Monthly Archives: June 2023

3, June 2023

Chad-Cameroon Pipeline: Yaoundé and Ndjamena at daggers-drawn position ⁰

Nicolas de Blanpré, the former head of the Chadian subsidiary of British Savannah Energy was appointed MD of the Cameroon Oil Transportation Company (COTCo). The information was made public this week by Savannah Energy, which claims to have acquired the assets of American multinational Exxon Mobil in Cotco.

The twist here is that the newly appointed MD was expelled from N’Djamena, Chad, in December 2022 following a conflict between the British oil company and the Chadian government. The dispute was over the takeover of Exxon Mobil’s assets held by Esso Pipeline Investments Limited (EPIL) in the Doba oilfield in the southern region of Chad and the Chad-Cameroon pipeline.

In a statement released Friday, the Chadian Oil Ministry made it clear that “as majority shareholders of Cotco SA, the Republic of Chad and SHT (the Chadian oil and gas corporation) will take necessary measures, in consultation with Cameroonian authorities, to swiftly appoint a new CEO for Cotco”. Following the green light given last month by the Cemac Council of Competition for the acquisition of Petronas Carigali Chad Exploration & Production Inc. by SHT, Chad (both SHT and the government) now holds a 53.77% stake in Cotco. And based on this shareholding, the county now has the power to name the leaders of the company.

On the day Savannah appointed the new CEO for Cotco, a General Assembly of Cotco took place in Paris, resulting in several significant decisions.

Firm opposition

During the General Meeting, which “was held despite the many time-wasting tactics by Esso Pipeline Investments Limited (EPIL) allegedly owned by Savannah Energy (…), to have it postponed”, the Chadian Ministry of Hydrocarbons points out, several decisions were taken. The participants have decided that all the directors of EPIL (Savannah Energy, ed) will be dismissed with immediate effect and that almost all the draft resolutions previously proposed by EPIL, including the resolution proposing the allocation of profits and the distribution of dividends for 2022, will be removed. This means that no dividends will be distributed for 2022.

“As EPIL (Savannah Energy, ed) is no longer a member of the Doba field consortium in Chad, it no longer has the right, under Cotco SA’s articles of association, to hold shares in Cotco SA”, the press release explains. But what the statement did not mention is that although Chadian authorities dispute Savannah Energy’s takeover of EPIL’s assets in their country, the case is still pending before the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris. A clear verdict has yet to be given.

Despite this, Chad has asked banks holding Cotco SA accounts in the Cemac zone, as well as the Cemac central bank (Beac) to block fund transfers requested by the dismissed directors, particularly abroad. “The fund transfer restrictions do not concern the payment of the salaries of Cotco SA’s Cameroonian and Chadian employees, as well as the taxes and social contributions owed to the administrations of Cameroon and Chad,” the statement read.

On its side, Savannah Energy is also holding tight. Nicolas de Blanpre issued a press release on June 1, 2023, in which he presented himself as the company’s CEO, despite Chad’s protests. “(…) Mr. Soumahoro Khalif Allah Ahmed is currently acting as interim CEO for Mr. Nicolas de Blanpre, under a special delegation of authority dated May 24, 2023. Within the framework of this interim assignment, Mr. Soumahoro Khalif Allah Ahmed has full powers to represent the Managing Director and to commit the company,” he wrote.

Tense social climate

Nicolas de Blanpre made that statement because the position of the Acting CEO is also opposed. Indeed a group of lawyers challenged Mr. Soumahoro’s appointment in a June 1 statement. They argue that Mr. Soumahoro Khalif Allah Ahmed cannot serve as the CEO, even in an interim capacity, of Cotco because Mr. Nicolas de Aubin de Blanpre was appointed as the director and CEO of Cotco on May 24, 2023, by the Board of Directors. However, this appointment is subject to validation by the General Assembly and the ministry responsible for Employment, considering regulations regarding foreign workers. The lawyers also mention that a legal opposition has been authorized against all the actions and official communications of Mr. Soumahoro Khalif Allah Ahmed Stéphane and the requested nullification of these actions will be examined starting from June 2, 2023, by the court of the company’s registered office.

When contacted for further information, Attorney Michel Voukeng, a member of the group, revealed that the June 2 hearing has been postponed to June 7 to allow for the submission of evidence. He did not disclose the identities of the clients he represents but mentioned that they have opposing interests to Mr. Soumahoro.

According to reliable sources, the challenge to Mr. Soumahoro’s interim position comes after the dismissal of at least four directors of Cotco within a week. Attorney Michel Voukeng questions whether, even as an interim CEO, Mr. Soumahoro has the authority to do more than handle day-to-day affairs and whether he can terminate executives appointed by the Board of Directors.

Regarding the disputed statement from the CEO of Cotco, which supports Mr. Soumahoro as the interim CEO, the lawyer argues that Nicolas de Aubin de Blanpre himself does not have the authority to act as the CEO of Cotco. Firstly, he points out that the resolutions made during the Board of Directors meeting on May 24, 2023, in Paris, need to be authenticated by a notary to have legal effect in Cameroon. Additionally, this appointment still requires ratification from the General Assembly and validation from the Minister of Employment through the signing of the employment contract, per the law. “You cannot transfer something you don’t possess yourself,” says Attorney Voukeng. Furthermore, he notes that Mr. De Blanpre himself has been dismissed by the majority shareholder of Cotco, which is the Chadian oil and gas corporation.

Source: Business in Cameroon

3, June 2023

Boko Haram Cameroun: Commander of vigilante killed in Far North Region ⁰

A commander of a vigilante group in Cameroon’s Far North Region was killed early Friday by suspected militants of the terror group Boko Haram, according to local and security sources.

The commander of the community defense forces was killed when the militants raided the Amchide locality of the region, said an army official in the region.

The 36-year-old was a high-profile commander in the fight against terrorism, and his death is a big blow, added the official who asked not to be named.

The militants also looted property, including food and clothes, local media reported.

More than 30 vigilante groups have been formed in the region since Boko Haram began operating in 2014, according to security reports.

Source: Xinhuanet

3, June 2023

From Cameroonian Soldier to American Airman ⁰

In September 2015, Bertrand Bucuka, a staff sergeant serving in the Cameroon special forces, gathered his military gear and changed into civilian clothes. From there, he traveled by bus for the next three days — heading to the nearest airport.

Bucuka served as a staff sergeant in the Cameroon Special Forces.

“I knew that if I were caught, I would spend the rest of my life in jail or be killed,” Bucuka said.

When he first enlisted in the Cameroon Armed Forces in 2009, Bucuka decided to pursue the military with the intention of serving his country. In his seven years of service, Bucuka worked several roles including infantry, communications and as an explosive ordnance disposal instructor.

Being from an English-speaking region of Cameroon, Bucuka also worked as an English and French translator and worked with U.S. military personnel.

In this position, his commanding officers would often ask him to spy on the American troops. Feeling that their request was unethical, Bucuka said he refused to obey those orders and added that building a trusting relationship in the field of EOD is critical.

“In the field of explosives, the first mistake is always the last,” Bucuka said.

In another instance, Bucuka’s leadership once again tested his ethics when he was ordered to execute an unarmed, injured man in Nigeria. Instead, he decided to seek help from a U.S. combat medic to help him save the man’s life.

“At the time, I knew that my decision to save one life might have cost me mine,” he said.

As Bucuka continued to deal with difficult decisions, and faced growing scrutiny from his commanding officers, he knew his life was at risk.

“It was time to either leave the country or stay in the military and die,” Bucuka said.

During his travels from Cameroon, Bucuka faced a number of challenges including being denied entry in Ecuador. With help from a stranger he met along his travels, Bucuka gained assistance from the United Nations Human Rights Council, eventually gaining entry in Peru.

He would go on to travel for the next six months — through South America and Central America. In that time, he endured life-threatening situations as he attempted to cross borders, sometimes with the help of smugglers.

In some countries, he was arrested and detained at the border but was later released after explaining his story.

In February 2017, Bucuka arrived at the United States-Mexico border, near San Diego. He explained his situation to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, and then worked with the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI to verify his case.

“[How I made it] is beyond human reason,” Bucuka said. “I just knew there was no turning back for me.”

Following a two-month investigation, the officers released Bucuka and allowed him entry into the U.S. In 2018, the U.S. officially granted Bucuka asylum.

Now, he finds himself wearing another military uniform — this time for the United States Air Force.

For Bucuka, joining the Air Force was a way for him to thank everyone who helped him when he arrived in the United States, including a number of U.S. military members that he worked with in Africa.

“The only way I could show my gratitude to [those] who stood by me was by serving the flag of this nation,” Bucuka said. “I had no family, no relatives and they remembered what I did for them in Africa and came to my rescue here.”

Today, Airman 1st Class Bucuka, is an enlisted aerospace medical service specialist assigned to the 1st Special Operations Medical Group at Hurlburt Field. Bucuka works with doctors and helps to provide care to patients at the base medical clinic.

Compared to his previous experiences in the Cameroon military, Bucuka says he never expected that someday he could end up working in a hospital setting.

“All I knew from my past experiences was being on the battlefield, but today, I find myself working in the same place every day,” he said.

Along with serving his role in aerospace medical services, Bucuka also finds himself drawing from his past military experience in Africa.

As an Airman assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command, Bucuka often gets the opportunity to conduct briefings with special operations forces across a variety of career fields.

“The main objective is to share my experience and what the U.S. can do to better strengthen their relationship with Africa,” Bucuka said. “And it’s actually helped them carry out their mission successfully when they have deployed.”

Beyond the military, Bucuka hopes to always find an opportunity to serve others and mentioned he wants to use his new-found medical skills to support humanitarian efforts.

Additionally, he says his future is now focused on his family, including his children who have joined him in Florida.

No matter what, Bucuka knows that his journey changed his life forever and has ultimately changed his outlook on life.

“I realize now that what is meant to be, will be, no matter what,” Bucuka said. “That’s how I live my life now.”

Culled from af.mil/news

3, June 2023

French Cameroun: Islamic state claims responsibility for attack on security post in Mora ⁰

Islamic state on Wednesday claimed responsibility for an attack on a security post in northern Cameroon, the group said in a statement on telegram.

Two customs officers, a policeman and a civilian, were killed in the attack that took place on Tuesday at the entrance to the town of Mora in Cameroon’s far north region, about 30 km (20 miles) from the border with Nigeria.

Source: Reuters

3, June 2023

CPDM Crime Syndicate: Probe after student’s alleged torture and death ⁰

An investigation has been launched into the death of a student who died in military custody in Buea, in the south-west region of Cameroon, and the ongoing detention of his roommate.

Galax Yves Landry Etoga, the minister in charge of the national gendarmerie, has ordered the probe following the death of Ngule Linus Fontec, a fourth-year student at the University of Buea.

Barrister Amungwa Tanyi Nicodemus, the lawyer of the deceased student, said this development comes more than two months after Fontec, a student in the university’s department of international relations, was declared dead on 16 March 2023 while in military custody for alleged terrorist activities.

“We have waited for a long time for this authorisation to investigate the suspicious death of the student. The truth has to prevail,” he told journalists on 29 May.

According to media reports and the university authorities, Fontec and Mboh Giress, a sixth-year student, were taken into custody by SEMIL, a secret service agency of the Cameroonian army, during a raid by the military of the university’s residential area for students.

According to Professor Horace Ngomo Manga, the vice-chancellor of the University of Buea, the two students were apprehended by the forces of law and ordered to assist them in their investigation of some terrorist activities.

“Unfortunately, Linus Ngule died while in custody,” he said.

Allegations of torture

Human rights groups and the lawyer of the deceased student allege they were severely tortured by the military.

“There were signs of torture of both students, [which is the] reason why we requested an autopsy of the deceased,” said human rights lawyer Agbor Balla.

The University of Buea authorities, rights groups and lawyers have all been clamouring for access to and release of Fontec’s roommate.

“We had to write to the ministry of defence to receive the family of the deceased and to open up an investigation into the circumstances of his [Fontec’s] death,” Amungwa said.

A meeting involving the military, the family of the deceased and the legal representative was held. “We insisted on our desire to see light shed on the death of Linus,” Amungwa said.

Internal conflict

According to Balla, since the Anglophone crisis started in 2016, students from the two universities in the English speaking regions, Buea and Bamenda, have been victims of torture and rape, arrest and illegal detention by the military who accuse them of communicating with separatists fighters.

“The abuses of university students during this crisis have been from both sides, the separatist fighters and the regular state army. We condemn these acts and have been calling on government to investigate and punish the perpetrators,” Agbor Balla said.

The abuses have continued to rise, according to a 2022 human rights group report.

The 2022 Human Rights Watch report says the conflict has witnessed some major human rights violations, including killings, torture, kidnappings, illegal arrests and detention.

Most of these incidents are believed to have remained unreported, especially the violations in remote areas where there is no mobile network, nor are there good roads or accessibility.

The group in their report published at least eight incidents with the aid of videos and pictures aimed at documenting abuses committed against civilians by both warring parties in the conflict and to promote human rights and peace.

It revealed verified reports by the above-mentioned parties pertaining to the excessive use of power by the security forces during the student protest at the University of Buea in 2020 leading to the arrest and detention of many.

Activists have called on the international community to intervene in the ongoing crisis and bring a lasting peace.

“We are appealing to the international community to step in and put a stop to the several killings going on in the two Anglophone regions,” said Akem Kelvin Nkwain, rights officer at the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa, or CHRDA.

English-speaking students go to French-speaking universities

Akem said his life has been threatened several times by the state security for his outspokenness on the crisis and has equally appealed for genuine dialogue between the two fighting groups.

“Only genuine dialogue can bring lasting peace. This is what obtains in other conflicts around the world.”

Amnesty International has also called for dialogue to create an enabling environment for students to study in peace.

In a 2022 report, it called on the warring factions to down their tools and for the government to end threats against activists who expose violations and abuses in the Anglophone regions.

The alleged abuse of students appears to be forcing parents from the English-speaking regions in the country to rather send their children to French-speaking universities for safety reasons because of the security situation in English-speaking regions.

“We are having an influx of English-speaking students in universities in Francophone regions for security reasons. They are bound to cope with the language challenges,” said Dr Essambe Livinus Njume, a lecturer at the University of Yaoundé 1.

The recent incident in the University of Buea is not the first case of student arrest by the military that ended in death while in detention.

In 2020, Human Rights Watch also reported similar cases at the University of Bamenda.

Activists hope the Buea investigation will come up with the truth and the criminals sanctioned. “We look forward to knowing exactly what happened and hope the criminals will face the law,” Balla said.

Source: University World News

3, June 2023

Cameroon: Cholera death toll rises to over 420 ⁰

A further 26 people have died in Cameroon’s ongoing cholera outbreak in the past two weeks, taking the overall death toll to 426, a health ministry official said on Thursday.

The outbreak was declared in October 2021 and has seen a strong increase in cases since late March of this year after a period of low transmission, according to the World Health Organization.

The number of confirmed cases in Cameroon now stands at 1,868, said ministry official Linda Esso.

Cholera can cause acute diarrhoea, vomiting and weakness and is mainly spread by contaminated food or water. It can kill within hours if untreated. Fourteen African countries have reported cases since the start of 2023, the WHO said in a report on Thursday.

It said it was particularly concerned as many countries were reporting higher case fatality ratios than in previous years.

In Cameroon, “more than 79% of cases reach health facilities in a moderate or severe state,” increasing the chances of the cases proving fatal, the health ministry said in situation report, seen by Reuters.

Source: Reuters

1, June 2023

US: President Joe Biden trips and falls at Colorado event ⁰

US President Joe Biden tripped and fell while handing out diplomas at a graduation ceremony for the US Air Force Academy in Colorado on Thursday.

Mr Biden, who is the nation’s oldest serving president at 80, was seen being helped up by Air Force officials and walking back to his seat unassisted.

The president had been standing for about an hour and half to shake hands with each of the 921 graduating cadets.

The White House communications director said “he’s fine”.

“There was a sandbag on stage while he was shaking hands,” Ben LaBolt wrote on Twitter.

A White House press pool report also earlier said Mr Biden had tripped on a black sandbag while moving on stage.

Footage of the incident shows Mr Biden appearing to point at the sandbag as he gets back on his feet.

He was seen jogging back to his motorcade, apparently uninjured, when the ceremony ended shortly after the accident.

Critics have said he is too old to run for a second term as president.

Recent polls have suggested a majority of US voters are concerned about his advanced age. He would be 82 at the start of a second term if he wins.

This fall, in addition to previous stumbles off his bicycle and on the way up the Air Force One stairs, may add to concerns.

Source: BBC

1, June 2023

Football: PSG manager confirms Messi’s last match for club this weekend ⁰

Lionel Messi arrived two years ago wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with ”Ici C’est Paris” (This Is Paris) — a favorite cry among Paris Saint-Germain fans — and to chants of “Messi! Messi! Messi!”

The soccer superstar will leave the team on Saturday not quite so revered.

The cheers have been replaced by jeers and boos in recent weeks at the Parc des Princes, where the World Cup winner will play his final game for the French league champion.

Christophe Galtier confirmed on Thursday that the looming end of the season is also the end of Messi’s time at PSG.

Messi will bow out in their league finale against Clermont on Saturday. His contract expires at the end of June.

“I had the privilege of coaching the best player in the history of soccer,” Galtier said. “This will be his last match at the Parc des Princes, and I hope that he will receive the warmest of welcomes.”

PSG recruited Messi in August 2021 with the ambition to finally win the Champions League. The team is still waiting.

Although PSG won its record-extending 11th French league title last weekend, it again exited Europe’s top tournament in the round of 16.

Messi’s adventure in France has been bittersweet. In spite of pretty good statistics, he has been embodying the team’s shortcomings in the view of many PSG fans who have repeatedly whistled his name sarcastically in recent weeks.

After struggling to adapt to the French league — the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner scored only six league goals in his first 26 games — Messi improved this season as he developed an efficient understanding with forward Kylian Mbappe.

In 31 league matches, the 35-year-old Messi has 16 goals and delivered as many assists. In all competitions, Messi netted 21 times and had 20 assists for PSG.

“This year, he has been an important part of the team, always available, always committed during training sessions,” Galtier said. “I don’t think any of the comments or criticisms are justified.”

Despite Galtier’s support, PSG’s appreciation of Messi has not always been so positive.

Last month, the club suspended him following an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia. Messi has a commercial contract with Saudi Arabia to promote tourism and has been linked with a lucrative move there at the end of the season.

There has also been talk of a return to Barcelona, where he spent the majority of his career, or to the United States to play in MLS.

Messi arrived at Barcelona at age 13 and left having won 35 titles. He helped the club win the four Champions Leagues, 10 Spanish leagues, and seven Copa del Reys.

Source: AP

1, June 2023

French Cameroun: France helps strengthen fire department ⁰

The Cameroonian government has obtained a €50 million (about CFA32.8 billion) loan from France to strengthen its fire department. Per the related deal signed yesterday, the terms of which remain undisclosed, the beneficiary will receive 227 new fire and rescue vehicles over the next few years.

Alamine Ousmane Mey, the Cameroonian Minister of the Economy, revealed that the equipment will be supplied by French manufacturer Desautel, which specializes in the supply of civil security equipment. In addition, France will also provide staff training and help in the construction of a maintenance unit for the equipment. This is good news for local firefighters, who will benefit from improved working conditions and better response equipment. Minister Mey explained that of the 37 fire department centers in the country, 15 are not operational, lacking equipment and qualified personnel.

“The project aimed at acquiring equipment for the national fire department will undoubtedly bring Cameroon a high-performance risk management system. This advanced system is designed to effectively tackle the continuously evolving challenges, particularly those associated with risk prevention and the protection of individuals and assets against accidents, disasters, and catastrophes,” said Alamine Ousmane Mey.

Source: Business in Cameroon

1, June 2023

Southern Cameroons Crisis: Explosion kills 1 Francophone soldier in Mbengwi ⁰

A soldier of the Francophone dominated elite force, Rapid Intervention Battalion; BIR was killed in an explosion in Mbengwi on Wednesday.

Cameroon Concord News gathered that the BIR serviceman identified as Lieutenant Fabrice Boutou was killed when his vehicle ran over an improvised explosive device (IED) during an operation in Momo division.

The IED, which was planted and remotely detonated, destroyed his vehicle.

A Southern Cameroons Self Defense Group has claimed responsibility for the roadside attack.

The security situation in Southern Cameroons has improved since the start of the year, but clashes between the Francophone dominated Cameroon government military and Ambazonia fighters are still occasionally reported.

By Fon Lawrence