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New Equipment To Expand CAMTEL’s Nationwide Mobile Coverage

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo State-owned telecommunications provider Cameroon Telecommunications (CAMTEL) has received a major consignment of hardware aimed at expanding…

Society

Congo Basin In Focus: COMIFAC, Landscape Alliance & Journalists Discuss State Of Forests

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo The Central African Forests Commission (COMIFAC), the Landscape Alliance, and journalists held discussions on the state…

Education

‘Being Different Is Not Less’: How A Cameroonian Scholar, Faith Becky Amose Is Rethinking Special Education

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo In a city where conversations about autism and developmental disabilities are often whispered rather than spoken…

General

Maëllys Ngo Mboui Emerges As Miss Cameroon 2026 Amid Focus On Cybercrime

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo Maëllys Ngo Mboui has brought a new dimension to the Miss Cameroon crown, becoming the first…

AWS Instructor Banjika Ngo Launches Essential Cloud Networking Guide

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Instructor and Founder of WirfonCloud Academy, Banjika Ngo (Mfòómé Bá’tí Europe), has released a new book designed to equip aspiring cloud engineers with fundamental technical skills.

Titled “Networking Fundamentals for Cloud Learners,” the book officially launched on October 14 as the second installment in his “Foundation First” series, following the release of Fundamentals of Linux for Cloud Learners.

Dedicated to every African engineer who was ever told that a career in cloud technology was out of reach, Ngo emphasizes the necessity of mastering core concepts prior to advanced application.

Drawing an analogy to home construction, he explains that building a cloud infrastructure requires a solid foundation before adding a roof, noting that while Linux provided the essential walls, networking supplies the critical wiring.

Ngo chose to focus on networking because every cloud service, regardless of complexity, relies entirely on an underlying network. From launching an EC2 instance into a specific subnet to restricting access to an S3 bucket by IP range or securing web browsers, networking forms the bedrock of cloud administration.

To ensure accessible learning, the book introduces each concept twice: first using relatable real-world metaphors, and then through practical commands that readers execute themselves.

This approach makes abstract protocols easy to grasp. For instance, the book compares DHCP to a hotel reception desk in Kigali that assigns your room, floor plan, and extension upon arrival. Similarly, DNS is likened to a smartphone contacts list where tapping a contact name resolves to a phone number just as typing “google.com” resolves to an IP address.

Banjika Ngo (Mfòómé Bá’tí Europe), AWS Instructor · Founder, WirfonCloud Academy

Furthermore, Network Address Translation (NAT) is illustrated as an office receptionist in Lagos managing calls for hundreds of employees through a single corporate line. Each chapter then connects these metaphors to real AWS services that engineers configure daily, including Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs), subnets, Route 53, Security Groups, and NAT Gateways.

Spanning twelve chapters, the guide takes readers on a journey from basic IP addressing to designing a production-ready VPC. It features eleven hands-on labs executed on an EC2 instance, a glossary of over 100 industry terms, twenty Linux networking commands, and fifteen practical troubleshooting scenarios.

Each chapter concludes with a knowledge check and answer key, all while answering one central question throughout the book: what actually happens when you type “google.com” into a browser? By the final chapter, readers gain the confidence and technical vocabulary to explain this end-to-end journey to prospective job interviewers.

Designed specifically for beginners with no prior networking experience, the book is available for purchase on Amazon, as well as in PDF format via WhatsApp at +250 791 921 156. As the founder of WirfonCloud Academy (www.wirfoncloud.com), Ngo continues to educate students across Africa and the global diaspora in Linux, networking, and cloud technologies, with the third installment in the series, Python for Cloud Automation, currently in development.

 

NSODA President General, Tardze Adamu Calls On Nso Women To Champion Forgiveness, Dialogue, & Unity

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The President General of the Nso Cultural and Development Association (NSODA), Shey AdamuTardze , has called on Nso women both at home and abroad to champion forgiveness, dialogue, and Nso unity. Shey Adamu Tardze made the statement on October 10 in Bafoussam during the maiden edition of the Nso All Women Conference.

Shey Adamu Tardze speaking during the first edition of Nso All Women Conference in Bafoussam (Picture Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

The conference, organized by the Women’s Forum of the Nso Cultural and Development Association (NSODA), was held under the theme “New Dawn: ‘Ke’ Ye Fiyii’, Women Leading Change: Unity, Development, Impact.”

The event brought together key government officials, traditional leaders, and community elites to chart a path toward peace. The conference was chaired by Yaa Dr. Asheri Kilo, Secretary of State to the Ministry of Basic Education, alongside West Region Governor Augustine Awa Fonka.

Traditional dignitaries in attendance included the Paramount Fon of Nso, HRM Sehm Mbinglo I, and the Fon of Oku, among others. “Following the framework of the recently established Bui Fons Union peace pact, I call upon the NSODA Women’s Forum to use your unique, traditional mediation roles to heal any remaining fractures within our sub-fondoms,” he said.

He added, “Use your maternal voice to champion forgiveness and dialogue. Let this conference be the graveyard of division and the birthplace of a completely unified Nso response to adversity.”

Cross Section of women during the first edition of Nso All Women Conference in Bafoussam (Picture Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

He further stated, “Unity must bear fruit, and that fruit is development. We cannot truly celebrate female agency while our young girls remain highly vulnerable to the economic and psychological shocks of displacement.”

He indicated that NSODA is putting its full institutional weight behind women’s premier development initiative: the Nso Girl-Child Empowerment Center. According to the President General, this facility will not be built of bricks and mortar alone; it will be a sanctuary for vocational training, trauma healing, and socio-economic recovery for displaced youth.

Shey Adamu Tardze stated that the storms of life threaten the foundation of the Nso community, and women can only be looked upon because “She is the custodian of the hearth, the pillar of communal peace, and the silent river that feeds our collective survival.”

Speaking on the theme of the conference, Adamu Tardze said, “Keh’ ye fiyi” is a clarion call, and it means old tools cannot be used to fight new battles. “It means we must rise, re-strategize, innovate, and step into a new dawn of action. It demands that we move beyond mere rhetoric and create visible, undeniable change in our communities.”

Cross Section of women during the first edition of Nso All Women Conference in Bafoussam (Picture Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

He added, “Keh’ ye fiyi demands that our presence must be felt, not just heard. Impact means that when a Nso woman enters a marketplace, trade expands. When she speaks, conflict steps down. When she organizes, the health and wellness of the village improve.”

He pointed out that “My beloved Nso women, as your President General, I give you my sacred word: NSODA will always protect, support, and amplify your voice. We will walk with you step by step as you build the Empowerment Center, as you reconcile our communities, and as you change lives.”

Shey Adamu Tardze urged the girls to be strong and not to let their spirits be broken, because their future is bright and the community stands ready to shield and empower them. To the partners, he expressed appreciation for their support, stating that their contributions will go a long way toward building a legacy that will not be forgotten.

 

NSODA Women Coordinator, Tardze Jackline Says It Is A New Dawn For Nso

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Coordinator of the Nso Cultural and Development Association (NSODA) Women, Tardze Jackline, has declared that a new dawn has begun for Nso. She made the statement on October 10 during the maiden edition of the Nso All Women Conference, which took place in Bafoussam.

Tardze Jackline Women’s Coordinator during the first edition of Nso All Women Conference in Bafoussam (Picture Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

The conference, organized by the Women’s Forum of the Nso Cultural and Development Association (NSODA), was held under the theme: “New Dawn: ‘Ke’ Ye Fiyii’, Women Leading Change: Unity, Development, Impact.”

The milestone gathering brought together key government officials, traditional leaders, and community elites to chart a path toward peace.  The event was chaired by Yaa Dr. Asheri Kilo, Secretary of State to the Ministry of Basic Education, alongside West Region Governor Augustine Awa Fonka.

Traditional dignitaries in attendance included the Paramount Fon of Nso, HRM Sehm Mbinglo I, and the Fon of Oku, among others. According to Tardze Jackline, for too long, the Nso land has passed through a long night—a night of tears and pain. “We, the mothers, have carried that pain in silence. But every night must give rise to a new day,” she said.

She added, “Here in Bafoussam, a new sun is rising. Ke Yi Fiyii! A new light is shining, and that light is the light of the Nso Woman.”  Tardze Jackline stated that a time has come when mothers will change the story of their families by teaching their children love instead of hate, and unity instead of division.

While empowering women, she said women will build businesses, cooperatives, and educate their daughters. “When a Nso woman rises, Nso land rises,” she said. “We want to be remembered for what we built.”

Cross Section of women during the first edition of Nso All Women Conference in Bafoussam (Picture Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

“My people, we want to leave a legacy. This conference must not end in Toket. It must go home to Nso. Therefore, we, the NSODA Women All Over the World, have taken a sacred vow to create a befitting Safe Space for the Nso Woman and the Girl Child back home in Nso,” she added.

She further said, “A space where our beautiful girls will learn computer and other trades. A space where our widows and single mothers will learn business skills to feed their children with dignity. A space where our culture and Lamnso’ will be preserved. A space where any Nso woman in distress will find hope.”

To Tardze Jackline, “This space is our New Dawn. This is how we will make our Fons, our families, and our husbands proud.”

Rev. Dr. Dora Lemnyuy Urges Nso Women To Turn Positions Into Purpose

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Rev. Dr. Dora Lemnyuy has called on women, as well as sons and daughters of Nso, to turn their positions into purpose. She made the statement during an ecumenical service on October 10 in Bafoussam, marking the maiden edition of the Nso All Women Conference.

Rev. Dr. Dora Lemnyuy preaching during the first edition of Nso All Women Conference in Bafoussam (Picture Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Organized by the Women’s Forum of the Nso Cultural and Development Association (NSODA), the conference was held under the theme “New Dawn: ‘Ke’ Ye Fiyii’, Women Leading Change: Unity, Development, Impact.” It brought together government officials, traditional leaders, and community elites among others.

The event was chaired by Yaa Dr. Asheri Kilo, Secretary of State to the Ministry of Basic Education, alongside West Region Governor Augustine Awa Fonka. Traditional dignitaries included the Paramount Fon of Nso, HRM Sehm Mbinglo I, and the Fon of Oku among others .

Drawing from the biblical story of Queen Esther (Esther 4:13–16), Rev. Dr. Lemnyuy urged women to evaluate how they use their influence to support their communities.

“A position can become a platform for personal benefit, or it can become an instrument for community transformation,” she said. “If God has given you influence, perhaps He has given you influence for such a time as this.”

Rev. Dr. Dora Lemnyuy and other religious leaders during the first edition of Nso All Women Conference in Bafoussam (Picture Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

She stressed that the voice of a woman is needed not only in the home but also in the community, education, leadership, peacebuilding, reconciliation, and in shaping the values of children. On leadership, she said it is not about what one receives but what one leaves behind, noting that all are custodians of something that must outlive them.

Rev. Dr. Lemnyuy reminded elders that offices, palaces, political positions, businesses, and churches will change hands, and children will become the leaders. She cited Matthew 5:9, which says blessed are the peacemakers, and noted that the Holy Qur’an also calls humanity to recognize its diversity and encourage cooperation in goodness.

She called on the community to build peace if they want a peaceful Nso, practice unity if they want a united Nso, and create opportunities if they want a prosperous Nso. She urged support for NSODA’s project, the construction of the Nso Girl-Child Empowerment Center.

“We cannot demand from the next generation what we refuse to demonstrate in our own generation,” she said. “We cannot build a better future by destroying one another. We must learn to listen. We must learn to forgive. We must learn to reconcile.”

Cross Section of women during the first edition of Nso All Women Conference in Bafoussam (Picture Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

She asked each person to carry one question home: What will I do with the position God has given me? She called for one commitment: “We will not only ask for the Nso we want. We will become the people who build the Nso we want.”

“For such a time as this, we have been given our positions. For such a time as this, we must use them well,” she concluded, calling for one Nso, one people, one future.

 

At Working Visit: IFRC, Cameroon Red Cross Strengthen Ties To Boost Crisis Relief

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Cameroon Red Cross have engaged in high-level discussions aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation and bolstering the National Society’s humanitarian response across the country.

Cameroon Red Cross President Cécile Akame Mfoumou and officials welcome IFRC President Kate Forbes to the national headquarters (Photo: Cameroon Red Cross)

The strategic talks took place in Yaoundé following a meeting between IFRC President Kate Forbes and the President of the Cameroon Red Cross, Cécile Akame Mfoumou. Forbes is currently on an official seven-day working visit to Cameroon spanning October 11 to 17. The mission marks her first official visit to Africa since assuming office in December 2023, representing a significant milestone for the Cameroonian National Society.

Speaking shortly after a three-hour session with staff members at the national headquarters, Cécile Akame Mfoumou hailed the historic visit and reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing humanitarian action and supporting vulnerable communities.

“We are truly honoured by this visit, given that out of 191 Red Cross National Societies in the world, she chose to visit Cameroon,” Akame Mfoumou stated. “We expect that there will be a strengthening of collaboration between the Cameroonian Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.”

She further expressed optimism regarding concrete outcomes from the engagement, noting, “We think that after Kate’s visit to Cameroon, having seen on the ground what we do and how the populations live, she will be able to authorise the strengthening of support for the Cameroonian Red Cross on both a logistical and financial level.”

IFRC President Kate Forbes and Cameroon Red Cross President Cécile Akame Mfoumou during a meeting with officials at the national headquarters in Yaoundé (Photo: Cameroon Red Cross)

Beyond diplomatic exchanges, the visit provided an opportunity to evaluate operational challenges and align on long-term priorities, including progress on the National Society’s 2030 Strategy, its operational plan, and its broader strategic development goals. During her tour of the facilities in Yaoundé, President Forbes visited key operational departments as well as two of the organization’s flagship institutions—the School of Health Sciences and the Henry Dunant Hospital. She also inaugurated the IFRC garden and planted a symbolic tree on the headquarters grounds.

According to officials, the mission comes at a critical juncture marked by persistent and complex humanitarian demands in Cameroon. Key priorities include disaster and crisis management, community resilience, healthcare access, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), as well as protection and assistance for populations displaced by conflict.

Officials emphasized that the delegation’s presence serves to highlight the essential work of the Cameroon Red Cross in its role as an auxiliary to public authorities, alongside the vital contributions of its volunteers and local partners.

IFRC President Kate Forbes and Cameroon Red Cross President Cécile Akame Mfoumou pose for a group photo with students at the national headquarters (Photo: Cameroon Red Cross)

“The working visit will also facilitate discussions on the National Society’s strategic priorities, development prospects, and enhanced IFRC support, with the aim of increasing the impact, sustainability, and local reach of humanitarian actions benefiting communities,” an official noted.

The humanitarian context in Cameroon remains severe across multiple fronts. In the northern regions, recurring floods and violence stemming from terrorist attacks have caused severe displacement and heightened food insecurity. In other crisis-affected areas, ongoing internal displacement continues to demand expanded relief efforts to support affected families. Additionally, the continuous influx of refugees fleeing armed conflicts in neighboring countries continues to put immense strain on local resources and exacerbate the overall humanitarian situation.

Cameroon Red Cross President Cécile Akame Mfoumou and officials welcome IFRC President Kate Forbes to the national headquarters (Photo: Cameroon Red Cross)

As part of her remaining itinerary, President Forbes is scheduled to hold high-level discussions with Cameroon’s Prime Minister and the Minister of External Relations. She will also conduct field visits to Maroua and Yagoua in the Far North region to inspect frontline humanitarian operations firsthand.

 

CAMTEL, SIC Partner To Bring Smart Connectivity To Residential Homes In Cameroon

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Cameroon Telecommunications (CAMTEL), and Cameroon Real Estates Cooperation, better known in French as Société Immobilière du Cameroun (SIC), have entered into a framework agreement aimed at integrating smart connectivity into residential environments.

Judith Yah Sunday épouse Achidi, Director General of CAMTEL, and Dr. Ahmadou Sardaouna, Director General of SIC, sign the framework agreement in Yaoundé (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

The agreement was signed on October 7 in Yaounde. Judith Yah Sunday épouse Achidi, Director General of CAMTEL, signed on behalf of her institution, while Dr. Ahmadou Sardaouna represented SIC. The agreement is intended to support the digital modernization of the housing stock and to incorporate connectivity needs into future construction projects.

During the signing ceremony, Judith Yah Sunday described the event as a remarkable moment in which SIC contributes its expertise in housing while CAMTEL brings its expertise in networks.

Regarding the changes the agreement will bring for residents of SIC housing, Judith Yah Sunday explained that both parties want connectivity to become an integral part of the home environment. “Together with SIC, our goal is to gradually roll out fiber optics across the relevant housing stock and to factor in connection requirements for future real estate developments,” she said.

She continued, “For residents, the expected benefit is tangible: the ability to study, work, or handle administrative tasks online from the comfort of their homes. CAMTEL contributes its network expertise, while SIC brings its knowledge of the buildings and its residents’ needs. This complementary partnership aims to bring services closer to households.”

Judith Yah Sunday épouse Achidi, Director General of CAMTEL, and Dr. Ahmadou Sardaouna, Director General of SIC, exchange signed copies of the framework agreement in Yaoundé (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

On the conditions under which residents will be able to access this offer, the Director General noted that discussions have paved the way for a preferential offer featuring an access fee of FCFA 25,000, tax included, and a monthly fee of FCFA 15,000, tax included. “The precise terms and conditions are yet to be mutually finalized.”

According to Judith Yah Sunday, “We want every resident to have clear information regarding their home’s eligibility, service specifications, and subscription terms. Equipping a building must result in access that is genuinely usable for its occupants. That is the core purpose of the agreement with SIC.”

When asked whether all 12,000 SIC housing units would be connected immediately, the Director General of CAMTEL clarified that the figure indicates the scale of the housing stock covered by the project and does not imply an immediate rollout of 12,000 connections. “Implementation will be phased, based on technical assessments and priorities agreed upon with SIC. The initial sites and the schedule will be defined within this framework. We will evaluate the results based on the number of homes actually connected, services activated, and the quality of the resident experience. Our goal is for the deployed fiber to translate into reliable service for households,” Judith Yah Sunday said.

On his part, Dr. Ahmadou Sardaouna emphasized the need for connectivity, stating that the world is oriented toward smart cities where everything is managed automatically. “Connectivity is an important ingredient for research, for the education of our children. Today, we have a fair price for our clients,” the Director General of SIC said.

Officials pose for a family photo after signing the agreement   (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

 

He nevertheless stressed that the partnership with CAMTEL will go a long way toward bringing good tidings, as they will benefit from CAMTEL’s data center. He added that connectivity of sites and offices will allow SIC officials to catch up with the gap in updating their accounts and many other tasks.

It is worth noting that the partnership outlines a phased approach to deploying fiber optics in the relevant housing units. For existing buildings, installation work must take into account the site layout, available cable pathways, and network connection conditions.

For future real estate projects, digital needs are to be considered right from the building design phase. This proactive approach allows for the proper planning of conduits, cable pathways, and equipment locations.

From the comfort of their homes, occupants will be able to take advantage of digital services for education, professional activities, and daily tasks. Actual access will keep pace with the progress of the rollout and the eligibility of the housing units.

 

Sahndra Fon Dufe Makes History As First Cameroonian At Authentica Series Lab

 By Doc Moore

Cameroonian filmmaker, writer, actress and cultural entrepreneur Sahndra Fon Dufe has made history as the first Cameroonian selected for the AuthenticA Series Lab, joining the programme’s first-ever all-female cohort of African screenwriters.

Sahndra Fon Dufe

Fon Dufe was selected for the fifth edition of the international development programme, where she will develop an original project as a limited television series. Her selection marks a notable milestone for Cameroonian storytelling and reflects the growing participation of the country’s creative voices in international screen development platforms.

The 2026 cohort brings together four women selected from 144 applications across 27 countries. Fon Dufe is joined by Nigerian writer Lateefah Mayaki, Ghanaian-Canadian writer-director Lindsey Addawoo, and South African filmmaker Phumi Morare.

The AuthenticA Series Lab is run by the Realness Institute, in partnership with Geneva-based philanthropic organisation The Storyboard Collective, with support from the Canada Media Fund and Series Mania Forum. Since its launch in 2022, the programme has focused on supporting African screenwriters as they transform original concepts into professionally developed episodic projects.

The 2026 programme began with an eight-day residential session in Ethiopia, followed by online development activities. Participants are scheduled to undertake a second residency in Geneva, Switzerland, before travelling to Lille, France, where they will present their projects during the African Series Pitch at Series Mania Forum in March 2027.

During the programme, Fon Dufe will work with established mentors and industry professionals to develop her project towards a professional pilot script and pitch materials intended for the international television market. Writers retain the rights to material developed through the programme.

Fon Dufe’s selection builds on a career spanning filmmaking, writing, acting, publishing, media and creative entrepreneurship. She is the founder of African Pictures International, a creative ecosystem focused on African and diasporic storytelling, and the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Black Film Wire, an independent publication covering Black and African cinema and the wider creative economy.

Born in Cameroon, Fon Dufe became the country’s youngest published author in 2014 and was nominated for Most Promising Actress at the African Movie Academy Awards that same year. She is the creator of the Yefon trilogy, an Amazon No. 1 bestselling historical fiction series and children’s book collection, with Yefon: The Red Necklace later republished by Cameroon’s national publishing corporation, SOPECAM.

Her screen credits include Madam Secretary, Mind of a Man, The Forgiven, Black November, One Night in Vegas and Refugees. Her writing credits include Unconditional Love and 15 Wives.

Through her work, Fon Dufe continues to promote African storytelling, creative entrepreneurship and international opportunities for African and diasporic filmmakers, with her AuthenticA selection opening a new international chapter in her career.

CAMTEL, MINESEC Seal Landmark Agreement To Mordernise & Digitally Transform Secondary Schools

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Cameroon Telecommunications (CAMTEL) and the Ministry of Secondary Education (MINESEC) have signed a framework agreement aimed at strengthening and modernising education through digital technology.

Minister Nalova Lyonga and Judith Yah Sunday, épouse Achidi, sign the agreement (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

The agreement, signed on October 7 in Yaoundé, marks a significant step toward bridging the digital divide in the nation’s schools. Minister Nalova Lyonga signed on behalf of MINESEC, while Judith Yah Sunday épouse Achidi signed for CAMTEL. According to both officials, the priority of the agreement is to interconnect secondary schools, enabling educators to share information and pedagogical resources among stakeholders.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Judith Yah Sunday praised the longstanding cooperation between CAMTEL and MINESEC, stating that the agreement seeks to align digital infrastructure with the actual needs of schools. She stated that MINESEC’s initial request focuses on interconnecting 130 schools across the Adamawa, North, and Far North regions.

“This marks the beginning of a partnership we intend to be long-lasting. For teachers, the benefit lies in accessing the resources needed for their lessons,” Judith Yah Sunday said. “For students, it offers the chance to deepen their knowledge and benefit from distance learning. Our responsibility is to put our networking expertise at the service of these applications. As I have stated, when a lesson begins, the network must be ready and reliable.”

She added that CAMTEL plans to cover 50 percent of the connection costs. “This is a significant effort aimed at supporting schools’ access to digital infrastructure. It applies specifically to connection work—this should not be confused with covering all digital-related expenses for the beneficiary schools.”

The three-region scope, she explained, reflects MINESEC’s request and also addresses the issue of regional equity. “A student’s location should not limit their access to knowledge. Depending on technical and commercial feasibility, the deployed infrastructure may also facilitate service provision to surrounding areas.”

Minister Nalova Lyonga and Judith Yah Sunday, épouse Achidi, exchange MoUs   (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

On when schools will begin benefiting, the CAMTEL General Manager noted that “the signing establishes the framework for our cooperation. We must now organize its implementation with MINESEC and finalize a realistic timeline. I would prefer not to announce a deadline that is not backed by the necessary technical groundwork.”

She emphasised that the focus remains on service delivery. “Our focus is on the service actually delivered. We will need to monitor connection availability and usage, as well as the support provided to the selected high schools and middle schools. A connection is only useful when teachers and students can actually use it. This is how CAMTEL intends to contribute to the President of the Republic’s vision for the education of our youth.”

Minister Nalova Lyonga on her path hailed CAMTEL for its commitment to national development, describing the agreement as one of the most significant she has signed since joining MINESEC. “Today, we are recognising the very important role that CAMTEL has played in this country through MINESEC. Every country knows that unless your education is strong, you yourself, you are no country. You don’t mean anything to anybody,” she said.

Reflecting on her tenure since 2018, she noted, “When I came to MINESEC in 2018, I was all about digitalization and today, it is about digitalization plus. This means that it is this digitalisation and artificial intelligence and this cannot be done without CAMTEL. Let us use what is good and let us throw out what is not good. But AI has come in, technology has come in, there’s no way we can throw it out.”

She expressed gratitude to CAMTEL for opening the way further and for following the head of state’s vision, as MINESEC has done. “As we are getting into more and more technology, I am warning Cameroonians and Cameroonian children, you have to be careful,” she cautioned.

 

Officials pose for a family photo after signing the agreement   (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

The Minister stressed the broader goal of connectivity. “Take note, we have said connectivity. We want to connect. We want to connect every school, every school. We are talking thousands of schools. We have only started. It’s just a near start, but we must go on. We must follow the head of state. That is what he wants. We must be inclusive and in order to be inclusive, you cannot do without CAMTEL.”

She added, “We have been moving gradually, gradually, trying to make special life in MINESEC using the money that CAMTEL gives us. And so finally, we’ve come to a point where we are connecting all the children… You are going to achieve it whether you like it or not. If I’m there, it has to be achieved. It cannot be otherwise. It has to be.”

According to available information, CAMTEL and MINESEC have already been working together to connect over 183 multimedia centres to the internet, along with more than 400 computer labs and rooms, as well as MINESEC’s central services.

The AI distance learning centre is also connected, and multiple regional and divisional delegations benefit from CAMTEL’s connectivity. Currently, over 551 government schools are connected to the internet through CAMTEL—a notable figure, though it represents only a fraction of the 2,950 government schools nationwide.

 

Prof. Paul Nkwi Takes Interim Charge Of Cameroon’s Constitutional Council As Nation Mourns Chief Justice Clément Atangana

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The eldest member of Cameroon’s Constitutional Council, Prof. Paul Nchoji Nkwi, has assumed the role of interim President following the death of the institution’s pioneer leader, Chief Justice Clément Atangana.

Prof. Paul Nchoji Nkwi – Interim President of the Cameroon Constitutional Council

Chief Justice Atangana passed on to glory on October 4, 2026, in Paris, France, prompting a widespread outpouring of tributes across the nation. Dignitaries and citizens alike continue to honor a landmark figure whose lifelong commitment to law, governance, and state institutions spanned over half a century.

In accordance with Law No. 2004/004 governing the Constitutional Council, the most senior member handles administrative duties during a vacancy until the President of the Republic officially appoints a permanent successor.

The Life of Chief Justice Clement Atangana – A Distinguished Legal Career Rooted in Service

Born on September 20, 1941, in Ekoumeyek within the Ngomedzap Subdivision of the Centre Region, Chief Justice Atangana began his primary education at the Yaoundé Regional School. He pursued secondary studies at Collège François-Xavier Vogt in Mvolyé, obtaining his first part of his baccalaureate.

He earned the final part of his baccalaureate in Experimental Sciences at Manengouba High School in Nkongsamba before enrolling at the Federal University of Cameroon, where he graduated with a degree in private law from the Faculty of Law and Economic Sciences. He subsequently completed his judicial training at the National School of Administration and Magistracy (ENAM), later refining his expertise at the International Institute of Public Administration in Paris.

Rise Through the Judiciary

On December 20, 1968, Atangana officially entered the judiciary, embarking on a career that would place him at every major tier of Cameroon’s legal system. His early service began as a substitute judge at the Douala Court of Appeal and an investigating judge at the Court of First Instance in Nkongsamba.

He quickly rose to preside over local courts in Eséka, Bafia, Mora, Sangmélima, and Yaoundé. In Eséka, his responsibilities included overseeing public prosecutions, and by August 1971, he was appointed President of the Bafia Court. These diverse assignments provided him with deep, practical insights into the administration of justice across both rural and urban jurisdictions.

Recognized for his legal acumen, Atangana was brought into the Chancellery as Deputy Director of Judicial Affairs and the Seal at the Ministry of Justice, an administrative post he held for several years. Returning to jurisdictional duties, he served as Attorney General at the Northern Court of Appeal in Garoua before taking the helm as President of the Central Court of Appeal in Yaoundé.

He eventually joined the Supreme Court of Cameroon as an advisor and steadily advanced to become President of the Administrative Chamber. In this role at the apex of the judicial branch, he attained the status of magistrate outside the hierarchy (first group) and played a pivotal role in shaping national administrative jurisprudence.

Chief Justice Clément Atangana, who passed on to glory on October 4, 2026, in Paris, France

Expertise in Electoral and International Law

Beyond his judicial duties, Atangana accumulated unmatched expertise in election regulation and international law. For 17 years, from 1997 to 2014, he chaired the National Commission for the General Census of Votes, playing a critical role in consolidating election results nationwide.

Internationally, he represented Cameroon at global conferences in Rome, Lomé, Geneva, and New York, serving as an observer for the UN Committee Against Torture and sitting as a member of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights from 1999 to 2002.

Capstone Appointment and Enduring Legacy

Although he formally retired from the bench on December 18, 2014, Atangana continued his legal service by joining the Cameroon Bar Association as an advocate. His career reached its institutional peak on February 7, 2018, when President Paul Biya appointed him as the first-ever President of the Constitutional Council. At age 77, he took charge of the newly operational body, guiding its mandate to oversee constitutional compliance, resolve electoral disputes, and ensure the steady functioning of state institutions.

Chief Justice Clément Atangana leaves behind an enduring legacy as a primary architect of Cameroon’s modern judicial system and the founding face of its highest constitutional court. His life stands as a testament to dedicated public service, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s legal history.

Cameroon’s Unsung Heroes: Teachers On The Frontline

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

On World Teachers’ Day, thousands of educators across Cameroon continue to stand as pillars of hope and national resilience, carrying out their duties despite facing physical danger, armed conflicts, and severe economic hardship.

A teacher educating students in a classroom (Photo: AI)

Teaching throughout the country has become an act of profound courage. In the Northwest and Southwest regions, educators face persistent threats from separatist fighters who target schools to enforce boycotts. Dozens of teachers have been killed simply for holding a piece of chalk. In the Far North region, Boko Haram insurgents have destroyed classrooms and forced educators to work under constant peril.

Physical danger, however, is only part of the struggle. Across urban centers and remote villages alike, many teachers grapple with financial instability. Scores of young educators wait months, and sometimes years, to receive their full salaries and civil service integration. Many are posted to remote areas far from their families, surviving on meager stipends while waiting for administrative processes to clear.

That educators continue to enter under-resourced classrooms and inspire children despite these agonising delays demonstrates a dedication that transcends standard employment.

While government efforts to streamline integration and reform the sector deserve recognition, the reality on the ground demands faster, more decisive action. World Teachers’ Day celebrations cannot be limited to annual speeches and commemorative events. The state must guarantee teacher safety in conflict zones and eliminate bureaucratic red tape that delays pay. Securing the welfare of educators is an essential investment in national stability and development.

Special attention must also focus on nursery and primary school teachers, who lay the foundation of learning. Early-childhood educators teach children how to read, write, count, and navigate society. Because a weak foundation threatens the entire educational structure, these teachers require improved working conditions and targeted financial incentives that reflect their immense responsibility.

As the nation marks Oct. 5, educators across Cameroon are reminded of the importance of their calling. In times of socio-economic strain, teachers remain role models who instill resilience, integrity, and knowledge in the next generation. Whether in a quiet village, a busy city secondary school, or a makeshift learning center in a displaced community, their sacrifices remain the backbone of the country’s future.