Day: June 25, 2024

If you don’t mobilize, they’ll cheat you again – Akere Muna

By Nchendzengang Tatah

Legal luminary and founder of the NOW Movement, Akere Muna has warned opposition leaders to seek a coalition or not prevail in the 2025 Presidential polls.

He was speaking during the convention of the Popular Action Party (PAP), June 22 in Buea. Other opposition parties, right groups and civil society like the NOW Movement, PCRN, PRM, MRC, MPSC, and CHRDA were represented at the gathering.

'If you don't mobilize, for people to see that you are going somewhere they will cheat you again,' he told the opposition representatives present.

Akere Muna noted that mobilization is key, and 'if there is a strong coalition, whoever they choose, I will follow.'

He explained that fraud begins by those who stay behind and don't partake in voting. And so he appealed to the consciences of Cameroonians to effectively partake throughout the electoral process.

The Popular Action Party, PAP for it's part declared support for an opposition coalition ahead of 2025 Presidential elections. They mandated the party President and endorsed candidate, Njang Denis Tabe to go ahead and exploit the possibilities.

Njang Denis however, stated that their party stands primarily for an Anglophone president. Though any other possibility could be opened for discussions

Amongst other things, the PAP called on government to respect the electoral calendar, convene a more inclusive dialogue, increase minimum wage rates to fit rising prices and create/renovate roads to ease movement across country. They also appealed to non-state arm groups to give peace a chance.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

Many feared dead in Dschang accident

Unspecified number of passengers have lost their lives and several others injured in a tragic road accident in Dschang, West Region, on Thursday, June 25. The accident reportedly occurred when a minibus operated by an interurban transport agency from Bamenda suffered brake failure, lost control, and plummeted into a gully. The victims' bodies have been transported to the mortuary at Dschang Regional Annex hospital. But exact figures not known at press time. This latest incident raises urgent questions about the safety and maintenance of vehicles on Cameroon's roads, highlighting the need for improved measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The cause of the brake failure is currently unknown and the crash is under investigation. Source: Cameroon News Agency

Lamentation over council police misconduct in Bonaberi reaches peak

In the bustling neighborhood of Dla IV (Bonaberi), there is growing concern over the conduct of council police officers, whose actions have become a source of distress for residents of all ages. Reports indicate that these untrained personnel, often supported by some police and gendarmes, are engaging in actions that violate the rights of citizens. Unlawful Vehicle Seizures One of the most troubling issues is how these officers target vehicles. Residents report that stopping briefly by the roadside, even to answer a phone call or conduct a quick transaction, can lead to unwarranted harassment. Officers are known to stop drivers while they are still in their cars with the engine running, seize their documents, and, in many cases, tow their vehicles away. The owners are then compelled to pay exorbitant fines, starting from 25,000 francs CFA, to retrieve their cars. Allegations of Corruption The situation is further exacerbated by allegations that the fines collected are not entirely accounted for through of ficial channels. Instead, there are claims that these sums are shared among the officers, raising serious questions about corruption and misuse of authority. Fear of retaliation has left many residents feeling helpless, as any attempt to speak out against these practices risks being met with further harassment. A Call for Government Intervention This lamentation raises a critical question for the leadership of Cameroon: Did the head of state, known for his dedication to the welfare of the country, authorize such conduct? Douala IV (Bonaberi) 's citizens call for a thorough investigation into these practices. They seek assurances that the powers vested in law enforcement are not being abused and that their rights will be protected. Source: Cameroon News Agency

Cheating wife accused of murdering husband in Mbouda

A woman in Mbouda is in custody after allegedly killing her husband in a domestic dispute. The incident occurred on the night of June 23rd in the Nzintsuet neighborhood of Batcham Subdivision. Locals identified the victim as 49-year-old Sekali Kiampi Dieudonne. According to reports, Dieudonne and his 36-year-old wife, Carine Tiwa, had a heated argument after returning home from a traditional ceremony. Tragedy struck when Dieudonne fell asleep, and Tiwa allegedly attacked him with a neighbor's machete. The crime was discovered early the following morning. National Gendarmerie from the Batcham brigade, led by Warrant Officer Eugene Jean Baptiste, is investigating the incident. Preliminary findings suggest Dieudonne had previously complained about Tiwa's infidelity. Several locals corroborated these claims, stating they had heard Dieudonne accuse Tiwa of bringing men into their home. Tiwa is currently detained, while Dieudonne was buried on Monday in his family's residence. This incident has sent shockwave s through the Mbouda community. Source: Cameroon News Agency

Hawassa, Jimma Cities in Ethiopia to Host Coffee Exhibitions

Addis Ababa: Cities of Hawassa and Jimma in Ethiopia are finalizing preparations to host a national Coffee Exhibitions with the goal of fostering relationships between coffee exporters and suppliers. The Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority is organizing the exhibitions, which will take place in Hawassa on June 28 and 29 and in Jimma on July 3 and 4. Panel discussions aimed at exchanging views on the production and quality of Ethiopia's coffee will also be held as a part of the exhibitions. Director General of the Authority, Adugna Debela said in a press conference today that the exhibitions target at further enhancing Ethiopia's economic benefits obtained from coffee by boosting productivity and ensure product quality. The exhibitions are expected to attract more than 300 coffee suppliers and over 100 coffee exporters, Adugna pointed out. He stated that such exhibitions are instrumental to ensuring the sustainability of revenues secured from coffee besides their contribution to promote the varieties and q ualities of Ethiopia's coffee products. Source: Ethiopian News Agency

PM Abiy Bids Farewell to UNIDO Representative

Addis Ababa: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed bade farewell to the representative of United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Ethiopia, Calabro Aurelia Patrizia today. 'We say farewell to Calabro Aurelia Patrizia, UNIDO representative to Ethiopia as she concludes her term here.' The premier commended the representative for her commitment to the nation's development. 'A true friend of Ethiopia who had a deep understanding of local context and an unwavering commitment to the nation's development,' Abiy wrote on X. The prime minister has also extended best wishes to Patrizia in her next chapter. Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Ethiopian Airlines Wins Skytrax’s Best Airline in Africa title

Addis Ababa: Ethiopian Airlines keeps its top spot as the Best Airline in Africa and three other categories at the 2024 SKYTRAX World Airlines Award. Ethiopian took the crown for multiple other accolades with the Best Airline in Africa title for seven consecutive years. Ethiopian has been honoured with the titles for Best Airline in Africa for seven years in row, Best Business Class in Africa for six years in row, Best Economy Class in Africa for six years in row, and Best Economy Class Onboard Catering in Africa. Sending his congratulatory message on the award, Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO said: 'We are pleased to have proudly received the prestigious Skytrax World Airlines 2024 award for the seventh consecutive year. Ethiopian Airlines' unwavering dedication to customer-centric innovation has been pivotal to its success, he added. 'We remain at the forefront of the aviation industry by continually adopting cutting-edge technology to elevate our passengers' experience.' Edward Plaisted, C EO of Skytrax said, "We congratulate Ethiopian Airlines on winning this top award as Africa's Best Airline for a seventh successive year and this level of consistency is a fabulous achievement that the Ethiopian Airlines management and staff should be very proud of." The World Airline Awards are wholly independent and impartial, introduced in 1999 to provide a customer satisfaction study that is truly global. Travelers across the world vote in the largest airline passenger satisfaction survey to determine the award winners. The awards are referred to by media around the world as 'the Oscars of the aviation industry'. These accolades, from the reputable SKYTRAX World Airlines Award, showcase our commitment to sustainability in our business and the services we provide. They are dear prizes from our esteemed customers through their vote of confidence and an achievement realized through the hard work of all employees throughout the Ethiopian network. Ethiopian Airlines Group (Ethiopian) is one of the fastest -growing airlines brand globally and the continent's largest airline brand. In its seventy-eight years of successful operations, Ethiopian has become one of the continent's leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Ethiopia, Italy Sign 4.7 Million Euros Grant Agreement

Addis Ababa: Ethiopia and Italy have signed a 4.7 million euros grant agreement today to strengthen sexual gender-based violence and mental health psychosocial support services. The implementing agreement is entitled 'Strengthening of the SGBV (Sexual Gender Based Violence) and MHPSS (Mental Health Psychosocial Support) services in Ethiopia.' It aims to strengthen the local system in the provision and expansion of quality, equitable and accessible gender-based violence and mental health psychosocial support services in conflict-affected three regions and in Addis Ababa. Finance State Minister, Semereta Sewasew and Italian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Agostino Palese signed the agreement, according to Ministry of Finance. Source: Ethiopian News Agency