UNHCR, INS Partner To Improve Data On Refugees & Displaced Persons In Cameroon

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the National Institute of Statistics (INS) have established a collaborative partnership to accurately determine the number of refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), asylum seekers, and returnees in Cameroon.

**Joseph Tedou and Oliver Beer penning the partnership** (Photo Credit: CRTV web)

The partnership was officially signed on February 15 in Yaounde. Under this agreement, the INS, renowned for its global standards and extensive international and national expertise, will conduct a comprehensive survey scheduled for June and July 2024.

Joseph Tedou, Director General of INS signed on behalf of his institution while Oliver Beer, UNHCR Representative in Cameroon represented his institution.

The primary objective of this global survey is to enhance the quality of available data concerning forcibly displaced individuals, thereby improving the effectiveness of meeting their specific needs.

**Officials pose for a family picture** (Photo Credit: CRTV Web)

The Forced Displacement Survey (FDS) is a program aimed at streamlining and standardizing surveys that gather data on forcibly displaced persons. It encompasses information about their socioeconomic status, living conditions, and details about their host communities.

Cameroon is one of the initial three countries selected for the implementation of the FDS out of the 16 countries chosen.

Based on statistics from November 2023, Cameroon is currently hosting a total of 2,038,539 individuals. This includes 479,012 refugees, 9,495 asylum seekers, 1,075,252 internally displaced persons, and 658,548 returnees. Notably, within the refugee community, 354,837 individuals originate from the Central African Republic, 121,206 from Nigeria, and 2,969 from various other countries.

Cameroonians Pay Last Respects to Prof. Joseph Owona

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Cameroonians from diverse backgrounds have paid their last respects to Prof. Joseph Owona, who passed away on January 6 in Bordeaux, France, at the age of 78.

On January 15, Cameroonians paid their last respect to fallen State-man in Yaounde as he embarked on his final journey to the world beyond. At the Yaoundé General Hospital, a ceremony took place where Prof. Jacques Fame Ndongo, Minister of State and Minister of Higher Education, represented the President of the Republic.

The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister, government officials, members of the Constitutional Council, academics, as well as family members and friends. They all came together to honor a man whom they described as a devoted public servant.

In this difficult time, Clément Atangana, President of the Cameroon Constitutional Council, called on the deceased’s family to remain united and strong. He described Prof. Joseph Owona as a man who always stood for what was right, stating, “You have contributed to the writing of some of the most beautiful pages in the history of our country’s constitution.”

According to Prof. Adolphe Minkoa She, Rector of the University of Yaoundé II, “Pr Joseph Owona was an exceptional jurist, an infinite mind, and a dedicated academic.” Pr Alain Francklin Ondoua, Dean of the Faculty of Legal and Political Sciences at the University of Yaounde II, added that Prof. Joseph Owona was a highly respected and unparalleled talent, a master of public law in Cameroon and Africa.

Prof. Charles Étienne Lekene Donfack, a friend and colleague of Prof. Joseph Owona, said, “He was a man of simplicity, yet with a strong character.” Prof. Maurice Aurélien Sosso, President of the Conference of University Institutions, expressed, “The university community has just lost one of its most esteemed scholars. You will live on through all your works. You will shine brightly in celestial bliss.”

He will be laid to rest on February 17th in Akom Bikoe, located in the South Region. The Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education, Prof. Jacques Fame Ndongo, will represent the President of the Republic.

Before his passing, Prof. Joseph Owona served as a member of the Constitutional Council. He was Cameroon’s first Professor of Public Law and Political Science and began his service to the State in his 30s as a deputy minister.

He led the technical committee that drafted the 1996 Cameroon Constitution, which included representatives from both francophone and anglophone backgrounds. Throughout his career, he held positions in at least 10 ministerial departments, served as Secretary General at the Presidency of the Republic, and much more.

AFRODAD, SADC PF Collaborates To Promote Sound Financial & Debt Management Policies Across Africa

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD) and The Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF), have signed a partnership agreement aimed at promoting sound financial and debt management policies across Africa.

The deal was sealed on February 12^th in Harare, Zimbabwe. Jason Rosario Braganza, AFRODAD’s Executive Director, represented his institution, while Hon. Boemo Sekgoma, Secretary General of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, signed on behalf of his institution.

Regarding the agreement, Hon. Sekgom emphasized that effective financial governance of countries today is the cornerstone of sustainable development, creating a conducive environment for citizens to enjoy their socio-economic human rights.

“In this regard, the Forum welcomes its collaboration with AFRODAD under this forward-looking MOU to promote sound financial and debt management through parliamentary and other initiatives which will inter alia set the precepts for the development of a Model Law on Climate Action that is grounded in sustainable financial commitments by states to reduce carbon emissions,” he said.

On his part, Rosario Braganza hailed the collaboration, emphasizing that it will help deepen the development of the Model Law on Climate Action by incorporating both technical and political economy perspectives.

“This collaboration marks a significant step forward not only in enhancing our shared commitment to advancing responsible debt management and promoting robust financial systems but to deepen our partnership by bringing a technical and political economy perspective to the development of the Model Law on Climate Action. We look forward to merging our combined expertise which will empower parliaments and other key stakeholders to play a leading role in this critical endeavour,” he said.

The agreement formalises the collaboration of both organisations in influencing policy by providing technical support to African governments and parliaments to regain their political, economic, and social agency at a time when African countries are dealing with a multiplicity of crises. The SADC Model PFM Law lays the foundation towards attaining the ambitions of the Abuja Treaty in establishing an African Financial Architecture.

AFRODAD says the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is a significant milestone in advancing sustainable development and climate justice in Africa. Through joint efforts, the SADC Parliamentary Forum and AFRODAD aim to empower governments, engage citizens, and make sound financial governance a cornerstone for African governments, ultimately working towards making ‘Africa a Rule-Maker.’

AFRODAD is a Pan-African organisation committed to assisting the long-term development of the continent; by promoting prudent debt and resource management, while also supporting the development of solutions to multiple intersecting crises.

SADC Parliamentary Forum is a regional inter-parliamentary body composed of 15 parliaments representing over 3500 parliamentarians in the SADC region provides a platform for parliaments and parliamentarians to promote and improve regional integration in the SADC region, through parliamentary involvement.

MASO Is Creating Entrepreneurs Through Solidarity Economy – Abel Bela Samari

The Deputy Director of Communications at Group Renaprov Finance SA, Abel Bela Samari says, the Mutual Assistance and Solidarity, better known as MASO has been created to produce entrepreneurs through solidarity economy. Abel Bela Samari made the statement recently in an exclusive interview granted The Post. Besides highlighting MASO’s core objective of nurturing entrepreneurs and liberating individuals, especially Cameroonians and Africans, from the grips of poverty he underscored the transformative potential of MASO as a catalyst for economic empowerment. Follow him in the following except.

**Abel Bela Samari – Deputy Director of Communications at Group Renaprov Finance SA**

Except:

News-Lens: Thank you so much for accepting to talk to The Post. Let us begin right away, briefly, what is MASO all about?

Abel Bela Samari: MASO is the Mutual Assistance and Solidarity. It is a product of the microfinance institution RENAPROV Finance SA which is out to accompany the government of Cameroon remove its citizens from the shackle of poverty. When we talk MASO, we talk about Africa solidarity and Africa solidarity model of economy that is solidarity economy. Where man is put at the center of all priorities. When civilization started in Africa the first model of economy that was adopted is “trade by better” where man was put at the center of interest. It still happened in Africa today. Sometime we accompany new births, marriage and even death with lot of support. In most cases without obliging individuals to do so. That is the spirit of solidarity we are talking about. Sacrificing your FCFA 100 to empower a brother, sister or friend to come out of the shackle of poverty.

What prompted RENAPROV Finance SA to develop this initiative?

Since the creation of RENAPROV Finance SA in 1996 as a major actor in the Microfinance sector in Cameroon, this microfinance has put man at the center of its priority. The idea of MASO has been existing but was reserved to workers of Group RENAPROV Finance SA. It was until 2020, following the death of a taxi driver in the capital city Yaounde after been sick for a while. He was a regular caller over Royal FM, one of the enterprise in the group RENAPROV Finance SA. When his death was answered, contributions were made at the different filling stations in Yaounde. The amount contributed could not even buy him a coffin. It is from this back drop that the chief executive officer of group RENAPROV Finance decided to hold a meeting with transporters syndicate to sell his vision of how to remove man from poverty through solidarity economy. At first it was reversed for transporters but few weeks letter, other sectors of social life were brought in to form the Mutual Assistance and Solidarity, MASO.

Over the past four years, how has MASO been working towards helping Cameroonians become entrepreneurs?

Thank you very much for this question, we are into act 4 of MASO with registration and contribution on going in all the 27 agencies of RENAPROV Finance SA across the country. The past three years that Act 1, 2 and 3 MASO have finance projects to over hundreds of millions. We have a young mutualist who in Act 2 won FCFA 15 million, today he run a well-equipped sport gymnasium with close to 20 workers in it. Another in Act 3 won FCFA 50 million. Today he is into agro industrial farming. We have automobile owners who are not doing badly in the transport sector. In Yaounde, you will find lot of taxis with MASO and RENAPROV Finance branding on them, these are young entrepreneurs MASO is creating. We have young entrepreneurs who have ventured into income generating activities thanks to MASO. In short MASO is creating entrepreneurs through solidarity economy.

Can we settle that the objective has been realized by contributing FCFA 100 a day?

I will say yes and no. Yes, the objective is being realized because today we have Cameroonians who have cross the trust hood of poverty through financing of their education, businesses, projects, providing houses in gated areas, providing income generating materials, providing boreholes to Communities, and many others. You know, we have MASO Classique and Maso Gold. One is refundable without interest; the latter is non-refundable.

I will equally say no, because we still have Cameroon still levering in poverty. MASO can only reach its objective when Cameroonians have adequate health care, good drinking water, be able to finance their projects, be able to generate wealth for prosperity.

What has been the reaction of Cameroonians so far? Has it been an easy journey?

It has been positive for those who understand the meaning of African solidarity. Those who understand that solidarity economy is the way out of poverty. For those who still not understand that Africa is the Garden of Eden and through our God given values of solidarity we can change the position of Cameroon in the economy world map will tell you MASO is a scam, like we always say, the action of MASO, speak for its self. But in a nutshell, it has not been an easy journey so far but trust me, we shall succeed because it is God’s project.

What achievements can Cameroonians boast of as members of MASO?

Thank you very much for this question. MASO, has provided boreholes to some quarters in Yaounde. Inhabitant of these areas (Febe village, Neimeyong, Ahala, Ekaonou and many others) had serious water crises but today they can drink portable water. MASO, operate a second category hospital where mutualist can treat up to ten members of their family with a 35 percent discount to all bill pay. There is 20 percent discount which is being given to mutualists who are parents or student studying at the Bissai University Institute. FCFA five million is given to mutualists who have contributed for 20 years successful and attain the age of 60 years. There is assistance to mutualist in happy and sad moment.

What are the future plans for MASO in relation to the Cameroonian people?

The future is bright with MASO that is what I will tell you. MASO principal mission is to remove humanity, Africans, and Cameroonians in particular from the shackle of poverty. We have tried all model of economy in Cameroon, it has failed us. Imperialism is still at the center of our mystery. It is time, we tray a new approach solidarity economy thereby using our values to fight against Poverty. If all Cameroonians become member of MASO, we shall have enough capital to help sponsor projects that will create jobs.

What message does MASO have for the Cameroonian people?

MASO is a reality, with MASO we simple live our Africa values. MASO is out to valorize our Africa solidarity so that together we live a fulfilling life full of happiness. Rush to any RENAPROV Finance SA agency, register into MASO and benefits from all the advantages.

Interviewed by Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

2024 Youth Day: Pupils & Students Renew Commitment, Resolve To Be Exemplary

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Pupils and students studying in Mfou, in the Méfou-et-Afamba Division of the Center Region, have renewed their commitment to being exemplary members of society.

**Government Bilingual Primary School Mfou** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

This commitment was made on February 11 during celebrations marking the 58^th edition of National Youth Day in Cameroon. The theme for the 2024 edition was “Youth, Import Substitution, and Economic Patriotism for Cameroon’s Development.”

Speaking to New-Lens after participating in the march pass, students expressed their appreciation for President Paul Biya’s speech and pledged to work hard to achieve their goals.

**Fulness Bilingual Baptist School, Mfou** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

“I am so happy to have taken part in this march pass!” a pupil said.

Nadia Nsiri, a student in one of the secondary schools in the area, said, “As you can see, we are happy to participate in the march pass. I believe that we will continue to be diligent students and work hard in our studies. That is the only way to make our parents happy.”

**Holy Cross International College Yaounde** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

While some students were hesitant to speak, many acknowledged that they had listened to President Paul Biya’s speech and recognized the importance of staying away from deviant behaviors.

AFCON 2023: Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire Rise Above Adversity, Crowned Champions

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

It was an unforgettable night for host country Côte d’Ivoire as they staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the Super Eagles of Nigeria 2-1 in the finals of the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

**Cote D’Ivoire Champions of Africa** *(Photo Credit: CAF)*

The triumph at the Alassane Ouattara stadium on February 11th was a proof to the Ivorians’ resilience after accidentally qualifying for the second round. They scraped their way through before hitting their stride in the knockout stages, displaying an unwavering spirit that propelled them to victory.

Nigeria, with their array of attacking talents, entered this year’s AFCON as strong contenders and at the finals, they were favorites. However, their success in reaching the final was largely attributed to their defensive solidity, conceding only twice throughout the tournament.

Despite the Ivorian’s dominance, it was Nigeria’s captain, William Troost-Ekong, who broke the deadlock with a header from Samuel Chukwueze’s flick-on during the first half.

Ivorian team Captain and Tournament youngest player celebrating victory (Photo Credit: CAF)

In the second half, Côte d’Ivoire rallied with renewed determination. Franck Kessie equalized for his team just past the hour-mark, capitalizing on being left unmarked at the back post from a set-piece.

In a thrilling turn of events, the Elephants completed their comeback in the 81st minute when Adingra delivered a precise cross from the left, and former West Harmer player, Sabastian Haller cleverly redirected the ball into the back of the net, securing a 2-1 lead.

**Didier Drogba celebrates victory with Ivorian players** (Photo Credit: CAF)

As the final whistle sounded, the host nation celebrated an incredible AFCON triumph. Ivory Coast has now joined the ranks of the twelve nations to have host and won the prestigious Nations Cup title, while Nigeria will lament their second final defeat in Abidjan since losing to Cameroon in 1984.

The champions are set to receive a prize of seven million dollars, following CAF’s increase in the winning prize from the five million dollars awarded to the 2022 edition winners. The runners-up will pocket four million dollars, while the third and fourth-placed teams will each receive 2.5 million dollars.

Ensuring Clean Schools: Minister Nalova Urges Parents To Foster Closer Communication With Their Children

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

In order to overcome the obstacles that children will undoubtedly face, the Minister of Secondary Education, Prof. Pauline Nalova Lyonga, has called on parents to foster closer communication with their children.

Minister Nalova Lyonga made the call on February 9 in Yaounde during the launching ceremony of a novel titled “Clean School or School With a Difference,” written by Yvonne Flore Belma Chonga. Minister Nalova was accompanied by the Secretary of State to the Ministry of Secondary Education, Bayaola Boniface, among others.

**Minister Nalova Lyonga(3rd from Left) speaking during the launching ceremony** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Speaking, Minister Nalova Lyonga stressed the importance of parents talking to their children, even if others also engage in conversation with them. She urged parents to fulfill their obligation to communicate with their children in order to prevent situations that could be avoided.

She stressed that it is the responsibility of parents, as mothers or fathers, to learn how to effectively communicate with their children, as some African parents have not yet acquired this skill. She warned that failing to communicate with children could lead to small issues escalating into significant problems.

“As a mother or father, you must learn to talk to your children. Some African parents have not learned how to talk to a child but we will have to, otherwise, a little thing that could have been avoided will result in something so big that one can’t understand,” Minister Nalova Lyonga stressed.

**Front view of the 98 page Novel by Yvonne Flore Belma Chonga** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

Minister Nalova Lyonga not only admired the bravery of Belma Chonga in sharing her story but also highlighted the significance of addressing cleanliness, which is often underestimated. The Minister emphasized that Belma Chonga aims to ensure that parents engage in continuous dialogue with their children and that they learn to overcome obstacles together.

on her parth, Belma Chonga, the author, stated that her motivation for writing the novel stemmed from her personal experiences during her youth and in school, where she faced various challenges due to lack of hygiene and sanitation.

Belma Chonga expressed her desire to prevent other young girls and married women from enduring similar experiences by advocating for better communication between parents and children. She emphasized that children have a lot to share but can only do so if they have a close relationship with their parents.

***Sketch demonstrating the importance of Clean Schools*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

While hoping that her work will complement the government’s efforts in this area, she added, “Today I am so happy because my novel is not only for children but also for parents. You will see that the lack of communication with my parents make me to carry diseases for a long time and today, I am calling for parents especially mothers to be closed to their girl children.”

During the launching ceremony, sketches highlighting the importance of a clean school and a documentary on clean schools were among the event’s highlights.

Yvonne Flore Belma Chonga holds a Professional Masters in Town Planning and Engineering. She is also the President of the Cameroon NGO for Help in Hygiene and Youths Onsertion on Communities (ACAHIJEC) and the Country Representative of the Spanish Association, Centre De Cooperation Interculturel de la Femme Africaine (CODAF)

Host Ivory Coast, Nigeria Set To Ignite Rivalry In AFCON Final

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Host country of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, Ivory Coast, will face three-time champions, Nigeria, in the finals of the 2023 edition of the tournament. The AFCON, which is one of the most prestigious football competitions in Africa, has been an exciting showcase of talent, skill, and passion for the sport.

The journey to the finals has been a challenging one for both Ivory Coast and Nigeria. Ivory Coast’s road to the final has been marked by determination and strong performances. They displayed their prowess in the semi-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC. The win did not only secured their place in the final but also brought them one step closer to reclaiming the AFCON title they last won in 2015.

On the other hand, Nigeria’s journey has been equally impressive. With a rich history in African football, Nigeria has a strong reputation and a passionate fan base. After a thrilling encounter in the semi-finals against South Africa, Nigeria emerged victorious in a penalty shoot-out, winning 4-2. This victory propelled them to their first AFCON final since 2013, when they defeated Burkina Faso 1-0 to clinch their third continental crown.

**Ivory Coast, celebrating their victory during the semi-finals** *(Photo Credit: CAF)*

The upcoming final promises to be a clash of titans as two powerhouse nations battle it out for the coveted AFCON title. Ivory Coast, led by their talented squad, will be eager to showcase their skills and lift the trophy once again. Nigeria, with their rich footballing history, will also bring their A-game to the final as they aim to add another AFCON title to their collection.

While the final is the main event, the AFCON also provides an opportunity for other teams to compete for third place. The DRC and South Africa will face each other in the third-place playoff on Saturday, which will undoubtedly be a fiercely contested match.

**Nigeria and South Africa competing at the semi-finals** *(Photo Credit: CAF)*

As the anticipation builds, football fans from across the continent eagerly await the final showdown on Sunday, February 11. The match is scheduled to kick off at 20:00 GMT and will be a culmination of the month-long sport jamboree event. The atmosphere will be electric, with supporters from both nations filling the stadium, creating an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike.

The AFCON final is not only a celebration of football but also a testament to the unity and passion that the sport brings to Africa. It is a platform where players can showcase their skills on an international stage and inspire future generations of footballers.

Was Samuel Eto’o Genuine In Resigning As FECAFOOT President?

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

On February 5, Samuel Eto’o, President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), declared his intention to step down from his post during a meeting with the Football Association Executive.

***Samuel Eto’o, FECAFOOT President*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

However, his resignation was later rejected. The executive committee had gathered to evaluate the national team’s performance at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The meeting is said to have begun as Eto’o offered to step down, encouraging other members to do the same in good faith.

According to a statement released by FECAFOOT, after discussions and deliberations, the executive committee unanimously decided to maintain their current mandates and reject Eto’o’s resignation. They expressed their continued confidence in him to lead the reconstruction and development of Cameroon football, as outlined in his plan adopted by the elective general assembly on December 11, 2021.

while Eto’o’s resignation was the focal point of attention, no other decisions or conclusions from the meeting were disclosed, particularly regarding the team’s disappointing performance at the recently ongoing AFCON.

Nevertheless, a lot of questions are blowing on the wind as to whether Samuel Eto’o was truly serious about stepping down as FECAFOOT President. Some sports enthusiasts have suggested that his resignation process seemed somewhat dramatic.

A sports reporter pointed out that, “If Samuel Eto’o genuinely intended to resign, he wouldn’t have presented his resignation letter during the executive meeting. This is not the conventional way to handle such matters. It appears as though they had to plead with him to maintain his legitimacy after tabling his resignation letter.”

Another unnamed reporter stated, “Resignations are not typically done in the manner Eto’o presented. He shouldn’t have been present at the meeting if he planned to resign. He should have submitted his letter and stayed away.”

Magdalene Ysi commented, “Nothing surprises me in Cameroon because I had already imagined how Eto’o would handle this. How often do we witness people resigning in Cameroon? Yes, he is capable of doing it because we all know that, at the moment, he cannot. I just have the feeling that he staged his resignation. It was like a drama unfolding on another stage.”

Meanwhile, according to Article 17 (1) of the FECAFOOT statutes adopted in 2021, “Any member may resign from FECAFOOT at any time. Resignation must be submitted in writing to the Secretary-General at least 6 (six) months before the end of the financial year.”

Article 17 (2) states, “Resignation shall only become legally valid when the member fulfills its financial obligations towards FECAFOOT and other members.”

Considering these regulations, many sports fans and analysts argue that Eto’o should have followed the Federation’s statutes instead of staging his resignation as a form of theatrics.

Since assuming the leadership of Cameroon’s football federation, Eto’o has been embroiled in a series of controversies. Recently, sports website The Athletic reported having seen WhatsApp messages, emails, letters, and audio recordings allegedly supporting various accusations, including “match-fixing, abuse of power, physical threats, incitement of violence, and spreading false information in Cameroon.”

Furthermore, concerns among many others have been raised about Eto’o’s ambassadorial role with a sports betting company. It has also been alleged that during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, Eto’o prevented former Cameroon captain Geremi Njitap from meeting the players after their victory over Gambia in the final Group C match.

There Is No Second Language In Cameroon; Just The Other Language – Minister Nalova Lyonga

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Minister of Secondary Education, Prof. Pauline Nalova Lyonga, has defied traditional perceptions of a “second language” in Cameroon by emphasizing that there is no such thing as a second language, but rather just another language.

**Minister Nalova Lyonga speaking during the closing ceremony** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

She made this statement on February 6 in Yaounde during the closing ceremony of the 19th edition of the National Bilingualism Week. Minister Nalova Lyonga, accompanied by Valerie Asheri Kilo, Secretary of State to the Ministry of Basic Education and other government dignitaries, chaired the closing ceremony.

The 2024 edition of the National Bilingualism Week, celebrated from January 29 to February 6, was celebrated under the theme “Bilingualism: Vector of Digitalisation of Education for the Promotion of Civic and Moral Values in a Peaceful and Emergent Cameroon.”

The Minister reiterated, “…Also remember that you have two languages which are equal. You can’t afford to make the other side of Cameroon feel inferior. There is no second language, but what I know is that they are both first languages. There is the first language on either side of the country. There is no tolerated second language… We have to be in Cameroon. Cameroon is Cameroon. Whoever is saying anything, let them say whatever they have to say.”

**A cross section of authorities, students during the closing ceremony** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

Minister Nalova encouraged teachers and stakeholders to encourage their students to have better pronunciation so that everyone can speak real French and English. She insisted that these students need models.

“We must be teaching the specialists how to teach those who want to be special. We need to move up. Tell me that French or English is the other language and not the second,” she stated.

Minister Nalova added, “What people need to know is that digitalization is a tool. Be it in the monolingual or bilingual situation, just use digital tools to get to where you want to go. Knowing what possibilities Cameroon has, is important. Cameroon is open to the world. We have to begin to encourage parents to know the options that exist in Cameroon and know what is good for their children.”

In the meantime, the MINESEC boss called on teachers to shun lies and remain dedicated to their profession. She urged teachers to hold the teaching profession in high regard stressing the importance of producing admirable children.

**Students performing during the closing ceremony** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

“I don’t know about a teacher who lies. Teachers don’t lie. If you don’t want to teach, don’t teach. You are free, don’t teach. If you say that you are receiving peters, that peters, some other person wants it. As we are separating here, I hope that you are going back to do your jobs as teachers. Teachers remain teachers.”

“A teacher is a teacher everywhere. A teacher cannot lie, but if you want to lie, I will kick you out because you are spoiling the profession. Let us hold our profession up. Let us keep producing the children that we have seen here today. The world will admire us more than they are doing today,” she stated.

During the closing ceremony, children demonstrated their knowledge of bilingualism through poems, sketches, and dances. Teachers reflected on the four pillars of bilingualism, while students held a debate on the theme of the 2024 edition.

**Minister, Invited Guests, Close Collaborators and Students pose for a family picture** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

Unlike previous years, this edition of the National Bilingualism Week lasted nine days, including the official launch, launching ceremonies in other towns, activities in schools across Cameroon, and an open-door day and exhibitions at the Ministry of Secondary Education in Yaounde.

Cameroon has approximately 145 special Bilingualism Education Program pilot schools throughout the country. According to statistics from MINESEC, these schools have around 36,267 students and 1,142 teachers. The Northwest Region has six schools, while the Southwest Region has a total of 11 schools. The Center Region has the highest number with 25 schools, followed by the Littoral Region with 22.

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