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21, March 2019

Hundreds of Trucks Blocked on Cameroon-CAR Border ⁰

Hundreds of trucks transporting food and humanitarian assistance to the Central African Republic are blocked at the border with Cameroon, as rebels have cut off the road to the capital, Bangui. The rebels acted to protest the president’s new cabinet, which they say is not being representative enough.

Among the 230 trucks and more than 500 drivers stranded in Garoua Boulay was Kum Aki, 54, who was transporting rice, maize and vegetable oil to the troubled CAR. He said most of the drivers had exhausted their $200 to $400 allowances they were given to cover the distance within a maximum of 10 days.

Expenses mount

“We are almost about 10 days here. … You have eaten, you have paid hotel bills and all this. So now we are short of money,” he said.

Alex Nseumen, president of the CAR transport trade union, said he crossed the border but was asked to return.

He said that when he crossed the border, he was told that CAR rebels had blocked the road at Nzokombo, 14 kilometers from the town of Garoua Boulay. He said he was expecting his boss to send additional funds so he could take care of himself and the assistant driver.

Garoua Boulay residents have complained of the mass movement of panic-stricken CAR residents across the border, expressing concern it may escalate.

In a crisis meeting Monday, Laurence Diyem Jam, the highest-ranking government official in Garoua Boulay, assured the population of their safety and said the military was controlling the border.

El Hadj Oumarou, Cameroon coordinator of the land freight transportation bureau, offers encouragement to stranded drivers in Garoua Boulay, March 19, 2019. (M.E. Kindzeka/VOA)

El Hadj Oumarou, Cameroon coordinator of the land freight transportation bureau, visited the drivers and thanked the government of Cameroon for assuring their safety.

He said he was very happy that the government had secured the trucks, goods and lives of the stranded drivers despite the tension their presence is causing in Garoua Boulay. He said they had not documented any incidents that would be a threat to anyone’s life.

Officials of Cameroon's land freight transportation bureau visit stranded drivers in Garoua Boulay, March 19, 2019. (M.E. Kindzeka/VOA) — Officials of Cameroon’s land freight transportation bureau visit stranded drivers in Garoua Boulay, March 19, 2019. (M.E. Kindzeka/VOA)

Landlocked CAR depends on Cameroon’s Douala seaport for about 95 percent of its supplies.

Etienne Mbonjo, director of Catholic Church Health Services in CAR, said patients might begin to suffer soon, if drugs meant for Bangui remained in Cameroon for another week.

He said it took courage to meet the rebel groups, though negotiations failed to open the border. He said health and humanitarian needs were increasing daily and that the United Nations should take note.

CAR rebel groups accuse President Faustin-Archange Touadéra of failing to comply with a 2018 peace agreement that required a government with representatives from all armed groups. Only six of the 14 groups that signed the deal have members in the cabinet.

VOA

21, March 2019

Abducted Cameroonian coach released ⁰

The coach of Cameroonian first division club Yong Sports Academy of Bamenda, Emmanuel Ndoumbe Bosso who was kidnapped on 19 March has been released.

A club official confirmed that coach Bosso was abducted while driving to the team’s base for training.

“Coach Bosso was freed last night and is now with his family” Yong Sports spokesperson Wanchia Cynthia confirmed to BBC Sport

“There wasn’t any ransom paid and we don’t know why he was kidnapped. “We believe pressure from the fans and the media played a huge role in our coach getting released”

Bosso, who won the 2013 Cameroon Cup with Yong Sports and worked with Union Douala and Sable de Batie, has so far declined to comment on his ordeal.

Yong Sports will resume training today however it is uncertain whether coach Bosso will take charge of the session.

The club are are tied on 12 points with UMS of Loum at the top of Pool B in Cameroon aib championship after the first phase of the league

The team found in the City of Bamenda, North West is one of two English speaking regions where secessionists have been fighting government forces for 3 years in a bid for independence.

Despite kidnappings on the increase, the abduction of Bosso on Tuesday is the first time a player or football official is kidnapped.

Source: BBC

21, March 2019

US: 8-year-old Nigerian, chess champ in NYC, invited by former President ⁰

Tani, an eight-year-old Nigerian chess champion in New York, may be living in the United States as an immigrant but he could be meeting a former American president soon.

When the story of his witty exploits was shared on Twitter, the 42nd US president Bill Clinton reacted to the fact Tani had defied all odds to win his category at the New York State chess championship.

Here is a youngster who was introduced to the game a little over a year ago. “Refugees enrich our nation and talent is universal, even if opportunity is not,” the president wrote.

“This story made me smile. Tanitoluwa, you exemplify a winning spirit – in chess and in life. And kudos to your hardworking parents. You all should stop by my office in Harlem; I’d love to meet you,” he added.

Incidentally, Tani’s three-hour weekly chess practice is in Harlem whiles he practices more often on his father’s laptop.

Full name, Tanitoluwa Adewumi, the chess whiz kid, has been widely covered by international media and local portals back home. His story was first broken by a New York Times, NYT, columnist, Nicolas Kristof.

Tani, his brother and mother currently live in a New York City homeless shelter as immigrants awaiting refugee status. Their next hearing is slated for later this year.

The Adewumis – whose name denote they hail from Nigeria’s southwest according to reports arrived in the United States in 2017 having escaped Boko Haram insurgency – meaning, they must have been living in the northeast, be it Borno, Adamawa or Yobe states.

Mr Adewumi, works as a licensed real estate salesman and doubles as an Uber driver as his wife and sons await asylum request hearing scheduled for August.

The NYT piece that set Tani’s story on a media blitz was achieved after an interview with the family at their shelter in Manhattan. “I want to be the young grandmaster,” Tani told Kristof.

Whiles his biggest achievement yet is as New York State Primary Chess Champion (Top Players K – 3rd Grade), he has won a handful of trophies playing the game.

His mother Oluwatoyin Adewumi was a pillar in his love for chess having backed him in the early stages when he expressed interest in a game that was entirely new to him. Her appeal to Tani’s programme patron had his fees waived.

His patron and tutor spoke highly about Tani’s abilities and grasp of the game. Shawn Martinez his tutor said, “He is so driven. He does 10 times more chess puzzles than the average kid. He just wants to be better.”

A GoFundMetext page set up by NYT readers has far exceeded the target set. As at midday March 20 (GMT), 3,588 contributors had raised $188,253 despite the initial goal being $50,000.

Africa News

21, March 2019

London: Manyu Women To Unite For 30th Anniversary Celebration ⁰

The Manyu Women Association in London is preparing to celebrate its 30^th anniversary on Saturday the 8^th of June 2019 and hopes that with it will come a new beginning for the entire Manyu community in the United Kingdom. The event promises to be an amazing cultural experience with performances by the renowned V12 De London, a live band, Monikem masquerade and dancing.

Manyu Women London UK, a cultural organization that promotes the core values of the Manyu people is a none profit organization run by volunteers who deliver its objectives. Through its monthly meetings and events, it connects a community of Manyu ladies in the Diaspora, educating them on the importance of tradition, language, food, history and Manyu tribe culture.

Speaking to Cameroon Concord News Group ahead of this year’s celebrations, Olivia Nyamsi, Executive chair observed that: “We want to ensure that Internally Displaced Persons who are victims of the ongoing crisis in Cameroon are at the forefront of our activities.”

Part of the strategy to reignite an interest in the Manyu culture will be the presentation of the Monikem Dance-the first of its kind in London. The 30^th anniversary celebration will also be graced by other Manyu Women’s organizations all over the world including the famous Manyu Daughters Heritage in the Irish Republic.

The celebration that will be hosted at the Petchey Academy Shacklewell Lane, London E8 2EY will be a very culturally based event, linking several Cameroonian communities together. Cameroonian delicacies including delicious foo foo and eru, ndole, roast meat and fish dishes will be served throughout the evening.

All attendees are encouraged to wear African native and traditional attire for what is expected to be a fantastic opportunity to experience a celebration of the rich Manyu culture in London.

By Soter Agbaw-Ebai

20, March 2019

Southern Cameroons Crisis: Atanga Nji thugs kidnap University of Buea students ⁰

Some 15 University of Buea students have been kidnapped by gunmen armed by the Minister of Territorial Administration. The group of thugs has been armed by the government to discredit Southern Cameroonian fighters who have been protecting the civilian population which is being decimated by government troops.

The kidnappers, most of whom are desperate for money and are from poor families, have been hired by the government’s territorial administration minister to do as much as they can to discredit the Southern Cameroons rebellion that aims at bringing total independence to the indigenous people of Southern Cameroons.

A source close to the group has hinted that the gunmen are being used by the government to give Southern Cameroonian fighters a very bad name. He added that the U.S. Undersecretary of State for African Affairs’ visit to Cameroon has left the government with a black eye as Americans are urging Mr. Biya to quit office so as to bring back peace to the troubled country.

The kidnappers, according to the source, say by committing such acts, the government will be able to prove to Americans and some of its allies that it is dealing with terrorists who are intent on destroying the country.

The source however said that some of the kidnappers are prepared to come clean, but are scared of the government, especially Atanga Nji who may retaliate.

The Cameroon Concord News Group Chairperson, Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai, promises to provide details on the situation, especially as Kingsley Betek is already on the ground to have firsthand information on the atrocities being committed by government agents in the southwest region of Cameroon. Stay tuned for Kingsley Betek’s detailed report as promised by the Group Chairman.

20, March 2019

Southern Cameroons Crisis: President Trump’s message hits Biya like a ton of bricks ⁰

The messages delivered by the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Tibor Nagy, to Cameroon’s President, Paul Biya, on Monday have hit the Cameroon strong man like a ton of bricks. The true meaning of the messages is sinking and it is becoming clearer that he is losing his staunchest supporter, France, which is already looking for a replacement for the ailing 86-year-old president who has ruled his country for almost 37 years.

While some of the messages were clearly expressed, some were coded and required time for analysis. The most coded was the picture that the straight-talking American gave to Mr. Biya. The picture of Mr. Biya and late president George Bush Senior was taken in 1991. While Mr. Bush left power a long time ago, Mr. Biya has hanged on to power for many decades and has no plan to leave power.

Americans want him out and there is no better way to let him know that he has overstayed his welcome than by letting him know that his contemporaries are all gone. Sources at the Unity Palace say the 86-year-old Biya is fuming and is losing sleep as his allies are already walking away from him.

Even France is reducing contact with the dictator who is now considered by the French as more of a liability than an asset. The French are gradually coming to terms with the fact that they might lose their influence in Cameroon if they continue to count on Mr. Biya as the only person who is capable of protecting their interest.

Over the last week, the French have been urging Mr. Biya to change course and embrace dialogue in order to address the multiple issues facing the country, especially the Southern Cameroons crisis that has gained international attention for things to return to normal while they continue their search for a new strategy to keep their influence in Cameroon.

Mr. Biya is at his wit’s end. He remembers what happened to President Mobutu of Zaire and he knows that if he does not listen to the Americans, he might incur their wrath. The American ambassador in Yaounde had urged Mr. Biya to think about his legacy in 2018, but the sit-tight leader did not heed the ambassador’s advice.

With the message coming in a different form and from a higher authority in the State Department, Mr. Biya might want to consider his options. Though the meeting between the U.S. diplomat and president Biya was friendly, there were still some rough edges which left the Yaounde strong man ruffled.

During Mr. Biya’s meeting with the U.S. diplomat on Monday, the American urged the president to embrace the frank and inclusive dialogue proposed by the international community, adding that Southern Cameroonians only wanted to be considered as normal citizens of Cameroon and that they would never accept the second-class citizenship the country had imposed on them.

He said that the US administration was closely monitoring events in Cameroon, pointing out that only dialogue could put an end to the crisis in the country. Mr. Nagy also stressed that the route taken by the government to end the crisis was unnecessary and that the loss of human life and property was a clear indication of a disproportionate use of force by the government.

Mr. Nagy also said America would encourage the country to pursue other forms of government that might reduce tensions in the country, adding that Donald Trump’s administration was ready and willing to lend a hand in the development of a truly federal system in Cameroon, a message that had also been sent to the Cameroon government by the Canadian embassy in Yaounde.

Canada, it should be underscored, has significant experience in the handling of minority issues and is very willing to bring that experience to Cameroon so as to enable the two linguistic groups that make up the country to live in peace.

Mr. Nagy used the occasion to remind Mr. Biya that Cameroon was a major American ally in the region, stressing that chaos in Cameroon could spill over to other countries and this could result in disorder that might disrupt life in the entire region.

He hailed Cameroon’s economic potential, adding that the country was blessed with abundant human and natural resources that could be used to bring about shared prosperity and wealth, but for this to happen, there must be peace and justice.

Speaking to journalists after his meeting with President Paul Biya, the American diplomat said diplomatic discussions were always confidential, but added that his discussion with Mr. Biya was frank and direct. A statement which has made sources close to the government to hold that Mr. Biya has been delivered a tough message which he has to take seriously or face destabilization from the frustrated American administration.

Mr. Nagy however said he appreciated Mr. Biya’s wisdom, adding that the United States and Cameroon had much in common and that he would like to bring many American investors to Cameroon so as to create opportunities for the country’s youths.

He said America wanted the best for Cameroon, stressing that he would like young Cameroonians to have the best jobs possible, but that would require peace in the country.

By Linda Embi in Yaounde

20, March 2019

Top-flight coach abducted in Bamenda ⁰

The coach of Cameroonian top-flight club Yong Sports Academy of Bamenda, Emmanuel Ndoumbe Bosso, has been kidnapped by unidentified gunmen

Bosso, who won the Cameroon Cup in 2013 with the team, was taken hostage as he headed to a training session at the club’s stadium.

“Coach Ndoumbe Bosso is loved here in Bamenda and we don’t think anyone will want to hurt him” club chairman Yong Jacques told BBC Sport.

“We’ve called off the two training sessions billed for today and the club is working closely with all interested parties to make sure that our coach is safe”

The club confirmed they have not been contacted with demands for a ransom as yet.

Yong Sports Academy are based in the city of Bamenda, which is in one of the two English speaking regions in Cameroon, where secessionists have been fighting government forces for almost three years in a bid for independence.

Despite kidnappings in the region increasing in recent months this is the first time a football official has been abducted.

Yong Sports Academy are tied on 12 points with UMS of Loum at the top of Pool B in Cameroon’s championship after the first phase of the league.

As an assistant coach he won the Cameroon Cup in 1997 with Union of Douala before wining leading Sable de Batie to the Cameroonian title two years later.

BBC

20, March 2019

Africa’s “PRESIDENT FOR LIFE” trend continues as Museveni seeks reelection ⁰

n September 2017, lawmakers from Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), President Yoweri Museveni’s party, introduced a bill to abolish a constitutional provision that bars anyone 75 or older from running for president.

Two years on, the same lawmakers have unanimously endorsed the president to continue his tenure. If approved by the National Executive Committee and the National Delegates’ Conference, the endorsement would mean Museveni at 74 years old and already in power for 33 years, would seek a record sixth re-election in the upcoming general elections in 2021.

In one word, there is a possibility Museveni could become president for life. This is nothing new, it is a recurring trend and has been the case in several African countries.

Together with Museveni, two other African heads of state have ruled for over three decades each. These include Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo in Equatorial Guinea and Paul Biya of Cameroon.

They could have been five but in 2017, Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos stepped down after thirty-eight years in office, and in November of that year, Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe was forced from office after thirty-seven years by a military coup.

In addition, more than a dozen other African heads of state have been in power for at least ten years, such as Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Burundi’s Pierre Nkurunziza. While in the northern part of the African continent, the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria is being governed by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who has been in power since 1999.

After the announcement of his candidacy for a fifth presidential term last month, nationwide protests broke out in the capital city of Algiers. Weeks of protests and nationwide demonstrations in the country have pushed the long-time leader to drop his plans of running for another term. However, he remains in office and protests have continued, with calls for him to resign immediately.

Bouteflika suffered from a stroke in 2013, has been in a wheelchair since then and is frequently hospitalized. However, his desire to hold on to power has not weakened.

President Bouteflika, who had a stroke in 2013 and has been in a wheelchair ever since assumed office in 1999. Photo credit: Al Arabiya

These long reigns in the countries highlighted reflect a common problem throughout Africa; the region is home to many of the world’s longest-ruling heads of state.

Military coups were once common as a means to seize power, with both Mbasogo and Museveni entering their presidencies this way. However, they have declined during the last two decades – there were twenty-seven successful coups from 1970 to 1982, but only twelve from 2000 to 2012, and just the one against Mugabe since then.

Now, despite laws prohibiting presidents from holding power for so long, many of these leaders secure longer terms by proposing amendments and eventually changing their constitutions in a bid to get additional terms in office – an act described as “constitutional coups.”

Paul Biya is serving as the President of Cameroon since November 1982. Photo Credit: CGTN

As a result, democratic societies in the African continent are stuck with ageing leaders or family dynasties who cling to power through fraudulent elections or constitutional changes forced on their people.

The popularity and widespread practice of entrenched leadership in Africa propel corruption, instability, societal fractures, stagnant economies and democratic backsliding. Zimbabwe, Sudan and now Algeria are just some of the notable examples that come to mind.

Refusal by African heads of state to step down at the appointed time has had devastating consequences and correlates with developmental, economic and security challenges in the countries affected.

Although some African countries with long-serving leaders such as Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia and Sierra Leone have recorded democratic victories and regime change recently. Albeit elsewhere on the continent, leaders continue to disregard their countries’ own constitutions and laws governing presidential tenure, despite actions from regional and international bodies.

Separating African leaders from the addiction to power is an ongoing struggle, and there appears to be no end in sight.

Source: Venturesafrica

20, March 2019

France and U.S. Striking Different Notes In Africa ⁰

There were smiles all around in Kenya as French President Emmanuel Macron and Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta shook hands over a series of infrastructure deals worth $3.3 billion.

It was the third stop on the French president’s East African charm offensive – and the first-ever visit to Kenya by a French head of state.

France wants trade and commercial relationships that are “fair and profitable for the Kenyan people,” Macron said. Alluding to Africa’s many relationships with China often freighted with debt, French investments would be respectful of the receiving country’s sovereignty and sustainable, he pledged.

Among the newly signed deals is a contract for a railway line from Nairobi to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, a trip of about 12 miles that can take up to two hours by car.

Other signed deals include a 30-year concession for a French company to operate a highway linking the Kenyan capital and Mau Summit in western Kenya, a contract for a solar power plant and a contract for coastal and maritime surveillance.

The railway, President Kenyatta said, “will help completely transform the lives of millions of urban workers”. It should be operational by 2021.

The two leaders then shared a photo op seated in Uhuru’s new Peugeot 3008 SUV – assembled in Kenya.

Still, France faces an uphill battle to win more deals in Africa, where China, Turkey and others have moved in quickly and competition is fierce.

In 2017, French exports to Kenya, a former British colony, were about $200 million — about half Uganda’s exports to its neighbor. China exported $3.8 billion, making it Kenya’s biggest trading partner.

Nonetheless, France made few missteps if any on its four nation African tour while U.S. Asst. Secretary of State Tibor Nagy earned negative headlines while in Cameroon for chiding President Paul Biya over a list of human rights violations.

Pro-government groups were unhappy with his references to the detention of opposition leader Maurice Kamto and 150 of his supporters and to the violence in the western Anglophone separatist regions. Other countries on Tibor Nagy’s itinerary are Uganda, the DRC and Rwanda.

Coincidentally, the official visits come as both French and America governments are under fire at home over the erosion of civil liberties, income inequality, racism and the rise of white nationalism and neo-Nazism.

Source: Indepthnews.net

20, March 2019

Democrats push for ending Electoral College to prevent Trump triumph in 2020 ⁰

Senator Elizabeth Warren, one of the many Democrats running for 2020 US presidential election, has joined a partisan push to scrap the Electoral College, the constitutional entity tasked with electing US presidents, in order to prevent President Donald Trump from repeating his controversial 2016 victory.

The current election system in the US overrides the popular vote, which gives the victory to the candidate winning the most ballots, in favor of a so-called winner-take-all mechanism.

This means the Electoral College with its 538 electors across different states, who are chosen based on each state’s representation in Congress, is liable for electing the chief executive.

Despite losing the popular vote to his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, by a significant margin, Trump still won the 2016 White House race in a 304-227 electoral vote landslide. The threshold for winning presidency is 270 electoral votes.

Speaking in a televised CNN town hall in Jackson, Mississippi, Warren said Monday that it was impossible to have a “national vote” in America with the Electoral College in place.

“Well, my view is that every vote matters. And the way we can make that happen is that we can have national voting. And that means get rid of the electoral college and everybody counts,” Warren said to enthusiastic applause.

Senator Elizabeth Warren, one of several Democrats running for the party’s nomination in the 2020 presidential race, speaks during a campaign event, March 8, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by AFP)

The 69-year-old Massachusetts lawmaker called for amendment to the US Constitution that guaranteed the right to vote for all citizens, including convicted felons, and said it was equally important to scrap laws that made casting ballots more difficult.

This puts Warren next to Clinton, New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and many other Democrats who have called for ending the Electoral College.

Last October, when she was running to represent New York’s 14th Congressional District, Ocasio-Cortez famously called the Electoral College a vestige of slavery.

“It is well past time we eliminate the Electoral College, a shadow of slavery’s power on America today that undermines our nation as a democratic republic,” she wrote on Twitter.

PressTV-US Electoral College ‘shadow of slavery power’: NY Dem

NY Dem Ocasio

Hillary Clinton made a similar call in an article published by The Atlantic last month, saying that the “legitimacy” of the US election system was in doubt.

“And you won’t be surprised to hear that I passionately believe it’s time to abolish the Electoral College,” she wrote.

Ongoing efforts

Representative Steve Cohen of Tennessee has introduced a constitutional amendment to eliminate the electoral college but it has yet to be brought up for a vote in the House of Representatives, which is controlled by Democrats.

At the same time, at least 12 states plus the District of Columbia – with a total of 181 electoral votes— have signed onto the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, an agreement that requires the signatory states to select their presidential electors based on who wins the popular vote nationwide regardless of the overall state outcome.

The compact would only take effect when enough states have signed to push the total electoral votes to 270, an objective that experts say is impossible to fulfill before the 2020 election.

Republicans in favor of keeping Electoral College

Unlike Democrats, most Republicans are against changing the current election system in US, a trend that rose sharply after Trump’s victory.

A Gallup poll conducted weeks after the 2016 Election Day showed that only 19 percent of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents supported changing the system, down from 54 percent in 2011.

Democrats were a mirror image as 81 percent of participants in the survey said they supported an amendment to switch to a national popular vote, up from 69 percent five years earlier.

US movement seeks to axe Electoral College system

Republican state Senator Paul Lundeen, who voted against the compact in Colorado, said removing the Electoral College would hurt smaller and more rural states while giving more power to urban areas, where Democrats have a stronger base.

He also said the move undermines the principle of federalism by ceding power to larger states like California and New York, something he said was short-sighted and only fueled by Democrats’ opposition to Trump.

“If there’s a partisan element it’s the knee-jerk reaction: ‘I hate this current president and he didn’t win the popular vote,’” he said. “And I think that hurts us in the long run.”

Presstv