Togo: Archbishop Emeritus Philippe Kpodzro Calls for Settlement of 2020 Disputed Elections, Castigates Unfilthy Maneuvers
TimesNews2 octobre 14, 2022
Comments (0)

Togo: Archbishop Emeritus Philippe Kpodzro Calls for Settlement of 2020 Disputed Elections, Castigates Unfilthy Maneuvers

In a letter addressed to the Togolese population, the Archbishop emeritus expressed his dire will to see peace restored in the country. 90 years old clergyman and peace advocate in Togo, His Lordship Philippe Kpodzro has always affirmed in faith his commitment to the struggle for the liberation of Togo. On the eve of the Togolese presidential election of February 22, 2020, the Archbishop wished for a change at the helm of the country in total serenity.  In his second letter on October 07, 2022, in which he addressed political parties’ militants of the CIDMK and the Togolese population, Sir Kpodzro calls for the settlement of electoral disputes of the 202 presidential polls. Settlement of Disputed Elections as a Must In his letter, the Archbishop emeritus outlines several prerequisites to be respected before he takes an active part in upcoming fresh elections. Among these prerequisites posed by the dean of the church in Togo, is the settlement of the 20220 disputed presidential elections. for his participation in new elections. The Archbishop in his letter states that: “Let it be clear once and for all, I will not participate in a fool’s bargain, the CIDMK will not participate in any future elections until the 2020 electoral dispute is settled. I will not participate, directly or indirectly, in a maneuver of betrayal of the will of the people expressed on February 22, 2020, like a referendum.” Added to the above statements, Monsignor Philippe Kpodzoro warned any member of the CIDMK who will use or usurp his name to call on the people to fully participate in new elections. He said: “Woe to anyone who ventures to usurp my name to call on the people to participate in an electoral masquerade where the actors are paid in advance for their crime. We are not putting the cart before the horse, let’s now settle the 2020 electoral dispute before moving on to the next election, not the other way around.” Need for an Open Democracy As a staunch supporter of former Prime Minister, Gabriel Messan Agbeyome Kodjo, the unsuccessful candidate in the 2020 presidential elections, the Togolese clergyman denounces the strategies that have always been nipped in the bud, “the major protest movements against the Faure Gnassingbe clan regime since the 1990s.” According to Archbishop Philippe Kpodzro, masks are falling apart with the brilliant victory of Dr. Gabriel Messan Agbeyome Kodjo in the election of February 22, 2020, which to him is considered a first step that blows the minds and shows the move into a progressive alternation of a democratic Togolese nation approved by many. “We are currently at the second stage which consists of the effective recovery of power and the exercise of it before moving on to the 3rd and final stage which would consist of the remodeling, the foundation of the State to the root of democracy in Togo.” He said. Timesnews2.info

Read More
IDG 2022 Spotlighted by Advocacy Calls to Promote Girls’Rights & End Violence Against Children in Cameroon
TimesNews2 octobre 13, 2022
Comments (0)

IDG 2022 Spotlighted by Advocacy Calls to Promote Girls’Rights & End Violence Against Children in Cameroon

Activities to mark the 2022 international day of the girlchild on October 11 were officially celebrated in the locality of Esse, Centre region, under the auspices of the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family and Plan International Cameroon. This year’s celebration marked the 10th anniversary of the international day of the girlchild, IDG also known as the day of girls under the theme:“ Our Time is Now: Our Rights, Our Future. ” As the theme of this year indicates, girls are deprived of their basic fundamental rights even after strides made by governments and decision-makers worldwide. This is the reason why, Plan International Cameroon organized on October 11, 2022, ahead of the official celebration in the town of Esse, a girls’ forum with students of some high schools. The two-hour forum focused on open discussions on important issues such as menstrual hygiene, Gender-Based Violence, Early pregnancies, drug consumption, female leadership, and the responsible use of social media. The young girls and boys gathered at the cultural palace of the town of Esse were schooled on the rights by Plan International Cameroon and its different partners who were convened for this celebration of the girlchild. Laurna Stecy Mbeti Mbeti, a form 4 student at the government bilingual high school of Esse is conscient of her rights as a young girl. “Among my rights, I think I must be respected by people in the society and I have the right to go to school. I also have the right to work later on in the country as I intend to be a doctor.” 13 years old Laurna Stecy, seized the occasion of this celebration to join her voice to that of her age mates who called on the government to intensify sensitization campaigns that will upgrade the knowledge of young girls about their rights and to make them conscient of the crucial role they will play in the future. During the girls’ forum, children were presented some role models from the energy supply company, ENEO who schooled both the boys and girls on the importance of education. The official celebration which kicked off in the midday was chaired by Mrs. Koukreo Wespa Maipa, Inspector number 2 in the ministry of women’s empowerment and the family alongside the Country Director of Plan International Cameroon, Mr. Bien-Aimé Johnson and other representatives of key partners like UNICEF and UNFPA. Challenges of Social Media In his key address, the Country Director of Plan International Cameroon, Johnson Bien-Aimé pointed out some relevant issues affecting the girl child in society notably with the advent of information and communication technologies which have caused more harm than good. The Boss of Plan International in Cameroon castigated the depravation of social ills, the constant harassment, and the abuse of young girls who are exposed in particular on social media. Despite the positive impacts of social networks on the development of a nation, Mr. Bien-Aimé believes some mechanisms should be put in place to protect the girl child. He said: “Urban development and access to new forms of information and communication technologies have led to changes in some social values. Both girls and boys are now exposed to new lifestyles and practices that contrast with traditional habits and beliefs. In recent months various adolescents have been exposed to sexual exploitation online (Facebook in particular). Within this context, the community stakeholders, We all are accountable for the deterioration of girls‘ protection mechanisms, which contributes to their limited access to civil rights and decision-making spheres. ” The same call was made by Mrs. Koukreo in her speech. As a mother, she called on all boys and girls to be wise when using social media. She advised young girls of Esse to think of school first and focus on their education than spending time chatting with boys and men on Facebook or WhatsApp. Educating & Empowering Girls According to the Country Director of Plan International, despite the implementation of goal number 4 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the number of children particularly girls enrolled in preschool dropped by 7.2% in 2 years due to the crises in the North West and South West region, and the enrollment of boys is higher than that of girls nationwide as indicated by the ministry of basic education in the 2020/2021 data analysis school census. Apart from the fact that these relevant statistics unveiled are due to the crisis rocking in the North West and South West region, Mr. Bien-Aimé Johnson advocates for new incentives which will help increase the number of girls in schools. In the same line, the Representative of the Minister, Mrs. Koukreo insisted on the fact that families and the community should understand the important role of a girl in society tomorrow. “Girls should not be left at home to the detriment of boys. Parents should invest in the girl child as they do in the boys…” She said. Mrs. Koukreo Wespa Maipa equally outlined the need to boot out some social scourges affecting the education of the girlchild nowadays. Inspector number 2 said ills like open and hidden prostitution, the consumption of drugs, unsafe abortion, and the irresponsible use of social media are core hindrances in the education of the girlchild. She said to tackle such ills, the government has emphasized five key transformative priorities which are: ending early and forceful marriages; fighting against Gender violence; advancing the education of girls at the secondary level; pacing up the nutritional, sexual, and reproductive health of girls and facilitate the management of menstrual hygiene. Plan International Steps Up The celebration of the international day of the girl child in Esse was equally an opportunity to take stock of the different actions carried out by Plan International Cameroon which strives for the advancement of children’s rights and equality for girls. The Country Director unveiled in his address, the numerous activities carried out by his organization throughout the year with an accent on multiple sensitization campaigns with young girls and boys targeting the ten regions

Read More
Zone CEMAC : Huawei s’investit dans la production de l’énergie Verte et Intelligente
TimesNews2 octobre 13, 2022
Comments (0)

Zone CEMAC : Huawei s’investit dans la production de l’énergie Verte et Intelligente

L’entreprise chinoise, Huawei, géant des TIC a dévoilé officiellement le 06 octobre 2022 à Douala, Cameroun, ses ambitions de s’engager dans la production de l’énergie verte et intelligente. Ceci au cours d’un forum sur les énergies renouvelables organise par Huawei et le ministère de l’Eau et de l’Énergie. Créer un écosystème digital efficace permettant à la CEMAC d’avoir des parties prenantes en mesure d’analyser les défis et opportunités de l’énergie numérique, tel était l’objectif principal de ce forum sur les énergies renouvelables qui a une réuni un parterre d’experts dans le domaine et ceux des technologies de l’information et de la communication(TIC).  Huawei l’équipementier chinois et numéro un des TIC   a saisi cette occasion afin de partager sa vision avec ses partenaires, ceci en les amenant à vivre l’expérience Smart PV Application et de se familiariser à son principe modulaire : Centre de données écologique de nouvelle génération. Tel indiqué, toutes ces multiples et différentes réflexions concourent à la digitalisation de l’énergie pour un environnement sans carbone et une CEMAC verte et intelligente. Au Cameroun, pays de la zone CEMAC, les pouvoirs publics ont opté pour la production décentralisée de l’électricité à partir des sources d’énergies renouvelables notamment dans les zones rurales éloignées du réseau électrique conventionnel. Et jusqu’ici, l’entreprise des télécoms, Huawei a déjà contribué à l’électrification de 350 sites solaires répartis dans différentes localités ceci avec le concours du ministère de l’eau et de l’énergie(MINEE). Des statistiques qui ressortent, 49000 familles et plus de 3 millions de personnes ont déjà été recensées comme celles qui ont été impactées positivement à travers ce projet. Le Représentant de l’Agence d’Electrification Rurale (AER) a relevé le fait que leur structure suit à la lettre le cahier de charges du gouvernement qui arrête la liste des zones à électrifier et avec l’appui de Huawei, ce programme est mené a bien. Selon le Directeur Général de Huawei Cameroun, Thomas ZHANG, ce forum qui rassemble le Gouvernement, les leaders d’opinion de l’Industrie, des sociétés qui exercent dans le domaine de l’énergie, des experts TIC, des partenaires écologiques est une opportunité de mise en place des balises dans le but de construire une écologie industrielle ouverte gagnant-gagnant. Monsieur ZHANG dit : « Huawei est prêt à partager son expérience dans plus de 170 pays dans le monde et de ses solutions dans le domaine de l’énergie numérique afin d’échanger sur la manière d’intégrer la technologie numérique à l’industrie de l’énergie sous la direction du Ministère de l’Eau et de l’Energie, de construire une écologie industrielle ouverte gagnant-gagnant, d’aider le développement de l’énergie verte au Cameroun et de construire un avenir qui respecte l’environnement ». Cette initiative qui attise satisfaction de la part des partenaires du géant des télécoms, Huawei, a été appréciée à sa juste valeur. CFAO Technologies par la voix de son Représentant a ce forum a souligné son appréciation. Mme Jeanne Marcelle MBALLA, Ingénieure d’Affaires Energies Renouvelables indique que : « Grâce à Huawei, nous avons désormais la technologie qui nous permet de réaliser des études qui prennent en compte le besoin réel du client. Ce qui nous permet de prendre en termes de qualité et de durabilité les desideratas de nos clients. Les coûts sont abordables, l’environnement est respecté et tout le monde est satisfait. » Monsieur GONG YUQING, Président de Huawei Northern African Digital Power Business, présent a cette rencontre a aussi souligné ceci :« le secteur de l’énergie au Cameroun est principalement dominé par l’hydroélectricité, le gaz naturel et l’énergie brute. Ces deux dernières sources sont des énergies fossiles. Par conséquent, elles contribuent également à la dégradation du climat et donc à la destruction de l’écosystème ».  Il a ajouté le fait que cette solution a énergie verte et intelligente est plus que bénéfique. Monsieur GONG YUQING dit : « Il y aurait une restauration du climat, une préservation des ressources naturelles, une baisse des coûts d’électricité entraînant un développement économique. Il y aurait également réduction des accidents sur les autoroutes, puisqu’il y aurait des capteurs pour détecter le mouvement de chaque voiture.» Au cours de ce forum sur les énergies renouvelables, les participants ont eu la possibilité de découvrir et tester le fonctionnement des solutions « i Site Power » de Huawei, qui sont des solutions alternatives et adéquates accessibles pour tous ceux qui auraient des soucis d’énergie. Rédaction TimesNews2

Read More
Concours Mützig Star 2022 : Les Brasseries du Cameroun Innove pour le Rayonnement de la Musique
TimesNews2 octobre 13, 2022
Comments (0)

Concours Mützig Star 2022 : Les Brasseries du Cameroun Innove pour le Rayonnement de la Musique

 La 32e édition de Mützig Star a été officiellement lancée ce 12 octobre 2022 à Yaoundé, Cameroun au cours d’une conférence de presse qui a permis de planter le décor pour une nouvelle aventure musicale pleine d’innovations.  Le top départ a été donnée le mercredi 12 octobre 2022 à Yaoundé, capitale camerounaise. C’était en présence de quelques membres du jury en l’occurrence, Longue Longue vainqueur de l’édition 2000 et Ambassadeur des Causes sociales, la diva du Bikutsi camerounais, Mani Bella, le chanteur auteur-compositeur Phil B y compris des coaches comme les artistes musiciens, Final D et Sanzy Viany. Après la phase des inscriptions, des pré-sélections puis des pré-qualifications, seuls douze candidats seront retenus pour les qualifications. A ce stade, la compétition se déroulera en quatre épreuves à savoir les épreuves des duos, du monde, des stars et de la créativité. Seuls quatre postulants pourront accéder à la phase finale prévue le 18 novembre prochain. Les notes du jury seront à 70% et pour le public 30% via les plateformes numériques (WhatsApp, Facebook) et par SMS. « Pour l’édition 2022, nous avons trois principales innovations à savoir un accent particulier sur la formation. Nous avons organisé les masters class depuis pratiquement un mois qui sont diffusés dans les réseaux sociaux… » indique Christian Victor Bitom, Chef segment Mützig à la Société Anonyme des Brasseries du Cameroun (SABC). Il a également indiqué que : « l’autre innovation est le retour vers le grand public. Nous n’allons plus rester dans les écrans de télévision. La Covid-19 nous a ramené dans les télés et réseaux sociaux, nous allons revenir avec les caravanes notamment avec des prestations grand public. Puis, la 3e innovation est sur les « guest jury ». Nous n’allons plus cette fois-ci avoir trois jury. Les trois vont être là durant la compétition mais durant chaque compétition on aura un jury qui sera invité pour venir renforcer les autres jurys. Ces jurys pourront faire des prestations afin de de montrer comment eux-mêmes travaillent et qu’est-ce qu’ils ont dans leurs coffres comme talent… » Selon la SABC, porteuse de cette initiative qui a moule de nombreux talents camerounais, le premier gagnant du jeu concours de cette 32eme édition va remporter la somme de 5.000.000 de FCFA, le deuxième gagnant va empocher la somme de 2.000.000 de FCFA, le troisième va obtenir la somme de 1.500.000 FCFA, le quatrième 1.000.00 de FCFA et le 5e vainqueur de la compétition aura 750. 000 FCFA. Dans ses explications, le Chef segment Mutzig, Monsieur Bitom a relevé que la SABC va accompagner ces vainqueurs dans la production et promotions de leurs albums. Il dit : « Nous avons enlevé la production et la promotion de l’album au vainqueur, mais nous l’avons laissé sur l’appréciation des jurys et des coaches à tous ceux qui vont démontrer la volonté de devenir des artistes ou des musiciens. Depuis quelques années les vainqueurs après avoir reçu leur prix n’ont plus pensé à faire carrière dans la musique. Ainsi, la société Anonyme de Brasseries du Cameroun (SABC) a pris cette décision depuis l’année dernière… » Parmi les jurys, on note la présence de Mani Bella qui participe pour sa première fois à cette aventure musicale dédiée aux amateurs de la musique. La jeune star du bikutsi a salué cette initiative : « C’est déjà un plaisir de rejoindre cette magnifique aventure Mützig Star au Cameroun. Nous avons déjà commencé à travailler à travers des masters class. Nous avons donné quelques astuces sur l’écriture, la tenue scénique et comment travailler sa voix. » Lancé en 1990 sous la dénomination de « Concours national de la chanson », c’est en 2009 qu’il change d’appellation et devient « Mutzig Star ». Le groupe SABC à travers la marque « Mützig » investit chaque année plus de 200.000.000 de FCFA dans la prise en charge des candidats qui feront la fierté du Cameroun au-delà des frontières. Le slogan de cette 32e édition est : « Rien ne peut arrêter ta voix ». Ainsi qui pourra succéder à Mr Sympa lauréat 2021 ?  La réponse sera connue à l’issu du concours final. Par Ayouba Nsangou

Read More
Huawei Seeds for the Future 2022: Clôture en Beauté pour la Cohorte 7
TimesNews2 octobre 3, 2022
Comments (0)

Huawei Seeds for the Future 2022: Clôture en Beauté pour la Cohorte 7

Seeds for the Future édition 2022, programme qui vise à l’amélioration du transfert de connaissances et de promotion dans le domaine des Ticss’est achevé le 26 septembre 2022 au Cameroun. Le programme qui a franchi l’étape final le 16 septembre dernier avec au total une vingtaine d’étudiants issus de grandes écoles des Tics et partenaire de Huawei dans le cadre du ICT Academy, a pris fin à Yaoundé et Douala les deux villes hôtes du programme. Pour ce fait, la cérémonie de clôture qui s’est tenue en ligne dans les bureaux de Huawei Cameroun respectivement à Yaoundé et Douala, a été meuble par quelques messages clés. Au cours de cette rencontre de clôture, les lauréats ont été gratifiés de cadeaux par l’entreprise mondiale des télécoms. Ceci a été tenu en présence de certains instructeurs de la « Huawei ICT Academy » au Cameroun et ainsi que les anciens bénéficiaires de ce programme qui est implanté au Cameroun depuis 2016. La Capitaine de la 7eme cohorte de ce programme « Seeds for the future 2022 » a dans son discours de fin de formation exprime sa reconnaissance à l’endroit de la firme chinoise qui ne cesse de mettre en vitrine le génie des jeunes camerounais passionnes dans les technologies de l’information et de la communication. La jeune Nauradyn Akukulong de SUP’PTIC a indiqué que grâce a Huawei, elle a de connaissance de plus dans son domaine. Elle dit : « Nous restons convaincus que ce programme permettra aux jeunes camerounais de participer activement à l’émergence du secteur des TIC dans ce pays et de faire du Cameroun, à l’instar de la République Populaire de Chine, un hub technologique en Afrique. » Cette étudiante de SUP’PTIC a aussi indiqué que, les connaissances acquises pendant de programme lui permettront d’améliorer son projet qui vise dans l’amélioration de la lutte contre les cancers mammaires via le numérique. « Je compte utiliser la technologie pour lutter contre le cancer du sein. Au Cameroun nous n’avons pas les équipements pour traiter le cancer du sein dès qu’on le découvre chez une femme à un stade non alarmant. Avec mon projet nous devrons aider les formations sanitaires à détecter très tôt ce cancer en utilisant la technologie, les caméras infrarouges et l’intelligence artificielle » Dixit Nauradyn Akukulong. Les enseignants ont à leur tour émis de vœux de pérennisation a l’endroit du projet de l’entreprise Huawei. C’est le cas de Mme Efon Esther Abbia, enseignante certifiée Huawei à SUP’PTIC de Yaoundé.  L’enseignante souligne que :« Seeds for the future est un programme riche parce qu’il apporte la technologie aux jeunes Camerounais. Les jeunes sont en contact avec les dernières technologies, la 5G, internet des objets et l’intelligence artificielle. Ils sont en contact avec des experts qui les guident dans l’utilisation de tous ces nouveaux outils. Ils sont ainsi mieux outillés et ont la fondation pour être de bons ingénieurs, aussi ils auront des meilleures idées de projets dans le future. Je remercie ces jeunes d’avoir saisi cette opportunité et Huawei pour cette action ». Cette cohorte de la 7eme édition du programme « Seeds for the Future 2022 » viennent s’ajouter à la longue la liste de jeunes talents déjà formés et outilles par Huawei depuis 2016, date de démarrage au pays. Et comme l’a affirmé le Directeur Général de Huawei, Monsieur ZHANG Thomas lors de la cérémonie officielle de lancement de cette 7eme édition, Huawei est résolu à accompagner le gouvernement dans la formation des jeunes talents et de transférer les compétences nécessaires en Tics pour accroitre le développement numérique du pays. Il est important comme à l’accoutumée de souligner que le programme dénommé « seeds for the future » de Huawei il faut le dire s’inscrit en droite ligne du cahier de charges de « l’accord de partenariat stratégique dans le domaine des technologies de l’information et de la communication » signé entre le gouvernement du Cameroun et Huawei en septembre 2018 à Beijing lors de la visite du Président de la république Paul Biya en Chine. Rédaction TimesNews2.info

Read More
Social Exclusion, Violence & Inhumane Treatment of Older Persons decried by Minister Nguene
TimesNews2 octobre 2, 2022
Comments (0)

Social Exclusion, Violence & Inhumane Treatment of Older Persons decried by Minister Nguene

Minister, Pauline Irene Nguene of social affairs in her keynote address castigated the inhumane treatment to which many old people are subjected daily. “The young girl of today will be the older woman of tomorrow.” It is on this key reminder that the minister of social affairs, Pauline Irene Nguene opened her official speech to mark the 32nd edition of the international day of older persons. The minister underscored the fact that many old persons are abandoned by their families, and face social exclusion and inhumane treatment which are deplorable. Social affairs’ patroness was speaking during the celebration that took place on Saturday, October 1, 2022, in Yaounde, Cameroon’s nation capital focused on the theme: “Resilience and Contributions of Older Women”. The event was equally attended by the minister of women’s empowerment and the family, Marie-Therese Abena Ondoa, other government officials, international partners, and local NGOs such as UNFPA and Living Alternatives for the Ageing, LAFTA. Tackling stigmatization & Discrimination The Minister who praised the contributions of older persons in our societies, equally said they are key actors that need to be fully implicated in decision-making. In line with the theme of the 2022 celebration, Pauline Irene Nguene said government during the elaboration of its policies of sustainable development takes into account all aspects of aging. Minister Pauline Irene Nguene said elderly persons should not be left behind especially older women in socio-economic activities. She emphasized the fact that close to 700 million people worldwide now have more than 60 years and in 2050, 2 Billion people, that is 20% of the world population will be 60 and more than. These statistics unveiled by the Minister and which are sourced from the United Nations are to showcase the rapid growth of the population. In Cameroon, as stated by Minister Nguene who relied on figures of BUCREP, the aging population is of 1.143.691 persons as of 2015. In terms of actions carried out so far by the government, she cited among others: the promotion of the know-how of older persons; the production of a national guide on aging; the organization of sensitization campaigns in order to prepare old persons for retirement; the progressive creation in reference hospitals of geriatric pavilions and the support of older persons’ associations and groups with material and sanitary kits. Jeannette Esso, spokesperson for the older persons in her speech outlined a good number of issues that they face daily. She said, older persons are often victims of violence, social exclusion, discrimination, and stigmatization and have little access to social services. Mrs. Esso stressed the fact that government should give a helping hand to older persons in the fight against social abuses, setting up free-of-charge treatment and care of some pathologies linked to old age and strive for the respect of their human rights and ameliorate their living in terms of socio-economic empowerment with income generating activities. Key role of older persons The 2022 theme of International Day of Older Persons chosen by the United Nations serves as a hallmark and reminder of the significant role older women play in traversing global challenges and contributing to their solutions with resilience and fortitude. Through this theme, the United Nations recognizes the vital contributions of older women, and promoting the inclusion of their voices, perspectives, and needs are critical to creating meaningful policies to enhance a holistic response to local, national, and global challenges and catastrophes. The 2022 international day of older persons is a call to action and opportunity aimed to embrace the voices of older women and showcase their resilience and contributions in society while promoting policy dialogues to enhance the protection of older persons’ human rights and recognize their contributions to sustainable development. Elise Kenimbeni

Read More
Togo: Former PM Gabriel Messan Agbeyome Kodjo Wins Crucial Court Verdict Against the State
TimesNews2 octobre 2, 2022
Comments (0)

Togo: Former PM Gabriel Messan Agbeyome Kodjo Wins Crucial Court Verdict Against the State

Gabriel Messan Agbeyome Kodjo, former Prime Minister, former President of the National Assembly, Member of Parliament, and by the way President of the Patriotic Movement for Democracy and Development (MPDD) of the Republic of Togo has seen his rights restored by the ECOWAS court of justice after been arbitrarily arrested on April 21, 2020. The footage of the politician’s arrest which looked more like a kidnapping than a legal action sparked debates years ago. Gabriel Messan Agbeyome Kodjo, an opposition candidate who was attributed a win at the end of the Togolese presidential election of February 22, 2020, by a certain opinion was later on arrested in his residence. Though he offered no resistance to his arrest, the politician was brutalized and humiliated. Circumstances surrounding his arrest did not obey to any legal procedure even the least ones as the police carried out the arrest without notifying the suspect of the reasons why he is being accused as required by any serious legal procedure. Mr. Messan Agbeyome Kodjo was purely and simply arrested and taken to the premises of the gendarmerie. Was the Former PM victim of any grudge? The behavior of the police who did not want to give any explanation for the arrest of the politician gives the impression that they were just executing some orders. Even during his hearing which began around 10 a.m. on April 21, 2020, it was only by 3:15 p.m. that the investigators notified him of the reasons for his arrest. By failing to notify him of the charges against him immediately after his “abduction” from his home, the investigators failed to fulfill a constitutional formality that makes his arrest arbitrary and therefore his detention on the premises of the investigators illegal. Justice restored After a hastily filed judicial investigation, he will be charged with aggravated disturbance of public order, dissemination of false news, and attack on state security. It should be noted that on April 24, 2020, he was charged and placed under judicial supervision with the following conditions: the obligation to comply with the various summonses as soon as required; a prohibition to leave Togo without express authorization; a ban on making any statement calling into question the results of the presidential election of February 22, 2020; prohibition of all remarks, declarations, or attitudes tending to call into question the existing constitutional order. Finding himself deprived of any freedom of expression about one of the major facts of Togolese politics as a citizen and politician engaged in all legitimacy in the struggle for the conquest of power, Gabriel Messan Agbeyome Kodjo introduced a request for violation of human rights by the State of Togo to the ECOWAS Court of Justice on June 08, 2020.  After two years marked by public hearings, the Togolese State has been condemned by the ECOWAS Court of Justice. ECOWAS Court of Justice clears out the Togolese State’s Injustice After listening to the different parties, the ECOWAS community court decided that the Togolese government “violated the right to freedom and security of the former Prime Minister, guaranteed by articles 6, in a fine of the African Charter of human rights, 9(2) of the ICCPR and 9 of the UDHR. The Court also demonstrated that the Respondent (Togo), “through its agents, violated the rights of the Applicant (Gabriel Messan Agbeyome Kodjo), to freedom of opinion and security”. This is why it mentions that the State of Togo has been condemned for arbitrary and illegal arrest and detention; for violation of the right to freedom of expression. This gives his victim, here Gabriel Messan Agbeyome Kodjo, the right to reparation by the principle of international law which stipulates that “any person who is the victim of a violation of his human rights has the right to fair and equitable reparation”. TimesNews2.info

Read More
Dr. Denis Ngae Dévoile l’importance du Numérique en Milieu Hospitalier Camerounais
TimesNews2 septembre 30, 2022
Comments (0)

Dr. Denis Ngae Dévoile l’importance du Numérique en Milieu Hospitalier Camerounais

« La pratique du numérique en milieu hospitalier camerounais : un levier de performance du système de santé » C’est le nom de l’ouvrage qui sera officiellement présenté dans les tous prochains jours à Yaoundé, capitale du Cameroun par son auteur le Dr. Denis Ngae. L’ouvrage du Dr. Denis Ngae qui est intitulé : « La pratique du numérique en milieu hospitalier camerounais : un levier de performance du système de santé », est une compilation de 214 pages publiée le 20 septembre 2022 par l’Harmattan en France. Ce travail de longue haleine préfacé par le Ministre de la sante publique, Dr Manaouda Malachie et dont l’Avant-propos a été rédigé par Pr. Vincent de Paul Djentcheu, Directeur Général de l’hôpital générale de Yaoundé, apparait comme une solution palliative aux différents maux qui minent le milieu hospitalier au Cameroun en vue de l’adoption des technologies numériques par nos hôpitaux. Grace à son expertise dans les technologies de l’information et de la communication (TIC), Dr. Denis Ngae veut apporter sa pierre à l’édification du système de santé publique dans son pays natal. Selon lui l’intégration des TIC dans les pratiques en milieu hospitalier camerounais connaît une résistance et un manque d’engouement de la part des utilisateurs, hors, si celle-ci est mise en exergue, elle va améliorer la qualité et l’efficacité des soins de santé Dr. Denis Ngae, dans sa quatrième découverture, qui est le volet explicatif de son travail de recherche, démontre quelles sont les entraves qui affectent le milieu hospitalier camerounais du fait de la négligence des TIC et par ailleurs, démontre que les TIC sont un outil de développement économique de nos jours dans nos sociétés. Il indique ceci : « L’analyse de l’introduction du numérique en santé au Cameroun a permis de comprendre que les hôpitaux camerounais et leur personnel ne semblaient pas encore prêts à l’arrivée de ces technologies. Cette situation peut s’expliquer par l’absence d’une stratégie TIC dans les hôpitaux et par l’insuffisance de ressources financières et technologiques. Bien plus, le niveau de pertinence de l’appropriation des TIC dans les structures hospitalières au Cameroun est très moyen, voire faible, au regard des attentes du gouvernement, des utilisateurs et des usagers. Cette faiblesse est à l’origine du manque de coordination, de la fragmentation des initiatives, avec pour corolaire, l’inadéquation entre les objectifs poursuivis et les priorités du système de santé, mais aussi la réticence du personnel hospitalier à utiliser ces technologies. » Dr. Ngae souligne le fait que ce sont les ressources humaines qui ont été identifiées comme l’épine dorsale d’une organisation dans le processus d’adoption des TIC, et cela nécessite le développement des stratégies de gestion adéquate pour espérer obtenir des performances substantielles. Selon lui, « les organisations hospitalières qui ont obtenu des gains substantiels après adoption des TIC, ont investi au préalable sur le capital humain, en permettant à son personnel de disposer des compétences ou de capacités technologiques suffisantes. En outre, le potentiel des technologies de santé numérique dans l’amélioration de la performance hospitalière est perceptible. Néanmoins, l’impact présagé sur la performance hospitalière dépend, avant tout, du niveau d’appropriation de ces technologies par le personnel hospitalier. Ainsi, une bonne appropriation des TIC améliorait l’efficacité opérationnelle des hôpitaux camerounais, la qualité clinique des prestations de santé. Aussi, renforcerait-elle la satisfaction des patients en favorisant l’engagement et l’engouement du personnel hospitalier. Enfin, les cas d’échecs et d’abandons des projets TIC en santé ainsi que les défis identifiés pourraient être évités en examinant, au préalable, la préparation des hôpitaux à accueillir ces technologies. » Qui est Dr. Ngae ? Dr. Denis Ngae est membre de la Société camerounaise d’Informatique Médicale. Il est enseignant d’informatique médicale et chercheur au Centre de Recherches d’études diplomatiques internationales et stratégiques et à Savoirs & Développement. Il suit actuellement le Programme de Leadership Appliqué en Santé Numérique et est le Chef de la Division des Projets, des Etudes et de la Prospective au Ministère des Postes et Télécommunications du Cameroun. Elise Kenimbeni

Read More
Hon. Agho Oliver Emerges Amongst Top Students of the Tohoku University of Japan, Cameroon’s MP Grabs a Master’s Degree
TimesNews2 septembre 30, 2022
Comments (0)

Hon. Agho Oliver Emerges Amongst Top Students of the Tohoku University of Japan, Cameroon’s MP Grabs a Master’s Degree

Young dynamic and brilliant Member of parliament in Cameroon recently graduated from the Tohoku university in Japan where he successfully grabbed a Master’s Degree in the field of Global Governance Sustainable Development. Tohoku University in Japan held its Fall 2022 Commencement Ceremony at Kawauchi Hagi Hall on September 26 with a grandiose event celebrating the achievements of 401 students – 68 undergraduate and 333 masters and doctoral students. More than half of the graduating class comprised international students, representing 34 countries and regions around the world. President Hideo Ohno gave a speech in both Japanese and English. He congratulated the students and said that their experiences at Tohoku University will hold them in good stead as they begin the next chapter of their lives. He urged them to draw inspiration from other Tohoku University graduates whose footsteps they now follow. From the research team behind the Hayabusa-2 space probe to alumni in Africa working to improve their countries’ social and physical infrastructure to author Kotaro Isaka, whose novel “Maria Beetle” was made into the Hollywood movie “Bullet Train”. Tohoku University students and graduates are making their impact felt all over the world. He said. “We are all proud to be part of the global Tohoku University community that all these alumni have created.” President Ohno then encouraged everyone to stay in touch by joining the university’s Alumni Association as well as the International Alumni Network. “Sendai will always be your home – as it is to all our graduates – and we will always welcome you back,” he said. Amongst the 401 students who graduated on September 26, 2022, was the lone African and male young parliamentarian from Cameroon, Hon. Agho, who thanks to the Japanese International Cooperation Agency, JICA, scholarship for the support of socioeconomic development, recovery, or economic stability of developing regions featured in the ranks. Honorable Agho Oliver Bamenju of the Bafut/Tubah Constituency in the Mezam division of the North-West region of Cameroon has therefore brilliantly obtained a Master’s Degree in the field of Global Governance Sustainable Development from the Tohoku University in Japan where he relentlessly studied hard for two years. The young MP who is known to be discrete in the National Assembly but very impactful and active on the field with regard to the numerous philanthropic acts carried out so far, makes the pride of his country. It is not surprising to see the trained lawmaker and parliamentarian emerging in this domain whom he cherishes most back at home as observed over the past years with his full embarkment in some environmental projects like the provision of water to vulnerable communities and the planting of trees in order to tackle deforestation challenges. The young MP for recall is the brainbox behind the 600 Million FCFA giant Bambili water project in his native grounds. With such an additional educational degree duly obtained, no doubt that the MP will make it useful to serve the marginalized communities in Cameroon. The unstoppable MP and lawmaker who is expected in the days ahead in the country has already planned for a tight agenda which shall be marked by social activities on the field. For recall, Hon. Agho Bamenju keeps recording strides in the international arena after his active participation in March 2021 at the Massachusetts Water Youth Summit hosted by Foundation for a Green Future. Elise Kenimbeni

Read More
Guinea:  Act now to ensure greater support and assistance for survivors of sexual violence
TimesNews2 septembre 29, 2022
Comments (0)

Guinea:  Act now to ensure greater support and assistance for survivors of sexual violence

New report calls on Guinean authorities to improve prevention from rape and care for survivors Authorities must introduce new law on gender-based violence  Over 400 complaints for rape were registered in 2021, most of survivors were minors Amnesty denounces barriers to justice for victims leading to impunity Victims of sexual violence in Guinea face social stigmatization, a lack of accessible medical care and serious barriers to justice, said Amnesty International and the International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) today in a new report ‘Shame must change sides, ensuring rights and justice for victims of sexual violence in Guinea’. Based on interviews with survivors of rape, administrative, judicial, traditional, and religious authorities, health care professionals, diplomats, civil society representatives, the report analyses the numerous obstacles to effective care for victims of rape, forensic examination, psychological support, and access to justice in Guinea. For many survivors, justice remains unattainable.  “Victims and their families have repeatedly told us that the horrendous sexual violence they experienced is compounded by societal judgement, but silence is starting to break on rape cases and civil society is moving to denounce sexual violence,” said Samira Daoud, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa. “Despite recent efforts by the authorities to tackle the issue of sexual violence, many remains to be done in terms of information, prevention, access to care and justice to respect Guinea’s obligations under international and regional human rights laws.” In 2021, the Office for the Protection of Gender, Children and Morals (Oprogem) and the Special Brigade for the Protection of Vulnerable Persons (BSPPV) – specialized units within the police and the gendarmerie- dealt with more than 400 cases of rape, and most of the victims were minors, some of whom are under 13.  This report shows that the real figures of rape cases are undoubtedly higher, considering notably the practice of extrajudicial settlement and the higher number of cases treated in medical centres. Social stigmatization Victims of sexual violence and their families often face intense judgement in their communities amid widespread social stigmatization. The mother of a girl who said she was raped told Amnesty International about the stigma her child experienced: “[…] When we went to the hospital, one of the doctors said: ‘This is the little girl who was raped’. It hurts. Everywhere she goes, people point at her. She is always locked up in the house. She doesn’t go out; she hardly communicates with people. She wants to go back to school but it’s not possible.” More efforts should be done by the authorities to develop awareness and education campaigns to address the underlying social and cultural attitudes that discriminate against women and facilitate and perpetuate violence against them. These campaigns should promote zero tolerance for violence against women, debunk harmful gender stereotypes and myths associated with rape, eliminate the stigma associated with women victims of violence, and encourage victims to seek redress. Urgent need to improve access to care, sexual and reproductive rights and psychological support Guinea lacks an effective toll-free number enabling victims to report sexual violence and to receive medical and legal advice. And despite some initiatives like the creation of one-stop centres offering care and legal support, the availability, quality, and accessibility of the health system must be strengthened for victims, often of modest economic status. Many survivors are unable to access effective medical and psychological care or realise their right to sexual and reproductive health. Most medical specialist practice in the capital city Conakry and the cost of care can sometimes prevent victims from seeking treatment. A doctor said to Amnesty International: “We can provide free consultations and reports. But if people have complications that require surgery, or infectious complications that require medication, we can’t do that for free.” “The social stigma associated with rape in Guinea, which often leads to not reporting the crime and not filing complaints, leaves survivors of these atrocities without access to medical care and psychosocial support as well as legal aid to access justice and redress”, said Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, IPPFAR Regional Director. “Gender based violence in all its forms is recognised as a human rights violation by the international human rights framework and jurisprudence. Gender inequality, power imbalance and lack of respect for human rights are often the root causes of such heinous acts and prevents survivors from accessing and enjoying their full sexual and reproductive health and rights. As human rights defenders, we must all take a stand and put a stop to these inexcusable acts”, added Petrus-Barry. Accessing justice is an obstacle course for victims Despite achieving real progress by adjusting legal frameworks in recent years and developing specialized police and gendarmerie units to respond to sexual violence cases, gaining access to justice in Guinea remains a challenging obstacle course for victims of sexual violence, while perpetrators often enjoy impunity. Customary authorities have been able to push for out of court settlements leading to prosecutions being dropped, which is against the law and against the rights of the survivors. Although there is lack of forensic specialists and the presentation of a medico-legal certificate is not a legal condition for filing a complaint, in practice it is often required. And even when this document is not required by the police or the gendarmerie, its absence becomes a major obstacle to a possible conviction in court. Judicial investigations are often hampered by a lack of resources and training in addressing and investigating sexual violence, which negatively impacts victims’ quest for justice. In the absence of effective free legal assistance for those unable to afford a lawyer, only NGOs are able to provide legal support. Similarly, Guinea’s justice system also lacks resources. The majority of judges, most of whom are men, work in poor conditions. The report of rapes survivors highlights that some of them perpetuate patriarchal stereotypes while handling sexual violence cases. Furthermore, the fact that the survivors of the 28 September 2009 massacre had to wait 13 years to finally hope for justice and reparation was

Read More