June 2022 Ordinary session of Parliament Opens Floor to Bill on Finance Law, Speaker of the National Assembly Leads the Baton of Command
TimesNews2 juin 15, 2022
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June 2022 Ordinary session of Parliament Opens Floor to Bill on Finance Law, Speaker of the National Assembly Leads the Baton of Command

Speaker of the national assembly chaired on June 15, 2022 the third chairmen’s conference in order examine ordinance 2021/PJL/AN, to ratify ordinance No 2022/1 of 2 June 2022 to amend and supplement some provisions of law No 2021/26 of December 2021: Finance law of the Republic of Cameroon for the 2022 Financial year. The chairmen’s conference which later paved the way to a brief plenary sitting saw the bill fully adopted. Right Honourable, Cavaye Yeguie Djibril chaired on Tuesday, 14th of June 2022, the chairmen’s conference of the national assembly. The session, third of its kind since the kick-off of the June 2022 ordinary session of parliament. The speaker of the national assembly as of tradition led discussions which were attended by committee presidents, the Head of CPDM parliamentary group and the clerks of the august chamber. The bill communicated to the entire house chamber was welcomed. In the brief plenary sitting that followed and which was chaired by senior deputy speaker, Hilarion Etong, the bill No. 2021/PJL/AN, to ratify ordinance No 2022/1 of 2 June 2022 to amend and supplement some provisions of law No 2021/26 of December 2021: Finance law of the Republic of Cameroon for the 2022 Financial year, was communicated to the entire Members of parliament. According to information gotten from the national assembly, the bill has been tabled following pursuant to sections Sixty-two and Sixty-three of the abovementioned finance law under which the president of the Republic is authorized by parliament to amend finance, tax and custom laws, as well as ceilings for the issuance of government securities and external borrowings. The ordinance has thus made useful adjustments to the 2022 initial finance law, to reflect the prevailing domestic socio-economic trends and recent developments on the international scene, such as an upsurge in per barrel oil prices, generating a revenue windfall, and a sharp rise in pump price subsidies; the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on custom revenue; a reduction in budget support expected from the world Bank and the African Development Bank; and lastly, a bloated wage bill following the grievances of secondary school teachers and in anticipation, health workers. It has been stated that, the 2022 state budget has been revised upward from CFAF 5 752.4 Billion in the initial finance law to CFAF 6080.4 Billion for the general budget and CFAF 102.7 Billion for special appropriation accounts. As underlined in explanatory statements of the bill to be defended in the days ahead by Finance Minister, several stakes have been taken into account despite an economic slowdown and factoring in new constraints. The 2022 fiscal policy objectives have overall been maintained in terms of inflation contained in the CEMAC convergence threshold; fiscal deficit maintained at 2% of Gross Domestic Product(GDP) as in the initial financial law and tax burden eased by 0.3 percentage point compared to the target in the initial financial law, all of which the government resolved to keep its public finances on the path of fiscal consolidation. Elise Kenimbeni

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TIC : L’Entreprise Huawei Veut Révolutionner l’Intelligence Artificielle, la 5G et l’Expérience des Utilisateurs
TimesNews2 juin 14, 2022
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TIC : L’Entreprise Huawei Veut Révolutionner l’Intelligence Artificielle, la 5G et l’Expérience des Utilisateurs

L’Entreprise Huawei Veut Révolutionner l’Intelligence Artificielle, la 5G et l’Expérience des Utilisateurs. Ces grandes annonces ont été faites par le numéro un des TIC le 8 juin 2022 à Shenzhen, Chine, durant le forum dénommé « Agrandir le paysage de l’innovation 2022 ». Selon Huawei, entreprise des technologies de l’information et de la communication mondialement reconnu, il est question désormais dans le cadre de ses prix bisannuels (Dix meilleures inventions), de récompenser les inventions susceptibles de créer de nouvelles séries de produits. En effet, ces prix visent à reconnaître les inventions qui pourraient créer une nouvelle série de produits, devenir des caractéristiques commerciales importantes de produits actuels ou générer une valeur considérable pour l’entreprise et l’industrie. Il a été indiqué que, les inventions récompensées vont d’un réseau neuronal supplémentaire qui réduit considérablement la consommation d’énergie et la surface du circuit à un « iris optique » révolutionnaire qui fournit un identifiant unique pour les fibres optiques. Il est conçu pour aider les entreprises de télécommunications à gérer leurs ressources réseau, permettant de réduire le temps et les coûts associés au déploiement de la large bande. Cette annonce a été faite dans le contexte des droits de propriété intellectuelle, dont la protection et le partage, selon Huawei, sont essentiels à l’écosystème technologique. D’après, Song Liuping, le Directeur des affaires juridiques et de la conformité du géant des TIC, Huawei, il est important de protéger la propriété intellectuelle afin de conserver l’innovation. Il dit : « Nous sommes enthousiastes à l’idée de concéder des licences sur nos brevets et nos technologies afin de partager nos innovations avec le monde entier. Cette démarche contribuera à élargir le paysage de l’innovation, à faire avancer notre secteur et à faire progresser la technologie pour tous. » Et selon Tian Lipu, Président de la section chinoise de l’Association internationale pour la protection de la propriété intellectuelle, Huawei ne cesse de démonter son potentiel dans ce domaine, qui est celui de la propriété intellectuelle. « Huawei est constamment en train de se transformer et de montrer au monde entier la valeur de la propriété intellectuelle chinoise ». A-t-il dit. À l’occasion, Dr Song Liuping, directeur des affaires juridiques et de la conformité, a indiqué que Huawei a investi en 2021, 114,7 milliards de Yuan (environ 10 500 milliards de FCFA) en recherche et développement. Au moins 20 milliards de Yuan (plus de 1 800 milliards de FCFA) par an durant les dernières années ont été investis dans la recherche fondamentale et plus de 10 000 demandes de brevets déposés annuellement depuis deux ans. Il s’est félicité de la résilience dont a fait preuve Huawei face aux difficultés que le Groupe a traversées ces dernières années. En fin 2021, Huawei détenait plus de 110.000 brevets actifs répartis sur plus de 45 000 familles de brevets, a-t-il relevé. En ce qui concerne Alan Fan, responsable des technologies : « Huawei entend aller au-delà des 2 milliards de smartphones et d’objets connectés qui ont utilisé les inventions de son Groupe et faire mieux que le 5e rang obtenu en 2021 en termes de création de nouvelles solutions. » Manuel Desantes, ancien vice-président de l’office européen des brevets a souligné quant à lui a indiqué que, compte tenu le grand nombre de changements dans le monde de nos jours, ce qui compte le plus n’est le nombre de brevets ou d’inventions enregistres. Il dit : « Le système de la propriété intellectuelle doit garantir uniquement les créations qui méritent d’être protégées et celles qui apportent une valeur réelle… » À titre d’information capitale, Huawei à la fin de 2021, détenait plus de 110 000 brevets actifs dans plus de 45 000 familles de brevets. Elle a plus de brevets octroyés que toute autre entreprise chinoise, a déposé le plus grand nombre de demandes de brevets auprès de l’Office européen des brevets et se classe au cinquième rang pour ce qui est des nouveaux brevets délivrés aux États-Unis. Pendant cinq années consécutives, Huawei s’est classée au premier rang mondial pour ce qui est des demandes présentées en vertu du Traité de coopération en matière de brevets. Elise KENIMBENI

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National Assembly: Chairmen’s Conference Adopts Bill on multilateral convention on social Security of the inter African Conference on social security
TimesNews2 juin 10, 2022
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National Assembly: Chairmen’s Conference Adopts Bill on multilateral convention on social Security of the inter African Conference on social security

The chairmen’s conference of the national assembly took place on the 10th of June 2022 at the conference center of Yaounde. The second chairmen’s conference of the June ordinary session took place on Friday, 10th of June 2022 at the lower house of parliament and was presided over by the Speaker, right Honourable, Cavaye Yeguie Djibril. The Chairmen’s Conference found admissible Bill No 2020 / PJL / AN to authorize the President of the Republic to ratify the multilateral convention on social Security of the inter African Conference on social security. In the Plenary Sitting that followed and that was chaired by deputy speaker, Honourable Theophile Baoro, the Bill was sent to the foreign affairs committee of the national assembly for scrutiny and it shall be defended by the Minister of Labour and Social Security.  TimesNews2

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June 2022 Parliamentary Session: Priorities of the National Dev’t Strategy 30, Under the Spotlight
TimesNews2 juin 10, 2022
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June 2022 Parliamentary Session: Priorities of the National Dev’t Strategy 30, Under the Spotlight

A plenary session dedicated to the implementation of the national development strategy 2020-2030 took place on Friday, June 10, 2022 at the national assembly. As activities of the national assembly unfold at the just launched June 2022 ordinary session of parliament, Members of parliament gathered on June 10, 2022, at the Yaounde conference center where deliberations take place in order to thoroughly examine the implementation of the National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (NDS 30). Minister of economy, planning and regional development, minister of forestry and wildlife, minister of environment, protection of nature and sustainable development as well as the minister of agriculture and rural development made presentations on key points of the NDS 30 during the plenary sitting chaired by Senior Deputy Speaker at the national assembly, Honourable Hilarion Etong. Speaking on behalf of Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, president of the national assembly, Hilarion Etong outlined the importance of this strategic tool in boosting Cameroon’s economic growth. He said the plenary session which is of crucial importance, will help evaluate the level of risks and mitigations in line with climate changes in order to pace up the achievement of the NDS 30. As underscored by Minister delegate at the ministry of economy, planning and regional development, Paul Tasong, government intends to proceed with the structural transformation of the Cameroonian economy. “It seeks to make real and profound changes in the productive, industrial, financial, administrative, social and environmental structure, in order to promote strong economic growth, shared prosperity, endogenous and inclusive development, while preserving resources for future generations in a world where the threats linked to climate change are critical.” Minister Paul Tasong said. He added that, government has undertaken moves to counter threats that could emerge from climate changes in strict compliance with the Paris Climate Agreement(COP21) and the determined national contribution. He coined out various projects which have been set up in line with climatic changes such as the Viva Logone, Viva Benoue as well as the Karam project. Not leaving aside other key projects like the PADY in cities like Yaounde and Douala and even Limbe. On his part, Helé Pierre, minister of environment, nature protection and sustainable development has laid down the stakes and challenges of the NDS 30 with regards to his ministerial department. Minister Hele Pierre said Cameroon is facing serious challenges from emission of gazes, deforestation and other climatic effects which ought to be taken into account for an effective and successful implementation of the NDS30. Worthy to note, the National Development Strategy 2020-2030 is based on the lessons learned from the implementation of the Growth and Employment Strategy Paper (GESP), which it takes over until 2030, with a view to achieving the following objectives of Vision 2035, which aims to make Cameroon “an emerging country, democratic and united in its diversity.” The NDS30 is the result of a broad consultative process with the involvement and participation of the various development actors and grassroots populations. It also takes into account the recommendations of the Great National Dialogue (GDN) convened by the Head of State, in which the various components of the national community actively participated. This was done in a shared desire to find definitive solutions to the various crises that have shaken the country, particularly in the North-West and South-West Regions. More structurally, this new strategy integrates the need for greater social cohesion, so that the fruits of growth benefit all Cameroonians as the result of a collective effort, in a spirit of national solidarity. After series of questions from MPs and answers from the different ministers convened, the plenary sitting closed-up with a word from Deputy speaker, Honourable Mary Muyali Boya Meboka. Elise Kenimbeni

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National Assembly: June 2022 Ordinary Session Kicks-Off with Calls on Social Dialogue
TimesNews2 juin 9, 2022
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National Assembly: June 2022 Ordinary Session Kicks-Off with Calls on Social Dialogue

The June 2022 ordinary session officially opened with salient issues disclosed by Cameroon’s speaker at the national assembly, Cavaye Yeguie Djibril. Members of parliament have resumed duties officially on June 7, 2022, during the official opening ceremony of the June ordinary session. The session chaired by Right Honourable, Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, as usual gathered government officials, diplomatic corps and other key authorities in Cameroon. Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, speaker of the national assembly in his opening speech highlighted key issues that affect both the political, economic and social aspects of the country. In his introductory remarks, the President of the national assembly castigated misguided information brought-out by foreign reporters, concerning the recent visit of the presidential couple in Geneva, Switzerland. In a bitter attitude Honourable Cavaye Yeguie Djibril called on Cameroonians to avoid been distracted by such baseless and offensive allegations. As underscored in his speech, the June ordinary session is beginning in the aftermath of the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Cameroon’s unitary state on 20th May 2022, a historic day for our country. He praised the massive mobilization observed nationwide during festivities of the 20th May which celebrations resumed after two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic that erupted in 2019. He added that, the massive mobilization witnessed nationwide is a proof of the unflinching attachment of Cameroonians to the unity of their nation. While addressing MPs and different officials, Honourable Cavaye Yeguie Djibril stepped-up to talk of one major and crucial point affecting the daily lives of citizens in some regions of the country. The speaker acknowledged the moves of government in pursuing social dialogue, yet encouraged for more efforts in order to bring the current crises in Cameroon at heels. He said: “The national assembly is, through the voice of your humble servant, extending its words of encouragement and expressing its full support to government’s policy option on social dialogue and to stakeholders in social dialogue as well. I wish to also decry the ills that tend to undermine the proper functioning of our ministries. Some of the ills are administrative red tape, corruption or lack of professional consciousness by some state employees…” Right Honourable Cavaye Yeguie Djibril seized the opportunity granted to sympathize with secondary school teachers who were recently trapped into squabbles and castigated in return the fact that some people use such situations for political ends and also create clandestine teachers’ trade unions. “Accordingly, the national assembly entirely and unreservedly subscribes to government’s instructions to governors, divisional officers and sub divisional officers in all 10 regions to use all the means in their power to checkmate the activities of clandestine teachers ‘union. The rule of law must be upheld.” The president of the lower house of parliament said. As usual, the president of the national assembly in his key words saluted the efforts undertaken by security forces in order to restore peace and the liberation of Senator Mrs. Regina Mundi who was abducted by separatists in the North-West region. Just like other sessions of the year, MPs will have a tight agenda during the June 2022 ordinary session notably with a series of bills to be tabled and adopted. Elise Kenimbeni

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Huawei : Rencontre au Sommet Entre le PM Dion Ngute et M. Terry He
TimesNews2 juin 9, 2022
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Huawei : Rencontre au Sommet Entre le PM Dion Ngute et M. Terry He

Le Président du groupe Huawei région Afrique du Nord, Terry He a été reçu en audience le 7 juin 2022 à Yaoundé, capitale du Cameroun par le Premier Ministre, Chef du gouvernement, Joseph Dion Ngute. C’est l’immeuble étoile de Yaoundé qui a été le 7 juin 2022, le lieu de rencontre entre le Président du groupe Huawei région Afrique, Monsieur Terry He et le Premier Ministre, Chef du gouvernement au Cameroun, Joseph Dion Ngute. Une rencontre qui s’inscrit dans le cadre de la coopération fructueuse qui existe entre le gouvernement camerounais et la firme chinoise, Huawei. Durant cette rencontre de haut niveau, il était question de renforcer le partenariat stratégique dans le domaine des technologies de l’information et de la communication(TIC) et l’amitié entre le gouvernement camerounais et Huawei. Au-delà du renforcement de la coopération entre le Cameroun et Huawei, les deux personnalités ont eu à échanger sur des nouvelles perspectives de partenariat et les nouveaux engagements que s’est fixe l’entreprise chinoise. Partenariat et Engagements fructueux Il est clair que la firme chinoise qui ne cesse d’exceller à travers le monde veut accroitre sa coopération au Cameroun, ceci au bénéfice des jeunes et toutes les cibles qui ont pu se démarquer par ses projets mis à pied d’œuvre. Il était donc question pour le Premier Ministre, Chef du gouvernement, Joseph Dion Ngute et Monsieur Terry He de plancher sur comment davantage entretenir la coopération existante, le partage d’expériences, revisiter les différentes activités déjà faites sur le terrain et en outre sur les e changes des TIC. Aux sorties de cette audience, le Président du groupe Huawei dans la partie Afrique Nord a salué une fois de plus, la chaleureuse et fructueuse relation qui lie le géant des télécoms et le gouvernement camerounais. Selon Terry He, le Cameroun va construire une économie numérique forte afin de positionner le pays comme un hub stratégique des TIC en Afrique francophone et de la sous-région CEMAC. Il dit : « l’audience avec son Excellence Monsieur le Premier Ministre, Chef du gouvernement a été chaleureuse et fructueuse et notre confiance mutuelle s’est renforcée grâce à une communication fluide. En tant que leader dans le domaine des TIC dans le monde, Huawei continuera à partager ses expériences internationales dans plus de 170 pays à travers le monde, afin d’aider le gouvernement camerounais à construire une économie numérique forte, avec une vision de positionner le Cameroun comme un hub stratégique des TIC en Afrique francophone de la sous-région CEMAC… » Cette audience a aussi permis au Président du groupe Huawei Afrique Nord, Terry He de faire une donation au gouvernement camerounais, celle d’aménager une salle d’équipements de dernières technologies pour accompagner le projet de construction des centres de développement du numérique universitaire créé par le Chef de l’Etat. Le Premier Ministre, Chef du gouvernement, Joseph Dion Ngute dans ses propos a souligné son appréciation à l’égard de Huawei. Chief Joseph Dion Ngute a exprimé la haute appréciation du Chef de l’Etat. Il a indiqué que : « Nous restons ouvert à toutes propositions visant à accompagner le gouvernement dans le cadre de son émergence à l’horizon 2035… » Il faut dire que la firme chinoise, Huawei et le gouvernement camerounais ont déjà concrétisé plusieurs actions en synergie grâce à l’accord de partenariat stratégique qui existe depuis 2018, lors de la signature à Beijing du partenariat entre la Chine et le Cameroun, paraphe par le Président de la République, Paul Biya. Elise Kenimbeni

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Menstrual Hygiene Day: Plan International Cameroon Breaks the Silence, Demystifies Taboos
TimesNews2 mai 30, 2022
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Menstrual Hygiene Day: Plan International Cameroon Breaks the Silence, Demystifies Taboos

To mark menstrual hygiene day on May 28, 2022, Plan International Cameroon convened in the nation’s capital, Yaounde close to 200 refugees and internally displaced women, young girls and boys. On Saturday 28th May 2022, Plan International Cameroon organized a round table discussion with four main experts from the ministries of social affairs, public health, youth affairs and civic education and women’s empowerment and the family. This year’s celebration of world menstrual hygiene day placed under the theme: “Making menstruation a normal fact of life by 2030”, paved the way to series of discussions surrounding the topic which is considered as a taboo subject in our society. The different experts expatiated on the subject with a handful of best practices shared to the audience convened for the commemoration of this significant day in the life of a girl and a woman. Participants targeted for this activity were in majority refugees, internally displaced persons and people seeking for asylum. They were upskilled in general on menstruation and its benefits to the body of a young girl and woman, puberty, reproductive health, moral and civic education. In her introductory statements, Jacqueline Nkonla, Focal point of this activity at Plan International Cameroon said menstrual hygiene is vital for the well-being of a girl or woman. In a little quizz show that she animated, both young boys and girls openly expressed their knowledge on the subject. They were encouraged with some gifts in order to spice up the ceremony. Mrs. Nkonla Jacqueline during the game also highlighted key components for a good hygiene during menstrual flow. And apart from using clean sanitary pads, she said emphasis should be laid on the use of potable water, soap and appropriate toilets during menstrual periods. The audience showed great concern on the various subjects and brought out several questions which were cleared off by the panelists. Championing youths 20 years-old Clara from the Central African Republic is one of the 200 participants convened by Plan International in order to benefit from activities marking menstrual hygiene day observed every 28th May. The young refugee praised the initiative of Plan International Cameroon as she learnt a lot on menstrual hygiene. According to Clara, the round table discussion helped her to understand some issues on her body parts. She outlined facts gained from the session. “Menstrual flow is a transformative phase in the life of an adolescent girl, it shows changes in our bodies. And what I know is that menstruation is not a taboo subject, we have to talk about it with our parents…” She added. Vanelle aged 17 on her part said the first time she saw her menstrual flow; it was an abnormal phenomenon. Though she was afraid, she decided to meet her mother in order to share the situation. “When I met my mother, she told me it was normal. She told me a young girl who sees her menstrual flow can procreate. I have to say that it was not really easy during the first month because she imposed me sanitary pads that I had to wear but with time I got use to them…” Vanelle said. Young leaders of associations of refugees who have benefited from different programmes put in place by Plan International Cameroon have staged a drama with key messages on fighting against taboos surrounding menstruation, stigma, discrimination and girl marriages. Most of these youths today champions of change help to educate their peers and empower them with the skills received. Sheila 27, is a young refugee lady from the Central African Republic, she indicated that, since two years now she has been part of youths trained by Plan Cameroon. “It is a great privilege for me because so far I have benefitted from series of trainings launched by Plan Cameroon in 2019 during the Covid-19 period. Many cannot benefit from this knowledge sharing due to the crisis that affects my country and I really thank Plan International Cameroon for all what they have helped me accomplished as a young champion.” Program Lead incharge of maternal, sexual and reproductive health at Plan International Cameroon, Serah Ketchen Ashunya said menstrual hygiene day creates room for more dialogue with young people. She said: “Through this activity we are trying to break the silence around menstruation because it is important that everybody talks about it, and refusing the existence of menstruation means we refuse the existence of mankind. It is only when a woman menstruates that makes it possible for procreation to take place. So, the key message is: menstruation is not a taboo, everybody has to talk about it. We together have to look at it as a subject that includes everybody; young men, young women, girls and boys.” Tackling taboos With the celebration of world menstrual hygiene day on May 28, non-governmental organizations working for children’s rights and equality of the girlchild like Plan International, have unveiled several actions to tackle existing taboos on menstruation. Serah Ketchen Ashunya said: “One of the major strategies that we use is through massive sensitization and sometimes we work with adolescents and youth groups, where we give them the opportunity to express themselves after making presentations on various thematic subjects. They are free to ask their questions on the issue and bring that aspect of taboos, we in return see how we can demystify. And we also have strategies that we use like inter-generational dialogue where we bring together parents and adolescents in order to discuss together and we see which are those areas they can better discuss on, or can make them feel free to ask questions to their parents. Apart from these strategies, we also have sensitizations through radio spots where we pass on information in order to vulgarize messages to help upgrade the level of education of our target populations.” Activities were closed up with the donation of a series of hygiene kits to young girls present at the commemorative ground of the 2022 world menstrual hygiene day in Mvolye, Yaounde. Elise Kenimbeni

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Cameroon: LGBTI Community Lives in Fear & Under Oppression as GBV Cases Inflate
TimesNews2 mai 20, 2022
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Cameroon: LGBTI Community Lives in Fear & Under Oppression as GBV Cases Inflate

In as much as Cameroon ratified several human rights conventions, and has made binding international commitments to adhere to the standards laid down in these universal human rights documents, there is a galloping rate of Gender-Based violence cases on people of the same sex having sexual relationships.   Josephine 34 is an intersex living in Yaounde, the nation’s capital of Cameroon. She was born with both female and male organs but today identifies herself as a man. For several years now, Josephine has been rejected by members of her family because of her genital organs which to them could only be explained as an act of pure witchcraft. The young intersex was even chased from home by her parents and sought refuge in her elder sister’s house, in a little suburb of Yaounde. Despite the fact that she lives with her elder sister, the latter equally degrades most of the time. Josephine told us she is even deprived at times of food and to play with her sister’s kids. “Do not play with my children, you will contaminate them with your witchcraft” her sister says all the time. 34 years old intersex said the worst situation experienced so far was when one of her friends who knew her situation exposed it in a social media group just because of a little misunderstanding that sparked quarrels between them. Josephine said she was thoroughly insulted and treated with all evil names. “On that day I was feeling very uncomfortable and I wanted to die! I even cursed the day I was born. I cursed my parents who rejected me. Everything seemed bitter…” Our interviewee confided herself to us and said it is thanks to “Alternatives Cameroun”, a human rights community-based organization fighting for the social inclusion of LGBTI persons, that she was recruited and integrated among the staff of Yaounde. Apart from going to her workplace, Josephine spends time lamenting in her room and calls for God’s help. The story of Josephine is almost the same as that of Claude, an intersex encountered in the economic city of Douala during a two-day workshop organized in May 2021 by Humanity First Cameroun Plus. Claude who is today a father of two children was born intersex and on his birth certificate, he was identified as female but his male organs are dominant. Claude said he was once molested to death by an angry mob just because his aunt discovered his two sex and alerted the neighbourhood in which they were living at that time. The cases of Josephine and Claude are similar to the numerous cases faced by lesbian, Gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex, LGBTI in Cameroon who just by suspicion are trapped by people and molested without any defense. Bijou, as she is called, is an intersex person who was sexually assaulted, beaten, and humiliated by a group of men in Yaounde in November 2021. Just because Bijou refused the advances of this group of people in a drinking spot, she was caught and later on filmed by her perpetrators who maltreated her for close to two hours. The video that went viral on social media was condemned by Human rights defenders and the Cameroonian Foundation for AIDS, CAMFAIDS to which she belongs as a beneficiary filed a complaint to the police. Nickel Kamen Liwandi, the Executive Director of CAMFAIDS outrageously condemned this act as criminal and called for justice. The verdict pronounced by the court of first instance in Yaounde in February, 25th 2022, condemned Mr. Foundikou Kassimou, the main author of the inhumane treatment inflicted on Bijou. He was granted six months of imprisonment and had to pay a fine of 650.000 Francs CFA about 1300 US dollars. LGBTI people are frequently subject to mass arrests, arbitrary detention, torture, and violence of all sorts. Whereas Article 5 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, it is stated that: “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.” And Article 9 states that: “No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.” According to the 2021 annual report of the unity platform, 4116 cases of Gender-based violence(GBV) were registered in the course of the research undertaken. The 31 pages’ report written in French has been dubbed: « Le cri d’une communauté. De la désinformation au drame. » It states the various types of violence which affect the LGBTI community. As indicated in this investigative piece, 2936 cases are described as psychological, that is, close to 71%, and which are mainly made up of family rejection, insults, defamation, hate speech, and discrimination just to name a few. The President of the Unity Platform made up of 34 organizations who advocate for human rights in Cameroon has indicated the need for a follow-up and monitoring of Gender-based violence cases which are increasing significantly as time passes by. Michel Engama said there is need to worry and government should take the bulls by the horns to bring the situation at heels. In Cameroon, the first Penal Code adopted in 1965 did not criminalize same-sex sexual activity, however, an amendment introduced in 1972 added the offense of ‘homosexuality’ which has been retained until today. According to the 2016 Penal Code in its Article 347-1, sexual relations with a person of the same sex are prohibited with a penalty of between six months to five years’ imprisonment, as well as a fine. By Elise Kenimbeni      

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Au Cameroun, l’Artiste Armand Biyag présente son nouvel album
TimesNews2 mai 19, 2022
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Au Cameroun, l’Artiste Armand Biyag présente son nouvel album

Intitulé « Jam on the Road », c’est un album de 12 titres constitués des rythmes d’ici et d’ailleurs. La sortie officielle se fait au cours d’un spectacle live ce 19 mai 2022 à l’institut français du Cameroun (IFC) de Yaoundé. C’était au cours d’une conférence de presse tenue le 18 mai à Yaoundé, capitale du Cameroun que l’artiste musicien, Armand Biyag a présenté son nouveau bébé. Pour ce 3e album, l’ancien footballeur reconverti en musicien est monté d’un cran pour davantage bercer les oreilles des mélomanes. La bourse reçue à l’Institut Français pour la Cité des Arts à Paris l’a permis de bien concocter ce chef-d’œuvre avec d’autres albums. « J’ai eu la chance de ne pas préparer ici. J’ai eu la chance de le cuisiner condiments après condiments, ingrédients après ingrédients à l’étranger, j’ai eu la chance de ne pas aller chercher très loin parce que j’ai eu Etienne Mbappe juste à une minute de moi. » explique-t-il. La route de JAM en langue Bassa veut dire Evénement en français. Alliant sa langue maternelle Bassa au français et l’anglais, cet album est le carrefour d’une fusion avec d’autres artistes du monde entier. Armand Biyag souhaite partager avec le public les plus belles émotions musicales de ses voyages nombreux à travers le monde. Avec ses partenaires de tous les jours, le live de grande qualité de Jam on the Road s’inscrit dans le cadre de la maturité. Un aperçu du show a été d’ailleurs ouvert aux journalistes présents à cet échange. Armand Biyag est un ancien footballeur, qui a suivi sa deuxième passion, celle de la musique qui aujourd’hui lui permet de procurer de la bonne humeur a ses fans et au public qui apprécie son style musical. Avec une voix qui adouci les mœurs, l’artiste aux multiples facettes joue avec la même dextérité du piano, le balafon et les percussions. C’est à travers son premier album intitulé : « Mut Binam », en français l’être humain, que le public fait la connaissance de Armand Biyag. En 2016, il revient avec un second album intitulé : « Njan », qui signifie en français les traces. Avec un recueil de plusieurs chansons, l’artiste va à la conquête des scènes internationales ou il se fait davantage connaitre et explose de spectacles en spectacles. Connu également pour ses rythmes traditionnels qui puissent leur source de la foret Bassa dont l’artiste est originaire. Armand Biyag, jeune artiste Camerounais se distingue par la qualité de son vocal et mixage. Rédaction timesnews2.info

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Journée Mondiale des Télécommunications Huawei Cameroun et Camtel en Symbiose
TimesNews2 mai 19, 2022
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Journée Mondiale des Télécommunications Huawei Cameroun et Camtel en Symbiose

Huawei Cameroun et Camtel ont célébré la journée mondiale des télécommunications à travers un match de football qui s’est joué le 17 mai 2022 à Yaoundé. Dans le cadre des activités marquant l’édition 2022 de la journée mondiale des télécommunications et de la société de l’information le 17 mai, le géant des TIC, Huawei, branche du Cameroun a organisé une rencontre de football au stade Olembe de Yaoundé. La rencontre de football a mis aux prises les employés du géant des télécoms, Huawei face aux employés de l’opérateur de téléphonie nationale, Camtel (Cameroon telecommunications). Durant le match de football qui a permis de mettre en exergue les talents sportifs des employés des deux entreprises, l’ambiance et la chaleur a pu se ressentir à travers cette rencontre amicale et fraternelle qui lie désormais les deux structures. Youyous et danses ont également meublés la rencontre, ainsi que l’échange des cadeaux entre les représentants des deux entreprises. La représentante de la Directrice Générale de Camtel à cette rencontre du vivre ensemble a exprimé la joie d’un partenariat qui existe entre les deux équipes. Porteuse d’un message d’amitié de la Directrice Générale de Camtel, Mme Judith Yah Sunday épse Achidi, la conseiller technique numéro 2 de la Camtel, Madame Fadimatou Aboubakar, a souligné le fait que : « Huawei est aujourd’hui un partenaire sur de Camtel. Un allié de longue date. Aujourd’hui avec Huawei, nous sommes très loin des parafeurs… » Partenariat entre Huawei et Camtel La société Camtel détentrice de la 4eme licence GSM du Cameroun depuis septembre 2014 a choisi en 2015 l’équipementier chinois Huawei, pour un partenariat fructueux depuis des années sur le téléphone filaire afin de construire son réseau GSM à travers le pays. Avec Huawei à ses cotes, Camtel, opérateur de téléphonie mobile locale a pu intensifier sa connectivité et sa fibre optique pour le bonheur de ses populations. Nul ne doute que Huawei, firme chinoise de renom ne cesse d’accroitre à travers le monde et particulièrement en Afrique, au Cameroun de nombreux projets afin de booster les TIC. Suprématie de Huawei au Cameroun Au Cameroun, Huawei a su s’imposer de par la qualité de sa technologie et de ses compétences en TIC. Il faut dire que d’énormes projets de modernisation du secteur des télécommunications ont été concrétisés. De ce fait, le pays n’a pas hésité à jeter son dévolu sur des partenaires d’élite comme Huawei et la Banque d’import-export de Chine, deux maillons essentiels de la coopération sino-camerounaise sur le plan spécifique des télécommunications. Des projets palpables tels que la fibre optique. Huawei assuré la pose de plus de 6 000 km de fibre optique qui permettront de couvrir l’ensemble du territoire national, ce qui fait du Cameroun un leader dans la sous-région d’Afrique centrale. Il faut dire par exemple que projet de Backbone a fait l’objet d’un accord de prêt qui avoisine 52 millions de dollars, défini entre les gouvernements camerounais et chinois. Depuis la signature du contrat de Backbone en 2009, plus de 6 000 km de câble ont déjà été posés : Douala bénéficie de la première boucle optique. Il faut également signaler que le Tchad et le Cameroun sont interconnectés via la fibre optique. Les autres pays d’Afrique centrale sont les prochains en liste. Depuis 2015, le Cameroun avoisine plus de 10 000 kilomètres de câble de fibre optique. Selon un article de Chinafrique qui retrace la fructueuse coopération entre le Cameroun et la firme chinoise, beaucoup de projets à ce jour ont déjà pu être capitalisés. Installée au Cameroun depuis 2005, l’entreprise Huawei dispose d’une valeur marchande très favorable dans les hautes sphères décisionnelles du Cameroun. Cette appréciation de l’élite dirigeante à l’endroit de Huawei est la résultante logique des prouesses initiées par ce géant des télécoms en terre camerounaise, ainsi que pour sa participation active à la formation de la jeunesse estudiantine camerounaise dans les activités des TIC, contribuant ainsi au transfert de technologies qui a toujours été le vœu ardent des autorités camerounaises. Elise Kenimbeni

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