A New Chapter For KIMCUDA As Pascaline Lukong Takes The Helm

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

For the sons and daughters of Kimbo scattered across Cameroon and abroad, the road home has always been measured in more than miles. It is measured in memory, in belonging and, now, in a renewed call to action.

**Mua Pascaline Lukong – Newly Elected President of KIMCUDA** (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

That call came June 27, when Mua Pascaline Lukong took the helm of the Kimbo Cultural and Development Association (KIMCUDA) during an Elective General Assembly at Ngay Nso, Simbock in Yaounde.

She stepped into the role as President, inheriting a position that has, since 2017, navigated the turbulence of ongoing crisis while trying to keep a village’s heart beating.

The theme of the assembly, “Building Hope and Resilience in Challenging Time,” was not chosen lightly. It reflected both the struggles of the past and the fragile optimism of the present.

For Lukong, Branch President of Limbe and a member of the NSODA Executive, the moment carried the weight of both gratitude and gravity.

“My message to all sons and daughters of KIMCUDA is that, if you love where you come from, run to the nearest branch and register so that together, we all build our village,” Lukong said, her voice carrying the urgency of someone who knows that development does not happen by accident. “Build once village is not an individual issue but a collective one.”

For Lukong, the work is just beginning. She has already signaled a shift in approach, one rooted in intimacy and dialogue. Rather than grand pronouncements, she envisions a series of one-to-one meetings, a space where creative ideas can surface and where the association’s diverse voices can harmonize into a single, forward-moving chorus.

“I have pleaded with my executive that we need to create a one-to-one meeting, bring up creative ideas so that together, everyone can have one voice and move onward as one,” she said.

Her election, she acknowledged, was not solely her own doing. She described it as the work of God and made clear that her success would depend on the collective will of those she now leads.

Her election was overseen by Ngwang Wirngo Emmanuel, Secretary General of the Nso Cultural and Development Association (NSODA) alongside other dignitaries, marking a peaceful transition from Frederick Bankui Kidze, who had led the association since the height of unrest.

Kidze did not walk away quietly. He walked away with the quiet pride of a Kimbo man who had steered a ship through stormy waters.

“The newly elected president of KIMCUDA is a giant lady and I know her just like many others for her hard work,” Kidze said. “Everyone is behind her with their hearts because she is a committed woman.”

Looking back on his own tenure, Kidze described a journey that began in the middle of crisis. “I am leaving with my head high because when I was elected in 2017 in the middle of the crisis, my exco and I took it as a mandate to bring back KIMCUDA to its live mode and we did it,” he said. “Today we have branches all over the national territory and even outside the country with everyone thinking of how we make our village a better place.”

Kidze, for his part, offered a parting blessing to the community he once guided. “They should know that they got a beautiful development association and everyone should come on board,” he said. “They should take the opportunity to come and discover the association because it is a place of mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and for everyone.”

For the people of Kimbo, the changing of the guard is more than a leadership transition. It is a reminder that home is not a place you leave behind but a place you carry with you, and that building it anew requires every hand, every voice and every heart willing to say yes to the work ahead.

Kimbo Cultural and Development Association – New Executive Committee

President: Mua Pascaline Lukong (Leader)
Vice Presidents: Sahka Paul (1st) and Shey Lukong Louis Yuyar (2nd)
Secretary General: Shey Mbuh Richard
Assistant Secretary General: Yenla Claris
Treasurer: Woisy Solange Tanlaka
Financial Secretary: Banseka Eric
Logistics Officers: Tav Clement Diewong and Gham Maureen
Public Relations Officer (PRO): Shey Birfee Chifford
Elder Advisors (Providing guidance and wisdom): Nyang Banyuy Fai Abubakar and Shey Bankul Frederick

Emotions Run High As U.S. Embassy Yaounde Honors Departing Security Chief Joseph Love & Family

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

It was a bittersweet afternoon at the U.S. Embassy compound Friday, June 26, as colleagues and friends gathered to bid farewell to outgoing Regional Security Officer (RSO), Joseph Love and his family.

The reception, marked by emotional speeches, tearful embraces and standing ovations, celebrated Love’s three-year tenure in Cameroon. The event honored his contributions and selfless working standards while wishing his family well as they prepare for their next diplomatic assignment.

Speaking during the ceremony, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Gaïna Dávila said the Executive Office is thankful to have had Love and his family as part of the U.S. Mission in Cameroon.

“I’m so sad, so, so sad to be saying goodbye to you all,” Dávila said. “Your time here has really, really had a positive impact, Joe, with keeping our community safe and working with your team to ensure that everyone is well-protected.”

Dávila noted the personal sacrifices made by the Security Chief and his wife, Tiangal Love.

“There was a lot of times that I’m sure that he missed nights asleep thinking about how to keep us safe,” Dávila said. “And Tia has put in so much heart, so much soul into actually bringing our community together.”

Andrew Harris, Assistant Regional Security Officer and Love’s closest collaborator in the office, praised Love’s professional commitment. Harris noted that one of the most redeeming attributes he observed during his 10 months working with the RSO was Love’s sharp instincts.

“I think this comes from years and years of professional experience, both in the Embassy environment as well as in his law enforcement background and environment,” Harris said.

Nainsah Petra Mbuyongha, President of the American Embassy Local Employee Association (AMLEA) in Yaounde, also hailed Love and his family for their remarkable impact on the local workforce.

Tiangal Love on her part, thanked the U.S. Embassy Community for their support throughout their stay in Cameroon, noting that their experiences had shaped everyone involved.

“We leave this post not only with wonderful memories, but with friendships that we will always treasure,” she said. “Teamwork is our greatest strength and our most powerful tool. Over the years, we celebrated victories together, worked through disagreements, solved impossible problems, and built friendships that will last forever.”

“To each of you, thank you for believing in Joseph, supporting him, challenging him, walking alongside him throughout this journey,” she said.”Your respect and friendship has meant more than you know. Joseph, I am incredibly proud of the man and father you are, the leader you have become, and the legacy you leave behind.”

Members of the RSO team used the occasion to describe Love as a leader who showed deep concern for everyone and was always available to provide guidance. One team member described Love as the definition of a true leader whose skills are worth emulating.

“His proximity to his staff makes it possible to be able to talk one-on-one with him on both professional and personal issues,” the staff member said.

“He visits every office and discusses freely as often as he can. Most often, he prefers to come down rather than talk to you on the phone if he wants things done. He’s always ready to share knowledge with his staff.”

The staff member added that Love frequently surprised his team and visitors with thoughtful gestures, ranging from candy and birthday gifts to organizing breakfast and lunch parties at his residence.

“Striking Eagles will forever be grateful for the equipment you offered them,” the staff member said. “In his simplicity, Mr. Love will always rub shoulders with everyone regardless of your section.”

Love, visibly moved during the ceremony, could not hide his tears as he thanked the community for their time together.

“This tour here for the last three years has been very interesting, very challenging, and I had ups and downs—positive, negatives,” Love said. “Things happened personally in my family, things happened here that affected me deeply and greatly. But I want to say that the love you people had for me and my family made everything go smoothly.”

Performances by the Ndurum dance group and a presentation of gifts capped off an afternoon dedicated to celebrating the remarkable legacy that Joseph Love leaves behind in Cameroon.

Sehm Mbinglo I Launches Book On Peace & Reconciliation, Proposes Fireside Dialogue

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Fon of Nso, His Royal Majesty, Sehm Mbinglo I has officially his book titled, “The Fon of Nso and the Anglophone Crisis: A Testimony for Reconciliation and Peace.”

The book was launched on June 25 in Yaounde accompanied by a host of dignitaries including government and traditional authorities. Eugene Ngalim and Lee Nsaibirni Warren Nsoseka were entrusted by the Fon with the task of recording his words.

Speaking during the book launch, different speakers transmitted the Fon’s message in the book. Speaking during the book launch, the President General of Nso Cultural and Development Association (NSODA), Shey Adamu Tardzenyuy describe the book as a royal gift.

“Embodying both the wisdom of our ancestors and a profound sense of historical necessity, this book marks an unprecedented moment in the modern history of Nso’. One might say that the Fon has crossed the threshold from oral tradition to the written word but that will not be entirely true,” Shey Tardzenyuy said.

Stressing that traditionally, a Fon transmits the wisdom of the Nso heritage through spoken pronouncements, which are then interpreted and conveyed to the public by designated custodians, he indicated that this book does not depart from that tradition so much as it extends and complements it.

Stating that the Nso people have mourned, communities have endured profound sorrow as well as the cultural identity been tested by years of conflict and uncertainty, he indicated as the head Nso Fondom, His Majesty has not merely witnessed these events from afar; “he has lived through them. He has confronted personally the harsh realities of war, bearing both the burdens of leadership and the pain of a people caught in crisis.”

Shey Tardzenyuy added, “This book is not a cry of despair. His Majesty refuses to be confined by bitterness. Where many might have faltered, He has chosen the path of a true leader. He has opted for calm over chaos, reflection over revenge. He has overcome immense personal wounds—including the cruel loss of two princes of childbearing age, and a couple of terrifying periods in captivity.”

In captivity, facing threats to his life, and the desecration of the throne, Shey Tardzenyuy stated that the Fon courageously, called for unity. “No one endures such trials unscathed, though. Even so, His Majesty offers us a powerful lesson: we must bear our scars with dignity. He is not seeking awards or historical acclaim. Instead, he has channeled his deepest suffering into a guiding vision for national healing.”

To the esteemed analysts, peacebuilders, and policymakers present Shey Tardzenyuy pointed out that “the book provides our nation with a practical framework built on five essential principles: testimony, truth, dialogue, reconciliation, and peace.” he added that “it is not a political statement. It is a genuine, personal account of hardship, resilience, and compassion, presented to ensure our memories hold true. It serves as a calm, serious invitation for us to examine ourselves as a nation.”

He however used the opportunity on behalf of the Nso’ Cultural and Development Association (NSODA), invite all peace builders, non-governmental organizations, corporate partners, and the international community present today to collaborate with NSODA to bring the essence of this book to life.

Talking about the return of ‘Ngonnso’ which he said is “not merely a cultural artifact or a historical object; she is a living symbol of our origins, unity, and collective destiny.” He added that her absence represents a wound that remains unhealed.

“The return of Ngonnso’ would therefore signify far more than the restoration of a treasured heritage object. It would be an act of historical justice, a gesture of reconciliation, and a meaningful step toward the healing of old wounds. It would reaffirm the dignity of a people and restore an essential bond between the living, their ancestors, and the generations yet to come,” he said.

Eugene Ngalim, stated that it was a ducting task to convince the Fon to accept writing the book as the Fon constantly emphasized that since the founding of the Nso dynasty, the tradition has been faithfully transmitted orally.

“This book is the Fon’s testimony. It is not written to stir emotions for its own sake, nor to reopen wounds that time must heal. It is written with the deepest honesty the Fon can offer, so that those who live today and those who will come after us may understand what happened, why it matters, and what must never be repeated,” Eugene Ngalim said.

He added, “This testimony is the Fon’s offerings to Nso, to Cameroon, and to all who seek peace. It is a call to remember that no matter how deep the crisis, we must never lose sight of the humanity in one another. We must never forget that war, no matter its cause, leaves behind ashes, not answers.”

According to Ngalim Eugene, The purpose of this book is not to replace Nso oral tradition, but to complement, strengthen, and preserve for posterity a small part of the broader royal narrative and messages.

“It responds to the demands of the present moment while remaining faithful to the enduring values of Nso culture. In this sense, it serves as a tool for peace, reconciliation, and historical preservation, both within and beyond Nso, in keeping with the core Nso ethical principles of respect for human life,” he added.

He stressed, “The book is also designed to support the Fon’s community dialogue, which will bring together all Nso, all Nso sons and daughters living both in Cameroon and in the diaspora. The dialogue is expected to culminate in To’ Nso, where the final ritual of reconciliation and peace will be performed.”

Minister Vivian Asheri Kilo on his part invited all not to take the book into academic discourses that will not take anyone anywhere. “The book is simple. It’s written in plain simple language communicating a spirit of hope, a spirit of rejuvenation, a spirit of love rekindled.”

Concerning the return of Ngonnso, the Minister assured everyone that everything is in progress, “and so we do not need to do any actions that would seem to precipitate or, more so, detract from what our Fon has done today.”

The book is made up of 170 pages and was taken over two years to write the book. The contents of the book includes a foreword, preface, and acknowledgment, and divided into seven parts with sub-chapters.

The book traces events from the enthronement of the Fon to the genesis of the crisis, and recounts what the Fon endured during the period. He acknowledges with deep gratitude all those who contributed to his well-being in those difficult moments.

The book also includes a reflection of solidarity messages from some of the Fons of Bui. The book ends with the Fon’s goodwill message to the people of Nso, Bui, and Cameroon, a message of peace and reconciliation, and finally, a royal call to reconciliation.

“In his royal call, his Majesty stated, the true wisdom of a people is their ability to listen, to understand, and to seek peaceful ways of handling their differences without causing harm,” he said.

Cameroon Urged To Adopt Best African Practices For Better Public Service Delivery

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Experts are calling on the Cameroonian government to draw inspiration from successful African peers to enhance public service delivery and better meet citizen expectations. The consensus emerged during the inaugural Cameroon Public Service Forum, that took place on June 24, at the Muna Foundation in Yaoundé.

Organized by The Service Foundation under the theme “Transforming Public Institutions: Advancing Innovation, Accountability, Participation and Inclusion,” the event gathered national and international specialists to chart a path toward modernizing the country’s administrative apparatus.

At the core of the discussions was a clear message: meaningful public sector reform is achievable when governments actively embrace innovation, enforce institutional accountability, and realign structures with the evolving needs of their people.

“Public service is fundamental at every level of society today. Every citizen deserves better, and we must recognize that the quality of our service is measured by those we serve,” said Georges Essama, CEO of The Service Foundation, in his opening remarks.

He underscored the forum’s dual purpose—celebrating the dedication of public agents while raising awareness about the imperative of citizen-centered service and fostering a network for change across administrations.

Participants voiced growing concern over the disconnect between an increasingly informed, digitally native population and outdated bureaucratic systems. Dinyuy Brandon, a public service attendee, stressed that modernization must be driven by citizen-centric initiatives.

His view was reinforced by Dr. Pisso Nseke, a public administration expert, who noted that citizens today are educated, hyper-connected, and accustomed to instant digital services—yet administrative procedures remain sluggish and rooted in the past.

Dr. Nseke advocated for placing citizens at the heart of governance, proposing three priority actions: simplifying administrative red tape, investing strategically in professional development, and fast-tracking digital transformation.

While participants agreed on the urgency of reform, they also emphasized the need for solutions tailored to local contexts. Two African success stories stood out as potential models.

Kenya, for instance, has overhauled its public service through a four-pillar strategy—innovation, accountability, participation, and inclusion. Aliyare Hassan, Senior Assistant County Commissioner at Kenya’s Ministry of Interior, explained how the country centralized government services via the e-Citizen digital platform and physical Huduma centres.

This integration has reduced wait times, cut travel costs, and minimized bureaucratic obstacles. The Huduma platform now consolidates over 5,000 digital services into a single portal, while mobile money innovations like M-Pesa have driven financial inclusion.

Benin also offered a compelling example, having digitized nearly 60 percent of public requests—from birth certificates to passports—allowing citizens to secure essential documents online without third-party intermediaries.

For The Service Foundation, these cases provide a roadmap for Cameroon’s own emergence agenda.

“We don’t want to stop at reflections; we want to see tangible change through action. That’s why we brought all stakeholders to the table. We hope this forum marks a strong starting point for modernizing our public service,” George Essama said.

As Cameroon charts its course toward administrative renewal, the message from Yaoundé is clear: the future of public service lies in innovation, inclusion, and a steadfast commitment to the citizen.

U.S. Embassy Yaounde To Honor Joseph Love and Family As Cameroon Mission Ends

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé is finalizing preparations for a send-off ceremony to honor diplomat Joseph Love, Head of the Regional Security Office (RSO), as his official mission in Cameroon draws to a close.

After a tenure marked by commitment and community engagement, embassy officials, friends and well-wishers will gather Friday June 26 to celebrate his contributions and legacy during his stay in the country.

Colleagues and admirers describe have Joseph Love as a humble, approachable mentor who is widely recognized for his steady guidance and willingness to listen to anyone in need. Joseph Love and his family are scheduled to depart Cameroon after more than three years of dedicated service.

“Joseph Love is a man that I don’t know how to describe because he is endowed with many things,” said one admirer. “His stay in Cameroon has been a source of inspiration to many from the way he advises, guides and does his job.”

As preparations reach a fever pitch, the Ndurum dance group of Yaoundé is tuning up to headline the entertainment. Hailing from Nseh in the Bui Division of Cameroon’s Northwest Region, the group has been rehearsing for weeks to deliver a flawless, distinctive cultural performance for the event.

The Ndurum group was bestowed by the Fon of Nseh in 2020 and handed over to Shey Bongben Ernest and the late Pa Tume Ignatius, with a welcome extended by NDECA Yaounde. Since then, the group has involved members from all walks of life. Its current President is Ndi Ignatius Kongnyuy, and its Proprietor and Director is Bongben Ernest.

The group meets twice monthly in the Anguissa neighborhood and also maintains a women’s wing. Ndurum performs at funerals, weddings, send-off parties, graduation ceremonies, birthday parties and other events.

SESDP Strengthens Secondary Education With Landmark School Leadership Training

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Cameroon is making significant strides in improving its secondary education system, with the government, through the Secondary Education and Skills Development Project (SESDP), successfully training thousands of school leaders nationwide.

Following the initial training of 1,752 Principals and Assistant Principals in the first cohort, the program has now reached an additional 2,600 school leaders from Cohorts 2, 3, and 4. The comprehensive training took place across all ten regions of the country, marking a major milestone in the government’s education reform agenda.

At the heart of the initiative is an innovative hybrid learning model that blends face-to-face workshops with online modules, mentoring, coaching, case studies, simulations, and continuous assessment. This multifaceted approach ensures that participants gain both theoretical knowledge and practical, real-world skills.

The SESDP equips school administrators with competencies in key areas, including instructional leadership, school governance, financial and administrative management, human resources, digital leadership, performance monitoring, inclusive and safe school management, as well as ethics and accountability.

To cap the programme, a national remediation and assessment workshop was held to reinforce learning outcomes, address knowledge gaps, strengthen digital skills, and conduct final competency-based evaluations. Participants were required to complete an online assessment, compile a professional portfolio, and successfully defend their work before an assessment panel to qualify for official accreditation.

The initiative is expected to yield stronger school leadership, improved learning environments, better teacher supervision, enhanced accountability, and more efficient school management—all of which contribute to better educational outcomes for learners.

Beyond the classroom, the programme directly supports broader national objectives, including the National Development Strategy (NDS30), ongoing education sector reforms, improved governance, digital transformation, and human capital development. Ultimately, SESDP reinforces the Government of Cameroon’s vision of building a high-performing, inclusive, and accountable secondary education system.

With more than 2,500 school leaders now trained across all ten regions through Cohorts 2 to 4, the hybrid training model—alongside its competency-based accreditation and practical governance focus—is proving to be a transformative force in Cameroon’s educational landscape.

The SESDP is an initiative of the government of the Republic of Cameroon, set up with the support of the World Bank. Structured around four components, its aim is to improve equitable access to quality secondary education and market-oriented technical and vocational training, with a particular focus on girls.

The project has a particular focus on vulnerable girls and other disadvantaged learners in areas with low levels of schooling and internally displaced or refugee learners in the North West and South West regions.

The SESDP is concerned, among other things, with improving infrastructure in technical and vocational training establishments and also with improving the skills of professionals in SMEs/SMIs and social economy and craft structures through training tailored to the job market.

NBTS Calls for Government Support to Boost Blood Supply

By Brian Mboh

The National Blood Transfusion Service, NBTS, has called on the government to provide support and to introduce innovative financing mechanisms to boost the national blood bank, amid rising demand. The call was made by the President of the NBTS Management Committee, Prof. Tetanye Ekoe, during the 10th Ordinary Session of the Management Committee held on June 19 in Yaoundé.

**NBTS members at the 10th Ordinary Session**

The Session reviewed the institution’s 2025 financial statements and assessed the mid-year implementation of the 2026 budget, which stands at FCFA 1.48 billion. Prof. Tetanye Ekoe said the National Transfusion Service continues to face major challenges linked to governance, financing, and public awareness—particularly the low rate of voluntary donations.

He warned that existing resources remain insufficient to ensure safe blood supplies across the national territory. Based on figures presented during the meeting, the NBTS collected 184,224 units of blood in 2025, raising national coverage of blood needs to 47 percent, up from 41 percent in 2024.

He regretted that the country still falls short of the estimated annual requirement of 400,000 blood bags. Prof. Tetanye Ekoe explained that the cost of collecting, testing, and securing blood supplies requires substantial financial resources. He said research conducted by medical experts shows that producing a single unit of blood costs about FCFA 60,000.

The health expert noted that meeting the country’s annual demand of 400,000 blood bags would require approximately FCFA 24 billion—far above the level of funding currently available to the institution.

“Mobilising the population, convincing people in both rural and urban areas to donate blood, and ensuring that the collected blood is safe all require funding. The resources currently available are not sufficient to cover these needs,” Prof. Ekoe said.

He also pointed out that the funding gap partly explains periodic shortages recorded in some hospital blood banks and the continued reliance on replacement donations from families instead of voluntary blood donations.

**Prof Tetanye Ekoe speaking during 10th Ordinary Session**

NBTS Raises Alarm on Need for More Funding

Prof. Tetanye Ekoe said the NBTS must intensify advocacy efforts with technical and financial authorities and seek new funding mechanisms capable of supporting its mission.

He said traditional financing methods are no longer sufficient to sustain blood collection campaigns, biological qualification of blood products, and staff training programmes.

“The mission assigned to us is to protect the population by providing safe blood in sufficient quantities. The financial mechanisms currently in place do not allow us to effectively carry out all our collection, qualification, and training responsibilities. We need stronger and more innovative sources of financing,” he said.

**NBTS Management Committee in a family picture**

The NBTS reported that only 26.7 percent of blood donations currently come from voluntary, unpaid donors—a figure management said remains too low to guarantee stable national blood reserves.

Despite financial constraints, the NBTS said it has continued to strengthen coordination with hospital blood banks, expand technical supervision activities, and develop accreditation procedures for pilot blood banks involved in biological qualification.

Striking Eagles Honor Joseph Love’s Family In Final Mission Tribute

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Striking Eagles FC of the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde have honored the family of diplomat Joseph Love as their mission in Cameroon draws to a close. The tribute took place on June 20 during a fiercely contested friendly match at the American International School of Yaounde (AISOY).

**Joseph Love and his son kick off the match** (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

The game, dedicated to Love and his family, served as a farewell celebration for the diplomat, whose tenure has been marked by a spirit of camaraderie and community engagement.

The match itself was a tale of halves, with TASSA Restaurant Team striking first to take an early lead. However, the Striking Eagles mounted a swift comeback, overturning the deficit to secure a decisive victory by the final whistle. The friendly contest was played in high spirits, with both sides demonstrating competitive fairness throughout the 90 minutes.

**Teams battling for victory** *(Photo: Mainimo Etienne)*

Following the match, Striking Eagles President, Isa Adamu praised Love’s leadership and unwavering work ethic, noting that his mentorship had left a lasting impact on the US Embassy Yaounde colleagues.

“Thank you for your love,” Isa Adamu said. “As you leave, you have become part of the Striking Eagles family. We will always pray for your success as you take another step in your diplomatic career.”

**Joseph Love speaking after the match** (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

As a gesture of gratitude, Isa Adamu presented Love’s family with a set of new team jerseys on behalf of the club. He described the gift as a symbol of the enduring bond between the diplomat and the team, adding that it would serve as a constant reminder of the prayers and support the Striking Eagles will continue to offer.

In his remarks, Joseph Love expressed deep appreciation to both teams, friends, and well-wishers who turned out for the farewell match. He said the Striking Eagles would forever hold a special place in his family’s heart, citing the sense of unity, fun, and solidarity the team had fostered during his time in Cameroon.

**President Isa Adamu hands gifts on behalf of the club to Joseph Love during the farewell match** (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

“I am so overwhelmed by you guys, and you will always be in our hearts,” Joseph Love said. “The Striking Eagles will forever be in our family’s hearts because, through this team, we experienced a sense of solidarity and fun that made our time here truly special.”

**Joseph Love’s Family** (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

Minister Abena Ondoa Raises Alarm Over 1,599 GBV Cases in Early 2026, Appealed For A Society-Wide Response

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

More than 1,599 cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) have been recorded across Cameroon between January and April 2026, according to data presented before the National Assembly.

**President of the National Assembly greet MPs as he steps in to begin a plenary session** (Photo: National Assembly)

The Minister of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, Marie Therese Abena Ondoa revealed the figures on June 19 during an oral question session in the Lower House of Parliament. She was responding to a query from Hon. Angèle Toukam Tela Epse Sandio, who asked what measures the Ministry is taking to eradicate or reduce femicide in Cameroon.

In responding, Minister Abena Ondoa provided an overview of gender-based violence in the country, noting that recent years have seen numerous cases of murder, abduction, torture, rape and other violations against physical, emotional and sexual integrity.

“In addition to this data from major national surveys, MINPROFF recorded 1,599 cases of violence across the national territory between January and April 2026,” Minister Abena Ondoa said. “This total includes 166 cases of rape, 50 femicide, 13 infanticide, three kidnappings and three cases of physical abuse on children.”

Regarding femicide, the Minister said the phenomenon, though insufficiently documented, is rising and represents an extreme form of gender-based violence.

“Indeed, 56 cases were recorded in 2023, 67 in 2024, approximately 77 in 2025, and, as mentioned above, 50 cases between January and April 2026,” she said. “These are the cases officially recorded and documented by our services. It is obvious that the number at this moment has increased.”

**Cross Section of MPs during the Plenary Session** (Photo: National Assembly)

Faced with the worrying situation, Minister Abena Ondoa said the government has taken initiatives to address gender-based violence and femicide, including ratification of international and regional legal instruments for the promotion and protection of women’s and girls’ rights, prevention efforts, law enforcement, support services and institutional framework strengthening.

But she acknowledged persistent obstacles, among them limited access to free and confidential integrated services, weak intersectoral coordination, ongoing security crises in the Far North and Southwest regions, impunity for offenders and lax enforcement of existing rules.

The Minister assured lawmakers that corrective actions are underway, including shepherding a draft gender-based violence law through parliament, reinforcing the coordination body for prevention and response, and upgrading data collection systems.

Acknowledging that the problem has proven resistant to government and partner interventions, Abena Ondoa appealed for a society-wide response.

“Let us denounce the violence, protect the victims, and educate our families and communities about respect for life and equality,” she said.

Abena Ondoa was among five cabinet Ministers who fielded questions from lawmakers that day. The others oversee Transport, Posts and Telecommunications, Public Service and Administrative Reforms, and Public Health.

Health Minister Clarifies Kidney Treatment Costs

During the session, Public Health Minister Dr. Manaouda Malachie response to specific grievances raised by Hons. Daniel Etongo Ngalle, Njume Peter Ambang and Rolande Ngo Issi regarding healthcare mismanagement and kidney disease costs in Cameroon.

“I must formally clarify that the regulatory amount due per year from a patient suffering from chronic kidney disease is not 16,000 FCFA, but rather exactly 15,000 FCFA,” Manaouda said.

**Dr. Manaouda Malachie, Public Health Minister answering to questions from MPs** (Photo: National Assembly)

He issued an uncompromising warning to hospital administrators, emphasizing that no internal directive authorizes the collection of funds outside official regulatory public revenue protocols and that every transaction must be recorded in official accounting ledgers and yield a certified state receipt.

Addressing widely reported sums of 100,000 to 250,000 FCFA demanded from kidney patients, Manaouda explained that these fees do not represent an illicit deposit, administrative markup or hospital scam

Instead, they constitute the baseline clinical cost for placement of an arteriovenous fistula — a complex, mandatory preliminary surgical procedure required when a patient reaches Stage 4 kidney failure before formal dialysis treatment can begin. Cost disparities across the country are tied to whether the surgery is performed in a first-, second- or third-category state referral hospital.

“Because this specific preliminary procedure, alongside critical companion therapies like erythropoietin injections, are not yet fully subsidized by our current health coverage system, we have initiated an immediate structural review of this funding framework,” Manaouda announced.

He noted that toll-free numbers and quarterly evaluations are being used to identify and sanction rogue hospital personnel misusing social safety nets enacted by the head of state.

Health Minister also placed these systemic challenges within Cameroon’s broader epidemiological transition. He highlighted concurrent outbreaks of Mpox and Ebola alongside an exponential domestic rise in chronic, non-communicable conditions like cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory ailments, advanced diabetes, cancers, and hemoglobinopathies.

However, Dr. Manaouda blamed the shift on rapid lifestyle changes, citing poor diets and sedentary habits as the main preventable causes of chronic organ failure. He called on the National Assembly to push for community-led early screenings and state-funded wellness programs.

Minister Joseph Le of Public Service Details Civil Service Payroll Reform

Minister Joseph Le also fielded questions about “AIGLES,” the state’s new workforce and payroll management software. He described the platform as a major structural reform championed by President Paul Biya to modernize Cameroon’s civil service. Built to replace the outdated SIGIPES and ANTILOPE systems, he stated that AIGLES unifies career and payroll tracking into a single registry.

**Minister Joseph Le g during the session** (Photo: National Assembly)

According to the Minister, the system’s real-time data is already highly accurate: “As of the morning of June 19, 2026, the AIGLES platform precisely displayed 306,159 active public servants and 160,285 pensioners.”

Promote 2026: CAMTEL Pavilion Buzzes As Guests Explore “Blue” Plans, Cutting-Edge Data Centre Innovations

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The air inside the Yaounde Conference Center hums with electric current of possibilities. At the heart of the 10^th edition of the International Exhibition for Enterprise, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, and Partnership (PROMOTE) 2026 trade fair, one pavilion stands out not for its glamour, but for its gravity.

**CAMTEL Pavilion at PROMOTE 2026** *(Photo: CAMTEL)*

It is the Cameroon Telecommunications (CAMTEL) stand, and this week, it has become the epicenter of a national conversation about data, sovereignty, and what it means to build a truly connected Cameroon.

The state-owned telecom has transformed its space into a bustling hub, drawing a steady stream of visitors, industry stakeholders, and government officials eager to glimpse the nation’s digital engine.

The crowd’s gripped attention is fixed on a singular vision: the “Blue” transformation strategy and the formidable capabilities of the Zamengoe Data Center, a facility that is quietly redefining the country’s technological landscape.

**Visitor at CAMTEL Pavilion** (Photo: CAMTEL)

This surge in interest is no coincidence. As Cameroon accelerates its push toward a fully integrated, data-driven economy, the demand for localized, secure digital infrastructure has moved from a technical consideration to a national imperative .

At the centre of this push is CAMTEL, aggressively modernizing its network and expanding cloud services to anchor the nation’s digital ambitions.

Benedict Ndinwa, Head of Institutional Communication at CAMTEL, took to a television broadcast from the fairgrounds to articulate the company’s commitment to national development.

He announced a major milestone for the state-owned operator’s mobile network, noting that “Blue, CAMTEL’s entirely Cameroonian mobile network, launched three years ago, has now surpassed 2 million active subscribers.”

**Visitors on the way out after visiting the CAMTEL Pavilion at PROMOTE** *(Photo: CAMTEL)*

To celebrate its presence at PROMOTE, he said, CAMTEL is offering aggressive promotions, including Blue SIM cards for FCFA 500—a package that comes with 2GB of data, 2000 call units, and a 48-hour validity window.

Ndinwa emphasized that these efforts are paired with ongoing work to enhance service quality and extend coverage to underserved areas, underscoring a dedication to digital inclusion.

However, the true stopper of CAMTEL’s presentation is the story of the Zamengoe Data Centre. Located approximately 30 kilometers from downtown Yaounde, this facility is not just a building; it is a statement of intent.

Ndinwa detailed the “robust facility” and its coveted Tier 3 certification, a benchmark that guarantees high reliability with a maximum annual downtime of just 1.5 hours . He stressed the site’s energy autonomy, noting that its backup systems can provide up to one month of power independence—a critical advantage in a region where energy stability is a common concern.

**A CAMTEL agent (right) speaking with a visitor** (Photo: CAMTEL)

For the business community, the Zamengoe Data Center represents a strategic asset. It champions the principle of data sovereignty, encouraging Cameroonian enterprises to store their information local.

Ndinwa explained that local hosting offers superior control, security, and reduced latency compared to overseas alternatives. By keeping data within national borders, the facility helps prevent misuse and ensures businesses retain complete oversight of their digital assets.

“Local storage ensures data remains within national borders, preventing potential misuse or lack of control often associated with foreign hosting,” Ndinwa said, adding that the center provides “more competitive costs for users” compared to international options.

To him, this aligns with the government’s broader National Artificial Intelligence Strategy which identifies sovereign data infrastructure as foundational to economic growth.

CAMTEL’s presence at PROMOTE is expansive, featuring a main stand at the Palais des Congrès, a dedicated digital pavilion, and more than 500 brand ambassadors. These representatives are actively engaging with visitors, presenting CAMTEL’s portfolio of enterprise-grade solutions and gathering feedback to better meet customer needs.

As Cameroon positions itself to become a digital leader in Central Africa, the conversations happening this week at PROMOTE suggest that the journey begins not in the cloud, but on the ground—in a state-of-the-art facility on the outskirts of Yaounde.

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