Hon. Okie Jah Simon Pledges Youth Support Across Kupe-Muanenguba

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Divisional Coordinator of the National Youth Parliamentary Network for Kupe-Muanenguba and Youth Member of Parliament for Nguti Subdivision, Hon. Okie Jah Simon Okie, has reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment and community development.

**Hon. Okie Jah Simon Okie – Divisional Coordinator of the National Youth Parliamentary Network for Kupe-Muanenguba and Youth Member of Parliament for Nguti Subdivision**

He demonstrated his commitment through his support for the local football tournament, using sport as a platform to bring young people together, promote peaceful coexistence, and encourage the development of grassroots talent.

As part of his support, Okie supported several individual awards to recognise outstanding players. They included the Best Player Trophy, a gold medal for the Best Goalkeeper, a silver medal for the Youngest Player and an award for the tournament’s Highest Goal Scorer.

The awards were intended to encourage young footballers, recognise their efforts and inspire other young people to pursue their talents.

Beyond the competition on the pitch, the tournament provided an opportunity for young people within the village to interact and build relationships. It also offered a constructive way for them to spend their time while promoting teamwork, healthy competition and community spirit.

**One of the finalists of the football tournament in Ntale Village (PENYE), Kupe-Muanenguba supported by Hon. Okie Jah Simon Okie**

For Okie, supporting such initiatives is part of a broader vision of creating opportunities for young people and encouraging them to play an active role in the development of their communities.

He maintains that investment in the younger generation is essential to the long-term progress of Kupe- Muanenguba, particularly in promoting peace, hard work, mutual support and responsible citizenship.

His involvement in the tournament also reflects his emphasis on using youth-oriented activities to strengthen social cohesion and create spaces where young people can discover and develop their abilities.

Looking ahead, Okie has assured young people and res- idents across Kupe-Muanenguba that the National Youth Parliamentary Network will continue to advocate for and support youth-focused initiatives throughout the Division.

The network, he said, remains committed to working alongside young people and helping create opportunities through which they can contribute meaningfully to their communities.

The initiative underscores the connection between youth empowerment, social cohesion and community development, with sports providing one practical avenue through which young people can come together, develop their talents and contribute to a more peaceful and productive society.

2026 Chantal Biya International Cycling Tour: CAMTEL Reaffirms Commitment To Sports, Youth, & Cameroonian Excellence

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo & Brian Mboh

Cameroon Telecommunications (CAMTEL) has reaffirmed its commitment to sports, youth empowerment, and national excellence following its extensive participation in the 26th edition of the Chantal Biya International Cycling Race.

**Cameroon’s First Lady, Chantal Biya during the final reception of the 2026 cycling tour in Yaounde** (Photo: CAMTEL)

Beyond the physical battles fought on the asphalt over the five-day tour, the premier event that ended on Sunday September 6 showcased a massive operational synergy between sport and telecommunications, driven by its primary sponsor.

Throughout the 744-kilometer stage race, the state-owned provider deployed portable high-speed broadband infrastructure, live mobile connectivity hubs, and extensive logistical backing to maintain uninterrupted network operations along the peloton’s shifting route.

CAMTEL’s technical involvement extended across all five stages, directly connecting remote operational stops to main broadcasting centers in Yaoundé. The company’s engineering teams accompanied the rolling caravan daily, installing satellite terminals and temporary fiber-optic access points to provide real-time connectivity for international UCI commissaires, timing officials, race organizers, and media personnel reporting on stage finishes.

**CAMTEL General Manager Judith Yah Sunday epse Achidi with Cameroonian rider Clovis Kamzong Abossolo, CAMTEL’s hostesses** (Photo: CAMTEL)

“Sport remains an essential vehicle for national unity, economic vitality, and youth empowerment,” said CAMTEL General Manager Judith Yah Sunday epse Achidi during the closing ceremony. She stressed that supporting the flagship cycling tour aligns directly with the company’s broader mandate to expand digital infrastructure and drive national development initiatives.

As part of its commercial and community presence, CAMTEL established active fan zones at every finish line, offering localized mobile registration services, high-speed Wi-Fi access points, and promotional giveaways to thousands of spectators gathered along the course. The company’s presence extended far beyond brand visibility.

At the final stage, Judith Yah Sunday epse Achidi presented the blue jersey awarded to the best Cameroonian cyclist, tying the sponsor directly to celebrating top-performing local riders alongside international competitors.

**Cyclists fighting for glory at the 2026 Chantal Biya International Cycling Race** *(Photo: CAMTEL)*

This gesture added a human dimension to the partnership, translating sponsorship into tangible moments for athletes, families, and spectators, while reinforcing CAMTEL’s support for homegrown talent competing against riders from across Africa and Europe.

The 2026 edition of the Grand Prix Chantal Biya International Cycling Tour also introduced special prizes for outstanding female cyclists who distinguished themselves in their debut during the competition. On the road, the sporting contest delivered dynamic action with a different stage winner on each of the first three days. Algerian rider Yacine Hamza won the opening 111-kilometer stage from Motcheboum to Messamena, followed by Wanja Russenberger of Switzerland taking the second stage, and Cameroon’s Clovis Kamzong claiming victory on the 166-kilometer third stage from Yaoundé to Nkolandom.

**CAMTEL Blue Jersey displaced during the cycling race** (Photo: CAMTEL)

Hamza Amari secured the remaining legs, winning both the fourth stage from Sangmelima to Meyomessala and the 162.5-kilometer finale from Sangmelima back to Yaoundé.

For CAMTEL, the race provided a powerful platform to associate telecommunications with endurance, discipline, and national visibility. With the 2026 tour officially concluded, sports analysts and event organizers noted that sustained corporate backing from entities like CAMTEL continues to play a vital role in elevating Cameroon’s international sports profile.

**CAMTEL General Manager Judith Yah Sunday epse Achidi during the final event in Yaounde** (Photo: CAMTEL)

Over 2,000 Students In Mbengwi Receive Aid From Ndangoh Tah Calvin Foundation

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

More than 2,000 students in Mbengwi Central Subdivision have received educational support from the Ndangoh Tah Calvin Foundation during one of the organization’s largest aid operations to date.

**Ntumfon Barrister Ndangoh Tah Calvin poses for a family photo with students and pupils.**

The assistance was distributed recently at the Mbengwi Palace during the Annual General Meeting of the Mbengwi Elements Development Association (MEDA). Ntumfon Barrister Ndangoh Tah Calvin, founder of the charity, said the initiative aims to ease financial burdens on families while encouraging parents to keep their children enrolled in classes despite ongoing local challenges.

Addressing parents and community leaders at the event, Ntumfon Barrister Ndangoh stressed that the long-term stability of the region hinges directly on classroom participation and student safety.

“The education and security of our children should be our primary concern,” Ntumfon Barrister Ndangoh said, urging parents to prioritize schooling and take an active role in protecting educational spaces.

**Ntumfon Barrister Ndangoh Tah Calvin**

In his remarks, the Foundation Leader called for the establishment and strengthening of local vigilance groups around campus grounds, arguing that school security requires grassroots involvement alongside official law enforcement.

“Report any suspicious moves and suspected cases of school disruption,” Ntumfon Barrister Ndangoh urged residents, warning against passivity. “We cannot continue suffering and depriving our youths of education while others are sending their children.”

Ndangoh strongly condemned ongoing public campaigns that advocate for school boycotts. He warned that disrupting academic years threatens to derail an entire generation of young people who need competitive skills for the modern workforce.

To counter these efforts, he urged traditional rulers, teachers, religious authorities, and local administrators to present a united front in support of uninterrupted learning.

The foundation founder also aligned his message with the Fon of Mbengwi to denounce social vices affecting local youth, specifically targeting the sale of illicit drugs and cheap sachet whisky near school grounds.

He expressed additional concern over rising rates of sexual promiscuity among students, calling on parents to offer stronger moral guidance to prevent behaviors that derail health and academic progress.

Closing his address, Ndangoh stressed that restoring security in the subdivision requires a broad coalition comprising civil society, traditional leaders, and security personnel.

“We should all help the administration and security officers to make Mbengwi safe for meaningful development and for our children to go to school,” Ntumfon Barrister Ndangoh said. “It is our joint responsibility.”

The recent relief effort marks another chapter in the foundation’s ongoing outreach in the subdivision, reinforcing its core mission that securing classroom opportunities today serves as the foundation for the region’s future stability.

Cameroonian Midfielder Frank Zambo Anguissa Announces International Retirement

By Brian Mboh

Cameroonian international midfielder Frank Zambo Anguissa has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a distinguished career with the country’s senior national men’s team.

**Frank Zambo Anguissa in Action for Cameroon**

The Napoli midfielder, who earned 66 caps and scored 15 goals for the Indomitable Lions, shared the news in an emotional statement.

“I leave the national team with a great deal of emotion and pride,” he wrote.

Reflecting on his journey, Anguissa described wearing the Cameroon jersey as a “tremendous honor” and a source of immense pride. He extended his gratitude to the federation, coaches, teammates, and support staff, but reserved his deepest thanks for the Cameroonian people.

“Playing for the Cameroon national team is every Cameroonian child’s dream,” he said. “I am very happy and, above all, very grateful to have been able to realize it.”

Anguissa made his international debut on 24 March 2017, in a friendly 1–0 victory over Tunisia. He went on to represent Cameroon at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia, where he scored his first international goal in a 1–1 group-stage draw against Australia—a performance that also earned him the man-of-the-match award.

Between 2019 and 2022, Anguissa featured in two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and his first FIFA World Cup. He was named to Cameroon’s squad for the 2019 AFCON in Egypt and also took part in the 2021 tournament, where the hosts finished in third place.

**Frank Zambo Anguissa letter of retirement**

At the end of 2022, newly appointed national team manager Rigobert Song called him up for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Anguissa played in all three group-stage matches, though Cameroon failed to advance to the knockout rounds.

From 2023 onward, he earned his third Africa Cup of Nations selection and assumed the team captaincy. On 29 December 2023, he was included in Cameroon’s 27-man squad for the 2023 AFCON.

On the pitch, Anguissa’s style is defined by physical robustness, a commanding aerial presence, and a high duel-win rate. However, his progressive carrying statistics are notably lower, indicating that he prefers a game built on stability and distribution rather than frequent dribbling advances.

As he closes this significant chapter with the Indomitable Lions, Anguissa leaves behind a legacy of commitment, pride, and service to his country.

Minister Mounouna Foutsou Praises “Na-We-We Sports Jamboree” As Model For Civic Development

By Brian Mboh

The Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, Mounouna Foutsou, has hailed the Na-We-We Sports Jamboree as a lasting force for civic development, urging other associations to follow its example. He made the remarks at the close of the two-month-long sports festival, held in the industrial town of Tiko in the Southwest Region.

**Mounouna Minister celebrates with the winning team after presenting the trophy**

The closing ceremony, which took place at the Upper Costain Football Field and was followed by a gala match, brought together hundreds of participants from across the country. It provided a platform for final exchanges of goodwill, while showcasing civility and patriotism among the youth.

Speaking to the press after presenting awards to the winning team, Minister Foutsou described the Na-We-We tournament—organized by the Local Youth Corner—as a leading driver of peace, unity, and national pride among young people. Now in its fifth edition, he noted that the event had proven its value and significance over time, and encouraged other organizations to emulate its approach.

In response to the government’s high praise, the promoter of Na-We-We, Achaleke Christian Leke, reflected on the initiative’s journey. He explained that it began with its first edition in Douala, rooted in a commitment to empower young people and cultivate responsible, civic-minded behavior.

This year’s edition placed a special emphasis on combating drug abuse, a theme that aligned with ongoing efforts by local authorities in the Southwest to curb harmful substance use. Beyond the football matches, Leke outlined that the jamboree also included clean-up campaigns and the planting of over 500 trees to help sustain the region’s mangrove ecosystem.

As part of the closing activities, outstanding students from the General Certificate of Education examinations were recognized, and back-to-school supplies were provided for learners in Tiko.

The tournament’s grand finale delivered a thrilling football encounter, with Justice Team emerging champions after defeating Solidarity Team in a penalty shootout. The match had ended goalless in regulation time, as both sides fought for control but failed to break the deadlock. With no goals scored, the contest went straight to spot-kicks, where Justice Team held their nerve to secure victory.

The ceremony also marked the end of the civic and patriotic holidays and signaled the launch of back-to-school civic education activities. The programme further featured the national caravan for mass and civic education, which will take sensitization campaigns to neighborhoods, villages, and streets across the country.

Inaugural US – Cameroon Economic Dialogue Paves Way For FCFA 4 Trillion Trade & Investment Boost

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The United States and Cameroon have announced approximately 7 billion US dollars, (nearly FCFA 4 trillion), in new investment and trade opportunities following their inaugural Economic and Commercial Dialogue, which took place on August 27 in Yaoundé.

**Sarah Troutman speaking during the ceremony** *(Photo: US Embassy Yaounde)*

This high-level meeting, co-chaired by Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development Alamine Ousmane Mey, acting as the personal representative of the Prime Minister, and Sarah Troutman, the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, marked a pivotal shift in bilateral relations.

The opening ceremony drew a wide array of government members, US embassy officials, sectoral administrators, public institutions, and representatives from both the Cameroonian and American private sectors, underscoring the broad interest in deepening economic ties.

The primary objective of this first bilateral economic and trade dialogue was to strengthen the partnership by carefully examining constraints that have historically affected relations, while identifying new opportunities for cooperation and investment.

Both sides sought concrete solutions that would translate into actionable commitments, clear roadmaps, and tangible projects. Guided by Washington’s trade diplomacy and Cameroon’s National Development Strategy (SND30), the dialogue represented a move away from a traditional aid-focused framework toward a dynamic model centered on trade, investment, and private-sector collaboration.

During the discussions, the Cameroonian delegation articulated four priority areas that emerged from extensive consultations with sectoral administrations, public bodies, and private organizations.

These concerns included securing, tracing, and progressively repatriating to the CEMAC zone funds for the restoration of mining sites that are currently held in the United States. They also sought American support for the preparation and financing of a priority portfolio of investment projects, a strategic partnership in digital technology and infrastructure with a focus on a sovereign data center and cloud park, and enhanced access to the US market through the upgrading of Cameroonian businesses and closer ties between the two business communities.

From the American perspective, interests and opportunities were concentrated on digital infrastructure, broader infrastructure development, critical minerals and mining, agribusiness, logistics, financial services, and various industrial and commercial ventures.

**Cross Section of Participants during the dialogue** (Photo: US Embassy Yaounde)

Minister Ousmane Mey emphasized the transformative potential of the new partnership, stating, “The partnership we are building must allow the parties to fully benefit from the opportunities offered by this even more fruitful relationship.” He further highlighted the broader regional impact, adding, “Its successful outcome could contribute to a more positive perception of the business climate across the CEMAC region as a whole. This would help to attract even more investment into the mining sector.” The Minister also expressed Cameroon’s eagerness to harness American expertise, noting, “We are keen to leverage the expertise, technologies and innovation capabilities of US companies to harness and manage risk development and others.”

Beyond the high-level commitments, both sides addressed practical measures to improve Cameroon’s business climate for US investors, including discussions on taxation, shipping and logistics, and mining sector reform. To institutionalize the dialogue and ensure sustained progress, they agreed to establish joint working groups that will continue their work ahead of the next dialogue meeting, which the United States will host in 2027.

These announcements underscore the depth and growing momentum of the commercial partnership, with US companies already actively pursuing opportunities across multiple sectors. Taylor Guitars, based in California, is working with local partner Crelicam to sustainably source ebony wood from Cameroon, while Tennessee-based FedEx, along with its Global Service Participant Globex Cameroun S.A.R.L., is developing a framework to establish a warehouse facility at Douala International Airport. Additionally, New Jersey-based Hoffman Equipment has secured an eighty-three million dollar equipment sale that will support infrastructure development and technical training in the country.

Cameroon’s rich subsoil is attracting major players in the mining sector. The American company Tronox and Australia’s Lion Rock Minerals are actively developing the Minta rutile and rare earth project in the Central Region, representing an investment of five hundred million dollars. Concurrently, ARM, a Washington-based firm, is negotiating a cobalt-nickel-manganese project at the Nkamouna-Lomié deposit in the Haut-Nyong department, a vast polymetallic reserve with an estimated potential of one hundred twenty-one million tons of mineral resources, with an initial investment of approximately eighty-five million dollars.

***Officials posed for a family picture*** *(Photo: US Embassy Yaounde)*

Major infrastructure and energy projects are also advancing. Illinois-based A. Epstein and Sons International, alongside financial partner ITF, is in discussions regarding a proposed two billion dollar airport in the Douala metropolitan area and a two hundred thirty million dollar project to construct modern theater halls in Yaoundé, Douala, and Bamenda. In the energy sector, Hydromine, a New York-based infrastructure investor, is working toward the proposed three point five billion dollar Grand Eweng Hydropower Project, a one thousand forty-megawatt facility on Cameroon’s Sanaga River.

In technology, Cybastion, a Virginia-based company, has announced its intention to invest seventy-five million dollars in a project that includes an AI-powered data center and power plant in Douala, while New York-based fintech firm Azamra aims to facilitate diaspora investment and accelerate cross-border digital payments.

The governments of both nations have committed to continuing their work with their respective private sectors to foster a more business-enabling environment, ensuring that the dialogue translates into shared prosperity for the American and Cameroonian people as they look forward to the second meeting in the United States.

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.

Minister Mounouna Foutsou Assesses Impact of SESDP Training Vouchers, Highlights Focus On Youth Development

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Acting Minister of Employment and Vocational Training, Mounouna Foutsou, has taken stock of the Secondary Education and Skills Development Project (SESDP) Training Vouchers, stating that youth empowerment and skills development remain at the core of government action.

***Minister Mounouna Foutsou (2^nd from Left) speaking during the press conference***

He made the declaration during a press conference on Thursday August 20 in Yaoundé. Reviewing the progress of the SESDP, Minister Foutsou emphasized that the training vouchers serve as a practical tool for democratizing access to skills-based vocational training across the country.

Expressing gratitude to the World Bank for its continued financial and technical support, the Minister highlighted key milestones achieved through the initiative. He noted that the vouchers comprehensively cover critical expenses, including tuition fees, insurance, personal protective equipment (PPE), basic personal tools, and certification assessment costs.

The call for applications was initially launched for 1,000 young people. However, 2,914 candidates were eventually selected from 7,783 shortlisted applicants, out of 11,221 formal submissions received.

Following the World Bank’s agreement to increase the number of beneficiaries, the program focused on three priority areas: 943 young people (including 314 women) in the digital sector; 1,400 young people (including 257 women) in heavy construction machinery operation; and 571 young people (including 58 women) in industrial welding.

“The selected youth will be trained at 10 private partner institutions, chosen based on an assessment of their technical capabilities, facilities, human resources, and the relevance of their training programs,” the Minister stated.

However, the Minister indicated that the SESDP program extends beyond initial training. During the first half of 2026, 5,843 workers—including 4,188 from the social economy and informal sector—benefited from continuing professional development.

“The training programs mainly focused on digital technology, construction, energy, and agribusiness,” the Minister said, adding that “they aim to maintain employability, support technological change, and improve productivity.”

As part of this initiative, 18 companies offered 646 apprenticeship positions and supported 244 supervisors across 53 trades, including metallurgy, automotive, construction, renewable energy, digital technology, agribusiness, hospitality, and safety environments.

“The solution to youth employment cannot rely solely on public sector recruitment,” he said. “It must simultaneously mobilize companies, entrepreneurship, and self-employment.”

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.

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