Yaounde Wears Festive Empty Streets for National Day

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo Major streets in Yaounde have remain empty as Cameroonians celebrate the 52nd edition of their National…

by 1newslensMay 20, 2024

General

President Paul Biya to Preside Over 52nd National Day in Yaoundé

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo Cameroon’s President, Paul Biya, will preside over celebrations marking the 52nd edition of Cameroon’s National Day,…

by 1newslensMay 19, 2024

General

ENEO Appreciates Nationwide Prepaid Meter Update, Urges Action

edit By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo Energy of Cameroon (ENEO) has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the nationwide update of…

by 1newslensMay 18, 2024

General

Which Technical Staff Will Work With Marc Brys?

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo Will Marc Brys work with the technical staff appointed by the Ministry of Sports and Physical…

by 1newslensMay 17, 2024

General

After FECAFOOT & Brys Meeting, Has Dispute been Settled or Just A Truce?

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo On Monday, May 13, the newly appointed coach of the Cameroon national team, Marc Brys, accompanied…

by 1newslensMay 17, 2024

General

CPDM MP, Hon. Memouna Mahamat Dies After An illness

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) Member of Parliament (MP) Hon. Memouna Mahamat has passed away. A…

by 1newslensMay 15, 2024

General

2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Familiar Faces Return As Cameroon Announces Squad For June Qualifiers

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo As anticipation builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the newly appointed head coach of…

by 1newslensMay 10, 2024

General

Leadership Dispute Threatens Indomitable Lions Ahead Of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo In recent weeks, the Cameroon football scene has been embroiled in a heated dispute between the…

by 1newslensMay 10, 2024

General

Marc Brys Boycott FECAFOOT Contact Meeting, Player List Expected Today

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo Marc Brys, newly appointed Belgian coach of the Cameroon national team, is said to have been…

by 1newslensMay 10, 2024

General

Chad’s Interim Leader, Deby Itno Declared Winner Of Disputed Election

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo Chad’s interim and military leader, Mahamat Deby Itno, has been declared winner of the May 6…

by 1newslensMay 10, 2024

Yaounde Wears Festive Empty Streets for National Day

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Major streets in Yaounde have remain empty as Cameroonians celebrate the 52^nd edition of their National Days. While some central areas bustled with anticipation for President Paul Biya’s arrival, other streets remained curiously quiet despite the festive decorations.

***Busy Carrifour Obili empty as Cameroonians celebrate 20th May 2024*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

However, the city center thrummed with activity as residents awaited the official festivities. In the meantime, only few taxis and motorcycles are ploughing the streets while others have packed. Other parts of Yaounde remained noticeably empty, with many choosing to celebrate from home.

City dwellers offers varied perspectives on the day. One resident, eager to join festivities in the central town, acknowledged they wouldn’t be “at the scene” but planned to “enjoy the day” nonetheless.

Another, Elvis, stressed the day’s significance as a time for national reflection. “Everyone is supposed to reflect,” he said, urging authorities to assess the country’s progress over 52 years.

***Major streets empty As Cameroon celebrates 20th May 2024*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

Meanwhile, A market trader, however, expressed a desire to simply relax at home. “This day is a day to just rest at home,” she explained, opting to follow the celebrations on television. He acknowledged the difficulty of accessing the presidential location and the desire to see the president firsthand.

President Biya is expected to preside over the official ceremonies, including a military and civilian parade, beginning at noon. The national celebration will culminate in a presidential banquet at the evening. Similar festivities are planned across Cameroon and abroad.

President Paul Biya to Preside Over 52nd National Day in Yaoundé

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Cameroon’s President, Paul Biya, will preside over celebrations marking the 52nd edition of Cameroon’s National Day, according to a press release from the Civil Cabinet of the Republic of Cameroon.

It is the 39th National Day that President Paul is presiding over as President of the Republic of Cameroon. The day is celebrated annually on May 20th.

Celebrations will begin at noon and will culminate in a national banquet hosted by President Paul Biya at the Presidency in the evening. These celebrations include a military and civilian march past.

Prior to the celebrations, there have been widespread rumors that he would not be able to participate in the event. He was last seen in public in images circulating in April while celebrating his 30th wedding anniversary to Chantal Biya.

President Paul Biya, who has been in power for 42 years now, has been urged to run again in the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for 2025.

Cameroon is celebrating its Unity Day amidst an ongoing crisis in the Northwest and Southwest Regions. The crisis, which began in 2017, has claimed many lives and forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes.

ENEO Appreciates Nationwide Prepaid Meter Update, Urges Action

edit

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Energy of Cameroon (ENEO) has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the nationwide update of prepaid meters. The company is urging Cameroonians to take action before the deadline to avoid service disruptions.

***ENEO and SONATREL Officials during the meeting*** *(Photo Credit: Emmanuel Beng)*

ENEO made the remarks in Yaoundé on May 15 during a meeting aimed at reviewing the first phase of the operation to update 350,000 meters in the country. The meeting brought together ENEO officials and consumer associations.

Speaking during the meeting, Richard Bebey Black, Director of the project, disclosed that the update process is going very well and is free of charge. While stating that the project to update prepaid electricity meters is a global requirement that takes place every 10 years, he added that since its launch in November 2023, updates have reached 83.63 percent completion.

“This project, which has been running for almost five months, is nearing the end of its operational phase at ENEO. Over 83 percent of customers have successfully updated their prepaid meters. We can say it is a great success. Customers have to do it themselves,” Bebey remarked.

Despite the success rate, he called on Cameroonians who have not yet updated their meters to do so before the deadline of November 24, 2024. He said that after this date, those who have not updated their meters will no longer be able to recharge them and consequently will lose access to electricity supply.

To achieve the target of a 100 percent update rate, Houa Nassoazoa, Manager in Charge of Customer Care at ENEO, said everything has been put in place to ensure a smooth process. This includes a 15-member team established to contact those involved in the update.

In addition to that, there will be constant reminders sent to Cameroonians through WhatsApp, communication have been intensified through live chat, as well as the continued 24-hour availability of ENEO’s services to help complete the process. ENEO officials pointed out that over 99 percent of customer complaints have been resolved.

***Consumer Associations during the meeting*** *(Photo Credit: Emmanuel Beng)*

Consumer associations and syndicates, for their part, presented their concerns and called for more collaboration, especially given that they sometimes feel neglected and pushed aside despite playing a key role in bridging the gap between consumers and ENEO.

“After this meeting, we can conclude that consumers have to update their prepaid meters. It is imperative because it is a global update, and their platforms are already available, but there is a need to make them accessible to associations. We have to collaborate to make it work,” said Barrister Mama Bertrand from an association.

It is worth noting that only around 350,000 prepaid meters in Cameroon are targeted for the update. Not all meters are involved, as only meters installed between 2017 and 2021 require updating. The update process is aimed at transiting from STS edition One standard devices to the newer STS edition Two standard by November 24.

To determine a meter’s eligibility for the update, ENEO advises customers to dial 873 on the recharge interface to check the meter’s status (STS edition 1 or edition 2). Customers are urged to promptly perform the upgrade operation upon receiving the tokens to avoid meter usage disruptions.

ENEO is individually notifying affected customers via SMS or WhatsApp, providing them with the necessary codes for the meter update. This measure is implemented to address security and service continuity concerns, with ENEO emphasizing that the update will not impact meter reliability or pricing.

Which Technical Staff Will Work With Marc Brys?

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Will Marc Brys work with the technical staff appointed by the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education (MINSEP) or the one appointed by the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT)? This has been a million-dollar question since the appointments were made at different levels.

***Newly appointed Cameroon coach Marc Brys***

MINSEP and FECAFOOT have been at odds, with neither side willing to back down. After the working session at FECAFOOT on May 13, many believed that since Marc Brys and his team took a group photo with the FECAFOOT-appointed staff, he had decided to work with them.

However, questions continue to linger as the words of the Technical Advisor at MINSEP have cast doubt. With Cameroon having just a few days until their two matches scheduled for June, the situation is not ideal, and fans are worried about the outcome.

“It is sad to say that we have become the laughingstock of the world because of this bad spectacle that MINSEP and FECAFOOT are offering us,” said Silas Tang. “Even countries where war reigns do not have two technical staffs.”

**Marc Brys (second from left) discussing with FECAFOOT SG, Blaise Djounang** **(first from left)** Photo Credit: FECAFOOT

James Boh added, “The Indomitable Lions label has taken too many hits in recent years. Beyond the poor performances, look at what is happening. There is simply no understanding; no one wants to listen. I am ashamed for my country. This standoff will take us nowhere. Someone, somewhere, has to take charge.”

As the qualifiers draw closer, the shadow of doubt continues to hang over the minds of supporters. Cameroon will face Cape Verde in Yaoundé before facing Angola a few days later in Angola, both matches being part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the African zone.

After FECAFOOT & Brys Meeting, Has Dispute been Settled or Just A Truce?

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

On Monday, May 13, the newly appointed coach of the Cameroon national team, Marc Brys, accompanied by his deputy and an advisor from the Ministry of Sports, arrived at the headquarters of the Cameroon Football Federation, FECAFOOT.

***Marc Brys, MINSEP Technical Adviser pose for a family picture with FECAFOOT SG and Lions technical staff appointed by FECAFOOT*** *(Photo Credit: FECAFOOT)*

Their presence at FECAFOOT was in honor of the invitation sent to him by the Secretary General of the Federation, Blaise Djounang, after a similar invitation on Friday, May 10, failed for various reasons. To the surprise of many who thought Marc Brys and company would not honor the meeting, they came.

Marc Brys shook hands with the technical committee of the Lions appointed by FECAFOOT upon arrival. According to sources, the 30-minute meeting saw the coach handing over the list of players he summoned on May 10 for the qualifiers of the 2026 World Cup. The coach is also said to have presented the program for the qualifiers.

**Marc Brys and Idriss Carlos K greetings each other (**Photo Credit: FECAFOOT)

Like many who were surprised, everything seems to be happening faster. A group picture was taken with the technical bench of the Lions appointed by FECAFOOT. In what many concluded to be a settling of the dust, different reactions after the meeting cast a lot of doubt on the presumed peace that is needed.

Speaking shortly after the meeting, Cyrille Tollo, Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education, MINSEP, said, “At the end of this working session, the Secretary General of FECAFOOT invited them to a family photo with the FECAFOOT staff, all of whom were not involved in the meeting and were not part of the official management of the Indomitable Lions.”

While emphasizing the family photo that went viral and gave rise to diverse interpretations, Tollo stressed that the subject of the photo in no way calls into question the Very High Directives of the Presidency of the Republic relating to the technical, administrative, and medical supervision of the national team.

**Marc Brys and National Technical Director greetings each other (**Photo Credit: FECAFOOT)

FECAFOOT, for their part, said in a communique that the meeting took place in a relaxed atmosphere, allowing for the establishment of professional contacts and a number of important reminders regarding the procedures for calling up players for the National Team.

The Country’s football Association further said, Marc Brys was reminded that once the conformity checks have been completed, the players will be called up exclusively and without interference according to his list, and that any case of non-compliance will be brought to his attention so that he can make the appropriate replacements.

“FECAFOOT welcomes this return to calm and reiterates its willingness to comply with the Head of State’s Most Stringent Instructions, in accordance with the laws and regulations in force,” the communique stated.

FECAFOOT took the opportunity to call on all stakeholders to fully assume their responsibilities, uniting their patriotic efforts to put the development of Cameroon’s football in general and the influence of their National Team in particular back at the center of attention.

CPDM MP, Hon. Memouna Mahamat Dies After An illness

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) Member of Parliament (MP) Hon. Memouna Mahamat has passed away.

A communique signed by the Clerk of the National Assembly, Andre Noel Essian, on behalf of the President, announced her passing on Tuesday, May 14th, in Bafoussam. The communique attributed the cause of death to illness.

Elected in 2020 during the Legislative and Parliamentary Elections, Hon. Mahamat represented the Mayo-Banyo Electoral Constituency in the Adamawa Region. She was serving her first term in the National Assembly and was a member of the Committee on Economic Affairs, Planning and Regional Development.

Hon. Mahamat was actively involved in fostering international relations. She held the position of Vice President of the Cameroon-Morocco Parliamentary Friendship Group and participated in several other parliamentary friendship groups, including Cameroon-United Arab Emirates, Cameroon-Spain, Cameroon-India, Cameroon-Italy, and Cameroon-Norway.

2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Familiar Faces Return As Cameroon Announces Squad For June Qualifiers

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

As anticipation builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the newly appointed head coach of the Cameroon national football team, Marc Brys, has unveiled the list of 30 preselected players ahead of upcoming June qualifiers.

The list, made public on May 10th in Yaoundé, features a blend of familiar faces and exciting new prospects. Some players are making their debut for the national team, while others are returning after a period of absence.

Among the notable veterans making a comeback is Michaël Ngadeu. His conspicuous absence from the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Côte d’Ivoire is over. His return adds valuable experience and depth to the defensive lineup.

Collins Fai, popularly known as “Dependable Fai,” is also making hos way back to the den. His reliability and experience will be crucial for the team’s success. Versatile midfielder Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is another welcome addition. His ability to play across the front line provides valuable tactical flexibility. Other returning players include Kunde Malong, Martin Hongla, and Christian Bassogog.

Several exciting new faces are also included in the squad. These include James Eto’o, Yvan Dibango, Raoul Danzabe, Carlos Baleba, and Guy Kilama. Nchindo John Bosco and Jules Armand Kooh are the only two players selected from the domestic championship, making their debuts for the national team.

**Marc Brys signing his contract at the Ministry of Sports**

The big absences include Darlin Yongwa, Enzo Tchato, Jean Onana, Franck Skinny, Clinton Njie, Oumar Gonzalez, Fabrice Ondoa, Ben Elliot and Olivier Kemen

While unveiling the list, Marc Brys emphasized that the selected players are currently performing at a high level for their respective clubs. His goal is to create a cohesive unit that can compete effectively in the qualifiers.

Cameroon is set to face Cape Verde and Angola in their crucial June 2024 World Cup qualifiers. The nation’s football fans eagerly await the team’s performance on the global stage.

Full list of players called up

Goalkeepers:

Simon Omossola

André Onana

Simon Ngapandouetnbu

Defender:

Malcom Bokele

Jean Charles Castelletto

Yvan Dibango

James Eto’o

Guy Kilama

Harold Moukoudi

Michaël Ngadeu

Jackson Tchatchoua

Nouhou Tolo

Christopher Wooh

Fai Collins

Midfielder:

Carlos Baleba

Eric Maxim Choupo Moting

Zambo Anguissa

Raoul Danzabe

Martin Hongla

John Bosco Nchindo

Kunde Malong

Yvan Neyou

Olivier Ntcham

Forwards:

Aboubakar Vincent

Christian Bassogog

Jules Armand Kooh

Didier Lamkel Ze

Bryan Mbeumo

Faris Pemi Moumbagna

Nicolas Ngamaleu

Georges Kevin Nkoudou

Leadership Dispute Threatens Indomitable Lions Ahead Of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

In recent weeks, the Cameroon football scene has been embroiled in a heated dispute between the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education (MINSEP) and the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT).

Indomitable Lions preparing for the 2018 Gabon AFCON (*Photo Credit: Etienne Mainimo)*

The battle for control over the leadership of the national team, the Indomitable Lions, has left football enthusiasts and pundits on edge. The conflict began when MINSEP appointed the technical staff for the Indomitable Lions.

FECAFOOT, however, refused to recognize the legitimacy of these appointments, leading to a war of words between the two entities. While MINSEP claims to be acting in good faith based on instructions from the country’s President and an agreement signed with FECAFOOT in 2015, the federation insists that the sole authority to appoint a coach lies with them, citing the 2024 law and FIFA regulations.

As the dispute escalated, FECAFOOT took matters into its own hands. While maintaining the coach appointed by MINSEP, the federation also made its own staff appointments. Consequently, the Indomitable Lions now find themselves with one head coach and two sets of staff—an unprecedented situation that threatens team cohesion and performance.

Despite FIFA’s proposal to mediate the conflict, but both parties continue to assert their legitimacy. The crisis remains unresolved, and the timing couldn’t be worse. The qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup are just around the corner, and the uncertainty surrounding team management casts a shadow over Cameroon’s chances.

***Brys’ List Revealed Ahead of Cameroon’s 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in June 2024***

On May 10, Marc Brys, the coach recognized by both MINSEP and FECAFOOT, released the list of players expected to participate in the upcoming qualifiers. However, before unveiling the list, Brys was notably absent from a scheduled contact meeting with FECAFOOT’s appointed staff.

With the player list in hand, the next step should be player invitations. According to the law, FECAFOOT is responsible for transmitting the list to the Ministry of Sports and notifying the players and relevant federations.

But given the ongoing standoff, it remains uncertain whether FECAFOOT will proceed as expected. The looming qualifiers against Cape Verde and Angola in June hang in the balance, and fans anxiously await clarity on how the team will move forward.

As the Indomitable Lions prepare for their World Cup journey, the leadership crisis threatens to undermine their success. While the possibility of finding common ground between MINSEP and FECAFOOT remains uncertain, there is a pressing need for peace to prevail, especially considering that the eyes of football fans worldwide are fixed on this unfolding drama.

Marc Brys Boycott FECAFOOT Contact Meeting, Player List Expected Today

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Marc Brys, newly appointed Belgian coach of the Cameroon national team, is said to have been absent from a contact meeting organized by the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) on Friday, May 10th.

**FECAFOOT officials during the meeting**

The meeting was intended to introduce Brys and his recently appointed staff to FECAFOOT. While the reason for Brys’ absence remains unclear, FECAFOOT General Secretary Blaise Djounang announced a rescheduled meeting for the coming days, hoping for Brys’ attendance.

Those present at the initial meeting included Benoît Angbwa (FECAFOOT-appointed selection coordinator), Thierry Ndoh (FECAFOOT team press officer), DTN Engelbert Mbarga, assistant coaches Ndtoungou Mpile and David Pagou, and others.

Djounang explained that the two absent officials besides Brys were unable to finalize administrative procedures to arrive in Cameroon on time.

Despite his absence, Brys is still expected to announce the list of players who will represent Cameroon in the upcoming June qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The announcement is anticipated today, May 10th, at 3:00 PM at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium. Cameroon’s fixtures include matches against Cape Verde and Angola.

Chad’s Interim Leader, Deby Itno Declared Winner Of Disputed Election

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Chad’s interim and military leader, Mahamat Deby Itno, has been declared winner of the May 6 presidential election. This follows provisional results released on Thursday, May 9, by the National Election Management Agency (NEMA) chief, Ahmed Bartichet.

***Mahamat Deby Itno of Chad*** *(Photo Credit: BBC)*

Deby Itno secured a significant victory with 61 percent of the vote. His victory means that the Déby family’s 34-year-rule will continue. His main rival, Prime Minister Succès Masra, fell far behind with just over 18.5 percent and has contested the results.

Masra preemptively claimed victory earlier on Thursday in a Facebook live broadcast, alleging manipulation of the election process.

The announcement was met with unrest in the capital, with gunfire erupting shortly afterward. The initial release of preliminary results, originally expected on May 21, was also met with surprise.

In the meantime, international organizations have expressed serious concerns about the legitimacy of the election. They have stated that the vote did not appear credible, free, nor democratic and highlighted several issues that cast doubt on its fairness in the lead-up to the balloting.

These issues included the pre-election killing of opposition figure Yaya Dillo, the disqualification of prominent opposition candidates, and other irregularities that critics argue compromised the process’s integrity.

Deby was appointed transitional president by fellow military leaders in 2021 following the death of his father, Idriss Déby Itno.

The elder Deby had ruled Chad for three decades with an authoritarian grip according to observers. However, his son initially promised an 18-month transition to democracy but later extended it by two years.

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