Cameroon Tightens Grip On Group G With Clinical 2-0 Win Over Namibia

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon have cemented their place atop Group G of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Thursday night November 12, riding a blistering first-half display to a 2-0 victory over Namibia at the Japoma Stadium in Douala.

**Bil Nsongo celebrates after scoring Cameroon’s second goal in the 29th minute, assisted by Bryan Mbeumo** (Photo: CAF)

Guided by team captain Bryan Mbeumo, the Indomitable Lions neutralized any threat of an upset from the opening whistle. Coach David Pagou deployed a youthful, aggressive 4-1-4-1 formation that smothered Collin Benjamin’s side under the Douala night sky.

With Arthur Avom stepping seamlessly into the defensive midfield anchor role usually held by the injured Carlos Baleba, Cameroon dictated the tempo and left goalkeeper Simon Ngapandouetnbu largely untested during the opening 45 minutes.

The hosts’ relentless pressure paid off in the 16^th minute. Surprise starter Matah Yondjio, a product of the Brasseries du Cameroun academy, carved open space to set up Saidou Alioum Moubakak. The left winger beat his marker and fired a strike that deflected off a Namibian defender, beating goalkeeper Kamaijanda Ndisiro to ignite a capacity crowd and put Cameroon in the lead.

Cameroon doubled its advantage just 13 minutes later through a moment of individual brilliance from Mbeumo. Operating down the right flank, the skipper dismantled the Namibian backline before delivering a precise ball to former Lausanne forward Bil Nsongo, who slotted home in the 29th minute for his second international goal in just four appearances.

Facing a two-goal deficit, Namibia emerged from the halftime interval with renewed urgency, pushing higher up the pitch and probing for a way back into the contest. The Brave Warriors nearly halved the deficit in the 69^th minute, but Ngapandouetnbu produced a sharp reaction save to preserve the clean sheet as Cameroon shifted focus to game management.

The triumph lifts Cameroon to seven points through three matchdays, expanding its lead over second-place Namibia, which remains on three points alongside Comoros. It also extends Cameroon’s historical edge in the fixture to four wins, two draws and one loss across seven meetings dating back to 1997—including a measure of redemption following Namibia’s upset victory during the 2023 qualifying campaign.

The two nations will have little time to recover before meeting again in Namibia in a few days for the fourth matchday of the qualifying series.

Saint Jean University Institute Celebrates 10 Years of Excellence, Prépa Saint Jean Marks 20 Years of Success

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Saint Jean University Institute is celebrating a milestone year, marking its 10th anniversary alongside the 20th anniversary of Prépa Saint Jean, formerly known as PrépaVogt. The two institutions have spent two decades pioneering high-level preparatory education and higher learning in Cameroon.

**Father Jean Hervé, Director of Saint Jean Ingénieur speaking during the event** *(Photo: Mainimo Etienne)*

The celebration took place over two days, from 10 to 11 November, at the Eyang Campus. Representatives of partner schools, development partners and other guests attended.

Speaking at the event, Father Jean Hervé, Director of Saint Jean Ingénieur, recounted how the institution was created and the challenges and achievements it has recorded. He said the journey had not been easy, but that with the power of God its success could be measured.

“The journey has never been easy, especially when we were very concerned at the beginning about the future of scientific secondary school students,” he said.

“It was really a great challenge to give them a future, especially in professional careers, given that at the time there was just one engineering school in Cameroon, the National Advanced School of Engineering of Yaoundé.”

**A cross-section of partners and invited guests during the ceremony** (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

He added that the school admitted only 80 students a year, so very few students could pursue professional careers in scientific fields. At the time, he explained, universities mainly trained mathematicians and physicists.

“But there was nothing about engineering, about technical solutions to develop the country, and it was a great challenge. So we tried to help these students at the beginning with PrépaVogt, by giving them the opportunity to stay in Cameroon for the first two years after the baccalaureate or the GCE,” he said.

Today, Prépa Saint Jean Yaoundé (PrépaVogt) allows students to remain in Cameroon for two years and then gain admission to leading engineering schools in France.

**Representative of the French Ambassador to Cameroon speaking during the event** *(Photo: Mainimo Etienne)*

Asked what he hoped attendees would take away from the celebration, Father Jean Hervé said: “We would like them to know that there are opportunities to go abroad to widen their minds.

“It is also possible to stay in Cameroon and receive good professional training, with good laboratories, good teaching and good project-based courses. So they must see, they must feel what they can do after their baccalaureate or their GCE.” Other speakers saluted the anniversary, describing it as “two round numbers, one story”.

Kelia Bahanag, a student at Saint Jean University, said she chose the Institute for its excellence, its international partnerships and the support it gives students.

She hopes to specialise in oil geology to help address questions around the management of natural resources, and to help limit the export of oil at the expense of Cameroon’s own needs. Christine Audrey Nkodjo, a Software Engineering student, said her field is directly tied to artificial intelligence.

“We are in an AI era, with advancing technology. We have been taught to stay in line and are updated every single day so that we can design secure solutions that will be used by everyone in society,” she said.

**Students perform a traditional cultural dance during the event** *(Photo: Mainimo Etienne)*

The first day was devoted to the inaugural edition of the Partner Schools Days (J-DEP). According to the institution, partner schools have supported its development since 2006, and more than 30 schools and universities across Europe, North America and Asia now open pathways for its students into engineering and management careers. Panel discussions and coaching workshops also featured during the celebrations.

The private higher education institution (IPES) was founded in 2016, followed in 2021 by the Saint Jean University Institute of Cameroon (IUSJC). It was established by the management of Collège Vogt and the founders of PrépaVogt, now Prépa Saint Jean Yaoundé. The project seeks to make high-quality higher education more affordable and to help curb brain drain.

Its academic supervising institutions include the University of Technology of Troyes, the University of Yaoundé I through the National Advanced School of Engineering of Yaoundé, and the University of Yaoundé II for the School of Management.

Its programmes include a Professional Bachelor’s degree, professional Master’s degrees, a five-year Engineering degree and preparatory classes for admission to leading graduate schools.

The Institute comprises six complementary schools: Saint Jean Ingénieur, Saint Jean School of Management, Saint Jean CPGE, Prépa Saint Jean Yaoundé (formerly PrépaVogt), Prépa Saint Jean Douala (formerly Prépa Saint Jean) and Prépa Saint Jean Abidjan.

**Partial view of Saint Jean University Institute of Cameroon (IUSJC) building located at Eyang in Lekié Division**

After Two Years Of Extensions: Biya Fixes Feb. 7, 2027 For Legislative & Municipal Elections, Extends ELECAM Members’ Mandates

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

President Paul Biya has set February 7, 2027, as the date for Cameroon’s twin Legislative and Municipal Elections. In a parallel move, he has also extended the mandates of members of the country’s electoral management body, Elections Cameroon (ELECAM).

**Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon**

The convening of the polls and the renewal of ELECAM mandates were made public on Monday, November 9, following two separate presidential decrees signed by President Biya.

The announcement comes after more than two years of extensions for the current terms of Members of Parliament and Municipal Councilors due to successive delays in calling the elections. The mandate for Members of Parliament of the 10th Legislature was set to expire on December 20, 2026, following a mandate extension bill adopted on March 19, 2026.

Prior to this, a legislative reform targeted Article 170 of the Electoral Code—which previously limited how long the President could extend local mandates beyond their original term. Under the new law, that time limit was eliminated entirely. “This amendment removes any fixed deadline from Article 170,” the bill’s explanatory note stated.

However, the Presidential Decree of November 9 officially settles speculation regarding further postponements. It specifies that “the electorate is convened on Sunday, February 7, 2027, to proceed with the election of Members of the National Assembly and Municipal Councilors.” The decree further details that polling stations will open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 6:00 p.m.

In accordance with electoral law, political parties and candidates have 15 days—until November 24 at 11:59 p.m.—to submit their nomination files. Official electoral campaigning is scheduled to begin on January 23, 2027, leading up to Election Day on February 7.

Following the polls, the Constitutional Council will proclaim the results of the Parliamentary Elections within a maximum of 20 days from the closure of voting. For the Municipal Elections, the Council Supervisory Commission is required to declare results in each respective constituency within 72 hours of the polls closing.

AS Massoda Crowned Champions Of 3rd Edition Of Loyalty Sevens Tournament

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

AS Massoda Rugby Team have crowned champions of the third edition of the Loyalty Sevens Tournament, played on Saturday, November 7, at the Olembé Annex B stadium in Yaoundé.

**Teams battling during the group stage of the Loyalty Sevens Tournament** (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

The mixed-gender competition brought together 14 teams, 10 men’s and four women’s sides, who played a total of 30 matches. AS Massoda defeated the Lions Rugby Team 19-7 in a hard-fought final. Both sides had faced tough opposition on their way to the decider.

AS Massoda took an early lead, but the Lions quickly pulled level, and the teams went into half time on equal terms. In the second half, both sides stepped up their tactical play, but it was AS Massoda who pulled away for the win.

**Thierry Essono, President of Group Essono Rugby, kicks off the finals of the Loyalty Sevens Tournament** (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

AS Massoda also won the previous edition’s final, beating Les Abeilles d’Etoudi 21-10. In the third-place match, Falcons Rugby Team comfortably beat Bees Rugby Team 26-7. In the women’s final, Honey Female Rugby Team defeated Eagles 12-0.

The two women’s sides had also met in the final of the second edition, when Honey emerged victorious after the teams were deadlocked throughout regular time.

Speaking to the press after the defeat, Lions captain expressed disappointment but said the team was proud of its performance.

“We are very happy to have played this final today. We showed what we, the veterans, are capable of,” he said. “We lost the match due to some details, but we are a club of veterans and we will come back very strong. We will win next time.”

For AS Massoda captain Abel Martial, the victory rewards hard work. “After the last tournament, we corrected a lot of things. Hard work always pays off,” he said, adding that the team still has surprises in store for the next tournament.

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Alfred Daniel Bisso, Technical Director of Groupe Essono, praised the level of play. He said the group had done what it knows best in organising, promoting and developing rugby at grassroots level, and had kept the flame alive.

**A rugby player competing during the group stage of the Loyalty Sevens Tournament** *(Photo: Mainimo Etienne)*

“We are going to continue in that aspect because we are hoping that the Minister of Sports, despite the effort we are doing, will understand that rugby is for the youth of Cameroon, and will put in place the transitional committee asked by World Rugby in order to organise the election in Cameroon,” he said.

He added that organisers had spotted many promising players who will be called up for a training camp in the coming days, as Cameroon has been invited to take part in an international competition in the sub-region. After that, the Under-15 championship will be launched.

The Loyalty Sevens Tournament was created to keep the spirit of the game alive while the Cameroonian Rugby Federation remains suspended by international governing bodies. The second edition drew 16 teams: 11 men’s and five women’s.

University Of Ebolowa, ISSMIGA Sign Mentorship Agreement To Boost Training & Learner Opportunities

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The University of Ebolowa and the Higher Institute of Management Sciences, Computer Science and Applied Management (ISSMIGA), based in Yaoundé, have signed a strategic mentorship agreement aimed at strengthening training, research, innovation and opportunities for learners.

**Dr. Pierre Orly Tantchou, Founder and Promoter of ISSMIGA, signs the strategic agreement**

The agreement was signed on November 3 in Ebolowa. Prof. Jean Bosco Etoa Etoa, Rector of the University of Ebolowa, represented his institution, while Dr. Pierre Orly Tantchou, Founder and Promoter of ISSMIGA, signed on behalf of the institute.

Shortly after the signing, Dr. Orly Tantchou welcomed the agreement as a remarkable step in structuring ISSMIGA’s higher education offering. He insisted that an academic partnership must make a real difference to the student experience.

“The aim is to provide clearer, better-supported pathways, strengthen training quality and help students prepare for further study,” he said.

He was quick to temper expectations, however. “Qualification equivalence, international mobility and scholarships must be considered individually under the relevant organizations’ criteria. They are not automatically granted by the signing,” he explained.

As part of Groupe NO LIMIT, ISSMIGA works alongside the NO LIMIT Vocational Training Center. According to Dr. Orly Tantchou, while ISSMIGA supports higher education ambitions, the vocational center helps people learn an occupation, upgrade their skills or change careers.

“Both share the same commitment: to help learners choose a direction and prepare for professional life. Digital inclusion offers a concrete illustration,” he said.

He cited two recent initiatives to back this up: computer training that began on October 15, and a laptop donation made on October 23 in partnership with No Limit International. “A computer becomes a tool for the future when its user can apply it to learning and creation,” he noted.

**Prof. Jean Bosco Etoa Etoa, Rector of the University of Ebolowa, and Dr. Pierre Orly Tantchou, Founder of ISSMIGA, shake hands after signing the partnership agreement**

Looking ahead, he said the ambition is to help people act with competence, discipline and confidence, in Cameroon and wherever their future pathways take them. “The value of our training should be measured by what learners become able to achieve,” he added.

Together, ISSMIGA and the vocational training center (CFP NO LIMIT) offer practical programs closely tied to employment. Guided by the motto “Career Guidance · Training · Employability,” they aim to build a skills-focused campus that meets the needs of Cameroonian employers and remains open to international exchange, a place where social background and limited digital access do not stand in the way of learning.

This approach combines individual career guidance, applied teaching, practical experience and employment preparation, with digital literacy, language skills, discipline and real-world problem-solving at its core.

ISSMIGA is one of the fastest-growing higher learning institutes in Cameroon. Equipped with modern infrastructure, it prepares young Cameroonians for practical and professional life. It offers BTS, Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Management, Business and Finance, Computer Engineering, Home Economics, Legal Careers, Tourism and Hotel Management, and Networks and Communication.

Suspended But Still Present: Did Former Cameroon Rugby Boss Patrice Monthé Defy His Five-Year Suspension?

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

On Saturday, October 31, in Yaoundé, a rugby event organized by Barrister Patrice Monthé, former President of the Cameroon Rugby Federation (FECARUGBY), sparked debate over whether he has chosen to ignore his suspension by the continental body, Rugby Afrique.

**Barrister Patrice Monthé (Right) during the Rugby activity on Saturday October 31, 2026**

Barrister Monthé was reportedly suspended on November 15, 2025, by the Legal and Disciplinary Commission of Rugby Afrique, alongside several officials and members involved in the management and electoral process of the sport’s governing body in Cameroon.

The five-year ban covers all rugby-related activities and, under Article 30 of the federation’s statutes, had also make him ineligible to serve as FECARUGBY President.

Against that backdrop, many are asking how someone balled from all rugby activities last year could organize an event in the name of Cameroonian rugby. It is worth noting that the gathering was a solemn reception in honor of the Cameroonian Rugby Association (ACR), whose team made a splash in June by winning the Africus Shield in Gabon.

Presenting himself as President and stressing the need to place grassroots players at the center of the renewal of Cameroonian rugby, Barrister Monthé conveyed the federation’s gratitude by distributing significant financial bonuses to the players and technical staff.

Since then, the discussion has spread well beyond Yaoundé to other parts of the country, with many wonderings how this could be happening and whether the man suspended last year has simply brushed aside the decision of the continental body.

One sports reporter said he was surprised when he learned of the event, since he knew Barrister Monthé had been suspended from all rugby activities for five years. “This is not good and I want to believe that there are consequences for that,” he said.

A sports fan, Edwin stated that he believes legal action should be taken against the former President, arguing that the five-year period is far from over and that the situation does not reflect well on the country.

Barrister Monthé was not the only official affected. Other members of the federation were also suspended, with their sanctions ranging from three to four years.

The ruling, issued on November 15, 2025, also targeted the federation itself. After reviewing the case, the commission immediately suspended FECARUGBY from all activities, competitions and decision-making bodies, as well as from representation within Rugby Africa and World Rugby. A second decision invited Cameroon’s Ministry of Sports and Physical Education to work with Rugby Africa to establish a Transitional Management Committee within 30 days.

Since the contested election of Barrister Patrice Monthé on December 28, 2024, domestic competition activities have remained completely stalled. Instead, conflict has erupted between Barrister Monthé and a two-thirds majority of the Executive Bureau, who accuse him of financial embezzlement, poor collaboration, and non-compliance with the Cameroon Rugby Federation’s statutes.

With the October 31 event now fueling controversy, sports fans are waiting to see how the authorities, Rugby Afrique and World Rugby will respond.

Ndemaze Volleyball Club Clinches Centre Regional Title With Convincing Victory

Ndemaze Volleyball Club (NVC) of Yaoundé have been crowned champions of the 2026 Centre Regional Volleyball Open (Ladies), following an impressive 3–1 victory over Mayokani Evolution (MKE) in a thrilling final.

The triumph marks a significant achievement for the Yaoundé-based club, whose determination, discipline and collective strength were evident throughout the competition. Ndemaze’s journey to the championship title was characterised by consistent performances, tactical organisation and a strong competitive spirit, as the ladies overcame every challenge on their path to the trophy.

The champions began their campaign in the pool stage with a convincing 2–0 victory over Cité-U before securing a hard-fought 2–1 win against FAP in their second encounter. These results set the tone for what would become an impressive championship run.

In the semi-final, NVC maintained their momentum with a commanding 2–0 victory over Nyong et Kelle Volleyball Club (NKV), booking their place in the final and moving one step closer to the ultimate prize.

The final encounter against Mayokani Evolution proved to be the decisive test. However, Ndemaze rose to the occasion, displaying composure, resilience and determination to secure a 3–1 victory and lift the 2026 Centre Regional Volleyball Open trophy.

For Ndemaze Volleyball Club, the championship is more than just another title. It is a reflection of the club’s commitment to discovering talent, nurturing potential and building a competitive team anchored on discipline, teamwork, passion and excellence.

Operating under the philosophy “Where Talent Meets Excellence,” NVC continues to position itself as a club determined to make its mark in women’s volleyball, while creating opportunities for talented players to grow, compete and achieve sporting success.

With the Centre Regional title secured, attention now turns to the next major assignment: the National Elite Championship, scheduled to take place in Yaoundé on November 7 and 8, 2026.

The upcoming competition presents another important opportunity for Ndemaze Volleyball Club to test its strength against the country’s top-level opposition and build on the confidence gained from its regional triumph.

The club will be looking to carry its winning mentality, competitive discipline and team spirit into the national championship as it seeks to continue its impressive run.

As the celebrations continue, the message within the Ndemaze camp remains clear: winning is a collective responsibility, excellence is a continuous pursuit, and every competition presents a new opportunity to raise the standard.

Ndemaze Volleyball Club – Building Talent. Inspiring Excellence. Creating Champions. We play to win. We compete to excel. We remain committed to excellence.

By Sylvester Atemnkeng (Doc Moore)

Head of Communications Ndemaze Volleyball Club (NVC), Yaoundé

Is Tchiroma’s FSNC Party, Being Locked Out Of 2027 Legislative, Municipal Polls?

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

On the busy corners of Mvog-Ada and at the crowded taxi stands near Mokolo, one subject has dominated conversation since Tuesday, October 27. Word traveled fast when Territorial Administration Minister Paul Atanga Nji signed an order suspending all activities of the Front pour le Salut National du Cameroun (FSNC) for three months.

**Issa Tchiroma Bakary, President of the National Salvation Front Party speaking during the press conference ahead of the 2025 Presidential Elections** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

The order, which applies nationwide, cites alleged threats to national unity, incitement to violence and disturbances of public order linked to the aftermath of the October 12, 2025 presidential election. FSNC leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who challenged President Paul Biya in that contest, has claimed victory despite official results declaring Biya the winner.

For many residents of the capital, the suspension feels less like a technical measure than a warning.

“We are told this is about public order, but people are asking why now,” said a 36-year-old trader at Mokolo market, who asked not to be named. “Elections are coming. How can a party prepare if it cannot even meet?”

That question sits at the heart of the debate. With legislative and municipal polls expected early next year, three months without activity could seriously limit the party’s ability to mobilise supporters, organise its structures and prepare candidates. Political parties, after all, are built on gatherings, registrations and local meetings—all of which the order places on hold.

A university student in Ngoa-Ekélé said the timing was hard to ignore. “Even if you are not a supporter of Tchiroma, this does not look good for democracy,” she said, speaking anonymously. “A young person like me wants to believe that every party can compete freely. When one is suspended before the campaign, it sends the wrong message.”

Others voiced frustration in more personal terms. “I am tired of hearing that politics is a danger,” said a motorcycle taxi driver in Biyem-Assi. “We are the ones who suffer when tension rises, so we want peace. But peace does not come by silencing people. It comes by talking.”

Legally, the picture remains unclear. The suspension order does not explicitly declare the FSNC ineligible to contest future elections. Whether it could lead to such an outcome would depend on the applicable electoral laws, the party’s legal status and any subsequent decisions by the competent authorities. The government maintains the measure rests solely on public-order concerns.

That distinction offers little comfort to some residents. “They say it is only three months, but three months is exactly the period that matters,” argued a retired civil servant in Bastos, who declined to give his name. “If the party is weakened now, what remains for the elections? This is how a door slowly closes.”

A shopkeeper near Marché Mfoundi struck a more cautious tone, though she too was uneasy. “I do not know the law, and I do not want trouble,” she said. “But I know that when a political party is stopped, many ordinary people feel that their voice has been stopped too.”

Not everyone sees the decision as a prelude to exclusion, yet even those willing to give authorities the benefit of the doubt expressed concern about how it would be carried out. Much, observers note, will depend on the order’s implementation and on whether the FSNC chooses to mount a legal challenge—both of which could prove decisive in shaping the party’s political future.

For now, Yaoundé waits. In bars, offices and buses, the same uncertainty surfaces again and again. “We want elections that everyone believes in,” said the Mokolo trader as she packed up her stall at dusk. “If people feel the game is decided before it begins, why would they come out to vote?”

That is the question the suspension leaves hanging. Is it simply a measure to protect public order, or could it become a pathway to excluding one of the country’s most prominent opposition parties from the next electoral contest? The coming weeks may offer the first answers.

Free Specialist Care Comes Home: Indian Doctors Bring Kidney & Digestive Health Clinics to Cameroon

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Cameroonians are getting access to free consultations with Indian specialists in digestive and kidney diseases, as the Cameroon Red Cross Society and India’s Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai hold a second round of joint medical clinics.

**Indian specialists engage with Cameroon Red Cross officials on the first day of the campaign in Yaoundé** (Photo: CRC)

The consultations took place in Yaoundé on 25 and 26 October, followed by Douala from 27 to 28 October. They are led by Dr. Guruprasad Shetty, a specialist in general surgery and surgical gastroenterology, and Dr. Amit Langote, a nephrologist with expertise in kidney transplantation, home haemodialysis and the management of high blood pressure.

Speaking to journalists in Yaoundé, Dr. Shetty said the team came with a clear purpose: meeting the needs of patients with digestive complaints.

**Dr. Guruprasad Shetty attends to patients during the campaign** *(Photo: CRC)*

“We’re seeing there’s a lot of patients who require gastroenterology support,” he said. “A lot of them suffer from a lot of acid peptic disease, some of them suffer from some liver diseases also.”

The clinics covered diseases of the liver, pancreas and bile ducts, tumours of the liver and pancreas, gallstones, and conditions requiring specialist surgery. On the kidney side, doctors advised patients on preventing and monitoring chronic kidney disease, as well as managing high blood pressure.

Dr. Shetty explained that the goal was to bring care closer to people in their own communities, and that the response so far had encouraged the team to plan further clinics.

“The intent was to come and provide this service to them at a local community level,” he said. “I think it’s been a very good response and we expect to do many such more clinics in the future.”

He added that patients needing more advanced treatment could be supported in travelling to India to receive care at Apollo Hospitals.

Red Cross Secretary General, Bodiong Bombang Renault Gilles praised the Apollo hospital’s contribution and described the campaigned as a continuation of a partnership that began in 2023. He noted that more than 450 Cameroonians received free consultations that year, and said he hoped even more would come forward this time.

The collaboration dates back to July 2023, when the Cameroon Red Cross hosted three Indian physicians from Apollo’s training programme from 11 to 16 July. During that visit, the doctors delivered a conference at the Red Cross event hall and held free consultations in oncology, cardiology, and orthopaedic and spinal surgery.

MINDDEVEL Urges Financial Transparency In Management Of Municipal Housing Estates

Esuka Mafany

The Minister of Decentralization and Local Development (MINDDEVEL), George Elanga Obam, has called on local authorities to ensure financial transparency in the management of resources that will accrue from the municipal housing estate.

**Minister Elanga Obam inaugurating the water supply in Poli, Faro Division**

Minister Elanga Obam made the call in Poli, Faro Division of the North Region, on Saturday, October 24, during a double ceremony to officially inaugurate the municipal housing estate and a potable water supply network.

The official inauguration ceremony of the magnificent projects was attended by the Secretary General of the North Governor’s Office, Joseph Densou, personal representative of the Governor, and the Senior Divisional Officer for Faro, Dr. Absalom Woloa Monono.

In his inauguration speech, Minister Elanga Obam urged local authorities to lead by example.

“I urge you to put in place a commission that will ensure the recovery of rents, financial transparency, accountability, and proper maintenance of both projects. The money that will be generated from these houses through rents will be used to repay the contracted loan,” he said.

The Mayor of the Poli Municipality, HRH El Hadj Sadou Yaouba, noted that the realization of both projects was eloquent proof that the policy of decentralization, as prescribed by the Head of State, is concrete and not a myth.

Acting like Oliver Twist, Mayor Sadou expressed the desire for the Special Council Support Fund for Mutual Assistance (FEICOM) to accompany the council in financing other key projects that will go a long way toward improving the living conditions of the population.

**Cross-section of the municipal housing estate in Poli, Faro Division**

He mentioned the installation of solar energy, the construction of a multipurpose hall, modern market stores, and the realization of a modern motorcycle park, among others.

Presenting the municipal housing estate, the representative of the General Manager of FEICOM said the realization of both projects falls within the National Strategic Development Plan, SND 2020–2030, which aims to ensure quality healthcare and provide decent living conditions for all.

The realization of the twenty-four apartments cost about FCFA 381,184,091. Each apartment is made up of a veranda, a living room, two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a balcony.

With a population of about 57,000, the installation of the potable water supply network will go a long way toward addressing the problem of acute water shortage in the municipality.

Constructed to the tune of about FCFA 288,602,205, the Poli potable water supply network is composed of four boreholes, a water reservoir, twenty-one taps installed around the municipality, and a distribution point.

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