Auteur/autrice : TimesNews2

By Elise Kenimbeni  The book launch of Emile Kwegueng’s latest work, titled “Le Bal des Vampires: Truth About the Affair Mu-Yenga” was officially presented to the public on Thursday, 29th October 2026, in Yaoundé. To mark the official release, Mr. Kwegueng, a jurist and experienced human rights advocate, gathered a distinguished audience comprising legal experts, civil society representatives, media professionals, and members of the Evangelical Church of Cameroon. The book, which retraces the systemic injustices faced by individuals who are often wrongfully jailed and condemned, centers around a character named Mu-yenga. As presented by Dr. Fotué Simo Christal Thomas, this novel exposes the total violation of fundamental legal principles and the absolute denial of justice. Speaking to outline the major themes of the novel, Dr. Fotué Simo Christal Thomas noted that the 257-page book lifts the veil of imagination, taking readers on both a geographical and human journey. The narrative bears witness to intrigues in the cities of Yaoundé and Douala, as well as truths buried deep within local villages. He added: “We follow the steps of a character of incredible strength: the detective. Through his tenacity and his refusal to give up, we are plunged into the workings of a crushing system. He is not only investigating a painful case of injustice, he is confronting the monsters lurking in the shadows, those who seek to undermine justice.” The narrative is constructed with surgical precision. Even though it is a work of fiction, it is inspired by real facts, featuring an allegorical framework and a long-term vision that completely changes the reader's perspective. Dr. Fotué explained to the audience: “This is not a geographical work, nor a raw testimony, but a novel that uses fiction to tell a truth about the mechanisms of injustice. It is precisely this balance between fiction and reality that will speak to lawyers, because they will recognize the mechanisms they have seen or fought against in their own practice.”  To conclude, Dr. Fotué stated: “Presented as a legal file, Emile signs here a work with a nervous, rebellious writing style, where suspense remains intact until the very last line. It is a necessary book that powerfully echoes the failings of our institutions and the universal quest for peace.”  Taking the floor to address the gathering, the author began by expressing his gratitude to everyone who supported him over the years during his work on “Le Bal des Vampires: Truth About the Affair Mu-Yenga.” Mr. Emile Kwegueng particularly praised the support of his spouse, whom he described as a vital pillar of strength, alongside the Executive Director of REDHAC and other key supporters. “For those who are discovering me, my universe is a world where appearances are deceptive, and where every detail counts. With this novel, I wanted to take you into a captivating investigation, at the heart of scorn, full of twists and turns," the author said. "I wanted to carry you along on a down-to-earth pursuit, at the rhythm of the courthouse corridors abroad and in Yaoundé, from village to city, in the footsteps of a stubborn investigator, determined to bring the truth to light. At the heart of this novel, there is a victim crushed by an incredible injustice, both political and judicial.”  Emile Kwegueng indicated that writing the book was a profound experience. “Writing this book was a real plunge into the school of life. A game of threads, made in America, that I took great pleasure in designing, hoping to keep you on edge and to drain you until the very last page. I am leading you all to preserve the mystery of the plot. To build this story, I chose to mix fiction with reality. I entered the palaces of justice, visited the narrow cells of the youngest. All this produced in me a profound emotional shock—a feeling of helplessness, of effort, and a deep questioning of human dignity. The rhythm during hearings, the waiting in the exiled corridors, and the weight of procedures created in me a profound feeling of dispossession of self. I had the impression that life is summed up in a series of dates and verdicts, reducing the individual to a simple file. Crossing doors and the lines of cells plunged me into a universe of extreme sadness. The dirt, the dilapidation, and the overpopulation of the cells directly confront misery and unhealthiness.”  The author emphasized that he drew direct inspiration from daily realities and real-world facts to feed a narrative he hopes will deeply resonate with readers. Mr. Kwegueng added: “It is in this promiscuity of everyday life, between two hearings and two flat doors, that the investigator will try to break the arrogance and trace the figure of a growing conspiracy. At the end of the journey, you will discover that the true culprits are not always those condemned by the law, and that they sometimes share the same bench as you.”  The book launch ceremony also featured moving testimonies from close collaborators who reviewed the work prior to its official publication. Barrister Fotso Brigitte, a renowned notary in Cameroon, observed that while some books are read as simple stories that quickly fade from memory, others demand deep reflection because they are rooted in reality. She noted that the unfolding events shake the reader's conscience, prompting questions about how society continues to cover up such violations of dignity. Barrister Fotso Brigitte stated: “I would like to salute here the determination of the author, Emile. When he told me about this case of crying injustice, scandalous and even unspeakable, I could only give him encouragement in return. For any human being who respects human dignity, Le Bal des Vampires is the image of this person, violated by a whole system that was supposed to protect him. To tell an injustice, to denounce a parody of justice, to awaken the collective conscience of society, is to paint our society as it is. It is to give a face, a name, a family to injustice, to

Honorable Agho Oliver Bamenju, Member of Parliament for the Bafut/Tubah constituency, paid a working visit this afternoon, October 26, 2026, to the management of the Christian Leadership Academy of Yaounde (CLAY). The Member of Parliament was received by the Founding President and the executive staff of the institution. The visit aimed to provide vital material and financial assistance to students—predominantly Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the North-West Region—who have relocated to Yaounde to pursue higher education under challenging circumstances. During the one-hour consultative meeting, the Founding President of CLAY expressed her profound gratitude, praising the lawmaker’s unwavering commitment to vulnerable populations. "We are the architects of the Cameroon we desire," the Founding President stated. "We highly appreciate philanthropic efforts that support the education of young students. Our ultimate goal is to raise individuals with strong moral foundations, which is why our curriculum places a premium on Christian and ethical values." In a concrete demonstration of support, the dynamic Member of Parliament granted academic sponsorships to cover the registration fees of several underprivileged students. Honorable Agho Oliver Bamenju commended CLAY’s faith-based educational model. He shared a personal reflection with the management team, noting that both he and his wife were beneficiaries of academic scholarships. He emphasized that they understand firsthand the immense hardships of pursuing higher education without parents, guardians, or financial backing.   "I am deeply humbled by the impactful work being done here," the MP remarked. "Building our nation requires anchors of indelible values and cultivating leaders of transformation." He added a philosophical reminder: "Our time on earth is transient, but the actions we take today will shape the landscape of tomorrow." Corroborating the MP's observations, Mr. Ebong, Director of CLAY, noted that many students currently face severe financial constraints and are in dire need of aid. He lauded Honorable Agho Oliver's timely and benevolent intervention. The visit concluded with a guided tour of the campus, during which Honorable Agho Oliver Bamenju interacted with the faculty and student body. The lawmaker expressed his admiration for the dynamism of the young lecturers and the vibrant enthusiasm of the students. The Christian Leadership Academy Yaoundé (CLAY)is a private higher education institution in Cameroon dedicated to developing ethical, faith-driven, and highly skilled professional leaders. Operating in English, CLAY focuses on blending academic excellence with strong Christian values and practical skill acquisition. CLAY offers comprehensive programs spanning several levels of study, including Diplomas, Higher National Diplomas (HND), Bachelor's, and Master's degrees. Training is organized across five specialized schools. Elise Kenimbeni

By Elise Kenimbeni  Non-governmental organization Mori’sChild Foundation has launched a weeklong campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancer across major supermarkets in Yaoundé, Cameroon. From Monday, October 12 to Sunday, October 18, 2026, Mori’sChild Foundation, in partnership with Sodicam, rolled out an impactful initiative dubbed “100 FCFA for a Healing-Smile.” This collaborative corporate social responsibility drive established a week-long fundraising and awareness presence inside prominent local retail hubs, notably Casino and Super U. Speaking to the media, Sodicam’s representative, Bertrand Bella, outlined the company's active commitment to fighting cancer on multiple fronts. He noted that while October traditionally focuses on breast cancer awareness (Pink October), Sodicam is simultaneously prioritizing childhood cancer, with special attention dedicated to mothers and children. For the Mori’sChild Foundation, this represents a vital "two-in-one" initiative. Organizers emphasize that raising awareness among parents directly safeguards children, as a healthy, informed mother is best equipped to properly care for a sick child. Childhood Cancer : A Community Move Throughout the seven-day campaign, supermarket shoppers met with volunteers and medical specialists, receiving educational flyers that detail the early warning signs of pediatric cancers. While the initiative accepts financial and in-kind donations, organizers stressed that the primary goal is advocacy—spreading the message that childhood cancer exists and can be successfully treated within Cameroon. “To carry out this activity, Mori’sChild Foundation has put in place two ribbons: the adult ribbon and the children's ribbon," explained Ruth Grace Ngo Nyobe, Founding President of the Mori’sChild Foundation. "On the adult side, parents take a Post-it note to write a word of comfort to hospitalized children, sticking their name to a large fresco. On the other side, healthy children color mini ribbons and add their names. Together, these frescoes will be gifted to young cancer patients currently in hospital wards. It is our way of telling them that the community outside is wholeheartedly with them, praying for them, and wishing them courage. In the same vein, 2,600 flyers were distributed to clients across the three supermarkets visited during this seven-day campaign.”  Ruth Grace Ngo Nyobe insisted on three crucial pillars driving the foundation's message: Early Detection Saves Lives: Childhood cancer exists and is curable in Cameroon, but recognizing warning signs and consulting a doctor early completely changes the clinical outcome. Every Gesture Counts: Even the smallest contribution makes a tangible difference—100 FCFA can purchase a "Healing-Smile," and words of comfort matter just as much as financial aid. Corporate Action Matters: When companies mobilize, they educate entire workforces, effectively informing entire extended families. Looking toward the future, the founding president, Ruth Grace Ngo Nyobe expressed a strong desire to scale the program. She said: “Mori’sChild Foundation wishes to visit other companies to educate their employees on childhood cancer, covering warning signs, the importance of early diagnosis, and family support," she stated. "Businesses wishing to host an awareness session are invited to contact the NGO through its official channels.” Critical Warning Signs: When Every Second Counts  The campaign presence was heavily backed by medical expertise on the ground. Dr. Nyemb, a medical oncologist embedded with the volunteer teams, warned that pediatric cancers require urgent attention compared to adult oncology. In an interview, she outlined the need to accentuate sensitization at the level of parents, women and the public in general. “We cannot talk about breast cancer without mentioning the child; children suffer from cancer too," Dr. Nyemb explained. "Of the expected pediatric cancer cases in our country, only about 400 children are officially diagnosed each year—meaning nearly two-thirds go undetected. While cancer can take time to settle in an adult, it moves aggressively in a child over a week, two weeks, or three months because children are in a phase of full growth. Their cells multiply quickly.”  Dr. Nyemb urged parents to look past basic diagnoses like malaria if symptoms persist, advising families to watch for a specific battery of early warning signs: A fever that persists despite routine treatment Abdominal pain accompanied by an abdominal mass Joint pain or noticeable masses at the neck level Intense, persistent headaches and unexplained fatigue   “Dear parents, let's not hesitate," Dr. Nyemb urged. "Let's go to the hospital with our children if these signs persist, because it could be cancer. If we lose time, the prognosis becomes grave. Late-stage diagnosis is more expensive to manage and leaves almost no chance for a cure.” She concluded with a plea for expanded national support: “The mother and child are one. We call on all corporations, societies, and individuals to lend us their voices and hands so that we can expand diagnostic capabilities countrywide—ensuring our fathers, mothers, and children find solutions here at home.” Dr. Nyemb added. The "Two Walls and a Shopping Cart" Experience  The campaign successfully translated these abstract medical warnings into a tangible, interactive solidarity experience on the supermarket floor through two distinct mechanisms: The Emotional Walls ("Two Walls"): This initiative beautifully bridged generational gaps. While adults filled the "Healing-Smile Ribbon" wall with messages of hope and prayers, healthy children actively colored and signed adjacent mini-ribbons, forming a collective visual promise of companionship destined for hospital wards. The Tangible Impact ("A Shopping Cart"): To demystify charitable giving, a transparent pricing display showed shoppers exactly what their micro-donations fund. A single contribution of 100 FCFA explicitly secures one sterile syringe, while 500 FCFA funds a notebook and pen for the hospital-based Happy Class program. Larger donations directly subsidize critical medical interventions, translating 5,000 FCFA into laboratory test fees and 10,000 FCFA into vital blood bags. The week-long awareness drive that ended up on Sunday, October 18, aligning with the Sodicam Connect Team Building event, where the foundation engaged company employees during a sports walk from Casino Centre to Super U Ntougou, culminating in a final educational session with medical experts in a restaurant based in Yaoundé.  

By Elise Kenimbeni On September 7, 2026, millions of students across Cameroon headed back to school. For children hospitalized with cancer, the return to the classroom looked different, but their right to education remained untouched. Inside the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Unit of the Chantal Biya Foundation’s Mother and Child Center in Yaoundé, the NGO Mori'sChild Foundation officially launched its flagship program for the 2026/2027 academic year: the "Happy Class." Bringing Hope and Smiles to the Hospital Wards For this new school year, the founding president of the Mori'sChild Foundation and her partners brought joy directly to the hospital bedside. Young patients undergoing cancer treatment were equipped with brand-new school bags, textbooks, notebooks, and essential writing materials, ensuring they do not fall behind their peers. This year, the official launch of the “Happy Class” initiative was attended by parents, doctors, and nurses of the Chantal Biya Foundation, as well as media practitioners who actively took part in the ceremony, which aimed at handing over school kits to children affected by cancer. One of the various partners of Mori'sChild Foundation present at this event was Goodness for Humanity, a young humnaitarian association. The "Happy Class": Education Defying Illness The "Happy Class" is far more than a simple charity distribution. It is a structured, fully adapted educational program tailored to the complex realities of cancer treatment. Ruth Grace Ngo Nyobe, founder and president of the NGO Mori'sChild, took the floor to recall the importance of this social initiative that seeks to restore joy and hope to children and young people affected by cancer. She explained this beautiful concept, which has been in place since 2024, where dedicated teachers deliver up to four hours of lessons daily, carefully scheduled around the children's fatigue levels and chemotherapy sessions. Alongside traditional academic subjects, the curriculum incorporates art therapy to provide emotional relief and a mental escape from the hospital environment. Pupils and students in the Happy Class prepare for and sit the exact same official national examinations as children in regular school systems. Speaking to media practitioners, Simon Cardin Neyeng, Coordinator of the ”Happy Class” project, said that in the three years since the program was launched, pupils affected by cancer have been enriched with new activities, mostly therapeutic arts, and they are very receptive during classes. Despite the numerous challenges they face, these brave children who have to follow their chemotherapy and classes remain very active. Heroic Achievements and a Vital Call to Action The track record of the foundation's young learners proves that illness cannot crush determination. Over the years, Happy Class students have successfully passed major exams, including the Probatoire, GCE O Level, and the Baccalauréat—with some even going on to pass competitive medical school entrance exams. These achievements are made possible by the resilience of young heroes like Maximilien, whose academic endurance has been celebrated by the organization. Tackling cancer, no child is left behind While speaking to the media, Ruth Grace Ngo Nyobe once more seized the occasion to thank all the different partners who have been accompanying these children for several years now, especially those who have been supporting the Happy Class project at all levels. She said: “We focus our activities on awareness campaigns to encourage early diagnosis and promote more effective treatment in reference centers. The main ones are Mbingo Baptist Hospital in the North-West region and the Chantal Biya Foundation where we are today. We will continue with care for the sick, that is, direct support for chemotherapy or the distribution of medical equipment. We encourage the population to donate blood, bone marrow, or plasma. The goal is to allow children to continue their schooling. We also provide psychological care for children and parents, and the reinforcement of post-cancer follow-up to avoid sequelae and reduce incidence.” Ruth Grace Ngo Nyobe reiterated the fact that in Cameroon, childhood cancer remains a significant and rising public health challenge. Because of massive gaps in awareness, diagnostic tools, and financial resources, the disease is rarely caught in time. “We want every Cameroonian to know that even 100 francs can be useful to children affected by cancer. We want to show, and we have shown with our children since 2021, that we, as Cameroonians, each of us at our own small level, can be useful. Because in Cameroon and in Africa, a child does not belong to just one family or area. The child is the child of the community. Together we can defeat cancer. The Happy Class project has already educated 53 students since 2024.” she said. Statistics on childhood cancer in Cameroon Childhood cancer is a silent epidemic, with an estimated 1,500 children developing the disease annually, while less than 25% are ever diagnosed. Due to severe resource constraints, high costs, and delayed medical care, the survival rate for a child diagnosed with cancer in Cameroon plummets to a heartbreaking 10% to 20%, in stark contrast to the 80% survival rate seen in high-income nations. However, the battle is ongoing. Due to weakened immune systems, these children cannot return to public schools. This is why Mori'sChild Foundation maintains a permanent fundraising campaign. Donations do not only sustain the school program but also directly support families by funding critical medical supplies (such as syringes and gloves) and oncology treatments. Because, as the foundation beautifully reminds us: “Every child has the right to dream.”