MTN Cameroon Debunks Rumours on Plans to Quit

The management of MTN Cameroon has issued a communiqué dismissing rumours that the mobile telecommunication company will close its activities in the country. It the communiqué, MTN hierarchy used the opportunity to reassured their customers and partners of their continued existence and that nothing will deter them from serving Cameroonians.

CEO Saim Yaksan said the company places great importance on the Cameroon operations and has no plans to exit the country.

« There have been media reports that MTN will be exiting certain markets, including Cameroon. The Management of MTN Cameroon hereby reassures its clients and partners that MTN continues to place great importance on its Cameroon operations and has no plans to exit the country, » MTN CEO Saim Yaksan said in a statement.

« Cameroon is and has always been an important country for MTN, » the CEO stressed.

Reports emerged in the media last week that the company is planning pulling out of some of its unprofitable markets including Cameroon which sparked anger and anxiety amongst its customers.

Local media reports said the Anglophone crisis could force the company to quit Cameroon while local blogs in South Africa said a $6.6 million fine received by the company from Cameroon’s telecommunications regulator and a one-year reduction in its license term was one of the causes


When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Cabinet Meeting: This is What President Biya Told Ministers

President Paul Biya has held a cabinet meeting with his new team appointed on March 2, 2018. This was surely the first time some of the newly appointed ministers were meeting with the head of state face-face. One of the top item during the cabinet meeting had to do with the government roadmap and the road to emergence. President Biya told cabinet ministers that “It is necessary to pursue the smooth implementation of the Programme concluded with the IMF. There is also an urgent need to finalize the implementation of major structuring projects, the Emergency Growth Acceleration Plan and the Special Youth Plan.

The operationalization of the Kribi Deep Sea Port and the second bridge over the Wouri augur well in that regard”.

He reiterated the fact that much remains to be done as far as community services such as water supply, electricity, health, road infrastructures…, are concerned.

Paul Biya also added that the creation of a ministry for decentralization and local development was to provide quick solution to the population’s recurring needs. “In the short term, I am expecting detailed proposals and a timeline for fast-tracking the on-going decentralization process”, he concluded.

 



When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Lionel Messi Becomes Second Player To Ever Score 100 Champions League Goals

 Argentina forward, Lionel Messi has continued to shatter records in the football world with a myriad of good performances.

 

 

Barcelona magnificent star Lionel Messi celebrated the birth of his third child the only way he knows how, bagging two beautiful goals against Chelsea to reach his century of Champions League goals.

 

Reaching the milestone in 123 games, 14 games less than what it took his arch-rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.

 

Messi turned out to be just the second player to score 100 Champions League goals with a brace in Champions League round 16-second leg tie against Chelsea at Camp Nou on Wednesday.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Minister of Territorial Administration Gives NOWEFU Factions 10 Days to Put House in Order

Paul Atanga Nji

Paul Atanga Nji, the new Minister of Territorial Administration, has urged members if the fractionalized North West Fons’ Union, NOWEFU to stop washing royal garments in public and to exercise mutual-coexistence, harmony and peace. Minister Paul Atanga Nji first spoke to the Fons in Yaounde, on Monday, March 5, 2018, during his commissioning ceremony.

Addressing the Fons on the sideline of his installation, Minister Paul Atanga Nji gave the custodians of the culture and tradition of the North West people 10days to put their house in order, while he will meet with them to settle the problem once and for all.

It was based on the Minister’s instructions that one of the factions led by its President General, Fon Barnabas Shey Mbunwe, met in Baba I on Tuesday, March 12, 2018, to discuss on the possibilities of burying the hatchet with the other faction led by its own President General, Ibrahim Japbuh Nfor with Senator Fon Teche, President of the NOWEFU General Assembly. A newly created position that sparked controversy among members to the point that NOWEFU has two presidents, making the unions members of a moribund association. 

Prospects are high the NOWEFU, Minister Paul Atanga Nji could rescue the onetime enviable association from the doldrums.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Constitutional Council Impresses Public Opinion at First Public Hearing

The Constitution Council held its first ever public hearing today March 25, 2018 in Yaounde nine days after taking the oath of office. President Clement Atangana had to examine the six cases filed by political parties or individuals. Of the six case files only one has been adjourned to March 19, 2018 while six were trashed. Pundits say the case file by the SDF against the CPDM list in the West region is a hot potato in the hands on the Constitutional Council. However, the following cases were thrown out.  

1) Lady Saki Lamine against CPDM and ELECAM: The Council declared inadmissible the request of the outgoing Senator of the Far North Region who complained that her party, the CPDM, refused her the nomination for a new candidacy.
2) Ngbamine Ngbamine Zacherie against Isabelle Assouho Ndjole eps Tokpanou, CPDM and ELECAM: The Constitutional Council also declared inadmissible the request by  Zacharie Ngbamine, militant RDPC of the Eastern Region, opposing the candidacy of his party colleague, Mrs. Tokpanou

3) Tchatchouang Paul of the SDF against CPDM and ELECAM: After nearly two hours of debate, the Council adjourned the case to Monday, March 19, 2018 requesting the accused candidate Joseph Teingnidetio to appear before the court.

4)  Egono Valentin against CPDM and others’ request was also considered inadmissible
5) Ahmadou Ahidjo case against CPDM and ELECAM, motion of the Sieur Ahmadou Ahidjo rejected.

6) Case National Union for Democracy and Progress (UNDP) against CPDM and ELECAM, the president of the Constitutional Council against all odds, ordered the withdrawal of the role of this file due to the absence of the applicant.
It is therefore clear that the lists retained by ELECAM for the elections of March 25, 2018 were validated by the Constitutional Council, except for the contested list of the CPDM in the Western Region, pending the verdict at the hearing of the March 19, 2018. Public opinion has however given the Constitutional council a passed mark during its first public hearing. Prospects are high that the council could meet the expectations of political parties especially those of the opposition who have always cried fault. 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Chinese Farmer Builds Bicycle Completely Out Of Wood (Photos)

A Chinese man has stunned many people after he completely built a bicycle using wood at a village in Kongtong District, Pingliang City.

Chinese farmer, He Yong

 

A Chinese farmer, He Yong has shown off his handcrafted wooden bicycle at a village in Kongtong District, Pingliang City, Northwest China's Gansu Province. 

 

It took him more than two months to finish the creation without using a single nail or an iron chain. The same size as an ordinary bicycle, the wooden two-wheeler is strong enough to support a 100kg man.

 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Greek soccer team owner invades field while carrying gun

The owner of PAOK, Ivan Savvidis (C) storms onto pitch with a gun in a hip holster and accompanied by his bodyguards, during a soccer match between PAOK Thessaloniki and AEK Athens on Sunday in Toumba, Thessaloniki, Greece. Photo by EPA-EFE/STR 

 

March 12 (UPI) -- A gun-carrying Greek soccer team owner stormed the pitch after a goal scored by his team was disallowed, resulting in a tie at Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki.
An arrest warrant has been issued for PAOK owner Ivan Savvidis, according to reports.

PAOK and AEK tied their Superleague Greece matchup 0-0 Sunday in Greece, after Savvidis ran on the pitch with his holstered weapon. The match was postponed after Savvidis and a group of associates walked onto the field. The angry group was prompted after a PAOK score by Fernando Varela was disallowed in the 90th minute.
Savvidis walked onto the pitch twice, along with bodyguards, according to the Guardian. AEK coach Manolo Jiminez told Spanish radio that Savvidis confronted referee Giorgios Kominis and told him his "career as a referee has ended," according to Marca.
PAOK claimed victory after the match, via Twitter. The club said the game "ended with a score of 1-0" and referees were compiling the match sheet. The Superleague Greece website also has PAOK winning the match 1-0, but still has the game listed as "live."
PAOK also issued a statement on Monday.
"After what happened today in Toumba Stadium, PAOK FC president Ivan Savvidis is preparing to take all necessary steps to protect the club and all his executives and associates from the threats and attacks they are suffering," the statement said. "More relevant announcements to be made shortly."
Savvidis issued a longer statement, claiming the club's opponents are trying to "take advantage" of his club.
"Dear friends, I appeal to those who are not indifferent to the fate of our beloved PAOK," Savvidis' statement said on Sunday. "We have all witnessed the way our opponents are trying to take advantage of us and the slightest event.I invite you all, once you loved our black and white colors, to become a shield against any provocation and remember: PAOK's honor is in our hands and our strength is not only in unity but also in the ability to control our feelings, excluding actions that can be used against our team."
"Besides, in the past, before any external threat, we were united, and with the voice we supported the group.I continue to believe in ourselves and in Greek justice and will continue to do everything in order to protect PAOK's legitimate interests.Thank you and hope in understanding."
"The match PAOK FC-AEK FC was abandoned at the 90th minute due to pitch invation from PAOK FC owner Ivan Savvidis and his guard,"AEK said in a statement on its website.
Four addition individuals are also wanted by police, according to Skai TV.
FIFA released a statement to the BBC, saying: it "is aware of the incident. First of all, FIFA fully condemns such behavior. Given that this incident occurred in the context of a national competition, any disciplinary measure to be imposed falls under the jurisdiction of the deciding bodies of the Greek FA."
Savvidis is a former member of the Russian parliament. The 58-year-old is worth $530 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Arrogance, ego at play in Donald Trump, Kim Jong Un meeting

South Korean National Security Director Chung Eui-yong makes a statement regarding his March 7 meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as National Intelligence Service chief Suh Hoon (L) looks on at the entrance to the White House on Thursday. Photo by Michael Reynolds/EPA-EFE

 

The news that President Donald Trump would meet with North Korea's Kim Jong Un in May struck like a veritable thunderbolt on an otherwise unsuspecting day. Immediately, the administration's taunting and threatening of Kim were credited with precipitating this seeming diplomatic triumph. "Fire and fury" and "Little Rocket Man" may have persuaded the other side to come to the table. Or perhaps neither was relevant.

Of course, any possible opportunity must be seized. It is easy to criticize the peevishly short time window -- how long did it take Henry Kissinger's secret diplomacy before Richard Nixon went to China -- and seeming absence of America Korean experts to ensure that any meeting was well prepared in advance. Hence, hope may be the operative word.

Why the president acted so quickly after the visit of South Korea's national security adviser to the White House to announce this stunning development directly to the press room may be as interesting as what follows. Given the president's long and often fraught history in real estate when last-second "hail Marys" were all that stood between disaster and survival, perhaps those experiences were at play. The week could not have been much worse.

The seedy Stormy Daniels affair sprouted new wings with the inadvertent announcement by the White House press secretary that the president had won an arbitration case against the actress. The tariffs imposed on steel and aluminum provoked angry responses within the Republican Party and with some of our closest allies, namely Japan who would be affected. Any history student will know that tariffs do not work.

Presented the opportunity for something as dramatic as a meeting with Kim, it should be no surprise that Trump leapt at it for many reasons, especially given his preference for disruption. This was pure Trump -- -no warning or seeming coordination with his Cabinet -- Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was caught unaware -- and a reality show-like run-out. A further benefit was that the bombshell Korean meeting drained the oxygen from these other media firestorms. As in past real estate deals, for the moment, the president granted himself a temporary respite.

How might this play out? First, for many reasons, no meeting may take place or be deferred. Second, the meeting could simply be a first step in a much longer negotiation process agreed to by the two leaders. Third, a breakthrough could be achieved namely, moving toward a peace treaty that finally puts an end to the Korean War armistice that has been in place since July 1953 or steps to de-militarize the peninsula. One outcome does seem improbable if not impossible -- North Korea giving up its nuclear weapons.

Pyongyang consented to a meeting with the American president following rather clever Olympics diplomacy by South Korea inviting North Korean participation. North Korea has always wanted meetings with sitting presidents -- Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton visited after leaving office. Some will argue that sanctions and Chinese pressure, along with strong American rhetoric, were the forcing functions.

Those with better understanding of the Korean culture and the Kim family mindset would argue that now that North Korea believes it has achieved or soon will the capability to threaten the United States with nuclear intercontinental weapons, it has gained some degree of parity and confidence vis a vis Washington and will be negotiating from a position of strength. At this point, what other incentives South Korea or China may have offered Kim have not been made public if any were. Unfortunately, with no ambassador in Seoul and the resignation of the lead American negotiator, it is worrisome that Washington may not have sufficient experience to ensure that talks will produce some positive results.

A meeting that leads nowhere or ends badly will be worse than having no meeting at all. Trump probably feels that his negotiating skills will impress and even overwhelm a relatively immature and youthful protagonist. But arrogance and ego, both of which the president possesses in abundance, can be fatal.

Franklin Roosevelt honestly believed that by force of his personality Joseph Stalin would be sufficiently charmed to accept America's views at Yalta. FDR could not have been more wrong. Because too often Kim has been described as irrational and his physical appearance demeaned, he can be underestimated. That too would be a very bad error. Finally, before leaving for this visit if it does indeed take place, the president should be briefed at length on North Korean negotiating styles and history going all the way back to the talks at Panmunjom that ultimately led to a truce in 1953.

We do not want this president to repeat the errors of FDR with Stalin this time around.

 

 Harlan Ullman served as senior adviser for Supreme Allied Commander Europe for 12 years, is senior adviser at Washington D.C.'s Atlantic Council and chairman of two private companies. His newest book is "Anatomy of Failure: Why America Has Lost Every War It Starts." Follow him on Twitter @harlankullman.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

More than 50 dead after passenger plane crashes in Nepal

www.cameroonlatest.blogspot.com

A Bangladeshi plane crashed in Nepal Monday while landing at the Kathmandu airport with 71 passengers and crew aboard. Photo by Narendra Shrestha/EPA-EFE 

 

March 12 (UPI) -- Dozens of passengers died Monday after a Bangladeshi passenger plane crash landed at Kathmandu International Airport in Nepal, authorities said.
The plane, which was carrying 71 passengers when it crashed, veered off the runway upon landing and crashed in a soccer field near the airport.

The plane had previously departed from Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.
"Over 50 people are feared dead," Raj Kumar Chhetri, general manager of the airport, said. "We are carrying out rescue work. We are collecting details."
Nepalese aviation officer Caan Sanjiv Gautam said the plane looked "out of control" when it attempted to land.
"The aircraft was permitted to land from the Southern side of the runway over Koteshwor but it landed from the Northern side," Gautam said. "We are yet to ascertain the reason behind the unusual landing."
At least 17 people survived the crash.
Nepalese army soldiers were dispatched to the scene and all flights in and out of the airport were canceled
When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Davido, Emmanuella Nominated For Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award

 Two Nigerian stars have been nominated in this year's 2018 Nickelodeon Kids choice award.

Kid comedienne, Emmanuella and Davido

 

Nigerian Music star, Davido, and kid comedienne, Emmanuella, have been nominated for the 2018 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.

 

The 2018 Nickelodeon Kids' choice award is slated to hold on Saturday 24th March. The show will premiere on Nickelodeon (DStv channel 305) and Nick Toons (DStv channel 308).

 

Speaking on the nominations, the Executive Vice President and Managing Director Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) Alex Okosi said,

 

“The Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards offer a platform for African stars to be recognised for their excellence in their various talents including, music, sport and television by kids all over the globe.

”We are delighted to feature the continent’s highly talented nominees in the Favourite African Stars category where Black Coffee is nominated for the Favourite Global Music Star category alongside international counterparts.”

 

Other African artistes who made the list of nominees include Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania) Cassper Nyovest, Caster Semenya (South Africa) and Eddy Kenzo (Uganda) in the Favourite African Star category and Black Coffee (South Africa) in the Favourite Global Music Star category.

 

Davido while confirming the nomination, shared news of it on his Twitter, writing: "Just been nominated for the Nickelodeon Kids choice Awards category #FavAfricanStar !! Fans come alive!! VOTE NOW! @nickelodeon_africa."

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)