The President of the Republic and wife Chantal Biya have congratulated Cameroon’s volleyball lionesses for successfully defending their third consecutive title at the just-ended 2021 Africa Women’s Volleyball Championship in Kigali, Rwanda.
In a letter addressed to Christelle Nana, Captain of the female volleyball squad, President Paul Biya says he and the wife were elated to hear about the team’s brilliant victory at the final of this year’s volleyball championship.
My wife and I were informed about your brilliant performance during the final of the Africa Women’s Volleyball Championship that just ended in Kigali. Your talent, commitment and team spirit took you for the third consecutive time at the firmament of Africa. Your performance is exceptional and historic on the African continent…” Part of the letter reads.
He adds that some players including Captain Christelle Nana and player Leticia Moma particularly distinguished themselves during the competition and all went home with titles.
“Cameroonian athletes and the nation as a whole is proud of you. My wife and I extend to you and your technical staff our sincere congratulations and encouragement for the coming competitions.” He concludes.
The girls of Coach Jean Rene Akono defeated their old-age rival Kenya three sets to one to lift the trophy for the third consecutive time Sunday September 19 at the Kigali Arena in Rwanda. They thus made history for themselves, becoming the first African nation to hold the title three times in a row in the history of volleyball on the continent.
Ariane Foguem
Some 8,852 Cameroonians are reported to have been victims of snakebites, 140 among whom died between 2015 to 2020 in Cameroon. The Cameroon Society of Epidemiology, CaSE after conducting a study, revealed the figures to the press last Friday in Yaounde.
Snakebite is considered as a significant cause of death and disability in many parts of the world. In Cameroon, close to 9,000 people-mostly poor and disadvantaged farmers and headers in remote rural areas suffered from it, while 140 among them died from 2015 to 2020.
These figures were disclosed by the Cameroon Society of Epidemiology, CaSE during a press conference organized as part of activities to mark the International Snakebite Awareness Day celebrated yearly on September 19.
According to the association, recent epidemiological studies suggest that the above-mentioned figures grossly underestimate the true burden of the phenomenon in Cameroon.
Officials of the CaSE said out of the 150 species of snakes found in Cameroon, 32 are poisonous, most of which have been recorded in the Far North, South West and South regions of Cameroon.
They added that the treatment of snakebite in Cameroon is very challenging with limited access to safe, effective and affordable anti-venom, poor health seeking-behaviour, lack of appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic infrastructure among others.
As far as access to anti-venoms are concerned, Dr Catherine Mpeck, present at the occasion said they are not produced in Cameroon, reason why access is very limited and available at a high cost. To the average citizen.
According to the another epidemiological experts, the traditional treatment with the use of black stone is grossly ineffective because it can only reduce some of the toxin and not the most dangerous element in the venom.
They called on victims to take note of the type of snake that bites them so that doctors can quickly determine what kind of anti-venom to administer on them for a prompt and effective response that could save a life.
“The International Snakebite Awareness Day is thus an opportunity to raise awareness on the burden of snakebites in Cameroon and advocate for policy changes to improve prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, the association said.
The day was instituted four years ago owing to the growing number of victims of snakebites. At the international level, it is an occasion to remember that snakes bite 7,400 people every day, and that 220–380 men, women and children die as a result. This adds up to around 2.7 million cases of envenoming, and between 81,000 and 138,000 deaths a year, the huge majority being in poor communities in low- and middle-income countries.
It is also an occasion to mark progress – despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic – and to recognise the passion and dedication of people working as public health and medical professionals, veterinarians and researchers to mitigate the impact of snakebite envenoming and the disability, loss of income and loss of life and income it can causes.
Ariane Foguem
About four days after some 15 soldiers were brutally sent to the land of no return in an attack claimed by two groups of separatist fighters led by dreaded Amba General No Pity in Ndop, Ngoketunjia Division of the restive North West region, no communication has been made by the army spokesperson.
In what has been qualified by observers as a disturbing silence, the Cameroonian army is yet to react to the killing of 15 of its members last Thursday September 16 in an attack described as one of the most gruesome on the army since the crisis went violent.
The soldiers from the Rapid Intervention Battalion were on board two armoured vehicles when they were ambushed by two dreadful groups of Ambazonia fighters – the Jaguars of Bamessing, commanded by General Sagard, and the Marines of Bambalang, led by General No Pity along the Bamessing-Sabga stretch of road in the Ngoketunjia Division, North West region.
After torturing and finally killing those that were still alive, the fighters took videos of their victims naked, soaked in their own blood, some with body parts off and others burning and posted them on social media, shocking the entire nation.
It was a complete outrage on social media with many condemning the barbaric act on soldiers on duty and calling on the Government of Cameroon to respond appropriately to the five-year long crisis that is taking a “bitter twist.”
Surprising enough is the silence of the army since the act was perpetrated. Cameroonians in general and families of the victims in particular are still expecting the army’s spokesperson to give clear details on what happened to the soldiers.
For some time now, Ambazonia fighters have been successfully launching deadly attacks on soldiers. Five days before the Ndop incident, seven soldiers of the same Rapid Intervention Battalion, BIR perished after their vehicle exploded upon stepping on an improvised explosive device in Kumbo in the Bui Division, one of the most hard-hit areas by the Anglophone crisis.
Ariane Foguem
Cameroon’s volleyball lionesses have made history for themselves by emerging winners of the 2021 Africa Women’s Volleyball Championship for the third consecutive time against the same opponent. They beat their Kenyan counterparts 3 sets to 1 during the final of the competition yesterday Sunday September 19 in Kigali, Rwanda.
Cameroon’s volleyball lionesses have successfully sailed through the just ended 2021 African Women's Volleyball championship in Kigali, Rwanda, winning all their matches, including the final against their long-time rival, Kenya to make a replica of the competition in 2017 and 2019.
Despite losing one of the sets to Kenya, the very first since the start of the competition, the volleyball lionesses thanks to their 25-21, 25-23 and 25-23 wins for the first two and last sets imposed themselves thereby winning the match on a three sets to one advantage.
The girls thus set record thanks to this third consecutive victory against same rival, Kenya. At the end of the competition, Leticia Moma was crowned best setter and captain Christelle Nana best player.
They team leaves Kigali this Monday morning to arrive Yaounde Tuesday September 21 ahead of preparations for the 2022 World Championship.
It is worth mentionning that with this win, Cameroon confirms its supremacy on the African continent as far as volleyball is concerned. Last week, volleyball lions emerged second after losing the final to 11 times defending champions Tunisia. They nonetheless grabbed their qualification ticket for the World championship.
Ariane Foguem
The President of the Confederation of African Football, CAF Patrice Motsepe has expressed satisfaction with the level of works at the Olembe Stadium in Cameoon, expected to host the opening and closing matches of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON come January 2022.
Dr Patrice Motsepe was speaking Friday September 17 after a visit at the football infrastructure that is at the centre of a heated debate in the country due to the dragging of construction works supposed to have been completed by now.
“I’m a proud African, proud of what I saw at Olembe. Cameron is building here at Olembe one of the most beautiful stadium in the world which will be the pride of Africa…” The CAF boss said as he went round the infrastructure accompanied by his Secretary General, Veron Mosengo Omba, Sports and Physical Education Minister Narcisse Mouelle Kombi and Fecafoot’s interim boss, Seidou Mbombo Njoya.
Before his guided tour at the Olembe stadium, The CAF boss and his Secretary General accompanied by Fecafoot President were received by the Prime Minister Head of Government, Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute at the Star building instead of the Head of State like it was stated in a CAF letter addressed to Minister Narcisse Mouelle Kombi. Nothing official filtered as to why the change of agenda.
That notwithstanding, Patrice Motsepe exchanged with the Prime Minister and described the partnership between Cameroon and CAF as fruitful, indicating he is confident the AFCON will be a moment of pride for Cameroon and the World.
“We had wonderful discussions with the Prime Minister, the Minister of Sports and the management of soccer in Cameroon. We are making good progress because our ambitions and expectations are very high. These ongoing discussions are important to monitor progress.” He said in a CAF communique published at the end of his visit Friday.
He revealed that a CAF team led by the Secretary General, Veron Mosengo Omba based in Cameroon works hand in hand with the local organizing committee, the government and Fecafoot to ensure all is set for the continental jamboree come January 2022.
“I’m convinced we are making good progress and I’m impressed with what I have seen. I would like to thank the Prime Minister for his commitment to ensuring that we achieve our goals.”
Dr Patrice Motsepe is expected in Cameroon in the month of November, when “works at the Olembe stadium must have been completed” for evaluation.
Ariane Foguem
A Unity Monument depicting Cameroon’s national togetherness, standing tall at the roundabout of the entrance to the Unity Palace in Yaounde, Christened the Unity Boulevard has been unveiled to the public.
The masterpiece placed on a star with five branches whose interior points are linked together by a circle, forming a dog of 66 metre in circumference, from which emerge ten pillars, six metres high each, consolidated on the summit by a circular dog, on whose base parades ten lions painted in gold and at the centre of the dog a star in motion was inaugurated this Friday September 17 by Housing and Urban Development Minister, Celestine Ketcha Courtes on behalf of the Head of State in a ceremony highly attended by the population of Yaounde.
Strategically positioned at the entrance of the Unity palace and powered by a system animated by a waterfall with synchronised lighting, the Monument is visible from multiple angles
According to officials of the Yaounde City Council, brain behind the project, the ten lions standing on pillars are a symbol of Cameroon’s ten regions and the lone star standing tall at the middle of the Monument, a heritage of the national flag.
“This lone star is a heritage of Cameroonian national flag. The ten pillars represent the Cameroonian ten regions. You have the impression that you see ten lions, but the symbolic is that it is the same lion walking at any time in every region.” Daniel Anicet Noah, Chief of Communication at the Yaounde City Council told reporters.
The Unity Monument
The fascinating architectural masterpiece was constructed within ten months with the technical expertise of a Turkish construction firm, which affirm the Monument was built with quality material, resistant to all weather conditions.
“It was constructed with hydrocarbon fibreglass which was the only material on the market that can resist all weather conditions. It will outlive us. 100 years after, this monument will still stand up.” One of the technicians of the Turkish construction firm said.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony today, Minister Celestine Ketcha Courtes said the Monument is a celebration of the country’s national unity and called on Cameroonians to rally behind the Head of State for the construction of a one and indivisible country whose unity is currently threatened by the close to five years Anglophone crisis.
Minister Celestine Ketcha Courtes inaugurates the Unity Monument
on behalf of the Head of State
“The city of Yaounde through this Unity Monument and the naming of the Unity Boulevard celebrates national unity, one of the founding values of our Republic. Dear Mayor, I once again congratulate you for this gift to the population of the capital city, it is a work of art that will contribute to the embellishment of this strategic place located at the entrance to the Unity Palace...It is a call to togetherness. The national community, of our sons and daughters in the Diaspora, let’s all rally behind President Paul Biya, the lion man, the man of courage…” Celestine Ketcha Courtes said.
Also present at the inauguration ceremony was the Minister of Secondary Education, Laurent Serge Etoundi Ngoa who lauded the initiative and encouraged the Yaounde City Council to do more.
“We call it Unity Monument and all the symbols are there to dignify this Unity. The Mayor and his team did a great job. They came up with a historical, political and social masterpiece. We want him to go on and build more monuments for our capital city to be one of the best in Africa.”
The presence of the monument at the Unity Boulevard is expected to be a centre of attention and attraction that will stimulate tourism in the area.
That notwithstanding, It is worth mentioning that the erection of the Unity Monument has drawn mixed feelings. Some Cameroonians are of the opinion that it is a waste of resources at a time when the country is badly in need of it to tackle the crisis in the North West and South West regions threatening the peace of the nation.
Others said it is a beautiful representation of the country’s Republican values and its national unity that will certainly be restored.
It is the latest Monument that comes to add to the Reunification Monument in Yaounde and 50th Anniversary Monument in Buea.
Ariane Foguem
Inhabitants in parts of Cameroon’s economic capital, Douala have vented their frustration on the ceaseless flooding they have been victims of for many years now and on authorities 'failure' to resolve the problem.
The population in Douala Thursday September 16 woke up to a very unpleasant situation, as has been the case since the rainy season started.
A heavy downpour that hit the economic capital as early as 1am prompted floodwaters that kept rising long after the rain had stopped.
Houses, streets and schools flooded, circulation perturbed as vehicles that tried to move through the knee-deep floodwaters got stucked, a situation that pushed affected inhabitants in some neighbourhoods to vent their frustration.
“The rain started at 1:30 am. I was sleeping but my neighbours woke me up at 4am. I got up and everywhere was water. Hey my God! I fled from the crisis in the South West region to come and rest here in Douala. However, I realized where I came to stay is something else.” An IDP living in Makepe Missoke, Douala V speaking to Douala-based Equinox TV said.
“My children left the house this morning without brushing their teeth nor bathing because we did not carry anything along. We just ran out of the house because water was everywhere. We were afraid that water could carry us. I had to remove my children from there before thinking of something else.” Another resident of Makepe Missoke said.
Reports have it that in the curse of the torrential rains, the bridge linking the neighbourhood to other areas in Douala gave way, making it super difficult for inhabitants to go about their daily activities.
Many parents were afraid to send their kids to school for fear that water could carry them away by the waters.
The people have blamed this situation on “incompetence on the part of administrative and municipal authorities in Douala V who according to them do not feel concerned because they are not affected.
“Those governing the country, do they still have a conscience, I personally do not think so. Look at what we are experiencing in 2021, what are they doing with all the money paid as taxes, it is a shame.” An angry citizen told reporters.
Floods are very common in Cameroon’s economic capital especially during the rainy season. The population has once again begged on Government officials to see into the situation and safe them from further damage caused by flooding.
Ariane Foguem
In what has been considered as one of the most gruesome attack by separatist fighters on soldiers lately, about 15 of them are reported to have lost their lives after they were ambushed Thursday September 16, along the Bamessing - Sabga road in the North West region of Cameroon.
Barely a week after seven soldiers of the Rapid Intervention Battalion, BIR perished after their vehicle exploded upon stepping on an improvised explosive device in Kumbo in the Bui Division, one of the most hard-hit areas by the Anglophone crisis, the military is again mourning.
On Thursday September 16, BIR soldiers who were on board two armoured vehicles fell in another ambush by suspected Ambazonia fighters along the Bamessing-Sabga stretch of road in the Ngoketunjia Division, North West region.
Separatists claimed responsibility for the attack considered as one of the most gruesome on the military since the crisis began. In videos posted on social media that Agence Cameroun Presse cannot independently confirm, the fighters can be seen posing in front of the burnt-out military armoured vehicles, rejoicing over the successful attack, others wearing uniforms and weapons taken from soldiers. In other videos, the bodies of mutilated or burned soldiers are displaced.
“This is the most gruesome attack of the military I’ve seen since this crisis began. God help Bamenda. Things are about to get much worse. Ordinary civilians will suffer most. This is so heart breaking. » An internet user wrote on her Twitter account.
Reports have it that two pro-independence militias groups are behind the attack, the Jaguars of Bamessing, commanded by General Sagard, and the Marines of Bambalang, one of the most dreadful rebel groups in the North West region, led by General No Pity. The latter even appears in photos of the attack, jubilating among his men or posing in front of one of the burning armoured vehicle.
Reacting to the ‘gruesome’ attack Thursday evening, Serge Espoir Matomba, 1st Secretary General of the PURS party on his Facebook page described it as a shameful attack on Cameroon’s democracy.
According to the 2018 unfortunate Presidential candidate, the State has the obligation to henceforth use force to save lives of the population as well as that of soldiers deployed in the restive regions to combat separatists fighters and restore peace.
Ariane Foguem
A laboratory technician who works for Pamol Plantations, the agro-industrial giant that specializes in palm oil is reported to have been killed by suspected separatist fighters in Kitta junction, a locality in Ekondo Titi, Ndian Division of the restive South West region of Cameroon.
The population of Ekondo Titi in Cameroon’s South West region are yet to forget the killing of one of theirs, a certain Paul Akale, Laboratory technician with Pamol, the agro-industrial company that grows palm oil and rubber as its main products, Wednesday September 15.
According to reports, gunmen believed to be separatist fighters murdered the victim in cold blood.
Paul Akale is just one out of the many workers of Pamol plantations who have died in such circumstances with their lone crime being working for the agro-industrial company.
A similar incident happened this year in January. A certain Erik Biaka, the Plantation Manager of Pamol Lipenja Barombi was reportedly kidnapped but suspected Ambazonia fighters during working hours at the plantation and killed the following day along Masore road leading to Mundemba.
The same separatists reportedly chopped off fingers of Pamol farmers in another attack.
Such attacks recorded in the area which threatens the lives of other workers as the Anglophone crisis escalates are said to have greatly paralysed the company’s activities to the extent that Pamol who used to enjoy a labour force of over 2000 before the crisis is presently at about 584 with salary arrears owed workers and unpaid social insurance contributions.
According to CRTV’s Albert Njie Mbonde examining the impact of insecurity on Pamol on the 3pm news, the company now operates at 42% of its real potential. He adds that what is produced suffers from evacuation by sea due to insecurity by road, an option that costs a lot to the company.
The journalist revealed that the Government has been providing financial assistance that unfortunately cannot carry the entire burden of Pamol.
That notwithstanding, the General Manager, Solomon Tapea Mbile who took office almost a year ago is positive that things will change for the better.
“Each time a worker dies in active service, I gather the others and remind them of our realities. I tell them that the worker paid the ultimate price. He died trying to serve the company, serve the community and the nation as a whole. If we turn our backs and run away, the others who have died would have shed their blood in vain…”
As far as Pamol is concerned, production in Lobe is very crucial. Compared to this time last year, we are up to about 42% though we are still under 50% exploitation on the capacity of the estate. We are carrying on a couple of operations in Ndian so much so that come next season we should be able to be at about 60-70%. We are now into fields that have not been harvested since 2018, so I think there is hope.”
Ariane Foguem
