Africa
President of Cameroon Paul Biya at 93 seeks re-election
President of Cameroon Paul Biya at 93 seeks re-election
President Paul Biya of Cameroon, one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, is preparing to seek re-election at the age of 93.
The news, initially reported by The EastAfrican and shared by Kennedy Wandera, the founder of the Foreign Press Association Africa, has stirred significant reactions.
According to the report, Biya, who has been in power since 1982 after succeeding President Ahmadou Ahidjo, confirmed his intention to run in the 2025 presidential election.
If successful, Biya would be 100 years old by the end of his new seven-year term in 2032.
Biya’s decision to extend the election timeline by a year and his determination to remain in power despite his advanced age have fueled discontent among opposition leaders in Cameroon.
The report suggests that these opposition figures might face barriers to contesting the election, potentially paving the way for Biya to secure yet another term.
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In a recent move, Cameroon’s parliament approved Biya’s proposal to delay the parliamentary and municipal elections until 2026, arguing that the country’s political calendar was overcrowded.
Traditionally, legislative elections in Cameroon precede the presidential race, with the strength of the political parties in the legislative polls influencing the presidential candidates.
Now, following Biya’s decree, the election of Members of Parliament and municipal councillors will be postponed until after the presidential election in 2025, effectively extending the current lawmakers’ mandate.
Despite the upcoming elections, many Cameroonians reportedly remain hesitant to register as voters, expressing concerns that the electoral process might be rigged in favor of President Biya.
Biya, who will turn 93 at the time of the next election, has faced accusations of electoral fraud in previous contests, most notably in 2018, when his victory was heavily disputed by the opposition.
President of Cameroon Paul Biya at 93 seeks re-election
(GUARDIAN)
Africa
Boyfriend of murdered Kenyan journalist arrested
Boyfriend of murdered Kenyan journalist arrested
Africa
Baltasar Engonga: I dated him for four years, lady says, sues for betrayal
Baltasar Engonga: I dated him for four years, lady says, sues for betrayal
Cristel Nchama, one of the women appearing in viral explicit videos allegedly involving Baltasar Engonga, the former director-general of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), has filed a formal complaint with the National Gendarmerie in Malabo.
Engonga has been the focus of intense public scrutiny after investigators, probing allegations of fraud, searched his home and office and reportedly uncovered approximately 400 explicit videos featuring him with multiple women.
The tapes allegedly show Baltasar Engonga with his brother’s wife, his cousin, the sister of the country’s president, the wife of the director-general of police, and around 20 wives of ministers, among others.
The recordings, which have since gone viral, are said to have taken place in Engonga’s office, hotels, and bathrooms, purportedly with the consent of those involved.
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In her complaint, Nchama disclosed that she had been in a four-year relationship with Engonga and expressed profound distress over the public leak of the videos, which she says has harmed her reputation.
Nchama claimed that Engonga “misled” her into trusting him and that she had initially resisted being filmed, under the impression that any recordings would be deleted.
She also claimed to have been “betrayed” by Bello for publishing the videos.
“I am humiliated,” she stated. “It is my reputation, my honour. I want to know where these images came from and why he kept the images.”
In addition to filing her complaint, Nchama has demanded reparations from Engonga for the damage caused to her reputation and personal dignity.
Following the scandal, the government dismissed Engonga from his position at ANIF on Thursday.
Officials also announced the suspension of various public officials allegedly involved in sexual activities within government offices.
Baltasar Engonga: I dated him for four years, lady says, sues for betrayal
Africa
Baltasar Engonga: Equatorial Guinea appoints new anti-graft agency boss
Baltasar Engonga: Equatorial Guinea appoints new anti-graft agency boss
Equatorial Guinea’s President, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, has appointed Zenón Obiang Obiang Avomo as the new Director General of the National Agency for Financial Investigation (ANIF), succeeding Baltasar Ebang Engonga, who was removed amid sex scandal.
Recall that Engonga was dismissed following accusations of “irregularities committed in the exercise of his functions,” along with inappropriate family and social behavior unfit for public office, as stated in Decree No. 118/2024, dated November 4.
The investigation uncovered over 400 video recordings in Engonga’s office, reportedly involving the wives and relatives of high-ranking officials, including ministers and police officers.
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The shocking discovery triggered widespread public outrage and prompted swift action by the government.
In response, the Equatorial Guinean government has mandated the installation of surveillance cameras across all state offices, aiming to monitor officials’ conduct and deter future misconduct.
Zenón Obiang Obiang Avomo, who steps into the role at ANIF is a graduate of the National University of Equatorial Guinea, Avomo and has held key positions, including Magistrate Judge in Malabo, Director General of Contract Studies and State Markets at the Ministry of Finance, and Secretary General for both the Ministry of Finance, Economy and Planning, and the Ministry of Mines, Industry, and Energy.
Baltasar Engonga: Equatorial Guinea appoints new anti-graft agency boss
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