At 2024 Women’s Day: MINEPAT Emphasizes Women’s Contribution To Strengthening Import Substitution Strategy

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Members of Women’s Association at the Ministry of Economy, Planning, and Land Planning, MINEPAT, better known as ASFEM, have stated that women have a significant role to play in the import substitution strategy.

**Minister Ousmane Mey and MINEPAT Women pose for a family picture**

The statement was made on March 8 during celebrations marking the 2024 edition of International Women’s Day. The event took place after a march past at the 20th of May Boulevard chaired by Chantal Biya.

The event was chaired by MINEPAT Minister, Alamine Ousmane Mey, accompanied by the Secretary-General, Inspector General of Evaluation of Service Performance, Jael Christine Mbamband, who also serves as the President of the Organizing Committee of International Women’s Day 2024 at MINEPAT, among others.

Speaking to the media, Christine Mbamband said that the theme of the thirty-ninth International Women’s Day – “Investing In Women, Accelerating The Pace” – is rooted in the delays observed in progress towards reducing gender inequality, with a strong trend towards the feminization of poverty.

She added, “MINEPAT promotes the integration of the gender approach into planning, programming, and budgeting tools, encourages sectoral administrations to systematically take account of the approach when drawing up their budgets, and implements specific programs for women. As the minister said, we have the project, and the project is seeking funding from the World Bank.”

As part of our day, Christine Mbamband said that several activities were carried out, with two activities supported by the Ministry for Women and the Family. Apart from the stand at the exhibition held at the national museum, which attracted just over seventy visitors, a workshop was organized on making household products, namely liquid soap and bleach, to enable women to contribute to household expenses by making their own soap, among other things.

According to Ripa Kaguere, Inspector No. 1 in charge of Evaluation of Service Performance (IEPS), to achieve all the objectives of our national strategy, especially the one to enhance import substitution, “we know that women can play a major role. Women are the wives, sisters, and many others, and they are at the beginning and end of the value chain. By encouraging and stating that women can do it, we work alongside men, who are our main partners. We can move forward with the vision of the head of state and accelerate the pace to make the strategy a reality.”

As 2024 Women’s Day Nears: Unhappy, Sorrowful & Abusive Experiences Sails Through CAR Refugee Women Minds

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

At a time when everyone is supposed to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and call for action to accelerate gender parity, not all women are able to partake in these celebrations.

One such emotional case can be found among the Central African Republic (CAR) refugee women at Gado Badzere, a village located in the Lom and Djérem Division of the East Region of Cameroon.

**Gado Badzere Refugee Camp in the Lom and Djérem Division of the East Region of Cameroon** (Photo Credit: Etienne Mainimo)

Sitting under the shade of a towering tree amidst the relentless heat of the sun, a group of women sit with heads bowed in contemplation. From enduring the brutal killings of their loved ones to the harrowing journey that led them to Cameroon as they narrates, the plight of these women seemingly goes largely unnoticed.

The mental and emotional well-being of these women is profoundly affected by a haunting array of unhappy, sorrowful, and abusive experiences. The memories that linger are numerous surely casting a dark shadow over their daily lives. Their eyes speaks and the weight of these experiences are manifesting in various ways.

Thoughts of the unknown future surely weighs heavy on their minds as they consider the paths that lie ahead for themselves and their cherished children. Through shared silence and shared shade, they find solace in each other’s company, drawing strength from their collective resilience and unwavering commitment to shaping a brighter tomorrow for their families.

Some of these women have endured prolonged periods without access to food, their dry and cracked lips serving as a touching indication of the hardships they are enduring. The burden of their challenging experiences is visibly etched on their faces, serving as a powerful reminder of the immense resilience and inner strength needed to persevere through such formidable adversities.

Rahamatou Bidem remembers the horrors of being forced into marriage at the age of 13. Her father explained that it was their culture, but her supposed husband was a 60-year-old man, 47 years her senior. Rahamatou Bidem remarried but was again forced to flee from the Central African Republic when she found herself caught between two faiths.

“When the conflict started, I was caught in the middle since my father is a Muslim and my mother is a Christian. I was afraid and took my children and ran away,” she narrated. Her experiences and daily struggles make her think of Women’s Day as distance realities. Rather, she is more concern of putting food on the table for her six children and 24 grand-children.

For Zilanga, the significance of celebrating Women’s Day is overshadowed by the traumatic memory of the day she and her daughter were assaulted by Seleka Rebels in their home during the conflict. This horrifying experience remains her worst nightmare, especially as her daughter continues to face sexual violence, even in the refugee camp, leaving them both deeply affected by the trauma.

“When the conflict broke out, the Seleka Rebels came to my house. They raped me and my child. My child was 14 years old, and she started behaving in a certain way due to the trauma…The violence and abusive experience emitted on my child and me are still there and fresh and celebrating women’s day is not important,” she said.

Djawara Djoumani is a woman who witnessed the tragic deaths of her husband and three children in front of her. Her only surviving daughter, currently in Form Four in the Francophone section, is residing with her. According to Djawara, her primary concern is to find a new place to settle, with no intention of returning to the Central African Republic.

Facing challenges in securing a proper meal, Djawara Djoumani take a deep breath and expressed, “Due to the prevalent issue of rape, I made the decision this year to refrain from going to the forest for farming. There are individuals who lurk, anticipating your presence at the farm, ready to engage in such heinous acts. Given my age, do you think I could resist if such a situation were to occur?”

Chief Azia Transforms Adversity Into Possibility For Over 26,000 CAR Refugees

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

It has been a long and sunny day at Gado-Badzere, a vibrant village situated in the Lom and Djérem Division in the East Region of Cameroon. The village serves as a sanctuary for approximately 26,000 Central African Republic (CAR) refugees, all residing on a sprawling 60-hectare expanse of land.

**Chief Martin Sodea Azia of Gado-Badzere village** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Throughout the day, the village has been busy with a multitude of activities, ranging from educational quests to bustling market transactions and diligent agricultural work. As the golden ball of the sun begins its descent, typically around 6 pm, the women of the village make their way back from the fertile fields, while the energetic children hurry to fetch water for their families.

The entire community springs to life with the onset of evening responsibilities, as the sounds of animated conversations in languages such as French, English, Fulfulde, and various local dialects echo through the air.

In the backdrop, one can spot a camp sheltering not only the 26,000 refugees from CAR but also a significant number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), underscoring the resilience and unity of this diverse and interconnected community. A closer look reveals the hardships these individuals have faced, yet their stay in Gado-Badzere has provided them with hope and a chance to contemplate their future.

Leading the charge towards integrating these people and bringing smiles to their faces is Chief Martin Sodea Azia, traditional village head of Gado-Badzere. Alongside the village locals, Chief Azia has facilitated a peaceful stay for the refugees in the village.

**Chief Martin Sodea Azia of Gado-Badzere village (L) discussing with some refugees** (Photo Credit: Etienne Mainimo)

Beyond Chief Azia’s hospitality, he actively supports the seamless integration of refugees into the local community. With unwavering determination, he ensures that displaced families find sustainable livelihoods by allocating arable land and providing educational opportunities for their children.”

“In the beginning, it wasn’t easy,” Chief Azia said, indicating that, “Together with the population and the authorities, we welcomed them and opened our doors, showed them where they should settle, and the UNHCR constructed tents.”

Chief Azia also mentioned that amidst the trauma of war, children arrived the village alone, women who had lost their husbands, men who had lost their wives and children, all seeking refuge were all accepted with open arms.

“What we eat, we ate together and lived together. All of that was under my command and guidance. Each time there is a problem, they would refer it to me, and through the different services, the committee that we put in place worked tirelessly for peace to prevail,” Chief Azia stated.

With some members having married individuals from the village and many locals having also married into their community, forming bonds and families, Chief Azia expressed his heartfelt sentiments, “It is very difficult and heartbreaking to see them leave.”

He continued, “At the hospital, they share the same bed, and in school, our children attend classes together, play together, work on the farm together, and even frequent the same markets. It is truly painful to bid them farewell, but we earnestly pray to God for peace to be restored in their homeland, so that our beloved brothers and sisters can return and resume their lives in tranquility.”

Djawara Djoumani, a mother who has been in the camp for four years after losing her husband and three children in the CAR crisis, praised the support received in Cameroon especially at Gado-Badzere, though recent months have brought challenges in accessing food and healthcare.

Ndoti-Djo Ismail, another long-term refugee, highlighted the effective problem-solving approach under the current chief, with a committee comprising both natives and refugees promoting peaceful coexistence and collaboration with partners.

***Partial view of farmland being cultivated by refugees in Gado-Badzere village*** *(Photo Credit: Etienne Mainimo)*

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has praised Chief Azia’s innovative approach as a beacon of hope for refugees living in Gado-Badzere village. According to UNHCR, Chief Azia’s ground-breaking efforts have not only provided much-needed support but have also stirred positive change in the lives of those seeking refuge.

Some refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) have chosen to return to their homes voluntarily, despite facing uncertainty. However, there are others who have opted to remain in Cameroon, citing pockets of insecurity and the fact that their property had been destroyed.

Cameroon is facing multiple humanitarian crises, impacting over 1.5 million people who have been forced to leave their homes, along with 600,000 individuals who have returned after being displaced internally. This includes around 500,000 refugees and asylum seekers, mainly from the Central African Republic and Nigeria.

Furthermore, more than one million internally displaced persons are struggling in the North West and South West Regions due to conflicts and other challenges. Factors such as non-state armed groups, severe weather conditions, and limited resources caused by climate change in the Far North region have worsen the situation for those affected by Boko Haram insurgence.

Elders MP Calls for Self-Introspection, Restoration Of National Assembly’s Image

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Eldest Member of Parliament, Hon. Laurentine Mbede Koa Mfegue, has urged Cameroonian Members of Parliament, MPs in the Lower House of Parliament to engage in deep self-introspection as the current 10^th Legislature will conclude in 2025.

**Hon. Laurentine Mbede Koa Mfegue speaking during the March 2024 opening session** (Photo Credit: National Assembly)

During the opening of the first Ordinary Session of the 2024 Legislative year of the National Assembly on March 5, Hon. Koa Mfegue raised important questions regarding the achievements of MPs elected in 2020, with less than 12 months remaining to the end of their mandate.

She emphasized the need for MPs to reflect on their track record and questioned if they have truly lived up to the confidence placed in them by Cameroonians.

“…Exception does not prove the rule. As Members of the National Assembly, we habitually call the attention of others to issues, but we have never taken time to do a self-introspection or look at our track record. While I do not, as Eldest Member of the National Assembly, seek to moralise, I would like to urge us to take some time off today and do a self-introspection,” Hon. Koa Mfegue said.

She added, “In retrospect, the time spent in this House Chamber warrants me to ponder on the following: what did we do during the past 48 months of our tenure? Have we really lived up to the confidence bestowed on us by Cameroonians? I may be mistaken, but our general appraisal would be: could do better.”

Hon. Cavayé Yeguié Djibril (Former House Speaker) seated during the opening session *(Photo Credit: National Assembly)*

While acknowledging that not everyone is to be blamed, Hon. Koa Mfegue highlighted unhealthy practices among MPs, such as intrigues, demeaning others out of envy, spreading slander on social media platforms, engaging in power struggles, pursuing personal gain, and obsessively chasing after money.

She raised the issue of corruption which continues to plague the public service, power outages recurrent due to acute power shortage problems and water-borne diseases are increasingly propagated because of inadequate water supply.

“…We are credited with the passing of bills which I believe are good bills. We ensured Government oversight through relevant verbal questions. Our parliamentary networks have examined serious and important issues. But, did we bother to raise concerns on the issues I just mentioned in the past 48 months even though they affect the daily lives of our constituents?” she questioned.

She asked again, “Have we really served to satisfy the aspirations of our constituents, the very aspirations we are expected to articulate in this House Chamber? Did we actually go the extra mile to contact appropriate public authorities to have the aspirations of our constituents satisfied? But who would dare to stop a group of elected representatives from knocking at the door of such public authorities to enquire about a situation in order to spur action?”

Talking about secondary education, she lamented the state of the sector, likening it to a sinking ship where educators are abandoning classrooms and increasingly taking to the streets to make demands that, unfortunately, have largely gone unmet despite clear directives from the highest authority.

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

She also observed that violence and drug abuse have become pervasive in school environments, while university campuses suffer from a lack of discipline and rigor, amidst an atmosphere of general laxity.

While she acknowledged the government’s efforts in managing the current economic challenges, she commended the Ministry of Trade for its measures to address inflation, reduce the cost of living, and alleviate food shortages in the country.

Looking ahead, Hon. Koa Mfegue called on MPs to work towards restoring the good reputation of the House Chamber within the remaining 12 months of their term. She emphasized the necessity of achieving this goal, ensuring that both outgoing members and incoming representatives take pride in contributing to a viable, stable, and reputable institution.

Additionally, she encouraged the staff of the National Assembly to maintain high standards of restraint, efficiency, discipline, professionalism, and moral integrity in serving the nation’s supreme interests. She also expressed condemnation for the attack that occurred in Nkambe during the National Youth Day celebrations on February 11.

Even though bills are expected to be tabled during the session, the March sessions of parliament are primarily devoted to the election of the Bureau of the National Assembly.

After Rigobert Song’s Departure: What Qualities Should Cameroonians Seek In A Coach?

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

When the news broke that Rigobert Song Bahanag’s contract would not be renewed by the Cameroonian government, it triggered a wave of discussions and debates among football enthusiasts across the nation.

Cameroon’s football team coach, Rigobert Song, observes as Cameroon takes on Namibia in an AFCON qualifying football match between Cameroon and Namibia at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon on March 24, 2023 *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

The announcement left many divided. while some passionately advocated for Song to be afforded more time to implement his strategic vision for the team, others felt it was time for a fresh approach, citing a lack of significant progress under his tenure.

In fact, the once-unified fan base found itself grappling with conflicting emotions as they reflected on the departure of a man who was once hailed as a hero on the day of his appointment.

“We are happy that a national especially Song has been appointed as head coach of the Indomitable Lions. He knows the den and will bring us victory,” some fans said during his appointed in February 2022.

However, with Rigobert Song’s tenure as the coach of the Indomitable Lions officially concluded, attention has swiftly turned towards the search for a new helmsman to guide the national team towards greater heights.

The burning question that now occupies the minds of football fans and analysts alike is: what are the essential qualities that the Cameroonian football authorities should prioritize in their quest for a new coach who can elevate the team’s performance on the global stage?

Truth be told, opinions on this matter vary significantly, reflecting the diverse perspectives within the football community. However, with crucial qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2026 FIFA World Cup looming on the horizon, there is an urgent need for a decisive decision to be made.

Recent performances by the Lions underscore the pressing need for a coach who not only possesses tactical acumen but also embodies integrity and charisma, qualities that can galvanize the team and inspire them to achieve their full potential. According to fans, the Lions must assert their rightful position in the African football landscape.

As expectations soar and aspirations reach new heights, the incoming coach must possess the acumen to orchestrate a turnaround in the fortunes of the Lions. The new coach must command the respect of the players, instill a culture of discipline and professionalism within the squad, and foster a sense of unity and purpose.

Player selection must be based on merit, commitment, and a readiness to don the national colors with pride and passion. Moreover, the new coach must present a comprehensive and compelling roadmap for success, be it in the short or long term. He must be granted the autonomy to execute their plans while being held accountable for achieving set objectives.

In this pivotal moment for Cameroonian football, the appointment of the right coach could mark the beginning of a new chapter filled with promise and potential. As the search for a new leader gains momentum, the nation eagerly anticipates the emergence of a figure who can lead the Indomitable Lions to glory on the global stage.

PAID Inaugurates General Secretariate, Celebrates 60th Anniversary

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Pan African Institute for Development, PAID, has inaugurated its general assembly in Yaounde. The event, which took place in Yaounde on February 28, was chaired by Alamine Ousmane Mey, Minister of Economy, Planning, and Regional Development, accompanied by Prof. Emmanuel Kamdem, Secretary General and various dignitaries.

**Minister Ousmane Mey cutting the Inauguration ribbon** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

The event which coinciding with the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the institution, also witnessed the official installation of Fatumata Djau Balde, President of the Board of Directors of the institution, who also serves as the Minister of Agriculture in the Republic of Guinea Bissau. The 60th anniversary is being celebrated under the theme, “Innovation and the originality of African scientific method.”

Saluting the institution for supporting the development process on the continent, Minister Ousmane Mey who also doubles as PAID Supervisory Authority in Cameroon stated that it is an instrumental in training, capacity building, research development, and promoting social and economic development in the countries.

He added, “Today we want to believe that the combination of the installation of the chairperson as well as the commissioning of the new headquarters of the Secretary-General will provide greater opportunities and better conditions for the training of those who will be trained in this important institution.”

According to the Minister, the institution is helping the continent accelerate its development. “We should keep in mind that one of the pillars of the National Development Strategy, SND30, is about human capital development and economic insertion. When you think of human capital, you think of training. When you think of training, you have institutions like this Pan African Development Institution that are helping Cameroon promote the great insertion of our youths.”

**Officials during the inauguration ceremony** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Expressing hope that the institution will continue training, collaborating, and integrating at the continental level, the Minister said, “this is a Pan African Institution. Considering the African Continental Free Trade Area, we are looking ahead with great hope and expectations, as well as challenges. We are also confident that the institution is in good hands and that the future is bright.”

Regarding the inauguration of the headquarters, Fatumata Djau Balde said, it will help the institution promote and exercise its functions, given that the institution is dedicated to the development of countries. In terms of economic development, she said, those who will be trained and enhance their capacities will enter the market with the expertise to bring about change in their respective countries.

**Officials pose for a family picture after the inauguration ceremony** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Concerning the activities of the anniversary, discussions are focused on analyzing PAID’s activities over the past 60 years, and also reflecting on the next orientation the association shall undertake to address the challenges of concerted, decent, and sustainable development in Africa, with a focus on innovative methods of training and research.

Established in 1964, PAID has five regional offices and aims to promote action-oriented research and people-centered development. It also aims to enhance the capacity of individuals and institutions through the development of business and management skills in an effort to create employment and reduce poverty.

MINEPAT, 7 Councils Signed FCFA 2.2 Bn Agreement For Inclusive Dev’t

By Jacqueline Nyingchia

The Ministry of Economy, Planning, and Regional Development (MINEPAT) and seven councils drawn from the national territory have signed a partnership agreement aimed at providing and maintaining infrastructures in their respective municipalities.

This outcome resulted from a partnership agreement signed on February 29 in Yaounde. Minister Alamine Ousmane Mey represented MINEPAT, while mayors from the seven municipalities signed on behalf of their councils.

**Minister Ousamane Mey (R) and Mayor Tanjong Martin (L) of Tubah Council exchanges MoU** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne Mengnjo)

The partnership was signed in the presence of the Director of the International Labour Office in Cameroon. The seven councils include Fokoué, Kribi I, Nkongsamba II, Ngaoundéré III, Nitoukou, Touroua, and Tubah.

During the signing ceremony, Minister Ousmane Mey said, the partnership provides an opportunity to celebrate the initiative aimed at promoting highly intensive work to facilitate an inclusive development process.According to the Minister, the seven councils will benefit from an allocation of FCFA 2.25 billion.

“This will lead to the construction of social housing, pavement of roads, schools, and stores in line with the expectations of the local population. The seven represented here are testimonies of the government’s commitment to support the decentralization process,” Minister Ousmane Mey stated.

Regarding the selection of the seven councils, Minister Ousmane Mey emphasized that they were chosen based on a rigorous approach in line with pertinent criteria. He urged the mayors to collaborate closely with the Labour-based Technical Unit and demonstrate that this initiative delivers the expected results for both themselves and the population they serve.

**Minister Ousmane Mey (R) and Mayor (L) penning down agreement** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Adrienne Demenou, Mayor of Fokwe, speaking on behalf of the mayors, appreciated the partnership, highlighting the positive collaboration between MINEPAT and the councils, which aims to enhance the decentralization and local development processes.

“Our projects focus on constructing municipal buildings, roads, and various other infrastructure developments. Councils are requesting that these projects are tailored to meet their specific needs and address emergencies within their jurisdictions. Rather than a uniform set of projects, we aim to undertake initiatives that reflect the diverse needs of the local population in each area,” Adrienne Demenou said.

Mayor Tanjong Martin of Tubah in the Northwest Region noted that it would create job opportunities for youths in the area, contributing to peace amidst the crisis.

The Tubah council is embarking on the production of ecological bricks. These bricks are manufactured without cement, using only plastic and sand, making them more durable than traditional tar materials for road construction. As a result, we plan to produce and utilize these bricks to pave 1050km of roads within the municipality

**Officials and Mayors pose for a family picture** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

The partnership represents a concrete implementation of one of the orientations of the National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (SND30), specifically the systematization of the HIMO approach with the objectives of infrastructure development and generating temporary income for disadvantaged households.

The selected projects have undergone preliminary studies and are expected to generate 1,520 direct jobs, develop technical skills in construction and public works, promote local unskilled labor, and maximize the use of available materials in each municipality.

Song Bahanag’s Report Card As Indomitable Lions Coach Is Not The Best – Fans

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Fans of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon says, Rigobert Song Bahanag’s report card as head coach of the team for over two years has been disappointing.

They made their views on Wednesday, February 28, after Prof. Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, Minister of Sports and Physical Education, announced that Song’s contract would not be renewed.

**Fans at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon on March 24, 2023 as Cameroon and Namibia played 1-1 draw in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Speaking shortly after going through the letter, fans on the streets of Yaounde, however thank Song for his stewardship with the lions but acknowledged that his coaching performance fell short of expectations.

Samson stated, “Song is a great player, but his time as coach of the Lions has been disappointing. We were hopeful when he was appointed, but his tenure has seen one of the worst performances of the Lions.”

“I lost confidence in the team when Song took over not because I hated him but because of record at the Intermediate Lions. Being a good player doesn’t guarantee success as a coach. He has shown that he was a great player, but we are disappointed with his coaching outcomes,” Ethel said.

Jean Marie added, “While Song helped qualify us for the World Cup and AFCON in Cote D’Ivoire, his playing style and tactics have been lacking. He managed the team, but there is room for improvement in his coaching approach.”

On February 28, the government of Cameroon, through the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education, announced that Song’s contract would not be renewed.

In a letter that went viral on social network, the Minister referring to the relevant stipulations of employment contract No. 2022-025/MINSEP/CAB concluded on March 23, 2022, between the different parties expires on February 29, 2024, in accordance with its article 6 paragraph 1.

“…Therefore, it is not possible for the State, provider of your remuneration (salary and other benefits), to reappoint you as Coach of the Cameroon senior men’s national team,” the Minister indicated.

**Rigobert Song Bahanag speaking to the press following Cameroon’s 1-1 draw with Namibia in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon on March 24, 2023** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

In a release signed by FECAFOOT Secretary General Blaise Djounang, the football association indicated that on February 28, the executive committee of FECAFOOT notified the Indomitable Lions staff of the termination of their contract to manage the Cameroon senior men’s national team.

While expressing gratitude for their dedicated services to the nation, FECAFOOT noted that information regarding the recruitment process for a new coaching staff for the Indomitable Lions will be disclosed in the upcoming days.

Rigobert Song’s contract with the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) concluded on Tuesday, February 27, following a two-year tenure. Song’s performance record is concerning, with only six wins, nine defeats, and eight draws in 23 games during his time as the head coach of the Lions

Song Bahanag Relieved of His Duties as Cameroon Indomitable Lions Coach

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Rigobert Song Bahanag has been relieved of his duties as the head coach of the Cameroon national senior football team.

**Rigobert Song Bahanag speaking to the press after Cameroon’s 1-1 tie with Namibia in the qualifiers of the 2023 AFCON at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon on March 24, 2023** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

He was relieved of his duties following a letter addressed to him on February 28 by the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Prof. Narcisse Mouelle Kombi.

According to Prof. Mouelle Kombi, the employment contract No. 2022-025/MINSEP/CAB, concluded on March 23, 2022, between the different parties, expires on February 29, 2024, in accordance with its Article 6, paragraph 1.

The Minister states that it will not be possible for the State, provider of remuneration (salary and other benefits), to reappoint him as the Coach of the Cameroon senior men’s national team. He has been relieved from his duties alongside the technical staff.

Criticism of Song’s performance during his two-year tenure has been significant. In 23 matches under his leadership, the team achieved six victories, suffered nine defeats, and settled for eight draws. Consequently, recruitment procedures for a new coach are set to begin in the upcoming days.

CAMTEL Is Determined To Make Youths Pillars Of Digital Transformation – Judith Yah Sunday

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The General Manager of Cameroon Telecommunications, CAMTEL, Judith Yah Sunday, says her institution is determined to make youths pillars of digital transformation in the country.

Judith Yah Sunday made the statement during CAMTEL Youth Day on February 27 in Yaounde. CAMTEL Youth Day was held under the theme, “Youths at the forefront of digital transformation.”

**CAMTEL GM, Judith Yah Sunday and youths pose for a family picture** (Photo Credit: CAMTEL)

The event brought together the Resident Representative of IAI Cameroon, young startups, tech engineers, entrepreneurs, and other key players in the digital sector who sought to explore the role of youth in accelerating digital transformation in Cameroon within the context of the National Development Strategy, SND30.

While underscoring the importance and contributions of youths in building a strong digital economy, Judith Yah Sunday emphasized the need to involve and empower them to create jobs and become employers themselves.

**Panel discussions during CAMTEL Youth Day** (Photo Credit: CAMTEL)

“We know that today youths are the champions of digital transformation. Startups are those who create and innovate so it is important that we take them on board so that we can work together in such a way that their genius can serve to promote development, empower them to create jobs and be employers themselves,” Judith Yah Sunday epse Achidi said.

She added, “We want to go for the best of our Cameroonians youths in terms of technicians and engineers to come onboard so we can see how we can better serve the Cameroonian community as far as telecommunications is concern.”

**Fadimatou Iyawa Ousmanou, President of the National Youth Council** (Photo Credit: CAMTEL)

In the meantime, Fadimatou Iyawa Ousmanou, President of the National Youth Council, praised CAMTEL for the initiative, indicating their readiness to collaborate closely with CAMTEL to strengthen the engagement of Cameroonian youth.

“We thank CAMTEL for placing the youths at the forefront of digital transformation and to also put all their concern and focus on Cameroonian youths who are the most important component of our country. We are willing to work hand in glove with CAMTEL so that we can be able to reinforce the engagement of Cameroonian youths in the creation of more opportunities and fight against unemployment,” Fadimatou Iyawa Ousmanou said.

**CAMTEL GM Judith Yah Sunday speaking during the event** (Photo Credit: CAMTEL)

It’s worth noting that CAMTEL is celebrating its 25 anniversaries, and according to the General Manager, the focus is not on feasting but on reflection, evaluating what has been achieved, how far CAMTEL has come in 25 years, and identifying areas for improvement and future actions over the next 25 years to enhance CAMTEL’s service to the Cameroonian community in telecommunications.

CAMTEL Youth Day coincided with an extensive recruitment process initiated by the company to hire young Cameroonian technicians and IT specialists to enhance service delivery.

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