The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Cameroon

  • DR Congo edge Cameroon 1-0 to set up play off final with Nigeria

    DR Congo edge Cameroon 1-0 to set up play off final with Nigeria

    DR Congo secured a spot in the CAF World Cup qualifying playoff final with a narrow 1-0 win over Cameroon on Thursday.

    In a closely contested encounter, both teams had chances but failed to break the deadlock until late in the second half, when veteran defender Chancel Mbemba struck decisively inside the box to seal the victory for the Leopards.

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    Cameroon pressed for an equaliser in the closing minutes but DR Congo remained resolute, showing discipline and composure to preserve their 1-0 lead.

    The win sets up a final CAF play-off clash between DR Congo and Nigeria, with the victor earning a spot in the intercontinental play-offs for a chance to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

  • Cameroon detains opposition figures ahead of election results’ release

    Cameroon detains opposition figures ahead of election results’ release

    Cameroonian authorities have detained about 30 politicians and activists linked to opposition presidential candidate Issa Tchiroma, his campaign said yesterday, heightening tensions ahead of today’s announcement of results of an October 12 election.

    Among those detained are Anicet Ekane, leader of the MANIDEM party, and Djeukam Tchameni, a prominent figure in the Union for Change movement. Both had supported Tchiroma’s candidacy.

    The arrests come amid mounting clashes between security forces and Tchiroma’s supporters in the cocoa- and oil-producing Central African nation. Tchiroma yesterday called for further nationwide protests.

    Paul Atanga Nji, Cameroon’s interior minister, confirmed during a press conference on Saturday that arrests had been made in connection with what he described as an “insurrectional movement,” although he did not disclose the identities or total number of detainees.

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    “Calls for protests by certain politicians with an obsession for power undoubtedly create conditions for a security crisis and contribute to the implementation of the insurrection scheme,” Nji said.

    In a post on his campaign’s Facebook page yesterday, Tchiroma rejected accusations of insurrection and alleged that government officials had sought to negotiate with some of those arrested before their detention.

    “They refused your proposals, and now you arrest them? So, when you were seeking to negotiate with them, they were not terrorists?” Tchiroma wrote.

    Tchiroma, a former minister and once an ally of President Paul Biya, has claimed victory in the election and stated he will not accept any other result.

    Protests have flared in several cities during the past week after partial election results reported by local media showed Biya was on course to be declared the winner.

    Biya, aged 92, in power in Cameroon since 1982 and currently world’s oldest ruling president, could continue for another seven years if the Constitutional Council declares him winner today.

  • Over 250,000 Nigerians living as refugees in Libya, Cameroon, South Sudan, others

    Over 250,000 Nigerians living as refugees in Libya, Cameroon, South Sudan, others

    • Nigeria hosts 135,000

    Nigeria has over 250,000 refugees in Libya, South Sudan, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and other parts of the world.

    Conversely, at least 135,000 refugees live in Nigeria.

    Out of the 250,000 Nigerian refugees, 125,000 are resident in Cameroon.

     The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) gave the figures yesterday after a road walk in Abuja to commemorate 2025 World Refugee Day.

    The  Federal Commissioner of the Commission, Tijani Ahmed, who revealed that the Federal Government has set up a committee to look into a United States that might lead to the deportation of some Nigerians, said:  “We have a lot of refugees in Nigeria and outside Nigeria. In Nigeria today, we are hosting no less than 135,000 refugees.

    ‘’We also have no less than 250,000 Nigerian refugees living in other parts of the world. 

    “Particularly, we have no less than 125,000  Nigerians living in Cameroon. We also have Nigerians in Chad, Niger, South Sudan, Libya, and other parts of the world.

    “President Bola Tinubu has been supporting and is willing to offer more support to the commission  to  assist  migrants, refugees  and IDPs(Internally Displaced Persons).’’

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    On the likely deportation of some Nigerian migrants from the US, he said: “As far as we are concerned, it is a policy statement. However, Nigeria has been very proactive, and we have constituted a committee to look into it in case it becomes a reality. We are ready to receive our people and provide them with the kind of livelihood and support they deserve.

    “The Nigerian government is ready for that. The Nigerian government has already constituted a committee and is awaiting any action that might come from the U.S. So, there is no cause for alarm.’’

     A Senior Humanitarian Officer at the ECOWAS Commission, Alozie Godfrey,  highlighted the efforts of the commission to support persons of concern within the region.

    He said $9 million was allocated last year to assist refugees in 15 member states.

    His words: “Last year, we basically assisted refugees in all ECOWAS 15 member states, and all their persons of concern, to the tune of about $9 million. The government of Nigeria got about $1.7 million of this money.

    “This year, we are also working to assist refugees and internally displaced persons all around West Africa, and particularly in Nigeria, where we have our headquarters, to make sure that refugees are given the rights they are supposed to get, and make sure that we also assist them.

    “ECOWAS Commission remains concerned with issues of refugees, and we will continue to work hand in glove with our partners to make sure that we assist them to the best of our ability, given the lean resources that we have.”

  • Pastor alleges threat to life

    Pastor alleges threat to life

    A Cameroonian pastor Ayuk Pascal Tambe, who fled to Nigeria in April 2023, after escaping illegal detention in Cameroon has raised the alarm over alleged death threats.

    Tambe, 45, is the pastor of Bless to Be a Blessing Ministry International in Kumba, South West region of Cameroon.

    He noted that he was caught in the battle between the Cameroonian military and the separatist fighters.

    He said: ‘I was arrested many times by the Cameroonian military forces and locked up with the motive that we are financially, materially supporting the separatist fighters.

    “I was tortured time and again by the Cameroonian military, and money was spent for my release.”

    Tambe claimed he was abducted by separatist fighters who accused him of violating their law against promoting education.

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    He added that he was detained for five months, during which he was tortured and denied access to his family.

    After his release in February 2023, Tambe revealed that he returned to his pastoral work and was detained again before he came to Nigeria.

    Following his escape from kidnappers’ den in Ogun State last month, Tambe said he was no longer safe in the country, adding that he has been receiving threat messages from unknown numbers, warning him to leave the country or face severe consequences.

    A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Police Command, Mr. Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed the kidnap, noting that Tambe was the first  to escape from the kidnappers’ den, while the remaining four victims also regained their freedom unhurt.

  • Pan African Forum petitions ICC to probe alleged war crimes in Cameroon

    Pan African Forum petitions ICC to probe alleged war crimes in Cameroon

    The Pan African Forum Ltd, an African lobby group, has submitted a formal application to the International Criminal Court (ICC), seeking an investigation into alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes linked to President Paul Biya. 

    The allegations are tied to the ongoing conflict in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon.

    Filed on Friday, November 22, 2024, the 142-page petition is supported by extensive evidence of widespread atrocities. 

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    The group urged the ICC prosecutor to examine alleged violations, including the targeting of civilians, forced displacements, and other abuses during the conflict between government forces and separatist movements.

    The application follows years of escalating violence in Ambazonia, where English-speaking communities’ calls for independence have been met with harsh military crackdowns.

    Several activists and human rights organisations have accused the government of committing grave human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings and destruction of property.

    The Pan African Forum Ltd’s petition, it was learnt, is intended to amplify international scrutiny of the crisis and encourage accountability at the global level. 

    The ICC’s response to the application remains pending. But, critics argued that the situation in Cameroon requires urgent intervention to prevent further suffering.

    The petition alleged that the conflict is spilling over to Nigeria with dire consequences for the countries.

    The application on the heels of President Biya’s long tenure and management of the Anglophone crisis drawing international criticism.

    The Pan African Forum Ltd is a forum for defence of Africa and African people on the continent. It was established on September 2012, in Kenya .

    The organisation constitutes an informal network of African scholars and university student leaders both current and past. 

    It was formed as a lobby group to support the African Union objectives on international aspects and other initiatives, at national, sub regional, regional and international levels.

  • Morocco 2025: Cameroon, Algeria seal Cup of Nations finals places

    Morocco 2025: Cameroon, Algeria seal Cup of Nations finals places

    Five-time winners Cameroon and 2019 champions Algeria both booked their places at next year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco after victories in qualifying on Monday, bringing the number of qualified teams to four.

    Cameroon defeated Kenya 1-0 when Boris Enow scored the only goal of the game in neutral Kampala, while Ramy Bensebaini netted a first half spot-kick winner for Algeria against Togo in Lome.

    Enow drilled a low free kick into the goal from just outside the box as Cameroon dominated the contest and did enough to win in the absence of their federation president Samuel Eto’o, who is serving a six-month stadium ban by world governing body FIFA.

    The victory takes Cameroon to 10 points from four games in the pool and ensured they cannot finish outside of the top two, which is enough to secure a place at the 24-team finals.

    Algeria have a full haul of 12 points from four games after Bensebaini converted a penalty on 18 minutes to give them lead, but they had to weather heavy pressure from their hosts, who created enough chances to get something from the game.

    Cameroon and Algeria join the hosts and Burkina Faso as the four teams so far confirmed for the finals.

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    Zimbabwe moved into a strong position in their pool with a 3-1 win over Namibia in neutral Johannesburg that leaves them on eight points, four ahead of third-placed Kenya with two rounds to play. One of those fixtures is at home to Kenya next month.

    but not what might be the most important factor, which way the wind is blowing.

    Walter Musona scored a brace, one a penalty, to go with a strike from Prince Dube.

    Equatorial Guinea are five points clear in second place in their pool after a 2-1 win over Liberia in Monrovia.

    Luis Asue had them in front early, but William Gibson equalised for the hosts. Just as it appeared the game would end in a draw, Dorian Hanza netted a 94th minute winner.

    Musa Barrow scored the decisive goal for Gambia in their 1-0 victory over Madagascar, making up for a penalty miss earlier in the game.

  • Egypt maintain winning streak, as Cameroon go top of Group J

    Egypt maintain winning streak, as Cameroon go top of Group J

    The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon roared to the top of Group J on Friday afternoon after a commanding 4-1 victory over Kenya saw them go two points above Zimbabwe who overcame Namibia on Thursday.

    Veteran goal poacher, Vincent Aboubakar opened the floodgates in the 8th minute with a converted penalty before Martin Hongla, Byan Mbeumo as well as Christian Bassogog completed the rout.

    The Ugandan Cranes continued in their fine form as they laboured to a 1-0 victory over South Sudan. The result puts them in a good position as they battle for the top spot with South Africa who play host to Congo.

    In Cairo, The Pharaohs continued their dominance of Group C when they comfortably cruised past Mauritania by 2-0.

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    Goals by Trézéguet as well as the ever-green Mohamed Salah ensured the record African champions continued their winning streak.

    Meanwhile, The Gambia managed to secure a crucial away point when they shared the spoils after a 1-1 draw with Madagascar.

    The result still puts them within a touching distance of run-away Group A leaders, Tunisia who lead the pack with four points ahead of their match against Comoros.

  • Cameroon’s 91-year-old Biya in good health, says govt

    Cameroon’s 91-year-old Biya in good health, says govt

    Cameroon’s 91-year-old President, Paul Biya, is in good health, the government said yesterday in a statement, calling widespread reports saying otherwise “pure fantasy.”

    Biya has not been seen in public since attending a China-Africa forum in Beijing in early September.

    His failure to appear as scheduled at a summit in France last weekend stoked speculation that the nonagenarian was unwell.

    “Rumours of all kinds have been circulating through the conventional media and social networks about the president’s condition,” government spokesperson Rene Sadi said in the statement.

    “The government unequivocally states that these rumours are pure fantasy … and hereby issues a formal denial.”

    It’s not completely certain who will win this election.

    Opposition parties and civil society groups have been calling for an update on the status of Biya’s health and his exact whereabouts.

    After Beijing, Biya paid a private visit to Europe, Sadi said. “The head of state is in good health and will be returning to Cameroon in the coming days.”

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    With no clear succession plan, Biya’s death would bring more political turmoil to West and Central Africa, which has seen eight coups since 2020 and several other military attempts to overthrow governments.

    His recent absence from the meeting of leaders from French-speaking countries in Paris was much remarked on at the two-day event, according to three non-Cameroonian African ministers who attended.

    “He’s over 90, he hasn’t been involved in day-to-day business for a long time, but if he dies, the situation is likely to get out of hand,” said one of the ministers, speaking on condition of anonymity.

    “No one has prepared for the aftermath. We don’t know what Cameroon (would) be like without Paul Biya.”

    Cocoa and oil-producing Cameroon, which has had just two presidents since independence from France and Britain in the early 1960s, is in the grips of a secessionist war that has killed thousands and a violent Boko Haram insurgency in the north.

  • Eto’o apologises to Cameroon coach Brys

    Eto’o apologises to Cameroon coach Brys

    Former Cameroonian star forward and now football federation president Samuel Eto’o has  apologised to national team coach Marc Brys, with whom he had been involved in a heated exchange this week.

    The ex-Barcelona striker also confirmed Brys would remain in his position after it was announced the Belgian was to be replaced as head coach of Cameroon on Wednesday.

     “I apologise because during our first unfortunate meeting, there was a lot of emotion… but the Cameroonian people are more important than us, and it is for them that we must work,” said Eto’o at a press conference.

    Eto’o was referring to an incident captured on video during his first meeting with Brys, which was widely shared on social media Tuesday.

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    The pair were seen to engage in a heated argument, before Brys left abruptly.

     “Your mission is not an easy one, despite your qualities and experience, but you should know that you will have our support,” added the two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner.

    Brys was appointed to the role in April by Cameroon’s sport ministry, much to the astonishment of the country’s football federation (FECAFOOT) and its president Eto’o wrote to the ministry to denounce its “illegal” appointment of the 62-year-old.

    FECAFOOT said it regretted not being involved “closely, nor remotely” in the selection process for the new coach and his staff.

    Belgian Brys will now oversee Cameroon’s next two crucial matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, against Cape Verde on June 8 and Angola three days later.

  • Fed Govt to repatriate 20,000 Nigerians from Chad, Cameroon

    Fed Govt to repatriate 20,000 Nigerians from Chad, Cameroon

    The Federal Government has announced plans to repatriate 20,000 Nigerians from Chad and Cameroon.

    It said 6,000 people would be brought back from Chad while 14,000 others would be conveyed from Cameroon in the next two months.

    As of December 31, last year, 21,381 Nigerian refugees were in Chad and 120,677 others in Cameroon.

    Last year, the Federal Government repatriated 5,000 willing Nigerian refugees from Cameroon to Banki in Borno State.

    It was learnt that the Federal Government bought food and non-food items worth N2 billion as return package for the refugees last year.

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    The Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugee, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Tijani Ahmed, announced this yesterday in Abuja at a Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting on the voluntary repatriation of Nigerian refugees.

    The federal commissioner said most of the refugees were displaced by the 2022 flood, the Boko Haram crisis, the farmer-herders clashes and the current climate change challenge.

    Ahmed said: “In the Year 2023, the commission spearheaded the repatriation of 5,000 people living in Cameroon to the country.

    “We are also arranging to bring back those who are interested in returning because repatriation is voluntary. An agreement has been signed between UNHCR, the Government of Cameroon, and the Federal Government of Nigeria in the area of repatriation of our people from Cameroon.

    “We are going to work towards the repatriation of 6,000 Nigerians out of about 21,000 of them in Chad.

    “We are looking at returning 3,000 households from Chad, which is about 6,000 people who would be repatriated from Chad to Nigeria. For Cameroon, we have about 14,000 people, but we will profile them because we don’t have to force anybody to return. Arrangements are underway to get them back. Within the next two months, we should have concluded the arrangement on repatriation.”

    On the cost implication of the proposed repatriation, he said: “We are yet to determine the cost implication for the repatriation of our people from Chad and Cameroon but already, a committee has been set up to look into that. By the time we get the total bill, the Government of the Federation will intervene.

    “Also, the Borno State government and the NCFRMI will work to ensure their smooth repatriation.

    “Don’t be deterred by the financial implications. I want to tell you that the Government of Nigeria will do everything humanly possible to ensure that money is provided. They have done that before and I’m sure they will continue to do that.

    “Don’t forget that in 2022, about 5,000 Nigerians were repatriated from Cameroon. It was the responsibility of the government and they did that.

    “In 2002, we had a very serious flood that made some Nigerians leave the country. Some left for Chad, Cameroon, and other places. The Boko Haram crisis, farmers-herders clashes, and climate change were contributory factors to the displacement.

    “No matter the number of the refugees, the government will do everything humanly possible to return those of them that want to return.”

    On what the Federal Government would offer the refugees, Ahmed said: “Rehabilitation is ongoing in Banki, and construction of houses is ongoing in Baga by the Borno State government.

    “We are arranging with the Borno State government to ensure that they are taken to skills acquisition centres. They will be trained and given start-up packs because the government cannot continue to fend for them for life. That is why we are giving them a durable solution, which includes shelter and start-up packs.”

    The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Deputy Representative (Protection), Bernadette Muteshi, hailed the Federal Government for taking the lead in the repatriation.