Changements Climatiques : Plus de 350 Femmes Attendues à Mbalmayo pour l’Acte II de la COFECCC
TimesNews2 octobre 28, 2024
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Changements Climatiques : Plus de 350 Femmes Attendues à Mbalmayo pour l’Acte II de la COFECCC

La deuxième convergence des femmes du Cameroun sur les changements climatiques se tient du 29 au 31 Octobre 2024 à Mbalmayo, dans la région du Centre. Après la ville de Yaoundé, capitale du Cameroun, c’est la ville de Mbalmayo, dans le département du Nyong et Nso, région du Centre, qui accueille la convergence des femmes du Cameroun sur les changements climatiques (COFECCC). Pour ce deuxième rendez-vous annuel qui se tient du 29 au 31 octobre 2024, le thème général est : « Efficacité et Efficience des Stratégies de Lutte contre les Changements Climatiques au Niveau National et International.» L’acte II de la COFECCC compte mobiliser plus de 350 femmes issues des organisations de la société civile féminines, des associations et des communautés riveraines, des universités et bien d’autres organismes. Ces femmes sont attendues pour des formations, des conférences-débats, des ateliers pratiques, visites de terrain, des échanges sur les questions de reboisement et un partage d’expériences sur des thématiques liées aux changements climatiques.  L’objectif général de la COFECCC est de fournir des réponses concrètes aux mesures efficaces et efficientes de lutte contre les changements climatiques. Et comme le thème général l’indique, il sera question pour ces participants et participants venus des 10 régions du pays, d’être imprégné sur la situation climatique nationale et à examiner les aspects de la sexospécificité climatique. Il s’agira également de comprendre les enjeux liés à la finance climatique, notamment le crédit carbone, et d’identifier les activités éco-innovantes pour accélérer la transition vers une croissance verte. Les participantes seront formées sur les outils d’élaboration d’une note conceptuelle de projets verts, des pistes de solutions concrètes seront proposées pour relever les défis d’atténuation et d’adaptation climatique au niveau national. Enfin, l’atelier visera à promouvoir les « meilleures pratiques environnementales féminines » à l’échelle nationale. Il faut dire que la  COFECCC 2 s’appuiera sur les succès de la précédente édition pour proposer des solutions concrètes et des actions quotidiennes à mettre en œuvre pour faire face aux enjeux d’adaptation et d’atténuation climatique. Les travaux de ces rencontres sont placés sous le haut parrainage du Ministre de l’Environnement et du développement durable, Hélé Pierre. Rédaction timesnews2.info

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Café-Science : Des Journalistes Outillés sur les Menaces qui Affectent la Biodiversité Africaine
TimesNews2 octobre 21, 2024
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Café-Science : Des Journalistes Outillés sur les Menaces qui Affectent la Biodiversité Africaine

SciLife et le Remapsen en collaboration avec WWF Cameroun ont organisé le samedi 19 Octobre 2024 à Yaoundé, un café-science pour outiller les journalistes sur le sujet. Près de vingt journalistes ont été réunis le Samedi, 19 Octobre 2024, à Yaoundé, Cameroun au cours d’une session d’information dénommée « café-science ». Ce café-science qui est une rencontre traditionnelle de « brainstorming » entre journalistes scientifiques et Experts était organisé par l’Association des journalistes scientifiques du Cameroun connue sous l’appellation de SciLife et le Réseau des Médias Africains pour la Promotion de la Santé et l’Environnement (Remapsen) en collaboration avec le Fonds Mondial pour la Nature, WWF. Cette session d’informations et d’échanges a permis de mettre en vitrine le 15e rapport de la planète vivante de WWF publié le 10 octobre 2024. Dans ce document, les pays du Bassin du Congo sont appelés à lutter contre la biodiversité et les changements climatiques. Et pour y parvenir, ces pays doivent négocier auprès des partenaires pour avoir plus de financements. D’après ce rapport de la planète vivante publié tous les deux ans par le WWF, l’état de la biodiversité depuis les 50 dernières années (1970 et 2020) est alarmant. Il se traduit par une perte accrue de la biodiversité de l’ordre de 73% en ce qui concerne les populations de la faune sauvage. Prenant la parole, Alain Bertrand Ononino, Directeur National de WWF Cameroun, a souligné quelques points essentiels de ce document. Il a indiqué que la planète est en train de s’approcher de manière inexorable vers les points de basculement. « Les points de basculement sont à peu près comme les points de non-retour. Deux régions dans le monde ont été identifiées à savoir les forêts d’Amazonie qui ont déjà atteint un taux de déforestation de l’ordre de 17% et le point de basculement pour ces forêts-là se situe entre 20 et 25%. Lorsque ce point de basculement aurait été atteint alors ces forêts qui sont aujourd’hui les piles de carbones c’est-à-dire elles servent à absorber les émissions de gaz à effet de serre, deviendront donc des sources elles-mêmes d’émission de carbone. »   Dans ses propos, il a également souligné le fait que le Bassin du Congo n’est pas en reste. Il subit lui aussi des crises environnementales. Ainsi, ces pays issus dudit bassin ressentent déjà les effets dévastateurs de changements climatiques que sont les sécheresses, les tempêtes, les inondations et bien d’autres. Par exemple au Cameroun, les paysans voient leurs récoltes diminuées. Car, le calendrier des saisons jadis connu de tous est désormais instable. Une situation qui peut provoquer une insécurité alimentaire. Les populations vivant dans les zones côtières sont menacées du fait de la montée des eaux. Les maladies émergentes sont aussi perceptibles. Selon Jonas Kemajou Syapze, Expert financement climatique à WWF Cameroun les pays du Bassin du Congo ont une ressource extrêmement importante que sont les forêts. Il dit : « Les pays du Bassin du Congo ont une ressource extrêmement importante que sont les forêts. Ces forêts sont les régulateurs du climat mondial, le réservoir de la biodiversité mais également ces forêts fournissent des services écosystémiques non seulement pour nos propres pays mais également pour le monde entier. » Il ajoute que malgré leurs rôles capitaux dans la planète, ces pays ne bénéficient pas d’autant de financements. « Il est question de tirer le constat selon lequel de la période de 2017 à 2021, ces pays du bassin du Congo n’ont reçu que 4% des financements par rapport au bassin de l’Amazonie et au bassin du Bornéo-Mékong », déplore l’expert. « Il faut que cette tendance change afin que nous puissions être davantage rémunérés de ces services que le Bassin du Congo rende à la planète toute entière », renchérit le Directeur National de WWF Cameroun. A cette allure, il est difficile pour les pays du Bassin du Congo de prendre en charge leurs populations lors des effets néfastes de changements climatiques comme les autres pays. D’où l’impératif d’asseoir une bonne stratégie de négociation avec les partenaires lors des différents colloques internationaux. « Il est important de mettre en avant le rôle que le Bassin du Congo joue comme régulateur du climat, et que les pays du Bassin du Congo qui hébergent ces forêts puissent avoir un meilleur accès à la finance climatique. Il est important également pour ces pays-là de s’organiser de manière concertée. C’est la raison pour laquelle WWF appuie cette initiative sur les flux financiers internationaux en partenariat avec la COMIFAC afin de pouvoir accompagner les pays du Bassin du Congo lors des négociations climatiques lors de la Cop16 à Khalil sur le climat et la Cop21 en Azerbaïdjan sur la biodiversité », relève Monsieur Ononino Alain Bertrand. Contrairement aux deux autres bassins tropicaux du monde, l’Amazonie et du Bornéo-Mékong, le Bassin du Congo a un taux de déforestation très bas. Il varie entre 0,01 à 0,33%. Du coup, un autre moyen de financement peut être initié. L’optique est « de faire en sorte que ces forêts à haute intégrité puissent générer des financements pour permettre sa protection, mais aussi pour permettre de financer la transition pour une économie verte et l’amélioration des conditions socioéconomiques des populations, des communautés locales et les peuples autochtones qui vivent tout autour ces zones de forêts à haute intégrité », souligne Jonas Kemajou Syapze. En rappel, le Bassin du Congo s’étend sur six pays : le Cameroun, la République centrafricaine, la République démocratique du Congo, la République du Congo, la Guinée équatoriale et le Gabon.  Ayouba Nsangou 

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WildAid “No Pangolin on My Plate”: Cameroon Musicians, Krys M, Mimie Join Campaign
TimesNews2 octobre 19, 2024
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WildAid “No Pangolin on My Plate”: Cameroon Musicians, Krys M, Mimie Join Campaign

As Ambassadors of the newly launched campaign initiated by WildAid, the two female musicians exchanged with media practitioners on October 17, 2024, in Yaounde. To amplify calls for the protection of wildlife species such as pangolins, international organization, WildAid has launched a campaign dubbed: “No Pangolin on My Plate”. The campaign launched in June 2024 in the cities of Yaounde and Douala, has as main ambassadors, Krys M and Mimie, two influential musicians in Cameroon. Through these two ambassadors, WildAid wishes to sensitize the public on abandoning pangolin consumption. Implementing the campaign on the field The “No Pangolin on My Plate” campaign was launched in June 2024 in the cities of Yaounde and Douala and has already been embraced by 116 restaurant owners. According to Jennifer Biffot, WildAid’s Francophone Africa Representative, restaurants are demonstrating their commitment to the campaign by displaying the campaign’s posters and logo at different strategic corners of the premises. As indicated by Mrs. Biffot, advocates and campaigners in the course of this crusade visited 190 restaurants serving bush meat and traditional Cameroonian dishes. From the overall feedback, the move was positive on the field as most of these restaurants adhered to the campaign. Among the restaurants visited it was observed that 68 were offering pangolin meat to their customers. Of the 190 restaurants, 25 of them have already joined the campaign, representing 37% of the total number. Speaking to media practitioners present at the presser, Mrs. Biffot said: “Restaurants joining the campaign have aligned themselves with ethical and sustainable practices, enhancing their reputation among environmentally conscious consumers. In this way, they are playing a vital role in conservation efforts, and helping to preserve Cameroon’s rich natural heritage. WildAid will promote these restaurants as pangolin-free through our social media channels and on a specially created website. WildAid ambassadors and influencers will also join the campaign, encouraging consumers to choose pangolin-free restaurants. Together, restaurants and influencers can inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of change across the community.” She went further to unveil the main objectives behind this campaign that comes in to reinforce previous ones launched with renowned football icons and musicians.  “Our main aim and program is to transform Cameroon’s relationship with pangolins and other species, by linking them to the wider need to protect the country’s forests and the animals that live in them,” said Jennifer Biffot, WildAid’s Francophone Africa Representative. According to WildAid, there is a need to convince Cameroonians to avoid eating pangolins. “Pangolins are our main animal ambassadors. If we can convince Cameroonian city-dwellers not to think of pangolins as food but rather as a symbol of the country’s rich wildlife and forests, we can make a major contribution to saving pangolins from extinction in Africa, and at the same time promote a much healthier relationship with nature in Cameroon” Legal proceedings The Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife, represented by Georges Messina, Head of the judicial unit, seized this occasion to highlight the media on the various laws reinforced by the government to protect species like the pangolins. It was disclosed that, under Cameroonian law, it is illegal to kill, capture, keep, or trade pangolins, as all three species existing in the country have been given the strongest category A protection for endangered species. Also, a new forestry and wildlife law passed by parliament and signed by President Paul Biya in July has sharply increased the penalties for capturing or killing protected species, leading to imprisonment of 15 to 20 years, or to pay fines ranging from 20 to 50 Million CFA Francs. As underscored during the presser and in the release of WildAid, this legislative milestone represents a significant step forward in the protection and preservation of Cameroon’s rich biodiversity. It also underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s wildlife and to send a clear message that illegal activities of this kind will not be tolerated. Why Krys M and Mimie? The two female musicians chosen by WildAid were officially presented as new ambassadors in the fight against the consumption of pangolins. Like male artist Locko, Roger Milla, Rigobert Song, and Patrick Mboma, former indomitable lions of Cameroon, Krys M and Mimie are onboard. They were chosen thanks to their positive impacts in society as underscored by WildAid’s Jenifer Biffot. These two young ambassadors are expected to support WildAid in the campaign by sensitizing millions of Cameroonians through their various social accounts (Instagram, Facebook. TikTok). Krys M 29, of her real name Megne Noubissi Christelle, is a multiple award-winning musician who features among the young and talented artists in Cameroon. She recorded more than 14 million views within 5 months with her successful song: “Chacun sa chance” which topped musical charts in Africa and worldwide. Krys M has thousands of followers on social media and has a great influence on the Cameroonian public. She is also known for her love for cultural values and the promotion of traditional heritage. Concerning Melanie Ngoga popularly known as Mimie, is a renowned Cameroonian singer, songwriter, and actress. Mimie 33, features among Cameroonian artists with millions of followers on social networks, and most of her hit tracks focus on social issues impacting the education of young people and mostly the girl child. Embarking Krys M and Mimie in this crucial campaign of WildAid is a positive move thanks to their social influence. Elise Kenimbeni

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Addressing Refugee Education: Gov’t Officials, Plan International & Partners Brainstorm on READ Project’s Achievements
TimesNews2 octobre 15, 2024
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Addressing Refugee Education: Gov’t Officials, Plan International & Partners Brainstorm on READ Project’s Achievements

Members of the national steering committee gathered on Monday, 14th of October 2024, to review achievements and challenges of the project implemented in the Far-North region of Cameroon. As the project dubbed Refugee Education and Development (READ) enters phase III in 2025, members of the national steering committee met on October 14, 2024, at the head office of Plan International Cameroon in Bastos, Yaounde, to review strides recorded during the second phase of implementation. This annual gathering of members of the National Steering Committee (NSC), which henceforth appears crucial for the project, is out to help dissect the challenges encountered by organizations on the ground and highlight key successes registered throughout the year. Impact of the project The over 14 Million Canadian dollars’ project funded by Global Affairs Canadian has as main objective, to enhance equitable and inclusive learning outcomes for vulnerable refugees, internally displaced people(IDPs), returnees, and host community children and youth, particularly girls, living in fragile conflict settings in Cameroon and Niger. In his keynote address, Country Director of Plan International Cameroon, Mohamed Bah outlined the relevance of this session that brings together different stakeholders notably government officials from different ministerial departments. To him, the holding of a session of members of the NSC is geared towards giving a fresh impetus to activities taking place on the field. “The READ project focuses on the field of education and primarily basic education, which makes the Ministry of Basic Education (MINEDUB) its main institutional partner. Moreover, in practice, it is an integrated approach that will bring together other expertise in the areas of protection, gender, entrepreneurship, the environment, livelihood durability, etc., and which will draw their consistency from the nature of the activities that will be proposed by the target groups. We also plan to support the beneficiary groups in better structuring and networking so that they can have the chance to access better financing during and/or after the closure of the project. We will combine this with consistent advocacy actions with state and private institutions so that members who have demonstrated proven potential can benefit from better opportunities for access to resources.” The patron of Plan International Cameroon also praised the collaboration put in place between his organization and partners who monitor this project on the ground such as Public Concern, ALVF Far-North region, and other refugee-led associations. He said: “The READ project will have a direct impact on 39,859 children and young people, including 20,727 girls (52%) and 19,132 boys (48%), living in fragile environments in the Far North regions of Cameroon and Diffa in Niger. As a reminder, in Cameroon, this project takes place in twenty-five sites based in seven councils which are: Fotokol, Makary, Mora, Kolofata, Mokolo, Koza, and Mayo-Moskota.” National Steering Committee chair, Mrs. Elobo Ambassa Lisette Catherine, Head of the Planning, Projects, and Cooperation division in the Ministry of Basic Education, and representative of the government stated some key figures to give a vivid description of the humanitarian crisis affecting thousands of people in these parts of the country. “In Cameroon, more than 2.4 million people are in a crisis or emergency phase of food insecurity and more than 933,000 people are internally displaced in 2022. To date, the Minawao refugee camp alone has more than 78,000 people. More than 46,817 refugees living outside the camp have also been identified by various humanitarian actors intervening in the area. These refugees are mainly Nigerian populations, mainly women and children, fleeing the atrocities of war. In addition, more than 800,000 girls, boys, and adolescents do not have access to formal and informal education and are exposed to protection risks. (Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), 2021). Between 2015 and 2019, the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attacks (GCPEA) documented more than 11,000 attacks on education or military use of educational institutions worldwide, and 22,000 students, teachers, and education staff were deliberately targeted and injured. (GCPEA, 2020).” She said. Moreover, Mrs. Elobo deplored the current situation that fragilizes the education of several young girls and boys, and whose dreams have been shattered due to the crisis. According to the representative of the government, the READ project is a positive response to the learning crisis and an important support to vulnerable groups. Speaking to media practitioners, Political Counsellor of Global Affairs Canada, Richard Le Bars said the project is of prime importance to the government of Canada which has set up its policies around thematic issues like education. He said the numerous challenges outlined by members of the national steering committee in the course of the session will be examined and addressed. As indicated by Richard Le Bars, it is unfortunate to observe that the funds disbursed by the project are insufficient to address the huge needs of the different targets on the field, yet he appreciated the moves of the national steering committee made up of experts. Mr. Le Bars went further by pointing out the extension of the project to 2028, showing how concerned the government of Canada, as a sister country to Cameroon, intends to play a pivotal role in curbing the education crisis in the Far-North-affected region. During the one-day meeting, it was disclosed that phase II of this project has been rated at 78% execution on the field despite some hindrances encountered at the start of the project. To conclude the conclave, some key recommendations were made by members of the NSC. They agreed to reinforce collaboration with key partners such as the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR); undertake field visits to the project implementation areas to make an appraisal of actions carried so far and hold the next NSC meeting in Maroua, regional headquarters of the Far-North. About the project READ The Refugee Education and Development project(READ) launched on July 22, 2022, by Plan International, aims at enhancing equitable and inclusive learning outcomes for vulnerable refugees, internally displaced people(IDPs), returnees, and host community children and youth, particularly girls, living in fragile conflict settings in Cameroon and Niger. The four-year project

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British International Investment to launch unique concessionary capital facility to unlock hundreds of millions of pounds of private investment into emerging Economies
TimesNews2 octobre 3, 2024
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British International Investment to launch unique concessionary capital facility to unlock hundreds of millions of pounds of private investment into emerging Economies

London, United Kingdom – 27 September 2024 – British International Investment, the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, is to launch a new facility to boost the flow of private capital to meet the twin challenges of development and the climate emergency. The new facility aims to unlock hundreds of millions of pounds of private investment into climate and sustainability-focused investments in emerging economies that are currently deemed to be too risky by global investors. It will address the gap between the risk appetite and return thresholds of commercial investors who are currently inclined to place capital in more developed markets.  Nick O’Donohoe, Chief Executive of BII, said: “With the launch of this facility, BII and the UK Government are demonstrating global leadership in unlocking the private capital that is so desperately needed to accelerate the green transition in emerging economies. “The role for BII, and the development finance community, is to judiciously deploy concessionary finance to give global investors the confidence to put their capital where it is most needed.” These investments are expected to include utility-scale climate infrastructure, such as renewable energy generation and transmission; other climate infrastructure, such as water, waste-to-energy, and battery storage; green finance, through banks and specialist finance companies that lend to climate-focused businesses; and investments that deepen capital markets for gender finance. The facility will target deep and long-term pools of capital, such as pension savings and life insurance policies; as well as focus on asset managers in the City of London and beyond, to design investment products that increase investment allocations to emerging markets. BII will use the facility to support a mix of existing pipelines and newly identified projects. About British International Investment British International Investment is the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor. As a trusted investment partner to businesses in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, BII invests to create productive, sustainable, and inclusive economies in our markets. Between 2022 and 2026, at least 30 percent of BII’s total new commitments by value will be in climate finance. BII is also a founding member of the 2X Challenge which has raised over $33.6 billion to empower women’s economic development. The company has investments in over 1,580 businesses across 65 countries and total net assets of £8.5 billion.

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GEAPP, Rockefeller Foundation, SEforALL Advance World Bank & AfDB Mission to Electrify 300 Million in Africa
TimesNews2 octobre 3, 2024
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GEAPP, Rockefeller Foundation, SEforALL Advance World Bank & AfDB Mission to Electrify 300 Million in Africa

New-York, October 2, 2024 ― Ahead of Climate Week NYC, the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), and The Rockefeller Foundation announced support for “Mission 300” (M300), an ambitious World Bank Group and African Development Bank (AfDB) initiative launched in April 2024 to provide improved electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030.  This collaboration includes launching a new technical assistance (TA) facility, standing up an M300 Leadership Group with the AfDB and World Bank, and activating private-sector financing for electrification programs in Africa. By aligning resources, expertise, and advocacy efforts, the partners aim to build and sustain momentum for the World Bank’s and AfDB’s ambition to transform energy access and reach approximately half of the continent’s population currently without power. “The partnership of the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank Group to connect 300 million people in Africa to electricity is a game changer for Africa.  No economy can grow, industrialize or be competitive in the dark without electricity. Our partnership is further bolstered by the support of GEAPP, The Rockefeller Foundation, and SE4ALL, as we collectively drive towards the goal of supporting Africa to achieve universal access to electricity”,  ― Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group. “Access to electricity is a fundamental human right that is foundational to development. Achieving our shared objective of expanding electricity access to 300 million in Africa will require a broad coalition that must keep growing. We need action from governments, financing from multilateral development banks, and investment from the private sector.  Together with GEAPP, The Rockefeller Foundation, and SEforALL, we are strengthening our partnership to support projects on the ground and accelerate the pace of electrification.” ― Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group The Rockefeller Foundation and GEAPP are committing an initial $10 million for a new, more flexible, short-medium-term TA facility that is designed to deploy philanthropic capital swiftly in support of African governments’ and the multilateral development banks’ (MDBs) efforts to accelerate the pace and efficiency of electricity access projects. They are announcing provisional approval of $10 million for approximately 15 projects in 11 countries – Burkina Faso, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zambia – and across the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), which is the largest regional economic organization in Africa. Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation, said: “Whether our collective future is defined by crisis or opportunity depends on big bets like Mission 300—the most important global undertaking in decades. Empowering 300 million Africans by 2030 will require us to more than double the current speed of electrification. That is only possible if we try new things, working in new ways with new partners at a scale previously unimaginable. This growing public-private alliance will prove what’s possible.” Receiving nearly three dozen requests for technical assistance since August, the TA facility builds upon the innovative capacities at The Rockefeller Foundation’s public charity, RF Catalytic Capital (RFCC), and GEAPP, which has more than 50% of its current portfolio by value invested in Africa. This includes 63 projects in more than 20 African countries, and GEAPP is already working intensively with the AfDB and World Bank to design and accelerate electrification efforts in several African markets. Woochong Um, CEO of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, said: “GEAPP is proud to work with our Alliance partners, the World Bank and African Development Bank, to scale Mission 300. This groundbreaking initiative is why our Alliance was created: collaboration is essential to achieving universal clean energy access, reducing carbon emissions and supporting livelihoods. As we mobilize resources and expertise to accelerate electrification efforts across Africa, we recognize that transformative progress requires more than just financial investment—it demands unparalleled collaboration and innovation. Our alliance is setting a new standard for how the world can come together to address global energy and climate challenges in developing economies. Together, we can drive a more equitable and sustainable energy future for all.” A joint governance body was also created to help drive accountability across stakeholders, monitor progress, and ensure that nimble operational structures are being enabled and that resources are aligned to deliver accelerated country-led results. The group is co-chaired by the CEO of SEforALL, Damilola Ogunbiyi, and it includes senior leaders from the AfDB, World Bank, GEAPP, and The Rockefeller Foundation. Ms. Ogunbiyi, SEforALL CEO who is also Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All and Co-Chair of UN-Energy, said: “Ensuring that everyone everywhere has access to energy is not just a matter of convenience; it is a cornerstone of human dignity, equality, and opportunity. This is why at Sustainable Energy for All, we push for higher ambitions, stronger policies, greater finance flows, increased localization and green jobs, and faster results that leave no one behind. Mission 300 is an unparalleled opportunity to electrify Africa’s future and power a brighter tomorrow, and I call on all stakeholders to join this initiative to guarantee its success.” Alongside the new TA Facility, GEAPP, SEforALL, The Rockefeller Foundation, RFCC, and other partners are co-developing additional initiatives to help advance M300 across productive use of energy, local currency financing, support to developers, pooled procurement, and global advocacy. In addition, Andrew Herscowitz, the former head of Power Africa, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the M300 Accelerator to help coordinate and accelerate progress on the M300 effort through RFCC. In collaboration with GEAPP and SEforALL, the M300 Accelerator is supporting AfDB and World Bank efforts to secure energy compact signings with African governments and providing assistance through the new TA Facility, while laying the groundwork to scale assistance across all sub-Saharan African countries over the coming years. Electrifying 300 million people in Africa will create jobs, drive economic development, and reduce poverty overall. The partners aim to unlock a capital stack of at least $90 billion from MDBs, development agencies, finance institutions, private businesses,

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IFJ & FAJ Laud African Union’s Historic Provisions to Protect Journalists
TimesNews2 octobre 1, 2024
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IFJ & FAJ Laud African Union’s Historic Provisions to Protect Journalists

Through a release posted on the website of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the international organ alongside its Pan-African regional organization, FAJ has praised strides made by the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, to protect journalists. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), have welcomed a piece of good news that is described as historic for journalists across Africa.   The historic news that emanates from the meeting of the Peace and Security Council(PSC) of the African Union held on September 2, 2024, englobes a series of provisions. The meeting chaired by Ambassador Churchill Ewumbue-Monono, Permanent Representative of Cameroon to the African Union (AU) and the current Chairperson of the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC), the Council addressed the pressing issues of journalist protection and access to information in conflict situations across Africa for the first time. For several years now, the IFJ and its Pan-African regional organization, the FAJ, have urged the African Union and its relevant bodies to give priority to this issue, which is essential for maintaining press freedom on the continent. During the Council’s 1230th meeting, FAJ President Omar Faruk Osman briefed the 15 members and various AU bodies on the dangerous conditions to which journalists in Africa are subjected. And what they endure in the course of their duty, especially those in conflict zones. He stated the numerous killings, harassment, arbitrary arrests, attacks on female journalists, and widespread restrictions on access to information, severely affecting many African citizens, particularly in times of crisis. On his part, H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, highlighted that protecting freedom of expression is critical for developmental rights in Africa. He equally noted that attacks on journalists are attacks on all continent’s citizens and called for collective efforts to safeguard their fundamental human rights. Honorable Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo, Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa at the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) laid emphasis on the ACHPR’s actions in Banjul. The ACHPR has adopted key resolutions and communicated with African Union member states about the protection of African journalists. Ambassador Churchill Ewumbue-Monono, on behalf of the Peace and Security Council, issued a press statement after the meeting where the Council: 1.“commended the journalists for their public interest work in promoting democracy, freedom of speech and political accountability and for contributing to the early warning which allowed for the prevention of conflicts; also commended the efforts of the AU Commission, the ACHPR and the APRM in promoting the role of journalists in contributing to peace, security, and democracy and towards the development of Africa in ensuring human rights are upheld”. “Expressed concern over the rising number of violent attacks and threats to journalists and humanitarian workers in conflict situations and condemned all violations and abuses committed; the Council further expressed solidarity and paid tribute to all journalists and humanitarian workers who lost their lives in duty and called Member States to ensure accountability for those who committed those crimes” 3.“encouraged Member States to actively engage in the development and implementation of national and regional strategies that align with AU guidelines and principles that safeguard the safety of journalists and media facilities, particularly the October 1995 Johannesburg principles on National Security, Freedom of Expression and Access to Information; the Resolution 185 of 2011 of the Banjul Charter, the 2013 AU Model Law on Access to Information; and the 2019 Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa.” “encouraged the AU Member States to consider forming a Working Group on the Protection of Journalists and National Coordination Mechanisms for the Safety of Journalists as well as of Friends for the Safety of Journalists within the PRC to work with other relevant stakeholders, such as the APRM and AU ECOSOCC Journalists in Africa, to improve cooperation and ensure a safe environment for media workers. “requested the AU Commission to put in place comprehensive, forward-looking and action-oriented actions on the protection and safety of Journalists in times of armed conflict in line with the International Declaration such as the 2004 Geneva Declaration on Actions to Promote Safety and Security of Journalists and Media in Dangerous Situations. 6.“requested the AU Commission to facilitate the development of a strategy and policy framework that enables the use of information and the media for peace-building, mediation, reconciliation, post-conflict reconstruction, and peace support operations; the Council further requested the AU Commission to develop frameworks to oversee the responsible integration of the safety of journalists in military operations, ensuring compliance with ethical standards and international humanitarian law as applied to civilian protection and submit the outcomes for consideration by the Council; 7.“expressed concern over the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation, particularly in digital platforms, and underscored the need to enhance efforts to combat misinformation and disinformation through media and other platforms while also addressing the risks associated with the generation of false information. “requested the AU Commission to support continental mechanisms for the safety of journalists that will distinguish and separate duty bearers, citizens and rightful professional journalists on the protection of journalists and urged the AU Commission to strengthen security measures by incorporating media ethics that can efficiently identify and mitigate social media and digital media threats as well as to undertake efforts to ensure robust protection of media infrastructures in armed conflict.” In response to the press statement issued by the council, FAJ President, Omar Faruk Osman said: “The decision by the AU Peace and Security Council is a beacon of hope for journalists across Africa in the face of dangers and conflicts. It signifies a crucial transformative step towards establishing a safe haven for media professionals who risk everything to shine a light on the darkest corners of our societies. We now have a clear and actionable commitment from the highest levels to protect not just the lives of journalists but also the fundamental freedoms that

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Elections Présidentielles de 2025 : Me Akere Muna investi comme Champion du Parti Univers
TimesNews2 septembre 29, 2024
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Elections Présidentielles de 2025 : Me Akere Muna investi comme Champion du Parti Univers

L’annonce a été faite le Samedi, 28 septembre 2024 à Yaoundé, au cours d’une conférence de presse. Pour les élections présidentielles de 2025 au Cameroun, une vingtaine de partis politiques ajouté à quelques organisations de la société civile ont jeté leur dévolu sur le célèbre bâtonnier, Maitre Akere Muna. Le fondateur du Mouvement « NOW » a été présenté le samedi, 28 septembre à Yaoundé au cours d’une conférence de presse organisée par Njang Denise Tabe, président du Parti d’Action Populaire (PAP) aux cotes d’autres acteurs politique. « C’est un moment de grande émotion. Je ne peux qu’exprimer ma gratitude au Professeur Prosper Nkou Mvondo qui a donc rassemblé cette coalition » tels sont les premiers mots émis par le candidat investi, Me Akere Muna, visiblement très ému.  « Je pense qu’on aura des moments d’ici quelques jours où je vais vraiment me prononcer et parler aux Camerounais. Mais il faut qu’il sache que nous sommes dans un groupe qui avons écouté leurs cris. Nous savons que le pays a besoin de soins pour être guéri », souligne le premier véritable candidat à l’élection présidentielle de 2025 au Cameroun. « Ce qu’il faut noter ici, ce n’est pas une investiture du parti de l’Univers. C’est une coalition qui porte un candidat pour l’élection présidentielle », éclaircit Pr Nkou Mvondo, président du parti Univers. L’information dévoilée par Nkou Mvondo au cours de ladite conférence de presse a suscité autant d’acclamations et de youyous des militants des partis politiques concernés par la coalition.  Ajoutés aux cris de joie, certains ont brandit l’arbre de paix en guise de bonne nouvelle. Pourquoi Akere Tabeng Muna ? Quelques leaders des partis politiques ayant accepté la coalition se sont exprimés sur le pourquoi du choix. L’Union des Populations du Cameroun (UPC) était au rdv et pense que leur candidat est capable de transformer le Cameroun. « L’UPC a pour but de lutter pour l’intégrité du Cameroun. L’UPC par ses pères fondateurs a toujours lutté pour le bien-être de ce pays. J’envoie un message aux enfants qui étudient aujourd’hui avec la lampe tempête, j’envoie un message à leurs parents au Nord du Cameroun qui n’ont pas d’eau potable, j’envoie un message aux camerounais qui n’ont pas de pain quotidien, j’envoie un message aux enfants super intelligents qui ne peuvent pas réussir mais font de métiers éphémères et ceux qui réussissent sont des enfants des parents qui ont un nom. Tout ceci, chers camerounais, fait partie de la misère que le Cameroun vit aujourd’hui, j’appelle tous les citoyens conscients de se lever comme un seul homme pour soutenir un candidat qui est Akere Tandeng Muna », a souligné Mme Habiba, de l’UPC. Ancien coordonnateur du programme politique au sein du mouvement NOW, Monsieur Hiram Ixedi, qui est aujourd’hui Secrétaire Exécutif du Mouvement Patriotique pour la Prospérité du Peuple (MP3) justifie son choix de se rallier à nouveau aux côtés de son mentor en indiquant que : « Le bâtonnier avait déjà prouvé pour nous les jeunes qu’il est un leader qui associait l’expérience et la maturité des aînés avec le génie créateur des jeunes. Il a fait au sein de son cabinet, au sein de la fondation Muna. Il a donc paru pour nous de le soutenir massivement en 2018 ». Certains membres de la société civile étaient présents. Me Agbor Mballa présent a la rencontre a également dit : « Pour changer le Cameroun, tout dépend de nous tous. Ce n’est pas seulement une affaire du bâtonnier Akere, de l’UPC, du PAP. Nous tous devons travailler pour changer le pays. On doit bâtir une campagne, encourager les gens à s’inscrire massivement sur les listes électorales pour le vote. Nous devrons rester au sein des bureaux des votes pour assister à la proclamation des voies. » L’ancien journaliste, Eric Chinjé a fait le déplacement depuis les Etats-Unis. Malgré que l’ancien directeur de communication de la Banque Mondiale pour l’Afrique ait eu des accrochages avec l’actuel candidat mais l’idée de la coalition est la seule option pour le changement du Cameroun. « Réveillez-vous, n’acceptez pas la médiocrité, n’acceptez pas que ce pays appartienne à ce groupe parmi les moins développés du continent. Ce n’est pas possible. Le président Biya que j’ai connu à failli à ses tâches » indique-t-il. Me Akere Muna, le tout premier candidat Après que le Parti de l’Alliance Libérale (PAL) ait rejeté sa sollicitation d’investiture à l’élection présidentielle de 2025 en juillet dernier, Me Akere Muna a enfin trouvé un point de chute à douze mois des élections. Âgé de 72 ans, le fils de l’ancien vice- président de la République Fédérale du Cameroun, Solomon Tandeng Muna est le premier véritable candidat à l’élection présidentielle de 2025, grâce a l’investiture d’une vingtaine de partis politiques. Le Pr. Nkou Mvondo, le leader du parti de l’Univers a saisi l’occasion de cette rencontre avec les médias pour dérouler les qualités du candidat de la coalition. Pour lui, Me Akere Muna a tous le potentiel et il est l’idéal recherché par l’ensemble des camerounais. Il dit : « La coalition a estimé que Me Akere incarne les valeurs de compétence, d’intégrité, de résilience et de vision dont notre nation a besoin en ce moment. Il est un leader de la société civile qui comprend les complexités du Cameroun d’aujourd’hui. Il s’engage à unir tous les camerounais quel que soit leurs origines. Il saura parler à tous les camerounais pour leur redonner espoir à travers cette transition politique que nous voulons instaurer après l’élection présidentielle de 2025, que nous allons gagner. Nous n’avons pas de doute. Nous appelons les autres forces vives de la nation de la république qui aspirent aux changements dans notre pays le Cameroun de bien vouloir nous rejoindre dans ce projet de candidature à partir de notre coalition », conclue-t-il. Ayouba Nsangou

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UNGA 2024:African & Global Leaders Highlight a $6,5 Trillion Opportunity for Productivity Gains by 2030 if Foundational Learning is Prioritized
TimesNews2 septembre 24, 2024
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UNGA 2024:African & Global Leaders Highlight a $6,5 Trillion Opportunity for Productivity Gains by 2030 if Foundational Learning is Prioritized

New York, USA September 23, 2024 — African leaders, the African Union, and Global development partners gathered in New York at the UN General Assembly to showcase the transformational impact of prioritizing foundational learning on the African continent. The World Bank estimates that the learning crisis will result in $21 trillion of lost productivity globally if urgent action is not taken. However, if addressed, ensuring that our children are learning can add $6.5 trillion of additional global value by 2030. The crisis is most acute, and the opportunity is greatest, in Africa, where nine out of ten children cannot read with understanding or do basic math by the age of ten.  Opening the African Union and Global Partnership for Education Presidential meeting in New York, African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat acknowledged the need for a long-term focus on education, calling for an annual education convening at the AU Mission during the United Nations General Assembly meetings. He said: “We must acknowledge that the formulation of annual themes is not enough, the journey is long and we need longer-term, innovative, and bold responses. We have unacceptable levels of education poverty at a time when more than 80% of our workforce in twenty years will be youth.”   Delivering a keynote speech, H.E. Prof Mohammed Belhocine, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI) at the African Union reinforced the need for bold investments and called for an international effort to support Africa’s children and deliver global returns. Prof Mohammed Belhocine said: “Foundational learning is an enabler for Africa’s long-term development and the key to unlocking the potential of millions of African children who will be the change-makers of tomorrow.  9 out of 10 children in Africa cannot read or do basic math by the age of ten. This learning poverty undermines our collective efforts to achieve our Agenda 2063.  The AU is committed to making foundational learning a key part of our agenda beyond 2024 and to tracking progress, providing support where needed, and continuing to advocate for comprehensive reforms.” H.E. President Hakainde Hichelima of Zambia, an Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) continental champion for Foundational Learning said: “In 2050, at least one-third of all young people aged 15 to 24 years old will be born in Africa. At present, four in five children are unable to read and understand simple text by the age of ten. This is unacceptable and we must urgently prioritize investments in education. These skills are the building blocks for every child’s academic and other forms of success. Collectively, we must set clear milestones beyond the 2024 year of education and ensure that no child in Africa is left behind.” Former President of Malawi, H.E. Dr. Joyce Banda said: “A continental crisis requires a continental response. We need more Heads of State to become champions for Foundational Learning. We need accountability mechanisms, and a robust peer review process will help us hold ourselves accountable for the promises we make to our children. This is not just about education. Every goal we have set is dependent on achieving strong foundational learning. The prosperity we dream of will be built from the classroom, with a child learning to read and count. Let us commit today to make that dream a reality and unlock the potential of our continent.” Former President of Tanzania and Chair of the Global Partnership for Education H.E. Jakaya Kikwete said: “We are the world’s youngest and fastest growing continent. By 2050 one in every four people will be an African. Our workforce will be bigger than China. We must equip them. If we fail to act we risk further disenfranchising them.  A 1% improvement in learning outcomes can translate into a 7.2% improvement in economic growth. To unlock this potential we need focused investments. A relentless focus on learning, proper support for our educators, and strong partnerships.” Moderating a panel of African Ministers of education implementing African-owned solutions to enhance learning outcomes, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, Founder of Human Capital Africa asked Ministers to highlight the two most critical investments required to deliver results: “It’s clear from your contributions that African Ministers want innovative, evidence-based and targeted financing alongside the better and more effective and efficient use of existing resources. They are clear that this will enable the teacher training, support, and deployment required to help children learn, using proven and efficient pedagogical approaches that work at scale while ensuring we generate and utilize data to inform the pathway to better learning outcomes and enabling accountability at all levels.” Speakers and leaders at the events in New York built on previous calls made by Human Capital Africa, the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) at the February AU Summit, and former African Presidents at the AU Mid-Year Summit in Accra in July 2024. These calls urge Heads of Government, through the African Union, to take the following decisive steps to address the learning crisis.  Declare that it is unacceptable that nine (9) out of ten (10) of our children are unable to read with understanding and do basic math by age 10. Acknowledge that the delivery of Agenda 2063 and its social, economic, and developmental objectives is deeply connected with learning outcomes. Recognize the transformative impact that foundational learning can have on continental productivity, empowering millions and driving economic growth. Collectively commit to all children reading with comprehension and doing basic mathematics by the age of ten by 2030. Take action to urgently implement cost-effective evidence-based solutions that can accelerate learning outcomes and be delivered within existing budget resources.  Expand the active use of available tools that allow countries to measure learning outcomes early, consistently, and comparatively. Build a continental mechanism that allows countries, development partners, and citizens to hold each other accountable for learning outcomes and peer review progress. Press Release from Human Capital Africa

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Randonnée sur le Mont Eloumdem : 1156 Mètres d’Altitude parcourus par la JCI Yaounde Excel et ses Partenaires
TimesNews2 septembre 24, 2024
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Randonnée sur le Mont Eloumdem : 1156 Mètres d’Altitude parcourus par la JCI Yaounde Excel et ses Partenaires

Dans le cadre de la célébration de la journée internationale de la paix qui se tient chaque 21 septembre, les membres de la JCI Yaounde Excel ont organisé une randonnée au mont Eloumdem. Immersion dans la nature Le samedi 21 septembre 2024 reste à jamais une journée mémorable, avec de jolis souvenirs gravés dans les mémoires de la trentaine de participants qui a pris part à la randonnée sur le mont Eloumdem qui couvre 1156 mètres d’altitude, du pied au sommet. Le mont Eloumdem qui est situé dans le 6ème arrondissement de la ville de Yaoundé s’étend également dans le 7ème arrondissement de la ville et dans la commune de Mbankomo qui est un autre arrondissement périphérique situé dans le département de la Mefou et Akono. Une journée de randonnée certes, mais elle était surtout une journée de communion qui entre en droite ligne avec la célébration de la journée internationale de la paix. Cette journée sportive, touristique et de partage d’expériences a drainé près de 30 participants, à  l’initiative de la Jeune Chambre International(JCI) “Yaounde Excel” dont le bureau actuel est assuré par Fon Kerins Tamon. Tel que l’a indiqué Steve Ngawa, Directeur du projet au sein du bureau “JCI Yaounde Excel”, l’activité avait pour objectif principal de renforcer les relations entre les membres de JCI Yaounde Excel et la communauté ; de créer un networking et découvrir la nature et un nouveau paysage. « Cet évènement est une opportunité unique de transformer notre communauté tout en développant nos propres compétences et notre réseau de jeune citoyen actif dans la ville de Yaoundé. Nous ferons l’escalade du mont tout en profitant du somptueux paysage que nous offrira la ville de Yaoundé mais pendant des temps d’arrêt entre participant nous partagerons des moments inoubliables. » a-t-il souligné dans le document de référence. Un parcours de combattant La randonnée qui a duré toute la journée du samedi 21 septembre 2024, a débuté vers 7h40 minutes avec des séances d’étirements et relaxation du corps afin d’affronter le mont. Les participants à cette randonnée ont arpenté tout le long du chemin, en passant par la gendarmerie du quartier Mendong jusqu’au village Elig-Mvondo où se situe le pied du mont Eloumdem. Cette randonnée a permis à tout un chacun de faire une immersion dans la nature, offrant aux randonneurs l’occasion de palper la beauté et les réalités de la nature fraiche, et de se ressourcer au niveau de la rivière Eloumdem. L’arrivée au sommet du mont Eloumdem a constitué un moment de joie et un sentiment de satisfaction après une tâche ardue bien accomplie. Les randonneurs très émus ont ensuite visité les alentours du sommet du mont afin de prendre des photos sous plusieurs angles et profiter de son charme. Autre moment crucial de cette journée de randonnée était celui du networking, des échanges et le partage d’expériences autour de la paix et de la coexistence harmonieuse. Ainsi que sur des actions à mettre en place pour promouvoir la paix au sein de leurs communautés. Les participants ont également saisi cette occasion pour tabler sur certains maux qui minent la société notamment le problème de la jeunesse camerounaise et des pistes de solution pour amener les jeunes a plus de conscientisation De plus, des activités de sensibilisation sur la protection de la nature et de l’environnement ont été intégrées à l’événement. Les participants ont discuté de l’importance de préserver notre écosystème et ont été encouragés à adopter des comportements écoresponsables. A propos de la JCI La Jeune Chambre International (JCI) est une organisation à but non lucratif de jeunes citoyens actifs âgés de 18 à 40 ans qui s’engagent à créer des impacts positifs dans leurs communautés. Au Cameroun, la JCI a un bureau national avec plusieurs autres démembrements locaux dans différentes régions, villes du pays. Ces jeunes sont appelés « Les citoyens actifs » car ils sont des individus intéressés par l’avenir du monde entier. La JCI rassemble tous les secteurs de la société. Elle développe en ses membres des compétences, des connaissances et la compréhension de l’environnement socio-économique dans lequel ils se trouvent pour pouvoir prendre des décisions éclairées et agir de manière rationnel. Elise Kenimbeni  

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