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Showing posts from February, 2025

CAMEROON: Ghost Towns and Ghost Votes: The Reality of Elections in Anglophone Cameroon

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The violence in the Anglophone regions has been marked by systematic abuses by both government forces and separatist groups. Reports from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch document killings, disappearances, and other human rights violations committed by the Cameroonian military during counter-insurgency operations.  These actions have led to mass displacement, with many residents fleeing their homes to escape the violence. The displacement of civilians has created a significant barrier to electoral participation. Many of those who have fled the conflict zones are unable to return to their communities to vote, and the ongoing insecurity discourages others from attempting to exercise their democratic rights. The Cameroonian government has been accused of exploiting the crisis to manipulate electoral outcomes in the Anglophone regions. During the 2018 presidential election, separatist groups declared "ghost towns," effectively shutting down public life on election day...

CAMEROON. The Struggles of Cameroonian Voters Before the 2025 Elections

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As the 2025 presidential election in Cameroon approaches, many citizens are grappling with confusion, disinterest, and significant barriers to participation. These challenges are compounded by political, social, and security issues that threaten the integrity of the electoral process. The ruling party, led by President Paul Biya, has been accused of creating an environment that discourages voter participation. Many Cameroonians believe the elections are predetermined, with allegations of potential rigging further fueling distrust in the process. This perception has led to widespread voter apathy, with only about 20% of eligible voters registering so far. The electoral commission in Cameroon,  appointed directly by the president , has been widely criticized for its lack of independence and transparency. For years, it has been accused of corruption and favoring the ruling party, further eroding public trust in the fairness of elections. This distrust has deepened disinterest among vo...

Donald Trump Freezes Aid To South Africa Over Land Law.

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President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order to freeze U.S. financial assistance to South Africa. This decision was primarily motivated by South Africa's controversial land expropriation law, which allows the government to seize farmland without compensation. The law aims to address historical injustices from the apartheid era but has been criticized by Trump and others as discriminatory against the country's white minority, particularly Afrikaner farmers. The Trump administration considers the South Africa land law to be unjust, arguing that it discriminates against white farmers and infringes on their property rights. This legislation has been a central point of contention in the decision to halt aid. Another concern highlighted by Trump is the issue of human rights. He has expressed alarm over reports of violent attacks on white farmers in South Africa. Additionally, Trump has linked the aid freeze to South Africa's broader policies, including its stance on ...

Cameroon on the Brink: Stagnation, Corruption, and the Uncertain Future Under Paul Biya

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Cameroon has been under the leadership of President Paul Biya since 1982, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the  The current trajectory suggests that the worst may indeed be yet to come for Cameroon. The combination of an aging leader, a corrupt and unaccountable government, and a disillusioned populace creates a volatile mix. Without significant political reform or a change in leadership, the country risks further decline, both politically and economically. As the 2025 election approaches, the stakes are high. Cameroonians are calling for change, but whether the ruling party will heed these calls remains uncertain. For now, the nation appears trapped in a cycle of stagnation, with little hope for immediate improvement. . At 92 years old, Biya is reportedly preparing to run for another seven-year term in the 2025 presidential election. This decision has sparked widespread criticism and concern among Cameroonians, as Biya is rarely seen in public and is perceived as b...