AFRICA DYNAMITE 🌍

Botswana, a country that had been under the same political party's rule for 58 years, has just experienced a historic change. The opposition coalition, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), has managed to unseat the long-standing Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). President Mokgweetsi Masisi conceded defeat as the BDP fell to fourth place in parliamentary representation. This power shift is a clear sign that voters were unhappy with how the government handled economic issues, especially the stagnation caused by the decline in the diamond trade. Now, let's take a look at Cameroon, which is gearing up for its own elections in 2025. President Paul Biya has been in power for over 41 years, and the recent events in Botswana offer some valuable lessons for long-serving governments like Cameroon's. First, economic management is crucial. The BDP's downfall was largely due to economic stagnation and a lack of job opportunities. Similarly, Cameroon has faced significant economi

Cameroonian musician  Longue Longue  has bravely opened up about a traumatic chapter in his life, sharing a deeply moving video that recounts his experience of torture at the hands of state security forces during an unlawful arrest in  2019 .  Released on  October 23, 2024 , the video takes us through the harrowing details of his time in detention at the Sawa Hotel in Douala. Longue Longue's suffering stemmed from his outspoken belief that  Maurice Kamto  was the rightful winner of the  2018 presidential election —a stance that came at a devastating personal cost. Longue Longue's story is not merely an isolated incident; it shines a light on a heart-wrenching pattern of human rights violations faced by many in Cameroon. Countless journalists and activists have found themselves in similar positions, enduring illegal arrests and horrific treatment. Tragically, for some, this brutal reality has led to loss of life. The silence from the government regarding these abuses only deepen

In a surprising move, Cameroon's Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Njei, has issued a ban on all media outlets from discussing the health of President Paul Biya. This decision comes at a time when many are deeply concerned about the president's well-being, especially since he has not been seen in public for over a month. Given that President Biya is 91 years old, this absence has sparked a flurry of rumors and speculation, including unverified claims about his health and even his death. This ban has raised serious eyebrows and has been widely criticized as a major violation of press freedom and the public's right to know. By labeling discussions about the president's health as a matter of "national security," the government is effectively stifling any public conversation on an issue that is crucial to the nation's leadership and stability. This action fits into a troubling pattern of suppressing free speech in Cameroon, where media outlet

The United Kingdom has recently made a significant announcement: it will hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. This decision comes after a long and complicated history involving legal battles and diplomatic negotiations.  The UK originally separated the islands from Mauritius back in 1965, just before Mauritius gained its independence in 1968, which has led to ongoing disputes over the rightful ownership of the territory. The UK has faced considerable backlash for its actions regarding the Chagos Islands. Many believe that the separation was done unlawfully. In fact, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that this separation was illegal, and the United Nations has called for the islands to be returned to Mauritius. This handover is seen as a step towards addressing these historical grievances. While the sovereignty of the islands will be transferred, there’s a catch. The Diego Garcia military base, which is vital for U.S. military operations, will continue to operate unde

In a heartfelt address at the United Nations, President Joe Biden shared a crucial message with African leaders about the dangers of holding onto power for too long. He emphasized that “some things are more important than staying in power,” encouraging leaders to reflect on how their decisions impact their nations and the continent.  Biden's words resonate deeply, reminding us that true leadership should focus on the well-being of the people rather than personal ambition. This call for democratic governance highlights the need for leaders to prioritize their countries' futures. Unfortunately, there are several leaders in Africa who have clung to power for extended periods, often leading to serious challenges for their nations. Here are a few examples that illustrate the consequences of such prolonged leadership: 1. Paul Biya (Cameroon): Having been in power since 1982, Biya's lengthy rule has been marred by accusations of corruption and human rights violations. His governme

On  September 24, 2024 , the arrest of  Lucas Ayaba Cho , a well-known leader in the Cameroonian separatist movement, sent ripples through both local and international communities. Detained in Norway, Ayaba's arrest is tied to serious allegations regarding his involvement in the ongoing armed conflict in Cameroon, particularly accusations of inciting crimes against humanity. This incident has not only raised eyebrows but also ignited discussions about the complexities of leadership in conflict zones. Lucas Ayaba Cho is a pivotal figure in the  Anglophone separatist movement  in Cameroon, which has been embroiled in conflict since 2016. This struggle has resulted in the tragic loss of over  6,000 lives , highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis in the region. Ayaba has been accused of orchestrating violent actions, including a  terrorist attack in Ekondo Titi  in March 2022 that claimed multiple lives. His vocal presence on social media has made him a controversial figure, as he pa

The letter addressed to the Rt. Rev. Dr. Samuel Fonki, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC), is a formal yet pointed communication from the Very Rev. Dr. Festus A. Asana, a former Moderator of the Presbyterian church in Cameroon.  It serves as a cautionary message regarding the current state of the church and the leadership style of the current Moderator.  The letter opens with a biblical quote emphasizing the importance of heeding instruction and the consequences of rejecting guidance. This sets a serious tone, indicating that the Dr Festus A Asana is deeply concerned about the direction of the PCC under Dr. Fonki's leadership. Dr. Asana expresses disappointment in Dr. Fonki's leadership, noting that initial commendations have turned into criticism over time. He highlights a perceived defensiveness from Dr. Fonki when receiving advice, suggesting a lack of openness to constructive feedback. The letter raises serious allegations regarding the upcoming election