Up Station Mountain Club

Football: Cameroon draws Gabon and Tunisia at Africa Cup

(Story from Gef's football Club)

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon will face the Panthers of Gabon in their opening group game at January’s Africa Cup of Nations in Angola.

This follows draws made this Friday in Luanda that also place Zambia and Tunisia in Cameroon’s pool D that will be based in Lubango.

“It is a group of high quality teams; we just played against Gabon and Tunisia will want to revenge after missing qualification to the World Cup,” former Indomitable Lion Patrick Mboma told BBC sports on Friday.

The Indomitable Lions, who are now ranked 11th best soccer team in the World,  beat the Chipolopolo of Zambia 5-1 in the second game in the group phase at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations and knocked-out Tunisia 3-2 in the quarter finals of the same tournament.

Patrick Mboma told the BBC that Cameroon would like to win the tournament and predicted that Ghana and Ivory Coast should also make it to the semi-final.

Put to him that the presence of Paul Le Guen would help Cameroon win the trophy, the 2-time winner of the Nations Cup said: “the reality is that we cannot win all the games because we have Paul Le Guen on our bench.”

Continue reading Cameroon draws Gabon and Tunisia at Africa Cup

Washington, DC: Cameroon Ambassador Assaults Embassy Protesters

NBCWashington.com ( updated 3:15 p.m. CT, Thurs., Nov . 19, 2009)

A protest at the Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon turned violent this morning when the Cameroonian ambassador stormed from the building and assaulted two people outside, a well-placed source tells News4.

Ambassador Joseph Bienvenu Charles Foe Atangana rushed into the crowd and assaulted the leader of the protest, and then pushed a woman to the ground, witnesses said. The woman, a passer-by not involved in the protest, had been taking pictures. Her camera was thrown to the ground. Both of the injured were transported from the scene by ambulance.

Local police and the Secret Service responded to the scene. The matter's now been turned over to the State Department.

The group of paid protesters, bearing signs in French, were gathered outside the embassy at 2349 Massachusetts Ave. N.W. They claim that Cameroonian officials are siphoning off U.S.-granted funds intended for the people of Cameroon.

The frustrated protesters say they were supposed to be paid for their work. Now that their leader has been taken from the scene, they're saying it's not clear if they'll receive payment.

URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34044232/from/ET/

More Problems for .CM Domain as Registry Loses Files

.Cm domain name registry NETCOM loses financial files.

The “relaunch” of Cameroon’s .cm domain name stuttered out of the gate after many technical difficulties. Apparently those problems continue, and it highlights one of the risks of buying certain country code domain names.

.Cm registry NETCOM has emailed its registrars informing them of data loss in its accounting systems, and admitting it didn’t have a data backup plan in place:

Le Guen Extends Stay in Cameroon

Paul Le Guen’s tenure as head coach of Cameroon’s national football team has been extended for another seven months, news agencies reported on Thursday.

Although neither Le Guen nor the Cameroon Football Federation(Fecafoot) have confirmed these reports, the Frenchman who took over the Indomitable Lions in July on a short-term contract until December, is expected to lead the 4-times champions of Africa to the  2010 World Cup in South Africa and Africa Cup of Nations in Angola.

He played an influential role in qualifying the team to both tournaments after they had started poorly with a defeat and a draw to stand bottom of their group five points adrift of Gabon. Cameroon finished 4 points clear of the Gabonese Panthers.

“The key has been the talent of the players. We didn’t undergo a dramatic change of personnel but I wanted to change the team dynamic. I wanted them to want to come and play for the national team and I sought to give them the best conditions possible,”  Le Guen told pressmen after the final qualifier against Morocco in Fez.

By confirming the former Olympic Lyon and Glasgow Rangers manager a day before the draws of the Africa Cup of Nations in Luanda, Cameroon football authorities would have quenched any unhealthy speculation that may dent the current confidence the team exhudes.

Continue reading Le Guen Extends Stay in Cameroon

Cameroon’s 2011 Presidential Election: The Necessity of an Independent Female Challenger

By Joseph M. Ndifor

As Cameroonians grapple with the aberration that incumbent president, Paul Biya, will hold onto power after the 2011 presidential election, there’s been no mention of a possible female challenger who could effectively oust him from that position.  Today, more than ever before, the entry of a female opposition candidate into the race to bring about the demise of this regime can no longer be ignored.  The current major opposition parties--all headed by males-have been ineffective in their attempts at challenging the incumbent. The dearth of female opposition candidates on Cameroon’s political landscape has somehow, in my observation, derailed efforts in changing the country. 

“Not knowing” can be a Cause of great Anxiety and Stress for All

I was talking to someone recently, who has a great deal of suffering in his life. Like this person a large part of the lives of those suffering is due to the fact that they do not know how things will work out or whether indeed there is a solution to their problem(s).

By Yemti Harry Ndienla. Originally published on Prince Report

Transparency international corruption index

Cameroon is 146/180 for 2009. SEE HERE What does that mean?

The Chiefs Are Not To Blame

By Henry Monono

The Limbe City Council in its enthusiasm to celebrate the 150th birthday of the town has been caught in a cauldron of controversy. The causus belli or the reason for the war is once again financial as money and the love of it is the root of all evil. The expenditure has been pegged at the staggering sum of 150.000 .000 francs. By all means 150 brick is a lot of moola. This is what has incensed the chiefs and made them spoiling for a fight. 

 The chiefs in the Limbe 1, 2 and 3 have for long been meeting under an umbrella and association under the cognomen of Limbe Coastal Chiefs. The primus inter pares and chief spokesman of this group is the monumentally unflappable and outspoken Chief Ekum of Dikolo. Chief Ekum is a fearless, feisty royal with a chip on his shoulder.

why Cameroon Vs Morocco was only partially broadcast on

By Innocent Chia
  Ask the top bras of Cameron Radio Television why it did not broadcast the World Cup 2010 qualifying encounter between the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon and the Lions of Morocco?  Doubling as qualifying match to the 2010 African Cup of Nations, in the erstwhile civil-strife beleaguered South Central African country of Angola, CRTV had all but closed the deal on purchasing the broadcasting rights to the highly anticipated encounter. The price tag of half a million dollars ($520,000) or a over quarter billion CFA (268 million FCFA) was not the issue. As only the Chiareport can reveal, protégés of the Biya legacy had the final word and it was not about football…

Continue reading "Why Cameroon Vs Morocco was only partially broadcast on CRTV" » at www.chiareport.com

By Innocent Chia
  Ask the top bras of Cameron Radio Television why it did not broadcast the World Cup 2010 qualifying encounter between the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon and the Lions of Morocco?  Doubling as qualifying match to the 2010 African Cup of Nations, in the erstwhile civil-strife beleaguered South Central African country of Angola, CRTV had all but closed the deal on purchasing the broadcasting rights to the highly anticipated encounter. The price tag of half a million dollars ($520,000) or a over quarter billion CFA (268 million FCFA) was not the issue. As only the Chiareport can reveal, protégés of the Biya legacy had the final word and it was not about football…

Picture of the Day: Cows on Parade in Limbe

From the blog Sherry in Cameroon. Check it out for more scenes from Cameroon.
 

Lions qualify for South Africa 2010 – What next?

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon booked a place for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa by beating their hosts Morrocco by 2-0 on Saturday. Cameroon will be appearing at soccer’s biggest event for the sixth time – which is an African record.

After an initial defeat to Togo (0-1) and an insipid draw (0-0) in Yaounde with the Atlas Lions of Morrocco last June it looked like Cameroon would miss the event for the second time in a row. But a series of tough decisions by authorities, determination and discipline by the players, astute tactics and man-management by the  new technical staff  and the unity of purpose displayed by Cameroonians; the team earned qualification in a run of 4 victories in which they scored 9 goals and conceded just one.

The World Cup  and Africa Cup of Nations tickets in hand, the time is now for actions to ensure a commendable performance at both tournaments.

The first task is to extend Paul Le Guen’s contract. The Frenchman had signed a short-term deal with the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot) . His objective being to qualify the team after 4 games. He has lived up to the billing.

Although he had never managed a national team until his apointment last July, Le Guen imposed discipline and challenged otherwise complacent (but nonetheless talented) players like Rigobert Song, Geremi Njitap, Samuel Eto’o or Jean Makoun to stand-up to their reputation in the African game.

Continue reading Lions qualify for South Africa 2010 – What next?

The Wind of Change for Cameroon: Could the Solution Come from the Diaspora?

Peter Mans (African Voice of the Diaspora, USA)

The Global Mall in Atlanta, Georgia, USA saw a truly global participation of the Cameroonian Diaspora in an open and frank discussion on “The Democratization Process in Cameroon” on October 31, 2009. 

 
Organized by the African Political Network, an organization of Diaspora Africans seeking visionary leadership for the African continent, Cameroonians from 11 states across the US, 4 European countries, and Canada gathered in Atlanta to listen to one of the most qualified and well respected individuals to handle the topic of discussion, Dr. Chris Fomunyoh.

Memory Lane: Remembering the Collapse of the Berlin Wall 20 Years After

By Dibussi Tande (Originally published on Scribbles from the Den)

This week was the 20th anniversary of the collapse of the Berlin Wall, an event which symbolically marked the end of the cold war. Today, the memory of that event has faded, becoming a blur even to those who witnessed it. To my generation, the collapse of the wall was a momentous event, some would even say the most momentous one. In fact, it is easy to make a distinction between the world BEFORE and AFTER the wall;

A Journey to Yaounde (2): A Tour of The City

 

                                    Louis Egbe Mbua (originally published in Living Lights)

 

The problem was to navigate through the windingly dangerous Douala-Yaoundé Highway as was observed by the manoeuvres of the driver. We arrived at Edea at about an hour’s time after leaving Douala—and thank goodness without any incident. The African forest stood majestically in our view even just after Douala City was left behind. The share greenery that contoured the equatorial scenery was breath taking: hardwoods, shrubs and possibly other important medicinal plants could all be seen and observed as we turned and swerved.

What struck me most was the narrowness of the road. Why is this road so narrow? I tasked my conscience. At least the roads through Likomba are like Boulevards: broad to the equivalent of three cars. Is the present road up to international standards then? When we arrived at Edea, the driver stopped the vehicle for refreshments. As soon as the bus driver gently applied the brakes, a great number of Cameroonians jumped into the bus. What are they looking for? I thought. It was only minutes before I realised their seeming predicament.

 

Music Video - Maria by Blick Bassy

Video from the Léman album.
Blick Bassy is a Camerounian musician, formerly part of the group Macase.

Music Video - Congossa by Wax (Nde Ndifonka)

One of the songs in which I reconnect with my acoustic Cameroonian roots - Makossa. I shot the video with Weg and Emile in one evening in Buea when I was passing by, and I'm proud of what they were able to put together at short notice. And it was fun doing smth in cameroon :). It's yet unreleased but will feature in my upcoming DVD to be released exclusively in Cameroon in Easter 2010 - Wax

Will Mankind Self Destruct or Agree To Save Itself? - Dr Richard M. Tingem on Climate Change

Interview conducted by Innocent Chia
 
A little less than a month from today (Dec. 7th – Dec. 18th), in the Danish cosmopolitan capital city of Copenhagen, environmental experts like UNEP’s Richard Tingem Munang will  look to President Obama and his peers to provide political will and leadership on the pressing issue of climate change. While the big boys, and girl, club will be making these far-reaching decisions of global import, a looming concern for activists is what will happen to the Africas of the world that pollute least but are set to suffer most if nothing is done? As climate change Deputy Project Manager at theUnited Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Cameroon-born Richard T. Munang (PhD) is part of a team charged with the daunting task of saving the world from itself with smart policies that build communities while saving the world.  

Thanks to the convenience of social media networks, Chiareport caught up with Dr. Richard M. Tingem for an exclusive focusing on what Climate Change means to Africa and Africans.

Continue reading "Will Mankind Self Destruct or Agree To Save Itself? - Dr Richard M. Tingem on Climate Change" » @ http://www.chiareport.com/

Interview conducted by Innocent Chia
 
A little less than a month from today (Dec. 7th – Dec. 18th), in the Danish cosmopolitan capital city of Copenhagen, environmental experts like UNEP’s Richard Tingem Munang will  look to President Obama and his peers to provide political will and leadership on the pressing issue of climate change. While the big boys, and girl, club will be making these far-reaching decisions of global import, a looming concern for activists is what will happen to the Africas of the world that pollute least but are set to suffer most if nothing is done? As climate change Deputy Project Manager at theUnited Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Cameroon-born Richard T. Munang (PhD) is part of a team charged with the daunting task of saving the world from itself with smart policies that build communities while saving the world.  

Thanks to the convenience of social media networks, Chiareport caught up with Dr. Richard M. Tingem for an exclusive focusing on what Climate Change means to Africa and Africans.

(Video) Democratic Process in Cameroon with Chris Fomunyoh

Dr Fomunyoh discusses the Democratic Process in Cameroun with the Camerounian Community in Atlanta.

African Media Leadership Conference, Lagos, Nigeria

Slide Show:

MORE ON THIS EVENT

Biya's Anniversary Letter: A Failure's Incantation

Published with permission of Nebafuh.com
By Neba-Fuh
In a letter to a nation, one would expect a 77 year old man who has
ruled  for 27years, to present a platter of  human and social
developmental strides that have marked his tenure this far at the helm
of the nation.  and how these achievements can be preserved by future
generations.  But Paul Biya - ruler of the Republic Of Cameroon is no
porter of a platter of any kind, after spearheading the plunge of this 
great nation to the abyss of poverty. No doubt his 27th Anniversary
letter to the nation carried a barrage of the  futuristic phrase ``I
will...`` , just like the fool at forty who is vowing not to be a fool
forever.

President Biya writes to Cameroonians on his 27th Anniversary in Power

 

After 27 years as President of any Republic it is not easy to maintain attention on the day one came to power. Paul Biya of Cameroon has decided to generate a buzz by doing something unusual. At least, it is unusual for him.

He has opted to write a letter to his countrymen and of course supporters of his party - the Cameroon Peoples Democratic Movement (CPDM). Paul Biya generally addresses the nation by radio and TV broadcast so his option to use the print media is an innovation. What is more is that he sent it directly to all the daily papers in the country regardless of official(state) and private (independent) media dichotomy.

Paul Biya has again enjoined his people to emulate "the spirit of the Lions" or the "fighting spirit of the Lions" in reference to the Cameroon national soccer team (the Indomitable Lions).

Read the President's letter below:

My dear Compatriots, Dear CPDM Militants, On the occasion of this 27th Anniversary of the New Deal, I am very pleased to address you, through this letter, on the future of Cameroon which depends on each and every one of us. It is our individual and collective responsibility. Each person in his own sphere and all of us together have to work actively to build that future. It will be the fruit of our collective effort. It will be what all of us want it to be.

For my part, I want to reiterate that I will never fail, as I promised, you will remember, when taking office as President of the Republic.

As you know, we are patiently building our country on solid foundations. When we look at the world around us, we appreciate better our options and actions, we better understand, I am sure, the need to specially and jealously ensure the strengthening of peace, reinforcement of democracy and consolidation of unity, which remain the pillars of nation building as well as guarantors of development, progress and our common future. Peace, unity and democracy are sound values which I have always advocated and which we must constantly consolidate. No price is too much to pay for them but they are still fragile. That is why today again, on this occasion, I am reiterating my appeal for permanent vigilance so as not to compromise our precious achievements in these domains. As for me, the ideal is that these values should be firmly and definitively entrenched in our attitudes, habits and behaviours.

Continue reading "President Biya writes to Cameroonians on his 27th Anniversary in Power" »

After 27 years as President of any Republic it is not easy to maintain attention on the day one came to power. Paul Biya of Cameroon has decided to generate a buzz by doing something unusual. At least, it is unusual for him.

He has opted to write a letter to his countrymen and of course supporters of his party - the Cameroon Peoples Democratic Movement (CPDM). Paul Biya generally addresses the nation by radio and TV broadcast so his option to use the print media is an innovation. What is more is that he sent it directly to all the daily papers in the country regardless of official(state) and private (independent) media dichotomy.

Paul Biya has again enjoined his people to emulate "the spirit of the Lions" or the "fighting spirit of the Lions" in reference to the Cameroon national soccer team (the Indomitable Lions).

Read the President's letter below:

My dear Compatriots, Dear CPDM Militants, On the occasion of this 27th Anniversary of the New Deal, I am very pleased to address you, through this letter, on the future of Cameroon which depends on each and every one of us. It is our individual and collective responsibility. Each person in his own sphere and all of us together have to work actively to build that future. It will be the fruit of our collective effort. It will be what all of us want it to be.

For my part, I want to reiterate that I will never fail, as I promised, you will remember, when taking office as President of the Republic.

As you know, we are patiently building our country on solid foundations. When we look at the world around us, we appreciate better our options and actions, we better understand, I am sure, the need to specially and jealously ensure the strengthening of peace, reinforcement of democracy and consolidation of unity, which remain the pillars of nation building as well as guarantors of development, progress and our common future. Peace, unity and democracy are sound values which I have always advocated and which we must constantly consolidate. No price is too much to pay for them but they are still fragile. That is why today again, on this occasion, I am reiterating my appeal for permanent vigilance so as not to compromise our precious achievements in these domains. As for me, the ideal is that these values should be firmly and definitively entrenched in our attitudes, habits and behaviours.

Cameroon: How to win a motor-bike by watching football

(Originally posted on Gef's Football Club)

Cameroon’s elite football championship is two match-days old and it seems to be creating an unprecedented buzz. The TV channels are awash with programmes about the matches played this far with Canal 2 International and Equinoxe TV even managing the feat of keeping the list of players called up for Cameroon’s final World Cup qualifier on the backburner of their Monday sports magazines.

But that’s not all. The Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) seems to be working late shifts too. As I visited their website, I noticed an interesting message scrolling across in French: “buy a match ticket to the Big Game between Tiko United and Canon of Yaounde on match-day 3 and win a motor-bike and other prizes.”

Given the way the motor-bike taxi business (aka bendskin) is thriving in Cameroon this could be an interesting way of blending leisure and investment for a few smart guys.

I gather Cameroon’s Minister for Sport has urged the federation to do its utmost to attract fans who only appeared in their thousands at national team games while players in the first division played in empty stadiums.

This motorbike stuff is surely one of Fecafoot’s strategies to achieve the target set by the minister. Wow!

The first games of the season seem to have attracted more people than I’ve seen in at least four years. It is not only down to the draw of winning a motorcycle. It is also the result of innovations in the way Fecafoot are marketing their games.

Continue reading Cameroon:How to win a motor-bike by watching football

A Journey To Yaounde (1): Cameroon O'Bosso Na Mbussa

 

Louis Egbe Mbua (originally published in Living Lights)

 

On a second visit to Cameroon this year, it won’t have been appropriate, I thought, to leave without making a sortie to Yaoundé, the Capital City of Cameroon. One had read; and heard of the accident-prone highway that links Douala, the commercial hub in the Gulf of Guinea, to the city embedded in the middle of Cameroon. Where does one board a coach to Yaoundé, I inquired. In Akwa, I was informed by old hands of the Douala gentry. There is a company located in Akwa; it is very efficient and provides express service; but you have to arrive early to catch the express service, they opined. What is the name of the Company? Guarantee was the name. How apt: I will be guaranteed a good and safe journey, I said to myself. So, early on the 25th of July 2009, I dressed up after the London business suit fashion, and found myself in the coach station in Akwa.