Politics

27, May 2022

Biya Succession Palaver: French ambassador at Unity Palace ⁰

The French Ambassador Christophe Guilhou was at the Unity Palace today to push for a succession plan program.

Pro Yaoundé media houses reported that the top French diplomat and Biya discussed the current situation in Ukraine and its consequences on the world economy.

However, Cameroon Intelligence Report sources confirmed after the meeting that Paris is very worried about Biya’s deteriorating bill of health and the need for new blood that will protect French interest.

The French are scared that if Biya disappears suddenly, there could be chaos and they will lose Cameroon, especially as Russians are spreading their presence on the continent.

Ever since the Biya regime purchased arms from Moscow, Paris has been very concerned and it is working hard to build confidence even though it no longer trust Biya who is crumbling and losing his mind.

Speaking to reporters after the almost one hour thirty minutes meeting, Christophe Guilhou said

“Cameroon is still a friend of France and France is still a friend of Cameroon. We have a very substantial cooperation. The idea is to foster even more the cooperation and the friendship between Cameroon and France.”

By Rita Akana in Yaoundé

27, May 2022

Secret Meetings Continue at Etoudi ⁰

More secret meetings are still being held at the Unity Palace to find Dion Ngute’s replacement.

Dion Ngute, who became Prime Minister some three years ago, is viewed by the French and Cameroonian authorities as having fallen short of their expectations because he has not been able to douse the fire in the Southwest region.

He was brought in as Head of Government to help disconnect the Southwest Region from the separatist movement that is still tearing the country apart, as a strategy to roll back the revolution.

“Dion Ngute has failed as a Prime Minister. He is a nice person. He is mild mannered and very friendly, unfortunately he has not been able to establish communication lines with Ambazonian fighters so that some of them could be convinced to down their weapons and return to a state of law,” a source at the presidency told Cameroon Intelligence Report.

“Many people are thinking that Dion Ngute could be replaced by Elung Paul Che, but many others wonder if he has any leverage over the Ambazonia Interim Government and its majority Amba fighters, many of whom pay allegiance to the Southern Cameroonian Diaspora,” he stressed.

“We need peace in Cameroon and many Cameroonians hold that if the post of vice president is created, it should be given to someone who can talk to the Diaspora and has much leverage over the separatists,” he underscored.

“We are hearing that the president and his men are seriously looking abroad for someone with vast knowledge and experience who can help change things on the ground. The intelligence community has it that many Southern Cameroonians working in international organizations have much leverage as they help to finance the fighters. Bringing one of such persons into government might cut the fighters off some of their finances, making it possible for them to come to the negotiating table,” the source, who is a senior government official, said.

“The focus is now on Southwesterners in international organizations. The hawks in government hold that someone who is moderate and not tainted by the corruption in Yaoundé could be a welcome relief. The search for a real Southwesterner is even extended to some who are on retirement and the key factor here is they must be capable of talking with both the separatists and federalists,” he said.

“The hawks in government know that the mismanagement in Cameroon has put the government at odds with major global development finance institutions. They think that bringing someone from the world of finance and development will help the government to clean up its image,” the source added.

“There are a few Northwesterners who could be considered for this position, but it is feared they will not be supported by pro CPDM Southwesterners in Yaounde and that they lack the cloud that can help to bring the separatists back to the fold,” he pointed out.

“The African Development Bank, the African Union and the UN have some good Southwesterners. They are knowledgeable, they have been in the civil service and have been connected to the struggle in different ways, but their handicap is that they are loose cannons and electrons which cause doubts in the minds of the government hawks,” he stressed.

“I have been reliably informed that government delegations are currently in Abidjan and Addis Ababa to gather more intelligence on some people whose names are on the list. Things are moving very fast and change is really in the offing,” our source pointed out.

“Change is coming to Yaounde and it is bringing with it a lot of confusion and fear. We only hope we will get the right people. We need people who are trust-worthy. People who can silence the guns in the two English-speaking regions of Cameroon,” he said.

“While the French keep on pushing for the return of Abouem à Tchoyi, Cameroonians clearly think that Anglophones deserve the position of vice president and the next president should come from the English-speaking minority,” he furthered.

“We don’t need to ruin our country. We just need someone who will unite the country and bring about development in the country,” he concluded.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

26, May 2022

Cabinet Reshuffle: Dion Ngute on his way out ⁰

The long-awaited cabinet reshuffle will soon be released and many southwesterners will end up being unhappy, as Dion Ngute is on his way out.

Though hated by Southwest separatists, the current prime minister, Dion Ngute, has his supporters who think he should still be in government. But Biya and the international community think differently. He has not been up to the task a source at the UN told the Cameroon Concord News Group’s editor-in-chief.

According to the international community and France, Dion Ngute has outlived his usefulness. The Biya government thought Dion was capable of disconnecting the Southwest region from the separatist movement, but the Ndian Division native has not been able to unite Southwesterners for more than three years. On the contrary, he has been a lightning rod for controversy.

The Southwest Diaspora is totally against Dion Ngute as it is being publicly alleged that he has not done anything for his people. He has not been to his native Ndian since he became the Prime Minister.

Also, Dion has never sought to talk to the Southwest Diaspora which has been financing the fighting in his region of birth and this makes it hard for the dying Biya regime to keep him as the Prime Minister, a source told the Cameroon Concord News Group.

According to a source at the country’s Presidency, Dion’s fate has been decided and he will be promptly replaced by a Francophone, presumably by someone from the north who is expected to calm down northerners who have been planning to slaughter Betis once Biya disappears.

Dion’s departure has been made a lot easier by the need to appoint a vice president who will succeed Biya in the event of a vacancy.

A Cameroon Concord News Group source at the Presidency has said that the Biya regime is still looking for a Southwesterner who will be capable of serving as a vice president. For now, it is hard to find a credible Southwesterner at home.

The source added that the French are insisting on an establishment Southwesterner but most credible and presidential Southwesterners are out of the country. They are working abroad and many of them are not loyal to the government.

The government is looking at Southwesterners in international organizations, especially those who can have an influence on separatists.

The French are worried about losing Cameroon and they hold that a moderate Southwesterner could help calm down tempers in the two English-speaking regions of the country.

The Source hinted that a list of Southwesterners in international organizations such as the African Development Bank, the African Union, the United Nations and the World Bank is being studied at the Presidency.

Many names have been floated but the fear is that will those in international organizations be capable of protecting those who have been very loyal to Biya over the last forty years?

While it is difficult to find a very reliable Southwesterner at the international level, the French are suggesting that Abouem à Tchoyi could also make a good successor because of his deep understanding of the government and the Anglophone problem which is tearing the country apart.

Abouem à Tchoyi has served as governor in the two English-speaking regions of the country and he understands the issues. He is supported by Anglophones because he knows the issue, but he is from the center region and this makes things complicated, the source said.

Currently, a few names from the African Development Bank and the United Nations are being analyzed. The fear is that those being considered are loose electrons. Will they be able to work according to French dictates? the source asked.

There is tension at the Unity Palace. Most Betis who are close to the regime are scared. Any Anglophone is feared. They know many Anglophone Cameroonians feel hurt and may not give the Betis the protection they need at this time.

For now, the die has been cast for Dion Ngute. Cameroon needs to remain united and indivisible and only an Anglophone vice president can make that happen.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

26, May 2022

Yaoundé: Biya Set To Reshuffle Cabinet ⁰

President Paul Biya is set to replace the Dion Ngute cabinet that was appointed to resolve the crisis in Southern Cameroons.

Cameroon Concord News sources hinted this after the President had a valedictory meeting with some top barons of the ruling CPDM party at the Unity Palace on Tuesday.

According to our sources, Biya has indicated that he would immediately form a government that will oversee a peaceful transition to the new generation.

He reportedly thanked some of the ministers including Prime Minister Dion Ngute for their services to the nation, expressing confidence that giving the experience they have garnered in the services of government, they are equipped to help Cameroon again when the need arises.

This item is still developing

By Rita Akana in Yaoundé

26, May 2022

Federal Republic of Ambazonia: Yerima confronts the French challenge in South Africa ⁰

Viva EFF VIVA

VIVA the Commander In Chief Julius Malema Viva

Viva the Spirit of Tata Nelson Mandela Viva

Viva the spirit of Robert Sibukwe viva

Viva the spirit of Solomon Mahtlangu viva

Viva the spirit of Steve Biko viva

Viva the spirit of Mama winnie Viva

Viva the spirit of Thomas Sankara Viva

Viva the Spirit of Kwame Nkruma Viva

Viva the spirit of Kris Hani Viva

Viva Africa for Africans Viva

Pantse Corruption Pantse, Pantse colonial dictatorial regimes Pantse, Pantse to western imperialism Pantse

On behalf of the Ambazonian people, I want to thank the leadership of the EFF, the Commander in Chief, Julius Malema, commissars and fellow fighters for giving us this opportunity to ask France to leave Africa.

Revolutionary Sisters and Brothers, I am here today in exile standing for the people Ambazonia, a land annexed, colonised and occupied by La Republique du Cameroun. In the 50s Ambazonia was far ahead of our present colonisers in terms of Statecraft, public institutions, governance, democracy, human rights and law and order. We lived in a democratic society with unimpeded free trade ideas.

Ambazonia is a country with her own international borders between the Republic of Cameroon, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea. Activists across Africa have watched in amazement as the EFF in its short existence have successfully championed the course of the African people and has spoken severally about the plight of the Ambazonian people.

Just like the EFF, Ambazonia is fighting French Imperialism in West Africa. Yes, the same French imperialist that murdered the South African Anti-Apartheid Giant Dulcie September in Paris in 1988,

after she received documents implicating France in the nuclear power program of the Apartheid regime.

After murdering the leaders of the independence movement next door in La Republique du Cameroun, France imposed a neo-colonial regime there, a despotic society ruled by horse whip, a despotism that soon became an object of reverence and worship in that country.

We fell prey to such an atrocious dispensation which has nothing to offer except blood, tears, poverty and a wretched and dehumanised existence. We have never had any ties with France.

In 1960 France used their regime in Cameroon to annex Ambazonia.

For many years there have been waves of protest over the second-class status that is forced on our people. We wrote to the United nations and the International community petitions upon petitions about the plight of the Ambazonian people and they gave us a deaf ear.

But there comes a time when a people are bound by fate, history and the action of the International community to fully take responsibility of their own destiny and decide whether to be prisoners of their past tragedy or be architects of their own future as human beings living in freedom and Dignity.

It is a new day, and like the EFF, a new crop of Ambazonian activists, the never again generation are standing up against French imperialism and defending our neighbourhoods one block at a time in the senseless war declared on us by the neo colonial regime of Cameroon sponsored by France.

Our liberation struggle has been on for over 60 years but it reached its peak in 2016 when the neo colonial regime in Cameroon imposed a French colonial legal and educational system on our Land. Activists called for a general strike but the regime responded by declaring war on us.

As I speak millions of our people have been forced to walk away from everything they hold dear to flee for their lives, as the Cameroon army has embarked on a war of extermination on our communities. A genocide is going on.

On May 18, 2018, the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa reported that since 2016 the Cameroon military has burnt more than 60 Ambazonian villages to the ground, and in some cases, elderly people who could not flee before the soldiers arrived were burnt alive in their homes.

More than 40,000 of our people have been executed. Over 3 million are internally displayed and over a million are living as refugees in Ghana, Nigeria, the Mexican borders, here in South Africa and other countries around the world.

Today the 25th of May, 2022, will make 1601 days since the Cameroon regime with the help of the Nigerian government abducted our leader, Sisiku Julius AyukTabe and 11 of his top aides at a meeting in Abuja, Nigeria. It took over 120 days when they were taken into custody for them to have had access to a lawyer or being brought before a judge, or charged with with any crime. They were tried in a military tribunal for fighting for the basic rights of the Ambazonian people and sentenced for life.

The rape of women and girls, the killing of pregnant women, the killing of children in school, from school and to school, the execution of our brothers, buried in mass graves, the destruction of the crops of our people to impose hunger on them, the spreading of STDs and other infectious diseases is the signature of the French Cameroon regime’s blood thirsty army in our communities since December 2017.

These French Cameroon’s military scorch earth policies, raping of school children and women are all architected in boardrooms and political offices in France as part of the neo colonial project in Ambazonia and 14 other so called French African states, where the French are after nothing else but our natural resources.

We demand France to leave Ambazonia because we have never had any ties of any kind with France.

Ambazonia is not part of the French sphere of influence in Africa.

We demand that France ends its assistance to FRENCH Cameroon in that country’s Colonisation of Ambazonia and that country’s war of genocide in Ambazonia.

Our comrades from Mali are here today. They have similar cries and these cries are similar across the so called 14 French African states and Ambazonia. Mali was one of the 64 countries in the UN out of the 97 who voted for the Independence of Ambazonia on the 21st of April 1961. Ambazonians are grateful and will continue to join you to fight neo colonialism across Africa.

I want to use this opportunity to make this appeal to EFF and all African progressive movements to join hands with us to fight France repression, oppression, killings, looting and plunder of our resources. Africa deserves better and we can build the Africa our forefathers dreamed of by working in solidarity. NATO stood in solidarity for Ukraine, as Africans, we must stand in solidarity for all Africans.

Mama Africa is pregnant to deliver another child, Ambazonia on the African West coast. She needs the support of the brother from Marikana. We count on your support fighters and comrades. And, as the Government of the United States has given temporary protection status to Ambazonians who fled the war of genocide and are in the US, let me use this opportunity to call on the South African government and other governments in Africa that as Africans in solidarity, may your governments give protection to Ambazonians fleeing the genocidal war and even do better by speaking up against the human rights atrocities of the Cameroon regime and support the calls for a negotiated settlement of the senseless in humane war on our people

As comrades and fighters for a free and developed Africa, we must always note that, Africa’s fight against neo colonilism rejects attempts by France or any power to come back through the back door to exploit Africa.

Africa is for Africans and everything underneath our feet is owned by Africans, to develop Africa. It’s time we take back Africa, own our land and enjoy the milk that flows from mama Africa. That time is now to kick France out of the shores of Africa or any imperialist regime which want to come through the back door.

Long live Africa

Long Live EFF Long Live

God bless the Federal republic of Ambazonia.

Thank you!

Comrade Dabney Yerima

Vice president, federal republic of Ambazonia

16, May 2022

Mali withdraws from G5 Sahel regional anti-jihadist force ⁰

Mali said Sunday it was withdrawing from a west African force fighting jihadists to protest its being rejected as head of the G5 regional group, which also includes Mauritania, Chad, Burkina and Niger.

“The government of Mali is deciding to withdraw from all the organs and bodies of the G5 Sahel, including the joint force” fighting the jihadists, it said in a statement.

The G5 Sahel was created in 2014 and its anti-jihadist force launched in 2017.

A conference of heads of state of the G5 Sahel scheduled for February 2022 in Bamako had been due to mark “the start of the Malian presidency of the G5”.

But nearly four months after the mandate indicated this meeting “has still not taken place”, the statement said.

Bamako “firmly rejects the argument of a G5 member state which advances the internal national political situation to reject Mali’s exercising the G5 Sahel presidency”, the statement said, without naming the country.

The Mali government said “the opposition of some G5 Sahel member states to Mali’s presidency is linked to manoeuvres by a state outside the region aiming desperately to isolate Mali”, without naming that country.

Mali has been since January 9 the target of a series of economic and diplomatic sanctions from west African states to punish the military junta’s bid to stay in power for several more years, following coups in August 2020 and May 2021.

The junta has opted for a two-year transition while the Economic Community of West African States has urged Bamako to organise elections in 16 months maximum.

Beyond Mali and Burkina, the G5 Sahel, composed of around 5,000 troops, includes Mauritania, Chad and Niger.

The military coups in Mali and Burkina Faso are undermining the regional force’s operational capacity, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said in a report to Security Council on May 11.

“I am deeply concerned by the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the Sahel, as well as by the potentially debilitating effect the uncertain political situation in Mali, Burkina Faso and beyond will have on efforts to further operationalise the G5-Sahel Joint Force,” Guterres’ report said.

Source: AFP

14, May 2022

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed elected UAE president after brother’s death ⁰

The UAE’s long-time de facto ruler Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was elected as president on Saturday, official media said, a day after the death of former leader Sheikh Khalifa.

The 61-year-old was unanimously elected by the Federal Supreme Council, WAM news agency said, becoming the ruler of the oil-rich country founded by his father in 1971.

Sheikh Mohamed, often known as ‘MBZ’, met members of the Federal Supreme Council, made up of rulers of the UAE’s seven emirates, as the country enters a period of mourning for his half-brother Sheikh Khalifa.

Sheikh Mohamed’s ascension, which was widely expected, formalises his position as leader of the desert state of 10 million after years of calling the shots while Sheikh Khalifa was sidelined by poor health.

Under his low-key direction, the United Arab Emirates has put a man in space, sent a probe to Mars and opened its first nuclear reactor, while using its oil-funded clout to develop a more assertive foreign policy.

Closely allied with Saudi Arabia, it has emerged as a leader of a reshaped Middle East since the retreat of traditional Arab powers and the reduced involvement of the United States, forging ties with Israel and joining a war against Iran-backed militants in Yemen.

Official media had already named Sheikh Mohamed as the ruler of Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s richest emirate, on Friday, inheriting one of the main titles held by Sheikh Khalifa who died at 73.

Sheikh Mohamed, wearing a light grey kandura or robe, was a pall-bearer at the funeral prayers for his elder brother who was laid to rest in Abu Dhabi’s Al Bateen Cemetery just hours after his death was announced, in accordance with Muslim tradition.

‘Running the show’

Flags are at half-mast around the UAE and businesses and government offices are closed for three days as the country enters a 40-day period of mourning for Sheikh Khalifa, who had ruled since 2004.

Sheikh Khalifa’s death drew condolences from senior figures including US President Joe Biden, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, Israel’s Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Iran, demonstrating the UAE’s diverse allegiances.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron is to travel to Abu Dhabi on Sunday to pay tribute to the late Emirati leader, his office announced.

Neighbouring Saudi Arabia has put sports and entertainments on hold and several countries have announced periods of mourning.

Sheikh Mohamed, who was named crown prince of Abu Dhabi in November 2004, is the third son of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan — the revered founder of the UAE.

He has been serving as deputy commander of the armed forces and chairman of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, which controls the substantial finances of the emirate which sits on 90 percent of the country’s oil production.

The UAE, a former British protectorate, has gone from desert outpost to booming state in its short history, fuelled by its oil wealth and Dubai’s rise as a trading and financial centre.

Sheikh Mohamed took a prominent role after Sheikh Khalifa retreated from public view in 2014, when he had surgery after a stroke. The cause of his death was not announced.

The new president is likely to face greater competition to UAE’s status as the regional financial hub, particularly from Saudi Arabia, and may toughen its stance on Iran, analysts say.

But “functionally it changes little; MBZ has been running the show almost from the get go”, tweeted Ryan Bohl, a Middle East analyst at Stratfor Worldview.

Source: AFP

14, May 2022

Yaoundé-Moscow Military Agreement: Vice President Yerima says world must act ⁰

The Vice President of the Ambazonia Interim Government Dabney Yerima has raised a finger against global inaction in the face of French Cameroun government crimes in Southern Cameroons, asking why the European Union and the US are yet to impose sanctions on Yaoundé even after the Biya regime reportedly signed a military agreement with Russia amid the war in Ukraine.

“If there are plans to prevent the ongoing genocide in Southern Cameroons, we demand that the US and its European allies impose severe sanctions on La Republique du Cameroun. The EU imposed punishments on Mali and the Central African Republic harboring Russian mercenaries and no punishment on the French Cameroun regime in Yaoundé now allying with Moscow while it practices ethnic cleansing and genocide in Southern Cameroons” Vice President Yerima said.

For over five years, the Francophone dominated army have repeatedly attacked Southern Cameroonians clamoring peacefully for the creation of an independent state of Southern Cameroons.

The United Nations says more than 5000 Southern Cameroonians including women and children have been killed with the crisis showing no signs of ending. Cameroon government army soldiers have kept up their violations on every Southern Cameroons County cracking down on solidarity protests throughout the entire Southern Cameroons.

By Asu Isong

10, May 2022

UK: Past, present and future on display as Charles steps up ⁰

The pomp and pageantry of the State Opening of Parliament at the Palace of Westminster in London traditionally takes longer than the speech itself.

But for nine short minutes on Tuesday, Britons were given a glimpse of their future without Queen Elizabeth II as head of state.

Ill health and old age forced the 96-year-old monarch to withdraw from outlining her government’s legislative agenda for only the third time since her reign began in 1952.

Instead it fell to her eldest son Prince Charles, 73, to deputise, in the most important state engagement yet in his record-breaking time as her heir.

When his mother dies, he will be king and opening parliament for a new session will be one of his most important constitutional duties as head of state.

Other than the last-minute change of personnel, there was little to distinguish the ceremony from previous ones in the putative “mother of all parliaments”.

Two mounted divisions of the Household Cavalry regiment formed a “secure passage” for the limousine carrying Charles and his wife Camilla from Buckingham Palace.

The red-coated Queen’s Body Guard of the Yeoman of the Guard — the “Beefeaters” — kept watch. Liveried parliamentary and government officials processed.

A ceremonial search of the cellars of parliament was conducted — a throwback to when a gunpowder plot was foiled before the opening of 1605.

The door of the House of Commons was slammed shut in the path of Black Rod, an official from the unelected upper House of Lords, to symbolise the independence of the elected lower chamber from the monarchy.

One member of parliament was held “hostage” at Buckingham Palace to ensure the safe return of the monarch, another throwback to more troubled times.

Elected members of parliament from the House of Commons are invited to the unelected upper chamber House of Lords to listen to the Queen’s Speech

Elected members of parliament from the House of Commons are invited to the unelected upper chamber House of Lords to listen to the Queen’s Speech Aaron Chown POOL/AFP

Then MPs filed into the Lords, their daywear in contrast to the peers in red and white ermine robes, to listen to the speech.

‘God save the Queen’

Charles, dressed in the ceremonial uniform of admiral of the fleet, complete with a sheathed sword, arrived to a trumpet fanfare.

The Prince of Wales has had a lifetime to prepare, showing no sign of nerves, smiling and occasionally stopping to chat as he made his way to the chamber and the platform bearing the consort’s throne.

Camilla sat to his left and his eldest son, Prince William, 39, to his right, getting his first taste of an occasion he will also have to perform one day.

The raised golden throne of the monarch, who was said to be watching on television from home, was removed. In its place was the crown on a velvet cushion.

At 11:34 am (1034 GMT), Charles began reading his mother’s words, written for her by the government.

“My Government’s priority is to grow and strengthen the economy and help ease the cost of living for families,” he read.

“My Government will level up opportunity in all parts of the country and support more people into work.

“My Ministers will continue to support the police to make the streets safer, and fund the National Health Service to reduce the COVID backlogs.

Queen Elizabeth II, who has been head of state since 1952, was said to have watched the ceremony on television from home.

“In these challenging times, my Government will play a leading role in defending democracy and freedom across the world, including continuing to support the people of Ukraine.”

At 11:43 am it was over. As he left, a military band played the national anthem, “God Save the Queen”.

Source: AFP

9, May 2022

Prince Charles to stand in for Queen at UK parliament opening ⁰

Prince Charles will replace his 96-year-old mother Queen Elizabeth II at Tuesday’s ceremonial opening of the UK parliament, Buckingham Palace said Monday, citing the monarch’s ongoing mobility issues.

“The Queen continues to experience episodic mobility problems, and in consultation with her doctors has reluctantly decided that she will not attend the State Opening of Parliament,” the palace said in a statement on the eve of the pomp-filled event.

“At Her Majesty’s request, and with the agreement of the relevant authorities, The Prince of Wales will read the Queen’s Speech on Her Majesty’s behalf,” it added, referring to her eldest son and heir to the throne, Charles.

The palace added that the Queen’s eldest grandson, Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge and next in the line of succession, would also attend the elaborate State Opening of Parliament ceremony.

As head of state, the Queen usually presides over the annual event, reading out her government’s legislative programme in an address from a gilded throne in the House of Lords.

But Buckingham Palace had not confirmed her attendance in the run-up to this year’s spectacle, which culminates in the so-called Queen’s Speech at around 11:30 am (1030 GMT) on Tuesday.

The monarch has rarely been seen in public since spending an unscheduled night in hospital in October last year, and has complained of difficulties standing and working, as well as a bout of Covid.

She has missed only two state openings during her record-breaking 70-year reign, in 1959 and 1963, when she was pregnant with Prince Andrew and then Prince Edward.

She has cut back on numerous public appearances in recent months, and last week the palace announced she will not attend this summer’s royal garden parties, usually a regular feature in her yearly diary.

The monarch recently returned to Windsor Castle after a week-long break on her Sandringham estate in Norfolk, eastern England, where she marked her 96th birthday in private on April 21.

Royal tradition since the 18th century has also seen the monarch have a second, official birthday, typically celebrated in warmer weather in June.

This year’s official birthday coincides with her Platinum Jubilee, and four days of public events from June 2 to 5 to mark her record-breaking 70th year on the throne.

Source: AFP