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Syria’s Assad in Moscow, given asylum by Russia

Syria’s Assad in Moscow, given asylum by Russia

Bashar al-Assad, the ousted president of Syria, has reportedly arrived in Moscow along with his family after his government fell to militants.

Citing a source in the Kremlin, several Russian media outlets reported on Sunday that the Russian government has granted Assad and his family asylum.

“President al-Assad of Syria has arrived in Moscow. Russia has granted them (him and his family) asylum on humanitarian grounds,” the Interfax news agency quoted an unnamed source as saying.

There was no immediate comment from the Syrian presidency about his whereabouts.

Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali said he had not spoken with Assad since Saturday. Jalali said that he would stay in Syria and was ready to work with whomever the Syrian people choose as their leader.

Militants, headed by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), declared a curfew in Damascus on Sunday until the following morning, after seizing the capital following a lightning offensive launched last week.

Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the HTS commander, said Sunday that Syrian state institutions would be supervised by Jalali until a transition of power takes place.

The HTS said it would work with the prime minister and called on Syrian military forces in Damascus to stay away from public institutions.

President Assad reportedly departed Syria on an airplane earlier in the day, bringing an end to more than five decades of his family’s rule over Syria.

Source: Presstv

Ghana: Historic election comeback for John Mahama

Ghana: Historic election comeback for John Mahama

Former president John Mahama, Ghana’s main opposition leader, tried twice before to win back the country top post.

Now he has secured a huge comeback on his third attempt for the presidency after tapping into the country’s economic frustrations to win Saturday’s election.

His win marks a historic victory, making him the first president in the three decades of Ghana’s Fourth Republic — since the 1992 return to multi-party democracy — to reclaim the presidency after being voted out.

Mahama, of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party, beat out Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who represented the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and who conceded defeat on Sunday.

The economy became a major election issue after Ghana defaulted on its debt and entered into a $3 billion deal with the International Monetary Fund.

Mahama, 66, who served as president from 2012 to 2017, promised to “reset” Ghana, renegotiate parts of the IMF deal and introduce a “24-hour” economy to create jobs, a major concern for many younger voters.

– Writer and music fan –

A writer and devotee of Afrobeat music, Mahama wrote in his memoir “My First Coup d’Etat — And Other True Stories from the Lost Decades of Africa” that he was changed by his boyhood experiences during a 1966 military coup.

He was born in northern Ghana as a child of privilege, his house being the only one in the village with a diesel generator.

His father, who served as junior minister, was briefly detained and interrogated by the 1966 coup leaders but was later released unharmed.

Mahama was also a Member of Parliament and chairman of the West Africa Caucus at the Pan-African Parliament in Pretoria.

On corruption, Mahama says he will create a new office tasked with scrutinising government procurement above a $5 million threshold.

He says unchecked procurement processes are a major source of corruption.

Mahama voiced support for the anti-LGBTQ bill passed by Ghana’s parliament in February but which is yet to be signed into law and has sparked international criticism.

But Mustapha Gbande, a spokesperson for Mahama’s campaign, had expressed confidence in the candidate’s chances.

“People are looking for change and they trust Mahama to steer the country in a better direction,” he said.

But Mahama’s tenure as president was marred by a severe energy crisis that led to persistent power cuts, known locally as “dumsor”, which dented his reputation.

Corruption allegations also plagued his administration, although no charges were formally filed against him.

Mahama’s campaign sought to counter criticism by emphasising his experience in international leadership, including his role in combating the Ebola crisis as chairman of regional West African bloc ECOWAS.

Source: AFP

Russia says President Assad left Syria, gave orders for peaceful power transition

Russia says President Assad left Syria, gave orders for peaceful power transition

Russia says Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has issued orders for a peaceful transition of power before he resigned and departed from the country.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Sunday that President Assad decided to step down after negotiations with “a number of participants in the armed conflict on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic.”

Assad, Russia said, gave “instructions for a peaceful transfer of power.”

The ministry did not provide further information regarding Assad’s whereabouts.

According to the statement, Moscow “did not participate in these negotiations,” but it calls on all “parties involved to refrain from the use of violence and to resolve all issues of governance through political means.”

“In that regard, the Russian Federation is in contact with all groups of the Syrian opposition.”

Moscow said Russia’s military bases in the Arab country had been put on a state of high alert, but that there was no serious threat to them at the current time.

On Saturday evening, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged “political dialogue” between the Syrian government and militant groups after a meeting with foreign ministers of Russia and Turkey in the Qatari capital of Doha on Saturday evening.

Araghchi said there was a consensus among all the participants that hostilities in Syria must end immediately and the country’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty must be respected based on the UN resolution.

The meeting was also attended by United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen, who had urged all parties “to spare bloodshed and focus on a political solution in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2254.”

The conflict began when Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militant group launched a large-scale attack in Aleppo and Idlib provinces in the northwest of Syria on November 27, seizing several areas.

The group took control of parts of the country’s second-biggest city, Aleppo, and advanced southward toward the city of Hama. Earlier on Sunday, the armed group declared that they had captured the capital, Damascus.

Source: Press TV

Manyu Political Landscape: Change is on the horizon

Manyu Political Landscape: Change is on the horizon

A senior Manyu political leader has informed the Cameroon Concord News Group that there will be significant political changes in Cameroon in 2025 and that Manyu Division will be a totally different political landscape, as the youths of the Division are calling for change.

The politician, who elected anonymity, said that the current political dispensation in Manyu is hurting the Division as many current political leaders have failed to bring much-needed economic development to the Division whose economy is in the throes of a severe crisis.

He added that the youths of Manyu were already grumbling and looking outwards for that person who would understand their problems and would seek to bring meaningful economic initiatives to the Division.

“We need factories. We need a good hospital. We want our children to go to school in the best possible conditions. We know that the Diaspora can help us, but their help could be coordinated for it to deliver better results and that is why we of Manyu Division are urging members of our Diaspora to participate in the politics of our Division. We need people who will not come to earn a salary. We need people with ideas,” the politician stressed.

“After next year’s presidential election, the people of Manyu should take a look at those who have been representing us at the national level,” the angry politician said, stressing that “we have to look at young people to take over from our current politicians, most of whom have never kept their election promises.”

“Besides the Member of Parliament from Eyumojock, Honorable Teku Tanyi, who is constantly in his constituency to bring hope and some development initiatives, most of our politicians are simply dormant and will only come home when there are elections or when their political interests are at stake,” the angry politician said.

“Elective positions in Manyu should be given to young, dynamic and well to do Manyu men and women who have the Division’s interest at heart. We need people who can bring development to Manyu. We need people who can bring jobs to our youths,” he added.

“We must start looking at young and successful men and women in the Diaspora who can mobilize resources abroad for Manyu development. A few names have already been dropped and we hear that one of two Manyu senatorial seats will go to one of Manyu illustrious sons who have been pushing for Manyu development for decades,” the politician said.

“Our current senator is old, sick and tired and has nothing to show for, given the time he has been at the Senate in Yaounde. The current senator should consider his age and should support any young person who might express an interest in running. Manyu needs change but we want that transition to be smooth and friendly so that there will be peace. However, if the plea of the grassroots is not taken seriously, there will be change and it will be painful,” he stressed

“Manyu needs change and it needs people with a broad and global world view. Manyu needs a political leader who can connect the Division with the Division’s growing Diaspora, especially in North America. Manyu needs a credible person, somebody with great development ideas. We are tired of empty promises. We do not care where the person comes from. We need someone who loves Manyu and his people and based on what I have been hearing, we have someone from North America who will bring us the progress we need,” he pointed out.

“Our Members of Parliament must do more for our people. The people of Manyu are disappointed and they want change and any elected politician who does not deliver will not represent us anymore,” he stressed.

By our Mamfe correspondent Nkongho Philip Agbor

Syria: militants take Damascus as President Assad’s government falls

Syria: militants take Damascus as President Assad’s government falls

The Syrian government fell early Sunday in a stunning end to President Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year rule over the Arab country after the militant group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) stormed and captured the capital Damascus.

In a statement on Sunday morning, the HTS militants declared that they had captured the capital, confirming reports of the fall of the Assad government.

Earlier in the day, Reuters quoted an unnamed officer as saying that the Syrian army command notified officers that the Assad government had fallen.

US: Brenda Biya wins first round of Singer Dencia’s suit against her

US: Brenda Biya wins first round of Singer Dencia’s suit against her

The daughter of the president of Cameroon won a round in court when a judge quashed the lawsuit summons ostensibly served on her by a singer from that African country, in which the fashion-conscious entertainer says the leader’s offspring and a friend defamed the plaintiff on social media.

Known professionally as Dencia, the plaintiff’s real name is Reprudentia Sonkey. Dencia is known for her own fashion statements and appearances on red carpets at the Billboard Music Awards, the Grammys, and the American Music Awards.

Dencia, 32, brought the Van Nuys Superior Court suit against Anastasie Brenda Biya Eyenga, the daughter of Cameroon President Paul Biya, and a friend of Eyenga, Marie Therese Yabit. The complaint also alleges civil harassment and both intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress.

On Thursday, Judge Huey P. Cotton granted a motion by Eyenga finding that she was not properly served. Eyenga’s attorneys contended that the alleged service of documents at the Hilton Hotel Yaounde in Cameroon by a bailiff was insufficient.

“The proof of service should include an affidavit from the bailiff detailing the manner of service, the exact location and the recipient’s acknowledgment of receipt,” Eyenga’s lawyers contended in their pleadings. “No such documentation exists or was provided.”

In addition, no room number or other specific location within the hotel is provided, making it unclear where exactly the service took place, according to Eyenga’s attorneys’ court papers.

The attempted service complied with neither California nor Cameroonian law, Eyenga’s lawyers further stated.

The judge granted a similar motion to quash in Yabit’s favor.

Dencia seeks at least $75 million in damages in the suit brought in March 2023. The Simi Valley attorney is representing herself and appeared in court for Thursday’s hearing.

In addition to being an entertainer, Dencia has created several skin care and clothing brands, set up various businesses and founded the skin care brand Whitenicious by Dencia, of which she was the president and CEO, the suit states.

Her companies flourished due to her reputation as a popular Cameroonian singer and trustworthy entrepreneur in skin care products, the suit states.

In July 2015, Dencia was contacted by Eyenga’s public relations manager, who told the plaintiff that Eyenga, who eventually moved to Beverly Hills, admired her work and wanted her help in producing a photo shoot and in setting up her own brand, the suit states.

“During the years that followed, both (Dencia) and Eyenga maintained a cordial relationship,” the suit states. “They would both make text exchanges on a regularly basis.”

Eyenga returned to Cameroon in 2019 and the two lost contact, the suit states. In June 2021, Dencia was preparing to go to Cameroon the next month in the company of other musicians, including rapper Trey Songz, when a representative for Eyenga allegedly contacted the plaintiff about a birthday engagement and performing at Eyenga’s new hotel.

Eyenga asked Dencia for help getting her Instagram account certified, the suit states. But in a subsequent dispute, Eyenga accused Dencia of creating a fake account and trying to impersonate her, even though the plaintiff explained she was preoccupied with the death of her sister from cancer and could not help Eyenga get her account certified as the plaintiff had hoped, the suit states.

Eyenga, allegedly with Yabit’s help, accused Dencia on social media of identity theft and of being a “scammer” and a “fraudster,” the suit states.

“The news quickly made a media buzz about (Dencia) based on Eyenga’s allegations,” the suit states. “(Dencia’s) reputation was being trampled on by the daughter of the president of the Republic of Cameroon in a totally unjustified way.”

Dencia’s companies suffered losses and the stature she worked hard to establish has been damaged, causing her emotional distress, according to her suit, which further seeks a court order preventing any more allegedly defamatory postings.

In addition to her skin care line, Dencia has designed outfits for such artists as Nicki Minaj, Rihanna and Christina Milian.

Source: MyNewsLA.com

Christmas Holiday in Cameroon: US embassy issues security message for American citizens

Christmas Holiday in Cameroon: US embassy issues security message for American citizens

Threats posed by criminal, terrorist, and politically motivated actions remain a significant concern in Cameroon.  In light of the upcoming holiday season, the Embassy reminds American citizens to practice good personal security habits and follow the guidance below.

When possible, avoid or minimize time spent in “soft target” areas such as high-profile public events (e.g., sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings), hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, parks, shopping centers and markets, tourism infrastructure and tourist sites, and airports and public transport systems.  Large gatherings or demonstrations intended to be peaceful can sometimes turn violent.  When one must linger at any of these places, situational awareness is key to protecting oneself and loved ones.  Being cognizant of surroundings and of those in the vicinity, as well as of their activities, is critical to personal security.

Do not be predictable:  avoid repeatedly going to the same places at the same time of day.  Do not always go to the market or the grocery store at peak hours.  Vary transportation routes and times, and do not linger in potential target zones (listed above) for longer than necessary.  As always, remain vigilant with respect to suspicious people, objects, or packages.  If you see anything suspicious, leave the area immediately and report to law enforcement.  Always keep colleagues, family and friend aware of your daily plans and make sure they know how to reach you.

Street crime remains a serious threat in Cameroon, and American citizens must remain vigilant to reduce the risk of becoming a victim.  Situational awareness is again key.  Be aware of your location and what is going on around you.  Individuals are most vulnerable when entering and exiting our residences or vehicles, sometimes because they are distracted and may not pay attention to our surroundings.  When entering or exiting one’s residence or vehicle, survey the surrounding area, looking for suspicious individuals or potential threats.  Do not focus solely on house or car keys, mobile phone, or other belongings you may be carrying.  Have a plan, see what is happening around you, and move quickly with purpose and confidence.  When carrying bags, purses, backpacks, etc., keep them secured tightly to the body, preferably across the chest rather than hanging from shoulders where they can be more easily grabbed.

With respect to personally owned vehicles, please keep the interior clean and free from any indication there are valuables inside (e.g., GPS mount).  In traffic, attempt to leave space in which to maneuver and leave yourself an exit when possible.  Be prepared to take evasive action at any time.  When stopping, consider how you would pull away if necessary – both forward and in reverse.  Increase awareness at choke points during travel and be wary of diversions.  If followed or harassed by another driver, try to find the nearest public facility or police station.  Never lead the person to your home or stop and get out of the car.

As always, American citizens should carry a government-issued ID with them at all times and cooperate with authorities.

Culled from the US Embassy in Yaoundé

Biya will campaign for 2025 elections in a wheel chair and rule from the grave

Biya will campaign for 2025 elections in a wheel chair and rule from the grave

President Paul Biya has become a laughing stock deep inside the Unity Palace, Cameroon Intelligence Report has gathered from a well-placed source in Etoudi.

The CIR source said that Biya is now leading the nation from a wheelchair.

“He has a special wheelchair that he bought in Geneva that takes him around the presidential palace and he intends to rule till 100 years” our source said.

Biya was seen on the mobile chair moving around the presidency after he received some new ambassadors accredited to Cameroon.

The mobile chair, otherwise ordinarily referred to as a wheelchair is assisting the dictator to navigate his way around his office as well as at home in Mvomeka’a.

The Biya wheelchair has now confirmed that old age has taken its toll on the Francophone leader who will turn 92 this coming year.

A top CPDM baron who spoke to this reporter but sued for anonymity said Biya would rule from a wheel chair and then from the grave.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

Biya regime falls short of 2024 road paving target

Biya regime falls short of 2024 road paving target

Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute presented the government’s 2025 economic, financial, social, and cultural program to the National Assembly. During his address, he revealed that around 446 kilometers of roads were paved or nearing completion in Cameroon in 2024. This figure is over 200 kilometers short of the target of 656.96 kilometers outlined in the government’s Integrated Multimodal Transport Infrastructure Strategy.

The slow pace of road paving poses challenges to achieving the goals set in Cameroon’s National Development Strategy 2020–2030 (SND30). This strategy aims to pave 6,000 kilometers of roads over the decade, requiring an average of 600 kilometers annually.

As of the end of 2023, Cameroon had 10,225.58 kilometers of paved roads, according to Public Works Minister Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi. This represents just 8.5% of the national road network, which spans 121,873 kilometers. The minister shared these figures in an interview published by Cameroun Tribune on February 2.

Source: Business in Cameroon

Biya regime may raise fuel prices again in 2025

Biya regime may raise fuel prices again in 2025

Cameroon’s government is likely to increase fuel pump prices in 2025, marking the third increase in three years. According to the 2025 Finance Bill presented to Parliament on December 1, 2024, fuel subsidies will be reduced from CFA263 billion in 2024 to just CFA15 billion in 2025. This is a reduction of nearly CFA250 billion.

The government stated that the reduction in subsidies aligns with instructions from the president and the ongoing effort to reduce common budget items. The goal is to strengthen the policy of reducing fuel subsidies, which the government claims take up resources that could be used for public investment.

This planned reduction makes a fuel price increase at the start of 2025 more likely. The government has already committed to completely eliminating fuel subsidies as part of its economic program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This program, originally set from July 2021 to July 2024, has been extended to 2025.

The first price increase occurred in 2023, followed by another in 2024. Official data show that these increases have significantly reduced the burden of subsidies on public finances. In 2022, fuel subsidies exceeded CFA1 trillion, as revealed by the president during his New Year’s address on December 31, 2023. After the first price hike in 2023, subsidies dropped to CFA640 billion, a reduction of CFA360 billion in one year.

In February 2024, a second price increase of 15% for gasoline and diesel was implemented, bringing the subsidy down to CFA263 billion—about CFA100 billion less than in 2023. The proposed reduction to CFA15 billion in 2025 would represent a drop of nearly CFA250 billion.

Given the scale of this reduction, the price increase in 2025 could exceed the 15% rise seen in 2024. In early 2023, the government raised diesel prices by 25% and kerosene prices by 36.5%, especially for industrial users. These actions highlight the government’s determination to phase out subsidies completely.

However, Fitch Ratings, a U.S.-based credit rating agency, noted that Cameroon might hesitate to implement another price increase in 2025 due to the upcoming presidential election in October 2025. The government could avoid raising fuel prices to maintain public support, despite its commitment to the IMF to eliminate subsidies.

Source: Business in Cameroon

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