Mimi Mefo has been shortlisted for an award for her fearless mode of reportage in Cameroon’s media landscape considered as repressive and self censoring.

The Index on Censorship released a list of 16 individuals and organizations fighting for free expression in the 2019 edition of its Freedom of Expression awards program.

Mefo was the sole African listed under the journalism category of the awards – whose main description was: “for courageous, high-impact and determined journalism that exposes censorship and threats to free expression.”

Others in the same category included Bihus.info – a group of independent Ukrainian journalists, the Center for Investigative Reporting of Serbia, CINS; and Mehman Huseynox, an Azerbaijani journalist and human rights defender.

What Index on Censorship wrote about Mimi Mefo

Mimi Mefo is one of less than a handful journalists working without fear or favour in Cameroon’s climate of repression and self-censorship.

An award-winning broadcast journalist and the first-ever woman editor-in-chief of private media house Equinoxe TV and Radio, Mefo was arrested in November 2018 after she published reports that the military was behind the death of an American missionary in the country.

Mefo reports on the escalating violence in the country’s western regions, a conflict that has become known as the “Anglophone Crisis” and is a leading voice in exposing the harassment of other Cameroonian journalists, calling publicly for the release of those jailed.

Other shortlisted African nominees

Other award categories that had Africans included Media Rights Activists and Institute for Media and Society (Campaigning category – for activists and campaigners who have had a marked impact in fighting censorship and promoting freedom of expression.)

The Arts category – for artists and arts producers whose work challenges repression and injustice and celebrates artistic free expression – also had Egyptian performing and digital arts company, ElMadina.

About the Index on Censorship group

Index on Censorship is a nonprofit that campaigns for and defends free expression worldwide. We publish work by censored writers and artists, promote debate, and monitor threats to free speech.

We believe that everyone should be free to express themselves without fear of harm or persecution – no matter what their views.

Index’s aim is to raise awareness about threats to free expression and the value of free speech as the first step to tackling censorship. Index relies entirely on the support of donors and readers to do our work.

Africa News

Former South African president Jacob Zuma has signed a record deal with the eThekwini Municipality’s Parks, which will see him record a number of liberation songs. The Durban initiative is aimed at memorializing the role liberation songs played in the anti-apartheid movement.

But the only concern, the choice of lead singer Jacob Zuma.

Derick and Ben are two Johannesburg residents “It might actually be a better career choice for him so I might actually buy an album from him.” “With the money he makes he can not give it to his wives but pay back the taxpayers money.”

Zuma’s nine years in power were marked by corruption scandals and economic stagnation, but some citizens still believe in his personality. One of such is Thembinkosi Ngcobo, the head of the Ethekwini parks, recreation and culture.

“There’s quite a very wide popular support for the initiative out there and our creative team is currently sitting down and is looking into a number of possible groups or individuals that will be part of this project, but yes the main person who will be at the center of the project will be the former President Mr Zuma and then, will then get quit a substantial number of people either individuals or in form of choirs who are also going to be part of the project.”

In a previous interview, Ngcobo said nothing will be paid to Zuma adding that the former president has not asked for anything in return.

Reuters

The Divisional Officer for Mundemba in Ndian was recently accompanied by a female Mummy of the Lord Jesus, supported by the Commander of the 22^nd Regiment of the Cameroon army stationed in Bafumar on a mission to Bessingui and Meka Ngolo aimed at getting Ambazonian restoration forces to drop down their weapons.

Cameroon Concord News understands that with an outdated public address system, the French Cameroun delegation successfully achieved their goal as some Southern Cameroons fighters including the Ambazonian commander of Ndian 1, General DADY DIBALLA came out of the forest neatly dressed with a mobile phone, bowed, trembled and surrendered.

General Dady Diballa reportedly made a soul searching appeal to all Ambazonian forces in Ndian to come out of the bushes and pay allegiance to the so-called Father of the Nation, President Biya. Many in Ndian County now believe that the Holy Spirit guided the mission.

In this edition of the AGBAW-EBAI DEBATE we are asking our readers to make known their opinions on this religious happening in Ndian County.

By Chi Prudence Asong

The White House has suspended CNN correspondent Jim Acosta of his press credentials following his tense exchange with President Donald Trump during a press conference.

During Wednesday’s press conference at the White House, a combative Trump allowed Acosta, CNN’s chief White House correspondent, to ask his question only to cut him off shortly after and branding the journalist an “enemy of the people.”

A visibly angry Trump called Acosta a “rude, terrible person,” after he refused the president’s orders to sit down and give up the microphone during the conference one day after the US midterm congressional elections.

“CNN must be ashamed of itself having you working for them,” the president told Acosta. “You are a rude terrible person.”

Trump then asked another reporter to speak but Acosta refused to sit down. That prompted a White House aide to try to to pull the microphone from Acosta’s hands but the CNN reporter pushed her away and kept talking until Trump walked away from the podium as if he was going to leave the room.

Shortly after the heated moment, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced on Twitter that Acosta was suspended for “placing his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern.”

“This conduct is absolutely unacceptable. It is also completely disrespectful to the reporter’s colleagues not to allow them an opportunity to ask a question. President Trump has given the press more access than any President in history,” she added.

“This unprecedented decision is a threat to our democracy and the country deserves better. Jim Acosta has our full support,” the network said in a statement.

Acosta also accused the White House of making up lies and said the real reason behind the decision was that Trump didn’t want “to be called out on his falsehoods.”

During the press conference, Acosta asked Trump why during his midterm congressional rallies he falsely called a migrant caravan moving towards the US an “invasion” while they were hundreds of miles away in Mexico and “posed no threat to the US.”

Trump insisted in response that the caravan was indeed a threat and he would do all in his power to stop it.

Acosta then tried to slip in another question about the ongoing investigation into Trump’s alleged ties with Russia and whether he was concerned about indictments now that Democrats were in control of the House of Representatives.

“I’m not concerned about anything with the Russian investigation because it a hoax… that’s enough! Put down the mic!” Trump said in response.

It was not Trump’s only scrap with the media during the press conference as he shut down several other reporters in the same manner and proceeded to once again accuse some media of being the “enemy” of American people.

Source: Presstv

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The Cameroon Concord News Group Board wishes to inform its faithful readers that for more than a decade, it has been providing world-class reports of the situation in Southern Cameroons.  The Board has been priding itself on its reports which have helped the world to gain a greater understanding of the crisis playing out in Southern Cameroons. It hails its reporters who have also helped the readers to have a broader perspective of the political situation in Cameroon.

The Board wishes to thank its readers who have continued to trust Southern Cameroon’s leading news platform. It is therefore using this opportunity to state that its reporters are willing to provide more quality information to the readers.    However, due to the changing global financial context, the Board is urging its readers to play a significant role in the financing of the news organization.  It is therefore calling on its faithful readers to make whatever financial contribution they can to ensure they get the latest developments in their native Southern Cameroons, in particular, and Cameroon in general.

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The Luxe, Bliss, & Surreal Black and White Gala 2018 Welcomes You. The unique and dynamic annual Black & White Gala in Atlanta is here to truly exceed you hopes and expectations. The gala has now become an annual spectacle in Atlanta, and we hear that bigger and better is yet to come. It’s your Lifestyle – Enjoy It!

We sat down with the CEO of Orphan Kids Help Foundation/ Black & White Party, Egr. Eyong Eyong Ebot in Hot Atlanta to find out what keeps the Party rolling for the last 9 years.

Cameroon Concord News: What is the main message and idea behind the Atlanta Black & White Party 2018?

Eyong Ebot: The message has been consistent over the last 9 years – we want our patrons to enjoy the moment in life, meeting new people, and sharing of love with contentment and fulfilment. The Black & White Luxury Lifestyle Gala 2018 will provide a unique Gourmet Experience, as we will go to every extent to make our partners, patrons, and friends feel special in exclusive, but affordable surroundings. In principle, the first message is enjoyment in life with friends and loved ones – a celebration of life combined with fine wines and gourmet cocktails.

Cameroon Concord News: What was your inspiration behind the creating of the Atlanta Black & White Gala almost a decade ago?

Eyong Ebot: My inspiration is tied to the fact that we must give back to our community – that is what this is all about. We donate to many local cultural groups who are carrying projects back home in Cameroon to help the needy. We also give to groups on the ground in Africa, because they are in the best position to help needy kids. My inspiration also comes from seeing my friends, patrons, and members enjoying themselves while we put the show around them. Finally, my inspiration comes from others, and the pleasure of the attendees is my greatest challenge, and we will make sure everyone is happy and content in every way possible.

Cameroon Concord News: Almost fully booked already in 2018. Obviously, it is a bold message to Atlanta regarding the quality you represent. What does this mean for you, especially as we have multiple of events in Atlanta?

Eyong Ebot: The fact that we have sold out our VIP Lounges, with only a few VIP Tables remaining,a month from the event is a big achievement. It shows that we are doing the right thing, the organization is moving in the right direction, and that we have great supporters in Atlanta.

Cameroon Concord News: Are you excited?

Eyong Ebot: Absolutely! and in a remarkably positive way as we have worked hard to build the brand of the Black & White Party in the Atlanta Principality in the last nine years. We see the 2018 Gala going forward as a moment of payback to everyone who has supported us during this period. That is why we are committed to continuously improve the satisfaction our patrons derive from the event with no additional costs.

Cameroon Concord News: You are a full-time Engineer, so many people wonder how you find time to manage your Foundation. On the one hand, you are a role model for young and new organizational Leaders in Atlanta, showing that hard work pays off in life. However, it must be very exhausting for you. What makes you move forward on a daily base? What motivates you?

Eyong Ebot: That’s a great question and something that many people ask me. I think I am driven to do the best I can in everything I do. I do not have to be the best; it is not a competitive issue, I just try to do the job right, knowing that the end product is joy and satisfaction. However, before any reward, it takes pain and sacrifices, including a battle against yourself and all the issues that challenge you. One quotation I do enjoy evoking is from Winston Churchill, “When you are going through hell, keep going!”. Not that I’m going through hell; however, life and work put difficulties in our way allthe time, and we just have to keep going.

Cameroon Concord News: Finally, with many events organized by cultural organizations and alumina groups, as well as multiple events organized by other groups and members of the Atlanta community, how do the Black & White Party stay ahead of the game?

Eyong Ebot: Atlanta is the Número 1 Party City of the United States. Some Johnny came lately group leaders might see such environment as a competition and a zero-sum game. However, for the Black & White Organization, we cherish the complements and collaboration we receive from all groups in the community. That is why we are also very active in our community, supporting other groups and events as much we can. Atlanta Black & White looks forward to hosting everyone again at its 9th edition gala in 2018.

American rapper Kanye West and socialite wife Kim Kardashian are visiting Uganda and bringing some much-wanted, positive attention to the East African country. Deadly election-related violence in August caused many tour groups to cancel trips, dealing a blow to the economy. Uganda’s tourism body is hoping the couple’s stay will attract more visitors.

A cartoon in a Ugandan newspaper depicts Kanye West sipping a local beer and thinking “Uganda is gold,” while wife Kim Kardashian, in a red bikini, takes a selfie under the sunset.

Meanwhile, in a reversed Safari, wild African animals compete to get a good look at the celebrity couple.

The sketch underscores the attention West and Kardashian’s visit is bringing to Uganda, where the rapper says he will record a new album.

Amos Wekesa of Great Lakes Safari said the couple’s superstar presence can be used to boost tourist numbers.

“So we need to be able to exploit that. If 100,000 people came here because of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, we would probably expect over $200 million and that would probably create not less than 2,000 jobs in the country. Whatever they are filming right now will stay online for a very long time and it will continue to market Uganda as a key destination.”

Tourism groups canceled planned visits to Uganda after violence erupted in August in relation to a local election.

Clashes broke out between security forces and youth supporters of the musician-turned-politician known as Bobi Wine. Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, was arrested and charged with treason for allegedly throwing rocks at President Yoweri Museveni’s car.

West on Monday met Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for three decades, and gave the president a new pair of white sneakers.

Social media posts made fun of the gift, noting the president is known for wearing odd-looking shoes.

Echoing opposition calls for Museveni to step down, one post read, “We hope that this pair of sneakers can inspire him to sneak out of power.”

It was not clear if West would meet fellow musician Wine, who is trying to get permission from authorities to hold a concert while on bail.

West made headlines last Thursday when he met with U.S. President Donald Trump in the White House Oval Office. The rapper stunned reporters by giving Trump a big hug, pounding the president’s desk, and using profanity.

On the streets of Kampala, not everyone was aware of the celebrity couple’s visit to Uganda, but, Leah Kahunde voiced excitement.

“Kim Kardashian herself has a following bigger than Uganda’s population. So imagine a whole country’s population is eyes on Uganda. That means a lot for my country. And also the tax base and maybe more revenue, that way they might stop milking us and trying to tax us just to make up for expenditure. So it’s a plus for our tourism industry.”

While in Uganda, West and Kardashian are staying in the country’s largest national park, Murchison Falls.

John Ssempebwa is the deputy executive director for Uganda’s Tourism Board. He offered an explanation as to why he thought the couple chose Uganda.

“The Murchison Falls National Park is where the River Nile squeezes into the narrowest of rocks. And makes this thundering sound that can be heard kilometers away. It’s the only place in the world, where it’s actually raining fish. Fishes coming in pushed by this speed of water, so huge, falling. And guess what’s down there waiting for them? The fattest crocodiles in the world.”

Posting on her snapchat, Kardashian wrote, “Dear world, there is another heaven in Uganda.”

Culled from the VOA