Day: June 25, 2024

Unspecified number of passengers have lost their lives and several others injured in a tragic road accident in Dschang, West Region, on Thursday, June 25.

The accident reportedly occurred when a minibus operated by an interurban transport agency from Bamenda suffered brake failure, lost control, and plummeted into a gully.

The victims’ bodies have been transported to the mortuary at Dschang Regional Annex hospital. But exact figures not known at press time.

This latest incident raises urgent questions about the safety and maintenance of vehicles on Cameroon’s roads, highlighting the need for improved measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

The cause of the brake failure is currently unknown and the crash is under investigation.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

In the bustling neighborhood of Dla IV (Bonaberi), there is growing concern over the conduct of council police officers, whose actions have become a source of distress for residents of all ages. Reports indicate that these untrained personnel, often supported by some police and gendarmes, are engaging in actions that violate the rights of citizens.

Unlawful Vehicle Seizures

One of the most troubling issues is how these officers target vehicles. Residents report that stopping briefly by the roadside, even to answer a phone call or conduct a quick transaction, can lead to unwarranted harassment. Officers are known to stop drivers while they are still in their cars with the engine running, seize their documents, and, in many cases, tow their vehicles away. The owners are then compelled to pay exorbitant fines, starting from 25,000 francs CFA, to retrieve their cars.

Allegations of Corruption

The situation is further exacerbated by allegations that the fines collected are not entirely accounted for through of
ficial channels. Instead, there are claims that these sums are shared among the officers, raising serious questions about corruption and misuse of authority. Fear of retaliation has left many residents feeling helpless, as any attempt to speak out against these practices risks being met with further harassment.

A Call for Government Intervention

This lamentation raises a critical question for the leadership of Cameroon: Did the head of state, known for his dedication to the welfare of the country, authorize such conduct? Douala IV (Bonaberi) ‘s citizens call for a thorough investigation into these practices. They seek assurances that the powers vested in law enforcement are not being abused and that their rights will be protected.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

A woman in Mbouda is in custody after allegedly killing her husband in a domestic dispute.

The incident occurred on the night of June 23rd in the Nzintsuet neighborhood of Batcham Subdivision. Locals identified the victim as 49-year-old Sekali Kiampi Dieudonne.

According to reports, Dieudonne and his 36-year-old wife, Carine Tiwa, had a heated argument after returning home from a traditional ceremony. Tragedy struck when Dieudonne fell asleep, and Tiwa allegedly attacked him with a neighbor’s machete.

The crime was discovered early the following morning. National Gendarmerie from the Batcham brigade, led by Warrant Officer Eugene Jean Baptiste, is investigating the incident.

Preliminary findings suggest Dieudonne had previously complained about Tiwa’s infidelity. Several locals corroborated these claims, stating they had heard Dieudonne accuse Tiwa of bringing men into their home.

Tiwa is currently detained, while Dieudonne was buried on Monday in his family’s residence.

This incident has sent shockwave
s through the Mbouda community.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

Addis Ababa: Strengthening the coordination of efforts to prevent illegal immigration and human trafficking, which are threats to the security of nations and citizens, is essential, Deputy PM and Nat’l Council on Migration Chairperson Temesgen Tiruneh said.

The National Council on Migration chaired by the deputy prime minister has conducted its annual consultative forum today.

Opening the forum, Deputy Prime Minister and National Council on Migration Chairperson Temesgen Tiruneh called for strengthened collaboration to tackle irregular migration and human trafficking.

Acknowledging movement of people from one place to another as a natural and constitutional right, Temesgen expressed concern about the rise of human trafficking.

According to him, Ethiopia is under significant pressure concerning the issue of migration due to its unique position as an origin, transit and destination of migrants.

The deputy PM and national council chairperson revealed that Ethiopia is providing protection for more than 1 mil
lion migrants and asylum seekers.

Yet, he expressed concern about Ethiopian migrants facing problems in other countries.

He mentioned that Ethiopian migrants are becoming victims of human trafficking and illegal border-crossing by organized criminals.

Noting the threat the criminal groups posed to human and national security, Temesgen noted Ethiopia is also at the receiving end of these threats.

The acts of human trafficking and smuggling are causing physical and psychological harm on Ethiopian migrants, he explained.

Temesgen revealed the staggering profits traffickers reap, generating billions annually from this illegal acts.

Therefore, he urged for a multi-pronged approach and cooperative effort of all concerned actors to protect the human rights of migrants and safeguard the national security of the country.

The deputy premier and chairperson of the national council also emphasized the need to address underlying root causes, including socio-economic and political issues, which are driving irregular
migration.

He stated that Ethiopia has approved international agreements and enacted national laws to establish better migration management.

Moreover, the country is implementing national laws to prevent and suppress human trafficking and illegal border crossings, he added.

Furthermore, he recalled the establishment of a National Council on Migration, a collaborative body composed of regions and federal institutions, to ensure a coordinated approach to migration management.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Addis Ababa: A two-day national workshop aimed at finding ways to tackling environmental pollution opened in Addis Ababa today.

The workshop, organized by the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority in collaboration with stakeholders, will discuss on the challenges of pollution associated with plastics, water and air.

The workshop is part of the National Pollution Reduction Campaign launched last April with a view to intensify national efforts to reduce pollution and create a healthy environment.

In her opening remark, Deputy Director General of the Authority Frenesh Mekuria said the meeting aims to discuss on the ways of tackling environmental pollution.

According to her, the participants are expected to provide ideas that will be utilized in designing policies and legal frameworks aimed at tackling impacts of pollution.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency