Over 250 Young Cameroonians Urged To Be Peace Ambassadors After Red Cross Training

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

More than 250 young Cameroonians have been called on to become ambassadors of peace and prevention in their communities. The appeal came from Cécile Akame Mfoumou, President of the Cameroonian Red Cross, during a ceremony in Yaoundé on August 27.

**Officials and participants during the closing ceremony** (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

The event marked the close of the 8^th edition of Vacances Secours, Vacances Loisirs, a programme designed to turn school holidays into a meaningful and productive experience for young people.

The initiative, which ran from June 8 to August 21, combined learning, prevention, solidarity, and leisure. According to officials, the program gave participants a chance to grow personally while also gaining skills that would benefit those around them.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Cécile Akame Mfoumou encouraged the young graduates to see the end of the programme as just the beginning of their journey.

“Today’s ceremony marks the end of an activity, but it must above all not mark the end of your commitment,” she said. “On the contrary, it must constitute a starting point in your actions. You are now called upon to be awareness relays for your families, within your schools, in your neighbourhoods, in your communities, and even in your friend groups.”

She indicated that this year’s edition was especially significant because of its unique and original approach and it also offered a wonderful opportunity to combine different elements that made the holiday period both useful and enriching.

The 250 young participants received specific training to build their operational capacity. They learned about the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, first aid techniques, and how to prevent and fight gender-based violence.

**Officials during the meeting** *(Photo: Mainimo Etienne)*

The goal according to Cécile Akame Mfoumou was not just to share theory but to give each child practical skills and civic reflexes that could help them act effectively in emergencies and contribute positively to their communities.

Cécile Akame Mfoumou stressed that first aid is not only for health professionals. “Knowing how to recognise an emergency situation, protect a victim, alert emergency services, and provide the appropriate initial gestures can save a life,” she explained.

She added that the young people were also introduced to psychological first aid, which teaches that someone facing an accident, disaster, violence, or trauma needs not only physical care but also kind listening, support, and proper accompaniment.

Discussions on gender-based violence going by officials also helped the participants understand the different forms of violence, their consequences, and the importance of promoting a culture based on respect, dignity, equality, and the protection of vulnerable people.

Through citizenship education, they were reminded that every young person has a role to play in community development. “Being a citizen means knowing one’s rights and duties, respecting others, preserving public property, promoting peace, and participating in the actual development of one’s community,” Cécile Akame Mfoumou said.

The training also covered climate change, making the youths aware of the environmental challenges facing the planet and Cameroon in particular. Cécile Akame Mfoumou emphasised that young people have an essential role in protecting the environment, reducing disaster risks, and encouraging responsible and sustainable behaviour. She gave the graduates clear advice for their future actions.

“When you are faced with an emergency situation, remember the skills you learned,” she told them. “When you meet a person in distress, recall the importance of listening and benevolence. When you witness violence or a situation of discrimination, keep in mind that silence and inaction must not be the answer. When your environment is threatened, remember that its protection also begins with your own behaviour. And when your community needs volunteers, keep in mind that volunteering is above all a commitment to serving others.”

**Participants and officials during the closing ceremony** (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

She urged them to share what they had learned and to raise awareness around them. “Be actors and ambassadors of prevention, solidarity, and peace,” she added. The young participants promised to use their new knowledge to help make society better.

Officials at the event praised the Cameroonian Red Cross for the initiative, noting that it goes a long way in helping children develop their understanding of humanitarian principles and services. The Cameroon Red Cross also provide back to school materials for the children.

Through Vacances Secours, Vacances Loisirs, the organisation aims to offer an alternative to purely recreational holidays, allowing young people to use their free time to gain useful skills, strengthen their sense of solidarity, and better understand their place in society.

Biya Hails Indomitable Lionesses’ Resilience, Urges Discipline, Unity, & Mutual Support

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

President Paul Biya has called on the Indomitable Lionesses to maintain their discipline, unity, and mutual support for each other following their historic 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) victory.

**Paul and Chantal Biya lift the WAFCON trophy during reception ceremony at the Unity Palace on August 22** (Photo: Unity Palace)

The President issued the charge at the Unity Palace on Saturday, August 22 while hosting a state ceremony to celebrate the Indomitable Lionesses’ 2026 WAFCON championship victory in Morocco.

Addressing the newly crowned champions during the official reception, the Head of State acknowledged the magnitude of their achievement in securing the nation’s first WAFCON title, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s sporting history.

During the state reception, Biya praised the players for their tenacity, noting that repeated heartbreaks in previous finals had only fueled their eventual triumph.

“Your exemplary track record should be a source of inspiration for our people, and especially for our youth,” Biya remarked, highlighting how their journey resonated far beyond the football pitch.

**President Paul Biya speaking** **during the reception ceremony at Unity Palace on August 22.** (Photo: Unity Palace)

He emphasized that their success was built on perseverance and collective strength, adding, “You thrilled us throughout the matches with your courage, determination, commitment and talent.”

President Biya also paid special tribute to standout individual performances while reiterating that team cohesion was the true engine behind their victory.

“You amazed us with the performances of Bihina, Monique Ngock and many others, but above all, with the sturdiness of your collective,” Biya stated.

Reflecting on their perseverance after past losses where the trophy had narrowly eluded them, he noted, “You did not lose heart. You picked yourselves up. You worked hard. You remained focused. You tried, and tried again, over and over. And in the end, you made it.”

**Chantal Biya (in Red) and a cross-section of the Lionesses celebrating the WAFCON trophy during the reception ceremony at Unity Palace on August 22.** (Photo: Unity Palace)

Looking ahead to future international competitions, Biya promised continued state backing for the squad while setting a high standard for their upcoming campaigns.

“Other more daunting challenges lie ahead. I therefore urge you to stay the course, by remaining disciplined, united and supportive of one another,” he instructed, concluding his address with a passionate charge: “Keep it up! Keep making us dream! Keep winning and honouring your country.”

The ceremony carried significant political weight, as it marked the President’s second official public appearance since National Day celebrations on May 20, following an extended private stay in Europe.

Observers noted that Biya’s presence at the state function served to quiet public speculation surrounding his health and prolonged absence, which had been heightened by his low-profile arrival at the airport where he was only briefly seen waving from his vehicle.

And Finally, Biya Is Back After 73-Day Absence

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The long, speculative wait for the return of Cameroon’s head of state has finally come to an end. President Paul Biya, who departed the nation on Sunday, June 7 for what official communications initially described as a “brief private stay” in Europe, landed back in the capital on Thursday, August 20.

**President Paul Biya salutes Prime Minister, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute after arriving at Nsimalen International Airport** (Photo: Unity Palace)

Accompanied by First Lady Chantal Biya, the 73-day absence marks the longest period President Biya has spent out of the country since he assumed office.

Despite the lack of official details surrounding the extended trip—which quickly evolved in the public eye from a brief getaway to a prolonged stay abroad—huge crowds lined the streets of Yaoundé.

Devoted militants of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) party and curious city dwellers alike gathered along the presidential route, eager to personally confirm that the leader had indeed returned.

Unlike typical presidential arrivals that feature extensive television coverage and clear views of the president, visual access during this return remained minimal.

Those waiting outside the airport and along the transit corridors were only able to glimpse the president’s hand waving briefly through a slightly lowered window of the presidential vehicle.

Official photographs with close advisors were released shortly following the event, though many citizens expressed a desire for a more direct public appearance.

The prolonged absence generated intense debate across the political spectrum, with critics calling on authorities to formally assess a vacancy at the helm of state, while defenders insisted the President remained in good health and would return at the appropriate hour.

“I am very happy that our president is back and in good health, we thank God for bringing our president back and we continue to pray for him,” remarked Silas, a resident following the coverage on television.

Rymond, a local bike rider, shared a similar sentiment regarding the return. “We are very happy to know that our darling president is back. So many things had been said about him not being in the country and finally, he is back in good health. Mr. President, welcome back.”

Other citizens noted the prolonged lack of public addresses during the president’s time abroad and voiced a need for direct dialogue.

“The president has been out for long and we are happy that he is back but we haven’t heard from him for a long time,” stated Mildred. “He is our president and he is supposed to talk to us. We haven’t heard from him. Mr. President, talk to us.”

The absence prompted significant discussion regarding state leadership during the period abroad. While critics and opposition figures raised questions about the status of the presidency, government defenders maintained that state functions remained stable and that the head of state would return at an appropriate time.

CAMTEL Clinches Top Honor In State Firm Rankings

By Brian Mboh

The Cameroon Telecommunications Corporation (CAMTEL) has secured the top position among the country’s best-performing state-owned enterprises, according to a recent classification released by the Ministry of Finance on August 13.

The new ranking, which is updated every three years in line with current regulations, evaluates public enterprises based on their financial and operational performance. In this edition, 34 state corporations were assessed, compared to 36 in January 2023 and 35 in 2020.

Topping the list alongside six other companies, CAMTEL recorded a turnover of FCFA 177.9 billion in 2023, marking a 17.79 percent increase from the previous year.

Among the state corporations, two others have also shown notable growth. The Cameroon Aluminum Company (ALUCAM), posted a turnover of FCFA 94.4 billion in 2024—though this represents a 10 percent decline from the FCFA 105.3 billion reported in 2023.

Meanwhile, the Autonomous Port of Douala (PAD) moved from the second category in January 2023 to the first category in the current ranking, having previously been placed in the third category in May 2020. The port generated a turnover of FCFA 114.19 billion in 2024, slightly down from FCFA 119.6 billion in 2023.

A new entrant to both the first category and the overall classification is the Cameroon Electricity Company (SOCADEL), formerly known as ENEO, which was taken over by the State in May 2026.

The National Electricity Transmission Company (SONATREL) remains in the second category, while seven companies find themselves in the third category. Leading that group is the national airline Camair-Co, which was placed in the fourth category three years ago.

This year’s classification also saw the removal of one company: the Cameroon Industrial Cotton Company (CICAM), which has been grappling with financial difficulties for several years. Additionally, the Cameroon Mortgage Credit Bank, previously in the fourth category, and a debt collection company formerly listed in the fifth category, have also been excluded.

According to the Minister of Finance, these two financial-sector public companies are now governed by specific provisions regarding the remuneration of directors and executives, in line with banking sector regulations.

The five-category ranking system—ranging from Category 1 to Category 5—is based on criteria including turnover, financial profitability, and regulatory classification by the Ministry of Finance.

Category 1 includes companies with turnover exceeding FCFA 100 billion; Category 2 covers those with turnover between FCFA 50 and 100 billion; Category 3, between FCFA 10 and 50 billion; Category 4, between FCFA 5 and 10 billion; and Category 5 comprises companies with turnover of FCFA 5 billion or less.

Minister Louis Paul Motaze noted in the decree that the classification reflects performance achieved during the 2022, 2023, and 2024 financial years. It is carried out “in application of the provisions of article 11 of decree no. 2019/321 of June 19, 2019 establishing the categories of public companies, the remuneration, allowances and benefits of their managers,” the ministerial decree states.

Ten Years Of Tears, A Child’s View Of Cameroon’s Anglophone Crisis

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

It started quietly in 2016. Teachers and lawyers in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon stopped working. They were angry. They felt their culture and their way of life were being pushed aside. No one expected that this peaceful protest would grow into a conflict that has now lasted ten long years.

**Children fetching water in the Anglophone Region (File Photo)**

For Demine Tila, the war is all he has ever known. His parents say their child was just one year old when the crisis began. At that age, he could not understand what was happening. But as he grew, the sounds of gunfire and the sight of people running for safety became normal parts of his daily life. By the time he was five, he had already started to feel the harsh edges of this conflict.

Yet, even then, he held onto a simple dream. He wanted to go to school. He wanted to become a teacher. But going to school in a war zone is not easy. Some private schools and community schools tried to stay open, but there were many days when no one could leave their homes. Heavy shooting would fill the air. Some days, the streets were empty because of “ghost towns” – days when everything was shut down in fear. Demine managed to attend classes whenever he could, but his education was broken, piece by piece.

Now, at ten years old, the fighting continues. His village, once a peaceful place, has become a nightmare. People are shot without warning. Dead bodies are seen so often that many have grown numb to the sight.

“If you come across a body, you just keep walking,” one neighbour said quietly.

Demine has learned to survive in this harsh world. He can now tell the difference between the sounds of different guns. This is not a skill any child should ever have to learn. It is a sad reality of his everyday life.

Demine is not alone. There are hundreds of thousands of children like him in the Northwest and Southwest regions. They were born around the same time he was. In any other part of Cameroon, these children would now be in secondary school, learning maths, reading books, and making friends. Instead, they are trapped in a place where violence has stolen their childhood.

The crisis has become a terrible machine that grinds up ordinary people. Many have been killed. Many more are being killed. Homes have been burned to the ground. Families have been scattered. Children have been left without schools. The peaceful strike of 2016 has become a distant memory, replaced by grief and loss.

Today, there is a lot of finger-pointing. Both sides in the conflict blame each other. While the leaders fight and argue, it is the civilians who suffer the most. The very people who claim to be protecting the ordinary citizens are often the ones causing them harm. Kidnapping has become common. Ransom demands are now part of daily life. Families who have never had much money are being forced to sell their land, their livestock, and even their homes if they stiil has to pay huge sums for the release of their loved ones.

“I had to sell everything just to get my brother back who even came back dead,” a woman said while crying. She did not want to give her name, for fear of reprisals. “We paid FCFA three million. We did not have that money. We borrowed from everyone we knew. Now we have nothing.”

Farming, which used to be the backbone of life in these regions, has also been destroyed. Farmers cannot take their goods to the market to sell. Some are left with empty hands and empty stomachs. Many wonder where all the weapons are coming from. How do guns and bullets keep arriving in the conflict zone? These questions are asked over and over again, but no one seems to have the answers.

Meanwhile, the cries for peace grow louder. Ordinary people are begging for an end to what they call the “stupid war.” They want everybody to be freed. They want a real and honest dialogue. They want a chance to sit down and find a way forward. But every day, more innocent lives are lost. Every day, the fighting continues.

To many, some people have grown rich from this war. It is a painful truth that many cannot ignore. While families mourn their dead, others are counting their profits. This makes the suffering even harder to bear.

After ten years, those leaving in the rural communities say “we must ask ourselves the hard question. Is it not time to stop? Is it not time to admit that mistakes have been made on all sides? Is it not time to come back to the table and talk?”

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A national dialogue was held a few years ago. There have been other efforts to bring peace. But still, the guns keep firing.

“We have seen terrible things,” said a local chief. “We have seen barbaric acts. We have heard terrible stories. All we want now is peace. We are tired of the suffering. We are tired of burying our children.”

To experts, there is no magic button to press. There is no quick fix. But there is a path. It begins with admitting the truth. It begins with listening to the voices of those who have suffered the most. It begins with the courage to put down weapons and pick up the work of building a nation again.

Many say, the people of the Northwest and Southwest regions are not asking for much. They are asking for a chance to live in peace. They are asking for their children to go to school. They are asking for a future where a boy like Demine can grow up to become a teacher, not a soldier.

To elvis, “Cameroon is a beautiful country. It has the potential to be strong and united. But first, it must heal the wounds of this crisis.” He added, “That healing can only begin when both sides decide that enough is enough. It can only begin when the innocent are no longer the ones paying the price.”

He continued, “Let us put our hands together. Let us find a way to bring back peace. Not just for the leaders, but for the mothers, fathers, children, and all the ordinary people who have suffered too much for too long. That is the only way forward. That is the only way to honour those who have been lost and to give hope to those who are still here.”

Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses Crush Malawi 3–0 To Claim First WAFCON Crown

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses claimed their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title Sunday August 16, dominating tournament debutants Malawi 3-0 behind a explosive three-goal performance in the first half in Morocco.

**Cameroon, champions of African Women Football 2026**

Striker Marie Ngah Manga opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a header before midfielder Naomi Eto doubled the advantage 10 minutes later with a crisp volley. Eto turned provider in first-half stoppage time, setting up Ngah Manga’s second goal to seal the victory before halftime.

Under head coach Valentine Nguele, Cameroon abandoned its traditional defensive posture in favor of an aggressive attacking system that overwhelmed Malawi early. Although Malawi adjusted after the break, Cameroon’s backline successfully contained star forwards Thabita Chawinga and Temwa Chawinga to preserve a clean sheet throughout the knockout stage.

The triumph establishes Cameroon as only the fourth nation to lift the trophy, joining 10-time champions Nigeria, two-time winners Equatorial Guinea and 2022 champions South Africa. Cameroon also joins Nigeria and South Africa as the third country to claim both the men’s and women’s continental titles.

The championship completes a remarkable turnaround for a squad that originally missed qualification before gaining entry through the tournament’s expansion to 16 teams. Cameroon navigated a difficult route to the final, defeating Ghana in group play, edging Nigeria 1-0 in the quarterfinals and prevailing 3-1 on penalties against host Morocco following a scoreless semifinal.

For veteran captain Gabrielle Aboudi Onguéné and her teammates, the victory erased memories of three previous final defeats in which the squad failed to score a single goal. While the loss ended Malawi’s campaign, the Southern African nation made history as the first debutant from its region to reach the final, finishing as the competition’s highest-scoring team.

History Awaits In Landmark 2026 WAFCON Final As Cameroon Faces Debutant Malawi

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

History is set to be written on Sunday August 16 at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON final as traditional power Cameroon meets tournament debutant Malawi in a decider filled with unprecedented milestones.

Marking the first final since 2022 in which neither contender has previously lifted the WAFCON trophy, this clash will produce only the fourth different champion in the tournament’s history, joining Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and South Africa.

For Cameroon, reaching its fourth final offers an opportunity to join Nigeria and South Africa as the only nations to achieve a sweeping continental double by capturing both the men’s and women’s AFCON crowns.

However, history in the final hurdle has been unforgiving to Central African sides, who have lost five of their seven deciders. Cameroon dropped all three of its previous final appearances in 2004, 2014, and 2016. A loss would equal South Africa’s record of four WAFCON final defeats.

Conversely, Malawi enters as only the second Southern African nation to reach the final after South Africa, aiming to become the region’s second champion. The Scorchers are the first Southern African side to reach the final in their tournament debut.

They have matched a historic standard by winning four games in open play, a feat previously achieved among debutants only by Nigeria when the Super Falcons won five matches in the inaugural 1998 edition.

First-Time Champions Guaranteed As Cameroon, Malawi Meet In WAFCON Final

The contrast in playing styles presents a compelling tactical narrative. Malawi boasts the tournament’s most potent attack with 12 goals scored, whereas Cameroon has leaned heavily on defensive solidity, conceding just twice while registering three clean sheets across the tournament.

Cameroon punched its ticket to the final by eliminating host Morocco in the semi-finals, navigating a North African venue for the first time after playing past finals in Southern Africa or at home. Notably, this is Cameroon’s first final without facing their long-time nemeses, Nigeria. Defensively, Cameroon has allowed just two goals en route to the final, its best run prior to a decider since holding opponents goalless in 2016.

Their semi-final advancement came via a penalty shoot-out victory against Morocco after managing a low 36 percent possession. Goalkeeper Michaely Bihina proved pivotal, becoming the first goalkeeper to save three penalties in a WAFCON shoot-out. Bihina has made 12 saves across two knockout matches, while midfielder Monique Ngock provided the physical engine by winning 20 duels against Morocco.

On his path, Malawi secured its place in the final with a dramatic 3-1 semi-final victory over Algeria in a match where both teams received red cards. Rose Kadzere was sent off in second-half stoppage time, joining Rose Alufandika as the second Malawian player sent off in the tournament. Remarkably, Malawi has won both matches in which it suffered a red card.

The Scorchers’ attack has been driven by the formidable Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, who have accounted for nine of Malawi’s 12 goals. Tabitha scored twice against Algeria to reach four goals, while Temwa also found the net to bring her total to five, drawing level with Zambia’s Barbra Banda as the tournament’s co-leading scorer.

Consistency and reliance on a core squad have defined Malawi’s run, using just 17 squad members with five core players—including goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo—playing every single minute of the campaign.

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Historically, WAFCON finals lean heavily toward low-scoring, tight affairs. Of the 13 previous finals, nine have been won via clean sheets, and only five finals have been decided by a single goal. Both teams have scored in only four previous finals, and just one final in tournament history has ever ended scoreless or been decided by a penalty shoot-out.

As the two teams prepare to write their own chapter in WAFCON history, one thing is certain: when the final whistle blows, a new name will be etched onto the trophy for the first time since 2022.

First-Time Champions Guaranteed As Cameroon, Malawi Meet In WAFCON Final

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

A historic chapter in African women’s football will be written Sunday when Cameroon and Malawi collide in the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON at Moulay El Hassan Stadium.

With neither nation having ever lifted the trophy, the tournament conclusion promises a coronation for a first-time champion following a dramatically expanded 16-team competition.

For Malawi, the journey to Rabat has been nothing short of a fairy tale. Entering their maiden WAFCON appearance as the lowest-ranked team in the tournament at 153rd in the world, the Scorchers emerged as the surprise narrative of the competition.

They opened Group C with a staggering 3-2 upset of traditional powerhouse Nigeria before securing victories against Egypt and Zambia to sweep the group. Malawi then eliminated Ghana 2-1 in the quarterfinals and dismantled Algeria 3-1 in the semifinals. Driven by an explosive attack, the debutants have scored 13 goals while allowing six across their five matches.

Cameroon, meanwhile, took a far more grind-it-out path to the final. After gaining entry into the tournament through its expansion from 12 teams, the Indomitable Lionesses topped Group D with wins over Mali and Ghana alongside a draw against Cabo Verde.

In the knockout stages, Cameroon ground out a 1-0 victory over defending champions Nigeria before defeating host nation Morocco 3-1 on penalties following a scoreless draw through 120 minutes. Cameroon has relied heavily on defensive solidity, allowing just two goals during regulation play in the entire tournament while scoring five.

This marks Cameroon’s fourth WAFCON final appearance. The Lionesses are seeking to erase decades of heartbreak, most notably a agonizing loss on home soil to Nigeria in the 2016 final.

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Sunday’s final presents a classic dynamic between Malawi’s high-octane offense and Cameroon’s ironclad defense.

Malawi’s attack flows through the prolific Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, who both found the back of the net in the semifinal win over Algeria. Temwa Chawinga currently leads the tournament’s Golden Boot race with five goals and two assists.

To claim the title, however, the Chawinga sisters must break down Cameroon’s standout goalkeeper, Michaely Bihina. The 22-year-old shot-stopper, who recently joined Portuguese club Benfica, produced a nine-save performance against Nigeria before delivering a masterclass against Morocco, saving a penalty in extra time and stopping three more attempts in the decisive shootout.

When the whistle blows on Sunday, the final will ultimately answer whether Malawi’s relentless attack or Cameroon’s resolute defense holds the key to continental glory.

Gov’t Mobilizes Strategic Partners To Drive Youth Investment, Policy Reform

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The government of Cameroon has mobilized partners to invest in youth empowerment, the key takeaway from a roundtable discussion held on August 11 in Yaoundé. The event was co-chaired by Paul Tasong, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development, in charge of Planning, alongside Mounouna Foutsou, Minister of Youth and Civic Education.

***Officials during the roundtable discussions***

The Minister of Social Affairs, Pauline Irène Nguéné, as well as representatives from sectoral administrations, the United Nations system, technical and financial partners, the private sector, civil society, and youth organizations also attended the event.

According to officials, the objective of the meeting was to transition from vision to action through enhanced resource mobilization, coordinated interventions, and rigorous monitoring of commitments to youth.

Speaking during the event, Paul Tasong emphasized that young people should no longer be viewed merely as a demographic category, but rather as a driving force and determining factor for economic transformation, innovation, and social cohesion.

He underscored the importance of the “Youth Approach,” an institutional innovation that mandates the systematic integration of the youth dimension into the design, planning, budgeting, and evaluation of public policies.

This approach, he said, marks a shift from fragmented programs to an integrated, results-oriented public action plan designed to better coordinate interventions across government departments, local authorities, development partners, and the private sector to optimize available resources.

For his part, Minister Mounouna Foutsou called on partners to move beyond traditional project funding and instead forge structuring partnerships, secure additional financing, and establish sustainable cooperation mechanisms.

He highlighted that the relaunch of the Platform for Youth in Cameroon (PPJC)—conceived as a strategic dialogue and coordination framework between the State, financial partners, the private sector, and youth organizations—will strengthen coherence between national priorities and partner interventions while enhancing accountability.

Beyond establishing a framework for partner mobilization, the roundtable represents a critical milestone in implementing the National Youth Policy 2025-2035. The initiative aligns closely with the guidelines of the National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (NDS30), the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Cameroon Silences Host Morocco In Shootout To Reach WAFCON 2026 Final Against Malawi

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Cameroon’s national women’s football team, the Indomitable Lionesses have sailed through to the finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nation, WAFCON 2026 after overcoming host nation Morocco in a dramatic penalty shootout following a goalless 120 minutes.

**Cameroon Women National Team during the semi finals in Morocco** (Photo: FECFAOOT)

On August 12, the Indomitable Lionesses secured a 3-1 victory on spot-kicks at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium, ending a long-standing jinx in high-stakes tiebreakers. Before Wednesday’s triumph, Cameroon had failed to win any of its previous three WAFCON penalty shootouts, including a painful semi-final exit against Nigeria in 2018.

The outcome capped a grueling evening for the host country, which squandered a prime opportunity to seal the contest late in extra time when forward Fatima Tagnaout missed a penalty.

**Cameroon’s goalkeeper, Michaely Bihina after stopping a penalty** *(Photo: FECFAOOT)*

When the match moved to spot-kicks, Cameroon demonstrated superior composure. Marie Ngah, Rose Bella, and Myriam Nyadjou all converted their attempts. Morocco’s offensive struggles persisted into the shootout, with Kenza Chapelle, Meryem Atiq, and Sakina Ouzraoui failing to score, leaving Hanane Aït El Haj as the sole Moroccan player to convert.

**Cameroon and Morocco battling for a place in the 2026 WAFCON finals** *(Photo: FECFAOOT)*

The victory halts Morocco’s ambition of reaching a third consecutive continental final and claiming a maiden championship on home turf. For Cameroon, the win extends a remarkable knockout run. The squad reached the semi-finals after eliminating 10-time champion Nigeria 1-0 in the quarter-finals, meaning the team has now ousted two of the tournament’s biggest heavyweights in back-to-back matches.

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The contest itself began as a tactical stalemate, with both teams exhibiting extreme caution. Under coach Jorge Vilda, Morocco controlled early possession and utilized the flanks to stretch Cameroon’s defense. However, the Lionesses maintained a disciplined low block that neutralized the hosts’ attack.

Seeking a breakthrough in the second half, Mr. Vilda reshuffled his lineup, withdrawing key players Ibtissam Jraidi and Nouhaila Badri to introduce fresh attacking options. Despite the tactical adjustments and sustained pressure from the home crowd, Cameroon’s backline held firm through the end of regulation time.

**Cameroon’s team celebrate after sailing through to the finals of the 2026 WAFCON** (Photo: FECFAOOT)

Cameroon will now face Malawi in Sunday’s final, putting the team within one win of its first continental title in four final appearances. Malawi secured its spot in the championship match earlier on Wednesday by defeating Algeria 3-1, propelled by a two-goal performance from forward Tabitha Chawinga.

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