Verbal exchange between the Cameroon government and family of Achille Essome Moukouri over the cause of his death. While the family of the deceased insists he died of the coronavirus, the director of the Douala Laquintinie hospital says he died of some other ailment. In a eulogy to his father, Moukouri’s son calls on the public to be adapt a more responsible behaviour in the face of the pandemic. The deceased was buried shortly after passing away. Government officials claim he died of diabetes. This will be the first coronavirus death in Cameroon following 56 reported cases.
Mimi Mefo Info has gathered testimonies of passengers who paid or were compelled to pay security officials to avoid being monitored at the airport after landing. Most of the passengers arrived at the Doula airport from France a few days ago and were asked to pay up to one FCFA million (about 1700dollars). “We had to stay at the hotel, undergo screening and be isolated for 14 days as prescribed by the government, but you could be allowed to go if you paid one million francs to the police officers, ” a source revealed. Many passengers are have also been let go after paying a similar amount.
Cameroon’s Minister of social affairs has called on parents to stop sending kids to hawk items in town during this period. Pauline Irene Ngene says shutting down schools is for kids to stay at home and avoid contracting coronavirus.
The number of coronavirus cases has risen to 56 in Cameroon. Sixteen new cases were recorded today as follows; nine in Douala, six in Yaounde and 1 in Bafoussam. The Minister of public health calls on Cameroonians to take seriously preventive measures.
The leader of Cameroon People’s Party (CPP) says the earlier government will shutdown the country to tackle coronavirus the better. Edith Kah Wallah says she has confined herself to teach the example to others.
As part of measures to contain the coronavirus, Cameroon’s Minister of Health has called on all health personnel currently in the process of integration to present themselves to “any regional delegations for public health of their choice.” They are expected to be fully integrated to partake in the fight against the virus.
Cameroon’s Minister of Tourism and Leisure has announced that the first edition of the Festival of Flavors of Cameroon and the World, scheduled for March 25 to 27, 2020 at the Conference Center in Yaoundé has been postponed to a later date. This, the Minister explained is because of the coronavirus pandemic. The country at the moment has 56 cases officially.
COVID-19: “Discipline saved China, Indiscipline drowned Europe, but unconsciousness will eradicate Africa … Let’s be responsible! ” writes Cameroon’s former Public Works Minister- Patrice Amba Salla. Africa is estimated to have more than 1000 cases of the virus and several deaths already.
MRC leader, Maurice Kamto has waged a campaign for the creation of COVID-19 commission. “This commission must be chaired by the acting president of the Republic and not by a third party” he opined. The politician also suggested that “measures be taken to support economic operators as well as households whose activities will be affected by the measures taken by the government.”
Cameroon might go on a one-month total lockdown beginning Wednesday March 24th 2020 to April 25th 2020, as part of its measures to fight against Coronavirus. According to sources in Yaounde, the conclusion was arrived at after a crucial crisis meeting between the Minister of public health and the Prime Minister, head of government in Yaounde, March 23rd 2020. The same source holds that citizens will be quarantined in their homes where only patrols of forces of law and order will be allowed in neighborhoods to ensure its strict respect. Movement of patients and other emergency cases will be allowed.
Commercial motorcycle riders and taxi drivers in Ebolowa-South region of Cameroon have refused to respect the preventive measures taken by the central government to curb the spread of Coronavirus across the country. They have continued to overload despite restrictions to this effect by the government. They say respecting the government measures will get them out of business. They consider that high fuel prices and multiple police check points in the region will play negative on their profit margin.
The Senior Divisional Officer for the Mefou and Afamba Division of the Centre region of Cameroon has sanctioned some bars and drinking spots in Mfou and the rest of the Division for failing to respect measures taken by the government, within efforts to curb the spread of Coronavirus in Cameroon. In a document released Monday March 23rd 2020, the SDO said Sun City snack bar and others have been operating above the 6 PM closing time defined by the government. Consequently, they have been banned from operating for a minimum period of five days.
President Paul Biya has created a commission to follow up implementation of the Major National Dialogue recommendations that held between September and October 2019. The commission has been placed under the auspices of the Prime Minister, Dion Ngute Joseph. Pro-independence activists had described the Biya peace talks as a sham.
A member of a gang of four, is reported to have killed a uniform officer on the night of March 20, 2020 in Bafoussam, West Region. The Police officer, Laurent Kumbe is said to have been discussing with a neighbor at the neighbor’s home when the four gang members launched their attack. The assailants later pulled the policeman out of a bed where he had taken refuge and killed him. The reason for their action remains unknown.
Fabrice Lena of the Popular Actions Political Party (PAP) is expected at the state defense secretariat (SED) on Tuesday March 24th 2020 for questioning. Talking to Mimi Mefo info, the National Communications Secretary of the Popular Actions Political Party said he does know why he has been summoned at SED, but promised to maintain his position for Truth and Justice.
South Africa’s president has announced a three week lockdown to combat the coronavirus. While all shops and businesses will be closed except those providing essential services, temporary shelters will be set up for the homeless. Only medical and security personnel will be exempt from the lockdown. There are currently 402 cases in the country, which is a six-fold increase from just eight days ago, the president said in a live televised address.
Zimbabwean producer and radio and television host Zororo Makamba is the first to pass away as a result of coronavirus in the country. Zororo was the second person to test positive for the coronavirus in Zimbabwe.
The UN Secretary General, Antonia Guterres has called for a global ceasefire to focus on the fight against the coronavirus. He made the appeal today to warring parties, stating that the ceasefire would allow humanitarians reach populations that are most vulnerable to the spread of the virus.
A former health minister in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been sentenced to five years of forced labour for stealing more than $400,000 (£350,000) from funds intended to fight the Ebola epidemic. Oly Ilunga and his financial advisor were convicted of forging tens of thousands of dollars worth of receipts from a fake company which were used to justify purchases of products already paid for by international donors.
Kenya has recorded one more case of coronavirus, bringing the total number in the country to 16. More than 500 people are being monitored after coming into contact with the 16 patients.
Tunisia’s president has ordered troops onto the streets to enforce a stringent lockdown in response to coronavirus. President Kais Saied said people should only leave their houses to buy necessities. Jordan and Lebanon have also mobilised the army to force people to stay at home.
Ethiopia has closed its borders after the number of confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 11. It is the latest measure Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s office announced in a bid to tackle the virus. The military would ensure that vehicles do not cross the border, except those bringing in goods. The security forces would also enforce the ban on large gatherings, announced earlier.
