Saturday, October 14, 2017

MTN Business, APME launch MTN PME PACK and Masterclass

Minister Etoundi Ngoa symbolically cutting the ribbon 
Douala, Cameroon—MTN, telecoms leader in Cameroon and APME (Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency), announce the launch of MTN PME Pack and Masterclass, specially designed for SMEs/SMIs. The ceremony organised for the occasion was presided by the Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts (Minpmeesa), Pr. Laurent Serge Etoundi NGOA, in the presence of Mr. Georges MPOUDI, General Manager Enterprise Business Unit of MTN Cameroon and Mr. Jean Marie Louis BADGA, General Manager of APME.

MTN PME PACK is the special integrated package that enables eligible SMEs/SMIs to benefit mobile solutions (Voice, Mobile data and SMS), hosting services (domain name, professional email address, and building of a website), mobile equipment and financial services. MTN PME PACK is subsidized at 70% by APME. The price of the pack varies between XAF140,000 all tax/year for MTN STARTER PACK BASIC, and XAF 248,000 all tax/year for MTN STARTER PACK STANDARD.

The SMEs/SMIs which shall subscribe to the MTN PME PACK shall benefit several advantages:
•          Sell more and conquer new markets through new online sales tools: creation of a website and software to manage contacts and emailing
•          Gain in terms of visibility, fame, and brand image
•          Reinforce their ICT competence
•          Improve their lifespan thanks to the subsidy of at least 70% provided by APME.

In view of further developing eligible SMEs/SMIs, MTN Business has designed Masterclasses, which are a capacity-building programme to support local SMEs/SMIs in their digital transformation. The MTN Business Masterclasses shall take place in Douala, Yaounde and Buea throughout Q4 of 2017.

The launch of MTN PME Pack and the Masterclasses, results from a partnership agreement signed between MTN Business and APME, on 11 November 2016, to support the transformation and digitalisation of Cameroonian SMEs.

Under this partnership, MTN shall provide its technologies and know-how to thousands of SMEs operating in Cameroon since 2012. APME on its part shall finance the access of enterprises to these solutions at the tune of 70%.


“This new value proposition and support programme mainly target SMEs in need of affordable communication solutions and efficient connectivity to sustain their lifespan. These enterprises can therefore focus on their core business while we provide them the locally-based necessary assistance”, indicated George Mpoudi, General Manager, MTN Business Unit at MTN Cameroon.

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Political Representation: Mbororos, Pygmies Demand For Seats In Parliament And Councils

Yaounde—Indigenous peoples’ rights activists in Cameroon have hailed the government for recent strides in ensuring the aboriginal forest people (Baka, Bagyeli pygmies) and indigenous Mbororos, who are traditionally nomadic herdsmen, take part in the country's electoral process especially the 2013 municipal and legislative elections.

The representatives of the traditionally underrepresented and historically marginalised minority groups were speaking in Yaounde on the occasion of the 2017 International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples last August 9; month to the 10th Anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) adopted on September 14, 2007.

Statistics by the Centre for Environment and Development (CED) show that 17 indigenous forest peoples (Baka, Bagyeli pygmies) and 48 Mbororos are municipal councillors in the 360 municipal councils nationwide with 30 of them in the Northwest region alone, and a pastoralist Mbororo Mayor in the Adamawa Region.

Though activists admit there has been a marked improvement in the political representation of the minority groups within the last ten years, they say it can be improved upon should government put if government plays her role.

“There has been some improvement since 2011, but while we appreciate the efforts of the government, we still call on them to increase their efforts towards strengthening the rights of Indigenous Peoples,” said Basiru Isa, secretary general of the Network of Indigenous Peoples and Local Populations for the Sustainable Management of Forest Ecosystems (REPALEAC).

Section 151 (3) of the electoral code stipulates that “each list shall take into consideration the various sociological components of the constituency concerned. It shall also take into consideration gender aspects.”

Indigenous peoples’ rights defenders however think for the minority groups to fully take part in the electoral process they need certain preconditions such as possessing valid citizens’ documents like birth certificates and National ID cards, and most especially getting registered into the voters’ list. 

“These services for now are not at the reach of all indigenous peoples in Cameroon because of their geographical locations,” Basiru Isa said, further urging that authorities have to ensure such services within the reach of aboriginal Baka and Bagyeli forest pygmies as well as nomadic Mbororos.

The constitution of the country uses the terms ‘indigenous’ and ‘minorities’ in its preamble; however, it unclear to whom this reference is being made. Nevertheless, with developments in international law, the civil society and government are increasingly using the term indigenous to refer to the above-mentioned groups.

Nothing for us without us


The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) highlights the importance of ensuring effective participation by indigenous peoples in decision-making at all levels and urges states to ensure effective implementation of the rule, but in Cameroon, activists say challenges are legion and so are cracks that need to be filled especially relating to political participation.

Cameroon voted in favour of the UN declaration in 2007 and according to the Ministry of Social Affairs, the country has also adopted a Plan for the Development of the “Pygmy” Peoples within the context of its Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper. Yet, vulnerable indigenous peoples say they are yet to be represented in decision-making bodies, both at local and national levels in the country.

“Our appeal to the government and decision makers in this country is that indigenous people should be given a space in political and decision making structures like the National Assembly, the Senate, local and regional councils by creating special constituencies for these people,” said Musa Usman Ndamba, first vice National President of the Mbororo Social and Cultural Development Association(MBOSCUDA).

The first vice National President of MBOSCUDA expressed fear that indigenous people may not emerge when mainstream Cameroonian communities become emergent by the year 2035 according to a government growth and employment strategy plan.

“It is often said nothing for us without us, but the government is taking decisions for all Cameroonians without the presence of the representatives of indigenous people. Indigenous people might not emerge with other Cameroonians by 2035,” Usman Ndamba said.

Positive discrimination recommended


Experts recommend ‘positive discrimination’ in favour of the minority groups who may not contest and win a classical election with mainstream candidates.

Samuel Nguiffo, Secretary General of CED said the government of Cameroon can adopt laws that favour indigenous people like in the case of Burundi.

“Indigenous people cannot run for elections like mainstream candidates because they don’t have the same financial means, they are not as well-known as other candidates. So, the government can decide to create seats in parliament and the senate for them,” Samuel Nguiffo said.

The director of CED which advocates for the rights of vulnerable indigenous people said as Cameroon prepares for the 2018 set of elections, government can replicate the example of Burundi where “two indigenous people are represented at the senate.” In order to do that, Nguiffo said it is important to define a national policy for indigenous peoples, which will require a comprehensive census of indigenous communities.

“The announced general census could allow the state to acquire the means to know the exact number of indigenous people in Cameroon as their representation in local and national elective positions can help ensure that their rights are protected, and their unique interests are heard and translated into relevant policies, while at the same time preventing conflict,” Samuel Nguiffo explained.

According to the United Nations, there are an estimated 370 million indigenous people in the world, living across 90 countries. They make up less than 5 per cent of the world's population, but account for 15 per cent of the poorest.

According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, indigenous representation in parliament can also benefit society at large, because indigenous practices and knowledge can provide solutions to complex environmental, developmental and governance problems that all societies face today.

By Ndi Eugene Ndi/First Published in NewsWatch Newspaper No 013 of August 21, 2017


Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Hugo Broos says Clinton Njie’s soccer career at stake

Yaounde,Cameroon—Cameroon head coach, Hugo Broos has warned, Clinton Njie might let his career pass him by if he “does not change his ways.”

 Broos fired the warning shot recently at the Marseille striker in a press conference in Yaounde as he justified his 23-man squad for the FIFA Confederations Cup.

Njie, who was part of the squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon early this year has not had a look in at the squad since then as Broos dropped him first for the friendlies against Tunisia and Guinea in March.

He was later dropped alongside seven players who won the Afcon trophy in Gabon for different reasons.

“If he [Clinton Njie] is not going to change, he will lose his career totally. He must change his attitude and put in the work required. Even Ronaldo or Messi are always working hard,” Broos told a press conference.

“If he [Clinton Njie] doesn’t understand that, then it is a pity for him. He will never become a great player even when he has the qualities,” Broos stated saying the Cameroon international striker could ruin his career.

Broos told a press conference in Yaounde that Njie’s performance has been poor since the Gabon expedition. He said instead of concentrating on the field, the striker who has played 22 games and scored four goals since joining the Indomitable Lions in September 2014 has resorted to indiscipline, thinking he’s the best, “which doesn’t work.”

Njie started the first two games of the Africa Nations Cup against Burkina Faso and Guinea Conakry but failed to register a shot on target as he was soon relegated to the bench for the rest of the competition.

He was criticised for his performance and work rate by Cameroon football legend Roger Milla in Gabon and in a show of dissent was caught on camera refusing to shake hands with the legend though the pair later made peace.

Even at club side Olympique Marseille, Njie has managed just four goals and an assist in 23 assist in 23 appearances throughout the season.

Other players who were in Gabon but may not feature at the Confederations Cup in Russia include goalkeeper Jules Goda,  forwards Franck Boya and Salli Edgar and defenders Mohammed Djetei and Nicolas Nkoulou who announced he has retired from international football after the Gabon expedition.

Schalke04 striker, Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting who snubbed a call for the AFCON in Gabon but returned to the team in March was not also included on the list of players Broos named on 18 May.

Cameroon will play in group B of the FIFA Confederations Cup alongside Chile, Australia and Germany.

According to the Indomitable Lions coach, the level of the Confederations Cup is higher than that of AFCON and Cameroonians should not be surprised that the African champion may be eliminated after their first three group games.

“It is not because we are champions of Africa that we should think we can defeat everyone. The level of the confederations Cup is higher than that of the African Cup of Nations. We are going to meet world champions, if you take Chile from South America for example, it means the team is better than Brazil, Argentina,” Hugo Broos said.


By Ndi Eugene Ndi

Indomitable Lions poised to lift Confederations Cup trophy in Russia

Yaounde, Cameroon—After winning the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon are now poised to lift the trophy of the FIFA Confederations Cup tournament in Russia later this month.

The much-coveted FIFA Confederations Cup trophy made a stop-over in Cameroon on Friday June 2 in a final stop of a tour of the eight countries set to compete at the global tournament in Russia later this month.

On behalf of the Indomitable Lions, midfielder Sebastien Siani promised they are going to Russia to win the trophy to honour the memory of Marc Vivien Foe, a former midfielder of the team who collapsed on the field during the 2003 Confederations Cup semi-final between Cameroon and Colombia and later died in France.

Like Siani, the President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), Tombi a Roko Sidiki was optimistic that the five times African champions will lift the trophy as a mark of honour to the continent.

“We are not only representing the country Cameroon but the continent and our ambition is to win the trophy,” Tombi said.

Olivier Dacourt, who was part of the France teams that lifted the trophy in both 2001 and 2003 and now part of the FIFA Legends team accompanying the trophy tour urged the team maintain the 2017 AFCON steam and win the trophy.

“Winning the Africa Cup of Nations was a real feat for Cameroon the important thing is that they keep up their momentum,” Mr Dacourt said.

Participants in the 2017 Confederations Cup are hosts Russia, 2014 FIFA World Cup Champions Germany, 2015 Copa America Champions Chile, 2015 AFC Asian Cup Champion Australia, 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup winners Mexico, 2016 UEFA Euro Cup champs Portugal, OFC (Oceania Football Confederation) Nations Cup victors New Zealand and 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations Champion Cameroon that will be participating for the third time.

No African team has ever won the Confederations Cup. The best performance to date by the continent’s representatives in the competition remains that of Roger Milla’s country that reached the final in 2003 but lost to France.

While the trophy left Yaounde back to Russia, the Indomitable Lions who have been training in city since Monday also left for Malabo in neighbouring Equatorial Guinea where they will camp till June 8.

They will welcome Atlas Lions of Morocco in their first AFCON 2019 qualification match on June 10 before travelling to Madrid, Spain for a friendly against Colombia on June 13, according to the official program of the team.

The African champions will then move on June 14 for the FIFA Confederations Cup from June 17 to July 2 in Russia.

Cameroon will play in group B of the FIFA Confederations Cup alongside Chile, Australia and Germany. Their first game of the global tournament against Chile on June 18 will be staged at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow.

By Ndi Eugene Ndi


Sunday, May 28, 2017

‘Assou-Ekotto wants to be a pornstar’—Birmingham City manager says

Birmingham City manager Harry Redknapp has played down talk of reconnecting with former Tottenham and Queens Park Rangers full-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto, claiming that the defender "wants to be a pornstar" instead of a footballer.


The former Spurs boss has managed the left-back twice before, but made a shocking revelation when asked would he sign him for Birmingham City.

Redknapp managed the Cameroon international at White Hart Lane before bringing him to QPR on loan when he took the Rangers job after moving on from Spurs.

Assou-Ekotto currently plays with French Ligue 1 club Metz, but has been linked with a move back to England to link up with Redknapp for a third time.

Despite the speculation, Redknapp was quick to play down a move for the 33-year-old, joking that the left-back has other things on his mind away from football.

"He was mad, Benoit, but do you know what? I think I’m mad as well," Redknapp joked on the Spurs Show Podcast .

"I got a phone call - it’s the gospel truth. I agreed I might go to Birmingham and suddenly I get a phone call from this guy.

"‘Oh Mr Redknapp, I’ve got a fantastic player for you’. Oh yes? ‘One of your old players’. Yes?  'Benoit'. No! But seriously you know what? I’m thinking: 'Yeah!' Somewhere inside I’m thinking I can get him going again.

"The only trouble is that he’s admitted he wants to be a pornstar. Maybe I can get another year out of him before he decides to do that.

"What a good player. He could well end up in the Birmingham colours next year, Benoit."


Culled from goal.com

Saturday, May 20, 2017

20th May: Nkambe defies “unpatriotic boycott calls,” celebrates in pomp

Nkambe—“In defiance of unpatriotic calls for a boycott,” the people of Nkambe central subdivision in the Donga Mantung Division of the North West region joined the rest of the country in commemorative activities marking the 45th National Day on Saturday May 20.


Chaired by the Senior Divisional Officer for Donga Mantung, Ngone Nodemessappe Bernard, the activities at the Nkambe municipal grandstand featured a military and civilian past.

Commanded by Captain Bamu, the military march past which preceded that of civilians was led by troops of the 25th Motorised Infantry Battalion (BIM) that is lodged in the town.

Government Francophone Practising School Nkambe and her thrilling majorette led the parade of educational institutions after the Red Cross and Boys Scouts.

Among other educational institutions that took part in the march past were Government Bilingual High School (GBHS), Government Technical High School (GTHS), Government Teachers Training College (GTTC) and Christ the King Teachers Training College, all of Nkambe.


Conspicuous among the many socio-cultural, economic groups and associations that took part in the National Day parade was the female football team of Bang Bullet FC of Nkambe who received thunderous applauds from the tribune.

Three political parties—including the Social Democratic Front (SDF) of Ni John Fru Ndi were shortlisted for the parade in Nkambe but it boycotted.

Led by the section president, Ngala Gerard the ruling Cameroon People Democratic Movement (CPDM) largely dominated the march past with the presence of about 2,000 militants with some carrying posters displaying messages like “the Donga Mantung I section of the CPDM says yes to social peace and national unity.”




The UDP of Alaji Bako sealed the march past which also marked the end activities that lasted for over two hours.

Speaking to reporters after the march past, the SDO for Donga Mantung said though the usual numbers recorded in previous celebrations was not there this year, “you’ll agree with me that the quality was there.”


“We’ve witnessed a very qualitative march past and I take this opportunity to congratulate all those who participated in one way or the other to bring about the success of today’s celebrations. Here, I am thinking of the various committees, the schools, the political parties—particularly the CPDM that mobilised their militants and they came out in their numbers,” Ngone Ndodemesssappe Bernard said.



 “I also wish to thank the population of Donga Mantung and Nkambe in particular who have come out in their numbers in defiance of the unpatriotic calls for people to stay at home,” the senior administrative officer said further.

The 2017 national Day was celebrated under the theme, “Army and the nation in full synergy for a Cameroon, united in its diversity and devoted to its ideals of peace, stability and prosperity.”


By Ndi Eugene Ndi in Nkambe

Friday, May 19, 2017

‘Warriors’ join CPDM anti-ghost town march in Nkambe

Nkambe—Members of the ‘the Mfuh’ (society of warriors) joined militants of the ruling CPDM party in an anti-ghost town march on Friday May 19.

Holding banners with inscriptions like “CPDM Donga Mantung I says no to ghost towns,” the about 2,000 militants marched from the Nkambe community hall to the municipal grandstand of the town where preparations for the celebration of the National Day were being finalised.

The walk was the hallmark of a joint section conference of militants of the three wings of the CPDM in the Donga Mantung I section, Nkambe.

Speaking during the conference that rallied hundreds of militants, supporters and sympathisers of the ruling party, Donga Mantung I section president, Ngala Gerard said the conference was in line with the party’s statutes which requires that sections hold such twice annually.

Holding on the eve of the celebration of the National Day, the section president said it was “strategically scheduled as a billed up to the day.”

Ngala Gerard told attendees that the head of state, chairman of the CPDM party had understood the grievances posed by lawyers and teachers which are being “properly addressed.”

Enumerating some of the moves to address the grievances, he said government announced the special recruitment of 1,000 science and technical teachers and a FCFA 2 billion as special subsidy for lay private and confessional schools in the country.

Ngala Gerard reminded CPDM militants that the Head of State has ordered a yearly integration exercise for contract Basic Education teachers into the public service, while the ministry of Secondary Education has since been redeploying teachers according to their linguistic and educational system training.

The Donga Mantung I CPDM section president said after the creation of a common law bench at the Supreme Court and a similar department at ENAM as requested by lawyers, the government recently launched an entrance examination for Anglophones into the school among others.

Ngala Gerard however regretted that while the striking professionals were exercising their fundamental rights, recognised by the law of Cameroon, some individuals stepped-in and orchestrated violence.

 “Nobody has the monopoly of violence, but we in the CPDM we believe in peace, reason why we have not relent our efforts in calling for peace,” he said.

By Ndi Eugene Ndi in Nkambe


Tuesday, May 2, 2017

MTN Business broadens its range of products and services with Office 365 by Microsoft

George Mpoudi, General Manager MTN Business, MTN Cameroon/Courtesy
Douala, Cameroon—The leader of telecommunications in Cameroon, MTN and Microsoft, announce the commercialisation of Office 365 services for enterprises through MTN Business, the telecom giant’s entity dedicated to companies.

Office 365 is a service that enables to use the latest Microsoft Office version (PC or Mac installation and mobile devices) and a set of Cloud services such as OneDrive, Exchange Online, Skype Enterprise, SharePoint Online, Yammer... through monthly or yearly subscription unlike is the case with classical Office Suite licences.

Office 365 is a set of products and services that ease the production of content, sharing, team work and communication in real time between colleagues or groups from fixed or mobile terminals through Cloud Computing.   

MTN Business, thanks to its capacity as Microsoft Cloud Solutions Provider in the Central and West African zone, can therefore sell the Office 365 suite and propose value added mobile solutions.

The availability of this new offer in Cameroon through MTN Business is the fruit of a strategic partnership signed between the MTN Group and Microsoft in 2015 in order to provide clients in Africa with Cloud Solutions.

“These solutions notably target small and medium enterprises in need of affordable, efficient and collaborative productivity solutions. These SMEs can therefore focus on their core business while we provide them the necessary local assistance”, declared Georges Mpoudi, General Manager, MTN Business at MTN Cameroon.

He later added that, “Office 365 is just the beginning. The partnership with Microsoft shall in future enable to provide other propositions of innovative value”.

Sunday, March 19, 2017

MTN Resumes Sponsorship Of Cameroon Champions League

Yaoundé—The local subsidiary of South Africa mobile telecom firm, MTN will resume sponsorship of the Cameroon soccer league one and two championships five years after it backed out allegedly due to poor relations with the country’s football authorities.

Cameroon Elite two club, Bang Bullet FC of Nkambe 
The telecom giant’s Cameroon CEO, Philisiwe Sibiya made the disclosure after an audience the Minister, Secretary General at the Presidency of Cameroon, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh granted her on Friday March 17.

The MTN Cameroon CEO told the press that she discussed the modalities of the sponsorship with the chief scribe of the Cameroon state house as the mobile telecommunications network firm is about to sign a contract with the Professional Football League of Cameroon (LFPC) to sponsor local soccer for the next three years.

“We will be sponsoring the premier leagues one and two. We are hoping that it is going to go beyond just three years. As Africans we all share the passion of football,” Philisiwe Sibiya said.

The firm sponsored Cameroon’s premier league from 2002 but backed out a decade later and since then, the national divisions one and two championships have been limping due to lack of sponsorship.

The launching of the 2016/2017 football season in the country for instance witnessed repeated postponements largely due to a chronic logistics and financial deficiency.

The telecom firm had been investing in soccer in the country financially and infrastructural wise. It had helped in promoting sports in Cameroon, especially football through a total financial disbursement of FCFA 7 billion for the organization of the league one and two championships from 2002-2012; about FCFA 700 million annually.

MTN also rehabilitated two major stadia in the country’s Mbouda and Guider stadia in the West and North regions respectively.

Though the telecom giant’s new sponsorship is yet to be signed, soccer promoters in the five times African football champions see the resumption of sponsorship by the telecom firm a sigh of relief.

Kengong Johnson Bang, president of Bang Bullet FC, a local league two side in the country said he was happy with the announcement.

By Ndi Eugene  Ndi


Thursday, February 2, 2017

DR Congo's main opposition leader, Tshisekedi dies ahead of Kabila's exit

DR Congo's main opposition leader, Etienne Tshisekedi has died in Brussels at the age of 84, sources reported Wednesday.

According to UN-backed Radio Okapi, the opposition icon left Congo on January 24 for a medical check-up in Belgium, the mineral-rich Central African's former colonial master. The historic heavyweight had made a triumphant return to Kinshasa in July last year after two years of medical treatment in Brussels.

The opposition leader who founded the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) party in the country in 1982(then Zaire) was supposed to head a National Transition council with a prime minister to be named from opposition ranks under a deal to pave the way for President Joseph Kabila’s exit at the end of this year according to a deal reached last December.

The cause of his death has not been divulged as neither family nor his political party has officially commented on that, but Radio France Internationale (RFI) said “the Old Man”, as Tshisekedi is affectionately known among his political allies died from a pulmonary embolism.

His death deprives the opposition of its principal figurehead as talks over implementation of the December accord falter. His son, Felix, who recently became a prominent political figure and headed the coalition of opposition parties known as the Rassemblement is tipped to be named prime minister in a forthcoming power-sharing government.

Elected president

Joseph Kabila who took over the reign of the chronically unstable DR Congo in 2001 was re-elected for a second mandate in 2011, but showed no signs of wanting to relinquish power after his reign expired in December 2016 despite being constitutionally barred from seeking a third term.

Tshisekedi unsuccessfully fought the 2011 presidential poll against Kabila but supporters of the opposition supremo referred to him as the "elected president" of the vote which was allegedly marked by massive fraud.

Another opposition leader in the country, Moise Katumbi has been sentenced to a three-year term in prison in an alleged case of property fraud and faces another trial in an alleged case of mercenary recruitment.

Observers fear Kabila may tinker the constitution before the end of 2017 and scrap the two years presidential term limits in the country.


By Ndi Eugene Ndi in Yaounde

Monday, January 16, 2017

Microsoft’s new tech event, NexTech Africa to take place in Nairobi

How can we build technology that best supports African creators? How can companies start to breed a data culture for success? What does it mean for African innovations to be globally relevant? These are some of the questions that Microsoft will be exploring at NexTech Africa 2017, the organisation’s new flagship Africa technology event to take place in Nairobi, Kenya on 2-3 February 2017.

Created by a group of passionate Africans at Microsoft, the event will connect technology and business leaders, Microsoft engineers, local developers and entrepreneurs, in an effort to listen, engage and collaborate on developing more locally relevant technology, the body has said in a statement.

 “We believe in the power of the emerging technologies to connect people to key services and boost productivity, while utilising unique and differentiated business models. Our goal with this event is to bring various players together and collaborate, so that we can equip our innovators with the right technology-based tools and infrastructure, helping them create and scale more of these solutions,” said Kunle Awosika, Country Manager of Microsoft Kenya in the release.
Mr. Kunle Awosika

Attendees will within the two days take part in a series of talks, sessions and forums on topics including cloud, cloud, big data, machine learning, the Internet of Things, e-commerce, digital transformation and technology in emerging markets. Also, entrepreneurs and developers will have the opportunity to engage with Microsoft engineers on a one-on-one basis.

“Through initiatives like 4Afrika, Microsoft has greatly contributed to the development of local innovations in Africa,” said Amrote Abdella, Regional Director of Microsoft 4Afrika.  She enlightened that the initiatives permits Microsoft not only to know how mobile and cloud technology is accelerating growth for Africa, but also how continental innovators are using the platforms to accelerate technology for the world.

“NexTech Africa is an opportunity to fast-track the application of products and services, tailored to meet our needs in Africa. Similarly, NexTech will also showcase world-class African solutions that are ready to go global,” Amrote Abdella said further.

Among a dozen speakers at the two-day event that will be running under the theme: Building for Africa, is Mr Joseph Mucheru, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology. He was Google’s first Sub-Saharan employee and was key to setting up of Google’s presence in Africa from 2007.


By Ndi Eugene Ndi in Yaounde

Saturday, January 14, 2017

Four Boko Haram bombers kill selves as gov’t claims progress in fight

Maroua—Four suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers were killed in two foiled attacks the Mayo Sava division of the Far North region of the country early last Wednesday  January 11 in an attempt to strike, the Governor of the Far North region told the Cameroon Radio Television, CRTV.

Midjiyawa Bakary said members of the vigilante group spotted two teenaged girls of approximately fifteen years. “One detonated her explosive killing only herself while the other one was neutralised by elements of the Rapid Intervention Battalion, BIR.”

Shortly after the two young girls, BIR elements identified two young boys of about sixteen years old in another locality still in the border division. Both detonated their suicide vests that killed only them, the administrative officer of the Far North region explained congratulating members of the vigilante and the security forces in the area.

The two foiled attacks occurred a day after Communication Minister and Government spokesperson, Issa Tchiroma Bakary told a press conference in Yaounde the military offensive against Boko Haram across the Nigerian border has made major progress, with scores of jihadists killed and hundreds of hostages freed since December.

“Several manufacturing units of explosive devices were destroyed, a dozen of explosive devices was neutralized, training camps were dismantled, a hundred of terrorists were definitively neutralized, over thirty fighters were captured and handed over to Nigerian Forces, hundreds of hostages were freed and handed over to Nigerian Forces,” Issa Tchiroma said of the progress made by the defense force in the locality of Ngoshe and its surroundings in the Nigerian territory. This reporter could however independently verify the government claims.

He said the operations were carried out “in perfect synergy” with the Army of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the banner of the Multinational Joint Taskforce.

The victories however did not come without a price as three elements of the Cameroonian forces were killed, the minister regretted.

Since Nigeria announced a key victory against Boko Haram in December, claiming the group had been routed from its Sambisa Forest bastion, Cameroon has intensified operations along its northern border.

“Thanks to the commitment of our Defense and Security Forces, of administrative authorities, of vigilance committees and of the entire Nation, it is clear today that Boko Haram is experiencing its last moments in this aggression led against our country,” Issa Tchiroma said urging for vigilance because “although it has been considerably weakened, this nebula still has some capacity to harm.”

Boko Haram's brutal insurgency, launched in northern Nigeria in 2009, has spread across the border to Cameroon, Chad and Niger.

By Ndi Eugene Ndi in Yaounde


Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Macdonald Ayang is New Managing Editor at The Guardian Post

Yaoundé— Macdonald Ayang has been appointed first ever Managing Editor of Cameroon’s lone English language daily newspaper, The Guardian Post.
Macdonald Ayang

Appointed on Monday January 9, the 29 years old former desk editor who becomes the second in command at the media outfit takes over from Cyprian Ntiamba Obi Ntui who served in that capacity(with a different label)  for over three years.

Monday’s shake-up at the media enterprise according to the Chief Executive Officer of The Guardian Post Newspaper is part of plans to restructure the daily tabloid to meet the expectations of its readers and partners.

Ngah Christian Mbipgo said the new Managing Editor will among other things be responsible for the general coordination of editorial work at the daily journal—including supervision in his absence.

“Unlike the now erstwhile Editorial Coordinator whose job was limited to the activities in the newsroom, you will also coordinate activities at The Guardian Post Printing Press and other institutions of The Guardian Post Media group,” Mr Ngah said as he announced the shake-up in at the head office of the media group in Yaoundé.

 Mark of confidence


The new Managing Editor said he was humbled by the appointment which he described as a mark of confidence and recognition of his little contribution to the news establishment.

“I welcome the appointment in good faith and I wish that the collaboration we have always demonstrated should continue. It is only in working that way that we can get the best for The Guardian Post Daily and for our professional lives,” Ayang said promising to demonstrate professionalism in the daily discharge of his duties.

The new Managing Editor is holder of a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with Second Class Honours obtained from the University of Buea in 2010.

Prior to joining The Guardian Post in January 2016, Ayang served as reporter and later Buea bureau chief of Limbe-Based Eden Media Group.

With just over half a decade in journalism practice, the ex-student of GBHS Bamenda Ntamulung has already gathered a huge wealth of experience not only due to his inquisitive and open-minded attitude, but also because of his unflinching love for the profession.

He was honoured with an award by Kumba-based weekly newspaper, The Scoop, as uprising young print journalist of the year early last year.

Besides The Guardian Post Daily, Ayang also writes for US-based portal, The Cameroon Journal.

Source: The Guardian Post Daily


Thursday, January 5, 2017

Striking Cameroon lawyers, teachers declare ghost town on Monday Jan. 9

Yaoundé—Cameroonians in the two English-speaking regions of the Northwest and Southwest have been urged to observe a ghost town on Monday January 9, 2017 by staying at home in solidarity with striking Anglophone lawyers and teachers in the country.
GBHS Santa students on campus in Nov 2016 without teachers/ Nko Dogo

The Cameroon Anglophone Civil Society Consortium (CACS) said ever since the teachers and lawyers ‘raised critical issue’ relating to their existence, the Yaoundé regime has not taken any concrete measures to resolve them.

“The Cameroon Anglophone Civil Society Consortium is calling on the general public of West Cameroon (Northwest and Southwest regions) to stand up as one man and embark on a sit-in strike on Monday January 9, 2017”, the body said in a statement late Wednesday.

It urged that adherents should avoid street and public demos which may lead to confrontation with government forces.

The Central African nation’s two English speaking regions have been rocked by social upheavals ever since Common Law lawyers started a work boycott in October 2016, protesting against the use of French in courts and the lack of the English versions of some legal documents. Teachers also joined the protests, forcing schools in the two regions to remain closed since November 21.

The released signed by Barrister Felix Nkongho, Dr Fontem Neba and Mr Wilfred Tassang called on all Anglophone Cameroonians to stand together and continue the ‘peaceful resistance’ until the lawyers’ and teachers’ demands are satisfactorily addressed.

Both the lawyers and the teachers have also been calling for a two-state federation; a demand that has attracted much sympathy from other groups and political parties in the regions.

Schools resumption


Schools are expected to resume in the Central African nation on Monday January 9 for the second of three terms of the 2016/2017 academic year but the release advised students to stay at home “and bear in mind that” their teachers are still on strike.

Recent moves by the government to dialogue with the striking professionals have ended in a stalemate with both teachers and lawyers walking out of the talks.

Not fewer than five people were shot dead in the opposition stronghold city of Bamenda in the Northwest region of the country following a confrontation between anti-riot soldiers and unarmed civilians who joined the Anglophone teachers' protest early December 2016. The government however says only one person was killed in the fracas.


With a population of over 22million, Cameroon has ten semi-autonomous regions eight of which are French speaking. The two English speaking regions constitute over 20 per cent of the population.

By Ndi Eugene Ndi