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Education

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

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

General

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

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

Society

Cooking Gas Shortage Hits Yaoundé, Douala Amid Escalating Economic Hardship

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo An acute shortage of liquefied petroleum gas has plunged households across Yaounde and Douala into deep…

Society

AFRODAD, SADCOPAC Partner To Enhance Parliamentary Oversight & Advance Debt Justice

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo The African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD) and the Southern Africa Development Community…

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

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

 By Doc Moore

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

Sahndra Fon Dufe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rise Through the Judiciary

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

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

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

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

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

Expertise in Electoral and International Law

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

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

Capstone Appointment and Enduring Legacy

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

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

Cameroon’s Unsung Heroes: Teachers On The Frontline

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

CAMTEL, SPIN Gabon Discuss Ways To Strengthen Connectivity In Central Africa

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Cameroon Telecommunication (CAMTEL) and Société de Patrimoine des Infrastructures Numériques (SPIN) in Gabon, have held discussions aimed at strengthening connectivity across Central Africa.

CAMTEL General Manager Judith Yah Sunday welcomes SPIN’s Bertrand Mahoukou Bitchinda to CAMTEL headquarters in Yaoundé (Photo: CAMTEL)

This is the substance of the working session that took place in Yaoundé, Cameroon on October 2. It was led by CAMTEL General, Manager Judith Yah Sunday épouse Achidi and Bertrand Mahoukou Bitchinda of SPIN Gabon, as both parties furthered talks on key connectivity priorities.

According to available information, discussions focused in particular on the “CAB-CORRIDOR” initiative, designed to improve terrestrial interconnection between Cameroon, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo by leveraging the Central Africa Backbone (CAB) infrastructure.

The initiative also seeks to better use existing cross-border connection points, enhance digital exchange among CEMAC countries, and strengthen the resilience of the sub-region’s connectivity infrastructure—while complementing existing submarine cable links.

Judith Yah Sunday épouse Achidi and Bertrand Mahoukou Bitchinda pose for a group photo following working discussions in Yaoundé    (Photo: CAMTEL)

The meeting builds on groundwork already carried out by the partner operators, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and a confidentiality agreement.

Next steps will involve defining implementation modalities, expected in October 2026, in preparation for the planned operationalization of the CAB-CORRIDOR project.

Judith Yah Sunday presents a gift to Bertrand Mahoukou Bitchinda following discussions on connectivity in Yaounde (Photo: CAMTEL)

Through this initiative, CAMTEL reaffirms its commitment to working with its partners to promote a more connected Central Africa and reinforce digital integration.

 

2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Cameroon Aim To Extend Winning Run While Congo Seek Comeback

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

With momentum squarely on their side, Cameroon head into their 2027 AFCON qualifying fixture against Congo aiming to extend an impressive winning run. But they face a resilient Congo team eager to bounce back—setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter where three crucial points could shape both sides’ tournament ambitions.

Indomitable Lions of Cameroon celebrate a goal

The match is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, at 8:00 PM local time at the Stade Alphonse Massamba-Débat. It carries extra weight for the hosts, who are desperate to recover after a frustrating start to their home-and-away campaign.

Cameroon arrive in Brazzaville riding confidence after a commanding 3–1 victory over Comoros in Garoua. That opening win lifted the Indomitable Lions to the top of Group G on goal difference, level on three points with Namibia. Congo, meanwhile, find themselves under immediate pressure following a 1–0 defeat to Namibia in Gaborone, where an early second-half strike from Bethuel Muzeu proved decisive.

For Congo, Tuesday’s clash is a crucial opportunity to turn early disappointment into momentum before a slow start becomes a prolonged struggle. Although they created several promising moments against Namibia, wasteful finishing ultimately cost them—and that is a flaw they can’t afford against a lethal Cameroon side.

Cameroon showed both clinical attacking quality and territorial control in their opener. Debutant David Roy Nyengue opened the scoring with a header, Brian Mbeumo added a quick second-half strike, and Danny Namaso capped an outstanding individual display with a goal and an assist.

To upset Cameroon’s rhythm, Congo will need a defensive masterclass paired with ruthless efficiency in the final third. A draw would give the hosts a vital foothold in the group, while victory would dramatically reshape Group G—potentially drawing Congo level with both Cameroon and Namibia on three points.

For Cameroon, the trip to Brazzaville is a chance to prove their opening display wasn’t simply a home anomaly. An away win would secure a perfect six-point start and increase pressure on Namibia, who face Comoros earlier on Tuesday. A draw would keep the Indomitable Lions unbeaten, but anything less than victory leaves the door open for Namibia to seize sole control of the top spot.

With the top two teams in Group G automatically booking their tickets to the 2027 AFCON finals in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, the stakes are already remarkably high. Tuesday’s match promises an early indication of whether Group G will be dominated by the heavyweights—or thrown wide open by a determined Congo side.

It is also worth noting the history between the two nations: the Republic of the Congo and Cameroon have met 12 times. Across their five AFCON main tournament and qualifying meetings, Congo have won twice, Cameroon once, and two ended in draws.

In seven international friendlies, Cameroon won three, Congo two, and two were drawn. While their record across AFCON matches and friendlies is level at four wins each, Cameroon hold the overall head-to-head edge when non-friendly official fixtures—such as CHAN and World Cup qualifiers—are included.