Monthly Archives: July 2016

After Jacob Nguni: Menoua shines again as Miss Cameroon 2016

31, July 2016

After Jacob Nguni: Menoua shines again as Miss Cameroon 2016 0

Nguimfack Cheugueu Frankline Julie, 24, an MA student, Department of Management in the University of Douala who hails from Menoua in the West region like the great Jacob Nguni was crowned on Saturday as Miss Cameroon 2016 succeeding Jessica Ngoua Nseme who won the contest in 2015.

By Rita Akana

Samuel Eto’o apology to Prime Minister Philemon Yang: CAMCORD News Chairman says Eto’o playing the Francophone game

31, July 2016

Samuel Eto’o apology to Prime Minister Philemon Yang: CAMCORD News Chairman says Eto’o playing the Francophone game 0

Two years after Samuel Eto’o committed an act that remains today the biggest humiliation ever to a highly placed Cameroon government official, the former Cameroon skipper has apologize to Prime Minister Philemon Yang. The incident occurred during the final phase of the FIFA World Cup 2014 that held in Brazil. The Prime Minister and Head of Government, Philemon Yang, descended on that fateful Saturday, June 7, 2014 at the Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium at the end of a friendly farewell encounter against Moldova to hand over the national flag to the team before their departure for Brazil. The captain, supported by his teammates, refused to leave the dressing room to receive the flag. They wanted their bonuses to be paid first.

The disgrace was complete and total and a beaming Prime Minister Yang Philemon eventually handed the flag to the German technician Volker Finke, then head coach of the Indomitable Lions. Two years later, Samuel Eto’o Fils says he regrets his behavior. Said the Cameroon football legend, “There is someone who has been deeply offended, which is His Excellency the Prime Minister to whom I apologize.  I have never had the opportunity to explain myself before him and to our people”. Samuel Eto’o made this statement during an interview broadcast last Friday, July 29, 2016 on the antennas of the Vox Africa TV channel in an interview conducted by Martin Camus Mimb and moderated by Laura Dave.

Reacting to the Eto’o apology late on Saturday, the Chairman and CEO of Cameroon Concord News Group, Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai observed that it was too little too late. Our chairman added that Eto’o was merely playing the Francophone game “because he understands that an apology to a senior citizen is not made via a foreign television channel.” Mr Soter Agbaw-Ebai blamed President Biya for the invitation he accorded Samuel Eto’o and his wife during the visit of French president Hollande when Eto’o had not apologized to the Prime Minister and the Cameroonian people for such a costly mistake.

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Sama Ernest (Cameroon Concord News Group)

Koffi Olomide is freeeeeeeed

31, July 2016

Koffi Olomide is freeeeeeeed 0

While a court reportedly extended Koffi Olomide’s detention period to 15 additional days, the artist announced on his Face Book page late last night that he has been released and is back home with his family. Koffi added a thank you message to all his friends and fans and observed that he was humbled and grateful for the unwavering support.

On Friday the 29th of July, a collegiality of judges rejected the bail application made by Koffi’s counsel. The court remanded him in custody for 15 days. Koffi’s lawyers we learned, appealed the decision.

He is pursued by the justice of his country for a violent kick on one of his dancers in Nairobi in front of television cameras. The video raised a stir in the world. The Congolese star was expelled from Kenya and saw his concert canceled in Lusaka (Zambia).

Chi Prudence Asong (Cameroon Concord News Group)

Turkey closing all military academies

31, July 2016

Turkey closing all military academies 0

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says from now on all military commanders will report directly to the country’s defense minister and that all military academies will be closed. During an interview with the Turkish broadcaster A Haber on Saturday, Erdogan said that the new measures were aimed at bringing the military under full civilian control. He added that the military academies would be replaced with a national defense university.

“We are going to introduce a small constitutional package (to parliament) which, if approved, will bring the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and chief of staff under the control of the presidency,” he said. Erdogan also announced cuts in the size of the country’s gendarmerie security forces along with upgrades to their weaponry. He also noted that his lawyers had started work on withdrawing lawsuits against persons who had insulted him.

The Turkish president has filed hundreds of court cases against critics, including many journalists, for insulting him since he took office in August 2014. On Friday, he had announced that in the spirit of “unity” following the coup he would revoke the said lawsuits. Earlier, Turkish authorities announced the release of over 750 soldiers who were detained following the failed coup, noting that 231 soldiers still remain in custody.

Presstv

USA: 16 killed in hot air balloon crash

30, July 2016

USA: 16 killed in hot air balloon crash 0

At least 16 people have been killed after a large hot air balloon caught fire and crashed into a field in the US state of Texas. The accident happened early Saturday morning near Lockhart, south of Austin, after a blaze broke out in the basket section of the balloon, according to Aviation officials.

“It does not appear at this time that there were any survivors,” the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office said. Investigators have been sent to the scene to determine the number of victims and their identities. “When the Emergency Responders and the Sheriff’s Office arrived it was apparent that the reported fire was the basket portion of a hot air balloon,” said the statement.

A photo was posted on social media reportedly showing the the balloon in the air with huge flames spurting underneath. Texas Governor Greg Abbott expressed condolences to those affected by the crash and promised an investigation into the “heartbreaking tragedy.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, as well as the Lockhart community,” he said in a statement. The incident is probably the second-deadliest balloon accident in history. The first hot air balloon crash occurred in Luxor, Egypt in 2013. The balloon caught fire when it was attempting to land. The accident killed 19 of the 21 passengers on board the balloon.

Presstv

Militants in Aleppo have surrendered to government forces

30, July 2016

Militants in Aleppo have surrendered to government forces 0

A number of militants operating in the eastern areas of the Syrian city of Aleppo have laid down their weapons and surrendered themselves to government troops, who are making more gains in the embattled province. The capitulation took place in Aleppo’s Salaheddine neighborhood on Saturday, Syria’s official SANA news agency reported.

The report further noted that tens of families went out through the corridors set up by army forces for the safe departure of the civilians trapped by terrorist groups in Aleppo’s eastern districts. The families were sent by the Syrian army to makeshift centers upon their arrival to the Salaheddine neighborhood, the report added.

Earlier this week, the Syrian army sent text messages to residents and terrorists in eastern Aleppo, saying it will grant safe passage to people wishing to leave the area. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad also vowed amnesty for those who turn in their weapons, stressing that the policy has been exercised by Damascus since the beginning of the crisis in the Middle Eastern country.

Meanwhile, Russia announced several corridors for civilians and surrendering militants to leave Aleppo’s eastern parts.Aleppo Province also completed arrangements to receive the citizens fleeing militant-held eastern Aleppo and house them in well-equipped temporary accommodation centers.

Presstv

Muslims and Christians have taken part in Friday prayers in tribute to elderly priest killed in France

30, July 2016

Muslims and Christians have taken part in Friday prayers in tribute to elderly priest killed in France 0

Muslims and Christians have taken part in Friday prayers at a mosque in the northern Normandy region to pay tribute to an elderly priest who was recently killed by terrorists.

The service was held at the Yahya mosque in the town of Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, with a sign holding outside the house of worshipping hall reading “Mosque in mourning.”

Anouar Kbibech, the head of Franc’s main Muslim organization, the CFCM, attended Friday’s gathering, calling on Muslims to visit churches on Sunday to show solidarity with Christians as they pray.

On July 26, two knife-wielding assailants, identified as Adel Kermiche and Abdel-Malik Nabil Petitjean, interrupted a service at the St. Etienne church.

They forced the 85-year-old parish priest, Father Jacques Hamel, to his knees and slit his throat. Two nuns and an elderly couple were also held hostage until the attackers were shot dead by police.

Presstv

The Thursday 28 July Cabinet Meeting: Details of what Philemon Yang and his team discussed

30, July 2016

The Thursday 28 July Cabinet Meeting: Details of what Philemon Yang and his team discussed 0

An important Cabinet Meeting was chaired Philemon Yang, Prime Minister, Head of Government, on Thursday 28 July 2016 in the Main Building of the Prime Minister’s Office. In attendance, apart from his close aides, were the Vice-Prime Minister, Ministers of State, Ministers, Ministers-Delegate and Secretaries of State.

Three items featured on the agenda, namely:

  1. a statement of the Minister for Scientific Research and Innovation on ‘the achievements and challenges of innovation in Cameroon’;
  2. a statement of the Minister for Mines, Industry and Technological Development on ‘Government’s technological development strategy’;
  3. a statement of the Minister for Post and Telecommunication on ‘the guidelines of the digital economy development plan in Cameroon’.

Taking the floor after the introductory remarks of the Head of Government, the Minister for Scientific Research and Innovation indicated that over the last few years, the National Research and Innovation System has achieved much at the policy, institutional, scientific and technological levels in terms of the development and dissemination of research results and innovation.

They include inter alia, the creation of improved seeds which enabled the Institute of Agronomic Research for Development (IRAD) to acquire close to a score of patents, also recently winning four (4) innovation gold medals at the Geneva International Invention Fair in Switzerland; the creation by the Institute of Geological and Mining Research (IRGM) of improved fireplaces, and solar/hybrid driers; the development by the National Institute of Cartography of a software that can avoid overlapping land parcels of mining operators; the production of paving stones from plastic waters and the manufacture of tar based on pozzolan.

Other innovations also emanate from private Cameroonian inventors. These include the CARDlOPAD, the EGUSI Cracking Machine and the production of eco- friendly charcoal from organic wastes. With regard to the challenges of innovation in Cameroon, the Minister in charge of Research said they consist especially in continuing the diversification of the process of transferring research findings to the economic sectors; fostering the culture of innovation and establishing financing mechanisms of the National Research and Innovation System – all of which requires synergy between the research community, businesses and investors.

Speaking next on Government’s technological development strategy, the Minister for Mines, Industry and Technological Development pointed out that, shortly after independence, Cameroon had set up on an experimental basis industrial units in the basic subsectors of the economy. That experiment demonstrated that no industrialization can take place without technological development whose corollary is intellectual property.

So, Government’s technological development strategy consists in linking research results to industrial production in order satisfy the needs of the population. At the operational level, this strategy comes with the creation of Technology and Innovation Support Centres (TISC), seven of which have already been established. A programme to establish technoples was also launched in praticular in the ICT and Agro-industrial sectors. However, several challenges need to be addressed, especially systematizing technology-transfer mechanisms, financing innovative projects and attracting investors into the technological development sector.

Lastly, the Cabinet listened to the statement of the Minister for Post and Telecommunication who presented the guidelines of the Digital economy development plan in Cameroon. He pointed out that the plan hinges on eight thrusts, structured around three pillars: development of service supply; increase of demand by promoting the digital culture via the widespread use of ICTs ; and sector governance and regulation.

At the end of the ensuing discus sons, the Prime Minister asked the presenting Ministers to work in tandem to design thematic strategies covering the underlying issues of innovation, technological development and the digital economy considering the interactions among them. He also instructed the Minister in charge of Technological Development to systematically introduce obligatory technology-transfer clauses in contracts concluded with international providers. Proceedings were adjourned at 12:05 p.m. after consideration of various matters related to Government work.

 

Cameroon Tribune

Jeanne Irene Biya: July 29, 1992-July 29 2016 “In Memoriam A.H.H. Lord Alfred Tennyson”

29, July 2016

Jeanne Irene Biya: July 29, 1992-July 29 2016 “In Memoriam A.H.H. Lord Alfred Tennyson” 0

Strong (Daughter) of God, immortal Love,
Whom we, that have not seen thy face,
By faith, and faith alone, embrace,
Believing where we cannot prove;

Thine are these orbs of light and shade;
Thou madest Life in man and brute;
Thou madest Death; and lo, thy foot
Is on the skull which thou hast made.

Thou wilt not leave us in the dust:
Thou madest man, he knows not why,
He thinks he was not made to die;
And thou hast made him: thou art just.

Thou seemest human and divine,
The highest, holiest manhood, thou.
Our wills are ours, we know not how;
Our wills are ours, to make them thine.

Our little systems have their day;
They have their day and cease to be:
They are but broken lights of thee,
And thou, O Lord, art more than they.

We have but faith: we cannot know;
For knowledge is of things we see
And yet we trust it comes from thee,
A beam in darkness: let it grow.

Let knowledge grow from more to more,
But more of reverence in us dwell;
That mind and soul, according well,
May make one music as before,

But vaster. We are fools and slight;
We mock thee when we do not fear:
But help thy foolish ones to bear;
Help thy vain worlds to bear thy light.

Forgive what seem’d my sin in me;
What seem’d my worth since I began;
For merit lives from man to man,
And not from man, O Lord, to thee.

Forgive my grief for one removed,
Thy creature, whom I found so fair.
I trust he lives in thee, and there
I find him worthier to be loved.

Forgive these wild and wandering cries,
Confusions of a wasted youth;
Forgive them where they fail in truth,
And in thy wisdom make me wise.

1849.

President Putin merges the Crimean Peninsula into Russia’s Southern region

29, July 2016

President Putin merges the Crimean Peninsula into Russia’s Southern region 0

President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree merging the Crimean Peninsula, which separated from Ukraine and rejoined Russia two years ago, into the mainland’s southern region. “Reorganize the Southern Federal District and the Crimean Federal District into the Southern Federal District,” read the decree published on the Kremlin’s website on Thursday. The Russian leader also appointed Vladimir Vasilyavich Ustinov as the presidential commissioner to the Southern Federal District in the decree.

Putin further submitted corresponding legislation amendments to the State Duma. The decree angered Ukraine, with its UN Ambassador Volodymyr Yelchenko rejecting the order as “null and void as any other decision taken by Crimea so far.” He asked the UN Security Council to issue a statement in response to Putin’s decree.

The ambassador circulated a draft statement calling on the 15-member council, to express its “deep concern” over Putin’s decision and to assert its “full respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine.” Yelchenko however said he expected Russia, one of the five countries with veto power on the council, to block the statement. Diplomatic sources have already confirmed that it was rejected by Moscow.

 

Presstv

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