Crisis in North West, South West Region: Victims Tell their Stories

A Victims’ Assistance Centre is being established to support those affected by the crisis in Cameroon's North West and South West Regions. U.S. based Barrister Emmanuel Nsahlai, alongside CAVAT, announced the initiative during a press conference, emphasizing the need for justice against those perpetrating terrorist attacks. Victims shared harrowing experiences, including murder, kidnapping, and assault, highlighting the urgent need for peace and resolution to the eight-year conflict.

Building a Regional Power Strategy: Cameroon on Starting Blocks

Cameroon aims to become a regional power between 2025 and 2035 through the Puissance237 project, initiated by the African Centre for Competitive Intelligence and led by Guy Gweth. The project began with a media briefing in Yaoundé on January 16, 2024, outlining the objectives and scope. It seeks to foster collaboration, collect stakeholder contributions, and formalize a regional power strategy. Following consultations with government ministries and stakeholders, a comprehensive report will be compiled and presented in December 2024, culminating in the Gala of Cameroonian Stars. The strategy will be detailed in a white paper, available in English and French.

2024 Promote: Four Innovations Announced

The 9th edition of Promote, Cameroon's biennial business fair, will introduce four major innovations, including new partnerships, improved equipment, digitalization, and a grand forum on economic transformation. The fair, scheduled for February 17-25, 2024, at the Yaounde Conference Centre, will focus on the theme 'Private sector, evolution and structural transformation of African economies'. Afriland First Bank has renewed its partnership to support SMEs, a mission aligned with the bank's goals.

Parents and Experts Weigh in on Controlling Children's Internet Access Amidst Rising Concerns

The article discusses the issue of children's exposure to inappropriate content on the internet in the wake of viral videos showing secondary school students in various Cameroonian cities engaging in sexual activities. Parents share their strategies for controlling their children's internet access, ranging from not allowing the use of Android phones to using apps like Google Family Link to monitor and restrict content. A digital consultant, Rawlings Tabe, also provides advice on technical solutions such as using parental controls on smart TVs and blocking certain IP addresses via home routers. The article highlights the concerns of parents and the measures they are taking to protect their children from harmful online content.

Emilia the “Serial Entrepreneur”

The article profiles Emilia Ngongi Same, a Cameroonian entrepreneur and mother of three, who has established multiple businesses in Buea, South West Region. Emilia, who graduated with a BSc in Economics from the University of Buea in 2012, turned to entrepreneurship after facing challenges in securing a white-collar job. She started with an event decoration business called Emily Events and expanded into making hair wigs and fascinators, as well as producing organic skincare products under the brand EmyOrganics. Emilia has also been involved in empowering other women by training them to make wigs and fascinators. She encourages young women to be hardworking, optimistic, and to acquire skills that could lead to economic empowerment.

Success story of a young lady who suffered GBV and decided to say NO and leave the abusive relationship.

The 2020 African Nations Championship (CHAN) is two days away and the host, Cameroon, Africa in miniature has much to offer in terms of food.

The article highlights the diverse and unique culinary offerings of Cameroon, especially in light of the upcoming 2020 African Nations Championship (CHAN). It introduces a variety of local dishes such as Achombo/BHB (puff puff and beans), Soaked Garri (soaked tapioca), and 'Pot' (a mix of beef parts in tomato sauce). The author also describes Congo Meat (cooked snails), Noyaux (minced meat wrapped in cow intestines), Mungwin (fried grasshoppers), Palm Weevils (edible worms from palm trees), and various roasted carbohydrate foods. Additionally, snacks like Guru-guru (fried corn and groundnuts) and Kulli kulli (ground groundnut) are mentioned. The article encourages visitors to try these foods during their stay in Cameroon for the CHAN event.

COVID-19 Renders the African Child Helpless within the Judicial System

The article by Eleanor Ayuketah Ngochi discusses the various challenges faced by African children during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the vulnerability of children due to the weak judicial system in Africa, which often fails to protect their rights. The pandemic has exacerbated issues such as inheritance disputes, forced labor, and early marriage, with many children losing parents to the virus and facing legal battles over property. The closure of schools has led to an increase in street hawkers and forced marriages, while distance learning has been inaccessible to many due to lack of resources. The economic crisis has further strained the situation, with limited resources affecting food security. The article also touches on the plight of child prisoners during the pandemic, with restrictions on visitors impacting their well-being. The author calls for a reevaluation of the justice system to better protect children's rights, especially in light of the Day of the African Child.