List Posts

View All
Society

AFROMEDI VI Journalists Pledge Citizen-Centred Reporting To Advance Debt Justice Across Africa

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo The sixth edition of the African Media Initiative (AFROMEDI VI) has concluded in Nairobi, Kenya, leaving…

Sports

CAMTEL Retains Blue Podium As Race Begins

By Brian Mboh The 22nd International Cycling Tour of Cameroon is officially underway, with state-owned telecommunications firm CAMTEL and its…

Culture

Cameroon Festival of Living Together,Takes Center-Stage in Washington DC

By Brian Mboh It was in an electrifying atmosphere, marked by colour , rhythms and traditions from Cameroon, that a…

Culture

Fon Of Nso To Unveil Maiden Book On Peace, Reconciliation, And Ancestral Wisdom, June 25

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo His Royal Highness Fon Sehm Mbinglo I, the traditional ruler of Nso, will officially launch his…

Millions In School Supplies Donated By Frederic Arsène Youbi To Benefit GBPS Mbalmayo

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Frederic Arsène Youbi Si Nziko, a former pupil known as “Youbi,” has made a significant contribution to his alma mater, the Government Bilingual Primary School (GBPS) Mbalmayo, by donating school supplies valued at several million CFA francs.

Dorote Ngo Yomkil, Representative of the Donor

The donation ceremony, held recently, was presided over by Thérèse Mani, the Subdivision Inspector of Basic Education for Mbalmayo. Dorote Ngo Yomkil, representing Youbi, presented the gifts and shared the donor’s heartfelt sentiments.

Conveying Youbi’s message, Ngo Yomkil stated: “This gesture is far more than a simple act of giving. It is a heartfelt expression of gratitude. Gratitude for the values, the knowledge, and the spirit of openness that this school instilled in me from my earliest years.”

Read the full Message of Frederic Arsène Youbi Si Nziko to the administration of GBPS Mbalmayo, presented by Dorote Ngo Yomkil.

The Divisional Officer of Mbalmayo,

The Mayor of the Town of Mbalmayo,

The sub divisional Inspector of Basic Education,

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is with deep emotion and profound gratitude that I stand before you today, to make this humble donation to Government Bilingual Primary School of Mbalmayo.

It is the very institution where my educational journey began, between 1993 and 1996. Within these walls, I learned to write my first words and to read my first lines. At that time, this was the only English-speaking school in the whole of Mbalmayo; a place that offered opportunity, hope, and a vision of the world beyond.

This gesture is far more than a simple act of giving. It is a heartfelt expression of gratitude. Gratitude for the values, the knowledge, and the spirit of openness that this school instilled in me from my earliest years.

I would like to extend my most sincere thanks to Mr. Christopher Beatty, whose invaluable support has made this initiative possible; to Hôtel Relais Saint André; and to my elder brother, Mr. Fotso Robert, for his exemplary coordination and tireless dedication throughout this process.

Through their commitment and generosity, this project has been brought to life in the best possible conditions.

May this donation serve not only as a symbol of appreciation, but also as a message of encouragement to the teachers, the pupils, and the entire community; to continue pursuing excellence with the same passion and perseverance that have characterized this school for so many years.

Thank you.

By Frédéric Arsène Youbi Si Nziko

Read by Ms. Ngo Yomkil Doroté (Representative of the Donor)

Frederic Arsène Youbi Donates School Equipment To Mbalmayo Primary School

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Frederic Arsène Youbi Si Nziko, a former pupil known by his nickname “Youbi,” has donated several million CFA francs worth of school supplies to his alma mater, Government Bilingual Primary School (GBPS) Mbalmayo in the Center Region of Cameroon.

Officials and pupils after the donation ceremony

Youbi, who attended the primary school from 1993 to 1996, presented the gift at a ceremony that drew a large crowd of pupils, teachers, local residents and administrative authorities.

Thérèse Mani, the Subdivision Inspector of Basic Education for Mbalmayo, presided over the event and expressed heartfelt appreciation to the donor.

“We want to thank the donor, who was once a pupil of this school — the first bilingual school in Mbalmayo,” Mani said. “He has returned to his roots to say thank you to the teachers and to the state for the education he received here. This gesture is truly appreciated.”

Mani also appealed to Youbi to extend his generosity. “Today, Mbalmayo has many other schools — in Bileng, Angkor, and Ouyak,” she added. “I call on him and other elites to also think of those schools.”

Group picture of teachers alongside the gifts

“It is a call, which I wanted to make to the donor, who thinks about Mbalmayo,” Mani said, “Like Oliver Twist, as we say thank you, we ask again.”

Speaking on Youbi’s behalf, Dorote Ngo Yomkil noted that the donation is more than a simple gift; it is a testament to the school’s influence.

“This gesture is far more than a simple act of giving,” she said while reading a statement from Youbi. “It is a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the values, the knowledge, and the spirit of openness that this school instilled in me from my earliest years.”

Youbi expressed hope that the donation would serve as a message of encouragement to teachers, pupils, and the entire community to continue pursuing excellence.

Cross Section of gifts donated by Frederic Arsène Youbi Si Nziko to GBPS Mbalmayo

Youbi also extended his most sincere thanks to three key contributors: Christopher Beatty, whose invaluable support made this initiative possible; Hôtel Relais Saint André; and his elder brother, Fotso Robert, for his exemplary coordination and tireless dedication throughout this process.

Their collective commitment and generosity, he noted, ensured the project was brought to life under the best possible conditions.

On his part, Felix Gami Kamga, the Head Teacher of Government Bilingual Primary School Group 1, Mbalmayo, called the day a “memorable one.”

“Today is a wonderful day for our school. This is truly a dream come true,” Kamga said. “We have long hoped for gestures like this, and we invite other elites and ex-pupils to follow Youbi’s example.”

He noted that the donation came at a crucial time, as teachers have been working under challenging conditions, and that the supplies would greatly enhance the teaching and learning process.

Pupils posed for a family picture with the gifts

The school, founded in 1979, was the first English-speaking institution in the Nyong and So’o Division. It has since expanded to include Group 2 and two nursery schools, now serving hundreds of children.

Youbi’s contribution is seen as a strong example of how members of the Cameroonian diaspora can meaningfully contribute to local development through education.

GBPS Mbalmayo getting ready to receiving the gift

Cameroon, UN Strategizes Toward A New 2027-2031 Development Framework

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The government of Cameroon and the United Nations System are working to design the next U.N. Cooperation Framework for Sustainable Development in Cameroon from 2027–2031. This is the goal of a four-day workshop under way in Yaounde.

Participants during the opening ceremony  (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

The workshop was officially opened by Alamine Ousmane Mey, Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT), and Issa Sanogo, Resident Coordinator of the U.N. System in Cameroon among others.

During the opening ceremony, Ousmane Mey praised the U.N. System in Cameroon for its commitment. Citing the common country analysis report, he said the next cooperation framework cannot be a simple continuation. Rather, it must be a “constructive break with the past.”

“It must be a bold response to the legitimate aspiration of our people, the demands of our time and the commitments we have made nationally, regionally and internationally,” Ousmane Mey said.

The minister added that, above all, the next framework must align with the broad outlines of Paul Biya’s new social project as defined in his inauguration speech on Nov. 6.

Alamine Ousmane Mey, Minister of of Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT) speaking during the opening ceremony (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

“This new cycle of cooperation must meet the requirements of simplification, agility and integration,” he said. “Its focus must be on tangible results. The lessons learned from the final evaluation of the 2022–2026 cooperation framework plan must be taken into full account. The significant progress made must be complemented by consistency, coordination, efficiency and sustainability.”

Ousmane Mey also noted that the innovations proposed by U.N. reforms must be taken seriously. To him, these innovations place data, foresight, digital technology, innovation and behavioral science at the forefront of U.N. efforts.

“We will also focus on the reform of the United Nations system, on the principles of access to results and on the U.N.’s overarching principles,” he said. “In this spirit, we will define the strategic priorities around the four pillars identified, namely human capital and social inclusion; economic transformation and decent employment; climate resilience and clean energy; and governance, peace and social cohesion.”

Issa Sanogo, Resident Coordinator of the UN Systems in Cameroon speaking during the opening ceremony (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Issa Sanogo said the Framework Plan of Cooperation between Cameroon and the U.N. System serves to realize the national development priorities of the country. This plan is consistent with Cameroon’s National Development Strategy, the SND30.

Concerning the workshop, the U.N. Resident Coordinator said the current focus is to work on identified priorities to ensure they contribute to accelerating development in Cameroon.

He said these priorities revolve around three areas: human capital, which should be more inclusive to ensure people are truly benefiting from the effort being made; economic transformation, focused on energy and food systems while caring for nature; and governance.

“The third area of priority will focus on governance, governance that is inclusive, a governance that brings social cohesion and peace, because we cannot aim for economic transformation without having such an environment,” Sanogo said.

Officials and participants posed for a family picture after the opening day (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

He added that the workshop will enable participants to focus on how the key elements of those three priority areas can align with Cameroon’s national priorities and achieve the impact the U.N. System aims for.

Participants agreed that the framework must reflect the aspirations of the people, respond to structural vulnerabilities and seize opportunities for acceleration. They emphasized that it must be based on proven data, reflect national appropriation, reinforced coherence of public policies and co-responsibility for the results.

The last Cooperation Framework for Sustainable Development in Cameroon ended Oct. 30, 2026.

Plan International Equips Educators To Combat Flood Risks In Far North

By Louisa Kinyuy

Sectoral staff and teachers in the Mayo-Danay division of Cameroon’s Far North region have been trained on various strategies to combat flooding in their area.

Flood in Mayo Danay

This initiative is part of a comprehensive Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and education support project initiated by Plan International, with critical emergency funding from IRISH AID. A critical effort to secure the lives and educational future of children in Cameroon’s flood-battered Far North region.

Sixty participants in total, made of teachers and sectoral staff from the hard-hit Kai Kai and Maga localities, were the focus of the two day intensive training program that took place from November 8 to 10, 2025 in Maga.

The training had as overall goal to strengthen their capacity in terms of prevention, preparation, and response to protect school communities, which are frequently devastated by floods, resulting in loss of life and chronic educational disruption.

The training made use of highly interactive methodology combining theoretical presentations, focused group work and practical simulations using local case files to achieve set objectives.

This marks a significant step toward securing both the lives and educational future of children in the flood-affected region, by creating a cadre of informed and prepared educational professionals.

Alongside the capacity building workshop for staff and teachers, was that of the core weakness hindering response to the severe humanitarian crisis characterizing the Far North region due to low community resilience, stemming from factors like insecurity, limited basic services, high poverty, and recurrent climate crises (drought, floods, food insecurity).

The cause is attributed to the lack of rapid and efficient local Disaster Risk Management (DRM), where preparation and coordination roles are fragmented and unclear. To directly tackle the situation, Plan International launched a three month “Education support project for children affected by flooding in the far north region of Cameroon”

With key local structures (SCAP-RU and CCPR) a community risk map for schools was developed, integrated flood contingency created, evacuation, and response plans drawn. The activity’s objective were specific; flood-risk areas were mapped out, a tested community evacuation plan designed, coordinated response plan with early warning mechanisms elaborated, and skills of the SCAP-RU and CCPR committees strengthened. This was achieved using participatory methods.

Plan International’s “Education Support Project For Children Affected By Flooding In The Far North Region Of Cameroon” represents a crucial shift from reactive disaster response to proactive risk reduction and preparedness.

By empowering educators and community committees, and by creating locally adapted and tested DRM tools, the initiative, supported by IRISH AID, is building the foundations for a more resilient future where the lives and education of children are better protected from the relentless threat of recurrent floods. The successful implementation of these plans promises a significant and measurable step towards securing stability and educational continuity in this highly vulnerable part of Cameroon.

 

 

Cameroon Women, Youth Plead for Dialogue After Election Unrest

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

A coalition of women and youth groups, known as the Platform Cameroon Women and Youths Consultation for National Dialogue, has called on highest state authorities and political actors to demonstrate responsibility, maturity and a republican spirit by prioritizing consultation and the peaceful resolution of all electoral disputes.

WILPF in action

The initiative, led by the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, WILPF, issued the call in a document signed by more than 300 youths and women on Oct. 29. The group is urging restraint, nonviolence, dialogue and social justice following post-election violence.

Fully aware of the essential role that women and youth play in maintaining and consolidating peace and building a fairer, more sustainable society, the initiative also called on the defense and security forces to carry out their duties professionally, with full respect for human rights and the dignity of citizens.

They also urged religious, traditional, opinion and community leaders to actively engage in inclusive mediation, peacebuilding and social cohesion, while calling on all citizens to reject manipulation, hate speech, incitement to violence and any form of communal stigmatization.

The statement appealed to the media and digital actors to use their influence to promote truth, tolerance and unity. It also called on international partners to support national efforts for dialogue, mediation, civic education and social justice.

The women and youth of Cameroon, united beyond ideological, cultural and religious differences, reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to defend peace and social justice as essential foundations of coexistence, and to promote inclusive and constructive dialogue among all components of the nation.

Their unwavering commitment is also geared toward protecting the rights and dignity of every Cameroonian, especially the most vulnerable; working toward civic education and awareness to prevent hatred, violence and division; and encouraging fair and participatory governance as a guarantee of national cohesion and sustainable development.

They indicated they firmly believe that no victory is worth the loss of a single human life, concluding that Cameroon, “our common heritage, must remain a land of peace, dialogue, social justice and mutual respect.”

“We truly expect the authorities to listen to the people’s grievances and take decisive measures to save the nation,” the statement said.

The call for restraint, nonviolence, dialogue and social justice comes after the tensions, violence and hate speech shaking the nation following the presidential election of Oct. 12.

Since the election, Cameroon has witnessed a worrying rise in incidents: loss of human lives, destruction of public and private property, mass arrests, enforced disappearances, kidnappings, intimidation, hate speech and incitement to violence, incivility, tribal and political hatred, as well as threats of clashes between citizens and security forces.

These incidents have been reported in Douala, Bafang, Nkongsamba, Bafoussam, Mandjou, Bertoua, Garoua, Maroua, Ngong, Yaoundé, Guider, Batouri, Dschang, Mbouda, Melong, Mokolo and Bandja, among other locations.

 

CAF, Puma Unveil ‘ITRI’ as Official Match Ball for 2025 TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) and global sports brand Puma have unveiled “ITRI” as the official match ball for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON in Morocco.

“ITRI”, official match ball for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco (Photo Credit: CAF)

The ball, whose name is inspired by the star on the Moroccan flag and patterns in traditional zellij art, blends Moroccan craftsmanship with advanced performance technology.

“Created for the rhythm of African football, the AFCON 2025 ball brings together art, motion, and a design shaped by African spirit and Moroccan craftsmanship,” said Mohamed Ghonemi, Creative Development Manager at CAF. “It’s been a privilege to collaborate with Puma on something that unites every nation at the tournament.”

Peter Dangl, Director EEMEA Distribution at Puma, noted that ITRI “is a true symbol of African football’s spirit. Combining Moroccan artistry with advanced performance technology, ITRI celebrates both the host nation’s heritage and the unity of the continent.”

The striking aesthetic of the ITRI ball features traditional Moroccan zellij geometric patterns, specifically characterized by central star geometry, floral petal outlines, and circular symmetry.

These elements are highly symbolic: the star geometry represents ambition and the pursuit of excellence; the petal shapes signify celebration, growth, and the festive spirit of the AFCON; and the circular symmetry reflects the unity of the 24 nations competing in the tournament.

Furthermore, the design incorporates ‘Flow of Movement’ patterns to capture the dynamic playing style distinctive of African football. The color palette of red and green was chosen to express passion, hope, and pride while simultaneously paying homage to Morocco’s national colors.

The ball is built on Puma’s advanced Orbita 6 technology, seamlessly blending cultural heritage with innovation to deliver the performance standards required for elite-level competition.

The ITRI ball will make its debut in the opening match of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 tournament, which kicks off on Dec. 21, 2025, bringing together the continent’s best footballing nations.

The design process began shortly after Morocco was confirmed as the host nation, progressing through stages of cultural research, creative explorations, performance testing, and refinement, ensuring it authentically reflects Moroccan artistry while resonating across the continent.

The official ITRI match ball is available for purchase in regionally relevant markets for a recommended retail price of €130.00.

MINESEC Launches Catch-Up Lessons Initiative for Secondary School Students

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Minister of Secondary Education, MINESEC, Prof. Nalova Lyonga, has announced a new initiative aimed at providing catch-up lessons for secondary school students across the country.

Prof. Nalova Lyonga, Minister of Secondary Education (Picture Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

This initiative, organized by the Distance Learning Center, seeks to ensure that all students achieve parity in teaching coverage, especially in light of recent disruptions to their education.

In a communiqué released on November 7, Minister Lyonga detailed that the catch-up lessons will commence on November 10. These lessons are designed to prepare students adequately for their academic progression, reinforcing essential knowledge that may have been impacted during the interruptions.

The lessons will focus on core subjects across both the General and Technical Education streams, catering to a wide range of academic needs. Students, parents, and educators can find additional information, including schedules and access instructions, on the official Distance Learning website: distance-learning.minesec.gov.cm.

Minister Lyonga has emphasized the importance of collaboration among all educational stakeholders, urging Regional Delegates, school principals, and teachers to work closely with the Distance Learning Center.

She expressed her confidence that with the collective commitment of educators, parents, and students, this initiative can be a success, ensuring that no learner is left behind in the national education process.

According to education experts, this proactive step by MINESEC reflects a dedication to maintaining educational standards and supporting students during these challenging times.

As the country navigates the complexities of educational continuity, the Minister’s call for unity and cooperation serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility in fostering an inclusive learning environment.

 

Nso Youths Stun Melim United In BSFC Upset

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The fifth match day of the Bui Sports Fans Competition delivered the biggest shock of the tournament so far, as highly favored Melim United suffered a stunning 1-0 defeat. The result sent ripples through the league standings, injecting fresh drama into the race for qualification.

Nso Youths and Melim United facing each other (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Nso Youths FC of Nkolmeseng registered their long-awaited first win of the competition by edging out giants Melim United 1-0. Melim United, who had been confidently tipped for victory, instead ran into a rejuvenated and disciplined Nso Youths squad. What was anticipated to be an easy outing for the favorites quickly turned into a tense, hard-fought battle.

Nso Youths exhibited impeccable defensive discipline, completely neutralizing Melim’s attack and successfully ending the first half in a scoreless deadlock.

The decisive moment arrived early in the second half. Nso Youths emerged with renewed spirit and attacking intent, and their efforts were rewarded when they broke the deadlock in the 49th minute from the penalty spot.

Nso Youths and Melim United facing each other (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

The lone goal held fast, even as light rain began to fall, doing nothing to dampen the intensity on the pitch. Melim United fought desperately for an equalizer, launching waves of attacks, but each attempt was successfully thwarted by the resolute Nso Youths defense and a determined goalkeeper.

In the final, frantic minutes, Melim United pressed relentlessly, but the final whistle confirmed the 1-0 upset. Crucially, the victory serves as sweet revenge for Nso Youths, who had previously lost 1-0 to Melim United in their first meeting of the competition, proving they are now a formidable threat moving forward.

 

Chitah FC & Dzekwa Rangers Share Spoils

In the second fixture of the day, Chitah FC and Dzekwa Rangers played out an anticipatedly close contest that ended in a 1-1 draw. Both teams knew a win was vital for their standings, leading to a match of intense control and high-performance football.

The first half was a tense spectacle that kept fans on the edge of their seats, though neither side could find the back of the net, ending goalless.

Chitah FC and Dzekwa Rangers fighting for supremacy (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Dzekwa Rangers, however, started the second half with immediate purpose. After an initial attempt was saved, they capitalized on the pressure, breaking the deadlock in the 51st minute.

Despite taking the lead, Dzekwa Rangers could not maintain their advantage against a persistent Chitah FC. Seeking their first win of the tournament, Chitah FC continued to press hard and finally leveled the score in the 68th minute to make it 1-1. Fierce attacking from both sides in the final stages of the match failed to change the scoreline, forcing a 1-1 split of the points.

 

Standings Tighten Ahead Of Final Round

The day’s results have significantly tightened the general classification table heading into the final day of the first round.

Chitah FC and Dzekwa Rangers fighting for supremacy (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Dzekwa Rangers continue to top the standings with 7 points. Melim United remains in second place with 6 points. Chitah FC and Nso Youths both now sit on 5 points, separated only by goal differential.

Day Six marks the final playing day of the first round, where teams will battle fiercely for the last available spots in the next round of the competition. The focus will be on the 5-point teams to see who can secure a vital victory to advance.

Hon. Cavaye Calls Re-Elected Paul Biya A ‘Man Of Peace’

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, described re-elected President Paul Biya as a “man of peace” during the president’s swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday.

Hon. Cavaye speaking during the swearing in ceremony (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

The speaker made the remarks on Nov. 6 during the swearing-in ceremony, which was attended by numerous national and international dignitaries.

“A true democrat is an apostle of peace,” Cavaye said. “Mr. President, I see you as a man of peace, the beggar of peace that you are and have always been.”

Cavaye indicated that the recent election has “given its verdict,” affirming that Cameroonians democratically made their choice.

“A true democratic society like ours makes its choice in the ballot box and not on the streets and, worse still, in social media — the locus of social ills,” he said. “A true democrat does not resort to manipulation or seek to destabilize the country.”

He continued, saying Biya was “incontestably re-elected by your compatriots in recognition of your patriotism.” He added that Biya has “devoted your entire life to serve your country by relieving it of the yoke that hampered its forward march to prosperity.”

The speaker also commended Biya for offering the National Assembly Building (an “architectural marvel”) to the people. He noted that elected representatives are “profoundly grateful” that Biya accepted, for the first time in his career, to have a public edifice named after him.

“Frankly, I have always admired you as a venerable political figure, a patriarch and the wise man of Africa for the several years we have worked together,” Cavaye said.

He noted the historical coincidence that Biya first took the oath of office as president on Nov. 6, 1982.

“Forty-three years after, we have, once more, assembled here today, Nov. 6, 2025, for the same swearing-in ceremony,” he stated.

President Paul Biya Pledges Order, A Youth-Women Focused Agenda In Inaugural Address

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

President Paul Biya was sworn in for his eighth term on November 6, assuring Cameroonians that order will prevail and outlining a new term focused on youth employment and national unity.

President Paul Biya Speaking during the Swearing in ceremony (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

The swearing-in ceremony, which took place at the Cameroon Lower House of the National Assembly, was presided over by the President of the National Assembly, Hon. Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, and attended by the nation’s high-ranking officials.

Speaking to Cameroonians, President Biya directly addressed the post-election instability, which he attributed to “the actions of some irresponsible politicians.” He condemned the “unprecedented scenes of looting and vandalism” that led to the destruction of property, attacks on security forces, and a tragic loss of human lives.

“It is my responsibility to ensure that order is maintained,” H.E. Paul Biya stated. “I can assure you that order will prevail. Cameroon will keep forging ahead.”

He praised the courage and professionalism of the Defence and Security Forces and extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. The President also issued a strong appeal to the sense of responsibility of all citizens, particularly singling out “some of our compatriots in the diaspora” who he accused of seeking to fuel hatred and violence. He warned that Cameroon cannot afford a devastating post-election crisis like those witnessed elsewhere.

Expressing his deepest gratitude to the people of Cameroon for their trust, President Biya pledged to remain worthy of their confidence. He warmly congratulated the electoral body, ELECAM, for successfully meeting the formidable challenge of organizing the election and commended the vast majority of Cameroonians for their commitment to peace.

Parliamentarians clap during the swearing in ceremony (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Looking forward, the President declared that the time for electioneering is over, calling on all citizens to join him in a united front. “This country is our shared heritage,” he said. “Rather than destroying it, we have to build, strengthen and modernize it. We should end the hate speech flooding the public space, especially social media.”

A central theme of his speech was a renewed focus on the situation of young people and women. He announced that one of his main objectives is to promote greater youth and women empowerment and protection.

To this end, he has decided to reinstate the competitive entrance examinations for admission into higher teachers’ training colleges and resume doctoral studies in universities during the ongoing academic year.

He added that in the early months of his seven-year term, a special youth employment promotion plan will be established. This plan will provide administrative and tax facilities for private enterprises that commit to recruiting young people.

The government will also strengthen support for youths in designing and financing their projects through partnerships with local banks and international donors.

President Paul Biya waves during the Swearing in ceremony (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

President Biya added that starting from the next financial year, a portion of the State’s investment budget will be allocated to labor-intensive projects benefiting youths nationwide, to be implemented in collaboration with regional and local authorities.

On security, the President acknowledged the ongoing challenges in the North-West, South-West, and Far North regions. While noting that government-led reconstruction efforts are paving the way for a gradual return to normalcy, he urged traditional rulers and community elites to engage more deeply in raising awareness among armed groups, encouraging them to lay down their arms and enter the DDR programme.

He extended gratitude to friendly countries that have begun pursuing the sponsors of these criminal acts and encouraged other international partners to follow suit. “Terrorism is a global scourge that must be combated vigorously wherever it shows its ugly face,” he said.