Glencore Corruption Scandal: Barrister Akere Says, Cameroonian Investigators Can Summon Company To Obtain Information

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Eminent lawyer and international legal consultant, Barrister Akere Muna, says Cameroonian investigators can easily summon Glencore to provide necessary information concerning the corruption case.

**Barrister Akere Muna** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

Barrister Akere made the statement on her Twitter social media handle recently. She said the National Hydrocarbons Company (SNH) as well as the National Oil Refinery, SONARA, and the Ministry of Finance cannot obtain information from Glencore’s offices in London or New York.

“Cameroonian investigators (CONAC, ANIF, POLICE JUDICIAIRE, TCS) can easily summon Glencore to provide the necessary information, and failure to do so could result in a notification to the US Department of Justice,” Barrister Akere said.

Barrister Akere stated that by pleading guilty and signing the plea agreement, Glencore undertook to cooperate with the Cameroonian investigating authorities (Article 12 of the Agreement).

“…However, according to the agreement, Glencore’s commitments are only valid for three years (article 1 of the agreement). So, from next year, Glencore is no longer obligated to cooperate,” she added.

She indicated that SNH and SONARA can also demand information from Glencore Cameroon and, if they do not cooperate, they can cancel their contracts for fraud. According to her, Glencore has admitted paying bribes to obtain favorable business terms.

“This is fraud. It is clear that the corrupter-in-chief Glencore, as well as the corrupt senior officials at SONARA and SNH, are not fooling anyone. The truth will come out, justice will prevail, and Cameroonians will get their money back. ‘Man no run!’ he said.”

Prior to this statement, Barrister Akere had indicated that individuals involved in the Glencore corruption scandal, considered the biggest of the century, are located within Cameroon.

Her reaction was coming on the heels of a communique issued by SNH welcoming the progress of the proceedings against the perpetrators and the acts of corruption that tarnish its image regarding the Glencore Corruption Scandal.

The communique had indicated that the perpetrators’ appearance in court marks a significant step forward in the search for the truth in this scandalous affair.

“The SNH, which filed a complaint before the Special Criminal Court (TCS) on November 6, 2023, to identify the Cameroonian accomplices of these acts of corruption, is confident that the outcome of the procedure in London will allow the acceleration of investigations at the TCS level,” the communique reads.

However, Barrister Akere had disagreed with the communique, arguing that the core of the corruption took place within Cameroon and that any meaningful resolution must originate domestically.

“The culprits are within Cameroon; the transactions that gave rise to the corruption took place in Cameroon, yet they expect us to believe the solution will come from London. It is clear that action must be taken locally,” he asserted.

Barrister Akere recalled that when she exposed the Glencore corruption scandal over two years ago, SNH claimed that corruption was impossible due to their internal regulations.

“Now, following the UK’s disclosure of the names of former Glencore employees facing charges, we are informed through a communique that a complaint was lodged in September 2023,” he said.

CAMTEL Blue Tech Challenge: Candidates’ Strengthen Ability To Formulate, Put Ideas Into Practice

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Candidates aiming to be finalists in the CAMTEL Blue Tech Challenged launched some months backs are gradually entering a crucial second stage of selection.

***CAMTEL officials and candidates pose for a family picture*** *(Photo Credit: CAMTEL)*

According to information release on CAMTEL’s official social media page, 50 young people who stood out in the first phase of the competition gathered n Yaounde. On Wednesday, 07 August 2024, they came from a wide range of backgrounds to take part in a mini-training session.

According to information, the mini-training session was aimed at reinforcing what they had learnt so that they could make it through to the second stage of the competition where 30 candidates are expected to be selected.

***Candidates in session*** *(Photo Credit: CAMTEL)*

Besides strengthening the candidates’ ability to formulate and put their ideas into practice, the bootcamp, held in Yaoundé, was specifically aimed at enabling the young people to specify and assert their project ideas, to calibrate their activities and to formulate their business models with ease.

While aming at giving these budding entrepreneurs the tools and instruments they need to run their businesses, the bootcamp was aimed to capitalise on all the pre-selected projects, highlighting the ability of all these young project bearers to succeed with or without financing.

The training consisted of five modules, including how a company works and the skills of the entrepreneur, formulating a business model and business plan, and preparing a pitch.

***Candidates in session with*** *(Photo Credit: CAMTEL)*

The bootcamp for our tech-preneurs ended with the start of the video pitch recordings, which will be published on the competition website, https://lnkd.in/edknqiC9. Votes will then be cast to select the finalists.

Blue tech challenge is an initiative of CAMTEL, supported by its top management, which aims to highlight the best start-ups or youth projects, and contribute in turn to the development of Cameroon’s digital economy and the digital transformation of society.

The competition programmed for youths within the ages of 15 and 35, launched on May 21 is geared towards highlighting know-how of Cameroonians youths in the ICT ecosystems. Besides supporting all initiatives with the high added value and those that bring change, the competition is also aimed at stimulating self-employment to mitigate the effects of youth unemployment in Cameroon.

The target candidates include starts-ups, students and researchers accredited by universities and institutions of higher learning, students of secondary technical establishments and doctorate or pre-doctorate students from research laboratories.

Four award categories have been designated namely, the Blue Star Award, The Blue Academic Innovative Award, the Blue Tech Women Award and the Handi Blue Award.

CRM Demands Gov’t Clarification On Steeve Akam’s Whereabouts

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM), under the leadership of its national president, Prof. Maurice Kamto, has called on the government to disclose the whereabouts and condition of Steeve Akam, also known as Ramon Cotta.

In a statement released on August 7 via Twitter, Prof. Kamto expressed deep concern over the lack of information since Gabon’s Transitional Government handed Akam over to Cameroonian authorities. He fears that Akam may have suffered a fate similar to Martinez Zogo or is being concealed due to severe torture.

Prof. Kamto stressed that, unfortunately, magistrates, particularly those in the State Prosecutor’s Office, are aware of the abuses occurring within the security services but fail to take action due to career concerns. He argued that magistrates have the authority to visit detention facilities, inspect conditions, and question detainees.

“The CRM demands that the Government throw the light about the fate of Steeve Akam, reassure his family and the public by providing public proof that he is still alive, and that he is not hidden because he is in a pitiful condition due to torture,” he stated.

He further declared, “The CRM strongly condemns all acts of terror that the government is multiplying in the run-up to the upcoming elections in our countries.”

Prof. Kamto noted that CRM members have endured multiple waves of violence, kidnappings, and secret detention since the disputed 2018 elections. He asserted that the party possesses sufficient knowledge of the cruel and inhumane practices prevalent in certain security services to warrant a public alert regarding Steeve Akam’s case.

The CRM party asserted that Gabon’s decision to hand Ramon Cotta over to the Cameroon government under harsh and degrading conditions on the border violated international treaties.

“CRM regrets that the transitional authorities of the Republic of Gabon have agreed to contribute to such an internationally illicit act and insists on the fact that the nationals of our respective countries must be treated with equal humanity and with respect for their fundamental rights and dignity,” Prof. Kamto said.

Meanwhile, a group of lawyers has initiated contact with Cameroonian authorities to locate Ramon Cotta. They have demanded information about his detention to provide legal assistance and ensure a fair trial.

Cyber activist Stève Akam, a vocal critic of the Biya regime, had been actively denouncing the government’s handling of diaspora registration at the Cameroonian Embassy in Gabon. He also regularly condemned the increasing costs of consular services provided by the embassy.

Several NGOs and human rights organizations have called for Akam’s release, accusing Gabon of violating the 1951 Convention for the Protection of Refugees. Observers contend that the arrest and extradition of Ramon Cotta raise serious concerns about human rights and due process.

They said, the UN’s Bangkok Principles on Extradition clearly outline the requirement for judicial procedures and individual rights to be upheld during extradition processes. In Cotta’s case, the absence of a fair judicial hearing before his extradition constitutes a blatant violation of these principles.

Furthermore, Article 3 of the United Nations Convention Against Torture prohibits the expulsion of individuals to countries where they face a high risk of torture. Many observers were deeply disturbed by the images of Cotta’s extradition.

According to information, after fleeing Cameroon in 2009, Ramon Cotta sought refuge in Gabon. On Friday, July 19, 2024, he was kidnapped while trading at Mont-Bouët, Libreville’s largest market. His family had no contact with him for three days until a video surfaced online. Handcuffed and surrounded by Gabonese security forces in Kye-ossi, Cotta was coerced into asking for forgiveness from Paul Biya and the authorities of both Cameroon and Gabon.

The Man Issa Hayatou

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Issa Hayatou, a towering figure in African and global football, was born on August 9, 1946, in Garoua, Cameroon, to a Sultan. His early life was marked by athletic prowess. From 1964 to 1971, he reigned as the national champion in both the 400m and 800m.

Beyond track and field, his sporting talents extended to basketball, where he represented his country, and football, where he played at the university level. His athletic journey culminated in representing Cameroon at the inaugural African Games in Brazzaville in 1965.

Hayatou’s influence, however, transcended the sporting field. His administrative career took off in the 1980s when he assumed the presidency of the Cameroon Football Federation (1986-1988). His leadership quickly extended to the continental stage, as he was elected President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in 1988. A pivotal moment arrived in 1990 when he joined FIFA’s Executive Committee, ascending to the position of Vice President two years later.

His tenure at FIFA was marked by a series of significant roles. He chaired crucial committees, including those responsible for organizing the World Cup and Confederations Cup. Additionally, he served as President of the Olympic Football Tournaments Committee from 1992 to 2006. Hayatou’s influence within FIFA was undeniable.

A defining chapter of Hayatou’s career was his 29-year presidency of CAF, which ended in 2017. Under his stewardship, African football witnessed unprecedented growth and recognition. The pinnacle of this era was South Africa hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2010, a historic first for the continent.

The turbulent years of 2015-2016 saw Hayatou step into the role of FIFA’s interim president following Sepp Blatter’s suspension amid a bribery scandal. While he challenged Blatter for the FIFA presidency in 2002, he ultimately faced defeat.

Beyond football, Hayatou’s impact extended to the Olympic movement. He was a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 2001 to 2020, contributing significantly to global sports governance.

Issa Hayatou’s legacy is one of a visionary leader who transformed African football and left an enduring mark on the global sports landscape. His contributions to the development and elevation of the sport will be remembered for generations to come.

Football World Mourns Passing of Issa Hayatou

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The global football community is in mourning following the death of former Confederation of African Football (CAF) President, Issa Hayatou. The legendary administrator passed away on August 8 in Paris on the eve of his 78th birthday after a prolonged illness.

Hayatou, who led CAF for an impressive 29 years from 1988 to 2017, was a towering figure in African football. His influence extended beyond the continent as he also served as interim FIFA President from 2015 to 2016 during Sepp Blatter’s suspension.

Tributes have poured in from across the world, recognizing Hayatou’s immense contribution to the growth of African football. CAF President Patrice Motsepe described him as a “great man” whose legacy will forever be cherished.

“CAF and African football will forever be grateful to President Hayatou for his enormous and far-reaching contributions, over many years to the development and growth of football in Africa,” Motsepe said. As a mark of respect, CAF has ordered flags to be flown at half-mast until August 13.

Football icons and leaders have joined in expressing their condolences. FIFA President Gianni Infantino in a message hailed Hayatou as a “passionate sports fan” who dedicated his life to sports administration. Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter described him as a “great fighter for African football and longtime companion.”

The Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) hailed Issa Hayatou as one of the greatest sports leaders of all time. FECAFOOT President, Samuel Eto’o, expressed his deep sorrow, saying, “Issa Hayatou! A true Indomitable Lion has departed.”

Eto’o further emphasized Hayatou’s enduring legacy: “He leaves behind an immeasurable legacy. A solid foundation upon which to build an African football that commands greater respect and prominence on the global stage.”

The Nigerian Football Federation and the Ghanaian Football Federation both recognized his visionary leadership in advancing African football.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu added his voice to the chorus of tributes, highlighting Hayatou’s role in developing football in Africa and beyond. Former Football Kenya Federation President Sam Nyamweya credited Hayatou for playing a pivotal role in bringing the World Cup to Africa for the first time in 2010 and for leading Cameroon to become the first African team to reach the World Cup quarter-finals in 1990.

Hayatou’s legacy as a strong, influential leader who shaped the course of African football will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come.

Former CAF President, Issa Hayatou Dies At 77

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Football legend and former President of the Confederation of African Football, CAF, Cameroonian born Issa Hayatou has died.

Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) announced on Twitter that Issa Hayatou, former President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), died in Paris, France, on August 7, on the eve of his 78th birthday. He passed away after a long illness.

Born on August 9, 1946, in Garoua, Hayatou dedicated over three decades to African and world football, leaving an enduring legacy of leadership and commitment. As CAF president from 1988 to 2017, he was instrumental in the growth and recognition of African football.

Under his guidance, CAF experienced significant development, marked by improved infrastructure, professionalized leagues, and increased funding for African competitions.

A young Issa Hayatou excelled in athletics and became Cameroon champion in the 400 and 800 metres, even taking part in the first-ever All-Africa Games in Brazzaville in 1965. At the same time, he was a member of the Cameroon national basketball team and a university football international in 1964 and 1971.

After this successful athletic career, he went on to become a physical education and sports teacher in Yaoundé, but only practiced the profession for a year. In 1974, he became general secretary of the Cameroon Football Federation.

In 1984, he became vice president of the Cameroon Football Federation. Two years later, he ascended to the presidency of FECAFOOT while simultaneously joining the executive committee of the Confederation of African Football. He has also been interim FIFA President from 2015 – 2016 after Sepp Blatter was suspended.

Glencore Corruption Scandal: The Culprits Are Within Cameroon – Barrister Akere Muna

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Eminent lawyer and International Legal Consultant, Barrister Akere Muna, has stated that individuals involved in the Glencore corruption scandal, considered the biggest of the century, are located within Cameroon.

Barrister Akere made this statement on his Facebook page on August 3. His reaction follows a communique from the National Hydrocarbons Company (SNH) indicating that those implicated in the corruption scheme with Glencore have been identified and will appear before the Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on September 10, 2024.

According to Barrister Akere, the communique is rather absorbed arguing that the core of the corruption took place within Cameroon and that any meaningful resolution must originate domestically.

Barrister Akere recalled that when he exposed the Glencore corruption scandal over two years ago, SNH claimed that corruption was impossible due to their internal regulations.

“Now, following the UK’s disclosure of the names of former Glencore employees facing charges, we are informed through a communique that a complaint was lodged in September 2023,” he said.

He pointed out that despite a recent SNH Board Meeting dedicated solely to the SAVANA case, there was no mention of Glencore.

“It seems they are now rushing to inform us about a complaint filed last year, possibly due to the upcoming revelation of names by the English courts. Who is the complaint against, and what are the allegations? All Glencore files have been transferred from SONARA to the Presidency. Can SNH explain why our crude oil was sold at a 30 percent discount below market price? Additionally, why was our crude sold to Vittol (a company accused of corruption in Latin America) at a 70 percent discount?” Barrister Akere questioned.

While indicating that the plea agreement with the US Department of Justice requires Glencore to fully cooperate with Cameroonian investigation authorities, Barrister Akere stated that SNH should suspend all dealings with Glencore due to their admitted corruption and compel them to disclose their Cameroonian accomplices.

On August 2, SNH issued a communique welcoming the progress of the proceedings against the perpetrators and the acts of corruption that tarnish its image regarding the Glencore Corruption Scandal.

The communique, signed by Adolphe Moudikle, Board Chair of SNH, indicated that the perpetrators’ appearance in court marks a significant step forward in the search for the truth in this scandalous affair.

Return To MMA: Francis Ngannou Makes PFL Debut Against Ferreira

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Former UFC champion and Cameroonian-born Francis Ngannou is making a triumphant return to Mixed Martial Arts. The “Predator” will face off against Brazilian powerhouse Renan Ferreira for the PFL Super Fights Championship title on October 19th.

“The Professional Fighters League is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated comeback of superstar and undisputed Heavyweight Champion, Francis Ngannou,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray. “In a battle of giants, he will face the formidable 6-foot-8, 2023 PFL Heavyweight Champion, Renan Ferreira, in the biggest world title fight of the year.”

Ngannou’s last MMA fight was in January 2022 when he successfully defended his UFC heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane. Since then, he has stepped into the boxing ring against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

This bout marks Ngannou’s highly anticipated debut with the PFL, following his departure from the UFC in May 2023. The promotion has secured its biggest free agent signing to headline a major event. Ngannou’s decision to join the PFL was influenced by the organization’s financial offer and its support for his boxing ambitions, which the UFC had previously rejected.

“Renan is a formidable opponent, and I’ve been closely watching his career,” said Ngannou. “He’s a unique fighter with speed, athleticism, and impressive skills.”

On his part, Renan Ferreira boasts a professional record of 13-3, with four consecutive knockout victories. His most recent win was a stunning 21-second knockout of former champion Ryan Bader in February. This will be Ferreira’s biggest challenge yet, as he faces a global superstar, Ngannou.

The main event will be preceded by a world title fight between the legendary Cris Cyborg and two-time PFL champion Larissa Pacheco. Cyborg, considered the greatest women’s MMA fighter of all time, will face Pacheco’s ten-fight winning streak, which includes victories over Kayla Harrison and Julia Budd.

This epic showdown between Ngannou and Ferreira promises to be a highlight of the year, as two of the most devastating strikers in the world collide.

FECAFOOT Ends Kit Deal with One All Sports

By Fon Christbright A. (UB Journalism Student On Internship at The Post)

The Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) has parted ways with its national team kit supplier, One All Sports (OAS).

The announcement was made on August 6 in a communique signed by Blaise Djounang, FECAFOOT’s Secretary-General. According to the communique, the termination of the contract follows a breach by OAS.

In a statement, FECAFOOT said, “…The Cameroon Football Federation attaches great importance to the proper execution of contractual commitments made freely by the parties. For this reason, it has decided to terminate this contract, thus putting an end to the partnership with this equipment supplier.”

Going by the Country’s Federation Accosication, the Cameroon’s National Football Selections will wear “One All Sports” products for the last time during the competitions scheduled in the month of September 2024.

In the meantime, FECAFOOT stated that they will, in the very near future, launch an invitation to tender aimed at selecting a new equipment supplier commensurate with the prestigious status of Cameroon’s National Selections.

At news time, OAS has not issued a statement to that effect but remours to replaced them have been circulating since the beginning of the year 2024. It is worth noting that, OAS became Cameroon’s team equipment supplier in 2022 taking over from Le Coq Sportif.

While details of the FECAFOOT-OAS contract remain undisclosed, sources within the federation suggest that OAS was to provide a VIP bus, equipment worth FCFA 655 million annually, and an annual payment of FCFA 1 billion to FECAFOOT.

Although many saw this as a lucrative deal, skepticism arose due to the lack of public contract details. FECAFOOT officials have publicly expressed satisfaction with the OAS partnership.

The contract termination could lead to another legal battle, as FECAFOOT previously faced a lawsuit from a former supplier and paid significant damages. However, this marks the second contract termination under the leadership of Samuel Eto’o, who has been at the helm of the federation for about three years.

Africa’s Campaigners Cry For Change, Demand Urgent Call To Reform Global Finance

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

African campaigners have called for a more equitable and just system in the international financial architecture that has persistently marginalized African nations.

The call was echoed on Monday August 5, during a virtual presser. Leaders from renowned institutions such as Southern and Eastern Africa Trade Information and Negotiations Institute (SEATINI)-Uganda, Tax Justice Network Africa and African Forum and Network on Debt and Development, AFRODAD participated in the presser.

Speaking during the presser, campaigners asserted that the international financial architecture in its current form has marginalized African nations grappling with shrinking fiscal space, the climate crisis and high youth unemployment.

Jason Braganza, Executive Director of AFRODAD, highlighted the unsustainable debt burden on African nations. “Much of the borrowing is being used to service existing debts rather than investing in development,” he stated. “This vicious cycle traps us in a precarious position.”

To address this crisis, Braganza proposed a new global financial framework where borrowing countries, especially African nations, have a unified, powerful voice in negotiations.

“We envision a UN-led platform where developing and developed countries, as well as creditors, can engage as equals,” he explained. “This would foster fairer, transparent negotiations, prioritizing the borrowing country’s development goals while ensuring debt servicing.”

Jane Nalungu, Executive Director of SEATINI, echoed the call for reform, accenting the need to revamp the decades-old international financial architecture. She argued that this overhaul is essential for boosting domestic revenue, facilitating a green transition, and eradicating poverty in Africa.

Nalungu stressed that revisiting international financial and trade treaties is pivotal to breaking the vicious cycles of indebtedness, trade deficits, and balance of payments challenges that continue to afflict African economies..

Chenai Mukumba, Executive Director of the Tax Justice Network Africa called for heightened oversight to close legal loopholes that facilitate illicit financial outflows and tax evasion by multinational corporations operating within the continent.

She noted that illicit financial flows deprive African governments of critical revenue needed to fund public services, thus perpetuating economic vulnerabilities and social inequities.

Activists are united in their demand for a restructured economic order that recognizes and rectifies the historical marginalization of African countries. They believe this is the only path to achieving sustainable and inclusive development.

It’s worth noting that four African countries namely Zambia, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Chad have defaulted on their debt. Several others are teetering on the brink of default.

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