“The day you die, people will cry,” the 24-year-old told hundreds of audience members in an embattled part of southwestern Cameroon. “But this won’t stop the clock from ticking or the flowers from blooming.” Alemnge is among a group of artists using spoken-word poetry to denounce ongoing bloodshed in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions, where separatists are fighting government forces. The corpse was a stage prop, but the tears and wails that greeted it were real. The civil war has killed an estimated 6,500 people, most of them civilians, and displaced nearly 1 million since 2016. Spoken word has gained new prominence in Cameroon with poets such as Alemnge, who performs under the stage name Penboy. They believe their art form taps into the everyday dangers of war zones that many people avoid talking about. “Death is inevitable, yet many people don’t even want to think about it,” he said after a performance he organized in March to launch his latest album, “RED.” Artists have found eager audiences who say they feel moved by the rhythms of the spoken word. “I have watched crowds fall silent, then rise like waves, because his words have the power to heal,” said Prosper Langmi Ngunu, who watched Penboy’s performance. Almost everyone in Anglophone areas has lost someone close to them. Mental health issues are common. So, too, is gang rape by members of the warring parties, contributing to a rise in teenage pregnancy. “RED” returns to the themes of Penboy’s first album, “Natives of the Universe,” which asserts that people share common humanity and fight for reasons of vanity that don’t justify the human cost. Despite the linguistic divides deepened by the conflict, Penboy has toured six of Cameroon’s eight Francophone regions to draw people’s attention to atrocities committed in English-speaking regions. There, he said, his poems found empathetic audiences and even turned some listeners into advocates for peace. International and local organizations have documented looting, killing and torture as well as mass rape and the burning of villages. The warring sides often trade blame for such abuses. The scars of colonial rule shape discord in modern-day Cameroon along linguistic fault lines. Once a German colony, Cameroon was divided between Britain and France after World War I. The two nations ruled it as separate entities until the early 1960s, when Cameroon became independent and united as a single, federal, bilingual state. The arrangement was short-lived. The next decade, Cameroon passed a referendum amending its constitution and dissolving sections guaranteeing the rights of the English-speaking minority. The English-speaking population makes up about 20% of the country’s roughly 30 million people. Anglophone Cameroonians feel marginalized by the Francophone majority. Tensions soared in 2016 when the government attempted to impose French in English-speaking regions’ schools and courts, igniting protests that security forces violently repressed. The clashes prompted some English-speaking separatists to take up arms against the government. Both sides have been accused of violence against civilians. The growing popularity of spoken-word events such as Penboy’s March 9 gathering reflects how people are becoming less afraid to express their outrage, said another spoken-word artist who goes by Camila. “Since we cannot pick up guns to fight, we use the power of the spoken word to send across our message. Some find peace in it, others find healing, while some get educated,” she said. Her performance drew inspiration from an October 2021 attack in which a soldier killed 5-year-old schoolgirl Caro Louise Ndialle after shooting at a car fleeing a checkpoint. “How can we forget carrying the lifeless body of our baby girl in our hands with her open skull like a trophy won from a tournament?” Camila asked the audience. Her poems tap into memories of bodies strewn on city streets, and schools and hospitals that stop operating after government soldiers and separatist fighters burn them to the ground. Other works lampoon what poets see as hypocrisy and nonchalance by the warring sides. In “Cries Of War,” spoken-word poet and writer Sandra Nyangha tells the story of people fed up with the conflict and eager for a return to peace. “If you can give the order for something such as war to start, then you can also give the order to end it,” she said. For Penboy, spoken-word gatherings are part of efforts to bring the arts to crisis-affected communities. He has also worked on initiatives including the Students in Activism Project, launched last year, to help youth build self-confidence through developing their writing and performances. The war has robbed many of an education, he said. “My goal here is not just to perfect their skills. It is for them to use the art forms to bring solutions to their communities,” Penboy said. “Artists have the responsibility to use their craft to advocate for change.” Entertainment & Arts Hollywood Inc. World & Nation Subscribe for unlimited accessSite Map By Jude Atemanke The realization of the Divine Mercy Co-Cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Buea in Cameroon that was dedicated on January 5 is a testament to the collective sacrifices In his homily during the dedication, Bishop Michael Miabesue Bibi reflected on the journey to the celebration and thanked those who contributed to the realization of the initiative we celebrate and rejoice in thanksgiving to God This Co-Cathedral stands as the fruit of our collective prayers He described the realization of the Co-Cathedral as “a symbol of the unity and commitment of the people of God in this Diocese.” “With the completion of this sacred space, I believe it is time to apply for its designation as a Minor Basilica,” the Catholic Church leader said about the initiative that his predecessor, Bishop Emmanuel Bushu He noted that Bishop Bushu initiated the construction after recognizing that the existing Regina Pacis Cathedral could no longer accommodate the growing Catholic community and the ceremonial grounds at Small Soppo were unsuitable for worship the initiative hit financial challenges that required renewed fundraising efforts one of the first files handed to me was for fundraising to resume work on the Co-Cathedral.” Having launched his first fundraising initiative for the project during his inaugural Mass on 12 January 2020 the Cameroonian Bishop further recalled that his relentless pursuit of financial support earned him a nickname that he “gladly accepted” “Because of the fundraising, levies, and my determination to seek resources, I was called 'Bishop Money’. I gladly accepted it, knowing I would continue to seek funds to build God’s house,” Bishop Bibi, who has been at the helm of Buea Diocese since December 2019 and since February 2021 as the Local Ordinary He attributed the realization of the Co-Cathedral to the unwavering generosity of various stakeholders including significant financial contributions from families Bishop Bibi also acknowledged with appreciation the support of Cameroon’s Minister of Finance whose assistance was instrumental in the roofing of the structure In an interview with ACI Africa on the sidelines of the dedication “I am thankful to God that the project at last after so many years has been completed I am very satisfied with the work that has been done.” The Co-cathedral which sits in Molyko Deanary occupies a 1-hectare land and can host about 5000 worshipers The dedication Mass of the Co-Cathedral also marked the opening of the 48th Annual Seminar of members of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC) In his address during the Eucharist celebration congratulated Bishop Bibi and the people of God under his pastoral care for their contributions to realization of the Co-Cathedral “The cathedral church is always the symbol of unity of the people of God around their chief shepherd, the Bishop,” Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya said The Local Ordinary of Cameroons’ Catholic Archdiocese of Bamenda encouraged Christians from all regions to find in Buea a spiritual home where they could worship God freely as brothers and sisters “The Church is not an empty building made of coloured stones The Church is a reality flowing from our love The Cameroonian Catholic Bishop underscored the significance of unity and peace “Buea Diocese should stand strong as a united and peaceful people around their Bishop Divine Mercy Co-Cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Buea in Cameroon Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church Accessible worldwide at virtual.basilicasanpietro.va the free interactive platform allows anyone in the world to “visit” the virtual 3D model of.. Pope Francis also praised the “important priestly presence” of military chaplains pointing to the moral and spiritual support they provide The recently restored Ponte Sant’Angelo in Rome features 10 angels holding symbols of Christ’s passion Metrics details This study examined the optimal size of an autonomous hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) for a residential application in Buea located in the southwest region of Cameroon have been evaluated in order to determine which was the better option The goal of this research was to propose a dependable low-cost power source as an alternative to the unreliable and highly unstable electricity grid in Buea The decision criterion for the proposed HRES was the cost of energy (COE) while the system’s dependability constraint was the loss of power supply probability (LPSP) The crayfish optimization algorithm (COA) was used to optimize the component sizes of the proposed HRES and the results were contrasted to those obtained from the whale optimization algorithm (WOA) and grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA) The MATLAB software was used to model the components and constraints of this single-objective optimization problem The results obtained after simulation for LPSP of less than 1% showed that the COA algorithm outperformed the other three techniques the COE obtained using the COA algorithm was 0.06% and 1% lower than the COE provided by the WOA the COE obtained using the COA algorithm was 0.065% and 0.39% lower than the COE provided by the WOA A comparative analysis of the outcomes obtained for the two configurations indicated that the PV-Battery-Diesel configuration exhibited a COE that was 4.32% lower in comparison to the PV-Battery configuration the impact of the LPSP reduction on the COE was assessed in the PV-Battery-Diesel configuration The decrease in LPSP resulted in an increase in COE owing to the nominal capacity of the diesel generator Utilizing this significant potential could allow for both large-scale energy production for grid-connected systems and smaller solar energy is not a panacea for Cameroon’s lack of access to high-quality energy Solar panel output is highly dependent on the erratic nature of both solar radiation and ambient temperature which frequently leads to an imbalance between supply and demand storage systems are interconnected with photovoltaic systems to ensure the uninterrupted provision of energy to diverse loads in the event of solar panel failure The incorporation of diverse energy sources and storage systems into renewable energy systems significantly impacts the expenses associated with their installation these renewable energy systems must be optimally dimensioned in order to reduce the investment required for installation This work developed an optimal sizing approach for a HRES composed of batteries and a diesel generator for a residential application in Buea The system is intended to operate independently of the electrical grid The literature extensively discusses the optimal design of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRESs) which integrate various energy sources such as solar panels These systems are designed to provide a reliable and sustainable energy supply by leveraging the complementary nature of different energy sources solar panels generate electricity during the day while wind turbines can produce power both day and night Diesel and biogas generators serve as backup power sources ensuring a continuous energy supply even when renewable sources are insufficient researchers and engineers can design HRESs that meet specific energy demands This study proposes using PV and wind turbines to reduce costs and increase the use of energy from renewable sources The researchers used an optimization framework with a genetic algorithm to determine the most efficient hybrid system taking into account factors such as solar panel rated power The study found that a PV/battery/diesel system is the most cost-effective option for remote locations an HRES with PV/battery/diesel saved approximately 60% of fuel compared to a diesel-only system while lowering carbon emissions by approximately 43% The study looked at different hybrid system configurations and evaluated their techno-economic aspects using a genetic algorithm The findings show that a solar-based photovoltaic (PV) system with wind and biomass backup sources has the lowest levelized cost of energy (LCOE) the study demonstrates that the genetic algorithm (GA) method delivers long-term and cost-effective results when contrasted with HOMER Pro software exhibiting the smallest fuel consumption and CO2 emissions Their application to HRES design helps in achieving balanced Based on insights gained from an extensive review of the current literature this study reveals a key gap in solving the energy challenges faced by residential areas in Buea Despite the abundance of renewable energy resources the region continues to grapple with an unreliable and unstable electricity grid leading to frequent power outages and hindered socio-economic development Existing studies have highlighted the potential of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRES) to mitigate these issues by harnessing solar energy alongside other renewable sources the literature reveals a lack of comprehensive research focused on optimizing the design and configuration of HRES specifically tailored for the residential context in Buea Existing studies often overlook the unique socio-economic and environmental dynamics of the region thus failing to provide practical solutions that address the specific needs and constraints of local residents the existing energy management strategies in Buea primarily rely on traditional fossil fuel-based generators as backup power sources contributing to environmental degradation and exacerbating the region’s vulnerability to climate change impacts sustainable alternatives that not only ensure reliable energy access but also minimize greenhouse gas emissions and promote resilience in the face of evolving environmental challenges the research problem addressed in this study revolves around the formulation of an optimal HRES configuration that balances cost-effectiveness By integrating insights from the literature review with empirical data and advanced optimization techniques this research aims to contribute a tailored solution to the energy challenges faced by residential communities in Buea The study seeks to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation thereby offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders involved in sustainable development initiatives in the region This study sought to figure out the optimal dimension of an autonomous PV/Battery/Diesel hybrid system for residential use in Buea with the goal of enhancing the community’s access to dependable and quality energy This study utilized the cost of energy as a decision criterion and the loss of power supply probability as a system dependability criterion This work makes the following contributions to the literature: A PV/Battery/Diesel hybrid system was suggested for residential use in Buea An energy management approach has been proposed to boost the proportion of renewable energy in order to meet demand and restrict greenhouse gas emissions The suggested HRES’s size was optimized using the COA meta heuristic in accordance with LPSP and energy cost criteria the results were examined in relation to those given by the WOA A comparison was conducted between PV/Battery/Diesel and PV/Battery configurations to identify the most efficient configuration according to cost of energy and LPSP A thorough examination was conducted to assess the impact of gradually decreasing the LPSP on energy costs and the capacity of diesel generators The purpose was to analyze how enhancing the reliability of the proposed hybrid system would affect the cost of energy combining the insights gained from previous parts Hourly load profile during vacation period and during normal period Buea monthly solar radiation data and monthly average ambient temperature The autonomous HRES consisted of solar photovoltaic panels, lithium batteries, and a diesel generator is shown in Fig. 3. The temperature \({T}_{C}\) of the cells is determined by solar radiation and the normal operating cell temperature (\(NOCT)\) Surplus energy is utilized for charging the batteries The battery-charging power was calculated using two equations When the power produced by the diesel generator is higher than the load demand, Eq. (7) is utilized to charge the batteries The inverter under consideration is bidirectional with the assumption that its efficiency is the same in both DC/AC and AC/DC conversion modes The amount of energy available over time in the batteries is constrained by the following factors: The DC/AC converter has to be capable of supplying the power required by the load \({P}_{invn}\) denotes the inverter’s rated power and \({k}_{SF}\) is a safety factor that must be greater than one The metric employed to evaluate the reliability of the HRES is the loss of power supply probability (LPSP) which measures the probability of power supply failure The economic feasibility of the new hybrid system was evaluated based on two criteria: total annualized cost (TAC) along with the cost of energy (COE) The TAC is calculated for each component of the HRES The total yearly cost of the photovoltaic system encompasses solely the initial cost (\({C}_{cap}^{PV}\)) and the yearly expenses for maintenance and operation (\({C}_{O\&M}^{PV}\).) as the solar panels’ lifespan aligns with the project’s lifespan The \(CRF\), which stands for capital recovery factor, is determined by utilizing Eq. (16) where r represents the real interest rate while N denote the duration of the project \({k}_{r}\) represents the discount factor for component replacement cost. It is determined by the project lifespan, real interest rate, and component lifespan. Equation (19) describes this expression where \({N}_{rep}\) is the number of component replacements and \(n\) is the lifetime of the component Diesel generator. The overall cost of the diesel generator takes into account the initial investment, the expenses for maintenance and operation, as well as the fuel costs (\({Cost}_{fuel}\)). The calculation was made using Eq. (20) The TAC of the inverter encompasses the initial capital and ongoing maintenance and operational costs The single-objective optimization problem is to minimize the energy cost of the HRES. The problem of optimization is mathematically represented by Eq. (23) This single objective optimization problem is subject to the constraints presented in Eq. (24) \({P}_{diesel}^{L}\) represent the lower bounds of the optimization variables represent the upper bounds of the optimization variables Step 1 Setting parameters and initializing the population Equations (27) and (28) specify the ambient temperature (\(temp\)) of the crayfish which influences the progression of COA through different stages the variable \(\mu\) denotes the ideal temperature for crayfish while \(\sigma\) and \({C}_{1}\) govern the consumption of crayfish at different temperatures Step 3 Summer resort and competition stages \({X}_{G}\) indicates the current optimal position attained after a specific number of iterations \({X}_{L}\) indicates the current population’s optimal position \(t\) denotes the present iteration’s number and \(t+1\) denotes the iteration number for the following generation The COA entered the competitive phase when \(temp>30\) and rand was 0.5 or higher. Currently, the two crayfish engage in a competition for the cave by utilizing Eqs. (32) and (330 This competition leads to the establishment of a new position which is determined by the cave position (\({X}_{shade}\)) and the positions of the two crayfish (\({X}_{i,j}^{t}\) \(z\) represents a randomly selected crayfish individual If \(Q>{(C}_{3}+1)/2\), the food is shared using Eq. (36). Then use Eq. (37) to calculate the new position and proceed to Step 5 If \(Q<{(C}_{3}+1)/2\), use Eq. (38) to find a new position and move on to Step 5 Assess the population and decide if to break the cycle Step 6 Displaying the optimal fitness value The initial settings of the algorithms are displayed in Table 1 The most suitable design of the hybrid renewable energy system is heavily dependent on the strategic management of power flow between demand and the two sources of energy production Solar panels are the primary source of power for meeting load demand with lithium batteries serving as a secondary option The diesel generator serves as a backup energy source providing power to the load only when the PV system and batteries are unable to do so This reduces the emission of greenhouse gases into the environment The various stages of the energy management strategy are as follows: If \({P}_{PV}\left(t\right)=\frac{{P}_{Load}\left(t\right)}{{\eta }_{inv}}\) the solar panels’ generation is adequate to meet the load demand If \({P}_{PV}\left(t\right)>\frac{{P}_{Load}\left(t\right)}{{\eta }_{inv}}\) excess energy is utilized for the purpose of charging the batteries If \({P}_{PV}\left(t\right)<\frac{{P}_{Load}\left(t\right)}{{\eta }_{inv}}\) the state of charge of the battery is assessed If the amount of energy stored in the battery at the preceding moment is adequate to satisfy the demand \(\left({P}_{PV}\left(t\right)-\frac{{P}_{Load}(t)}{{\eta }_{inv}}\right)\) Insufficient energy stored in the batteries triggers the activation of the diesel generator to supply the required power for the load and any surplus energy will be utilized to recharge the batteries In the event that the diesel generator is incapable of meeting the entirety of the load demand and the battery state-of-charge does not meet the minimum threshold established by the DOD the combined efforts of the diesel generator and the diesel generator and batteries work together to fulfill the entire load demand The energy management applied to the proposed HRES is depicted in Fig. 4. Proposed energy management strategy for the HRES Table 2 lists the economic and financial features of the diesel generator Hourly solar radiation and ambient temperature for the city of Buea In accordance with the results depicted in Fig. 6 the COA algorithm yielded the best outcomes irrespective of the HRES type being evaluated The costs of energy determined with the four algorithms for the PV-Battery hybrid option converge to their optimal values as the number of iterations increases the energy costs of the COA algorithm were reduced by 0.06% and 1% compared to the energy costs achieved using the WOA as a result of employing a diesel generator the cost of energy for a specific study conducted in Iraq was $0.152/kWh The COE achieved in this study is $0.153/kWh Table 3 presents the detailed results generated by each algorithm Due to the main focus of minimizing energy costs the PV-Lithium Battery-Diesel setup was selected and the subsequent analysis exclusively concentrated on this configuration The effect of the gradual reduction in LPSP on COE was investigated. The goal is to investigate the potential cost implications of increasing the reliability of the PV-Battery-Diesel hybrid system. The COA algorithm is used to generate the results shown in Fig. 7. Results obtained when decreasing LPSP toward zero As shown in Fig. 7, the gradual decrease in LPSP led to a gradual increase in COE from 0.153$/kWh for an LPSP of 0.998% to 0.1670 $/kWh for an LPSP of 0.009%. Table 4 presents the detailed results of the LPSP reduction in the COE Impact of the size of diesel generator on COE and LPSP Annual energy generation/consumed for the LPSP = 0% and LPSP = 0.99% and 11.57 MWh was directly supplied to the load by the solar panels through the inverter The battery supplied 16.66 MWh of energy to the load via the inverter annually while the diesel generator produced 1.042 MWh of energy per year The diesel generator provides approximately 3.7% of the total annual energy demand 20.32 MWh was used to charge the batteries and 11.70 MWh was directly supplied to the load via the inverter The diesel generator produced 0.727 MWh of energy annually while the battery supplied 16.52 MWh of energy to the load through the inverter The diesel generator provided approximately 2.6% of the overall annual energy demand The annual generation of the diesel generator was minimal compared to the energy produced by the solar panels and batteries in the two LPSPs analyzed The energy management strategy implemented in this study aimed to optimize the utilization of renewable energy sources instead of diesel The diesel generators ran for 441 h and consumed 241.96 L of diesel with LPSP = 0.99% whereas they ran for 348 h and consumed 485.91 L of diesel with LPSP = 0% Figures 10 and 11 show the energy production of the PV system, battery charging/discharging energy, and diesel generator for LPSP = 0% and LPSP = 0.99% over a 1-day period with minimal sunlight. 24-h solar PV, battery, and diesel generator energy production for LPSP = 0%. and diesel generator energy production for LPSP = 0.99% Figure 11 demonstrates that the diesel generator is utilized more when LPSP is 0.998% compared to when it is zero the diesel generator operated for a greater duration compared to the zero LPSP scenario this study explored the optimization of an autonomous hybrid renewable energy system for residential use in Buea The optimal dimensions of a HRES intended for residential use were investigated in this study The evaluation involved two hybrid system configurations: PV-Battery and PV-Battery-Diesel The techno-economic decision criterion selected for the single-objective optimization problem was the cost of energy (COE) while the dependability constraint used was the loss of supplied power probability (LPSP) To optimize and compare the two hybrid system configurations A comparison was made between the outcomes of the COA algorithm and those of established algorithms such as the WOA the algorithms yielded energy costs of 0.1599$/kWh the COE derived from the COA algorithm is 0.06% the algorithms yield COE values of 0.1530 $/kWh The COE achieved through the COA algorithm was 0.065% and 0.39% less than the COEs achieved from the WOA Upon comparing the optimal outcomes yielded by the COA algorithm for the two hybrid system configurations it was Witnessed that the PV-Battery-Diesel configuration exhibited the most favorable coefficient of efficiency (COE) an analysis of the effect of gradually decreasing LPSP on COE in the PV-Battery-Diesel configuration revealed that COE tends to rise as LPSP decreases The rise in the COE can be attributed to an augmentation in the nominal capacity of the diesel generator once the diesel generator’s nominal capacity reached the highest energy demand the hybrid system achieved full reliability several promising paths emerge to advance the field of hybrid renewable energy systems exploring advanced optimization techniques such as genetic algorithms or machine learning-based approaches could refine HRES design and operation integrating emerging technologies like advanced energy storage systems and smart grid technologies into HRES could enhance system performance and reliability investigating the socio-economic impacts and policy implications of HRES deployment along with field studies and pilot projects can provide valuable insights into the practical feasibility and benefits of renewable energy adoption future research can contribute to the development of innovative solutions for sustainable energy provision and accelerate the transition towards a low-carbon and resilient energy future The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study available from the corresponding author on reasonable request Jacques Fotso, W., Mvogo, G. & Bidiasse, H. 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Syst. 57(5), 3279–3295. https://doi.org/10.1109/TAES.2021.3074204 (2021) Download references Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Elsabet Ferede Agajie & Wirnkar Basil Nsanyuy Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Hourani Center for Applied Scientific Research Shir Ahmad Dost Mohammadi and Mohit Bajaj: Project administration The authors declare no competing interests Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations Download citation DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-66582-0 Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content: a shareable link is not currently available for this article Sign up for the Nature Briefing: AI and Robotics newsletter — what matters in AI and robotics research People dance at the South West Cultural Festival in Buea Dancers perform at the South West Cultural Festival in Buea People in traditional dresses are pictured at the South West Cultural Festival in Buea Cardiff-based writer Eric Ngalle Charles under the spotlight as he’s been commissioned to write and present a poem to the Paramount Ruler of Buea the capital city of the southwest region of Cameroon It will be performed during a cultural evening in Leicester in the presence of the Cameroonian ambassador in an event both celebrating and building bridges between the cultures of Cameroon and the UK and Wales in particular In the run-up to what will be a first-time visit to the UK by the Paramount Ruler of Buea arranged by the Bakweri Community of the United Kingdom Ant Evans discussed the impending visi with Eric Charlest playwright and performer was eager to underline the significance of the visit by The Paramount ruler of Buea HRM Chief Dr Robert Esuka Endeley ‘This is the first time that the King has visited the UK and also the first time the Bakweri diaspora have played host to such a VIP Eric Ngalle Charles himself is a Cameroonian writer Currently a PhD researcher at King’s College London he was awarded a Creative Wales Award Fellowship in 2017 for his work on migration Eric Ngalle: One Man’s Journey Crossing Continents from Africa to Europe (2019 spending several years in Russia and elsewhere seeking refuge He was selected as one of Jackie Kay’s ‘best British BAME writers’ with a unique theatrical voice I’ve been commissioned to write and present a piece for the chief and the Bakweri diaspora and the Cameroonian ambassador His Excellency Albert Fotadong.’ How important is this visit to you personally wonderful opportunity to present my work to the king as I’m more widely known outside of Cameroon an opportunity to be introduced to Cameroonian audiences and to show them the opportunities this wonderful country has offered me My job is to be a bridge builder when others try to burn them.’ How many people from Cameroon live in Wales ‘There is a substantial community in Wales One of those travelling with me tomorrow was voted by the Guardian as one of the UK’s best mathematicians Elive Francis Gobina teaches in Fitzalan High School in Cardiff.’ How does the Cameroonian community here in Wales stay connected to one another ‘There’s a Cameroonian Women’s Association Chances are someone will turn up if you’re looking for a Cameroonian.’ Eric Ngalle Charles is the editor of Hiraeth Erzolirzoli: A Wales-Cameroon Anthology (2018) and is the author of The 3 Molas (2020 His poetry Collection Homelands (Seren Books) was published in 2022 You can read Eric’s Letter from Leckwith, written for Nation.Cymru here. Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value" Connect with Nation.Cymru on Facebook and Twitter If you would like to donate to help keep Nation.Cymru running then you just need to click on the box below it will open a pop up window that will allow you to pay using your credit / debit card or paypal Enter your email address to receive instant notifications of new articles All information provided to Nation.Cymru will be handled sensitively and within the boundaries of the Data Protection Act 2018 In 2017 Nation.Cymru was launched after raising £5000 from a crowdfunding campaign Today it is one of the fastest growing news sites in the UK attracting over 1.5 million visitors a month We are not backed by billionaire owners or hidden behind a paywall but we depend on our readers' support to continue our work If everyone who visited the site over the course of a month donated at least £1 we would have enough funding for the next eight years To guarantee our future please consider making a donation today. Unveiling Tomorrow's Cameroon Through Today's News 21 August 2024 – A tragic road accident claimed two lives this morning in the Molyko neighborhood of Buea The incident occurred when the driver of a truck lost control of his vehicle the truck veered off course and collided with the yellow taxi The exact circumstances surrounding the accident remain unclear but authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the tragedy This accident has sent shockwaves through the community with many expressing grief over the loss of life Local officials are urging drivers to exercise caution on the roads where traffic incidents have been a growing concern residents of Buea are calling for stricter road safety measures to prevent such accidents from happening in the future Three Cameroonian police officers were killed in an attack by Ambazonia separatist fighters in Buea who were on guard duty at a makeshift security post near Bwitingi market on Muea Road The officers who lost their lives were Second Grade Police Constable Laoumanga from the Molyko District Second Grade Police Constable Tabe from the Muea District and First Grade Police Constable Beng from the Central Police Station This latest attack brings the number of police officers killed in the region to eight in just three weeks highlighting the ongoing volatility and escalating violence in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon has claimed the lives of over 1,500 soldiers and continues to take a devastating toll on both sides who are fighting for independence from Cameroon have intensified their attacks on government forces the Ambazonia People's Liberation Council militias ambushed and killed soldiers in multiple attacks across the South-West and North-West regions The conflict is rooted in long-standing grievances among the Anglophone minority in Cameroon who feel marginalized in the predominantly Francophone country The separatists' demands include greater political representation and a fairer share of the region's economic resources the conflict receives limited attention in Cameroon's mainstream media which often focuses on other issues such as football the disparity between the lives of the country's elite and the suffering of ordinary citizens continues to fuel resentment While the children of the wealthy enjoy luxury abroad the sons and daughters of the poor are sent to the frontlines with both sides showing little willingness to compromise The international community has called for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the crisis efforts to broker a ceasefire have been unsuccessful one who is a father of five and another have been forcefully ended as a result of the anglophone crisis armed men suspected to be separatist fighters stormed the locality and gunned the two victims while the other was brought the down before being shot for violating the ghost town operation that enforces shutdowns every Monday in the anglophone regions affected by the  ongoing crisis This gruesome killing has further increased fear on people who felt could continue their daily jobs on Monday Families will no longer see their beloved home and children won’t be privileged to experience their fatherly love again, as they were stripped off life by separatist fighters. It is important that residents in the anglophone regions respect the ghost town day to avoid being victims of assault or violence of any type till the issue of the anglophone crisis is brought to an end As the crisis in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions persists residents continue to demand urgent solutions to restore peace and stability les actualités camerounaises et la revue de presse Lebledparle.com à ne pas manquer Δdocument.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()) Actualité du Cameroun ce matinAnglophone crisisSeparatist fighters Lebledparle.com is a site dedicated to news in Cameroon news from Cameroon and all useful information analyzes and all the news in real time and continuously in collaboration with humanitarian partners four injured and one reported missing in Buea after the torrential rains on 18 March • An estimated 900 individuals directly affected in Bova • Drinking water supply infrastructures and latrines destroyed and about 120 businesses affected at the Buea-town market torrential rains in Buea town in the South-West region led to flash floods and mudslides from Mount Cameroon to some communities at the foot of the mountain causing several casualties among residents of Buea informed authorities and conducted a joint mission on 19 March to the affected areas for an overview of the situation and an assessment of the most urgent needs The regional government including municipal authorities mobilized their personnel conducting needs assessment and registration of affected communities Preliminary findings revealed that two persons are dead four were hospitalized and one is reported missing An estimated 150 households (900 individuals) are affected in Bova Buea-town neighborhood and homes around the waterway are being vacated by families who fear more devastation if it rains again Some homes lost their livelihood including livestock Local authorities have also initiated the demolition of some houses built on the water ways in the areas affected by floods About 120 businesses at the Buea-town market were affected Personal belongings were lost or damaged including civil documents The water catchment in Buea-town was also destroyed and water supply pipes were broken in the affected communities This is affecting about 500 households (3,000 people) health and protection are the most urgent needs of the affected population The University of Buea inaugurated the first Center for drug discovery (CeDD) in Central Africa on Tuesday an initiative that will professionalise the use of African medicine in the findings of treatment to ailments that affect mostly Africans This center is a product of funding from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through the Calestous Juma Science Fellowship (CJF) awarded to Dr Fidele Ntie – Nkang in 2021 who is the head of this prestigious center The inauguration was carried out by the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Higher Education Prof Wilfred Gabsa in the presence UB’s Vice-Chancellor According to reports it will be using naturally occurring compounds from African medicinal plants and other African sources for treatments As the second drug discovery center in Sub Saharan Africa CeDD has five laboratories with three that are fully functional at the moment This initiative was applauded during the ceremony as a commitment of UB scientists to improve lives of the population also boosting scientific research towards advancement in the country and they equally hailed Dr Fidele Ntie who made sure the project came to live Dr Ntie an associate professor of pharmaceutical chemistry assured the center will provide brilliant results in coming years This innovation in the scientific field of the country is a testament to the growing capabilities of African researchers in addressing health challenges affecting the continent with hopes that the government will equally continue to support this initiative that might likely transform healthcare system in Cameroon Actualité du Cameroun ce matinCenter for drug discoveryUniversity of Buea Metrics details The non-medical use of prescription drugs is a growing public health problem worldwide Recent trends in Cameroon show that the use of psychoactive substances among which are prescription drugs by adolescents is becoming a public health issue and is linked to juvenile delinquency and violence in schools there is a paucity of data on the burden of this phenomenon among adolescent secondary school students in the country The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with the use of non-prescription drugs in secondary schools in Buea We conducted a cross-sectional study from 1st February 2021 to 30th April 2021 Secondary school students were recruited using a multistage stratified cluster sampling A modified and standardized version of the World Health Organization student drug-use survey model questionnaire was used Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of the Faculty of Health Sciences The Statistical Package for Social Sciences Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sociodemographic characteristics of participants Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to explore associated factors of non-medical use of prescription drugs A total of 570 participants were enrolled for the study and 510 participants responded giving a response rate of 89.5% The prevalence of non-medical use of prescription drugs was 15.3% Motivators for non-medical use of prescription drugs were “to work longer” Logistic regression results showed that alcohol consumption [OR 3.68; 95% CI: 2.24–6.06; p < 0.001] smoking [OR 6.00; 95% CI: 3.07–11.75; p < 0.001] and use of illicit drugs [OR 10.85; 95% CI: 5.48–21.48; p < 0.001] were independent factors associated with non-medical use of prescription drugs Non-medical use of prescription drugs was prevalent among adolescent secondary school students in Buea Tramadol is the main drug of prescription involved Our results can guide policymakers on strategies to screen prevent and control non-medical use of prescription drugs among secondary school students in Cameroon there has been no investigation on the non-medical use of prescription drugs among adolescents and young people in Cameroon The aim of the current study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of NMUPD among adolescents in secondary schools in Buea The data will help in the design of school-based interventions for the prevention and control of non-medical use of prescription drugs among adolescents in secondary schools A cross-sectional study was undertaken in order to determine the prevalence and predictors of non-medical use of prescription drugs in some secondary schools in Buea from 1st February 2021 to 30th April 2021 Adolescent students from seven randomly selected public mission and lay private secondary schools in the Buea municipality were included All students who accepted to participate in the study and signed a consent/assent form Students aged less than 13 years or greater than 20 years The sample size was calculated using the Cochran formula [21] Z = standard normal variate (1.96) at 95% confidence interval P = estimate of prevalence of NMUPD was taken as 50% due to paucity of the prevalence study in this population in Cameroon at the time of our study e = sampling error that can be tolerated (5%) the least estimated sample size was 423 students and we recruited an actual sample of 510 students Multistage sampling technique was used to obtain study participants seven secondary schools were conveniently selected out of a total 15 using convenience sampling method in order to include public probability proportionate to size was used to select the number of students from each secondary school simple random sampling (balloting) was used to select students from the individual schools The questionnaire was pretested among 30 students from secondary schools not selected for the study Three data collectors were trained on proper data collection steps for a period of four days the principal investigator and the 03 data collectors then moved to the various selected schools for data collection All participants in the study received a participant information sheet Following clear explanation of the information sheet the voluntary participants were required to sign an informed consent form or assent form Schools were visited days before the study and consent/assent forms were presented to administrators who later obtained a verbal consent from the students’ parents/guardians A self-administered questionnaire was then used to collect the data students were given about 15 min to fill the questionnaire University of Buea (2021/1273–02/UB/SG/IRB/FHS) This was then followed by administrative authorization from the South West regional delegations of public health and of Secondary education respectively Authorization was also gotten from the various principals of the selected schools Written consent was obtained from the parents of individual students by the school administration the investigators obtained oral consent from the students in the presence of their class teachers Participants were informed on the importance of the study and confidentiality and privacy were respected Data collection was coded to ensure confidentiality Data were entered into a computer using the Excel spreadsheet and exported to Statistical package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 for statistical analysis Descriptive summary measures were expressed as means ± standard deviation for normally distributed data or median [interquartile range] for non-normally distributed data and number (percentages) for qualitative variables Categorical comparisons were performed by Chi-square test Odds ratios (ORs) and nominal 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were presented A logistic regression model (multivariate analysis) was used to estimate the association between baseline demographics and predictors for drug use Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 Five hundred and ten out of the five hundred and seventy invited adolescents secondary school students accepted to participate in the study Seventy-eight participants admitted usage of prescription drugs giving a prevalence of non-medical use of prescription drugs among adolescents in secondary schools in Buea of 15.3% The most frequently misused drugs were opioid analgesics, with a prevalence of lifetime usage of 10.58%, followed by stimulants (3.1%), and sleep medication (diazepam) (1.7%). Tramadol was reported to be the commonly used prescription drug (Fig. 1). Frequency of common NMUPDs by adolescent secondary school students Twenty-seven (33.3%) of the students reported a daily usage of prescription drugs for non-medical reasons and 25.9% used them occasionally More than half of the students [45 (53.6%)] started using the drugs between the ages of 15 and 17 years These drugs are consumed by students mostly before sexual intercourse [36 (36.7%)] at parties [19 (19.2%)] and before exams [15 (15.2%)] These drugs were mostly purchased from roadside vendors (31.7%) Non-medical use of prescription drugs were associated with other concurrent substance misuse Alcohol usage was the most reported substance utilized by the secondary school students 167 (32.8%) followed by tobacco and illicit drug use in 41(8.0%) each Cannabis was the most common form of illicit substance used by secondary school students The factors motivating the non-medical use of prescription drugs were mainly due to personal reasons, or influence from the family, peers or the neighborhood. The motivators for NMUPDs are reported in Fig. 2. Motivators for NMUPDs among adolescent secondary school students The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with non-medical use of prescription drugs among adolescents in secondary schools in Buea This is one of the first studies that evaluates the prevalence and correlates of non-medical use of prescription drugs among secondary school students in Cameroon We found that the prevalence of non-medical use of prescription drugs was 15.3% Most of the students concerned with NMUPDs were adolescents in the age group between 15 and 17 years (53.6%) Our results indicate that opioid analgesics specifically tramadol is the most frequently used prescription drug among adolescent secondary school students followed by stimulants and benzodiazepines Up to 10.58% of the school students were using opioids who reported that the most prevalent prescription drug for non-medical use was diazepam in 35.2% of 68 confirmed samples followed by flunitrazepam and amitriptyline while tramadol represented only 1.5% of their samples We think that the reason for this discrepancy may be that the study in Kenya was a national survey covering up to eight regions and was not focused only on school students among adolescent secondary school students have shown the use of recreational drugs to be related to conflict in the region and this could be a confounding factor that we did not explore our findings provide baseline information that could be used in the design of further studies for more evidence that would inform policy in this setting one out of six secondary school students in Buea is involved with the non-medical use of prescription drugs mainly tramadol are the main type of prescription drugs concerned tobacco smoking and other illicit drugs are independently associated with non-medical use of prescription drugs school authorities and healthcare policymakers need to be aware of the high prevalence of non-medical use of prescription drugs Our findings can helpful in developing and implementing screening prevention and targeted school-based interventions among adolescent secondary school students in Cameroon The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) The non-medical use of prescription drugs: Policy direction issues Nonmedical use of prescription drugs in adolescents and young adults: not just a Western phenomenon A systematic review of the motivations for the non-medical use of prescription drugs in young adults Drug and Alcohol Dependence Elsevier Ireland Ltd Nonmedical use of prescription drugs in the European Union Tramadol non-medical use in Four European countries: A comparative analysis World Drug Report 2022 (United Nations publication The Opioid Epidemic in Africa and Its Impact Salm-Reifferscheidt L. Tramadol: Africa's opioid crisis. Lancet. 2018;391(10134):1982–3.https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31073-0 Protocol for a scoping review study on the prevalence and public health consequences of non-medical use (NMU) of tramadol in Africa Onigbogi O, Ojo O, Babalola O. Prevalence of Substance Abuse among Secondary School Students in Lagos State of Nigeria. ESJ [Internet]. 2023;19(15):67. [cited 2023 Sep. 2]. Available from: https://eujournal.org/index.php/esj/article/view/16818 Nonmedical Use of Prescription Psychotropic Drugs among Secondary School Students in Parakou Substance use among secondary school students in an urban setting in Nigeria: prevalence and associated factors Prevalence and predictors of recreational drug use among medical and nursing students in Cameroon: A cross sectional analysis Mabouopda V, Guy Toguem M, Domngang Noche C, Fotso Djemo JB. Substance use and substance abuse among street children in the city of Yaounde, Cameroon. 2022; Available from: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-1180441/v2 Pattern and practice of psychoactive substance abuse and risky behaviours among street children in Cameroon Prevalence and factors associated with substance use among students in tertiary institutions in Buea Prevalence and predictors of recreational drug use in a conflict affected area in the Southwest region of Cameroon: A cross-sectional study An appraisal on the predicament of internally displaced persons (idps) and refugees of the anglophone armed conflict in Cameroon Sample Size Calculation in Medical Research: A Primer Global Assessment Programme on Drug Abuse Toolkit Module 3 The reliability and validity of the WHO student drug-use questionnaire among Nigerian students United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime. United Nations Publications . 2023. World Drug Report 2023. Available from: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/data-and-analysis/world-drug-report-2023.html New trend of drugs abused by secondary school students in nigeria Substance abuse among students in selected secondary schools of an urban community of Oyo-state South West Nigeria: Implication for policy action Prevalence and perception of drug use amongst secondary school students in two local government areas of lagos state Dumbili EW, Odeigah OW. Prescription Opioids and New Psychoactive Substances Use in Nigeria: A Systematic Review and Policy Implications. Available from: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3563-1617 Nonmedical use of prescription drugs among medical students and the relationship with illicit drug Nonmedical use of prescription drugs: A comparison between intoxication-oriented and other nonmedical users Afumbom DA. Youth Alcoholism among Campus Undergraduates in Cameroon: Implications for Indiscipline in University Neighbourhoods. Print) International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research.;10:136–50. Available fromhttps://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6873450 Prevalence and Correlates of Prescription Drug Misuse Among Spanish Adolescents Nonmedical prescription drug use of analgesics and sedatives/hypnotics in Taiwan: Results from the 2014 National Survey of Substance Use Njingu AE, Jabbossung FE, Eyong S, Ayongi N. Health-Related Quality Of Life And Its Determinants Among Recreational Drug Users In A Rural Area In Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study. 2021; Available from: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-907905/v1 Chronic opioid use in patients with sickle cell disease Opioid use in patients with sickle cell disease during a vaso-occlusive crisis: a systematic review Download references We appreciate the support of the study participants (students) and the principals of the various secondary schools within Buea municipality for being collaborative in the data collection Tanue Elvis for logistical assistance in the work The authors received no financial support for the research Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics Ismaila Ngwayi Shifu & Dieudonne Yusinyu Dinayen Dickson Shey Nsagha & Alfred Kongnyu Njamnshi Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences Jonas Guy Basseguin Atchou & Christian Eyoum Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences This study was conceived and designed by NC and AKN; conducted by SIN and NC under the supervision of AKN SIN analysed the data and wrote the first draft of the manuscript All authors have been involved in the acquisition and interpretation of the data as well as revision of the manuscript All authors have contributed to writing the manuscript All authors read and approved the final manuscript Participants received detailed written and informed consent and oral study information on the study Written informed consent was obtained from all participants and for children under 16 informed consent was obtained from their parent or guardian The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Faculty of Health Sciences 1273–02 2021/1273–02/UB/SG/IRB/FHS)) and was conducted in accordance with the Declarations of Helsinki-Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects unless otherwise stated in a credit line to the data Download citation DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-05120-0 2024 — The Presbyterian Church in Cameroon has officially inaugurated its first Diagnostic Hospital the Presbyterian Diagnostic Urgent Care Hospital The opening ceremony was led by the church's hierarchy this pioneering facility provides a wide array of healthcare services The hospital is committed to offering round-the-clock healthcare services ensuring that the general public has access to medical care 24/7 This new hospital marks a significant milestone in the church’s mission to provide comprehensive healthcare services to the community aligning with its broader goals of social outreach and community support 2024  – Buea City FC clinched the 2023/2024 Fako Divisional League title after a commanding 2-0 victory against ESAFUP in the final match held at the Buea Municipal Stadium on Wednesday The triumph was celebrated by a large crowd one of the most promising teams in the region The team's two crucial goals came in the second half breaking the deadlock in what had been a fiercely contested encounter ESAFUP fought hard to contain Buea City's relentless attacks but ultimately couldn't match the champions' tactical superiority and precision in finishing Buea City's solid defensive performance ensured they maintained a clean sheet sealing their status as the Fako Divisional League champions This victory marks a significant achievement for Buea City FC as they continue to build a reputation as one of the top clubs in the region showcasing their growing potential in Cameroon's football scene Fans and local football enthusiasts hailed the team's accomplishment which further highlights the competitive spirit of grassroots football in the Fako Division torrential rains hit Buea town in Southwest Region leading to floods and mudslides from Mount Cameroon to some communities at the foot of the mountain causing several casualties among residents of Buea Humanitarian partners including UN agencies national and international NGOs organized a joint mission on Sunday March 19 to visit the affected areas in order to have an overview of the urgent needs: WASH Education and Protection were identified as immediate needs The floods damaged the water catchment and water supply system leaving populations in affected sites and neighboring neighborhoods in great precariousness UNICEF installed tanks for People accessing safe water for drinking 5 Water tanks of 5000 liters each installed in 5 communities of Buea Town (Strangers 23rd March 2023 Heavy rains have caused flooding and mudslides in the city of Buea Greenpeace Africa sends its condolences to the families of the victims and calls on the Cameroonian government to be more proactive The weekend of March 18-19 was a trying one for the residents of the city of Buea in Cameroon The return of the rains brought with it flooding and mudslides in the city two people were killed and injured in the floods and several people are still missing nearly 300 people living at the foot of Mount Cameroon have been affected “Climate change and extreme weather events are a reality and adaptation measures must be put in place proactively by the government otherwise there will be more disasters and more damage The tragedy in Buea this weekend is especially frightening because we are still in the first weeks of the rainy season,” said Ranece Jovial Ndjeudja Greenpeace Africa’s Forest Campaigner for the Congo Basin.   The authorities announced that humanitarian measures to assist the victims of the floods would be implemented “The reaction of the authorities and the assistance provided to the population the state must work upstream to avoid or at least reduce such incidents The actions implemented after these events cannot unfortunately bring back people who died These negative impacts would be greatly mitigated by the establishment and popularization of warning systems the better use of information contained in the regular weather bulletins,  the implementation of adaptation measures and the prevention of risks and disasters contained in the convergence plan of Cameroon,” added Ranece Jovial.  Flooding is not only a problem in the South West Yaoundé also experienced severe flooding after heavy rain fell on the capital city.  In 2022 40,000 people were displaced in the far north of Cameroon due to flooding Several cases of flooding were also observed in various other cities and towns in Cameroon Ranece’s audio reaction to floods is here.  Greenpeace Africa Press Desk: [email protected]  Luchelle FeukengCommunication Officer+237 656 46 35 45[email protected]  Ranèce Jovial Ndjeudja, Forest Campaigner, Greenpeace Africa+237 699901742[email protected]  28 April 2025 - Greenpeace Africa is excited to announce the launch of a pivotal community experience-sharing workshop dedicated to local forest initiatives focused on sustainable forest and food solutions Kenya's Court of Appeals recent decision to halt the government's push for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is a major victory for not only food sovereignty #WorldForestDay - As a campaigner on the frontline of the battle to protect Kenyan forests my heart aches every day as I witness the devastating destruction unfolding around me Not just in Kenya but across the African continent forests are being threatened by government and private interests Please select which cookies you are willing to store These cookies will provide you a better experience of our website You will be able to hide the cookies acceptance banner and use the website features better The non-acceptance of these cookies will give you a cookie-free experience These cookies help improving the performance of Greenpeace.org/africa They are set to collect data such as how long users stay on a page or which links are clicked This helps us make better content based on your experience navigating the website Most web browsers allow some control over cookies through browser settings (e.g Click your browser type below to go directly to the browser user guide to learn how to disable or erase cookies Recent reports from Cameroon indicate a troubling escalation in human rights abuses with mass arrests and allegations of severe mistreatment occurring in both Buea and Bamenda These incidents highlight the ongoing tensions in the Anglophone regions and raise serious concerns about the conduct of security forces a significant human rights violation unfolded in Bonakanda village where over 70 young Cameroonians were arrested by gendarmerie and police officers including students from various educational levels were held at the South West Gendarmerie Legion in Buea have left families and community members distressed and confused Efforts to provide legal support and expedite the release of those detained have so far been unsuccessful The Legend Law Offices and the Legend Human Rights Foundation have strongly condemned these actions emphasizing the lack of due process and the need for a prompt investigation security forces carried out extensive raids on September 8 Detainees were held at the central police station in Old Town Bamenda without food for an entire day Reports indicate that each detainee was required to pay a bail fee of 10,000 FCFA for release including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) One victim recounted being threatened and forced to undress at gunpoint while others reported losing valuable possessions Statements from Human Rights Organizations led by Norway-based activist Cho Ayaba Lucas has issued a communiqué condemning the actions of the Cameroonian security forces The statement criticizes the violations of humanitarian and human rights laws including the arbitrary detention and potential disappearance of individuals The recent events in Buea and Bamenda reflect a disturbing pattern of human rights abuses in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions The mass arrests and allegations of mistreatment underscore the urgent need for international scrutiny and intervention it is crucial for human rights organizations and the international community to address these violations and hold accountable those responsible for the abuses For further information and ongoing updates Edward Lyonga EwuleLegal RepresentativeLL.B (Hons) UB Legend Law Offices and Legend Human Rights FoundationRef 2024  – The escalating Anglophone crisis in Cameroon took a violent turn this week with Ambazonian rebels launching attacks in both Bamenda and Buea further intensifying hardships for residents of the conflict-ridden regions armed Ambazonian rebels set ablaze five taxis at the Citizen fuel station on Che Street The attackers reportedly fired gunshots into the air before torching the vehicles by the time local residents arrived to extinguish the flames two taxis had already burned to ashes while three others were salvaged from the worst of the fire The attack was part of a broader campaign by Ambazonian rebels to enforce a controversial mandate requiring taxis in the region to change their color an effort to distinguish vehicles under rebel control from those affiliated with the Cameroonian government Many taxi operators have resisted the mandate due to the financial burden it imposes and the arson attack has left drivers in despair "This taxi was my only means of survival," said one driver whose vehicle was destroyed "Now I don't know how to provide for my family." The incident has compounded the economic difficulties faced by the Anglophone population who are already grappling with poverty and the long-running conflict between Ambazonian rebels and government forces The color-change mandate is seen by many as yet another imposition that exacerbates the hardships in the region gunfire erupted on the same day at the Muea Slaughterhouse as Ambazonian rebels reportedly ambushed government troops multiple soldiers were killed during the daylight attack though official figures have yet to be released Ambazonian activist Mark Bareta confirmed the attack noting that it was part of a larger plan for coordinated operations by rebel forces in the coming days These incidents underscore the growing volatility in Cameroon’s Northwest and Southwest regions where Ambazonian rebels have been pushing for the creation of an independent state called Ambazonia has claimed thousands of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands of people creating a humanitarian crisis in the Anglophone areas and with both sides showing little sign of backing down the prospects for resolution appear increasingly bleak and surrounding areas remain trapped in a precarious situation as they struggle to navigate the dangers of daily life amidst a seemingly intractable conflict The destruction of property and continued loss of lives have left many questioning the future of the region while the lack of intervention from the government fuels growing discontent the people of the Anglophone regions remain caught in the crossfire A unique partnership between the University of Buea and the University of Arizona will help train doctors in Cameroon to reduce maternal and early neonatal mortality in an area with one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world A $4 million grant from the World Bank will allow the UA and the University of Buea in Cameroon to continue efforts that began in 2017 to train and retain OB/GYN doctors both faculty at the UA College of Medicine – Phoenix worked with a team of physicians in Cameroon and Phoenix to establish the partnership The result is a post-graduate training program for doctors in Cameroon “Childbirth in other parts of the world is remarkably different than in the United States it’s 100 times more dangerous to have a child,” Dr “The goal is to take excellent young doctors and train them in this specialty in Cameroon and thus reduce mortality and morbidity in Sub-Saharan Africa.” Delegates from the University of Buea recently visited the College of Medicine – Phoenix to discuss an extension of the Cameroon-Arizona Partnership with other Arizona universities vice dean of Research and Collaboration at the University of Buea AT Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine and Midwestern University “The maternal mortality rate is astronomical This partnership and grant came at the right moment and it will really make a difference Having just one more obstetrician in Cameroon has the capability of influencing the outcome of morbidity and saving a disaster from happening.” Brady along with physicians and residents who are part of the Cameroon-Arizona partnership have taken multiple trips to Cameroon to teach classroom and bedside education and help run a cervical cancer screening and prevention clinic The grant funded by the World Bank will empower the Cameroon-Arizona partnership to fully embrace its vision: residency education in Cameroon “The grant is a wonderful collaboration with already positive effects because of the outreach efforts,” Dr The World Health Organization estimates that about 830 women die each day from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth Nearly 99 percent of all maternal deaths occur in developing countries The program is part of a larger coalition of partnerships under the leadership of Frank Anderson an OB/GYN professor at University of Michigan that share the vision of reducing the maternal mortality rate in Sub-Saharan Africa The Cameroon-Arizona partnership is based on a validated model exemplified by a collaboration between two universities in Ghana and the University of Michigan The University of Ghana and Kwame Nkrumah University partnered with the University of Michigan in the 1980s to develop residency programs in the West African nation pushing back against the model of overseas training that can lead to a “brain drain,” where skilled African physicians relocate to other countries more than 140 physicians have been trained in OB/GYN The training program will take four years to complete The first cohort of doctors will consist of five residents where doctors who have completed their residency will go on to teach the next cohort all while creating a more sustainable health care system for obstetrics and gynecology If you are interested in donating or finding out how to become involved with the Cameroon-Arizona partnership, visit the program’s website or contact Dr. Brady which is projected to have an economic impact of $3.1 billion by 2025 the college prides itself on engaging with the community ©2024 The Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of The University of Arizona The 18th Annual Congress of the Cameroon English Language and Literature Teachers’ Association (CAMELTA) brought together nearly 200 educators and researchers from across the country for an enlightening and vibrant event Held at the picturesque University of Buea this year’s congress revolved around the theme: *"Digitalising ELT Classrooms within the Clean School Concept: Feedback and New Horizons."* The congress focused on how digital tools can transform English Language Teaching (ELT) classrooms while maintaining a clean and healthy learning environment This timely theme builds on discussions from the 2023 congress emphasizing the need for innovative solutions and feedback as educators continue to integrate technology into their teaching practices **Presentations and Panel Discussions**     Educators and researchers led a series of engaging sessions covering a wide spectrum of topics from practical classroom techniques to cutting-edge research on digital learning tools The conversations highlighted the evolving challenges and opportunities in English language teaching **Poetry and Music as Teaching Tools**     The creative spirit of the congress was undeniable Teachers showcased their talents in poetic renditions and teaching songs with memorable performances of Jared Angira's *"Phlora"* and Sone Dipoko's *"Upheaval"* and *"Rulers."* The idea of using music as a vehicle for language learning was celebrated with educators dancing and singing their way into more engaging and innovative teaching strategies **Networking and Professional Development**     The congress provided a platform for educators to exchange ideas and contacts fostering professional development across all 10 regions of Cameroon The atmosphere of collaboration was palpable as participants discussed fresh strategies for enhancing their ELT practices **University of Buea: An Inspiring Venue**     Set against the scenic backdrop of Mount Cameroon the University of Buea provided an inspiring venue for this gathering of minds attendees also experienced the rich culture and renowned hospitality of Buea making the congress a well-rounded experience of intellectual and cultural exchange The CAMELTA 18th Annual Congress successfully bridged tradition and innovation demonstrating the power of digital tools in transforming the future of English language education in Cameroon attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear vision for advancing ELT in the digital age In a brazen and devastating act of violence Ambazonian separatist fighters ambushed a military convoy on the Malende-Kumba-Buea road This meticulously planned attack resulted in the death of a young soldier who valiantly served his country until his untimely demise The ambush underscores the perilous reality faced by those who patrol these treacherous roads where danger lurks behind every bend and life hangs by a fragile thread The aftermath of the ambush has left tensions in the region at a boiling point Security forces are resolute in their duty and are scrambling to respond to this latest provocation once a vital lifeline connecting communities the air is thick with questions and uncertainty One pressing question remains: Why is the government of Cameroon hesitant to hold peace talks with the rebels How many more lives will be claimed before peace can prevail the Ambazonian Defense Forces (ADF) have taken to social media to issue statements and demands On a Facebook page run by one of the rebel groups issued a statement regarding the so-called Liberation Tax and a proposed change in taxi colors you must apply the force and reckless determination needed Those who have not paid their Liberation Tax on Ground Zero have until July 1 to pay the required amount the Liberation Tax for 2024 climbs to $300 Our forces will notify the families of recalcitrant Diasporans and the tax collector will retrieve the tax from home It's an obligation for everyone to commit against the threat we face." We owe our dignity and existence to the men and women in arms Their safety and ability to continue to defend homeland shall not be subject to the arbitration of the conformist As the sun sets over the verdant hills of this conflicted region the streets remain tense and the air thick with anticipation and civilians alike bear witness to a conflict that defies easy resolution Amid the burning vehicles and grieving hearts and an end to this relentless cycle of violence Anger erupts after schoolgirl is shot by gendarme at a checkpoint in anglophone city of Buea Authorities in English-speaking western Cameroon have appealed for calm after a police officer killed a five-year-old girl and was lynched by a mob The incident took place in Buea, a hotspot city in a region where anglophone separatists and government forces in the French-majority nation have been locked in bitter four-year-old conflict This is a sad and unfortunate incident,” the governor of Southwest Region the head of a local campaign group called Human Is Right said a woman driving children to school was ordered by police to stop at a checkpoint A gendarme opened fire and a schoolgirl was fatally wounded,” he said “People responded by lynching the gendarme More than 500 people came out and marched with the body [of the girl] to the governor’s office He tried to calm people down by promising to punish” those responsible the gendarme and the mob circulated on social media but could not be authenticated Hundreds of people took to the streets in protest some waving tree branches in a sign of peace while others waved 500-franc notes (worth about $0.88) which they said was how much the girl’s parents refused to pay before the gendarme opened fire “This didn’t just happen because they refused to pay a bribe who said the incident was part of a pattern of heavily militarised security forces harassing local residents The Southwest Region and neighbouring Northwest Region are home to English-speakers who comprise about a fifth of Cameroon’s 22 million people A decades-long campaign by militants to redress perceived discrimination at the hands of the francophone majority flared into a declaration of independence on 1 October 2017 Attacks on the security forces by armed separatists met with a crackdown sending the two regions into a spiral of violence that has claimed more than 3,500 lives and forced about 700,000 people to flee their homes 15 soldiers were killed in two attacks in the space of five days while four suspected separatists were sentenced to death over the killing last year of seven schoolchildren The presence of the anglophone regions derives from the colonial era The former German possession of Cameroon was partitioned after the first world war between Britain and France joined Cameroon after it gained independence from France Anglophones have long chafed about perceived inequality Working to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and nature WWF® and ©1986 Panda Symbol are owned by WWF You are using an outdated browser. 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