Bill To Extend Term Of Office Of Members Of National Assembly Tabled In Parliament

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Members of the Cameroon National Assembly will soon see their term of office extended by one year if the bill tabled in Parliament is adopted.

***Hon. Cavaye Yeguie Djibril (Middile) chairing deliberations at the National Assmebly*** *(Photo Credit: Etienne Mainimo)*

This is one among the bills (Bill No 2061 / PJL / AN) deposited in Parliament on July 6 in a plenary sitting that was chaired by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Cavaye Yeguie Djibril.

If adopted, the terms of office of Members of Parliament will be extended from March 10 2025 to March 30, 2026.

The bill is prepared is pursuant to the provisions of article 15(4) of the Cameroon Constitution which stipulates that “In case of a serious crisis, or where the circumstances so warrant, the President of the Republic may, after consultation with the President of the Constitutional Council and Bureau of the National Assembly and Senate, request the National Assembly to decide, by law, to extend or abridge its terms of office.”

However, the extension of the terms of office of the MPs, is motivated by the need to lightened the electoral calendar which provides for four elections in 2025. This includes, the election of Members of the National Assembly and Municipal Councilors, as well as the election of the President of the Republic of Cameroon and Regional Councilors.

As a result, and apart from the election of Regional Councilors, the other elections which are direct ballots require the deployment of substantial human, material and financial resources. Going by this, it s of outmost importance to spread the elections in the year 2025 and 2026 so as to ensure better organization.

***Members of the National Assembly during the June session of Parliament*** *(Photo Credit: National Assembly)*

It is worth noting that the bill alongside other bills were deem admissible at the Chairman’s Conference that was chaired by the Speaker of the National Assembly, before presenting them in a Plenary Sitting on July 6.

Additionally, another bill (Bill N°2060/PJL/AN) to ratify Ordinance N°2024/001 of 20 June 2024 amending and supplementing certain provisions of Law N°2023/019 of 19 December 2023 to lay down the Finance Law of the Republic of Cameroon for the financial year 2024 was also deposited at the National Assembly.

Bill No. 2060 is under scrutiny by the National Assembly’s Finance and Budget Committee, while Bill No. 2061 is being reviewed by the Constitutional Laws Committee. Once scrutinized, both bills will return to the National Assembly for adoption and will subsequently be forwarded to the Senate and the President of the Republic for promulgation into law.

During the Plenary Sitting on July 6, a general debate on the Budget Orientation document took place, with 12 Members of Parliament posing questions to government members. The Minister of Finance, Louis Paul Motaze, addressed all the questions.

Bafoussam Hosts 3rd Edition of NA WE WE Sports Jamboree

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The third edition of the NA WE WE sports jamboree, organized by Cameroon NGO, Local Youth Corner Cameroon (LOYOC), has kicked off in Bafoussam, West Region of Cameroon.

The sports jamboree kicked off on Saturday July 6^th and will run through August 24th under the theme, “Using Sports to Build Inter-Cultural Relationships.” The month-long sports jamboree will bring together youths aged 15-35 from displaced and host communities through sports and recreational activities.

The opening ceremony was presided over by the Secretary-General at the Ministry of Youth and Civic Education, Zachee Robert Théophile Benga, who served as the personal representative of Minister Mounouna Foutsou.

He was accompanied by the resident Canadian High Commissioner to Cameroon, Lorraine Anderson; Inspector General at the West Governor’s office, representing Governor Awa Fonka Augustine; Deputy Resident Head of Mission for UNFPA, Neomi Dalmonte; and officials from PLAN Cameroon, UNDP, GIZ, among others.

Speaking during the occasion, Théophile Benga extended Minister Mounouna Foutsou’s words of appreciation and encouragement to the Executive Director of LOYOC, Christian Achaleke, and his entire team for their significant strides in promoting civic values and moral rearmament.

He also lauded the support of the UN agencies present for their leading actions geared towards youth empowerment and the implementation of the youth development policy.

H.E. Lorraine Anderson on her part said, “It is very important for youths to understand that the Canadian government is always delighted to support them when it comes to using sports as a tool for promoting peace among their various communities and helping them learn how to handle their differences.”

Christian Achaleke stated that the aim of the NA WE WE Sports Jamboree is to create a platform where young people from displaced communities and their host communities can come together, learn from each other, and build long-lasting connections that foster peace and sustainable development. Supporting partners play a pivotal role in achieving this goal.

For Neomi Dalmonte, UNFPA is always enthusiastic about supporting activities aimed at prioritizing young people and promoting social cohesion. These activities can enable Cameroonian youth to live together, advocate for peace free of sexual violence, and gain knowledge about their rights and body protection.

“We urge them to take advantage of the vacation to learn more about sexuality education, play together, and live together in the same place. My message for them is to invest in entertainment activities,” Neomi Dalmonte said.

Key activities such as football, handball, basketball, dancing, health consultations, food donations, GBV sensitization, community dialogue, tree planting, and income-generating trainings will take place during the jamboree.

A colorful display of unity with solidarity meals, health activities, ELECAM encouraging youth civic engagement, and vibrant dance groups will also be present throughout the event.

The NA-WE-WE Sports Jamboree is an annual summer holiday youth-led community initiative that aims to use sports and recreational activities as a vehicle to foster social cohesion, moral, civic, and entrepreneurial rearmament, as well as healthy living, between and among displaced persons and host communities.

This youth-focused (15-35) jamboree adopts an innovative sports approach inspired by global sports for peace and development tools. It focuses on using sports to bring people from different backgrounds together to play, engage in dialogue, and build relationships. It also aims to raise awareness while providing basic amenities to communities and instill core moral, civic, and entrepreneurial values in the athletes and spectators.

The 2^nd edition reached 5,000 displaced persons, mobilized 500 athletes, engaged over 100,000 people physically, and reached over 3 million people through media engagements.

Constitutional Council oath Taking: Cavaye Urges Florence Rita Arrey To Earn Full Confidence By Serving Objectively

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Hon. Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, Speaker of the National Assembly of Cameroon and President of the Bureau of Congress, has urged Florence Rita Arrey, member of the Constitutional Council, to earn the full confidence that has been bestowed upon her by serving objectively.

***Florence Rita Arrey*** *(Photo Credit: National Assembly)*

The call was made on July 2nd in Yaoundé during the 4th Congress of Parliament. Hon. Cavaye chaired the session alongside Marcel Nait Njifenji, President of the Senate, assisted by the Secretary General of the National Assembly, André Noël Essian.

Speaking during the oath-taking ceremony, Hon. Cavaye said that since the Head of State is conferring his confidence on Ms. Arrey, “it simply means that you will have to do everything possible to continue to earn the full mark of confidence.”

***Members of Parliament during the Congress*** *(Photo Credit: National Assembly)*

He added, “Your second appointment speaks volumes about your abilities. You are, indeed, an experienced woman and a seasoned professional with the requisite training as a magistrate.”

Hon. Cavaye further stated that since the inception of the Constitutional Council, Florence Rita Arrey has been the only woman sitting on the Council. “You are, in addition to your brilliant career, a model of the modern Cameroonian woman.”

While pointing out that she is the pride of women who are members of the Government as well as women parliamentarians present in the plenary hall, the President of the Parliamentary Congress called on her to be a worthy ambassador wherever needed.

**Hon. Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, speaking during the Congress** (Photo Credit: National Assembly)

Florence Rita Arrey was appointed by Presidential Decree on January 18, 2024, alongside 10 other members of the council. During the 3rd Congress of Parliament that was dedicated to the oath-taking ceremony, Florence Rita Arrey was unavoidably absent.

According to Article 5 (4) of the Cameroon Constitution and Article 16 of the Standing Orders of the Congress of Parliament, “Before exercising their functions, Members of the Constitutional Council shall take the oath of office in a solemn ceremony before Parliament meeting in Congress.”

***Members of Parliament pose for a family picture*** *(Photo Credit: National Assembly)*

Florence Rita Arrey was first appointed to the council in 2018. Ms. Arrey has held several positions, including those of judge at the Supreme Court of Cameroon, judge at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, judge at the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, Director of Judicial Professions at the Ministry of Justice, and lastly, she is still a member of several Cameroonian and International Associations pertaining to the judiciary.

Members of the Cameroon Constitutional Council

Clément Atangana; Président
Bonde Emmanuel
Essombe Émile
Paul Nchoji Nkwi
Baskouda Jean Baptiste
Bah Oumarou Sanda
Lekene Donfack Charles Étienne
Ahmadou Tidjani
Adolphe Minkoa She
Logmo Mbelek Aaron
Florence Rita Arrey

Fight Against Malaria: US Launches FCFA 21Bn ‘SEMBE II’ Project In North Cameroon

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The fight against malaria in Cameroon’s North Region have received a significant boost with the launch of the Systems to End the Malaria Burden through Meaningful Engagement, SEMBE II project.

***Ambassador Lamora speaking during the official lunching ceremony of SEMBE II*** *(Picture Credit: Etienne Mainimo)*

Launched on July 2^nd by U.S. Ambassador Christopher J. Lamora and Cameroon’s Minister of Public Health, Dr. Manaouda Malachie, SEMBE II signifies the U.S. government’s ongoing commitment to supporting Cameroon’s National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) in achieving zero malaria deaths by February 2029.

Speaking during the event, Ambassador Lamora reaffirmed the U.S. government’s commitment to working alongside Cameroon’s National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) to achieve zero malaria deaths by February 2029.

He stressed that SEMBE II is strategically aligned with several key national health plans, including the draft 2024-2028 National Malaria Strategic Plan, the National Community Health Strategy (2021-2025), and the 2016-2027 Health Sector Strategy.

On his part, Minister Malachie welcomed the U.S. government’s support and highlighted the project’s focus on reducing malaria in the North through collaboration with local communities.

He added that this collaborative approach aims to develop sustainable prevention and control strategies, ultimately reducing the burden of malaria and other diseases.

“SEMBE II will strengthen Cameroon’s healthcare system and improve health outcomes,” Minister Malachie said. “This includes increasing access to quality malaria diagnosis, insecticide-treated bed nets, and prevention and treatment services at both healthcare facilities and within communities.”

Presenting the project, Dr. Williams Twashirwa, Chief of Party said, the project will be executed in 15 districts in the North Region, co-implemented with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a consortium of five organisations.

They include, Jhpiego, Reach Out Cameroon, ROC, Pentecostal Advocates for Socio-Economic Development, PENASED, Center for Infectious Disease Research, CRID and eHealth Africa Foundation. The consortium is led by Jhpiego.

This initiative follows the successful launch of SEMBE I in March 2023, a five-year project focused on the Far North Region. Funded at FCFA 18 billion (USD $30 million), SEMBE I aimed to strengthen local capacity for malaria prevention, control, and elimination.

Malaria remains a major public health concern in Cameroon, with over two million reported cases annually. The rainy season in the North Region sees a surge in malaria transmission, with pregnant women and young children being particularly vulnerable. In 2022, the prevalence rate in the North Region reached 27.1 percent.

Ranked by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of 11 countries carrying 70 percent of the world’s malaria burden, the government of Cameroon has established ambitious goals for malaria prevention and control within its national action plan.

The project is funded by the U.S. Presidential Malaria Initiative, PMI, through U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The US government remains a committed partner in supporting Cameroon’s fight against malaria.

According to sources, this new project signifies a continued focus on collaborative efforts and locally-driven solutions to achieve better health outcomes for the Cameroonian people.

Logidoo Awarded $50,000 Grant To Develop AI-Powered Logistics Solutions For Africa

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Logidoo, a leading logistics provider in Africa, has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) to develop and promote artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for the continent’s logistics sector.

The funding is expected to empower Logidoo to streamline transport operations and simplify transactions, making logistics across Africa more efficient and accessible for everyone.

“We are thrilled to receive this grant and to have the opportunity to leverage AI to reshape logistics in Africa,” said Tasmir Ousmane, CEO of Logidoo. “This funding will allow us to develop innovative AI solutions that will significantly improve efficiency, transparency, and affordability within the African logistics landscape.”

Logidoo’s vision involves establishing a highly efficient network, slashing operational costs and transit times, and boosting customer satisfaction. These improvements will enable businesses to expand and reach new markets across Africa.

The AI focus targets specific areas including intelligent algorithms to optimize delivery routes, reduce travel times and fuel consumption, predictive maintenance to prevent costly breakdowns, and AI-powered tools to automate tasks and make processes easier, ensuring shipments move swiftly.

With these transformative AI solutions, Logidoo has set ambitious targets. They aim to reduce delivery times by 20%, decrease operational costs by 15%, and achieve a 95% on-time delivery rate.

Additionally, Logidoo plans to expand its service coverage to 10 new African countries within the next two years and grow its customer base by 50% through improved service offerings. AI will also simplify package handling by allowing customers to photograph packages for instant volume calculation, ensuring they choose the most efficient and cost-effective shipping options.

These innovations will impact Africa, providing faster, more affordable, and transparent transportation solutions. Logidoo’s advancements will make logistics services more accessible, empowering businesses of all sizes and contributing significantly to the continent’s economic growth.

“AI-powered solutions will not only streamline our operations but also drive sustained growth and development across African economies,” added Ousmane. “Our vision goes beyond immediate gains. We believe that AI-powered logistics solutions are key to unlocking the full potential of African economies”

Logidoo believes collaboration is key to accelerating innovation and is open to partnerships to co-develop these solutions, allowing the company to leverage diverse expertise and resources.

MASO, Championing Spirit Of Solidarity Across Africa

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Africa, is a land of vibrant diversity and immense resources. Blessed with these resources, Africa also faces challenges like poverty, unemployment, and conflict.

While these issues are not unique to Africa, the continent’s potential is undeniable. Yet, amidst these difficulties lies immense potential. To unlock this potential, the spirit of solidarity must take root.

Empowering Entrepreneurs, Unlocking Potential

Many experts believe that fostering a spirit of solidarity and entrepreneurship is key to unlocking Africa’s potential. This is the very foundation upon which the Mutual Assistance and Solidarity initiative, MASO, established by RENAPROV Financial SA, is built.

MASO embodies the enduring spirit of African solidarity. It recognizes the challenges faced by individuals and communities and empowers them to become the architects of their own destinies. For four years, MASO has been a catalyst for positive change in Cameroon.

Countless individuals have used the program’s tools and resources to break free from the cycle of poverty and establish thriving businesses. MASO fosters a culture of entrepreneurship, equipping participants with the skills and support necessary to achieve their dreams.

Fostering a Culture of Shared Success

By promoting entrepreneurship and providing practical support, MASO aims to break the cycle of poverty and illuminate a path towards a brighter future, not just for individuals, but for all of Cameroon and Africa.

A MASO mutualist aptly captures the initiative’s essence: “This isn’t just about individual achievement; it’s about harnessing the collective power of the African spirit to create a brighter future for all.”

Real People, Real Results

The true impact of MASO lies in the stories of its members. Agwe Tayong, a beneficiary, expresses his gratitude: “MASO is a Godsend for those struggling with poverty.

It truly works, as long as you are committed.” His experience serves as a proof to MASO’s effectiveness, inspiring others to persevere and believe in the possibility of a better life.

MASO Act 4: A Catalyst for Growth

With MASO Act 4 on the horizon, the excitement is palpable. This upcoming event promises to be a pivotal moment for members, offering opportunities to win life-changing products that will propel their entrepreneurial journeys.

This is the embodiment of the spirit of solidarity – a community working together to empower its members and build a brighter future.

However, MASO offers a compelling opportunity for those seeking to break free from poverty and become self-sufficient entrepreneurs. Membership is accessible, requiring a weekly contribution of FCFA 500 and a yearly contribution of FCFA 26,000.

MASO is a proof to the power of collective action. By joining forces and supporting one another, Africans can overcome challenges, cultivate a thriving entrepreneurial landscape, and create a more prosperous future for the continent.

Fake Certificates, A Cancerous Tumor On Cameroon’s Education System

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The recent publication of over 1300 fake certificates discovered during Cameroonian Defense Force recruitment have not only sent shockwaves through the nation but have raise questions with questions blowing in the wind. This wasn’t an isolated incident; the number has grown steadily, swelling from 929 in 2022.

While some expressed surprise, many others saw it as a symptom of a much larger, chronic illness plaguing the education system: the rampant use of fraudulent documents. This isn’t a new problem. For years, fake certificates have cast a long shadow over various sectors healthcare, finance, and more.

While many put the guilt on technology, as a double-edged sword, which has facilitated the creation and distribution of these deceptive documents, some say inflated grades transform into entirely fabricated diplomas, creating a landscape where unqualified individuals game the system, often with seemingly authentic-looking certificates.

The blame game points towards the fierce competition for jobs and opportunities as desperate individuals’ resort to this deception to stand out or qualify for positions they wouldn’t otherwise obtain.

Marable, a concerned citizen, laments, “Technology should be a force for good, but it’s causing harm. These fake certificates are so convincing; only rigorous authentication exposes them.”

Janet’s experience paints a bleaker picture. “The worst part? Some with fake certificates get away with it. Authorities supposedly fighting are the very ones enabling it! I know someone who somehow transitioned from a basic FSLC to an Advanced Level certificate – fictitious credentials used to secure a visa!”

This cynicism isn’t unfounded. Many Cameroonians suspect government officials, while publicly condemning the practice, might hold knowledge of where these documents are fabricated. The reputational damage to the education sector is immense, casting doubt on the legitimacy of all issued certificates.

However, there’s a glimmer of hope. Experts believe that while technology can be a villain, it can also be the hero. Automation of verification systems adds an extra layer of security, while blockchain technology offers a platform for secure credentialing, minimizing the chances of fraud. Employers empowered by such technology can maintain the integrity of their recruitment processes and weed out counterfeit certificates.

Curbing this problem demands a multi-pronged approach. Employers and individuals need to be vigilant, but strong regulations are crucial. As one expert suggests, “Regulatory bodies and the government must establish a framework with harsh penalties for producing and possessing fake certificates.”

Collaboration between government, employers, law enforcement, and workplace development agencies is vital to enforce these regulations and ensure fairness in the job market.

However, the fight doesn’t end there. Experts further say, everybody must address the root causes that incentivize this deception. To them, an education system that prioritizes rote learning over critical thinking and undervalues vocational skills creates a breeding ground for desperation. A curriculum that fosters creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability will empower future generations to succeed on their own merits, rendering fake certificates obsolete.

Eradicating fake certificates is a marathon, not a sprint. Even though this is a global issue, by harnessing technology, strengthening regulations, and fostering a culture of meritocracy, Cameroon can excise this cancerous tumor and ensure a brighter future for its education system. Only then can true talent and hard work flourish, propelling the nation towards a more just and prosperous future.

Friendly Match: Bui Strikers Veterans, Kilum Bees FC Split Points In 2-2 Draw

Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Bui Strikers Veteran Football Club, (BSVFC) Yaoundé and Kilum Bees of Oku have played a 2-2 draw in a friendly encounter.

***Bui Strikers Veteran (Blue) and Kilum Bees (Orange) facing each other*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

Staged on Saturday, June 29th, in Mbankomo, outskirts of Yaoundé, both teams displayed their dominance over each other as they vied for victory.

BSVFC took an early lead thanks to a mix-up between the Kilum Bees goalkeeper and defense line. The veteran club continued their domination but narrowly missed increasing their lead at the 16^th minute.

Kilum Bees seized control at the 21^st minute, attempting to equalize. However, BSVFC extended their lead in the 35^th minute. The first half ended with the veterans leading 2-0.

After the break, Kilum Bees mounted pressure, but their efforts initially yielded no fruit. However, in the 63^rd minute, they capitalized on a free kick to break through the BSVFC defense and reduce the score line to 2-1.

Fueled by the hope of equalizing, the Bees from Oku continued to press. A defensive lapse by BSVFC made things easier and allowed them to level the score at 2-2.

Realizing the momentum have shifted, the Veterans changed their tactics and nearly regained the lead on two occasions but were denied. The match ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw. Notably, the veterans were defeated during the first leg hosted by Kilum Bees.

***Bui Strikers Veteran FC of Yaounde*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

Speaking after the match, the President of BSVFC, Hyginus Sahka, praised the positive atmosphere that characterized the friendly game. He emphasized that the main objective was to promote unity and togetherness.

“I’m truly happy as President because the friendly game was played in a calm and friendly atmosphere,” Sahka said. “We’ve had some minor disagreements in the past, but today was a blessed day that God made for us to come together, seek reconciliation, and mark the beginning of great things to come.”

***Kilum Bees FC of Oku*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

On his part, Albert Ndikwa, President of Kilum Bees, acknowledged Bui Strikers’ strong performance. While acknowledging the draw, he emphasized the age difference between the two teams, crediting Bui Strikers’ resilience.

“I believe everyone from Bui Division should be proud that we played a friendly match today,” Ndikwa said. “It’s important to remember that it’s been 13 years since we participated in the Bui Sports Fans Competition. This friendly match reignites hope for our return to the competition.”

***Bui Strikers Veteran (Blue) and Kilum Bees (Orange) encouraging each other before the start of the game*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

He applauded the reconciliatory spirit displayed by the President of Bui Strikers Veteran FC and suggested that this friendly match is a prelude to their participation in the upcoming competition.

I Am Happy Because MASO Has Made Me A Complete Person – Smith Agwe Tayong

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

“I am happy because MASO has made me a complete person.” These are the words of Smith Agwe Tayong, one of the mutualists that have benefited from the Mutual Assistance and Solidarity, MASO.

In an interview over the weekend, Agwe Tayong, a proud taxi owner in Yaoundé, expressed his gratitude for MASO’s role in his success.

“I received a taxi through the MASO Act 1 Tombola draw during the first edition,” he explained. “I was one of the winners, and today I’ve finished paying it back, completely interest-free.”

Owning a taxi in Yaoundé was once a distant dream for Agwe Tayong, who had faced challenges working for other taxi owners. However, upon learning about MASO, joined and began contributing FCFA 100 daily. Through the Tombola draw during the first edition, he became a lucky winner of a taxi.

“MASO is a godsend for those struggling with poverty,” Agwe Tayong said. “I truly appreciate the initiative by the RENAPROV authorities. It really works, as long as you are committed.”

He recounted a time when he faced difficulties due to engine problems with his taxi. He contacted MASO, and they promptly assisted him, even purchasing a new engine to ensure he could continue working.

As a proud taxi owner and entrepreneur, Agwe Tayong can now provide for his family. He can comfortably manage his children’s education, save money, and even pay his rent.

Believing in MASO’s effectiveness, he encourages those who haven’t won yet to persevere. “God’s hands are not too short to reach them,” he assures them. “With faith and commitment, you will benefit just like me. For those who haven’t joined yet, don’t waste any time – MASO is real.”

Agwe Tayong is just one out of the many mutualists that have benefited from the initiative. Some have benefited well-constructed furnished houses, households’ materials, electronics and many others.

MASO is a brainchild of RENAPROV Finance S.A., a microfinance institution established in 1996 to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With 28 branches across Cameroon, RENAPROV Finance S.A. is a major actor in the country’s microfinance sector.

MASO was created with the goal of promoting the African spirit of Solidarity, alleviating poverty and unemployment, and empowering individuals to become entrepreneurs as well as help them come out of the vicious circle of poverty. Membership requires a weekly contribution of FCFA 500 and a yearly contribution of FCFA 26,000.

MASO membership comes with a multitude of benefits, including: Interest-free financing, housing assistance as well as life event support. These comprehensive benefits aim to improve the lives of members and their families, offering a safety net throughout life’s challenges. MASO remains a constant source of support, even in the face of death.

Recognizing that financial ignorance is a significant societal issue, MASO provides opportunities for members to save money and secure their future. Anyone looking to maximize their income and maintain a modest lifestyle can potentially benefit from MASO membership.

The program encompasses various sub-groups, including: Mutual of Road Transport Professionals of Cameroon, MUPTROC, Mutual of Assistance and Solidarity of Actors of Very Small Business and Small Commerce, MUASAPEPC, Mutual of Information Communication Professionals and Animation, and MUPCIA, Mutual Assistance and Solidarity of Servants of God, MASSED.

MASO membership is open to anyone between the ages of 18 and 65. Notably, the medical and health benefits can extend to up to ten family members.

Journalists Sharpen Skills In Responsible Reporting, Safety

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Some 30 journalists drawn from six regions of Cameroon have refined and sharpened their skills on responsible reporting and safety.

***Elizabeth Bryant, facilitator speaking during the workshop*** *(Picture Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

This was the substance of a two-day workshop organized between June 24 and 25 in Yaounde by the United States Embassy in Cameroon.

The workshop was led by Paris-based American journalists Linda Hervieur and Elizabeth Bryant, with assistance from veteran Cameroonian journalist Prof. Daniel Anicet Noah.

**Linda Hervieur, facilitator speaking during the workshop** *(Picture Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

The interactive sessions focused on responsible reporting practices, staying safe in the field, and combating disinformation in the digital age. Participants and facilitators engaged in discussions and shared experiences on these critical topics.

Veteran Cameroonian journalist Prof. Daniel Anicet Noah speaking during the workshop *(Picture Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

In combating disinformation and ensuring fairness, the importance of verifying information before sharing was a key takeaway. Journalists learned to identify reliable sources and ask insightful questions to ensure balanced and fair reporting.

The workshop stressed the importance of prioritizing safety. Journalists were encouraged to assess risks, know their limits, and persevere in their endeavors.

***Participants during the workshop*** *(Picture Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

The session also covered staying safe in dangerous situations, with practical reporting tips and multi-media fact-checking techniques to identify false information and deepfakes using open-source tools.

The workshop delved into online safety, the unique challenges faced by women journalists, responsible social media usage, identifying reliable sources, and ensuring journalist safety in the specific context of Cameroon.

Additionally, the workshop emphasized the core principles of journalism remaining constant despite technological advancements.

Opening the workshop, Sene Bamba, Professional Associate of Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Embassy, highlighted the importance of responsible reporting and journalist safety as cornerstones of U.S. foreign policy.

***US Embassy officials, Facilitators and journalists pose for a family picture*** *(Picture Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

“We firmly believe that a free and vibrant press is essential for any democracy,” Bamba stated, acknowledging the global threats to press freedom and independent media.

“The safety of journalists is paramount to the U.S. mission in Cameroon,” Bamba emphasized. “All journalists deserve to work free from physical, psychological violence, or any form of obstruction.”

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