News

27, April 2017

La Republique court adjourns trial of Southern Cameroons leaders ⁰

The hearing started today at 11:14am with the counsel for the civil parties presenting their memorandum of appearance after which they made an oral application for an adjournment to consult the case file- an application which the defense argued vigorously against by citing several provisions of the law to buttress their points.

The prosecution on the other hand declared their readiness to open their case by calling their witnesses. The prosecution had 17 witnesses to prove their case. Conspicuous among the counsel for the civil parties was the controversial Barrister Achu Julius Tabe Ngu. An application for bail to be granted to Barrister Balla and Neba by the defense was argued vigorously by Barrister Karim Khan, one of the human right lawyers from the UK attending trial. He argued the application for more than an hour citing provisions of the constitution and international conventions and treaties duly signed and ratified by Cameroon notably the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights of 1966, the Bill of Rights and the African Charter on Humans and Peoples Right. He ended his submission by saying that “judges try cases but cases do try judges”.

Other former bar Presidents four in their numbers and other senior colleagues also argued the bail application. After the lengthy arguments from the defense for the bail application, the prosecution requested for adjournment to reply to the application which was granted. The matter was thus adjourned to the 24^th of May at the instance of the prosecution.

27, April 2017

Nigerian Air Force inducts new Mi-35 attack helicopters ⁰

The Nigerian Air Force has formally inducted into service the two new Mi-35M attack helicopters, out of 12 ordered from Russian Helicopters in September 2015. The two aircraft were introduced into service during the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF’s) 53rd anniversary celebrations on 22 April in Makurdi. The ceremony was attended by Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, and Minister of Defence, Mansur Mohammad Dan-Ali, who represented President and Commander -in-Chief Muhammadu Buhari.

The induction of the helicopters will enhance NAF’s operational effectiveness and capability in the fight against insurgency and other forms of criminalities in the country, the NAF said in a statement. The modern Mi-35M attack helicopter has night capabilities in comparison to the earlier version and also has higher performance, more endurance and it is fitted with glass cockpit to enhance situational awareness during operations.

Dan-Ali said successes recorded so far against Boko Haram were made possible through training and acquisition of platforms and equipment for the Armed Forces and other security agencies. “Training and the recent acquisition of brand new platforms and other supporting equipment for our armed forces including other security agencies were also intensified. This was in practical fulfilment of my promise to re-professionalise and adequately equip our military so they could effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities. The successes recorded so far have restored our pride and honour in the comity of nations. I urge you to consolidate on the gains of air power towards sustaining the peace and stability we have attained so far,” he said.

Abubakar said the Mi-35Ms will “significantly boost the effectiveness and combat capability of the Nigerian Air Force, especially in the counter insurgency operations in the northeast. The president has also approved the acquisition of additional platforms which will soon be delivered to the Nigerian Air Force. Within the last 20 months or so the president’s support has helped to reposition the Nigerian Air Force into a professional and disciplined air force capable of timely employment of air power, in response to our national security challenges.”

During the NAF day celebration Abubakar also presented a ceremonial colour to the newly established Special Operations Command (SOC) and celebrated the awarding of pilot wings to six NAF pilots. Two of the pilots were trained at King Hussain Air College in Jordan and four at the International Helicopter Flying School in Enugu.

The previous day the NAF test fired locally made 30 mm rockets developed by its Research and Development team. They were fired from a vehicle during the Weapons Meet at Kwenev Air Range. F-7Ni fighters fired rockets and cannon during the demonstration as well. Other aircraft that took part included A109 helicopters, L-39ZA and Alpha Jet trainers.

In his speech on 22 April Abubakar highlighted the active participation of the NAF in various peacekeeping operations especially the recent Operation Restore Democarcy in Gambia which saw NAF as the only air force undertake a combat deployment to Gambia.

Other activities during the closing ceremony were aerial and static displays of various NAF platforms and hardware as well as a colourful ceremonial parade. L-39ZAs fitted with rocket pods and cannon were displayed, as well as the indigenous Gulma unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

The Nigerian Air Force is expecting to take delivery of the remaining 12 Mi-35Ms by the end of 2018. The first two arrived in Nigeria in December 2016. The Mi-35M is powered by two Klimov VK-2500 turbo-shaft engines. It has an updated navigation and avionics suite which features multi-function coloured displays and target sighting systems, including a thermal imager and laser rangefinder. Apart from the attack role, the Mi-35M can be used for landing or transporting up to 8 fully-equipped soldiers.

Source: Defenseweb

26, April 2017

Boko Haram landmine kills 3 in Cameroon military convoy ⁰

Three Cameroon soldiers engaged on the front-line in the war against Boko Haram have fallen. The soldiers were victims of an explosion from an improvised explosive devise planted by the Nigerian Islamic sect.

The land mine hit their armored truck between the towns of Homeka and Bladole. Five other officers who were in the military vehicle were injured. Amongst the injured was the body guard of the Commander of the Regiment 1 of the Joint Multinational Task Force, Bouba Dobekreo.

The recent attacks come at a time when the Boko Haram terrorist group has been losing grounds though military sources consider it still very dangerous.

Cameroon’s Defense forces in conjunction with the Multinational Joint Task Force have pushed the terrorists out of the national territory and have destroyed their artillery. This explains why the terrorist group has resort to landmines and the use of children as suicide bombers. Vigilante groups have been very active assisting security forces in capturing suicide bombers who attempt to cause havoc in towns and cities in the Far North.

Source: CRTV

25, April 2017

Yaounde Military Tribunal sentences RFI correspondent to 10 years in prison ⁰

The military court in Yaoundé has sentenced to ten (10) years in prison, the Radio France International Hausa language correspondent in Cameroon. Ahmed Abba, a correspondent for the Africa section of the French State’s international radio media was also ordered to pay the sum of 55 million FCFA by the Yaoundé military court.

The Biya Francophone regime claimed to have arrested him at the end of July 2015 in possession of several identity cards, Ahmed Abba was prosecuted for “complicity in terrorist acts and not for terrorist acts” in a trial, which opened in February 2016, lasted more than a year.

The state prosecutor introduced Ahmed Abba as an accomplice of the Nigerian Islamic sect, Boko Haram in Cameroonian territory. These accusations have always been rejected by our colleague whose employer RFI, via a communiqué sent its dismayed over the court decision.

By Eyong Johnson

25, April 2017

Buea: Mayor Ekema wants Barrister Agbor Balla, Dr. Fontem dead ⁰

The Mayor of Buea Council Patrick EKEMA Esunge has described as ‘secessionists’ traders who close their shops on ghost town days in his municipality. Patrick Ekema made the pronouncement on Monday April 24, 2017 in Buea during a press briefing on the civil disobedience situation in Buea.

Angered by the fact that many shops have remained permanently closed despite a recent march against ghost towns organized by the ruling CPDM crime syndicate, Mayor Ekema, an agent of the Francophone political elites said he wish that Barrister Agbor Balla and Dr. Fontem be given the death penalty.

Patrick EKEMA Esunge said ghost towns have been less effective these days but that some ‘secessionists’ around Molyko are still adhering to the strike action orchestrated by the Cameroon Anglophone Civil Society Consortium.

The mayor who has a harem of mistresses noted that areas like Buea town, Bongo Square are not in any way observing ghost town as shops were wide open on Monday and the Buea town Market was booming with traders and buyers present for their daily activities.

The mayor also renewed his scathing attacks on his predecessor, Senator Mbella Moki Charles accusing him of being tactless and reckless. Ekema observed that Mbella Moki should stay clear of Buea council issues. “He cannot talk on behalf of Buea Municipality today,” Patrick EKEMA said.

By Rita Akana with files from CIN

24, April 2017

Bamenda: Francophone soldiers in civilian clothing stage anti ghost town demo ⁰

A small group of Francophone soldiers dressed as civilians have staged an ‘Anti-Ghost Town’ march in Bamenda. The troops attempted to lure the Okada riders to join them but met with a stone wall. The young military men and women parked their vehicle at Below Foncha Street from where they were given white tee shirts and placards to carry out the demonstration.

The troops are part of a regiment deployed to protect the chaotic university games currently going on in Bamenda. The scantily attended march denounced the observation of ghost town put in place by the Cameroon Anglophone Civil Society Consortium.

The Francophone soldiers marched through Ngeng Junction, Fokou, Nkwen and stopped at the Grand Stand where a statement crafted by the ruling CPDM crime syndicate was read. The so-called anti ghost town marchers held banners with writings aimed at dissuading the Bamenda population from observing ghost town.

However, the anti ghost town parade was greeted with an effective civil disobedience on the ground as the soldiers carried on their activity. The Bamenda anti ghost town march is a follow up to those organized in Limbe, Kumba as well as Buea.

By Rita Akana

Cameroon Concord News Group

24, April 2017

Francophone trial of Moderator Fonki Samuel Forba postponed until June 5th ⁰

Initially scheduled for today Monday the 24^th of April 2017 at the Buea Court of First Instance in the Southwest region, the trial of the Right Reverend Fonki Samuel Forba, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon has been postponed to Monday, June 5th.

In a communiqué dated 21 April 2017 and signed by Beatrice Nambangi, the President of the Buea Court of First Instance, the magistrate indicated that Reverend Fonki Samuel of the Presbyterian Churche in Cameroon should not appear in court as earlier announced. Beatrice Nambangi did not give any reason for the adjournment.

As a reminder, the Moderator including the Roman Catholic Bishops of the Bamenda ecclesiastical province have been accused by a group calling itself the Consortium of Parents of having cashed the tuition fees for the 2016/17 School year that is drawing to a close without dispensing classes and keeping the doors of their institutions closed thus encouraged the crisis that has paralyzed the English-speaking regions since November 2016.

Moreover, retired Colonel Tamambang Nche, one of the parents mentioned in the direct citation as authors of the complaint, denied his involvement. He observed that it may be a confusion of identity or a usurpation of title.

By Sama Ernest

Cameroon Concord News

24, April 2017

US cites piracy in Somalia for new focus on Africa ⁰

The commander of the US Africa Command cites fight with Somalia’s piracy during a visit by the Pentagon chief. US Marine General Thomas Waldhauser made the remarks alongside Defense Secretary Jim Mattis during a press conference in Djibouti, a tiny African country at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, which makes it ideal for US military operations in Somalia as well as Yemen.

Waldhauser made the comments amid reports of an increase in piracy attacks off the coast of Somalia, considered an international threat since the early 2000s. “The bottom line is there have been a half dozen or so (incidents),” Waldhauser.”We’re not ready to say there is a trend there yet but we’ll continue to watch.”

US Defense Secretary James Mattis (2ndL) and US Embassy Charge d’Affaires Mark Boulware (C) are greeted by US Marine Corps General Thomas Waldhauser (2ndR) as they arrive at Camp Lemonnier in Ambouli, Djibouti, on April 23, 2017. (Photo by AFP)

Two ships have been captured this month and a third rescued by Indian and Chinese forces. The attacks peaked to 237 in 2011 but decreased afterwards. Famine and drought in the region is behind the alleged new rise in the attacks, according to the US Africa Command chief.

Over 20 million people from Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen are at risk of death from starvation, according to UN World Food Program. The Pentagon chief said, however, that he did not expect the US forces to respond to piracy rise off the coast of Somalia.

Source: Presstv

23, April 2017

French Cameroun: CPDM-style scandal rocks the Ministry of Scientific Research ⁰

Another CPDM-style scandal has rocked the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation. In this new Francophone scandal, two lists were released and reportedly signed by the Minister. The first list was published on the 18^th of January 2017 and the second on the 10^th of April. Both lists have different names of successful candidates recruited to join the work force of the ministry.

On April 10, 2017 Madeleine Tchuente, the Minister of Scientific Research made public a list of 220 researchers recruited in her ministerial department for the fiscal year 2016. The Francophone Minister said her department no longer recognized the first list she herself had published on the 18^th of January 2017 by joint decree MINFOPRA (Ministry of Public Service and Administrative Reform ed.) and the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, MINRESI, for the same purpose.

Cameroon Concord News understands that Madeleine Tchuente’s new list contains twelve new names while thirteen others were removed from the first list. The names of Hassan Mahamat, Tchoudjin Gertrude Loveline and Wanko Kebebou Jean Olivier that appeared in the first of 39 recruits from the Agricultural Research Institute for Development (IRAD) have disappeared from the second. In addition, the names of Ngo Béa Cornelie Raphaëlle and Yebga Matip Guy Albert appeared on the waiting list when they were not listed in the first document published on the 18^th of January.

Some of the new names on the new list have contradictory information on their diplomas and other documents of identification. In many of the cases, the ages had exceeded the required limit by the Cameroon public service law. Our Yaounde city reporter, who contributed to this report, hinted that the first list was jointly signed by the Minister of Scientific Research and the Minister of Public Service while the second list carried only the signature of the Minister of Scientific Research.

The head of the communication cell at the Ministry of Research blatantly refused to comment on the matter. Paul Zébazé told newsmen to go directly to the minister. However, another official of the same ministerial department revealed that Minister Madeleine Tchuente was simply implementing the policy of regional balance.

By Chi Prudence Asong

Cameroon Concord News Group

22, April 2017

One million displaced in DR Congo’s Kasai due to violence ⁰

Deadly violence between government forces and tribal militias in DR Congo’s central Kasai region has forced more than a million people from their homes over the past eight months, the UN said Friday. The fighting erupted after government troops last August killed tribal chief Jean Pierre Mpandi, also known as Kamwina Nsapu, who had launched an uprising against President Joseph Kabila.

Yvon Edoumou of the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said it had registered 1.09 million internally displaced people in the region as of April 1. Violence in other areas of the country, including the North and South Kivu provinces, has forced an additional two million to flee their homes, he told AFP.

“These people are mainly fleeing clashes between the FARDC (DR Congo’s armed forces) and armed groups, or between armed groups,” he said, adding that about 40 local and international aid groups were helping to cope with the crisis.

The UN has accused the Nsapu rebellion of using child soldiers and committing several atrocities, while also denouncing the disproportionate use of force by the military. The UN has reported finding 40 mass graves in the Kasai region, and the bodies of two UN researchers investigating the violence were found in a grave 16 days after they were abducted last month.

Presstv