Meet Zuo Bruno, Bringing AI to ‘Choronko’ Phones In 100+ African Languages, No Internet Needed

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

In the digital age, the “cloud” is often portrayed as a universal library, yet for millions of Africans, it remains an inaccessible vault. This reality hit Zuo Bruno, a Cameroonian cybersecurity engineer and founder of Zuoix, with devastating clarity during the 2017 internet shutdown that silenced the Northwest and Southwest Regions of Cameroon for 93 days.

**Zuo Bruno, a Cameroonian cybersecurity engineer and founder of Zuoix in working mode**

While the world viewed the blackout through the lens of political friction, Zuo Bruno felt it through his empty stomach and the quiet desperation of his community. Working out of a cyber café that was forced to shutter, he found himself unable to pay rent or eat properly. He watched as doctors lost access to lab results and students were cut off from their assignments.

“We talk about the internet as if it is a luxury, but in those 93 days it became painfully clear: in 2017, cutting the internet was no different from cutting the water supply,” Zuo said.

The experience shifted something permanently in the engineer. He realized that building technology solely on the foundation of a “flip-switch” internet was a fragile endeavor—building castles on someone else’s foundation.

According to Zuo, this realization became the catalyst for SkyDew, an offline artificial intelligence platform designed to put the power of the AI revolution into the hands of every African, regardless of connectivity.

He added that SkyDew bypasses the need for high-end smartphones and expensive data bundles by utilizing the most basic communication channels: SMS and USSD. This approach allows the technology to work on “Choronko” phones—the basic feature phones that still dominate much of the African landscape. For users on the MTN Cameroon network, the “future” is already as simple as sending a text message to a dedicated local number.

**Zuo Bruno, a Cameroonian cybersecurity engineer and founder of Zuoix**

“If you can send ‘Good morning’ to your sister, you can use SkyDew,” Zuo explained, noting that the system is built to handle queries ranging from agricultural advice to medical information in a few seconds.

He stated that the platform’s true innovation lies in its linguistic and cultural depth. Recognizing that AI restricted to English or French acts as a filter that excludes the wisdom of the elderly and the rural population, Zuo integrated over 100 African languages, including Cameroonian dialects like Pidgin English, Ewondo, and Fulfulde among others. To ensure accuracy in sensitive fields like law and medicine, Zuoix collaborated with native speakers and community linguists to validate the AI’s responses.

“SkyDew should meet you in the language your mother sang to you in,” Zuo said. He recalled a farmer in Mali who used the tool to save a sick tomato crop and remarked that the phone answered him with the wisdom his father once provided. “My father used to ask the elders. Now the elders are gone, and I asked the small phone. It answered me like my father would have,” the Malian farmer said.

According to Zuo, “That is not pride. That is gratitude. Every line of code I have written since then carries that farmer’s voice.”

The development of SkyDew took five years of “building in silence,” funded by Zuo’s cybersecurity work. Despite winning the Presidential Prize in 2018, he spent years in the shadows, writing code at 2 a.m. and refining a system that could intelligently route messages across more than 1,600 mobile network prefixes.

**Zuo Bruno, a Cameroonian cybersecurity engineer and founder of Zuoix and With Her Excellency, Former President of Mauritius**

While the 93-day shutdown is part of the product’s DNA, Zuo insists SkyDew is not a protest but a form of infrastructure resilience. He envisions a continent where a grandmother in Bamenda can receive medical advice for a sick grandchild in the middle of the night, or a student in Enugu can study photosynthesis after their data bundle has expired, without any technical barriers.

As the platform expands to other Cameroonian providers like Orange, Nexttel, and CAMTEL, Zuo’s mission remains focused on the 700 million Africans whom the global AI industry has largely ignored. He believes that the most powerful technology is not the flashiest, but the one that disappears into people’s lives.

“You do not need to be young, rich, educated, or connected to talk to AI,” Zuo said. “If you can send a text message, you can talk to the future”.

PM Dion Ngute Urges FA Officials To Turn New Building Into A Hub For Dialogue, Top Performance

By Brian Mboh

Prime Minister Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute has urged the President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) to make the new headquarters a space for constructive dialogue and victory for the promotion of football in Cameroon.

**An overview of the FECAFOOT newly inaugurated headquarters**

The personal representative of the Head of State, Chief Dr. Dion Ngute, made the declaration on Wednesday, May 13, in Yaoundé while inaugurating the newly constructed headquarters of the Cameroon Football Federation in Warda.

Speaking during the ceremony, Chief Dr. Dion Ngute, said the building is a vision for Cameroonian football, which is called to be more structured and tend towards excellence.

The occupant of the star building, PM Dion Ngute, recalled that the government, under the initiative of President Paul Biya, has set up infrastructures for football to thrive. He cited stadiums constructed across the country, as well as the Confederation of African Football Centre of Excellence in Mbankomo.

The Prime Minister said President Paul Biya intends to continue investing in sports infrastructure during his current mandate to give sportsmen and women the opportunity to excel and ensure that every sports federation has opportunities.

While recognising the contributions sports makes to nation-building and national unity, he congratulated the President of Fecafoot, Samuel Eto’o Fils, and expressed hope that the new building will help inculcate rigor and professionalism in the management of football in Cameroon.

**Biya’s Envoyé, PM Joseph Dion Ngute cutting ribbon**

Situated in the heart of the Warda neighborhood, the new Fecafoot headquarters is a five-floor building with sixty offices and a conference room with a seating capacity of one hundred and fifty. It has a surface area of more than five thousand square metres; the building occupies three thousand and five hundred square metres, with three main access points.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, speaking via a video message, saluted the courage of the Fecafoot President, Samuel Eto’o Fils, and expressed hope that the structure will boost football in Cameroon.

The flamboyant event brought together CAF President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe; former CAF President Ahmad Ahmad; former African footballers such as Jay-Jay Okocha, El-Hadj Diouf, Rigobert Song, Achille Emana, Jean II Makoun, Alexandre Song, Stéphane Mbia, and Raymond Kalla; members of the diplomatic corps; NGOs; as well as partners and other stakeholders.

**Officials posed for a family picture**

CAF President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, said the building provides another opportunity for football in Cameroon to grow. Also present were a cross-section of government bench members and officials of the Civil Cabinet.

The President of Fecafoot, Samuel Eto’o Fils, paid homage to former FA President Iya Mohamed, who is behind bars and initiated the project, and thanked members of government, as well as the entire football family, for contributing to its completion.

WPFD 2026: English-Speaking Journalists Empowered To Navigate Digital & AI Frontiers

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Journalists from the Cameroon Association of English-speaking Journalists (CAMASEJ) Yaoundé Chapter have undergone training to enhance their reporting skills in the evolving digital media landscape. Organized in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2026, the one-day workshop took place on May 9 in Yaoundé. The empowerment session was hosted in partnership with UNESCO, Civic Watch, and the Camer Today News Project.

**Francis Ajumane, President of CAMASEJ Yaounde Chapter speaking during the seminar** (*Photo: Mainimo Etienne)*

The workshop focused on a variety of themes including digital journalism, content creation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Facilitators and participants shared personal experiences while recommending best practices to promote ethical and solutions-oriented journalism across the country.

Providing an overview of the current media ecosystem, Francis Ajumane noted that citizen journalism is heavily influenced by surrounding socio-political events. He explained that in Cameroon, the practice gained significant ground following the Anglophone Crisis in the North West and South West Regions, as well as the Boko Haram insurgency in the Far North Region.

“We are not here to fight citizen journalism. We are feeding off from them and they are feeding off from us. Organization works with bloggers and citizen journalists. Newsrooms must integrate,” Ajumane said. He added that professionals must find ways to limit the potential demerits of the trend as much as possible.

**Dr. Herve Tiwa, Med.IA Lab speaking during the seminar** (*Photo: Mainimo Etienne)*

Addressing the future of the industry, Ajumane recommended that newsrooms should embrace digital platforms and diversify their revenue streams. He also stresssed that AI must become a staple in modern newsrooms. “If you embrace it, you will see the gains,” Ajumane said. “We are bound to embrace the digital media or else the narrative will be controlled by untrained journalists.”

Axel Rod Elobo, who spoke on content creation, suggested that journalism no longer holds the same traditional value because global realities have shifted. He noted that traditional media consumption is declining and urged journalists to fill the digital gap quickly or risk being left behind. While he encouraged journalists to embrace digital tools regardless of their beat, he warned that there is a distinct difference between a content creator and an influencer.

Elobo also reminded journalists that every social media platform operates with a unique algorithm and communication style. “Journalists must know how to use it and respect the ethics governing them,” he stressed.

**Axel Rod Elobo, Trainer in Digital Marketing and Content Creation** (*Photo: Mainimo Etienne)*

Dr. Herve Tiwa, discussing the relationship between AI and journalism, said that while technology cannot be stopped, the way journalists utilize it remains critical. He insisted that AI cannot replace journalists, but argued that a professional must know how to use the technology to remain effective.

“AI assist journalists and not here to replace journalists. If you allow yourself to be replaced you are not a journalist. Do not abandon your profession to AI,” Tiwa said. He explained that using the tools effectively requires specific skills. “If you do not know how to use AI, you will get the wrong response from AI. You have to give AI a role, a context, the format, structure, the tone, the style of writing, and the length.”

Tiwa recommended that journalists view AI-generated content with skepticism rather than as the “gospel truth,” noting that fact-checking remains a human responsibility. “Always verify with at least two sources. Take out time to verify information. Never share confidential information with AI. Do not publish without reading. It is obligatory,” Tiwa warned.

**Giyo Ndzi, Communication Officer Paradigm Initiative speaking during the seminar** (*Photo: Mainimo Etienne)*

Expert Giyo Ndzi exploring the intersection of technology and journalism, explained that the digital shift in Cameroon is permanent. “As a good journalist, you do not need to be on all of these platforms, but you have to know how it works,” he said.

Ndzi also touched on digital safety, noting that journalists today face frequent harassment, hacking, and disinformation campaigns. “You have to know about these and protect yourself. You have to understand how to keep safe as a journalist,” Ndzi said, urging reporters to create personal security systems for their digital presence.

**Hugues Ndih from UNESCO Regional Office for Central Africa** (*Photo: Mainimo Etienne)*

Additionally, Laure Nganley from Civic Watch trained participants on distinguishing fact from fiction through an introduction to fact-checking techniques.

Hugues Ndih, from the UNESCO Regional Office for Central Africa, said the organization supported the workshop because its focus on digital content production aligns with the global theme of World Press Freedom Day: “Forging a Future at Peace.”

“AI today is one of those tools used in producing content, although they are not all ethically produced, but it’s a tool that is good for journalism and ethical issues have to be studied to bring in some responsibility to journalism. So our interest is simply assisting the Cameroonian journalists in promoting not only the independent press, but as well producing responsible, ethical and professional contents. And that’s why we’re here,” Ndih said.

**Jude Viban, member of CAMASEJ Yaounde Chapter and National President of CAMASEJ speaking after the seminar** (*Photo: Mainimo Etienne)*

CAMASEJ National President Viban Jude noted that the training fulfills the association’s core mandate of capacity building and skill modernization.

“We’re not talking about AI and we have to see, we cannot hold the pace of technology, but we can align and see how we can make technology to be profitable, to ease our job as journalists, while remaining grounded on the key values of journalism without shifting ground, but seeing how we can use technology, leverage on what technology is offering,” Viban said.

Francis Ajumane, President of the CAMASEJ Yaounde Chapter, emphasized that the digital era leaves journalists with no choice but to evolve.

**Laure Nganley from Civic Watch speaking during the seminar** (*Photo: Mainimo Etienne)*

“We have to accept that we are in the digital era, and we cannot practise journalism the way we used to do 10, 15, 20, 30 years ago. With digitalisation, we have to improve on our trade. We have to improve on our skills,” Ajumane said.

The workshop was organized as part of activities marking World Press Freedom Day, which was observed on May 3. This year’s global theme was “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development, and Security.”

**Participants posed for a family picture after the seminar** (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

From ENEO To SOCADEL: A New Dawn Or A New Name For Cameroon’s Power Crisis?

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

In the dimly lit neighborhood of Damas in Yaoundé, the hum of a generator is a more familiar sound than the whir of a ceiling fan. This mechanical drone echoes from house to house, a constant reminder of the daily blackouts that define the local struggle for power.

However, following a presidential decree signed on May 4, the narrative is shifting. For millions of Cameroonians who have spent years navigating the unpredictability of ENEO’s grid, the transition to the Cameroon Electricity Corporation (SOCADEL) represents more than a corporate handover; it signifies a desperate hope for consistency.

However, as ENEO logo is stripped from utility trucks and replaced by the SOCADEL insignia, citizens are questioning whether they are witnessing a genuine revolution or merely a fresh coat of paint on a crumbling wall.

For decades, terms like “blackouts” and “rationing” have been the vernacular of daily life. Now, as the state retakes the reins, the nation watches with a mix of cautious optimism and deep-seated fatigue. The new corporation steps into a spotlight that reveals a heavy inheritance of debt, aging infrastructure, and a public weary of waiting in the dark.

Expectations are immense as the public awaits the first moves of this state-led entity. Among the common citizens on the streets of Yaoundé, hope is a fragile commodity tempered by past disappointments.

“When I heard that ENEO had been transformed to SOCADEL, nothing much struck me because it is still managed by the same people,” said Ethel, a trader in Mendong Market. “For years we have been crying for electricity to be constant but that is not the case, so I am expecting no change.”

Others hold a more expectant view, fueled by recent national investments in energy production. Estalla, a street hawker in the capital, expressed a desire for tangible results. “The transition to SOCADEL is something that I am expecting to see much change from,” she said. “Given that so many dams have been constructed, I expect to see constant electricity supply.”

For many, the success of the new board hinges on its ability to earn the trust of a disillusioned population. The leadership must confront a history of high bills, financial scandals, and allegations of employees participating in fraudulent activities.

“The new board at the helm of SOCADEL has to be more proactive because there are a lot of malpractices in the institution,” said James Dudu. “Putting the interest of the nation should be their main agenda that will propel them to make sure that Cameroonians have constant electricity.”

To Marie Claire, the new board must prove the skeptics wrong by solving the blackout crisis. “They have not been appointed to enjoy our taxpayer money but to work for the growth of the corporation and Cameroonians as a whole,” she added.

This transition is the latest chapter in a long history for the sector, which began with the birth of the Société Nationale d’Électricité (SONEL) in 1974. Initially a state-owned monopoly, SONEL served as a symbol of national development during the 1970s and 80s, overseeing major projects like the Songloulou hydroelectric dam.

By the late 1980s, however, the company fell into crisis due to poor management and a severe economic downturn. Financial collapse led to the introduction of scheduled power outages, setting the stage for controversial reforms.

Under pressure from the World Bank and IMF, the government privatized the sector in 2001. The U.S.-based AES Corporation acquired a 56 percent stake to form AES-SONEL, a move intended to bring in private capital and efficiency.

Instead, the era was largely defined by a lack of transparency and persistent service issues. By 2014, the British investment fund Actis purchased the shares for approximately $202 million and rebranded the utility as Energy of Cameroon (ENEO).

While ENEO oversaw some infrastructure improvements, its tenure was ultimately stifled by massive debt, chronic collection issues, and mounting consumer complaints. These systemic failures prompted the state to buy back the 51percent stake from Actis for FCFA 78 billion in November 2025.

This move culminated on May 4, 2026, when President Paul Biya officially launched SOCADEL as a 100 percent state-owned company, beginning a new era in Cameroon’s quest for reliable energy.

According to many Cameroonians, the success of this new chapter will not be measured by the ink on a presidential decree or the rebranding of office facades, but by whether a child in the remote areas of Cameroon can finally study under a steady bulb without the roar of a generator in the background or flickering glow of a candle.

Observers hold that since the government has reclaimed the sector; now it must prove that it can also reclaim the light. They state that for a nation that has spent decades in the dark, the transition to SOCADEL is more than a policy shift but a final demand for the dignity of a constant current.

Under the watchful eyes of the nation, Cameroonians say the era of excuses has been privatized, leaving the responsibility for Cameroon’s future squarely in the hands of the state.

Cameroonians Mourn Former House Speaker Hon. Cavayé Yéguié Djibril, Dead At 86

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Just months after being replaced as Cameroon’s National Assembly Speaker, Hon. Cavaye Yeguie Djibril has died at 86, leaving a nation to mourn the man who presided over parliament for three decades—even as it adjusts to a new chapter without him.

**Hon. Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, Former House Speaker** (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

His death was first announced on social media on May 6. He was last seen in public during the opening session of the March 2026 Parliamentary Session for the new Legislative Year.

During the session, Hon. Cavayé was replaced as Speaker of Cameroon’s National Assembly on March 17, ending a 34-year tenure. Hon. Théodore Datouo, from the West Region, was elected in his place. Hon. Cavayé’s death comes shortly after that of the First President of the Senate, Senator Marcel Niat Njifenji, who died on April 11—just weeks after he was also replaced.

Speaking to Cameroonians along the streets of Yaoundé, many people expressed their deep condolences to the family of Hon. Cavayé. They described him as a “boaba” who served Cameroon faithfully until his last breath.

“It is sad to hear that Hon. Cavayé is gone, but we must give honour to whom it is deserved. He served Cameroon with his whole heart, and we truly appreciate this,” Marcel said.

To Edwin, a taxi driver, “Death has again taken a man of honour and respect. Hon. Cavayé was a great man, and we are proud that he did his best for Cameroon. I grew up knowing about him, and it was good to see him.”

A teacher who declined to state his name said, “It is a great loss to our nation Cameroon because Hon. Cavayé—whom many of us didn’t know how to pronounce when we were small—was a great statesman. After diligently serving his nation, I believe he deserved a peaceful rest. Adieu.”

Other Yaoundé residents also expressed profound grief, noting that within a space of two months, two great men—Senator Niat Njifenji and now Hon. Cavayé—have all gone beyond the land of no return. They said that although these men have left, they served the country with dignity, and what remains to be done is to pray for their families.

Hon. Cavayé Biography

Cavaye was born on February 1, 1940, in Mada, located within the Mayo-Sava department of the Far North Region. He was a member of the Mada ethnic group.

His initial career focused on education and public administration. Between 1960 and 1963, he attended the regional center for physical and sports education, subsequently working as a physical education teacher in Maroua. By 1965, he had transitioned into administration as the divisional inspector for the Far North.

Cavaye’s formal political journey began in April 1970 upon joining the Legislative Assembly of East Cameroon. In 1971, he assumed the role of traditional chief of the Mada, a position that allowed him to act as a vital link between the state and local communities throughout his career.

Following Cameroon’s unification in 1972, Cavaye was elected to the National Assembly in 1973. He moved swiftly through the ranks, serving as a questor in the assembly’s bureau. In 1975, he joined the central committee of the Cameroon National Union (CNU), which later evolved into the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM).

In 1983, he was elected as the second vice-president of the National Assembly. After a brief hiatus starting in 1988 to serve as an assistant divisional officer in Diamaré, he returned to the legislature during the March 1992 multiparty elections. It was then that he was first elected president of the National Assembly.

Cavaye occupied the speaker’s chair for over three decades, from March 31, 1992, until March 17, 2026. He was eventually succeeded in the role by Théodore Datouo.

Throughout his leadership, Cavaye was recognized for maintaining rigorous discipline within the chamber. He was a staunch defender of national unity; notably, during the 2001 sessions, he denounced secessionist movements as significant threats to the country’s stability.

In addition to his legislative duties, Cavaye was the honorary president of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Cameroon. He frequently advocated for a collaborative relationship between traditional authorities and the state, arguing that they should support rather than compete with government administration.

A powerful figure from the northern regions, Cavaye exerted influence that resonated on both a local and national scale. As his health began to decline in early 2026, observers reflected on a tenure marked by the passage of significant legislation, though critics often pointed to the assembly’s limited oversight of the executive branch.

Cavaye remains a landmark figure in Cameroon’s institutional evolution. He was a bridge-builder who harmonized his status as a traditional leader with his role as a modern statesman, connecting the Far North with the central government for more than fifty years.

Judith Yaah Sunday Praised CAMTEL Workers, Urges Crackdown On Fraud & Asset Misuse

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Judith Yah Sunday, general manager of Cameroon Telecommunications (CAMTEL), has praised the company’s workers for their commitment to the institution. He also pledged to fight fraud in all its forms, warning that company assets are not personal property.

**CAMTEL staff participate in the march-past in Yaoundé to commemorate the 140th International Labour Day** *(Photo: Mainimo Etienne)*

The general manager made the remarks on May 1 during celebrations marking the 140th commemoration of International Labour Day. The 2026 edition was observed under the theme “Social Dialogue and Decent Work: Factors of Peace, National Cohesion and Business Economic Development.”

Speaking during the reception ceremony in Yaoundé, Yah Sunday said, “My first words are to say thank you. Thank you for your daily commitment. Thank you for your resilience, often silent.”

He cited the recent World Trade Organization (WTO) conference and the Pope’s visit to Cameroon as moments that reflected CAMTEL’s exceptional performance, adding that it was made possible by the collective energy of staff.

“We thus proved that we are the pillar of technology of the nation during major diplomatic meetings. We also demonstrated our ability to bring global change with a professionalism that honours our nation,” she said.

While stating that Labour Day is not only a celebration, she indicated that it is “also a mirror that reflects the image of who we are, a working community united by a mission, driven by a shared goal.”

***Judith Yah Sunday,General Manager of CAMTEL addressing staff following the International Labour Day march-past in Yaoundé*** *(Photo: Mainimo Etienne)*

Revisiting the past year, the General Manager said it was not merely a year of management, but a year of transformation, carried out in a constantly changing technological environment in which performance requirements evolve as rapidly as ultra-fast broadband.

“CAMTEL is moving forward. CAMTEL is modernising itself. CAMTEL is making its marks,” he said.

Referring to the Presidential Decree signed in relation to the loan from the China Eximbank for Phase 4 of the national backbone, Judith Yah Sunday described it as a strong signal, a signal of trust and responsibility, saying the project will strengthen the resilience of CAMTEL’s network, improve the quality of service, and bring Cameroonians even closer together, whether in urban centres or in the most remote areas of the country.

“The broader the bandwidth of our ambitions, the more the obligation to produce becomes non-negotiable. I cannot stress this enough. It is not a company like any other. We do not merely serve services. We ensure continuity. We guarantee sovereignty. We are the invisible infrastructure that underpins the visible economy. We are the network that connects, secures and prospers. Being the secular arm of the state in the field of telecommunication is not just a slogan,” she said.

On fraud, Judith Yah Sunday described it as cancer that must be rooted out at all cost. She said every act of fraud is an act of betrayal against the company, against Cameroonians and against the state.

“I cannot tolerate the abuse and irresponsible use of our assets,” she said, adding that such practices may include poor maintenance practices, waste, lack of monitoring and reporting, reckless driving and unacceptable exposure to theft.

Concerning CAMTEL’s assets, , Judith Yah Sunday said, “I wish to reiterate that corporate vehicles, office equipment and material resources are not personal property. They are work tools funded by taxpayers and must be managed with the diligence of a prudent person.”

He also drew officials’ attention to the protection of infrastructure, saying it is a critical and vital factor for the institution’s performance. She noted that the network, optical fibre cables, equipment and technical sites are strategic national assets.

“Every cable cut, every site sabotage or vandalism, every piece of infrastructure damage is not just a material loss. It translates into a service disruption, depriving a Cameroonian of connection and leaving a business vulnerable. Protecting this asset is not solely the responsibility of technical or security teams,” she said.

Regarding indiscipline, absenteeism and unethical behaviour, the general manager said such issues will be addressed as strictly as necessary, with no passive tolerance or occasional leniency.

“Our workplace cannot be a space for distraction. CAMTEL must remain a space for focus, performance and professionalism in order to provide quality services to customers. In our presence, any CAMTEL employee caught during work hours selling items related to their status will simply be thanked and asked to return home,” she said.

**CAMTEL General Manager, Judith Yah Sunday, salutes staff upon arriving at the reception ceremony following the march-past at the Boulevard du 20 Mai in Yaoundé** *(Photo: CAMTEL)*

On service quality, Judith Sunday said it is not only about network speed or availability, but also about the quality of the welcome, the quality of listening and the quality of the relationship. She said workers’ rights are legitimate, but they carry “rather absolute responsibilities,” adding that he would not tolerate any compromise.

She urged CAMTEL staff to view no assignment or redeployment as punishment, saying it should instead be seen as a service requirement and an opportunity for professional development.

Despite the challenges, she said CAMTEL’s commitment remains strong. She added that, because the future is being shaped today, the company has integrated more than 700 young talents into its team.

She called on elders, directors and other leaders to mentor these young employees, saying they should not be seen as competition but as an extension of a shared responsibility to guide and develop the next generation.

Minister Fuh Calistus Gentry Hails Staff, Vows To Address Staff Grievances As Ministry Shifts To Major Production

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Fuh Calistus Gentry, the Interim Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development, (MINMIDT), has hailed his staff for the sacrifices and daily monitoring that have helped the Ministry moving towards its strategic goals.

**MINMIDT staff during the International Labour Day march-past in Yaoundé** *(Photo: Mainimo Etienne)*

Minister Fuh Calistus made the remarks May 1 during celebrations marking the 140th International Labor Day. The 2026 edition was celebrated under the theme, “Social Dialogue and Decent Work: Factors of Peace, National Cohesion and Business Economic Development.”

While congratulating the staff, the Minister stated that their sacrifices ensured the daily monitoring of the industrial policy, noting that results in terms of value chain development are already noticeable in certain sectors.

He reminded those in attendance that the culmination of these efforts materialized in a change of status for the country during the historic year of 2025. This was due to Cameroon’s international recognition as a mining-producing country following the commissioning of five major projects worth approximately $118 billion.

These include the Bipindi Grand-Zambi and Kribi Lobe iron ore projects, the Minim Martap industrial bauxite project, the Bidzar limestone project, and the Colomine gold project.

“We did not stop there, because in 2026 we continue to monitor projects that are starting up, including the Mbalam iron mining project, the Nkout iron mining project, the Ngovayang iron mining project and the Mborguéné, Bibemi and Mbe gold mining projects, which together have a value of over $90 billion at current exchange rates,” Minister Fuh Calistus said.

**The Interim Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development (MINMIDT), Prof. Fuh Calistus Gentry, addressing staff in Yaoundé following the May 1st march-past** *(Photo: Mainimo Etienne)*

The Minister added that together, these 11 mining projects are projected to increase state revenue and allow the government to reorganize the industry into four main sectors: iron, bauxite, limestone and gold.

He stated that in addition to being a mining producer, Cameroon is a strategic country for the global energy transition due to mineral wealth such as rare earths, monazite, cobalt, nickel and manganese. These projects are currently being restructured, and Minister Fuh Calistus noted their exploitation will have a significant impact on global economic power.

In an effort to strengthen the industrial base, the Minister announced that a national map of industry will be created in May 2026 to reduce persistent informality across all sectors. Aligning with the Labor Day theme, the Minister reassured staff that the Ministry will continue to consolidate gains and pursue a new dynamic through measures and reforms.

“Our ongoing consultations involving the representative of the staff delegate college and the workers will be maintained as in the past, in order to always reach a better consensus on the gradual improvement of your well-being, given your constantly evolving aspirations,” Gentry said.

He added that several of the concerns raised are addressed daily and are the subject of reflections have lead to remarkable solutions.

“However, we continue to carry out reflections — which are currently ongoing — in order to achieve the restoration of the MINMIDT staff mutual insurance scheme, which includes health coverage, and to establish more equity in the daily management of available resources for greater results,” the Minister said. He further noted that while perfection is not of this world and actions can be improved, he has made the staff’s grievances his own.

The staff delegate commended the Ministry’s efforts and the minister’s leadership regarding the launch of major mining projects. The delegate stated that these initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to making the mining sector a driver of sustainable development. However, the delegate also noted an urgent need for administrative training for new staff, AI writing, bilingual language training, and specialized training for sworn inspectors of classified establishments.

**Staff from MINMIDT gathered for a group photo following the May Day march-past at the Boulevard du 20 Mai in Yaoundé** (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

Activities leading up to Labor Day in MINMIDT included a sports walk, a mini-sports tournament, a roundtable discussion on the role of staff representatives, and a community service day at all ministry facilities among others.

Virgin Of The Throne: The Long-Awaited Pan-African Epic Poised to Redefine Global Cinema

By Doc Moore

In an era where African cinema is steadily claiming its rightful place on the world stage, Virgin Of The Throne, the latest masterwork by visionary director Frank Rajah Arase, emerges as a profound artistic statement, one that is already commanding attention across continents and igniting conversations within global film circles.

Born from an introspective and philosophical inquiry into ancestry, memory, and the metaphysical continuity of existence, Virgin Of The Throne is not merely a film, it is a cinematic meditation. Frank Rajah Arase crafts a narrative steeped in the poetics of time, where history is cyclical, memory is ancestral, and destiny is both inherited and reimagined.

With an auteur’s precision, Arase interrogates the unseen forces that bind generations, presenting a story where unresolved truths reverberate across bloodlines and where the past is not a distant echo but a living presence. His directorial voice is both lyrical and commanding, seamlessly blending realism with mysticism to construct a filmic universe that is as emotionally resonant as it is visually transcendent.

This is, at its core, a Pan-African spiritual epic, an intricate tapestry woven across Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Sierra Leone, reflecting a shared cultural ontology while celebrating the continent’s plurality. The film transcends the conventional tropes of royalty and power, instead delving into the burden of inheritance: spiritual, emotional, and generational.

At the heart of this cinematic odyssey stands Syndy Emade, whose presence elevates the film into a realm of rare gravitas. An award-winning actress and producer, Emade embodies both the strength and enigmatic allure that define the film’s central ethos. Her performance is layered with emotional intelligence and symbolic depth, positioning her not only as a character within the narrative but as a living conduit of its thematic essence.

As one of Central Africa’s most influential cinematic voices, her involvement reinforces the film’s Pan-African identity while anchoring it firmly within the global marketplace. Emade’s portrayal is poised, commanding, and deeply evocative, an artistic triumph that is certain to resonate with audiences far beyond the continent.

Surrounding Emade is a formidable ensemble of distinguished actors whose collective artistry lends the film its epic scale and emotional complexity. Martha Ankomah brings a refined elegance and moral intensity, her disciplined screen presence illuminating the film’s exploration of virtue and destiny.

Adjetey Annan, with his seasoned mastery, injects gravitas and generational authority, enriching the narrative’s thematic depth. Segun Arinze commands the screen with regal poise and vocal authority, imbuing the film’s political and spiritual dimensions with profound weight.

Tony Umez, a revered figure of Nollywood’s golden era, delivers a performance marked by subtlety and introspective strength, bridging cinematic traditions with modern storytelling.

The film further benefits from the nuanced contributions of Margaret Echeghe, whose seasoned artistry reinforces its stature, and Haja Marie Mansaray, whose emotionally authentic performance signals the rising power of Sierra Leonean cinema.

Emerging talents such as Faith Fidel, Roselyn Ngiza, Ramadan K. Barrie, Abdulai Saidu Kamara, and Elizabeth Nhono Assamba enrich the narrative with cultural specificity, emotional resonance, and a compelling sense of continental unity.

Executed with remarkable strategic foresight, the film’s production reflects a harmonious balance between economic pragmatism and artistic ambition. With approximately 80% of principal photography anchored in Nigeria, home to one of the world’s most dynamic film industries, the production capitalizes on robust infrastructure, technical expertise, and logistical efficiency.

The remaining sequences, filmed across Ghana, Cameroon, and Sierra Leone, infuse the narrative with undeniable authenticity. These landscapes are not mere settings but living, breathing entities, repositories of culture, memory, and identity, each contributing to the film’s expansive Pan-African canvas.

Visually, Virgin Of The Throne is a triumph of cinematic craftsmanship. Shot using RED cinema cameras and premium RED Pro lenses, the film achieves a striking visual aesthetic characterized by exceptional dynamic range, rich chromatic depth, and meticulous textural detail.

The interplay of light and shadow is rendered with painterly precision, while the optical clarity of the lenses preserves the integrity of skin tones and emotional nuance. From sweeping, almost mythic landscapes to intimate, character-driven compositions, every frame is imbued with intentionality and artistic sophistication.

In post-production, the film undergoes a meticulous process of refinement, where advanced digital workflows converge with culturally rooted storytelling. The result is a rich, theatrical color palette and a seamless visual continuity that meets and arguably exceeds international streaming and festival standards.

Virgin Of The Throne is more than a film; it is a cultural milestone, a bold declaration of Africa’s narrative power and cinematic excellence. It stands as a testament to what is possible when visionary direction, exceptional talent, and strategic production converge with a unified purpose.

As anticipation builds worldwide, one thing is certain: this is not just a movie release, it is an event. A long-awaited Pan-African epic that promises to resonate across borders, challenge perceptions, and affirm that Africa’s stories, in all their depth and diversity, belong at the very center of global cinema.

The long-awaited Pan-African epic Virgin Of The Throne will premiere in Cameroon on April 23rd, 2026, at the prestigious Majestic Cinema, Canal Olympia, an occasion poised to mark a defining moment in the continent’s cinematic renaissance.

“When a story carries the soul of a people, it does not merely premiere, it arrives.”

Crossed Paths: A Cinematic Masterpiece Captivating Global Audiences

By Doc Moore

In an era where storytelling must fight to be heard above the noise, Crossed Paths emerges as a luminous triumph, an evocative, emotionally charged narrative that has swiftly captured the imagination of audiences across the globe.

Already on everyone’s lips and making resounding waves on social media, the film is generating an extraordinary surge of engagement, with a growing international following and a cascade of compelling reactions that underscore its universal appeal. It is, without exaggeration, proving itself to be one of the most remarkable cinematic offerings of its time.

At the heart of this gripping story lies a seemingly ordinary moment, one that unfolds into an extraordinary journey of fate, contrast, and human connection. When a poised young corporate woman finds her routine abruptly disrupted by a car breakdown on her way to work, she is thrust into the vibrant, unpredictable chaos of a Lagos danfo bus.

It is here, amid the pulse of the city, that she encounters a sharp-witted, street-smart conductor whose presence challenges her world in ways she never anticipated. From two vastly different realities, their chance meeting evolves into a profound and unexpected bond. In the relentless rhythm of Lagos, destiny intervenes, reminding us that life’s most defining moments often arise from the most unlikely intersections.

The film boasts an exceptional ensemble cast, each delivering performances of rare depth and authenticity. The magnetic Angel Unigwe commands the screen with grace and emotional precision, while the fast-rising and immensely talented Godisz Fungwa, whose star continues to ascend steadily within the industry, delivers a compelling portrayal that cements his place among the most promising actors of his generation.

Having previously made a powerful impression in the acclaimed production Saving Mbango, his presence in Crossed Paths adds both gravitas and dynamism. Alongside them, the seasoned brilliance of Nosa Rex and Emeka Okoye enriches the narrative, while Stephanie Tum, who not only stars but also serves as Executive Producer, delivers a performance marked by finesse and artistic maturity.

Behind the scenes, the film is a testament to the brilliance of a highly accomplished and visionary team. Under the masterful direction of Chimobi Mo’Nuel (Director Mo), Crossed Paths is elevated into a cinematic experience that is as visually compelling as it is emotionally resonant. The screenplay, meticulously crafted by Stella Ifekwe Chidinma and OdunAyomi Sikiru of the esteemed Omas Princess Benjamin Writers Agency, weaves a narrative tapestry rich in nuance, authenticity, and cultural depth.

Producer Claudia Siri, alongside Production Manager Oben K. Djeudo, ensures seamless execution, while the project benefits immensely from the creative oversight of Executive Producer Stephanie Tum through Embi Productions, a powerhouse known for delivering heavyweight productions, including the widely celebrated Saving Mbango.

Further enhancing the film’s allure is its soul-stirring original soundtrack, Follow You, composed and performed by Sine Tum and Obichi Marshall, a musical masterpiece that perfectly complements the emotional cadence of the story.

Crossed Paths is more than just a film, it is an experience, a reflection, and a celebration of destiny’s quiet yet powerful hand in shaping human lives. With its compelling narrative, stellar performances, and exceptional production quality, it stands tall as a defining work of contemporary cinema, one that continues to resonate deeply with audiences far beyond its immediate setting.

Bangolan Community Storms MINAT, Rejects Senator Fon Chafah In Demand For New Fon

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Hundreds of natives from Bangolan village in Babessi Subdivision, Ngoketunjia Division in the Northwest Region stormed the Ministry of Territorial Administration (MINAT) on April 27, demanding government authorization to install their new traditional ruler.

**Cross section of Bangolan natives siting around MINAT premises** (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

The protesters staged a sit-in at the Ministry’s entrance in Yaounde while brandishing peace plants and placards rejecting, denying and calling for the definitive removal of Senator Fon Chafah XI.

During the sit-in protest in front of the MINAT building, the demonstrators held peace plants and placards bearing messages such as “Senator Chafah can no longer be the Fon of Bangolan, never again,” “Senator Chafah, stop using fake accounts on social media to sabotage our elites,” and “I just came from prison because of Senator Chafah,” “We are tired of Senator Chafah,” among others.

“We are here to tell the Minister of Territorial Administration that Senator Chafah is no more our Fon,” one Bangolan native said. “Besides, we are here to urge the Minister to give us the order to install our new Fon.”

A traditional title holder among the group explained that the community did not move to depose the Fon hastily. He stated that the village had extended invitations to the Senator on several occasions to address grievances, all of which were reportedly ignored.

“When Senator Chafah destroyed our culture, we did not automatically dethrone him,” the title holder said. “We gave him time and space. We called him more than seven times in seven broad markets but he turned down the invitation, ignoring us, and we decided to dethrone him.”

The natives expressed a desire for the Ministry to allow notables to resume traditional activities that have been stalled by the ongoing friction. They alleged that the Fon’s use of government authority has led to a climate of fear, including reports of torture and the imprisonment of notables on what they described as fabricated charges.

“We want the Minister to give us the permission for the notables to resume their traditional activities as they were before,” another title holder said. “There have been a lot of torture and beating and many people have died. Senator Chafah uses his authority and government power to intimidate us but we must preserve our culture to our last blood.”

A woman participating in the protest said the village is desperate for a return to normalcy, claiming that the legal system has been weaponized against them.

“We need peace. For the past 10 years, youths, notables, and even women find themselves in situations that they cannot explain,” she said. “People are being arrested randomly and taken to jail. Right now, as I am talking here, there are some notables who have life jail on them for things like crimes they did not commit.”

**Cross section of Bangolan natives around MINAT premises** (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

Following the protest, Prince Aliyou Chafah told reporters that while citizens have a right to voice concerns, such expressions must be carried out within the bounds of the law, noting that the demonstration had not received prior approval. He rejected allegations against Sen. Fon Chafah Isaac XI as baseless and underscored the Fon’s dedication to reconciliation, including his refusal to enforce a 2021 life sentence ruling against several villagers.

The protest follows a recent administrative crackdown. On April 20, the Divisional Officer of Yaounde IV banned a planned meeting organized by Bangolan elites.

Meanwhile, this tension reached a boiling point earlier in February 2026, when the Ngumba Council, the village’s supreme traditional authority, announced the removal of Senator Fon Chafah Isaac. The council began a cleansing process, citing his 10-year absence from the land and the alleged destruction of sacred ancestral shrines.

The administration, through Senior Divisional Officer Henderson Kongeh, sharply rejected the traditional council’s actions as “null and void” and “sacrilegious,” insisting Senator Fon Chafah remains the official Fon for life.

As of March 2026, the state backs Senator Fon Chafah, but the traditional council and much of the community reject him, fueling a volatile chieftaincy crisis.

Senator Fon Chafah has since returned to the village to beg for forgiveness. This isn’t his first removal attempt. The crisis began in 2014, when his crown was reportedly removed in Bamenda by Prophet John Chi—a sacrilegious act.

In 2015, sacred sites were allegedly desecrated. Since 2016, he hasn’t returned and was declared persona non grata. Reconciliation efforts in 2025 failed due to low turnout. Tensions remain high as Bangolan prepares to select a new ruler.

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