Huawei Seeds for the Future 2022: Clôture en Beauté pour la Cohorte 7
TimesNews2 octobre 3, 2022
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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

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Social Exclusion, Violence & Inhumane Treatment of Older Persons decried by Minister Nguene
TimesNews2 octobre 2, 2022
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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

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Togo: Former PM Gabriel Messan Agbeyome Kodjo Wins Crucial Court Verdict Against the State
TimesNews2 octobre 2, 2022
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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

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Dr. Denis Ngae Dévoile l’importance du Numérique en Milieu Hospitalier Camerounais
TimesNews2 septembre 30, 2022
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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

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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
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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

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Guinea:  Act now to ensure greater support and assistance for survivors of sexual violence
TimesNews2 septembre 29, 2022
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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

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Post COVID-19 Support: Cameroon Gov’t, Arab Bank & United Nations Dev’t Programme Revamp SMEs with USD 21Million Project
TimesNews2 septembre 29, 2022
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Post COVID-19 Support: Cameroon Gov’t, Arab Bank & United Nations Dev’t Programme Revamp SMEs with USD 21Million Project

A convention was officially signed on September 27, 2022, in Yaounde between Cameroon’s government represented by Minister Alamine Ousmane Mey of economy, planning and regional development and UNDP’s Resident Representative, Jean Luc Stalon. On Tuesday, 27th September 2022, the conference hall of the ministry of economy, planning and regional development, MINEPAT, in Yaounde played host to the official signing ceremony of a three-year partnership convention worth 21 Million US Dollars. The said accord signed between the government and UNDP is a tripartite donation that is expected to revamp the private sector affected by COVID-19. The total budget allocated to this project has been sequenced as follows: The Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa attributes 18.9 Million USD (loan to the government of Cameroon) while UNDP grants 1.050.000 USD and the government 1.050.000 USD. According to Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme, Jean Luc Stalon, the three-year project that will be on rails in the days ahead, is a great relief for small and medium-sized enterprises that witnessed an economic regression or downfall due to the COVID-19 pandemic disease. The 21 Million US Dollars project comes as a result of a fruitful collaboration between the government and the United Nations Development Programme anticipated in the aftermath of COVID-19 and set-up reflections since 2020. “When COVID-19 impacted the world and also Cameroon, we anticipated the fact that the impact felt will not only be on public health systems but will equally be on the social and economic domains. In this regard, we anticipated by building a response plan that included the aspects of economic and social recovery after the pandemic. It is a very important project that will be implemented by UNDP in partnership with the ministry of small and medium enterprises.” Jean Luc Stalon said. Mr. Stalon outlined the fact that, through this other key project, small and medium-sized enterprises in Cameroon will be able to have access to credit facilities, improve their capacities and business environment. He insisted on the fact that small and medium-sized enterprises have a full capacity of employees nationwide and should be supported for better returns in the country’s economy. Speaking on behalf of Cameroon’s government, the Minister of economy, planning and regional development, Alamine Ousmane Mey said the officially signed partnership accord has seen the daylight thanks to the joint efforts of the government and the United Nations Development Programme. “We want to address three important aspects. The first one is: building back their capacity, productivity and getting back to the market; the second aspect is about access to financing since they have lost a good number of their assets. They need some additional financing to be able to build back their production capacity and lastly, it is about improving their business environment such that small and medium-sized enterprises which are in great number, that (more than 90% of the private sector enterprises), deserve important financial support. We have received these finances as a state from the Arab bank for development in Africa, of more than 21 Million US Dollars in total and which shall cover a three-year programme targeting small and medium-sized enterprises in the Center, Littoral, South-West, North-West, West and Far-North regions….” Minister Alamine Ousmane said: the government and international partners have together worked on some mechanisms that will help address the post-COVID-19 crisis and current crises affecting our economy. He pointed out the fact that small and medium-sized enterprises are a milestone in the development of Cameroon’s economy and need to be fully supported after the COVID-19 crisis which caused a lot of ravages and crippled the autonomy of local entrepreneurs. “We faced this crisis and we also anticipate on how the new crises are also going to impact our production capacity as a state. And more importantly, it is about constructing a long-term resilience of our economic sector mainly made up of small and medium-sized enterprises, and to be able to properly support our markets; to be able to properly produce locally because we believe that, small and medium-sized enterprises are key elements and partners who receive through the ministry of small and medium-sized enterprises, social economy and handicrafts and other international donors support for advancement…” Another key issue outlined by Minister Alamine Ousmane Mey while speaking to the press was that of, increasing digital start-ups. He said the critical role played by start-up enterprises has been examined by the government which believes in empowering innovative businesses in this domain with financial and transformative support as well as advisory services to develop themselves. As implementing partners of the project, UNDP has reaffirmed its commitment to work hand in hand with the government and its full support in building better lives for the population. Yet, as underscored by UNDP, the different strategic interventions of this project are focused on core priorities of the NDS30 and the 2030 sustainable Development Goals notably goals number 1 and 8 stressing on: no poverty; Decent work and economic growth respectively. Elise Kenimbeni

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IPPF launches free online medical abortion course
TimesNews2 septembre 21, 2022
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IPPF launches free online medical abortion course

Nairobi – 20th September 2022 – International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) and HowToUseAbortionPill.org have developed a free online medical abortion training course to equip healthcare workers with the necessary skills to provide care for women seeking medical abortion up to 13 weeks’ gestation. The course is aimed at the full range of providers, including physicians, midwives, pharmacists, medical students and community health workers. The course, which has been endorsed by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), is a seven-lesson video series accessible via the link https://elearning.howtouseabortionpill.org. It covers an overview of abortion care; how to support a medical abortion; symptoms, side effects and complications; and aftercare. The training is framed around four principles of care: person-centred care, rights-based care, quality, and privacy and confidentiality. “Abortion care continues to be left off medical training curriculums,” said Mallah Tabot, Lead SRHR Programming at IPPF Africa Region. “This online course will fill a critical gap in the education of many health workers. It has the potential to significantly increase the number of health workers with the skills and knowledge to provide abortion care, especially in low-resource settings, and thereby increase the number of women supported to safely end a pregnancy.” Unsafe abortion remains a serious global threat to women’s health and safety, causing an estimated 7 million hospitalizations and up to 13% of all maternal deaths worldwide each year. Medical abortion is a non-invasive method using two pills – mifepristone and misoprostol – or misoprostol alone.  Medical abortion is safe and effective and is recommended by the Word Health Organisation (WHO). Between 2015 and 2019 in Kenya, there were a total of 2,380,000 pregnancies annually. Of these, 1,450,000 pregnancies were unintended and 551,000 ended in abortion. in Nigeria, there were a total of 10,500,000 pregnancies annually with 2,990,000 unintended and 1,430,000 ended in abortion. In both countries, abortion is legal to preserve the pregnant person’s health. However, a majority of abortions are carried out by unqualified practitioners who run unsafe clinics. “Research shows that when women cannot access safe abortion care, they often seek unsafe methods,”  said Rebecca Wilkins, Technical Lead, Abortion at IPPF.  “This training course provides the information and resources necessary for health workers to support women who choose to have a safe abortion with pills in early pregnancy either within or outside a clinical setting.” The course is hosted on a login-based web portal which can be accessed from desktop or mobile and is structured to be an interactive learning experience, complete with quizzes and an option to download a certificate upon successful completion. In March this year, WHO issued new guidelines on abortion care.  The updated guidelines contain more than 50 recommendations covering clinical practice, health service delivery, and policy and legal actions including ensuring access to quality medical abortion pills. The new online training course is aligned to the clinical protocols recommended in the WHO guidelines. A landmark ruling by the High Court of Kenya in Malindi this year affirmed the right to abortion as a fundamental right under the Kenyan Constitution.  The ruling in a case filed by the Center for Reproductive Rights and Reproductive Health Network Kenya (RHNK) in 2020 against government officials involved the arrest of a minor and a clinician. It has set a precedent against arbitrary arrests and prosecution of patients and health care providers for seeking or offering abortion services. Such arrests and prosecutions are now deemed illegal according to the new ruling. ABOUT IPPF AFRICA REGION (IPPFAR) The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) is one of the leading sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service delivery organizations in Africa and a leading sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) advocacy voice in the region. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the overarching goal of IPPFAR is to increase access to SRHR services to the most vulnerable youth, men and women, in sub-Saharan Africa.  Supported by thousands of volunteers, IPPFAR tackles the continent’s growing SRHR challenges through a network of Member Associations (MAs) in 40 countries. We do this by developing our MAs into efficient entities with the capacity to deliver and sustain high-quality, youth-focused and gender-sensitive services.  We work with Governments, the African Union, Regional Economic Commissions, the Pan-African Parliament, and United Nations bodies, among others, to expand political and financial commitments to sexual and reproductive health and rights in Africa.  IPPF Africa Region

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Journée Internationale de Lutte Contre Les Monocultures d’Arbres : Le RADD s’insurge contre les Abus des Familles Riveraines d’Edéa
TimesNews2 septembre 21, 2022
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Journée Internationale de Lutte Contre Les Monocultures d’Arbres : Le RADD s’insurge contre les Abus des Familles Riveraines d’Edéa

Dans une déclaration conjointe avec d’autres organisations de la société civile, faite récemment dans la ville d’Edéa au Cameroun, le RADD a élaboré les nombreux abus auxquels font face les familles riveraines des grandes plantations. Alors que le Cameroun se joint à la communauté internationale pour commémorer la journée internationale de lutte contre les monocultures d’arbres ce 21 septembre 2022, c’est une fois de plus l’occasion pour le Réseau des Acteurs du Développement Durable (RADD) et d’autres organisations de la société civile de monter au créneau afin de décrier les multiples abus auxquels font face les familles riveraines des grandes plantations a l’instar de la Socapalm à Edéa. En effet, le RADD a organisé du 8 au 10 Aout 2022 à Edéa, dans le département de la Sanaga-Maritime, région du Littoral du Cameroun, une rencontre nationale des riverains des grandes plantations de monoculture. Cette énième rencontre organisée par le RADD a permis aux différents acteurs présents, de se pencher sur les responsabilités sociétales et environnementales de ces grandes plantations qui enfreignent non seulement les lois et textes mais aussi les droits des personnes et familles qui habitent les alentours où ces sociétés sont installées. Ces familles riveraines, qui sont très souvent laissées pour compte, sont victimes d’accaparement de terres, d’exploitation dans ces plantations, de violences faites sur les femmes et les jeunes filles, y compris les femmes enceintes et n’ont pas accès aux besoins de base tels que l’eau et la nourriture provenant des champs. Le cas de la Société Camerounaise de palmeraies (Socapalm), qui est une société agro-industrielle d’huile de palme, a été mis sur la table lors des échanges d’Edéa, au vu des nombreuses plaintes des familles affectées par ses activités et qui jusqu’ici n’ont pas porté des fruits. A travers le RADD et ses partenaires, il a été question de rappeler à la société qu’elle a un cahier de charge à suivre et se doit de respecter les riverains autour de ses plantations. Tout comme la Socapalm, plusieurs grandes sociétés ayant des usines dans certaines zones rurales sont sur le banc des accusés pour non-respect des cahiers de charges et surtout pour abus des riverains qui sont sans voix et ne peuvent pas se plaindre faute de moyens. Le RADD qui ne cesse de mener des actions en faveur de la protection des familles et personnes vulnérables, victimes de ces abus, continue de faire son plaidoyer auprès des administrations publiques et privées pour le respect des droits pour tous. Le RADD créée en 1996, œuvre dans la promotion des initiatives de développement durable avec des activités axées sur : La souveraineté alimentaire (valorisation des produits traditionnels locaux, lutte contre la dépendance alimentaire, création des banques de semences, transformation agroalimentaire…) ; La sauvegarde de la diversité biologique locale (non aux OGM, reboisement, agro carburants, Droit de la propriété intellectuelle…) ; L’appui au développement des alternatives économiques (accompagnement dans l’élaboration des business plan) et le renforcement institutionnel du RADD (renforcement des capacités logistiques, matérielles, des ressources humaines du RADD…) Elise Kenimbeni Lire la déclaration du RADD en intégralité : DECLARATION CONTRE LA RSPO DE SOCAPALM NOUS, RIVERAINES des agro-industries de monocultures du Cameroun : SOCAPALM (DIBOMBARI, EDEA, ESEKA, KIENKE, MBAMBOU, MBONGO, SAFACAM), SUDCAM/CEA, SOSUCAM, CAMVERT ; Réunies à Edéa du 08 au 10 août 2022, dans le cadre de la rencontre nationale des riveraines du Cameroun ; En partenariat avec le Réseau des Acteurs du Développement Durable, Green Development Advocate, SYNAPARCAM, WOCOTOMADI Cameroun, APDDH (défense des droits de l’Homme), Journalists for Earth, Jeunes Volontaire pour l’Environnement-Côte d’Ivoire, Jeunes Volontaire pour l’Environnement-Ghana, EPER Suisse ; Nous nous plaignons des abus continuellement perpétrés sur les femmes et les familles riveraines de la SOCAPALM ; Constatons le non-respect des clauses sociales et environnementales inscrites dans le cahier de charges, notamment : Les accaparements des terres (extensions illicites, non rétrocession des terres, non-respect de la justice sociale, non consultation des riveraines…) et les expulsions sans indemnisations ni compensations ; L’absence criarde d’infrastructures de développement et services sociaux de base (centres de santé, routes, hôpitaux, écoles et centres de formation, eau potable et énergie…) ; La violation du droit à la nourriture par les famines du fait de l’absence des terres cultivables ; Les violations des lieux cultuels et culturels (sépultures, sites sacrés) ; Les atteintes aux libertés individuelles, la violation des droits socio-professionnels, les conditions de travail indécent, le travail sous tension, la discrimination à l’embauche ; La non immatriculation des employés sous-traitant à la sécurité sociale ; Les violences faites sur les femmes et les jeunes filles, y compris les femmes enceintes, les outrages sexuels des femmes et jeunes filles (les viols, le harcèlement sexuel, les détournements de mineurs…) ; Les débauches (la délinquance juvénile, la prostitution, la consommation abusive d’alcool et des drogues…) Les troubles de jouissance, la confiscation des moulins des femmes, destruction des biens, les violations de domicile. Les activités dangereuses illustrées par le creusage des tranchées ; La pollution de l’air, du sol et de la nappe phréatique souterraine ; Les arrestations et détentions arbitraires, les intimidations et menaces, etc. ; Vu la certification RSPO accordée à la SOCAPALM en 2020 et 2021 ; Vu le décret N° 2022/5074/PM du 04 juillet 2022, fixant les modalités de contrôle de la conformité sociale des projets ; Appelons au sens d’éthique, de justice et de responsabilité de l’organisme en charge des certifications RSPO ! Dénonçons avec véhémence l’octroi de la certification RSPO à la SOCAPALM ! Exigeons la rétractation et l’annulation de ladite certification ! Nous, signataires de la déclaration du 10 août 2022, venons vous faire tenir ce jour du 21 septembre 2022 qui marque la Journée Internationale de la Paix mais aussi, la journée internationale de lutte contre les monocultures d’arbres, la déclaration contre la RSPO écrite à Edéa, lors de la rencontre nationale des femmes riveraines de monoculture du Cameroun.  Les signataires

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Huawei Seeds for the Future 2022 : 20 Etudiants Camerounais Sélectionnés pour ce Prestigieux Programme
TimesNews2 septembre 21, 2022
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Huawei Seeds for the Future 2022 : 20 Etudiants Camerounais Sélectionnés pour ce Prestigieux Programme

Ils sont 20 étudiants camerounais qui prendront part à la 7eme édition du prestigieux programme de la firme chinoise Huawei, dénommé : « Seeds for the Future ». Vendredi 16 septembre 2022, Yaoundé, capitale du Cameroun a abrité la cérémonie officielle de lancement de la 7eme édition du programme dénommé : « Seeds for the future » de l’entreprise mondiale des TICs, Huawei. Comme à l’accoutume, la cérémonie colorée a été marquée par la présence de nombreux dignitaires, membres du gouvernement, du staff de Huawei, des représentants des huit grandes écoles partenaires du programme ainsi que des étudiants. Ce programme qui a déjà fait de nombreux émules est effectif depuis 2016 au Cameroun. Il a pour objectifs principaux : d’améliorer le transfert de connaissances, promouvoir une compréhension et un intérêt accru dans le secteur des TICs et enfin encourager la participation des candidats à la communauté numérique.  Durant la cérémonie, c’est le Directeur Général de Huawei Cameroon qui a pris la parole afin d’apprécier cette autre étape franchie par la firme chinoise, numéro un des télécoms dans le monde. Monsieur ZHANG Thomas dans son propos liminaire a indiqué que :« Chez Huawei, nous croyons que grâce à la prise de conscience collective et l’effort conjoint de tous les intervenants dans une industrie, l’écart entre l’offre de talents et la demande de professionnels des TICs sera comblé. A cet effet, Huawei Cameroun s’engage à continuer de travailler main dans la main avec le gouvernement camerounais et les écoles partenaires pour réduire considérablement cet écart. Cette année encore, 20 « Seeds for the future » rejoignent le lot des 120 Seeds des éditions précédentes et nous pensons que l’expérience qu’ils vivront stimulera davantage leur ingéniosité ainsi que leur esprit entrepreneurial afin de contribuer au développement de l’économie numérique au Cameroun. » A la suite de ces propos, c’est le Pr. Wilfried Gabsa N., Secrétaire Général au ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur, Représentant du Ministre d’Etat qui a réitéré comme c’est le cas à chaque fois, l’importance de cette formation dans le domaine des TICs au Cameroun. Le Pr. Gabsa dit : « Nous sommes fiers que Huawei puisse mettre nos jeunes étudiants au diapason mondial dans ce domaine ô combien important. Aujourd’hui ce sont plus de 8 institutions universitaires du public et du privé qui participent à ce programme qui a déjà vu 120 de leurs étudiants formés. Une véritable démonstration de la volonté qu’a Huawei de mettre les étudiants camerounais au niveau de leurs congénères d’ailleurs. Ils seront donc désormais utiles pour eux-mêmes, mais aussi pour leur pays grâce à ces connaissances acquises dans le domaine stratégique des TICs par le biais de Huawei. ».  Le Représentant du Ministre n’a pas tari d’éloges a l’endroit de l’entreprise Huawei, qu’il a une fois de plus félicité. Il dit : « Je saisi une fois de plus cette opportunité au nom du Ministre d’Etat, Ministre de l’Enseignement Supérieur pour féliciter et encourager Huawei pour la formation et le transfert des compétences à la jeunesse camerounaise depuis 2016 à travers Seeds for the future et ses autres programmes de transfert de compétences. Cette jeunesse passionnée des TICs qui constitue un levier indispensable pour l’émergence du Cameroun à l’horizon 2035 à travers les TICs. » Akukulong Abingmbombi Mbatalon Nauradyn, l’une des étudiantes de cette édition 2022 et qui est le leader de la cuvée a souligné son appréciation a l’endroit de Huawei qui, à travers ce programme social vient donner un véritable coup de pouce a des jeunes passionnes des TICs. Elle a indiqué :« C’est une formation très importante compte tenu de l’importance du digital de nos jours. Elle nous permettra d’acquérir certaines compétences que nous allons pouvoir mettre en application dans notre contexte local pour rester au fait de l’évolution des technologies de l’information et de la communication. » Cette nouvelle cuvée de 20 étudiants des grandes écoles partenaires de Huawei qui se sont démarqués lors des différentes étapes de pré-sélections va rejoindre les 120 étudiants formes pour ce programme « Seeds for the Future ». Ces étudiants de cette 7eme édition vont se frotter a de nouvelles connaissances et enseignements qui vont se dérouler en ligne du 19 au 26 septembre 2022 avec à la fin de la formation, des certifications attestant de leur participation à ce programme. Le projet « 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. Ce volet formation des jeunes camerounais, a pour objectif de contribuer à la formation des étudiants camerounais à l’économie du numérique via les technologies de l’information et de la communication qui constituent l’un des leviers indispensables pour l’émergence du Cameroun en 2035 et un instrument fort de production du savoir et du savoir-faire. Par Timesnews2.info

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