Southern Cameroons Crisis: Total facility set ablaze by Ambazonia fighters in Mamfe

23, January 2023

Southern Cameroons Crisis: Total facility set ablaze by Ambazonia fighters in Mamfe 0

A Total facility located in Mamfe the chief town in Manyu Division has been set ablaze by people suspected to be Ambazonia Revolutionary Guards.

The incident occurred late on Monday when Southern Cameroons Self Defense Forces stormed the facility located beside the Mamfe High Court and set it ablaze.  

Cameroon Concord News understands the inferno destroyed all the oil storage tanks and other equipment.

The destruction is yet to attract the attention of the Biya Francophone Beti Ewondo regime that is busy resisting a genuine offer from the Canadian government geared towards achieving peace in English speaking Cameroon.

A prominent Manyu citizen contacted by our undercover reporter in Mamfe expressed regret over the destruction of the facility but said French business interest everywhere in Southern Cameroons should be targeted by Amba fighters.

The Francophone Divisional Officer for Manyu is expected to blame the attack on bunkering activities.

By Kinsley Betek in Mamfe

Southern Cameroons Crisis: Both Anglophones and Francophones should join forces to engineer a regime change in Yaoundé

23, January 2023

Southern Cameroons Crisis: Both Anglophones and Francophones should join forces to engineer a regime change in Yaoundé 0

While Cameroonians across the world are optimistic about the resolution of the socio-political crisis which has fractured the country and hurt its economy, the hawks in the Yaounde government who are clearly frozen in time are seeking to scuttle plans by the international community to engineer peace in the Cameroon’s two English-speaking regions.

In a press release signed by the country’s communication minister, Rene Emmanuel Sadi, who also doubles as the government’s spokesperson, it is clear that the government stuck in its old ways and prepared to throw a monkey-wrench into the peace process which has received global approval with Canada designated to play a leadership role. The press release stresses that it is first and foremost up to the people of Cameroon and the leaders to seek ways and means to address problems facing the country.

It must be pointed out that Cameroon’s current leaders have never been voted into power by the people of Cameroon. For more than 30 years, no free and fair elections have ever been held in Cameroon and rigging elections is the only way the current regime knows. 

The Yaoundé government is noted for its dishonesty, and it will be preposterous for any reasonable person to trust a word from a government which is on its last leg. Mr. Rene Sadi’s unfortunate release should not dampen anybody determination to bring peace to the country.  

Cameroonians must be willing to drag their so-called leaders to the negotiating table if real change has to occur in the country. Only a massive revolution will change things in Cameroon and Cameroonians must accept that some people have to die for others to live in peace. Power never concedes and freedom is never granted on a platter of gold.

Cameroonians – both Anglophones and Francophones – should join forces to engineer a regime change in Yaoundé.

By Rita Akana 

Ambazonia Crisis: “Canadian capitalism and federalism will make Cameroon the envy of the continent”

23, January 2023

Ambazonia Crisis: “Canadian capitalism and federalism will make Cameroon the envy of the continent” 0

The Southern Cameroons crisis which has resulted in the death of thousands and the displacement of more than a million Cameroonians is gradually losing steam and there is hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel following the Canadian government’s announcement that it was happy to play a leadership role in upcoming negotiations and talks between the warring factions. The Canadian government has opted to openly lead the talks which will ultimately bring peace to the country, especially to the two English-speaking regions and many Cameroonians welcome Canada’s leadership role. Dr. Joachim Arrey, himself a Canadian and a native of Ossing in the Southwest region of Cameroon, has been relentless in his call for peace and has never stopped to urge the Canadian government to play a key role in any talks given the country’s experience in dealing with its own linguistic minorities and he had this to say when the Cameroon Concord News Group editor, Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai, sought his opinion after the announcement by the Canadian foreign affairs minister. 

Cameroon Concord News: It is always a pleasure to see you, especially at this time when Cameroonians are looking forward to a resolution of the conflict. What is your view about the Canadian government’s announcement?

Dr. Jaochim Arrey: Thank you, Mr. Editor, for giving me the opportunity to share my perspective on the Canadian government announcement regarding the resolution of the conflict in the Cameroon’s two English-speaking regions. Let me clearly state that I am very happy that Canada has come out openly to help find a long-lasting and peaceful solution to the conflict in Cameroon which has blighted the lives of many Cameroonians. Canada has always indicated its interest to play a key role but disagreements between the warring factions did not let Canada, an honest and neutral peace-broker to help pull Cameroon out of its mess. Canada was among those countries financing the Swiss-led peace mediation process which began in 2019, but the Cameroon government pulled out of the process last year. This was disappointing. Canada has unquestionable experience in the organization of referendums and inter-governmental negotiations and its offer should be taken seriously by all the parties. Canada has once been caught up in a socio-political mess like the one in which Cameroon finds itself when Quebecers wanted to walk away from the Canadian confederation. This experience will surely come in handy when the North American country will be mediating. 

Cameroon Concord News: Do you think this process will deliver any hope?

Dr. Joachim Arrey: There is hope on the horizon. Cameroonians cannot afford to miss this golden opportunity. I know Canadians for their patience and determination. There will be challenges, but Canadian negotiators are very astute and experienced when it comes to conflict management and resolution. Let us not be deceived. If Canada has come out with such a statement, know that the whole world is behind the Trudeau government when it comes to the Southern Cameroons crisis. There have been several behind-the-scenes talks in Mont-Tremblant in Quebec and in Toronto in Ontario, and despite the massive disagreements between the warring factions, Canadian negotiators kept their calm and they have been steering the ship to peaceful shores. The world is standing behind Canada. The Cameroon government, which has not yet issued any statement after the Canadian foreign affairs minister said that Canada would lead the negotiations, must seize this opportunity if it really wants peace to return to the country. The separatists have already sent out a press release and they all, at least most of them, agree that Canada is a trusted partner and are in favor of peace talks which should reduce tensions in the two English-speaking regions in the months ahead. Even the Vatican is involved in the process. On Sunday during an address, Pope Francis urged the signatories to the Canadian-mediated peace process to “persevere on the path of dialogue.” Tibor Nagy, the top U.S. diplomat on African affairs during the Donald Trump Administration, has also chipped in a tweet, hoping that the talks would result in peace. He however warned that the Cameroon government might engage in delaying tactics. The process will be an uphill climb and time is of the essence. Both parties must demonstrate flexibility and there is a need for substantive actions such as a ceasefire and prisoner release to ensure that support for the peace process does not collapse.  The government must demonstrate a lot of good will. It should release Sisiku Julius Ayuk Tabe and his team as a demonstration of its seriousness and sincerity.

Cameroon Concord News: One of the issues which resulted in the escalation of violence was the form of the state. Do you see that happening?

Dr. Joachim Arrey: I don’t think the form of the state has been cast in stone. Cameroon was initially a federal system, and it was changed by an individual who thought a united republic would bring more peace and unity to the country. After many decades, it is obvious that a highly centralized system has failed the people of Cameroon. Things are falling apart. Corruption and abuse of power are blighting the lives of our young people. The form of the state will be on the table and to the best of my knowledge, Canada is not for secession. Canada will never support any group which stands for secession. Canada will use its own experience to engineer peace in Cameroon. The most likely form of government which will emerge from these talks will be a federal system which will grant the people the right and opportunity to run their own affairs. The federal government will only be in charge of natural resources, the military and foreign affairs. I am hopeful and I stand for a federal system.

Cameroon Concord News: Which form of federalism do you stand for?

Dr. Joachim Arrey: Ultimately, it is the people of Cameroon who must decide on the form of the state they think will deliver the best possible development results for their country. For me, I stand for a ten-state federal system which will engineer sustainable development in all the nooks and crannies of the country. I want the Southwest region, my own region, to be free from any form of fighting. As a people, we should never forget how we got entangled with French Cameroon. We must be bold and audacious when it comes to sharing our perspective on the new Cameroon which will emerge after the talks. I really admire the Canadian federal system which has brought the best living conditions to Canadians. It is cost-effective and nobody gets left behind. Canada is run on capitalism, but Canadian capitalism is different from American capitalism. Canada’s capitalism is known as Compassionate Capitalism, and this has brought prosperity to many, and life is simple in Canada. I have spent 25 years of my life in Canada, and I can speak without fear of contradiction that Canadian capitalism and federalism will make Cameroon the envy of the continent. 

Cameroon Concord News: You are versed with the Canadian and American systems. I am sure people like you should lend a hand to the peace efforts. Will you be willing to lend that hand if given an opportunity? 

Dr. Joachim Arrey:  Cameroon is the country of my birth, and I can do anything to make it a better place for our young people. I have had more than my fair share of life and I think it is a responsibility for me to help rebuild Cameroon after having worked for over thirty years in Cameroon, Canada and at the international level. I must be quick to add that my services to Cameroon will always be honorary (free-of-charge). As Cameroonians, we must seek to rebuild our country. Nobody will do it for us. Let us all support the peace process. It is not about any individual, it is about the country, a country blessed with natural and human resources which if well harnessed could transform our country into an earthly paradise. 

Cameroon Concord News: Thank you Dr. Joachim Arrey for your time.

Dr. Jaochim Arrey: I should be the one to thank you for the excellent job you and your team are doing to bring the latest news on Cameroon to the world. Have a great day!

Football: Aboubakar embarking on his third tenure with Besiktas

22, January 2023

Football: Aboubakar embarking on his third tenure with Besiktas 0

Besiktas have swooped to sign Vincent Aboubakar after his release from Al Nassr following Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival,

Aboubakar’s contract was terminated by the Saudi Arabian club to make way for Ronaldo, as the Saudi League rules state that clubs can only register up to eight foreign players per squad.

The arrival of Aboubakar is a replacement for Wout Weghorst, who cut short his loan in Turkey and joined Manchester United from Burnley.

Aboubakar is embarking on his third tenure with Besiktas, having already had two spells over the past five years.

He spearheaded the club to two Super Lig titles with an impressive 35 goals and nine assists in 67 matches.

The forward spent two seasons with Al-Nassr, scoring 13 goals in 39 games.

He impressed at the World Cup in Qatar, scoring one of the goals of the tournament and a winner against Brazil.

Source: Dailymail

French Cameroun: Remains of journalist Martinez Zogo found in Yaoundé

22, January 2023

French Cameroun: Remains of journalist Martinez Zogo found in Yaoundé 0

The remains found in a field are those of the host of the popular program “Embouteillages” on Amplitude FM journalist Martinez Zogo, police have confirmed.

A gruesome discovery, in the middle of a bare field, a naked corpse showed traces of blood, suggesting that the victim had suffered a long period of physical pain before his death.

Zogo, was first reported missing on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 in Yaoundé and was found dead on Sunday, January 22.

His family, friends and colleagues are convinced that Zogo was murdered by Cameroon government agents following his continued coverage of corruption and mismanagement of public funds by the regime in Yaoundé.

In a statement issued Friday, January 20, about the disappearance of the Cameroonian whistleblower, the Minister of Communication and government spokesman, Rene Sadi said that “Instructions have been given so that all light is shed on the disappearance of Mr. Zogo Martinez”

By Rita Akana in Yaoundé

Southern Cameroons Crisis: Canada to lead Cameroon down the path of federalism

22, January 2023

Southern Cameroons Crisis: Canada to lead Cameroon down the path of federalism 0

The announcement by the Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister, Mélanie Joly, to the effect that there is a peace process aimed at resolving the ongoing crisis in the North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon has generated a lot of enthusiasm in Cameroon, especially in the country’s two English-speaking regions where many innocent civilians are still being killed and others being exploited by government soldiers sent to the regions to help restore peace and unity. 

The announcement clearly points out that “Civilians are bearing the brunt of the ongoing crisis in Cameroon, with more than 6,000 people having lost their lives since 2017. In addition, nearly 800,000 people have been displaced as a result of this crisis, and 600,000 children do not have full access to education.

The announcement also underscores that Canada welcomes the agreement by the parties to enter a process to reach a comprehensive, peaceful and political resolution of the conflict, underscoring that the parties have also agreed to form technical committees to begin work on confidence-building measures.

Canada, a trusted partner around the world, holds that the agreement to enter a formal process is a critical first step toward peace and a safer, more inclusive and prosperous future for civilians affected by the conflict and the North American country is ready to provide much-needed leadership in the resolution of a conflict which has left many dead.

Canada therefore “… commend all parties for engaging in substantive dialogue. We encourage all stakeholders to support and work with the parties to advance and contribute to an inclusive process to reach a lasting and sustainable political settlement, stressing that “Canada has accepted the mandate to facilitate this process, as part of our commitment to promote peace and security and advance support for democracy and human rights. Our role also reflects Canada’s engagement to work with our African partners to build a better future for everyone.

It should be recalled that Canada does not support Cameroon’s dislocation and has underscored, through many media, that it has had significant experience with its own minorities which it intends to put at the service of Cameroon so that the different communities can live in peace and work tirelessly towards the attainment of economic prosperity. 

Canada is a middle-class civilization which runs on equitable distribution of resources so that its citizens can have the best possible living conditions. Canada believes in federalism and it holds that with a federal structure, Cameroon can become the continent’s envy. 

Canada’s federal system is cost-effective, and it grants the citizens unfettered access to their leaders and the right to run their own affairs except for foreign affairs, natural resources and the military. Canadian federalism diminishes conflicts among the various communities, and this has made Canada one of the best countries to live in the world.

By Dr. Joachim Arrey

Manyu: Oil and gas show up in Mamfe

22, January 2023

Manyu: Oil and gas show up in Mamfe 0

It has been going on as rumor, but as the government has been reluctant to conduct any prospection in Manyu Division, oil and gas have begun showing up in parts of Mamfe and Besongabang.  

Baku, a small river in Banya quarters of Mamfe town, has begun delivering the secrets which have been hiding for centuries in Manyu’s sub-soil.

All over the town, rivers are bearing oily films and the smell of gas is all over the town of Mamfe. Samples of the oil have already been sent to SONARA for testing and if confirmed, then Manyu Division is sitting on one of Africa’s largest oil reserves. 

The same signs of a massive oil deposit in Manyu have also shown up in Ossing where the BADI river is mimicking what has just been happening in Baku in Mamfe town. It is suspected that Kembong, the division’s second largest town, might be holding massive oil and gas reserves.

The populations of Banya, Besongabang Ntenako, Nchang and Ossing might have to be displaced for the oil to be drilled and if this were to happen, then the government will end up with a massive job on its hands. 

The government of Cameroon has never been transparent with the management of the country’s resources and, Indian Division which accounts for most of the country’s oil deposit, is one of the most underdeveloped areas of the country, with many of the Division’s children not even going to school.

The oil deposits in Manyu Division will have to be managed differently as the fighting in the two English-speaking regions of the country is also based on the government’s poor management of natural resources in the two regions.

Manyu’s sub-soil might just be one of those blessings which might end up as a curse. The fighting that has left the government with a bloodshot eye might intensify in the days ahead if government does not come up with a clear plan on how to engage the Anglophone Diaspora and the Ambazonian fighters who are not in any mood to abandon their objective of obtaining total independence for Southern Cameroons. 

The international community has already been informed about the oil deposits in Mamfe and venture capitalists are already packing their bags to find out if the oil and gas are in commercial quantities.

Manyu’s economic and financial destiny is bound to change with the discovery of these oil and gas deposits. Manyu has many oil and gas experts, and their services will be solicited to ensure the people of this region benefit from their blessing. 

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai with correspondent reports

Yaoundé: Minister of Mines dies out of undisclosed illness

21, January 2023

Yaoundé: Minister of Mines dies out of undisclosed illness 0

Cameroon’s Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development died on Saturday out of an undisclosed illness.

Two government sources hinted Cameroon Intelligence Report that he chaired a crucial meeting and received the Italian ambassador a day before he was rushed to the CNPS hospital where he died shortly after despite the so-called specialist treatment.

Gabriel Dodo Ndoke, a native of Kady in the East Region made his entry into the Biya government in January 2019 aged 48 and was painted as the youngest cabinet minister in the Ndion Ngute administration.

By Rita Akana

Southern Cameroons Crisis: Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs issues statement

20, January 2023

Southern Cameroons Crisis: Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs issues statement 0

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on the announcement of a peace process aimed at resolving the ongoing crisis in the North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon:

“Civilians are bearing the brunt of the ongoing crisis in Cameroon, with more than 6,000 people having lost their lives since 2017. In addition, nearly 800,000 people have been displaced as a result of this crisis, and 600,000 children do not have full access to education.

“Canada welcomes the agreement by the parties to enter a process to reach a comprehensive, peaceful and political resolution of the conflict. The parties have also agreed to form technical committees to begin work on confidence-building measures.

“The agreement to enter a formal process is a critical first step toward peace and a safer, more inclusive and prosperous future for civilians affected by the conflict.

“We commend all parties for engaging in substantive dialogue. We encourage all stakeholders to support and work with the parties to advance and contribute to an inclusive process to reach a lasting and sustainable political settlement.

“Canada has accepted the mandate to facilitate this process, as part of our commitment to promote peace and security and advance support for democracy and human rights. Our role also reflects Canada’s engagement to work with our African partners to build a better future for everyone.

“The parties to this agreement are the Republic of Cameroon, the Ambazonia Governing Council and the Ambazonia Defence Force, the African People’s Liberation Movement and the Southern Cameroons Defence Force, the Interim Government, and the Ambazonia Coalition Team. The parties further express the hope that other groups will join the process.’’

Culled from Canada.ca

Senatorial Elections: Chief Tabetando is not a saint but leave him alone!

20, January 2023

Senatorial Elections: Chief Tabetando is not a saint but leave him alone! 0

Since the country’s president, Paul Biya, announced senatorial elections in Cameroon, many reactionaries have jumped into higher gear with a view to destroying those they do not like. For years, we have not heard much that can validly destroy, Chief George Tabetando’s career, but since the elections were announced, an army of enemies has been at work, even accusing the brilliant lawyer of raping a housemaid. 

It is hard to trust any human being when it comes to sex, but this allegation against Senator George Tabetando at a time when he wants to run again for the senate clearly points to the fact that some enemies have an ulterior motive, and the objective is clear – destroy a man who loves his people. 

Though a CPDM senator, Chief Tabetando of Bachou Ntai has always worked for the development of his people. Chief Tabetando is not perfect and like many Manyu people, he also has an eye for beautiful women. But having an eye for the daughters of eve does not make him a bad person. 

In the height of the Southern Cameroons crisis, Chief Tabetando travelled to Mamfe to plead with the young fighters for them to forgive the government and to come out of the bushes so that a peaceful solution to the conflict could be found. He was not ashamed to go on his knees to demonstrate that he was not superior to anybody. Not many top politicians in Cameroon can do that. Leave Tabetando alone! 

Why is it that those allegations are only surfacing now? It is alleged that he raped the lady who braided his wife’s hair, and the act took place in the comfort of their home. How come the wife never heard the woman scream or resist the honorable and brilliant lawyer?  

Chief Tabetando may be mad, but his madness surely has a method. He knows that he can take his madness away from his family and he is a man who always has his wits about him.  Chief Tabetando is a barrister at law, and he understands that such an act could blow up his brilliant career and expose him to ridicule. 

The Cameroon Concord News Group is not holding any brief for the honorable senator. It is just seeking to point out that Senator Tabetando’s enemies are at work. Unfortunately, they will not be succeeding this time around. The Cameroon Concord News Group will support any person elected to the senate, but it will not stand by and watch any dirty games designed to destroy a man who has always earned his keep. 

Tabetando was a great lawyer, and his former clients can attest to that. As a senator, it is hard to cast him in the best possible light as he is a representative of a party which has failed to meet the glorious expectations of the nation. But as an individual, Tabetando, the chief of Bachou Ntai, deserves our respect. Seeking to sling mud at him will be one big mistake. It is time to walk away from nasty politics!  

 Dr. Joachim Arrey  

«< 268 269 270 271 272 >»
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.