Category: General

By Charity Nginyu

The General Delegation for National Security (DGSN) in Cameroon has embarked on a partnership with the German biometric firm, AUGENTIC in a bid to facilitate the issuance of documents within 48 hours.

Under the leadership of Delegate General for National Security, Martin Mbarga Nguele, the pivotal agreement was formalized at the police headquarters in Yaounde, the political capital of Cameroon.

The Chief Executive Officer of the said firm, Labinot Carreti reaffirmed the company’s commitment as he announced a substantial investment of 40,000,000 Euros (over 26 billion FCFA) to modernize and digitize the identification document production process.

Carreti emphasized the partnership’s Build Operation Transfer (BOT) nature, outlining plans for a phased investment approach to overhaul the entire system.

‘The value of the first phase of the investment is around 40 million euros,’ Carreti revealed, shedding light on the comprehensive scope of the project.

This includes the renovation of 219 p
roduction posts across the country and the establishment of 68 modern application centers. Additionally, an online pre-application system will be implemented to streamline the identification process for citizens and residents.

The new system, unlike reports circulated last year, will fully go operational by the end of the year 2024.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

Prime Minister , Joseph Dion Ngute has expressed concerns about the killing of six Cameroonian servicemen in Eyomujock subdivision, South West region by Ambazonia Separatist fighters.

The ambush on May 10 was the latest devastating news against government forces. Sources say they were on their way to unblock a road and combat the perpetrators by surprise.

I would like to express my outrage at the unfortunate incident that occurred yesterday morning on the #Manfe-Ekok road, between the villages of Ayukaba and Eyangchang. The incident occurred when the Commander of the Eyumojock Brigade and four of his men, who were out on patrol, were ambushed by about thirty armed men from the #secessionist #group.’ Dion Ngute wrote on his X account.

While he paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, he also sympathised with thoer families and urged the population to work hand-in-hand with government forces.

‘I invite the population to cooperate more with our defence forces’

Source: Cameroon News Agency

Addis Ababa: The Government of Ethiopia and the Development Partners Group conducted a consultative meeting on the Ethiopian Food Systems and Nutrition Roadmap in Addis Ababa.

The roadmap which is led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Health with the goal of transforming the nation’s current food system and nutrition process, has identified 24 game changing solutions, organized into 7 clusters, and supported by 6 critical enablers.

The roadmap is expected to serve as a practical guide for national stakeholders, uniting efforts toward a shared vision of food system and nutrition transformation.

Development partners have pledged increased support, both technically and financially, and expressed their commitment to engage through existing platforms to bolster this transformative initiative.

The government also confirmed its commitment to engage development partners in every stage of the EFSN roadmap and consider the comments provided in the discussion.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Addis Ababa: Uganda has officially ratified the Protocol of Free Movement of Persons within the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) region at a ceremony held in Kampala, Uganda today.

The formal signing carried out by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Uganda, Jeje Odongo, and witnessed by the IGAD Executive Secretary, Workineh Gebeyehu along with key ministers from the Government of Uganda and various stakeholders.

The protocol aims to stimulate higher volumes of regional trade and ease labor mobility among member states.

Uganda becomes the fourth state to ratify the free movement protocol within the IGAD region, following Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia.

Member States have continued to take steps to manage and address migration and mobility challenges in the region.

Since 2017, IGAD has embarked on the process towards the establishment of a free movement regime through robust country consultations, development, and negotiations of the Protocol on Free Movement
of Persons and Transhumance.

In due course, the Protocols were endorsed on February 26, 2020, by the IGAD Committee of Ambassadors. Furthermore, the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons was approved by the IGAD Member State Ministers in charge of Internal Affairs and Labour in 2020.

Earlier in 2013, the Summit of the IGAD Heads of State and Government adopted a Minimum Integration Plan to serve as a road map for regional integration, in which the free movement of people is a key pillar.

IGAD and its Member States have also developed and adopted a comprehensive migration policy framework, the IGAD Regional Migration Policy Framework in 2012 and further developed the Migration Action Plan (MAP) for 2015-2020, identifying facilitation of labour mobility, transhumance, and free movement of persons, including the possibility of establishment and residence, as their strategic priorities.

According to IGAD, member States have since 2020 entered into substantive discussions and consultations on a draft Free Movem
ent Protocol within member countries.

IGAD Member States have continuously made commitments and made great strides towards achieving greater regional integration among Member States in order to realise trade regional expansion, economies of scale, and greater foreign direct investment, all of which contribute to accelerated economic growth and increased welfare and security of countries to benefit the IGAD citizenry.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Numerous residents of Ndoh 1 village in Mbanga subdivision, Moungo Division of the Littoral region have opted to leave their homeland due to the challenges of underdevelopment.

Located deep within a forest, the village lacks basic amenities such as clean water, accessible roads, adequate healthcare facilities, and proper school infrastructure.

‘Exploring the area, you’ll notice houses engulfed by overgrown vegetation. The occupants have relocated to nearby villages in search of better services. Here, we make do with what we have. We collect water from a nearby stream where laundry and other activities take place,’ remarked one resident.

Even the teachers of Ndoh 1 primary school, established in 1953 and the only school in the village, have departed, leaving the institution to succumb to nature’s reclamation.

‘Initially, parents sent their children to the school, but due to the lack of development, they moved away and enrolled their children in schools elsewhere. Consequently, the teachers had no students
to teach and were compelled to leave,’ elaborated another local.

The absence of electricity is cited as another significant reason for the exodus from the village.

‘For the past decade, we have been without electricity because vandals have severed the power cables for their own gain. Although electric poles stand, there are no cables,’ lamented another villager.

Despite the challenges, those remaining in the village persevere, hoping for a wind of development to sweep through Ndoh 1 and revive life. Such progress would encourage the return of those who left due to the village’s underdevelopment.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

The Faculty of Science of the University of Buea is bracing up for it’s 4th Faculty Expo on Thursday 17- Friday 18 May, 2024. An event to showcase it’s strides in the last 30 years in nation building and scientific innovation.

Stakeholders of the faculty, headed by Prof. Roland Ndip Ndip as Dean briefed newsmen on the advances and contributions of the UB Faculty of Science. And the keynotes of the upcoming expo in a press conference, May 13, at the boardroom of the institution.

The two day conclave will be anchored on the theme; ‘Faculty of Science: Thirty years of contribution to the transformation of the educational landscape of Cameroon and national development’. The keynote address during the event will be delivered by Dr. Denis L. Nkweteyim, who is head of department of Computer Science.

The seasoned computer researcher will be discussing on ‘Ensuring relevance and excellence of Scientific training in the era of artificial intelligence’. Other themes which will be discussed by other selected professio
nals and academicians will include; the contribution of science to the transformation of Cameroon’s natural resources, and climate change and the well being of Cameroonians.

The Faculty of Science of the University of Buea will be introducing the public to it’s labs with state of the arts equipments serving both internal and externally. Top of which Prof. Fonge Beatrice, Vice-Dean/Research and Cooperation revealed is the Clinical Diagnostic Lab which is opened to the general public and offers medical diagnostic tests.

Another innovation disclosed which will go full spring in the coming days is the ‘UB spring’, a water bottling firm. Authorities at the Faculty of Science said this was seriously being worked on. As it will not only serve to meet the water needs of the population of Buea and other towns but serve as a source of income for the faculty and the University while serving as job opportunities to many. Other labs which are functional including the Infection Diagnostic Lab and that of Biogas.

In term
s of academic achievements, the faculty counts over 1000 Master degree holders with over 300 PhD defenses carried out. In 2022-2023 alone, the faculty of Science through it’s students published over 300 articles with a great number of international repute.

Being active in the fight against climate change and building resilient communities, the University of Buea Faculty of Science has been able to carry out several impactfull out reaches. They carried out a research on infrastructure and distributed a building code to some seven councils who are in the Mt. Cameroon area.

Furthermore, in Ndu, after a research on the impact of climate change they carried out an informative session with local stakeholders on how to sustain tea production in the face of the changes. Similarly, in the Northern region they drafted a policy brief which they handed to the government after a careful research on adaptibility.

All these highlighted with the main challenge being that of resources which they continue to work on and cop
e with.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

By Stephen TADAHA

Eight out of Cameroon’s ten regions are facing a potential threat of elevated temperatures surpassing regional norms, which could predispose the populace to health hazards like dehydration, cautioned the Minister of Public Health.

Based on climate change data analysis spanning March, April, and May, the National Observatory on Climate Change identified only the West and South West Regions as exempt from this phenomenon.

In a recent press release, Dr. Manaouda Malachie urged public awareness while delineating preventive measures to mitigate the extreme conditions.

‘Given the adverse health implications of such climate fluctuations, the Minister of Public Health emphasizes the importance for all, including those in good health, to adopt precautionary measures during periods of extreme heat and promptly seek medical attention if warning signs manifest,’ the statement highlights.

Indicators of potential dehydration encompass symptoms like cramps, headaches, nausea, unusual fatigue, intense
thirst, reduced urine output, darkened urine, dry mouth, parched skin, and diminished skin elasticity.

To preemptively address the situation, the Public Health Authority advises residents of affected regions to:

Maintain adequate hydration by consuming water consistently throughout the day.

Refrain from engaging in strenuous physical activities during peak temperature hours.

Seek shelter in shaded areas and don lightweight, breathable attire.

Utilize fans or air conditioning where available to lower body temperature.

Keep a close eye on vulnerable demographics such as the elderly, individuals with chronic illnesses, and children.

Regularly dampen the body to stay cool.

Ensure proper ventilation in homes, particularly in the early morning and evenings.

Avoid alcohol consumption, which exacerbates dehydration.

Source: Cameroon News Agency