year after independence, when a British-ruled territory on the Nigerian border joined with the former French Cameroons.

The federal system was replaced in 1972 by a united republic. Some separatists have long argued that centralised francophone power neglected the anglophone regions. In 2017, the tension erupted into violent conflict.

Biya, who has maintained authoritarian rule since 1982, hailed the resolutions from the dialogue as “rich and varied”. He promised that they will be “the object of attentive and diligent examination with a view to implementing them.”

– ‘Special status’ –

An expert group is currently working on “the content of the special status” and the government is drawing up legislation to give shape to such status in practice, Ewane said.

“We would like the bill to be put to parliament during the next parliamentary session,” he added, which is in November.

The anglophone population remains “rather sceptical”, said activist Chamango, “because they no longer have confidence in the government.”

The recommendations were also immediately rejected by separatist leaders based abroad.

Absent from the dialogue amid talk of his failing health, Biya surprised many by ordering the release of 333 detainees linked to the crisis, as well as 102 opposition activists arrested during peaceful protests against his re-election in 2018.

Those freed included the president of the Movement for the Renaissance of Cameroon (MRC), Maurice Kamto, who challenged Biya at the polls and was released after eight months in jail.

“The grand national dialogue does not seem to have brought a new and lasting solution to the demands of the anglophones regarding the shape of the state,” Kamto said as he came out of prison.

He argued that peace required “direct talks with the political representatives of the armed groups that control the terrain”.

At the end of August, the most influential separatist chief, Julius Ayuk Tabe, was given a life jail term by a military court in Yaounde, with nine of his supporters. From jail, he dismissed the dialogue as a “non-event”.

But government spokesman Rene Emmanuel Sadi has said: “We don’t envisage any dialogue more inclusive than the one… that just took place in Yaounde.”

Culled from AFP