12, February 2025

Ambazonia Crisis: Biya regime strengthens army footprint in Southwest ⁰

The Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR) has strengthened its military footprint in the conflict-ridden Southwest region with the construction and inauguration of two new military camps on February 7. The new installations are located in Ekona, within the Muyuka district, and Ombe, in the Tiko district, both in Fako Division.

According to the army, these camps are part of efforts to bolster security in an area frequently targeted by armed separatist groups fighting against the Cameroonian military, which remains loyal to the central government in Yaoundé.

These new deployments add to previous reinforcements in the region. In November 2024, the BIR had already set up two camps in Nguti and Alou. Similarly, the elite force has been expanding its security presence in the Northwest region, which faces the same crisis. In May 2024, the BIR established a command post in Bui, a department known as a stronghold of separatist militias. The army has conducted several military offensives in this area, known as “Operation Bui Clean.”

The security crisis in Cameroon’s Southwest and Northwest regions began in 2017 when separatist armed groups launched attacks against defense and security forces, as well as civilians. The deployment of the BIR, the best-trained and best-equipped unit in the Cameroonian military, has so far helped to contain the insurgents.

According to United Nations data, the conflict in the country’s two Anglophone regions has resulted in nearly 6,000 deaths, displaced more than one million people internally, and forced over 35,000 refugees to flee to Nigeria.

Source: Sbbc

12, February 2025

CPDM Crime Syndicate: at 92, Biya seeking re-election after 42 years in power ⁰

President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest head of state, turns 92 years old on Thursday after more than four decades in power but remains tight-lipped on whether he will run for another term in elections this year.

Many people including the deeply divided opposition are in little doubt that the leader, who first won election in 1982, will stand for an eighth term in the October vote.

After highly contested elections in 2018, Biya further toughened his autocratic grip on power, with dissenting opinions firmly met with repression, arrests and prison terms, human rights activists say.

“The president has already said that he will make known whether or not he is a candidate in this election at the appropriate time,” government spokesman and Communication Minister Rene Emmanuel Sadi said last month.

Biya has refrained from picking a successor and the subject of who would replace him remains taboo.

“In the current context, even if he were lying on a stretcher, candidate Biya will be re-elected,” said former minister Garga Haman Adji in an interview with the daily Mutations in July.

Concerns about Biya’s health grew last year when he disappeared from public view for several weeks.

Persistent rumours prompted authorities to release a statement saying Biya was in Switzerland, where the leader has regularly spent long periods staying at luxury holiday resorts.

The government then formally banned local media from discussing the state of his health.

Since his return to the country on October 21, Biya’s public appearances have been limited — a few official photos at the presidential palace, a regional summit in the capital Yaounde and a handful of speeches broadcast on television.

As in previous election years, voices from across society are calling on him to again stand for office.

“My determination to serve you remains intact and is strengthened on a daily basis, given the scale of the challenges we face,” Biya said in his end-of-year address, welcoming a “massive support”.

In January, traditional leaders expressed their “total and unwavering” support. On Facebook, some supporters said Biya was “still strong” and can withstand two more terms.

– ‘Cries of distress’ –

Biya and his government are regularly accused by international human rights organisations of repressing opposition.

The long-serving president was re-elected for a seventh term seven years ago after a contested vote that sparked a wave of political repression.

Few openly call for him to relinquish power.

“In recent times, the anxieties of the vast majority of Cameroonians have increasingly transformed into cries of distress in the face of the misery they are experiencing and the degradation of our beautiful country,” Catholic bishops at an episcopal conference said.

They also criticised the “corruption”, unemployment and deadly violence that plagues parts of the country.

Since 2009, the far north of Cameroon has suffered attacks from Boko Haram jihadists and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

In the west of the country, a deadly conflict has pitted armed independence groups against security forces in two English-speaking regions since 2016.

Biya, for his part, praised in his last speech “the tremendous progress seen in recent years”.

In a hoarse, wheezy voice, he hinted at “the next electoral deadline” and called on young people “not to listen to the sirens of chaos that some irresponsible people are sounding”.

The government has not been reshuffled since January 2019 and the seats of four ministers who died in office are still vacant.

More than a dozen lawmakers — out of 180 — and five of the 100 senators have also not been replaced after their death.

Source: AFP

12, February 2025

UK: Illegal workers held in raids on nail bars and takeaways ⁰

Hundreds of migrants were arrested in January as part of a UK-wide crackdown on illegal working, the government has said.

Enforcement teams raided 828 premises including nail bars, car washes, and restaurants and made 609 arrests – a 73% increase on the previous January.

Home Office Minister Dame Angela Eagle told the BBC the decision to release footage of the arrests was to send a message about the realities of working illegally and she defended the government’s approach as “compassionate”.

Later on Monday, MPs will debate the government’s immigration bill. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has called it a “weak bill that won’t stop the boats”.

Vape shops in Cheshire and a grocery warehouse in south London were among the places raided.

Those arrested made the journey to the UK through a mix of routes, including by crossing the Channel and by overstaying legitimately-granted visas.

Despite having won a landslide election victory seven months ago, senior Labour strategists are already increasingly worried about losing voters concerned about immigration to Reform come the next election.

Source: BBC

11, February 2025

Manyu Division: We must stop being our own worst enemy ⁰

There have been calls for Manyu unity as a first and important step for Manyu Division to make giant strides towards greater and better development.

While such calls are necessary, it appears that those calls have been falling on deaf ears. Manyu people have the nasty habit of fighting each other even when they are not competing for the same position and even when they understand that unity is strength.

Many Manyu people feel diminished when others get known and this unfortunate disease has not spared the Manyu political elite. Mudslinging, backbiting and gossiping have become the stock in trade of Manyu politicians and elites.

It is the Manyu man who will celebrate the most when his brother loses a job. It is the Manyu man who will throw a party when his own brother loses a political appointment. This is wrong! This attitude has never delivered any good results.

On the contrary, this nasty situation only sows the seeds of division, making it hard for Manyu to emerge from its own ashes like proverbial phoenix.

Manyu needs a different mindset. Manyu needs people who can make the people of Manyu to dream big. Our people are strapped to poverty and the pain is excruciating. We need to forge that unity of purpose which will put smiles on the faces of our people.

The people of Manyu Division do not need to be scared of each other. They are smart but they need to build confidence to ensure that they do not feel diminished when another son of Manyu has risen to the top.

Manyu sons and daughters must stop spreading false information about their own brothers. None of us can change the destiny of another person. Our politicians and elites must learn how to work together in order to bring benefits to Manyu Division.

Ministers, senators, and parliamentarians as well as mayors and councilors must know that the more united they are, the greater will be their bargaining strength. Working together is an idea whose time has come and it will be preposterous for anyone to be divisive.

Any Manyu son who is worth his salt must not feel diminished. Whether we like it or not, our stars, which were once rising, will stagnate and later head south.

There is always a time to rise and a time to fall. When the time to fall comes, we must seek to cushion the impact of the fall and this requires humility and transparency. Only your people can douse the pain when that fall happens.

We can never change the decisions of the gods. It is a simple principle of life. It does not make sense to dislike or sabotage someone just because he or she is emerging. Lies never take us far. The truth will always stand the test of time. Mudslinging is an old trick that has lost its beauty and steam. We must abandon it to embrace new ways. A word to the wise is enough.

Manyu is entering a very critical phase of its existence. Over the next five years, the Division’s political landscape will change tremendously. The old will be yielding the floor to the new through democratic means. Over the last five years, the Division has had very young parliamentarians and all of them are doing their best with the little resources available to them to address some of the problems which are besetting our Division.

The mayors and councilors of Manyu Division are getting younger and their perspective of life is different and attractive. They believe in development and are seeking funding from all the right places so as to address the issues which are retarding the progress of our Division.

These young mayors and parliamentarians need much support, especially from the Diaspora. The Diaspora has a huge role to play in our Division’s development and with many Manyu sons and daughters in the Diaspora, a lot of things can happen in a big and good way if the Diaspora can be persuaded that the money will be used for the purpose for which it is intended.

These mayors and parliamentarians will be facing reelection next year. They have Manyu at heart but they lack the resources to help change the destiny of their Division.

The people of Manyu should vote for these mayors and MPs who are doing their best. However, while in office, the elected officials should seek to build a bridge that will enable them to work with the Diaspora. The youthfulness of these elected officials is an asset and Manyu must make the most of that asset.

This is not the time for divisive politics. Any Manyu son who is spreading false news about another son of Manyu must be despised and disrespected. People who are worth their salt will never embrace negativity. Negativity is poison which can ruin a people and rob them of a bright future.

Talking about people in negative terms is a clear sign of inferiority complex and anybody who engages in that must be shunned as he is an enemy of progress.

Let us, the sons of Manyu, start thinking in positive terms if we have to walk away from the disunity and underdevelopment which have stalked us for decades like stubborn shadows. We must stop being our own worst enemy and we must know that times have changed and we are more intelligent today than our parents were. It is easy to see through our intentions just by the words we utter. Manyu needs new ways and not senseless noise which cannot create any positive impact in Manyu.

By Dr. Joachim Arrey

11, February 2025

Manyus in Nigeria: Chief Simon Etta aiming to increase meeting attendance ⁰

HRH Chief Simon Etta, President of the Manyu Elements Cultural Association (MECA Nigeria) has announced plans to attract Manyu citizens living in the Federal Republic of Nigeria to be part of the bigger Manyu family.

The Supreme leader of the Manyu people in Nigeria also disclosed that MECA Nigeria under his stewardship will push Manyu families and their children to develop interest in Manyu languages, culture, tradition and history.

Chief Simon Etta added that MECA Nigeria will start helping Manyu children born in Nigeria to develop the tools and skills they need to ensure that the Manyu culture does not go extinct.

The leader made the comments during a recent MECA Nigeria meeting that held in the federal capital Abuja.

Also speaking was Chief Stella Ntui who currently moonlights as President of the Manyu Women International Association (Nyene Mawn) Nigeria chapter. Chief Stella Ntui said Nyene Mawn Nigeria will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with MECA Nigeria.

The Abuja meeting was attended by senior Manyu citizens including Commissioner Agbor Ebot Lawrence of the Cameroon High Commission in Abuja.

By Soter Agbaw-Ebai with Concord files from Abuja

11, February 2025

French Cameroun: EU Lawmaker condemns deadly crackdown on sugar workers ⁰

Concerns over working conditions at Cameroon’s main sugar producer, Société Sucrière du Cameroun (Sosucam), have reached the European Parliament following a violent strike that turned into a riot on February 4, 2025. At least one worker was killed in the unrest, drawing criticism from Marina Mesure, a French member of the European Parliament.

In a letter dated February 5, 2025, addressed to the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Mesure denounced what she called the “repression and violations of workers’ rights” at Sosucam’s sugar cane plantations in Cameroon.

The controversy stems from the fact that Sosucam is 74% owned by the French agro-industrial group Somdiaa, which is itself controlled by Castel, a major player in Africa’s beverage industry. Mesure reminded the European Commission that, under the EU’s new corporate due diligence directive, companies headquartered in EU member states must be held accountable for labor practices in their overseas operations.

Beyond what she called the “bloody crackdown” on Sosucam workers during the February 4 strike, Mesure pointed to a broader pattern of labor rights abuses. She referenced a May 1, 2023, report by the Cameroonian Sugar Cane Workers’ Union, which accused the company’s management of systematically suppressing union activities. According to Mesure, this violates internationally recognized labor rights, including the right to organize.

The lawmaker has called on the European Commission to clarify what steps it plans to take to ensure that sugar industry workers in Cameroon are treated fairly. She also urged EU officials to raise the issue with French authorities, questioning Somdiaa’s role in what she described as repeated violations of Sosucam employees’ rights.

On February 7, 2025, Sosucam publicly addressed the growing tensions, though it did not respond directly to Mesure’s letter. In a statement signed by the company’s newly appointed CEO, Jean-Louis Liscio, the company announced several measures agreed upon after discussions with stakeholders. The base salary for 2A-category laborers will increase by CFA1,000, bringing it to CFA57,000 per month. The monthly dirt allowance will rise from CFA600 to CFA750. The company’s employer contribution for seasonal workers will also increase by CFA500 per month.

Following these adjustments, Sosucam’s management has called on all employees to return to work starting Saturday, February 8, 2025.

Source: Business in Cameroon

11, February 2025

11 February: Paul Biya’s empty speech ⁰

My dear young compatriots,

In my message to you last year, in similar circumstances, shortly after our country’s challenging campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Côte d’Ivoire, I assured you that we would return to winning ways.

Our brilliant qualification for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament to be hosted by Morocco, is testimony to the remarkable achievements of which, you, our talented and courageous youth are capable, by dint of hard work and discipline.

On behalf of you all, I would like to sincerely congratulate our brave Indomitable Lions and their managers. I urge them to forge ahead this path, to continue bringing joy and pride to the Cameroonian people and to set an example to our youth. The Government, under my leadership, will spare no effort to give them all the support they need.

However, I believe I should emphasize here, that the positive momentum we are celebrating together today will bear fruit only if harmony, solidarity and team spirit prevail within and around the team. In this regard, I appeal to the sense of responsibility of all stakeholders.

My dear young compatriots,

This year holds many challenges for our country, our people and our youth. In my recent address to the Nation, I reviewed the constraints awaiting us in our quest for progress.

Some of them stem from the international environment and others from our country’s internal circumstances. I will not come back on that.

On the same occasion, I also highlighted the commendable efforts made by the Government to address these constraints and to actively continue to improve the living conditions of our fellow-citizens, based on strong economic growth and the need to maintain peace and security.

While the vast majority appreciated the sincerity of my message, some pessimists chose to focus on the fact that one thing or another had not been done, or had not yet been done, disregarding the real and verifiable constraints I mentioned.

My dear young compatriots,

Let me assure you: Whatever the criticism, I will always speak the language of truth to you.

And the truth is that, despite the multiple and complex obstacles to our development efforts, we have achieved very much together. Tremendous strides have been made in recent years, thanks to our combined efforts and the unwavering support you have lent me.

My dear young compatriots,

I know that, as with all young people worldwide, your education and training mean everything to you. Understandably, you are particularly concerned about your entry into the labour market.

Let’s talk about your training for a moment.

It is clear that, with each passing year, the training opportunities are getting better and better in terms of quantity and quality.

The school and university landscape continues to expand and diversify with the establishment of new primary, secondary and higher education institutions.

New specialized courses are regularly introduced in government secondary schools and universities. The professionalization of training curricula is ongoing in all types of education systems to provide young graduates with the requisite technical skills likely to facilitate their access to the labour market.

Similarly, through operational training centres, young people without qualifications can learn a trade and find their place in society. In this regard, I am delighted with the opening of the Nanga-Eboko and Lembe-Yézoum vocational training centres. Other centres are being built in various localities around the country.

I have also instructed the Government to fast-track the setting-up of municipal employment offices, to provide optimum support for young jobseekers.

Furthermore, the number of learners in Vocational Training Centres of Excellence has increased significantly following the reduction in tuition fees in these institutions.

My dear young compatriots,

No country is spared by the youth unemployment phenomenon. Commendable efforts are ongoing to reduce it. To this end, I have instructed the Government to establish a regulatory framework to support the recruitment of first-time jobseekers.

This mechanism is intended to provide better support to young people who have never had a job and to help them find their first job.

The National Directory of Jobs, Trades and Professions has also been set up with this goal in mind. It will help to consolidate, analyse and disseminate information on available job opportunities in our country.

Furthermore, the Government will continue to ensure that training opportunities are as relevant as possible to actual labour market needs, to prevent many graduates ending up unemployed. Scholarships were awarded to hundreds of young Cameroonians in 2024.

I have also instructed the Government to involve as many young people as possible in preserving the environment and combating climate change.

Such is the objective of the ongoing Green Jobs Promotion Programme. It will ultimately help to create over ten thousand jobs through income-generating activities in areas such as sanitation, waste recycling and organic farming.

In the coming weeks, the contractualization of health workers that I announced at the end of last year will be launched. This initiative will spare thousands of young health sector graduates from social insecurity and improve their living conditions.

As you can see, Government is actively developing strategies and tools to reduce youth unemployment. Many government services are being mobilized for this purpose and substantial financial resources are allocated each year to achieve this goal.

Believe me, I will not relent in the fight I have been waging for years against unemployment, particularly youth unemployment.

My dear young compatriots,

I want to assure you that public service recruitments will continue. However, you know as well as I that, whatever the Government’s determination and our country’s available financial resources, these will never suffice to offer every young person a job in the public service or in the private sector.

I can understand the frustration of many of you. Unfortunately, this frustration leads some of you to wander off the beaten path, and to go astray.

Others, in desperation, choose the perilous and devious route of illegal immigration, with often tragic outcomes, as we are aware.

And yet, as you know, paid employment is not the only means to enter the labour market.

Other avenues exist. Once again, I urge you to explore opportunities in sectors such as agriculture and livestock farming. You should draw inspiration from the success stories of Samuel Tony OBAM BIKOUE, who has established an agro-industry, or the young TATA BAKARY, who now runs a large farming complex.

Let me remind you that you are definitely the most technology-savvy generation. So take advantage of digital technology to create self-employment opportunities and to address the challenges of your time.

I would also encourage you to participate in the moral, civic and entrepreneurial rearmament programme that the Government has designed to strengthen your civic engagement.

My dear young compatriots,

I understand your legitimate desire to realize your dreams and improve your living conditions. It is only natural that you expect the Government to provide appropriate solutions to the issues that are vital to your fulfilment.

This year, once again, our country will hold important elections. This will afford those of you who meet the legal requirements, the opportunity to freely exercise your civic duty. When the time comes, it will be up to you to make your choice responsibly, in peace and quiet.

Therefore, I urge you not to pay heed to the siren calls by some irresponsible individuals. Do not let them use you to achieve their evil plans of wreaking chaos in our beloved and beautiful country.

Also, do not be swayed by the false and often unachievable promises they try to lure you with.

For my part, I assure you that I will continue to stand by your side in addressing the challenges you face.

Happy Youth Day to you all.

Thank you.

10, February 2025

French Cameroun: Boko Haram attacks Sanda Wajiri in the Far North, Kills Four ⁰

Boko Haram insurgents reportedly attacked Sanda Wajiri, a remote village near Kolofata in northern Cameroon, late Sunday night, killing four people and setting fire to homes and food stores.

According to security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, who reported the incident on his X handle, the terrorists stormed the village heavily armed, shooting indiscriminately.

10, February 2025

Southern Cameroons Crisis: football match abandoned in Bamenda after gunfire ⁰

A football match in Cameroon’s first division had to be abandoned on Sunday after gunmen opened fire near the stadium in Bamenda, the chief city in the North West region, according to local police and eyewitnesses.

Players ran off the pitch and fans dived for cover when shots rang out near the end of the first half of the game between PWD Bamenda and Fauve Azur forcing officials to suspend the game, local police told reporters.

“The match was going on when we suddenly heard several gunshots. It was so terrifying. There was total confusion at the stadium and people were running in all directions,” James Nfor who was at the stadium said.

Police said that no one was harmed after the timely intervention of security forces forced the gunmen to flee.

It was not immediately clear who fired the gun, but local authorities said separatist fighters who have been operating in the region were responsible.

An armed separatist conflict has been going in Cameroon’s two Anglophone regions of Northwest and Southwest since 2017. Separatists say they want to create an independent nation in the regions.

Source: Xinhuanet

10, February 2025

Biya, Ngute didn’t know minister Laurent Esso had travelled to India for treatment ⁰

Not many people within the ruling CPDM party are aware that even the most powerful men and women in Cameroon are still human beings with bodies and families who sometimes need to take time off, whether for medical reasons, personal matters, or just to recharge. But the Cameroonian people who rely on them still need to know where they are.

That’s the issue at hand with Justice Minister Laurent Esso who recently disappeared from the nation’s capital Yaoundé. Mr Esso reportedly left Yaoundé for Paris and later moved to India and was placed in intensive care. But the Cameroonian people were not informed until Cameroon Intelligence Report published an update on the minister— and, even more surprisingly, neither was Mr Esso’s ultimate boss, President Paul Biya.

That is shockingly disturbing mindful of Laurent Esso’s job as Minister for Justice and Keeper of the Seals, one whose command of the Cameroonian judiciary is second only to the president.

The Minister for Justice plays a crucial role in the chain of command in Cameroon. He controls solid aspects and areas of national security on a 24/7 basis. That’s an important function in a country. Laurent Esso is an important personality in a way that even some of the other cabinet ministers are not.

Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute has still not commented on the where about of his Justice Minister who is currently undergoing treatment for cancer in India. There are rumours that Biya is planning to get rid of him amid continuing demands for him to be interrogated on the journalist Martinez Zogo affair.

The Biya administration is already stretched trying to manage the crisis in Southern Cameroons, the reemergence of Boko Haram in the Far North and is facing a tough reelection battle in October. Laurent Esso’s absence from the country is apparently a national security own-goal that has come at a worse time for Biya and his ruling CPDM crime syndicate.

Esso has been Minister for Justice for more than three decades without a distinguished judicial career.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai