14, November 2023

Gabon junta promises free elections in August 2025 ⁰

Gabon’s military leaders who deposed president Ali Bongo Ondimba in August announced on Monday that elections would be held in August 2025 under a timetable that first foresees national dialogue.

“August 2025: elections and end of the transition,” a regime spokesman said on live state TV, referring to an official but “indicative” transition timeframe, adopted by cabinet but to be submitted to a national conference next year.

The conference, scheduled for April 2024, would be made up of all the country’s “vital actors”.

Ali Bongo, 64, who had ruled the central African country since 2009, was overthrown by military leaders on August 30, moments after being proclaimed the winner in a presidential election, which both the army and the opposition declared fraudulent.

Gabon’s new Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima has said that a two-year transition before the free elections promised by the country’s new military rulers was a “reasonable objective”.

Ndong Sima was appointed as head of the transitional government by General Brice Oligui Nguema, who led the coup d’etat against Ali Bongo Ondimba.

Source: AFP

14, November 2023

Yaoundé will be eventually forced to back down in face of Amba resistance ⁰

The Vice President of the Ambazonia Interim Government has hailed the steadfastness of Southern Cameroon fighters in the face of continued French Cameroun military operations in Ground Zero, stressing that Yaoundé will eventually have no option but to retreat in humiliation.

Dabney Yerima made the remarks in a Saturday audio broadcast from Holland.

The exiled Southern Cameroons leader stated that time is not in favour of the French Cameroun enemy. Yerima added that Southern Cameroonians all over the world must continue to resist.

He furthered that Yaoundé is confused and this is reflected in the contradictory statements being made by Francophone political elites.

Dabney Yerima emphasized that Ambazonia self defense operations will intensify both in terms of numbers and type this December and will continue on a daily basis.

By Toto Roland Motuba

14, November 2023

UK: Former Prime Minister appointed foreign secretary ⁰

David Cameron has said he wants to support Prime Minister Rishi Sunak “at a hard time”, after making a dramatic comeback to government in a major cabinet reshuffle.

The former prime minister has been appointed foreign secretary and accepted a peerage to take the post.

He replaced James Cleverly, who became home secretary after Mr Sunak sacked Suella Braverman.

Lord Cameron admitted it was “not usual” for a former PM “to come back”.

But he said at a time when the country faced “daunting challenges” in the Middle East and Ukraine, he hoped his experience would be helpful to Mr Sunak’s government.

“I’ve decided to join this team because I believe Rishi Sunak is a good prime minister doing a difficult job at a hard time,” Lord Cameron said. “I want to support him.”

Later the Foreign Office said Mr Cameron had spoken to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday evening, and they discussed “the conflict in the Middle East, Israel’s right to self defence and the need for humanitarian pauses to allow the safe passage of aid into Gaza” – as well as their continued support for Ukraine and the strength and depth of the relationship between the UK and the US.

Mrs Braverman’s sacking kickstarted Monday’s cabinet reshuffle by Mr Sunak, whose party is lagging far behind Labour in opinion polls, after more than 13 years in power.

Mr Sunak’s decision to sack Mrs Braverman came after the former home secretary accused the Metropolitan Police of bias in its handling of protests.

The prime minister’s spokesperson stressed the importance of having a “united team” and acknowledged there had been “differences of style” between Mrs Braverman and Mr Sunak.

In a speech at the Lord Mayor’s Banquet in London, Mr Sunak said the world faced “deeply challenging times” and “it falls to us to do everything we can to shape these events”.

He said the UK government had “delivered one of the most significant years for British foreign policy in recent times” and praised Mr Cleverly for his work on Ukraine as foreign secretary.

“I’m pleased to have appointed a new foreign secretary who will build on everything we have achieved in the last year,” Mr Sunak said.

By bringing back Lord Cameron and firing Mrs Braverman, who is popular on the right of the Conservative Party, the prime minister has risked deepening divisions among his MPs.

Conservative former Cabinet minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg said the Conservatives were “in danger of losing votes to the Reform party”.

Reform leader Richard Tice was “as happy as can be” when he saw him earlier, he told BBC Newsnight, adding: “The Champagne will be flowing in the Reform party headquarters tonight after what’s been done today.”

In key changes, Steve Barclay took Therese Coffey’s job as environment secretary, and Victoria Atkins became health secretary.

Former transport minister Richard Holden became Tory party chairman, taking over from Greg Hands.

Other senior cabinet members remained in post, including Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and Education Secretary Gillian Keegan.

It was Lord Cameron’s appointment that stunned Westminster and made him the first former prime minister to re-enter government since the 1970s.

Source: BBC

14, November 2023

Yaoundé: Minister Beti Assomo urges tightened security for year-end celebrations ⁰

Defense Minister Joseph Beti Assomo on Monday warned that measures needed to be taken to tackle security challenges that will likely characterize end-of-year festivities.

“Our compatriots will have to live this end of year period in a security context marked by pockets of security concerns, particularly in the Far North, Northwest and Southwest regions,” Assomo said in Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon, during a security meeting.

These areas will experience increased economic activities and population movement during the festivities, Assomo said, adding that the defense and security forces are prepared to ensure a safe and peaceful environment for Christmas and New Year celebrations. Additional troops will be deployed to the Far North region, where Boko Haram attacks continue, as well as to the Anglophone regions of Northwest and Southwest, where an armed separatist insurgency is ongoing.

Source: Xinhuanet

14, November 2023

Southern Cameroons Crisis: 4 soldiers, 6 Amba fighters killed in Belo ⁰

At least six separatist fighters and four soldiers were killed in clashes over the weekend in Cameroon’s restive Anglophone region of Northwest, local and security sources said Monday.

On Sunday, separatist fighters ambushed soldiers on patrol in Belo locality of the region, killing three of them after a shootout, a military official in the region, who requested not to be named, said.

On Saturday, another separatist attack in Bamenda town led to the death of a soldier identified as Zambo Biyidi, according to the official and witnesses.

The attack in Bamenda occurred barely hours after government troops raided a separatist hideout in Nguri locality of the region.

“Six separatist terrorists, including their commander, were killed in the military offensive. Many of them escaped with bullet wounds. Our brave soldiers are intensifying security measures to ensure that the people of this region enjoy a peaceful end-of-year festivities,” the military official said.

Local residents said the separatist fighters had “become a terror” for the people, engaging in kidnappings for ransom “all the time.”

Armed separatists have been clashing with government forces since 2017 in an attempt to achieve the “independence” of the English-speaking regions of Northwest and Southwest.

Source: Xinhuanet

12, November 2023

Pope Francis dismisses US bishop who was prominent critic ⁰

Pope Francis on Saturday dismissed US bishop Joseph Strickland, a prominent conservative who has repeatedly criticised his papacy, following concerns over his leadership and governance.

The Vatican did not explain the move, a rare sacking in the Catholic Church where troublesome senior clerics are normally encouraged — or told — to resign.

But a US cardinal said it was linked to an inquiry ordered by Francis into “all aspects of governance and leadership” of Strickland’s Tyler diocese in Texas.

Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, also of Texas, said the so-called apostolic visitation in June reported back that it was “not feasible” that the bishop stay in office.

He revealed that Strickland, 65, had been asked on Thursday to resign, but refused — prompting Francis to step in.

“The Holy Father has relieved from the pastoral governance of the diocese of Tyler (US) Joseph E. Strickland,” the Vatican said in a statement.

It said the bishop of Austin, Joe Vasquez, had been named as apostolic administrator of the diocese, but gave no further details.

‘Reactionary attitude’

Strickland was appointed by Benedict XVI in 2012, and became one of the most prominent critics of his successor, Pope Francis.

The Argentine pope, 86, has sought since taking office 10 years ago to forge a more compassionate Church, open to different views.

But he has faced intense opposition from critics — particularly in the United States — who accuse him of causing confusion and failing to uphold key Catholic beliefs.

In a message earlier this year on X, formerly Twitter, Strickland said that while he recognised Francis as the pope, “I reject his programme of undermining the deposit of faith”.

Many of Francis’ critics complain he is not outspoken enough on abortion and too compassionate towards homosexuals and divorcees.

He in turn lamented earlier this year the “strong reactionary attitude” of some Catholics in the US, who he said do not understand the “evolution in the understanding of matters of faith and morals”.

‘Speak His truth’

The Vatican has not commented on its inquiry into the Texas diocese, but Strickland previously said that two US bishops spent a week conducting interviews — including with him — about the situation there.

In a blog post in September, he addressed rumours that he would be asked to leave voluntarily.

“I cannot resign as bishop of Tyler because that would be me abandoning the flock” under his care, he wrote.

“I have also said that I will respect the authority of Pope Francis if he removes me from office as Bishop of Tyler.”

He added that he loved Jesus Christ and the Church, and “my only desire is to speak His truth and live God’s will to the best of my ability.”

Commentators say it is extremely rare for a bishop to be directly relieved of their position — but not unprecedented.

Francis dismissed a bishop in Puerto Rico, Daniel Fernandez Torres, in similar fashion in March 2022, with the Vatican again giving no reason.

Torres claimed he had been told he had not been “obedient” to the pope and did not have sufficiently good relationships with fellow bishops.

Media reports at the time noted he had supported those who refused compulsory coronavirus vaccinations.

In a statement published on Saturday, Cardinal DiNardo, who is also Archbishop of Galveston-Houston in Texas, explained the process with Strickland.

After the visit to the Tyler diocese, “the recommendation was made to the Holy Father that the continuation in office of Bishop Strickland was not feasible”, he said.

The decision to ask Strickland to resign — and ultimately dismiss him — followed “months of careful consideration”, he added.

There are more than 120,000 Catholics in the diocese of Tyler, out of a total population of more than 1.4 million people, according to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Source: AFP

11, November 2023

Esther Njomo Omam wins 2023 Global Pluralism Award ⁰

Esther Omam, a Cameroonian human rights defender is among three winners who have been selected as the 2023 Global Pluralism Award recipients. The winners receive Sh5.5 million each to continue their work towards pluralism.

Build Up, a Kenyan organization that works with peacebuilding institutions and a network of peace innovators to tackle polarization and make peacebuilding processes more inclusive of diverse voices and perspectives with a specific focus on digital technologies, was shortlisted in this year’s awards. The organization is among the seven others that got honourable mentions.

Esther, a peacebuilder, mediator and human rights defender mobilizing women and young people from across Cameroon to advocate for an end to conflict is joined by Red de Intérpretes y Promotores Interculturales Asociación Civil, an indigenous youth collective in Mexico providing otherwise unavailable indigenous language interpretation to those involved in legal proceedings in Mexico and the United States and Reform: The Palestinian Association for Empowerment and Local Development, a non-governmental organization building solidarity between groups in Palestine by empowering them to get involved in social life and influence decision-making, in the honours.

“The Award winners’ work has enormous value in the world today. Pluralism is not embedded in every society or every country in the world. Those who work for pluralism, those who truly believe that diversity is a source of strength and not weakness, need to be acknowledged and celebrated,” said Dr. Marwan Muasher, Award jury chair and Vice President for Studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

The Global Pluralism Award, which is presented every two years, celebrates the inspiring and brave work that is helping to build more inclusive societies where diversity is valued and protected. The award recipients will be recognized at a ceremony to be held this month in Ottawa, Canada. Each winner will receive $50,000 (CAD) to further their work in support of pluralism.

An independent, international jury of experts selected the three winners and seven honourable mention recipients from among 200 submissions across 60 countries.

Source: Standard Media.Co.Ke

11, November 2023

Cameroon receives US$ 6 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund ⁰

The Under-Secretary-General and Emergency Relief Coordinator (USG/ERC), Martin Griffiths, approved the allocation of US$6 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support the humanitarian response to the needs of the most vulnerable population in Cameroon.

“Underfunding of humanitarian aid is depriving hundreds of thousands of people, already facing violence, displacement, disasters and epidemics, of lifesaving assistance and protection services,” the Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim, Mr. Siaka Coulibaly said. As of 10 November 2023, only 27 per cent of the Humanitarian response Plan 2023 has been funded.

“It is a cruel reality that in many humanitarian operations, aid agencies are scraping along with very little funding right at a time when people’s needs compel them to scale up. Thanks to the generosity of a vast range of donors, we can count on CERF to fill some of the gaps. Lives are saved as a result. […] This is a fund by all and for all”, Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, said.

The crises in Cameroon affect 4.7 million people, including internally displaced persons, returnees, refugees and asylum seekers. This allocation will support the most vulnerable people in hard-to-reach areas in the Far North, North-West, and South-West regions. These populations will benefit from nutrition, shelter/non-food items, water, hygiene, and sanitation assistance and protection, including gender-based violence and child protection services.

In order to strengthen timely access to vulnerable populations and sustainability of humanitarian assistance, the allocation will have a strong focus on the work of and collaboration with national NGOs in affected areas.

Source: reliefweb

10, November 2023

Cameroon’s human rights record to be examined by Universal Periodic Review ⁰

Cameroon’s human rights record will be examined by the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group for the fourth time on Tuesday, 14 November 2023, in a meeting in Geneva that will be webcast live.

Cameroon is one of 14 States to be reviewed by the UPR Working Group during its upcoming session from 6 to 17 November 2023. Cameroon’s first, second and third UPR reviews took place in February 2009, May 2013, and May 2018, respectively.

The UPR Working Group is comprised of the 47 Member States of the Human Rights Council. However, each of the 193 UN Member States can participate in a country review.

The documents on which the reviews are based are: 1) national report – information provided by the State under review; 2) information contained in the reports of independent human rights experts and groups, known as the Special Procedures, human rights treaty bodies, and other UN entities; 3) information provided by other stakeholders including national human rights institutions, regional organizations, and civil society groups.

The UPR is a peer review of the human rights records of all 193 UN Member States. Since its first meeting was held in April 2008, all 193 UN Member States have been reviewed thrice. During the fourth UPR cycle, States are again expected to spell out steps they have taken to implement recommendations posed during their previous reviews which they committed to follow up on and highlight recent human rights developments in the country.

The delegation of Cameroon will be led by Mr. Lejeune Mbella Mbella, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The three country representatives serving as rapporteurs (“troika”) for the review of Cameroon are Côte d’Ivoire, Czechia and Finland.

Culled from the United Nations

10, November 2023

Yaoundé: Biya bids Ambassador Bashkin of Russia farewell ⁰

The 90-year-old Cameroonian dictator met the outgoing Russian ambassador at the so-called Unity Palace.

Ambassador Anatoly Bashkin made a review of the latter’s 6-year mission to Cameroon with a particular focus on Biya’s participation at the recent second Russia-Africa Summit.

Mr Bashkin reminded Biya of the issues President Vladimir Putin raised in Saint Petersburg and acknowledged the expansion of bilateral ties and to boost economic cooperation.

The Russian Diplomat announced preparations for the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Yaounde and Moscow next year.

By Rita Akana in Yaoundé