Society

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

10, March 2026

Football: triumphant return of the 2025 Ballon d’Or to Garoua ⁰

Serge Daura made an emotional return to his hometown of Garoua. The Gazelle FA striker, crowned Cameroon’s best player of the year, came to present his trophy to his family and loved ones in a festive, jubilant atmosphere.

A hero’s welcome awaited Serge Daura. Arriving in the afternoon at Garoua International Airport, the new Cameroonian Ballon d’Or winner was greeted by a jubilant crowd. Teammates, supporters, and partners were all present to celebrate the return of the player who lit up the 2025 season with his remarkable performances.

The striker received a guard of honor before leaving the airport amid an impressive motorcade. The procession, accompanied by songs and applause, wound through several city streets, turning his arrival into a true public celebration.

Presenting the trophy to his family

Beyond the public tribute, this visit held deep symbolic meaning for the player. By holding his trophy aloft in front of his loved ones, Serge Daura wanted to share this moment with those who have supported him since the very beginning.

Pride runs high in his home region. The player’s triumph represents not only a personal achievement but also a source of inspiration for countless young footballers in Northern Cameroon who dream of following in his footsteps. This Ballon d’Or also rewards the outstanding season delivered by the striker with Gazelle FA.

Source: Sports Yahoo

10, March 2026

Manyu Solidarity Group: understanding its modus operandi ⁰

Ma Druscillia Achuo, a respected and committed member of the Manyu community in London, once delivered a line that has since taken on near-philosophical status among Manyu people in the UK. She said, “When you get die, and you know say £10,000 di come for support you, the cry di different”. Translated loosely, it means, the tears will fall during grief, but at least the panic lessens. Her words may sound humorous, but they capture a truth many Manyu people in the diaspora understand all too well. When someone dies in the West, grief rarely travels alone. It arrives with invoices from funeral directors and in some cases outstanding bills and unpaid debts. It is not an exaggeration to say, in many circumstances, dead of a loved one has even become thornier and embarrassing.

For many in Europe, the loss of a loved one sets off a chain reaction of difficult questions. Do we hold the funeral in Europe, or do we repatriate the body to Cameroon? If the answer is repatriation, the next question arrives immediately, how do we pay for it? And how do we support the family back home with expenses? Sorrow, in other words, quickly transforms into worry, stress and a long list of problems that seem to arrive precisely when people are least equipped to deal with them.

This is where organizations like the Manyu Solidarity Group quietly step in. Manyu Solidarity Group, founded in 2021 by Manyus and friends of Manyu in Europe, offers practical support before the funeral of a fallen member. While many bereavement associations prefer to present their financial package during the wake or funeral itself, often with ceremonial speeches, Manyu Solidarity Group has adopted a refreshingly simple approach. They send the money early.

Manyu Solidarity Group delivers £10,000 to the bereaved member’s nominated next-of-kin at least two weeks before the funeral with no dramatic presentations. Funeral homes cost and the cost of the wake require payment before service. Therefore, offering financial support during the wake is like arriving at Douala Airport with a plane ticket after the Camair-co flight has already departed. It may be well intentioned, but its practical value is somewhat limited.

Manyu Solidarity Group releases the funds early so that families can organize dignified funerals without scrambling to raise money while still processing their loss. So far, this approach has already made a tangible difference. In less than three years, the group has provided £30,000 in bereavement support to three different families. That may not make headlines in the world of billion-pound transactions, but within the Manyu diaspora community, it is significant.

Grief is already overwhelming, so Manyu Solidarity’s philosophy with its Manyu Bereavement Support Fund (MABSOF) is simple; support should actually support. The organization is the classic community safety net, but perhaps the most notable aspect of the system is its refusal to turn grief into a public spectacle. The Board of Manyu Solidarity understands that loss is not just emotional; it can also be financially devastating. Manyu Solidarity Group is a community in its most practical form and perhaps that is why Ma Druscillia Achuo’s remark continues to resonate. Her observation may have been delivered with her typical smile, but its wisdom is difficult to dispute. Knowing that help is coming does not erase grief, it does not bring the deceased back, but it does remove one layer of anxiety at a moment when people are already carrying more than enough.

At its core, the principle guiding Manyu Solidarity Group is beautifully straightforward. Families need help in organizing wakes and funerals, give them the support before, not during the wake or burial because compassion is not measured by how publicly it is displayed, it is measured by timing, dignity and quiet common sense.

To this I put my name

Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

6, March 2026

Manyu Solidarity Group supports Mamfe District Hospital ⁰

In every thriving community, there comes a moment when collective effort begins to produce visible and meaningful results. For the Manyu Solidarity Group, that moment is now. Founded in 2021 by Manyu indigenes in Great Britain and the EU, the group has grown into the largest network of Manyu people and friends of Manyu outside Cameroon. With more than 463 registered and active members, the association’s core purpose is to preserve Manyu culture, support members and their families in times of distress, promote unity within the fast-growing Manyu community in Europe, and proudly display Manyu culture and values abroad while supporting vulnerable families back home.

Through committed leadership, active membership, and a shared vision for progress, Manyu Solidarity has emerged as a shining example of what unity and purpose can achieve. At the heart of this progress is a Board that has shown remarkable dedication in guiding the association forward. With clarity of vision and determination, the Board has worked tirelessly to elevate the profile of Manyu across Europe. Their efforts have united members across 28 countries and positioned Manyu Solidarity as a community capable of meaningful action and positive influence.

In August 2025, the group hosted its first Cultural Festival in the United Kingdom. The hugely successful event attracted more than 500 participants over an entire weekend and offered a vibrant celebration of Manyu culture. The atmosphere, performances, and community spirit left a lasting impression on attendees and their guests. The festival generated a net profit of £2,243. From this amount, the Board resolved to dedicate £1,843.85 to support the Mamfe District Hospital in Manyu Division, Cameroon.

Acting on behalf of the association, the Manyu Solidarity Group coordinator in Cameroon, Mr. Cyprian Tabi, used the funds to procure and deliver essential supplies to the hospital. These included ten blood pressure monitoring machines, two hundred bottles of hand sanitizer, one hundred bed sheets, two hundred toilet rolls, and two hundred bars of washing soap.

Receiving the items on behalf of the hospital, the Mamfe District Hospital Director, Dr. George Akikeng, expressed sincere gratitude for the support. He noted that such assistance is invaluable for healthcare facilities operating with limited resources and thanked the group for remembering the needs of their people at home. Speaking on the initiative, the Group Chairman, Prince Julian Ebai, reflected on the significance of the gesture, “Strong communities are built through leadership, trust, and participation. Manyu Solidarity has demonstrated that when people come together with a clear purpose, they can create real change. Supporting the District Hospital in Mamfe is just one example of the impact we can achieve when we work as one community.”

Though modest in scale, the gesture has been warmly received by members of the association. Ms. Barbara Akoachere, praised the initiative, stating, “The leadership of Manyu Solidarity deserves sincere recognition and appreciation. Their transparency and commitment have built confidence among members. For them to make this gesture to the District Hospital in Mamfe is remarkable. They have shown that leadership is not about position, but about service, and I am so proud of them.”

At the height of the political conflict that engulfed Cameroon’s Southwest Region, arsonists burnt Mamfe District Hospital on June 9, 2022. After years of effort and rebuilding, much of it funded by donations from abroad, the hospital finally reopened on the 5th of March 2025. Donations to hospitals in rural Africa often carry enormous impact. Many hospitals in Africa operate with limited resources, outdated equipment, and immense pressure to serve large populations with minimal supplies. Essential items such as blood pressure monitors and basic hygiene supplies are frequently in short supply. For patients and healthcare workers alike, these seemingly simple resources can mean the difference between life and death.

For Manyu Solidarity, this contribution represents far more than a donation. It is an expression of compassion, responsibility, and enduring connection to home. For many families back in Manyu, this support will make a tangible difference at moments when medical care matters most. Mrs. Susan Agbor Ebot, the group’s Financial Secretary, emphasized “This success belongs to all of us. The trust, participation, and belief of our members are what make initiatives like this possible. Strong communities are not built by a few individuals, but by many people working together toward a shared purpose.”

Looking ahead, excitement is already building for the second edition of the Manyu Cultural Festival, scheduled to take place from August 28 to 30, 2026 in the UK. Members are optimistic that the upcoming festival will build on the success of the first and generate even greater support for healthcare initiatives in Manyu. If successful, the next festival will allow the association to expand its impact further, transforming celebration into meaningful assistance for the Mamfe District Hospital and the wider community.

By supporting the Mamfe District Hospital, Manyu Solidarity has demonstrated that the strength of a community lies not only in celebrating its cultural identity, but also in uplifting those who need help the most. Ultimately, Manyu Solidarity is a story of collective action as a community determined to make a difference both at home and abroad. In an increasingly fragmented world, examples like this remind us that strong communities still have the power to change lives.

By Isong Asu

Cameroon Concord London Bureau Chief

5, March 2026

30,000 Cameroonians take gendarmerie recruitment exam ⁰

About 30,000 young Cameroonians took the written exam for recruitment into the national gendarmerie from Feb. 28 to March 1, 2026, according to figures released by the Ministry of Defense.

The recruitment process aims to fill 3,340 positions, including 300 trainee non-commissioned officers in the general service track, 40 trainee non-commissioned officers in the military health track and 3,000 gendarme recruits.

In Yaoundé, the exams were held at three schools: Lycée Leclerc, Lycée de Ngoa-Ekellé and Lycée Bilingue d’Application. Candidates were tested in general knowledge, mathematics and English. Applicants for non-commissioned officer positions also wrote an essay, while candidates applying to become gendarmes completed a written composition.

Shortlisted candidates will next undergo comprehensive medical examinations, the final stage before admission into the force.

As in previous years, the recruitment exam attracted strong interest. With nearly 30,000 applicants competing for 3,340 positions, the selection process is expected to be highly competitive.

Beyond the prestige associated with the uniform, the strong turnout reflects Cameroon’s economic realities, particularly high youth unemployment. Joining the defense forces is widely seen as a pathway to stable employment, offering a regular salary, social benefits and structured career prospects.

In Cameroon, holding a service number remains a powerful symbol of professional stability and social security. For many families, joining the army or the gendarmerie represents a genuine opportunity for upward mobility.

Prestige of the uniform and career prospects

The prestige associated with the uniform also attracts candidates. As a military force responsible for policing duties, the national gendarmerie embodies state authority and the protection of citizens. For many applicants, joining the force represents both a patriotic commitment and a source of recognition within their communities.

Career development opportunities further increase the appeal of the recruitment process. The gendarmerie offers several areas of specialization, including judicial police work, public order operations and military health services, alongside continuous training and internal promotion systems that allow members to build long-term careers.

Cameroon’s security environment also contributes to the strong interest in the recruitment drive. Defense forces remain heavily deployed to address multiple security challenges, including counterterrorism operations in the Far North region, the crisis in the anglophone regions and cross-border crime.

For some candidates, joining the gendarmerie goes beyond seeking employment and reflects a sense of civic duty.

Over time, the recruitment exam has become an indicator of the country’s socioeconomic pressures. The growing number of applicants reflects both demographic pressures and the need for durable solutions to youth unemployment.

While 3,340 candidates will eventually join the ranks of the gendarmerie, tens of thousands of others will have to wait for the next recruitment cycle, a sign that the call of the uniform continues to resonate among Cameroonian youth.

Source: Business in Cameroon

2, March 2026

Southern Cameroons: 2nd edition of South West Cultural Festival held in Buea ⁰

People perform during the 2nd edition of the South West Cultural Festival in Buea, the capital of the Southwest Region of Cameroon, Feb. 28, 2026. (Photo by Muleng Timngum/Xinhua)

People dressed in traditional attire attend a carnival parade during the 2nd edition of the South West Cultural Festival in Buea, the capital of the Southwest Region of Cameroon, Feb. 28, 2026. (Photo by Muleng Timngum/Xinhua)

Performers showcase the diverse cultures of the Southwest Region during the 2nd edition of the South West Cultural Festival in Buea, the capital of the Southwest Region of Cameroon, Feb. 28, 2026. (Photo by Muleng Timngum/Xinhua)

Vendors display traditional products during the 2nd edition of the South West Cultural Festival in Buea, the capital of the Southwest Region of Cameroon, Feb. 28, 2026. (Photo by Muleng Timngum/Xinhua)

30, November 2025

Young Cameroonians: Build social capital to succeed ⁰

It is normal these days to hear young Cameroonians saying that their seniors do not want to help them. Many of these young men are frustrated. Many are unemployed and helpless.

They have gone to school and really want to work but the harsh economic circumstances in our beloved country make it hard for them to find jobs. Even when they find jobs, the salaries are sometimes derisory.

This unfortunate situation is compounded by the fact that these days, many entrepreneurs only hire their family members, forgetting that those family members may not be as productive as non-family members.

Tribalism and nepotism have also made things worse and this is driving some of our bright young men, especially those from poor homes, to seek greener pastures somewhere else, even if that implies heading to Europe through the desert and on the high seas.

Some even try their luck by heading to North America through the Darian Gap which has turned out to be a massive burial ground for many of these young men.

For every ten young Cameroonians who have succeeded to reach Europe or North America through such challenging means, more than twenty-five have lost their lives in the desert, on the high seas and/or in the Darian Gap. Desperation is driving many young Cameroonians into the waiting hands of death.

However, as pathetic as this situation might be, it must be pointed out that if many young Cameroonians are financially and economically desperate, it is also their fault.

Many of them do not listen. They think they know it all and this has caused many people who can share their golden nuggets of knowledge and their pearls of wisdom with them to avoid them.

It is hard to advise a young Cameroonian to use whatever money they may have to launch a small business while waiting for a good opportunity. The rush to prove that they are living abroad has robbed them of their commonsense. Proving a point is more important to them.

This poor judgment and refusal to listen and learn has been made worse by their trademark dishonesty which makes it hard for even family members to help them.

A typical young Cameroonian believes that he is smarter than every other Cameroonian. Today, young Cameroonians cannot be relied upon. They don’t know that their word must be their bond. Even those who live abroad cannot always be trusted.

To young Cameroonians, building social capital is a long and tedious process that must be avoided. They want to be wealthy without putting in the time and effort to gain wealth. They want to embrace the promise without going through the testing process. They want immediate results and they are now addicted to immediate gratification. They can hurt anyone just to have their way.

Give them money for them to implement a project for you and you will see their true color. Hire them in your small business and they will work hard to destroy it. Their minds know no morals and discipline.

They only understand theft and embezzlement. This unfortunate behavior makes it hard for many people who are rich in the milk of human kindness to share that milk with them.

Many young Cameroonians lack consciences. They can kill just to achieve their parochial goal. Many would think the young women could be different. Women are always considered as angels by many men, but the past few decades have proven that many young Cameroonian women must not be taken seriously.

They lack morals. They have not been raised on discipline and dignity. Many go through excruciating psychological pain in life because of the path they have chosen in life. They take pleasure in deceiving men without knowing that Karma will eventually step in at a certain point. You will always hear many of them blaming men, forgetting that they have a past. The cosmic always deliver to us what we have delivered to others.

Honesty is a foreign concept to many young Cameroonians. Dignity seems to have died in Cameroon. Our beloved country is a place where finding a reliable young Cameroonian is as challenging as finding a small needle in a massive haystack. Young Cameroonians do not know that being reliable attracts great ideas and sustainable wealth.

They waste their god-given social capital when they are young only to end up in churches praying for serious husbands and wives. Young Cameroonian men and women do not trust each other and that is why many of their relationships are always short-lived.

Young Cameroonians must understand that the best capital to own is social capital. Education is good but when it is not underpinned by good social capital, even careers suffer. Build your social capital to make things easy for you. Let your word be your bond.

I learned this very early in life and I have reaped the benefits. I am an investor and many people hand their money to me knowing that it is in safe hands. You can be wealthy using other people’s money through honest investments. Attracting investment capital depends on your moral record. Succeeding in business depends on your honesty. Social capital is a financial magnet that many young Cameroonians do not know. Growing in your career also depends on people trusting you.

Managers only promote people they trust and not dishonest people who think they are the brightest. A word to the wise is sufficient.

By Dr Joachim Arrey

31, October 2025

Sona John Mukete, ex-CPDM German Section President is dead ⁰

Sona John Mukete, former President of the ruling Cameroon Peoples Democratic Movement German Section is dead.

The Cameroon Anglophone politician died on October 14, 2025 in Kumba the chief city in Meme Division after a brief illness.

The Mukete family confirmed his death in a heartfelt statement, describing him as a man who left an enduring legacy of integrity, service and dedication to the Cameroonian Diaspora community in the Federal Republic of Germany.

The Mukete family expressed solace in the many lives he touched and the example he set, while requesting privacy as they grieve the loss of their patriarch.

Details of funeral arrangements are to be announced later.

A graduate of the University of Yaoundé, Cameroon and the University of Bochum, Germany, he worked at the University of Magdeburg before venturing into Cameroonian-German politics.

He served as President of the ruling CPDM party, German Section and was known for his principled stance, notably on the crisis in Anglophone Cameroon.

As a key figure in the Cameroonian Diaspora community in Germany, he championed reforms focusing on the issuing and renewing of passports in the Cameroon embassy in Bonn.

Beyond politics, Sona John Mukete loved farming, “lawring” and intellectual discourse.

His family has expressed gratitude for the support from friends, colleagues, and well-wishers, asking for prayers as they navigate his passing.

By Chi Prudence Asong with files from Soter Agbaw-Ebai

4, October 2025

Germany: Cameroonian Nurses Association Launching Event ⁰

The Cameroonian Nurses Association – Germany (CNAG) was officially launched in a well-attended event that brought together nurses, community leaders, and stakeholders. The atmosphere was marked by enthusiasm, unity, and a shared vision for improved healthcare within the community.

Community representatives expressed their admiration for the organization and commended the relevance of the themes discussed. Topics such as high blood pressure, nutrition, diabetes management, and preventive health measures were highlighted, providing participants with valuable knowledge and practical guidance for healthier living. Several attendees noted that the seminar was an eye-opener and a meaningful source of health awareness.

Community elders offered their words of encouragement, urging the association to remain focused on its mission, while assuring CNAG of their full support.

In her closing remarks, the coordinator of CNAG, Mrs. Sally Ojong, expressed profound gratitude to all attendees. She reaffirmed her commitment, alongside the CNAG team, to making the association’s vision a reality and to fostering sustainable health improvements for the Cameroonian community in Germany and beyond.

By Chi Prudence Asong with files