Society

26, May 2026

Cameroonians in Leicester: funeral contributions must never become a marketplace for corruption ⁰

The recent creation of a Commission of Inquiry into the alleged embezzlement of funds raised for the repatriation of the remains of Tata Jeff Osife Mokube who died in Leicester in the Midlands is the most vital and commendable action toward restoring trust, accountability and integrity within the Cameroonian community in Great Britain.

It is common knowledge deep within the Cameroonian community in the UK that at any time of grief whether in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland including the Irish State, solidarity always prevail.

Whenever Cameroonians and their well-wishers contribute money to ensure that one of their own receives a dignified home-going, they do so “in good faith”, believing that their generous contributions would serve a holy and humanitarian purpose. Any insinuation that such money may have been diverted for personal gain, strikes not only at the heart of trust within the Cameroonian UK family but also at the moral conscience of the Cameroonian community itself.

Consequently, the decision by the Cameroonian community in Leicester UK to establish a Commission of Inquiry into what is now known as the Tata Jeff Osife Mokube Affair deserves widespread support. To be sure, it sends a clear message that no individual should exploit tragedy for selfish enrichment and more importantly, the Leicester UK decision demonstrates a commitment to transparency and justice, values that are indispensable in preserving unity among Cameroonians both at home and in the diaspora.

We of the Cameroon Concord News Group are happy with this decision and we hope that the inquiry will be conducted independently, professionally and without prejudice against the team headed by Ben Ntamack. The objective of this Commission of Inquiry should not be vengeance or public spectacle, but truth and accountability.

Ben Ntamack and his acolytes should know that deep within the Cameroonian community in Great Britain, those entrusted with handling community money carry a heavy moral responsibility, especially in matters involving death and bereavement. If wrongdoing occurs as it is now being reported all over the UK in the Tata Jeff Osife Mokube Affair, the Cameroonian people deserve to know the full extent of it and appropriate measures must be taken to prevent a recurrence.

Far from determining culpability, the Leicester Commission of Inquiry is also offering Cameroonians in Great Britain an opportunity for institutional reform. Cameroonian fundraising initiatives in the UK, particularly those organized in moments of crisis should be governed by clearer financial procedures, transparent reporting mechanisms and stronger oversight. In this regard, we of the Cameroon Concord News Group salute the leadership of the Manyu Solidarity Group UK for their single-guided vision towards development and unity of purpose. Diaspora communities are often most vulnerable during emergencies, and systems must exist to protect both donors and beneficiaries from abuse.

Equally important in this Tata Jeff Osife Mokube Affair is the need to preserve the dignity of the deceased and the emotional wellbeing of the bereaved family both in the UK and back home in Cameroon. The present controversy surrounding the late Tata Jeff Osife Mokube contribution is creating pain and division. A credible inquiry can help bring clarity, closure and reassurance that justice and integrity still matter.

In welcoming this Leicester Commission of Inquiry on the Tata Jeff Osife Mokube Affair, we of the Cameroon Concord News Group affirm a simple but powerful principle: compassion must never become a marketplace for corruption. The generosity of ordinary Cameroonians in the UK deserves respect, and every contribution made in the name of humanity must be accounted for faithfully.

The Cameroonian community in the Midlands now has an opportunity to turn a painful episode into a defining moment for integrity, responsibility and collective renewal.

To this I put my name

Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

12, May 2026

US: Cameroonian sentenced to life for 2022 deadly Atlanta shooting ⁰

A Cameroonian national, Raissa Kengne, has been sentenced to two life terms plus 50 years in prison after being found guilty in a deadly shooting in Atlanta, United States.

The verdict was delivered on May 4, 2026, by a Fulton County court, nearly four years after the incident that shook the Midtown area of the city.

Kengne was found “guilty but mentally ill” on all 14 counts brought against her a decision that means the jury held her criminally responsible while acknowledging that her mental state played a role in the events.

The case dates back to August 2022, when she opened fire in two separate locations in Midtown Atlanta. Prosecutors said the attack was targeted, with two men killed including her former employer and another person injured.

Investigators revealed that the shootings began at a residential condominium complex before continuing at an office building linked to her past employment. The incident triggered panic in one of Atlanta’s busiest districts, with a large-scale police response and a manhunt that ended with her arrest at the airport shortly after.

During the trial, the prosecution argued that Kengne acted out of intent and grievance, pointing to evidence that suggested she had targeted individuals she believed had wronged her. The defense, however, focused on her mental health, arguing that she was not in a stable state at the time of the attack.

Reports from earlier proceedings indicated that she had previously filed complaints and legal action against some of the victims, alleging harassment and conspiracy, which prosecutors say formed part of the motive.

Despite the mental health arguments, the court upheld her responsibility for the killings. She will now serve her sentence in the Georgia Department of Corrections.

Culled from Lebledparle.com

1, May 2026

Douala partners Huawei to advance digital transformation plans ⁰

During an official visit to China, Douala Mayor Roger Mbassa Ndinè signed a memorandum of understanding with Huawei on April 28, 2026, focused on the digital modernization of Cameroon’s economic capital. The agreement reflects the ambition of the Douala City Council (CUD) to strengthen urban management tools and move toward a “Smart City” model.

At this stage, financial details, implementation timelines, and contractual terms have not been disclosed. The agreement should therefore be distinguished from a finalized contract or a funded program. It instead sets a framework for cooperation between the CUD and the Chinese group across several digital initiatives.

According to a source close to the matter, the planned areas of cooperation include urban surveillance, smart traffic management, modernization of the municipal IT system, digitization of land records, expansion of municipal fiber networks, and remote management of public lighting.

One component would involve equipping the urban monitoring center with supervision and video surveillance tools to support municipal police efforts in managing urban disorder. Another would focus on deploying sensors and traffic monitoring systems on major roads, in a city regularly affected by congestion.

Land management is also a key aspect. The project includes plans to digitize 200,000 land records and introduce a digital ownership certificate. The stated objective is to improve land security and facilitate access to administrative data. However, this component will require clarification on the legal status of such certificates, the authorities responsible for validation, and safeguards for personal data protection.

The agreement also provides for strengthening municipal digital infrastructure. Huawei may support the expansion of the fiber optic network linking administrative buildings and strategic sites across the city. Solutions for remote management of public lighting are also under consideration, with the aim of reducing energy consumption and improving maintenance.

Beyond infrastructure, the agreement includes a training component. Huawei is expected to train engineers and CUD staff in managing digital systems, notably through its Huawei ICT Academy program. The city authority would act as an institutional facilitator and integrator of the selected solutions.

For Douala, the challenge goes beyond acquiring technology. The success of the initiative will depend on the transparency of future agreements, the availability of financing, local maintenance capacity, data protection measures, and the ability to align digital innovation with tangible urban services.

In a fast-growing city facing congestion, land pressure, and rising demand for public services, digital tools could improve urban management. However, the CUD-Huawei agreement will only deliver measurable results if it leads to funded, legally structured, and accountable projects.

Source: Business in Cameroon

19, April 2026

Yaoundé launches “Trust for Peace” initiative to address rising social tensions ⁰

Yaoundé is set to launch a “House of Trust for Peace” initiative, aimed at addressing underlying social tensions in Cameroon through early intervention and mediation.

The project will be unveiled alongside the apostolic visit of Leon XIV, in a national context marked by persistent tensions, including the protracted crisis in the Anglophone regions, strains on social cohesion, and recurring mistrust between citizens, communities, and institutions.

At its core is a simple premise: open conflicts are often preceded by a gradual erosion of trust. The initiative seeks to intervene at this early stage, before tensions escalate into violence. It is led by Catharsis, in partnership with The Okwelians and the Catholic University of Central Africa (UCAC).

Inspired by the “Trust Tree” framework developed by Pierre Winicki, the project combines conflict prevention, early warning, and community-based mediation. It aims to address what its promoters describe as the often invisible roots of conflict—mistrust.

A network of local mediation hubs

The initiative goes beyond the creation of a single space in Yaoundé. It is designed to operate as a national label, to be deployed through a network of third places and social mediation hubs across the country.

The first phase will focus on identifying and certifying these spaces, which will serve as local platforms for dialogue and conflict prevention.

The long-term objective is to establish locally grounded mediation mechanisms capable of restoring dialogue in areas where tensions are already weakening relationships between communities and institutions.

Another key component is the training of 20 “trust for peace practitioners.” These individuals will be selected from regions exposed to tensions, including Buea, Douala, Maroua, and Garoua-Boulaï. They may include traditional leaders, religious figures, civil society actors, and administrative representatives.

Their role will be to identify early warning signs of tension, facilitate dialogue among local stakeholders, and intervene before disputes escalate into open conflict. The approach relies on proximity and local knowledge.

At the intersection of expertise and local engagement

The launch of the initiative coincides with broader calls for peace linked to the visit of Leon XIV. Its promoters see it as a way to translate these calls into concrete action through structured prevention and mediation tools.

The project brings together Catharsis, The Okwelians, and UCAC, combining expertise in trust-building, knowledge of local social dynamics, and academic support. Backed by an international foundation, it also aims to test a model that could be replicated in other contexts facing similar challenges.

Its effectiveness, however, will depend on its ability to deliver sustained results at the local level. Beyond its symbolic dimension, the initiative will be judged on whether it can foster practical mechanisms of dialogue capable of preventing the escalation of conflicts.

Source: Business in Cameroon

18, April 2026

Manyu: We must play as a team! ⁰

It is not unusual for people of Manyu descent to talk and openly demonstrate, albeit hypocritically, that they love each other. We have Manyu associations all over the world where we eat and dance as if without the other person, our lives will be incomplete.

Orally, our love of the land given to us by God is immeasurable but genuine love is never measured in words. It is measured by our actions and deeds, and an assessment of our actions as a people clearly falls short of our own expectations. We usually get deceived by our oral profession of love for Manyu. But if we scratch beyond the surface, we will always figure out that the foundation of our unity and love for Manyu is shaky. We have been paying lip service to the notion of Manyu unity for far too long and it is time for us to engineer a mindset shift.

The first crack in the dam always shows up when someone else is in the spotlight. The demon in our minds will always rear its ugly head when one of us is stealing the show. The taste of the pudding is always in the eating and, on many occasions, we have fallen short of our own expectation. Our ego is our worst enemy. It will, on many occasions, stand in the way of collective action. Nothing destroys unity like a bloated ego and nothing ruins lives like the love of the spotlight.

For decades, concerned Manyu citizens have been asking why our oral love cannot be leveraged to give Manyu development a shot in the arm.

Our formal education is supposed to inject a deep sense of humility and collective action in us, unfortunately it has only shattered our hope for unity. Many of us are usually unwilling to participate in flagship development projects because we do not like or agree with those who are leading the charge. We have the nasty habit of throwing away the child with the bath water because of our warp thinking.

We live in the permanent and morbid fear of project leaders being known. We feel diminished when others get known. We spend a lot of time and resources just to deny those among us who can lead our Division into a new and modern era. Gossiping and defamation have become our favorite sports. If we cannot get the prize, then none of us should have it.

Until we purge our minds of this negative mindset that has bred visceral hatred in us, we, as a people, will not make any giant strides forward. Progress, if not collective and generational, will not see the light of day, or if it does, it will not stand the test of time.

Over the last thirty years, real development has suffered in Manyu Division, though the Division’s human development index has grown exponentially. This unfortunate situation has been exacerbated over the last ten years due to the socio-political crisis which has killed many and left thousands in the throes of a devastating financial crisis.

Our towns and villages are today shadows of their former selves. At best, they look more like war zones waiting for a messiah with sound town planning knowledge and skills to step in to engineer a modern urbanization solution.

The Division’s economy has taken a nosedive, causing thousands of our young men and women to flee their ancestral land for greener pastures in other parts of the country or the world.

However, rather than focus on the issues which have strapped us to poverty and underdevelopment in Manyu Division, it will be smart for us to identify possible solutions which can help us detach our self from the claws of underdevelopment. Of course, our insidious disunity has constrained our ability to unlock Manyu’s sophisticated development potential but it is time for us to collectively face our demons in order to bring about transformative change in Manyu Division..

Manyu is blessed with many formally educated people in various domains. Our academic prowess and achievements have never been questioned. Our personal academic achievements speak to our determination to be at the zenith of the intellectual world. Many development experts are usually fast to point out that no community or country can make giant development strides forward without soundly educated minds.

Strangely, Manyu’s physical development achievements are at variance with the educational narrative that has become our hallmark.

Our villages are chaotic. Despite our high-sounding academic titles, development outcomes on the ground in our Division demonstrate that in spite of our academic titles, our minds are still bereft of that structural thinking that is born of deep philosophical thoughts.

The true proof of our educated minds is how we think and how we perceive collective action, leadership and the spotlight. We are chaotic naturally like most species on the face of the earth. We like to lead without having followed. True, reliable and experienced leaders are usually those who have learned the ropes and have humbly followed others who have shown the light for them to follow.

Strangely, most people of Manyu descent confuse academic achievement with leadership. We hold that if we hold high-sounding academic titles, then we are natural leaders. That is absolutely not true!

Leadership is about character. It is about selflessness. It is about playing by established rules to set the right examples so that others can follow without questioning the order of things. Leadership is the courage to serve and not the power to command. It is not about being in the spotlight. It is about playing a key role in joint efforts without seeking to crush others. It is about disagreeing without being disagreeable. It is not about hurting others just because we want to attain personal goals.

Our perception of leadership is warped. We think leaders know it all and when they make mistakes we become so disappointed. Leaders are humans. Until we see them as being fallible, we will not stop fighting them. We are supposed to support our leaders, especially our political leaders who are putting their best foot forward while playing our roles in whatever we are collectively doing. Every one of us has a role in Manyu’s development efforts and regardless of what we achieve, not all of us will be in the spotlight.

The objective should never be the spotlight but the development of our beloved Manyu. If we learn to shrink our ego, we will build solid teams which will deliver the development results we all are looking forward to.

Development, indeed transformative development, cannot only come from Yaoundé. As a community of educated men and women, we can change the negative development narrative which has characterized our Division for decades.

If we spend more time fighting our political and traditional leaders, we will be running all over the place like neckless chicken, thereby wasting valuable development time. Violent divisions only tear people apart. What is the benefit to the Division if we continue to openly challenge our ministers, Members of Parliament, Senators, etc, when we know that with our unwavering support, they can fight for us? We don’t appoint our ministers. The president does.

I hold that once somebody has been appointed as a minister, we should sink our differences and stand by him so that we can post some impressive development results.

We don’t have to love the person. We are not going to love every action of his. We must however understand the person is not infallible and, regardless of how united we are, we will never see everything in the same light.

We must learn to accept that when we disagree, we should avoid destroying our unity of purpose. By so doing, we will build a solid team which will help transform Manyu Division into the El-dorado we all have been looking forward to for decades. Everyone on a team must not be a star, even if everyone was a star; some stars would definitely outshine others. A word to the wise is sufficient!

Dr. Joachim Arrey

Executive Director, the Global Think Tank for Africa

14, April 2026

Letters: Thank You Message to Honorable Teku Tanyi of Eyumojock Subdivision ⁰

Dear Honorable Teku Tanyi,

I am writing to thank you for ensuring that the road from Besongabang to Ossing is graded. Allow me to point out that these road works have been fully funded by you.

That section of the road network in Manyu Division has always been a millstone around the neck of our people during the rainy season.

With the road graded, our people, especially those who are businesspeople and entrepreneurs, will have to go about their businesses without fearing that the bad roads will be a constraint on their businesses.

Based on feedback I have gathered from people in Ossing, Ntenako and Ndekwai, travel times have been reduced and transportation cost is gradually dropping. This is really heartwarming.

This is the type of news many of us in the Diaspora love to hear. May I also use this opportunity to thank the SOWEDA General Manager, Besong Ogork Ntui, who has also helped to grade the road in his native Ewelle.

Manyu needs more kind-hearted people who can help give our beloved Division a shot in the arm.

Please, when next you have to undertake such a huge and expensive project for our Division, do not hesitate to reach out to some of us in the Diaspora. We cannot leave Manyu’s economic progress and development in the hands of other people. It is incumbent upon us, the sons and daughters of Manyu to help give our Division a facelift.

While the government is trying to turn things around for our young people, we, the elites of the Division, can also support government efforts in different ways. We can also undertake little projects which can help pull the Manyu economy from the brink.

Manyu needs strong leadership and you are ready and experienced to provide such leadership. You have demonstrated without a doubt that you can be trusted. The prosperous Manyu Diaspora is willing to work with leaders like you for our Division to witness significant economic changes.

Though the Diaspora does not vote in parliamentary elections, I am sure that many members of the Manyu Diaspora will happily support you in the upcoming parliamentary election in Eyumojock Sub-Division.

Honorable Teku Tanyi, your record as a parliamentarian over the last five years speaks volumes. The feedback from your constituency regarding the work you have done is heartwarming. Your financial support to many students and support to farmers in your constituency are clear indications that your constituency of paramount importance to you.

I would like to use this opportunity to indicate that you can count on my moral and financial support when you will be campaigning to return to Parliament. Manyu needs young, dynamic and selfless politicians like you who have their people’s interest at heart.

Once more, thank you for making travelling easy for our people. I am sure the graded roads will give the economy of our Division, a shot in the arm.

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Joachim Arrey

Executive Director

Global Think Tank for Africa

11, April 2026

MP for Eyumojock spreads hope in his constituency ⁰

The Member of Parliament for Eyumojock Subdivision in Manyu Division, Honorable Teku Tanyi, is spreading hope in his constituency by paying for the grading of some of the roads in his constituency.

The Member of Parliament has taken it upon himself to pay for the grading of the stretch of road from Bessenge to Ossing, a decision which has been welcome by residents of Ntenako, Ndekwai and Ossing, especially as the rainy season is fast approaching.

Over the last years, transport fare from Ossing to Mamfe by motor bike, just like from Ndekwai and Ntenako to mamfe had escalated from CFAF 500 to CFAF 2,000 and CFAF 1,000 frs respectively, due to the poor state of the road.

Many small vehicles had abandoned that stretch of road to four-wheeled trucks.

The movement of farm products to Mamfe was expensive for farmers, leaving them at the mercy of buyers who offered them low prices for their produce, thus making it hard for the farmers to make any profit from their activities.

The residents of the villages concerned have expressed appreciation to the Member of Parliament for always showing concern about the sufferings of his people, urging him to keep on fighting for them at the national level.

By this gesture, the residents of the villages through which the road goes through will face limited challenges during the coming rainy season.

Manyu Division has always had to deal with long periods of torrential rains during the rainy season and the rainy season is always a disaster to road users during this period.

By Staff man Kingsley Betek

29, March 2026

Yaoundé eyes wind energy partnership with Canada to diversify power mix ⁰

Cameroon’s Minister of Water and Energy, Gaston Eloundou Essomba, met Canada’s High Commissioner to Cameroon, Marie-Claude Harvey, on March 17, 2026, to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation, with a focus on investment in the energy sector.

A key issue in the talks was Cameroon’s need to diversify its energy mix, which remains heavily reliant on hydropower and exposed to climate variability. Wind energy was among the options discussed. The ministry said potential had been identified in the western region, notably in the Bamboutos Mountains, as well as along coastal areas, supported by recent technological advances.

A Long-Delayed Project

The focus on wind energy is not new. In 2015, following a cabinet meeting, the government announced plans for a 42 MW pilot wind farm in the same area, with capacity expandable to 80 MW. The project aimed to support a more diversified energy mix. It has since made little visible progress, but several indications suggest it has not been abandoned. According to sources, it remains in the study and land acquisition phase, pointing to a possible revival in the medium term.

At the same time, the government is working to improve the investment climate for renewable energy. In a circular signed on Feb. 12, 2026, Finance Minister Louis Paul Motaze listed equipment used for solar, wind and biomass energy production that would benefit from a 12-month exemption from customs duties and taxes. The measure aims to lower costs and accelerate deployment, particularly in rural areas where electricity access remains limited.

Limited Use of Renewables

Alternative renewable energy sources, excluding hydropower, currently account for less than 5% of Cameroon’s energy mix, despite significant potential. At the 2024 Forum on the Promotion of Renewable Energy, Eloundou Essomba set a target of raising their share to 25% by 2035, equivalent to around 1,500 MW of installed capacity.

In this context, Canada stands out as a strategic partner, with recognized expertise in wind energy, which accounts for a growing share of its electricity mix. Wind farms operate across several provinces, including Ontario, Quebec and Alberta, where conditions are particularly favorable.

These projects rely on turbines that convert wind into electricity and are typically located in high-wind areas close to grid infrastructure to facilitate transmission. Canada’s experience shows that wind power can diversify energy sources, reduce dependence on hydropower and fossil fuels, and strengthen electricity supply security—expertise Cameroon could leverage to advance its energy ambitions.

Source: Sbbc

29, March 2026

Bamenda Airport passes test flight ahead of Papal Visit ⁰

Authorities in Cameroon’s North West Region have confirmed the successful completion of a critical test flight at Bamenda Airport, as preparations intensify for the upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV.

The test flight, conducted on Wednesday, marks a significant step in restoring the airport’s operational capacity after years of limited use. The facility had largely been reserved for military operations amid the ongoing Anglophone Crisis, which has affected civilian aviation activities in the region.

Leading the inspection exercise was the Governor of the North West Region, Adolphe Lele L’Afrique, accompanied by the President of the North West Regional Executive Council, Professor Fru Angwafo III, alongside senior administrative and security officials.

The mission aimed to assess the airport’s readiness to handle the Papal aircraft and ensure that all systems meet the required operational standards ahead of the high-profile visit scheduled for next month.

The test flight was completed without incident, confirming the functionality of key infrastructure. These include the runway, navigation and communication systems, as well as ground handling operations necessary for safe aircraft movement and passenger reception.

Security arrangements were also a major focus of the exercise. Authorities reviewed coordination mechanisms between civil aviation services and security forces, expressing satisfaction with the level of preparedness observed on the ground.

In parallel with aviation readiness, rehabilitation works have intensified on the main road leading to the airport. The access route, considered vital for the smooth movement of the Papal convoy and accompanying delegations, is currently undergoing upgrades to improve safety and traffic flow.

The planned visit of Pope Leo XIV is expected to be a landmark event for the region, drawing thousands of faithful and dignitaries. Bamenda has been selected as one of three cities on the Pope’s itinerary during his apostolic journey to Cameroon.

The test flight was led by the Governor of the North West Region, Adolphe Lele L’Afrique, alongside the President of the North West Regional Executive Council, Professor Fru Angwafo III

Beyond its immediate purpose, the rehabilitation of Bamenda Airport could have lasting benefits, potentially paving the way for the resumption of regular civilian flights and boosting connectivity to the region.

Authorities have added that efforts will remain focused on ensuring that all logistical, security, and infrastructural requirements are fully met. The successful test flight is widely seen as a strong indication that Bamenda is ready to host the historic visit, with officials expressing confidence that the city will deliver a smooth and memorable visit for the Holy Father.

Source: Pan African Visions

12, March 2026

From flight attendant to Parliament Speaker’s Chair: Marlyse Soppo Toute’s unusual path ⁰

From a seat overlooking Cameroon’s National Assembly chamber, lawmaker Marlyse Soppo Toute presided on March 10 over the opening plenary session of the legislative body. The veteran member of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (RDPC) is familiar with heights. Long before entering politics, she built her career in civil aviation as a flight attendant.

A native of the Bell canton in Douala, Soppo Toute was among the first winners of Cameroon Airlines’ inaugural recruitment competition for flight attendants in 1971. She was then 24 years old. That marked the start of a long career in air transport, during which she served as a flight attendant, later becoming cabin chief and eventually senior cabin chief.

After graduating from France’s National School of Civil Aviation in 1976, she left the cabin to join the administration of the air transport sector. Her career in the field culminated in 2004 when she became a senior administrative officer, after holding positions as an administrative executive and head of high-value customer service.

A later training program in local government management appears to have encouraged her move into politics. The mother of one child was elected municipal councilor and first deputy mayor of Douala’s 2nd district during the 2007–2013 term.

Already serving since 2004 as chief executive of the real estate firm Société civile immobilière Lek, Soppo Toute then set her sights on national politics. She was elected to the National Assembly in the February 2020 elections. Once in parliament, she joined the Defense and Security Committee and was appointed by the president to the Supreme Council of the Judiciary as a representative of the National Assembly.

Since 2020, she has served as rapporteur on several parliamentary committees. Following the death of Laurentine Koa Mfegue, she became the Assembly’s senior member. In that role, she presided over the opening plenary session of the March parliamentary sitting and will oversee the election of the Assembly’s leadership in the coming days.

Source: Sbbc