National And International News Roundup – 2nd September 2020

Gun shots were heard in several parts of the town of Bamenda today, causing inhabitants to rush to their houses again for safety. For now, an uneasy calm has returned but fear remains as many people are reluctant to get to their business places. Yesterday, some slept out of their homes as there was no possibility to return home due to the terror caused by soldiers.

The Mayor of Fundong in the North West region of Cameroon says the administration of Cameroon should appease separatist fighters for peace to reign. Awoh Ndang Denis was speaking today in Fundong in the presence of the governor of the North West Region. He decried the fact that many fons in the area have been victimised by separatist fighters.

The Divisional Officer for Ako Sub Division, North West Region of Cameroon says administrative sanctions await any government teacher that will not resume school in the area on the 5th of October 2020. In a note signed by DO Mbingneoch Abraham, he called on parents and students to intensify preparation for back to school.

The Popular Action Party, PAP has declared its support for the MRC’s call for president Paul Biya to be taken out of power. This was in a letter from PAP president addressed to MRC boss, Maurice Kamto today. Kamto had earlier warned the government against attempting to organise elections without first solving the Anglophone crisis.

The Mayor of Douala III is asking all those that have constructed in flood prone areas to quit with immediate effect. The intention is to prevent flood that earlier caused enormous material damages in the area.

A man remains missing in the water in Maroua, Far North Region of Cameroon. Elements of the fire fighting unit say they are still searching for the remains of Olivier Doukary. He was swept away by water current last Monday after heavy rains.

Mendankwe village in the North West region bow has a new traditional ruler. Fon Nforchesiri III was made ruler in a ceremony today. Among dignitaries present was SDO for Mezam, Simon Emile Mooh.

There are questions on the outcome of the national dialogue organised one year ago. A follow-up committee to that effect created in March this year will hold a meeting tomorrow Thursday in Yaounde. Many think the bloodshed in the North West and South West is a clear testimony that the dialogue ws a failure.

South Africa’s Auditor General Kimi Makwetu has described his findings into alleged corruption in the disbursement of the government’s Covid-19 relief fund as “frightening”. Some $26bn (£19bn), the equivalent of 10% of the country’s GDP, was disbursed to help mitigate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The auditor general’s report detailed clear findings of overpricing, unfair processes, and potential fraud in government procurement.

A court in Zimbabwe has released the journalist, Hopewell Chin’ono, on bail. He had been in prison since July after being charged with inciting public violence for posting messages in support of a protest against corruption. His incarceration drew widespread international criticism, especially after he was repeatedly denied bail. Earlier the opposition leader behind the protest was also given bail.

Elie Kamano, a former Guinean reggae musician, has expressed his interest to run for the presidency. He plans to challenge President Alpha Condé who is seeking a controversial third term in October. The musician has called on his supporters to help him raise the required fee set for registration of candidates by the electoral commission.

Nigeria’s House of Representatives speaker Femi Gbajabiamila is going to Ghana for a meeting with his Ghanaian counterpart following the recent diplomatic tension. Mr Gbajabiamila told Nigerian media that the main topic of discussion would be issues affecting Nigerians in Ghana. The information ministers for both countries had spoken about the matter with Nigeria’s Lai Mohammed accusing Ghana of deporting Nigerians and closing shops owned by Nigerian citizens.

Health workers around the world can travel to any destination for up to half the fare courtesy of Kenya Airways. The offer will be for both business and economy class in the month of September. The airline said the up to 50% discount was a way of giving back to the front-line workers for their effort during the coronavirus pandemic.

The leader of Zambia’s main opposition party, Hakainde Hichilema, has alleged the government is plotting to kill him. Mr Hichilema is facing accusations of using his position as a consultant during the country’s privatisation of state-owned entities to enrich himself. The accusations are spearheaded by former Finance Minister Edith Nawakwi, who leads another opposition party. Mr Hichilema denies any wrongdoing.

Foreign news: BBC