Posts tagged Cameroon

In Cameroon, it is not uncommon to spend days waiting for incompetent public officials to sign and issue documents. Files often go missing, forcing one to start the tedious bureaucratic process all over again. And, as Nkiacha Atemnkeng discovered, it is even worse for the Anglophone.

After 93 days of a government-imposed Internet ban, access was restored in April to the Anglophone regions of Cameroon. While the country’s crisis is far from resolved, time without the distraction of the Internet has helped Monique Kwachou see several things differently.

The Internet has great potential for the spreading of ideas and the promotion of debate. However,there is also the potential for abuse by governments and those in power, especially within volatile political climates. The increasing use of cyber laws to limit freedom of speech and attack those who hold opposing views is a worrying trend, says Tiffany Mugo.

After three months without access to the internet, the southwest and northwest regions of Cameroon had their internet restored after numerous complaints by pressure groups such as Internet Without Borders and the intervention of the United Nations. Many hope the internet will not be blocked again.

When two seasoned African jazz musicians come together to play music, what you end up getting is an unforgettable musical experience. Mozambican saxophonist, Moreira Chonguiça collaborated with Cameroonian jazz maestro Manu Dibango in a 10 track album that took five years of discussions. The album titled M & M was released at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival on the 31st of March. The songs are a remarkable mix of well known old jazz standards with an African twist.

Social media stood in support with Mimi Mbah, a 19 year-old Cameroonian aspiring model, who was featured on Africa Beauties, a Twitter page showcasing beautiful Africans worldwide after she received a racist comment saying she would be hotter if she was lighter. This Is Africa caught up with her to discuss her experiences in the U.S. and how she handles racist comments.

Ahmad’s victory reinforces the mantra of change that is sweeping the continent, resulting in the displacement of old leaders whose constituency has grown tired of their continued mismanagement.

Kenya has banned the use of plastic bags for commercial and household packing, becoming the latest African country to outlaw the plastic-bag carriers. The ban is expected to play a key role in helping to protect the environment. Kenya now joins Rwanda, Cameroon, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Mauritania and Malawi, countries that have issued similar bans.

The English-speaking regions of Cameroon have been facing a government-ordered Internet shutdown since 17 January. This shutdown was imposed in the wake of ongoing strikes, violence and protests against the continued marginalisation of English-speakers. Monique Kwachou describes life in No-Internet Cameroon

Two Cameroonian activists who lead the Anglophone Civil Society Consortium (CACSC) face a precarious fate after they were arrested and charged with acts of terrorism, and group rebellion. The two activists, president of the CACSC, Barrister Nkongho Felix Agbor-Balla, and its Secretary General, Dr. Fontem Aforteka’a Neba, face the death penalty if found guilty. The arrest has been widely condemned by Cameroonians and various rights groups, who are calling on the authorities to release the two.