National And International News Roundup – 28th December 2020

The 11th edition of the Douala International Development Fair that began on 23rd December 2020, has given “Made in Cameroon” products the needed exposure it merits. Throughout the fair, there has been a massive display of local and industrial products produced in Cameroon. Most of the products on show included; Chocolate, liquid soap, plantain fries and well-packaged honey. The aim of the fair has been to promote the consumption of local products.

Minister of Public Works, Emmanuel Ngannou Djoumesi has today inaugurated the Nkollesong-Nding and the Nanga Eboko – Bifogo national road to traffic. Today, the Minister presided over the opening of the road from Nkonteng locality in the Centre Region. The road infrastructure was carried out by Chinese company CWE; and was entirely funded by the Public Investment Budget with the sum of 55.43 billion FCFA.

Avenir inter-urban transport agency has continued work in Douala and Yaoundé unperturbed, despite a deadly road accident yesterday in Mbam & Inoubou Division, in the Centre Region. Passengers boarding buses of the agency say they are afraid but remain prayerful for God to accord them journey mercies.

Contrary to popular expectations in Douala, Avenir inter-urban transport agency has not been sanctioned over 24hours after one of its buses was involved in a fatal motor accident that led to the death of 40 people and scores wounded. To some Cameroonians, while the government continues investigation before any sanctions, the proprietor of the agency ought to be human enough to temporarily suspend travels as a means to console with the families that lost their loved ones in the accident in Nomale in Mbam & Inoubou Division.

In the fight against COVID-19 in Cameroon, UNICEF has offered a borehole to the people of Bertoua. Alongside the borehole, the UN organisation also offered some materials intended for the protection of students in two schools in the East Region. Reports on Canal 2 International reveal that UNICEF has given itself a period of 50 days to complete the drilling of the borehole.

Indomitable Lions of Cameroon are taking on a national Division One football club, UMS of Loum this evening, at the newly constructed 50,000 capacity Japoma Stadium. This is the first match to take place in the stadium since its completion this year.

“Tara” official mascot of AFCON 2022 and CHAN 2021 will be presented to the population of Douala tomorrow, Tuesday. This is part of a tour by the mascot to the three cities to host matches from the 16th of January to 7th February 2021.

The tour of CHAN mascot, TARA, began yesterday 27th December 2020 but was overshadowed by the bloody events of the day. Amidst the buzz that had been made on social and mainstream media, Tara toured the streets of Yaoundé that were in most parts deserted. The tour went largely unnoticed due to the several accidents that were reported yesterday with more than 40 deaths across the country recorded, in what has been termed a ‘black Sunday’.

Traders at Douala’s Mboppi market have expressed fears at possible future fire outbreaks. They decry poor electrical connections in the market. Others point accusing fingers on some traders for using magical powers to sell more than others and using flames during end-of-year period for sacrifice. 21 shops got burnt in the market yesterday.

Reuters news agency has condemned the arrest of its cameraman Kumerra Gemechu in Ethiopia, saying no reason has been given for his detention. His family said police handcuffed and took him away from their home in the capital, Addis Ababa, on Thursday, and seized his phone and computer. Police have not yet commented.

South Africa has become the first country on the continent to register more than one million Covid-19 cases. It comes just days after authorities confirmed that a new, faster-spreading, coronavirus variant had been detected. Some hospitals and medical centres have reported a huge rise in admissions, putting a heavy strain on resources

People in the Central African Republic (CAR) have voted in an election overshadowed by violence between government and rebel forces. President Faustin-Archange Touadéra is seeking a second term and has accused his predecessor, François Bozizé, of fomenting a coup with rebel groups. The government rejected calls from the opposition to postpone the vote because of the insecurity.