Society

24, June 2026

Manyu Chieftaincy Disease: Is Ossing the next victim? ⁰

Manyu Division may be known for many things but one thing that makes the Division stands out is the people’s penchant for titles and this exaggerated love for the titles is one reason why the villages which make up Manyu Division are permanently in dispute and are underdeveloped.

Besongabang, Nchang, Kembong and many others have all been torn apart by chieftaincy disputes which have been around in those villages for a long time, making it hard for residents of the villages or their Diasporic communities to come together to discuss development.

For many decades, it was thought that some Manyu villages were insulated from that internecine chaos, but one after the other, the villages are quietly joining the ranks of chaotic rural settlements, wrapping themselves up in chieftaincy disputes which have retarded the development of many villages in a constituency many hold could have been a shiny example to others in terms of development.

Ossing, with its rotational system, has been the envy of many Manyu villages for decades. Comprised of Kaeka and Kenyang communities, Ossing adopted a rotatory system, making it easy for the chieftaincy title to peaceful and seamlessly move from one linguistic group to another.

But from every indication, that myth is gradually shattering as Ossing prepares to walk away from peace and harmony.

In 2025, Ossing lost its respected traditional ruler. An academic and seasoned administrator, Professor Edward Ako. According to our sources in Ossing, Professor Ako actually took the village to safer shores and there was peace during his time.

A source in Ossing who spoke to Cameroon Concord News Group but sued for anonymity said that Ossing was bracing for impact as impostors and enemies of peace struggle to hand a throne to a man whose character, ability and vision leave much to be desired. The suspect, Thompson Ndip, a civil servant in Yaoundé, is prepared to destroy a peaceful village if things do not go his way.

A manipulator and spinner, Mr. Ndip is desperate for the title, but from every indication, his efforts are not delivering the results he wants. The people of Ossing are wise and no amount of food and drinks will sway them.

“We are really seeing the mess that has destroyed many villages in Manyu. We have been trying to avoid it but a small minority of hungry and desperate people want to change the course of things in our beloved village,” our source said.

“We have a process which has worked and it was the same process which brought Prof. Ako to power in Ossing. This process calls for an evaluation of the different candidates based on certain criteria. Following an evaluation of the candidates, the candidate who is the fourth on the evaluation list, Mr. Thompson Ndip, is the one protesting and trying to bribe everyone,” our source said, adding that “He is a civil servant in Yaoundé and has surrounded himself with financially desperate and hungry people who think that he has money. Why should anyone be accepted as the chief if he does not have the right character and was never the first on that list?,” he quipped.

“The second and third persons on that list have not protested. Some of the candidates have already congratulated the person who topped the list. Ossing needs someone who can unite people and convince those who have money to contribute towards the development of our village,” our angry source said.

“You cannot lose an evaluation exercise and then come and be parading yourself as a champion. One of his supporters told us in Ossing that it was likely that he will be appointed as a minister in Biya’s next government. Who has ever been appointed a minister just because he is managing a project funded by donors? We may be living in Ossing, but we are not stupid and blind. We know what is happening and we cannot fall for such mischief and dishonesty,” he said

“Manyu and Ossing have better people who can represent us in Biya’s government. This young civil servant has been corrupting some of the kingmakers and some are opposed to his approach to things. Some kingmakers who certified the results on the day the evaluation was made later changed their positions, claiming that they were hungry and did not see the documents they signed. This is really funny,” he said.

“Such people should never be kingmakers again in our village. It is obvious that they have been given food and they can now see properly. This is dishonesty,” he stressed.

“These same dishonest elements even went to the Senior Divisional Officer in Mamfe and lied that they had chosen their chief and some people were threatening them. They thought the SDO was stupid. He simply advised the Kaeka kingmakers to present their choice of chief to the kenyang kingmakers, after which the Kenyang kingmakers will approve or disapprove depending on the person’s character,” he pointed out.

“Once the Kenyang kingmakers approve their choice, they will submit their approval to the Ossing Traditional Council (OTC) which is the only body mandated to present a chief to the SDO and the administration. But because the hungry Kaeka kingmakers know that they are playing tricks, they have been avoiding to meet with the Kenyang kingmakers,” he stressed.

“On Saturday, the same hungry kingmakers invited the Kenyang kingmakers to a location not approved for the presentation of the chief. The Kenyang kingmakers turned down the invitation. To spice their invitation, they proudly told the kingmakers to come with their flasks for them to carry food and meat to their homes. This did not move the Kenyang kingmakers who are determined to ensure that the rules and procedures are followed. Not everyone can be bought,” he stressed.

“Since the Kenyang kingmakers did not honor the invitation of the food-and-drink kaeka kingmakers, the desperate kingmakers made a video claiming that they had presented their chief to their Kenyang colleagues. We, in Ossing, are aware of what they are selling, but none of us will be part of that game,” he stressed.

“The processes and procedures must be followed and if they are followed, the right person will be chosen. We need the right person. Someone with the right character. If we get it wrong, the development of our village will stall as many donors might not support our projects,” he pointed out.

“The disease that has affected many Manyu villages seems to be making its way to Ossing but we will do our best to stop it. We have the men and resources to manage our processes the right way to ensure that chaos does not stall our development process,” he concluded.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

23, June 2026

French Cameroun: 9 detained including traditional ruler in Penka-Michel lynching investigation ⁰

The investigation into the lynching of Steve Diffo and his alleged accomplice took a major turn on June 19 when West Region Governor Awa Fonka Augustine ordered the administrative detention of nine individuals, including Charly Constant Noussi Pokam, the traditional chief of the Baloum chiefdom in the Penka-Michel subdivision.

According to the official order, the chief and the eight other suspects are believed to have been involved as perpetrators, co-perpetrators or accomplices in the killings of Steve Diffo and Bostel Kamta, who was identified as his alleged associate.

The two men were accused of stealing roofing sheets before being lynched and burned alive on June 5 in the Baloum chiefdom, along with other alleged accomplices who remain at large, according to authorities. The suspects are now being questioned as part of an investigation led by the West Regional Gendarmerie. The administrative detention order is valid for 15 days and may be renewed if necessary. The suspects are being held at Bafoussam Central Prison while the judicial investigation continues.

A Major Development in a Highly Sensitive Case

The latest development is being closely watched because of the influence traditional chiefdoms continue to hold in Cameroon’s West Region. Beyond their customary functions, they retain considerable social, land-related and symbolic authority within local communities.

In the days following the killings, several observers and human rights advocates expressed concern that this influence could complicate efforts to establish responsibility. Reports alleging that pressure had been placed on the victim’s family to support a version of events more favorable to some of those involved further fueled those concerns.

Against that backdrop, the detention of the Baloum traditional chief is widely viewed as a strong signal that authorities intend to pursue the investigation regardless of local power structures.

A Case That Has Shocked the Nation

The case sparked widespread outrage after a video of Steve Diffo’s killing circulated on social media. The footage shows a young man with his hands tied behind his back and his feet bound, surrounded by a hostile crowd. Accused of theft, he repeatedly proclaimed his innocence and pleaded for his parents to be called. His appeals went unanswered.

According to information released by authorities, he was later placed inside a stack of used tires, doused with fuel and burned alive. A second man is reported to have died under similar circumstances. The video triggered national outrage and renewed debate over mob justice and the impunity that perpetrators of such acts sometimes enjoy in certain communities.

Questions Surround the Role of the Traditional Chief

Since the first details emerged, the Baloum traditional chief has been among the individuals most directly implicated in the case.

Some people who viewed the video claim they recognized his voice in footage shared online. Several witnesses allege that he can be heard speaking to Steve Diffo shortly before the killing. According to those accounts, he told the victim to say his final prayer. Those allegations are disputed by some members of his entourage and by certain local residents, who maintain that the chief was not present during the killing or that the events took place outside the royal compound.

The victim’s family rejects that version of events. Steve Diffo’s mother has stated that she was pressured by certain local notables to clear the traditional ruler of any responsibility. Even before the governor’s decision, the gendarmerie had already issued a warrant ordering the chief to appear before investigators. The document cited his alleged involvement in two homicides.

An Investigation Under Intense Scrutiny

With the administrative detention of the Baloum chief and eight other suspects, authorities have entered a new phase in a case that has become politically and socially explosive. Investigators must now determine the individual responsibility of each suspect, identify other participants who remain at large and establish the precise role played by those currently in custody.

Beyond the crime itself, the Penka-Michel case has become a test of the state’s ability to carry out a full investigation involving influential local figures in a region where traditional authorities continue to wield considerable power. That is why the latest developments are being closely watched far beyond the village of Baloum.

Source: Sbbc

18, June 2026

MECA Leicester hosts first-ever 3-Day Manyu cultural event ⁰

The Manyu Elements Cultural and Development Association (MECA) Leicester chapter made history on 12 June 2026 by hosting the first-ever three-day cultural festival dedicated to celebrating the rich heritage and traditions of the Manyu people in the United Kingdom.

Held under the motto “Unity, Togetherness and Peace,” the landmark event brought together members of the Manyu community and guests from across the UK for a weekend of culture, education, entertainment and development-focused discussions.

The festivities commenced on Friday, 12 June, with a vibrant cultural evening led by EKPE UK. The occasion was further enriched by captivating performances from Wanawawampke, Macuda UK, and the Dancing Duo Monikim Group of Leicester. The diversity of the participating groups reflected MECA Leicester’s commitment to promoting unity through cultural diversity and fostering stronger ties among Cameroonian communities in the diaspora.

One of the highlights of the evening was the “Manyu Kids Have Got Talent” showcase, which featured children performing live in various Manyu mother tongues. The performances left guests thoroughly impressed, not only by the children’s confidence and talent but also by their remarkable ability to communicate and perform in their ancestral languages. The showcase served as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving cultural identity among younger generations.

The evening also featured an insightful and educational presentation by renowned Professor of Law, Sesekou Nelson Enonchong, who traced the origins of EKPE and explored its historical significance and enduring role within Bayang culture.

More than 250 guests were treated to an authentic culinary experience featuring some of Manyu’s most cherished traditional dishes, including NkụBétor, Squeezing, Fufu and Eru, and Tatchot Soup. The evening culminated in the unveiling of MECA Leicester’s new uniform, followed by a special cultural performance from the Leicester Monikim Group and a guest appearance by Ayuk the Artist.

The celebrations continued on Saturday, 13 June, with the signature Gala Night held at the magnificent Empire Hall in Leicester. The gala attracted approximately 350 guests and was organised under the theme: “A Bright Future for Manyu Division.”

In his welcome address, the President of MECA Leicester, Nfor John Bawak, expressed gratitude to all participating groups and organisations that answered the association’s invitation. He emphasised the importance of a united MECA UK in preserving, promoting and advancing the development of Manyu both in the diaspora and back home. He also highlighted the value of establishing the cultural weekend as an annual event rotating among MECA chapters across the United Kingdom.

As part of this vision, Nfor John Bawak formally passed the torch to Nfor Takang of MECA Coventry, inviting Coventry to host the next cultural festival in 2027. In accepting the challenge, Nfor Takang commended MECA Leicester, describing it as one of the strongest and most dynamic MECA chapters in the UK, while encouraging Leicester to consider hosting a future MECA UK national event within the next three years.

The gala also generated significant donations, which will support community development projects across the four subdivisions of Manyu over the next twelve months through initiatives coordinated by MECA Leicester.

The historic three-day celebration concluded on Sunday with a community barbecue and a final cultural showcase by MECA Leicester members. Guests were treated to a variety of expertly prepared barbecue delicacies, good music, and fellowship as the organisers thanked participants and visitors for their support and contribution to the success of the weekend.

The event not only celebrated the richness of Manyu culture but also demonstrated the power of unity, cultural preservation, and community collaboration in strengthening the bonds between Manyu people across the United Kingdom and beyond.

17, June 2026

Manyu Division: dancing chiefs compromised because of alcohol and sex ⁰

A few days ago, a video shot in Mamfe, Manyu Division in the South West Region of Cameroon in which a so-called Mamfe businessman, Richard Tabe Bisong, was bowing to the South West Governor, Okalia Bilai, like Angels do to God, went viral not because online communities thought it was pleasant to see but because a man who prides himself on his business intelligence was being reduced to a desperate conman in search of validation and protection from administrative officers.

Mr. Tabe Bisong who is being touted in Manyu Division as a successful cocoa exporter has been spraying money all over the place as if he never worked for that money.

While some people are hailing him for his financial success, calling him “financial waterfall” many others are very suspicious of his money.

Many people hold that Mr. Tabe Bisong, who is desperate for recognition, is supposed to be exporting cocoa beans to neighboring Nigeria, but over the last two years, the business of cocoa has run into a massive storm with cocoa prices hitting new lows.

A kilo of cocoa once sold for CFAF 6,000 but the last two years have been a disaster to many cocoa farmers who have seen their profit margins take a nosedive due to declining global demand for cocoa.

Manyu Division has been hit hard by the declining global demand for cocoa but one man continues to give the impression that cocoa is now the new “gold”.

But not many people are buying into his gimmick. Many hold that there is more to his business than meets the eye.

Manyu Division is in the grip of a massive devastating drug addiction crisis and anybody whose wealth cannot be accounted for, is considered a suspect.

It is alleged that Mr. Tabe Bisong is currently the highest ‘administrative authority’ in Manyu as he has already brought the government’s Senior Divisional Officer under his control. He is now seen in grandstands in the Division whenever there is an important event.

According to our sources in Mamfe, Mr. Tabe Bisong’s relationship with the Senior Divisional Officer for Manyu is a real cause for concern.

It is being rumored that Mr. Tabe Bisong took the Manyu Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) to China where the SDO went on a wild spending spree at Mr. Tabe Bisong’s expense.

Mr. Tabe Bisong’s behavior at the funeral of the SDO’s father’s funeral in the West Region where he lined up CFAF 10,000 bills for the SDO to walk on has not escaped the attention of the country’s secret service which is on the businessman’s trail.

It is also being rumored that Tabe Bisong may be exporting cocoa beans to Nigeria but may also be engaging in other unorthodox operations.

“Cocoa alone cannot deliver the type of money Tabe Bisong says he is making. He has been boasting that last year alone, he made CFAF 6 billion from his trade with Nigeria, but so far, there is no bank in the South West in general and Mamfe in particular that is holding Mr. Tabe Bisong’s money,” a resident of Mamfe said.

“We hear that the secret service is investigating his financial claims and that his relationship with senior administrative officers, including the South West Governor, is really under scrutiny,” the resident whose son has been overwhelmed by tramadol said angrily.

“The country’s administrative officials should not be seen with a man whose money carries multiple question marks. The people of Mamfe are concerned and they want answers to some of the issues confronting them, including the drug crisis that has killed some young men and destroyed many,” the father of three said, pointing to the demonstrations in Egbekaw-Mamfe against drug suppliers.

The bitter Manyu resident condemned what he saw in the video which is now known as the “Tabe Bisong comedy of desperation”, questioning why a man who claims to be making his money legitimately will be sucking up to administrative officers who are supposed to rise above behavior that is questionable.

The Manyu resident who spoke on condition of anonymity to our Manyu correspondent also took aim at the Chief of Okoyong who presided over the comedy of desperation staged by Mr. Tabe Bisong.

He questioned the role of some young Manyu traditional rulers, describing the Okoyong chief as corrupt and irresponsible leader due to his reckless behavior.

He added that with the exception of the Manyu paramount chief, Dr. Godson Oben, and some old self-respecting chiefs, most young Manyu chiefs constitute a syndicate of criminals whose real job is to have sex, abuse alcohol and dance in almost every occasion in Cameroon.

He called on the people of Manyu to know who to choose as their chiefs, stressing that most Manyu chiefs have transformed the Division into a location where every event is part of the moving feast of sex carefully crafted by these young traditional rulers.

He regretted that the behavior of these chiefs makes Cameroonians to hold that Manyu Division is a new mental asylum. The misbehavior of a few people who are supposed to be role models is hurting the Division.

These chiefs have had more than their fair share of free sex. The paramount chief needs to call them to order, the Mamfe resident said angrily, adding that these ‘dancing chiefs and alcoholics’ are devaluing the people of Manyu and their culture.

“A chief is supposed to be an embodiment of respect. He is supposed to be out of the public eye. He is supposed to be reflecting on how to make his village a better place. How can someone who spends time drinking, dancing and sleeping in women’s thighs ever have enough time to come up with ideas which can transform the destiny of his people?,” he quipped.

Manyu is in trouble, he said, adding that if a chief is compromised because of alcohol and sex, how can he really work for his people?, he asked.

Many people are really angry with the behavior of some of the Manyu chiefs but they do not have the courage to call out these people who are spreading moral decadence and pain in our Division, he said.

We need somebody to help us. A Manyu Chiefs’ conference needs to be held to discuss some of these issues. Our chiefs have to embrace hard work. They must walk away from alcohol and casual sex. Their people are losing confidence in them. They must display behavior which reflects their statuses, he concluded.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

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