Anglophone crisis plays into hands of government hardliners

Business leaders divided over plan to merge employers' bodies 

Private sector chiefs don't see eye to eye about the merging of two organisations representing their interests. Both camps are trying to rally support, right up to the highest echelons of state.

• GUINEA - Colonel Doumbouya's €400,000 wristwatch

• CAMEROON - Everyone wants their New Year's photo with Biya

• MOROCCO - Glacial reception for Mohamed Benchaaboun in Rabat

• FRANCE-MOROCCO - Zidane among French VIPs in Marrakech for NYE

Secessionist mediation attempts lead nowhere 

There has been no dialogue between the Cameroonian government and Anglophone separatists in the North-West and South-West regions since the crisis began in 2016. In the run-up to the Africa Cup of Nations, a string of ill-prepared initiatives from the English-speaking separatists has failed to change the situation.

Is top Biya aide Ngoh Ngoh losing his influence? 

The position of the chief of staff of the president's office, who enjoys the support of first lady Chantal Biya, seems to be under threat. Until now, he has always managed to save his skin.

Jean-Claude Ayem Moger, Yaoundé's favourite troubleshooter 

Jean-Claude Ayem Moger, Paul Biya's technical advisor, was just named to two key roles.

While waiting for Biden, Paris steps up pressure over Anglophone crisis 

After the Vatican made its voice heard, Paris has reminded the Cameroonian government of its concerns about the continuing crisis in the English-speaking provinces. European Union states hope that the new US administration, which purports to put human rights at the heart of its foreign policy, will come to their help.

Ministers ruled offside over FIFA boss's route to African Nations opening match 

Government ministers clashed with the president's office over the route to be taken by the official convoy bringing FIFA chairman Gianni Infantino and his entourage to the opening match of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) between Cameroon and Zimbabwe in Yaounde on 16 January.

Paul Biya has deep pockets... and they're lined with ammo 

As Cameroonian authorities prepare for a second round of negotiations with separatist leaders from the Anglophone West, the government awarded its army a hefty budget increase.

Ambassador sent packing from Paris after falling out with long-serving bursar 

Replaced by André-Magnus Ekoumou, Cameroon's ambassador to France Alfred Nguini only lasted 17 months in the job before falling foul of in-house politics.

Army frustrated over treatment of Israeli-supervised special forces defending Paul Biya's twilight years  Free

Dissatisfaction is growing in the Cameroonian army as it finds itself in the front line of the fight against separatist groups in anglophone regions while the special forces defending the country's seats of power are given preferential treatment.

Amid Covid-19 pandemic, revenue vs safety debate divides Cameroon government 

The pandemic has led to the further isolation of the Cameroonian president, who now addresses the population only via social media, and has aggravated the war between government factions, who have to choose between closing bars and keeping alcohol tax revenue flowing.

Sant'Egidio at the Elysée 

Andrea Riccardi, the founder of the lay Catholic Sant'Egidio community and former minister of cooperation under Mario Monti, was granted [...]

Port of Douala seeks its independence 

Without waiting for the outcome of its legal action against Bolloré, the Port autonome de Douala has hunkered down and is running operations itself.

Switzerland abandons mediation in anglophone west 

Involved since June in mediating between the Cameroonian government and most of the separatist groups active in the anglophone west [...]

Jean-Yves Le Drian intervenes in port of Douala saga 

Until now, the Elysée had refrained from getting involved in the saga of the renewal of the Bolloré Logistics concession [...]

Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh governs by correspondence 

Addressed to ministers and heads of civil service departments alike, the letters from the president's secretary-general, Ferdinand Ngoh, which invariably [...]

Chantal Biya stamps her influence 

The first lady is exploiting her power to secure appointments for her husband's ministers and collaborators. An investigation.