Headline News

TV Soap Operas: The Cameroonian woman’s new joy

17, June 2016

TV Soap Operas: The Cameroonian woman’s new joy 0

Television following in Cameroon has grown over the years as the number of local channels increases and paid cable TV connection made more accessible to low income earners. Today, soap operas retain the attention of many Cameroonian women, with both local and foreign channels literally competing for attention with the number and quality of such films they offer. As a result, many women have literally become addicted to watching soaps.

According to Florence Bilaga, a Yaounde-based journalist, soaps are preferred by women because they deal with common gossip subjects such as love, family rivalries and stories of beautiful poor girls who become great because of who they marry. The films also handle the plight of children who are abandoned by one of their parents only for them to become prominent in life. Such a situation often obliges the negligent parent to return, asking for forgiveness on their knees.

“These stories enable women to keep their conversations alive as they try to predict what will happen next,” explained Bilaga. “Time for popular TV soaps in many Cameroonian homes these days is time of concentration. Even little children who were crying before tend to pay attention,” she added. Nyimekong Adeline, a cleaner with a Yaounde-based media company, attributes the popularity of soaps to their ability to handle daily societal concerns. “They teach lessons that enable people to live in harmony with their families and communities, while also offering tips on the things and type of company to avoid,” Nyimekong noted.

Among the several television soap operas currently running in Cameroonian homes are “Rumble” on Cameroon Radio Television, CRTV from 9 pm, “Bad Angel” from 7 pm and “La fille de ma mere,” from 8 pm – all from Mondays to Fridays. Others are “La reine blanche” on Canal 2 International on Saturdays at 7.30 pm, “La belle mère” on A+ during week days from 9 am to 10 am, and “Femmes autoritaires” on the same channel from Mondays to Fridays, beginning at 10.30 am. There is also “Anna Julia” on Nina TV from Mondays to Fridays as from 8.30 pm.

 

Cameroon Tribune

Cameroon: Prices of basic commodities soar, CPDM government won’t talk!!!

17, June 2016

Cameroon: Prices of basic commodities soar, CPDM government won’t talk!!! 0

Getting eight unripe bananas at 100 FCFA or a 15-litre measure of white maize at 3,500 FCFA is no longer possible in Douala today. Talk less of buying a 10-litre container of charcoal (big lumps) at 1,000 FCFA. Families that hitherto depended on essential protein like beans or eggs are now unable to afford them.

Traders like Marguerite Kemba and Donatus T. attribute the hikes to the age-old problem of inaccessibility to production zones, especially as downpours become regular. According to Hans Nfor, it is a season of scarcity for maize and beans because farmers are still waiting for new harvest. Meanwhile, old stocks are gradually being depleted. The obvious impact, they say, is that it has not only created the scarcity of some foodstuff in Douala markets, but also price hikes as many scramble for the few quantities available.

Claudette Ndi, a buyer, said the main sources of protein for her family used to be eggs and beans, but with the scare of Bird Flu in the country, she is unable to afford them. “I can’t go for alternatives like fresh beef because it is even more expensive for a family of eight,” she disclosed. Jacques K., a breadwinner, added that the price hikes have provoked misunderstanding among couples: “Without a corresponding rise in income, I am uncertain of the future.”

Now, only four bananas sell for 100 FCFA and seven for 200 FCFA, for the bigger ones in Marché Buea. Nonetheless, a 15-litre of white maize now costs 4,000 FCFA. Only smart bidders are able to match traders to purchase at 3,900 FCFA. Only last April in Marché des Pommes, the same quantity cost 3,500 FCFA. As for yellow maize, the price of the same quantity has soared to 4,500 FCFA, from 3,800 FCFA. Charcoal, which is preferred by most low-income families for fuel, has climbed to 1,500 FCFA from 1,000 per 10-litre container.

Even so, only the most daring buyer undertakes the telling experience of squeezing through the muddy, narrow aisles of the Charcoal Market in order to find dry charcoal. The prices of beans (red, white and MEDINO) are astronomical, having gone from 10,000 FCFA and 11,000 FCFA to 12,000 FCFA and 13,000 FCFA for 15-litre containers. Meanwhile, a cup of beans now costs 150 FCFA, compared to 125 FCFA two months ago.

Cameroon Tribune

After Paulus Yimbesalu, another Cameroonian to receive Queen Elizabeth’s Young Leader Award

17, June 2016

After Paulus Yimbesalu, another Cameroonian to receive Queen Elizabeth’s Young Leader Award 0

As part of activities marking Queen Elizabeth II of England’s 90th birthday, a Cameroonian has been selected to receive the Queen’s Young Leaders’ Award on Thursday, June 23, 2016, at Buckingham Palace, London. David Morfaw, 22, was selected “for taking the lead in transforming the lives of others and making a lasting difference in their communities,” says the release from the British High Commission in Cameroon.

As Queen’s Young Leader, Morfaw will join other winners from 45 Commonwealth countries in London for five days of high-level engagements designed to enable them further their life-changing work. Prior to receiving the award, winners will visit Number 10 Downing Street and the UK headquarters of global social networking company, Twitter, as well as meet senior executives at the BBC World Service. They will also meet Patricia Scotland, the Commonwealth Secretary General and visit projects for the vulnerable in the UK, amongst others.

This year’s Queen’s Young Leaders’ Award recipients are working on variety of issues such as education, climate change, gender equality, mental health and improving the lives of people with disabilities. Meanwhile, the application process to be among the 2017 Queen’s Young Leaders’ Award winners opens on Friday, June 24, 2016. The contest is intended for young people between 18 and 29, dedicated to creating positive changes in the lives of Cameroonians. Application details are available at www.queensyoungleaders.com.

Cameroon Tribune

Bamenda: Fear of Avian Influenza, North West authorities destroy 17,640 eggs

17, June 2016

Bamenda: Fear of Avian Influenza, North West authorities destroy 17,640 eggs 0

Efforts to ensure that the North West Region remains free of Avian Influenza or Bird Flu received a boost on June 15, 2016 with the destruction of 17,640 suspect eggs. The eggs were intercepted at Akum, the gateway into metropolitan Bamenda in the night of June 14, 2016 by a joint team of gendarmes and police officers. They were later destroyed in the neigbourhood of Ntarinkon, Bamenda, following the June 3, 2016 order by the Governor, prohibiting the bringing in of poultry and poultry products into the North West Region.

The 17,640 eggs, worth 1,164,000 FCFA, were packaged in 49 cartons. The taskforce on enforcing the Governor’s order supervised the destruction, with the Governor’s representative, Vivian Nama Tabod, leading. The North West Regional Delegate for Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, Dr. Atanga Heinendes, stressed the commitment of technical services to bar the way to Bird Flu. He urged the public to stand by government’s efforts against the virus because it is cheaper to prevent than to confront the virus when it takes root.

Vivian Nama Tabod explained that the Governor’s order prohibiting the bringing in of poultry products into the region was a healthcare measure to ensure that the area remained free of Bird Flu. She warned against any collusion with public transport drivers, reminding members of the public against the legal consequences.

Cameroon Tribune

Yaounde: Supreme Court raided by unidentified gunmen

16, June 2016

Yaounde: Supreme Court raided by unidentified gunmen 0

The Supreme Court of Cameroon has been experiencing several cases of burglary since the beginning of June this year. Cameroon Intelligence Report has gathered that the offices of Justice Dagobert Bisseck, President of the Judicial Chamber of the Supreme Court and Justice Jean Claude Robert Foe of the administrative chamber were visited by unidentified gunmen.

Interestingly, both Justices Bisseck and Jean Claude Foe were all on administrative leave when the incident occurred. The chain that protects the entrance gate to the building was cut off and important documents were carried away. Surveillance cameras are nevertheless present in the corridors leading to these offices but unfortunately they were all out of service.  The CPDM government is maintaining a kind of deliberate silence on this recent attack on the Supreme Court.

Rita Akana (CIR)

Nigerian Air Force to induct JF-17 fighter aircraft, Mi 35 Helicopters

16, June 2016

Nigerian Air Force to induct JF-17 fighter aircraft, Mi 35 Helicopters 0

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has started expansion works on airbase facilities at Yola International Airport as it prepares to receive new aircraft, including Russian-made Mi-35 helicopters as well as JF-17 Thunder fighters and Super Mushshak trainers from Pakistani Aeronautical Company (PAC). Addressing government and military officials who gathered for the commissioning of the projects in the city of Yola earlier this month, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa said works include the expansion of existing airport aprons, pilot and crew rooms as well as the construction of new office and residential accommodation and recreational facilities.

He said the country will soon take delivery of an undisclosed number of JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft and Mi-35 helicopter gunships to provide additional air support to ongoing counter-terrorism operations against the Boko Haram militant group in the north-east. “Due to this expected fleet expansion, it has become necessary to expand existing ground facilities at the military airport. These include the aprons, pilot and crew rooms, office and residential accommodation and new recreation facilities to enhance the welfare of the personnel and reposition the NAF for effective and efficient air operations,” Capt. Famuyiwa said.

Apart from the Jf-17 which Famuyiwa confirmed as due for due delivery shortly, Nigeria is seeking up to 10 Super Mushshak trainer aircraft from Pakistan to beef up its trainer fleet. Capt Famuyiwa said there are strong indications that the US could soon allow Nigeria to acquire Brazilian-made A-29 Super Tucano light attack and trainer turboprops to replace its aged fleet of Alpha Jets. According to a leaked copy of Nigeria’s 2016 budget which President Muhammadu Buhari presented to a joint session of the National Assembly in December 2015, the Nigerian Air Force aims to acquire three JF-17s this year, and has budgeted $25 million towards this. N2.06 billion ($10.2 million) was allocated for 10 PAC Super Mushshak basic trainers, and N11.6 billion ($56 million) for two Mi-35M helicopters as well as N5 billion for the JF-17s.

Meanwhile, the German government has pledged to supply the Nigerian armed forces with new navy vessels, mobile health units, ground surveillance equipment and mine detection and disposal equipment as well as specialised training programmes for counter-terrorism special forces. Addressing Nigerian media on the sidelines of the Nigeria-Germany Bi-National Commission Meeting in Abuja earlier this month, the Permanent Secretary of the German Foreign Office Markus Elderer said Germany would also train Nigerian military engineers in the handling and maintenance of equipment set for donation.

“The Nigerian government requested equipment support and military training so we are incorporating all of these in this agreement. We are doing this through training, through equipment supply like the ground surveillance radar systems and mine clearing equipment.  “We will also supply mobile health units for the security forces carrying out the difficult tasks of combating terrorism. We are almost at the finishing line and we are just awaiting the signing of the agreement so that we can begin implementation, I think everything will be done this year,” he added.

The Nigerian army is already receiving counter-terrorism training and equipment from the US, the UK, France, Russia as well as Pakistan as it struggles to defeat Boko Haram militants. Western powers have doubled their assistance to the war-ravaged West African nations since the election of former military dictator Muhammadu Buhari as president over a year ago.

 

Defenceweb

President Ali Bongo orders military vehicles, mobile medical shelters and positioning systems from France

16, June 2016

President Ali Bongo orders military vehicles, mobile medical shelters and positioning systems from France 0

Gabon has ordered unmanned ground vehicles, mobile medical shelters, positioning systems and unmanned aerial vehicles from France’s Nexter. The contracts were announced by Nexter at the Eurosatory show in Paris on Tuesday. The deals involve the Findsat positioning system, Nerva LG unmanned ground vehicles, with a variety of mission kits, NX-110 unmanned aerial vehicles from Nexter partner Novadem and medical shelters from Euro-Shelter, a Nexter subsidiary. The Findsat system is a space-based blue force tracker that is able to identify and locate friendly personnel. The system has been tested by France as part of its Licorne operation in the Ivory Coast.

The Nexter Robotics Nerva LG wheeled unmanned ground vehicles are designed for reconnaissance and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) route clearance. The vehicle is designed to be an extension of the vehicle that carries it. The throwable and waterproof vehicle can be controlled from a computer, tablet or smartphone and can be operated semi-autonomously by following waypoints and automatically brought back home. Payloads can include an infrared camera, day camera etc.

Novadem’s NX-110 is a small quadcopter unmanned aerial vehicle powered by electric motors. Its rotor blades and rotor hub arms fold up so it can be transported in a single carry case. It carries a single gyrostabilised camera, which can be a CCD day camera or infrared camera. The interchangeable payload bay can also carry gas, radiometer or spectrometers and other sensors.

Gabon has previously ordered other military hardware from Nexter, and in November 2014 ordered four 15A naval mounts and a 20 mm Narwhal remote controlled gun turret from Nexter Systems to equip its Raidco RPB20 patrol boats and 58 metre OPV50 offshore patrol vessel bought from Piriou. In October 2014 Gabon also ordered the refurbished ex-French Navy P400 patrol vessel Tapageuse.

The Narwhal turret features an electro-optical sighting system and moving target auto-tracker. The turret for Gabon features the 20 x 102 mm M621 cannon, which has a firing rate of 750 rounds per minute. Weight of the turret with 200 rounds of ammunition is 390 kg. The Narwhal turret has been selected by the French Navy for its FREMM frigates.

The 15A light naval gun mount is also fitted with the M621 cannon. It is manually aimed and operated and weights 200 kg, with 160 rounds of ammunition. On 29 October 2014 Gabon also ordered 12 Aravis armoured vehicles to equip its battalion committed in the Central African Republic as part of the UN’s MINUSCA mission there. These vehicles were fitted with the ARX20 turret, the PG-Guard anti-RPG protection system and Nerva LG mini scout robots. The first were handed over to Gabon in June 2015.

 

Defenceweb

Bodies of three dozen refugees found in Niger Sahara Desert

16, June 2016

Bodies of three dozen refugees found in Niger Sahara Desert 0

The bodies of nearly three dozen refugees, including women and children, have been found in Niger’s Sahara Desert, where they were apparently abandoned by smugglers en route to neighboring Algeria and eventually Europe. “Thirty four people, including five men, nine women and 20 children, died trying to cross the desert,” Niger’s Interior Minister Mohamed Bazoum said in a statement on Wednesday.

He said two of the victims have been identified as Nigerians but the nationalities of the others were not immediately clear. Bazoum said the bodies were found near the northern desert town of Assamaka, at a border post between Niger and Algeria. The refugees, he said, had died between June 6 and 12. Thirst was described in the statement as a probable cause. Temperatures currently stand at 42 degrees in the region.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has estimated that 120,000 people crossed through the Niger desert last year and 60,000 between February and April this year. The IOM also recorded 37 refugee deaths in the desert in 2015. Libya used to play host to the majority of the refugees in Sub-Saharan Africa on their way to Europe, but since the North African country plunged into political chaos in 2011, Algeria has become the new route.

Thousands of illegal migrants and refugees have recently arrived in Algeria on their way to Europe, mostly from neighboring Mali and Niger. More than 7,000 Nigerien migrants, mostly women and children, were turned back from Algeria to their home country in 2015 as part of an agreement between the two countries’ governments. Meanwhile, Europe has recently curbed the number of illegal arrivals from Africa, after a deal with Ankara in March reduced the number of people trying to cross from Turkey.

Presstv

 

16, June 2016

Cameroon to announce new laws on adultery and homosexuality 1

The National Assembly has debated the draft law amending the Criminal Code as tabled by the government. Information that filtered to our political desk says the MPs plan to punish adultery with some new modifications. To be sure, in terms of Article 361 which regulates the question of adultery, the members of parliament have now agreed that adultery “shall be punished with imprisonment from two months to six months or a fine of 25,000 to 100,000 francs if a married woman who has sex with a man other than her husband”.

The new bill amending the text adds in paragraph 2, that the “penalties provided in paragraph 1 above shall hold for the husband who has sex with other women rather than his wife or wives.” If the text proposed by the government is eventually passed by parliament, it will be a kind of revolution in Cameroon. We learnt that stricter measures are being designed to combat homosexuality.

Rita Akana (CIR)

16, June 2016

Armed robbers attack Minister Mama Fouda’s residence, made away with 555 million FCFA 2

Cameroon Intelligence Report has learned that heavily armed men took away more than 555 million CFA francs from the residence of André Mama Fouda, Minister of Public Health. Our Yaoundé informant revealed the robbers took advantage of the absence of the policeman assigned to the Mama Fouda villa to enter and commit their crime. The wife of the minister was tied up and we understand some acts of violence were committed against her.

According to a highly placed security source who sued for anonymity, heavy weapons were found in a vehicle belonging to the minister and more than 555 million FCFA including valuable jewels were stolen during the robbery. It is not the first time that thieves have visited Minister Fouda. On the night of April 17, 2015 over 300 million FCFA reportedly disappeared at his residence.  The Yaoundé police responded by detaining all employees at his home. The trouble that President Biya and his kinsmen are bringing to Cameroon as a nation, wears a cap and whistles.

Sama Ernest (CIR)

«< 1373 1374 1375 1376 1377 >»