The Herald Tribune

24/07/2025

*Building Healthier Communities: RADA Trains Youth, Civil Society in the Fight Against Unhealthy Diets in Cameroon*

By Neba Jerome Ambe

As Cameroon grapples with the growing health threat posed by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), a new movement is taking shape, one grounded in evidence, community engagement, and a vision for healthier futures. The Reconciliation and Development Association (RADA), a leading civil society organization at the forefront of food policy advocacy, is charting a new course for public health through a powerful grassroots initiative: training community health educators to combat unhealthy diets and champion health tax policies.

From July 17 to 19, 2025, RADA convened a groundbreaking three-day training at the CBC Mvan Resource Centre in Yaoundé. The event brought together 20 youth health educators from across Cameroon’s ten regions and five civil society organizations under the Coalition for the Promotion of Healthy Diets in Cameroon. This intervention is part of a broader campaign to advocate for fiscal policies, including a proposed tax on sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods, that promote healthier consumption patterns and reduce the country’s rising NCD burden.

*A Growing Crisis Meets a Bold Solution*

Cameroon, like many low- and middle-income countries, faces a surge in diet-related illnesses. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs were responsible for an estimated 74,000 deaths in 2016, making up 35% of all deaths among individuals over the age of 50, with a 21.6% chance of dying from a major NCD before age 70. The primary driver? Poor dietary habits, spurred by rapid urbanization, increased consumption of processed foods, and limited nutrition education.

Rather than focusing solely on the problem, RADA’s training offered a solution-oriented approach, rooted in capacity building, community action, and policy reform.

*Training the Next Generation of Nutrition Advocates*

The training was designed to equip participants with technical knowledge and practical tools for community sensitization, health promotion, and policy advocacy. The curriculum featured six core modules, delivered by renowned public health experts, economists, and advocacy specialists:

Health Economic Analysis of a tax on sweetened beverages and processed food, Policy Landscape Mapping and current dietary trends in Cameroon, Community Baseline Knowledge and Attitudes on food taxation, The Power of Nutrition and disease prevention, Behaviour Change Communication for community sensitization, Field Planning and Effective Reporting for grassroots engagement.

Throughout the training, participants engaged in hands-on sessions, case studies, and practical roleplays designed to strengthen their public speaking skills, improve message delivery, and foster localized solutions.

*Evidence at the Core of Advocacy*

In his session on health economics, Professor Ndamsa Dickson outlined compelling evidence from countries like South Africa and Ghana where fiscal policies,particularly taxes on sugary beverages,have reduced consumption and spurred healthier product reformulation. "We are not fighting companies," he said. "We are calling on them to reformulate and contribute to public health.”

Policy analyst Ferdinant Sonyuy detailed how Cameroon’s soft drink consumption stood at 1.2 billion litres in 2023, roughly 20 litres per person, and presented a timeline of excise duty adjustments from 2010 to 2024. His research also revealed that 94% of Cameroonians would support a tax on unhealthy foods if revenue was redirected to health improvement efforts.

These findings not only underscore the urgency of policy reform, but also reflect broad public readiness for change, a vital component for any systemic intervention.

*Nutrition as Empowerment*

Day two of the training focused on deepening participants’ understanding of healthy eating and its link to disease prevention. Dr. Sirri Akwen, a public health expert and pharmacist, delivered a session on the science of nutrition, highlighting how malnutrition, both under- and over-nutrition, fuels diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine thy food,” she reminded participants, quoting Hippocrates.

Dr. Akwen provided practical strategies for promoting affordable and accessible nutrition, such as prioritizing seasonal produce, establishing home gardens, and adopting simple meal preparation techniques.

*From Knowledge to Action*

The final day of the workshop emphasized practical application and community engagement. Participants were introduced to RADA’s suite of campaign materials, brochures, posters, infographics, t-shirts, and reporting templates, and were trained on how to adapt these resources to their local contexts. Each educator received at least 600 brochures and 47 posters to kickstart their outreach activities.

In a powerful closing exercise, each participant delivered a mock community health talk, tailored to their specific region and audience. Trainers offered personalized feedback to enhance clarity, confidence, and effectiveness.

Facilitator Ms. Marlen Wango reminded participants of the importance of planning and accountability. “A work plan gives direction. Reporting shows impact. Preparation ensures transformation.”

*Scaling Solutions, One Community at a Time*

With the training now concluded, the 20 youth health educators and five CSO representatives return to their communities not just with materials, but with a mission, to shift public perception, influence policy, and save lives. Through their work, RADA hopes to see increased public support for the adoption of a specific health tax on sugary and ultra-processed foods, and ultimately, healthier food environments across Cameroon.

This initiative exemplifies solution journalism in action: spotlighting a pressing public health issue, presenting an evidence-based solution, and showcasing how empowered citizens can be agents of systemic change. It is a reminder that when youth, civil society, and science come together, even the most complex challenges can be addressed with courage, clarity, and community.
United Nations Development Programme - UNDP
Kongossa Bar
Ruth Wachong
CAMASEJ National
MTN Cameroun
CAMASEJ DOUALA CHAPTER-Cameroon Association of English Speaking Journalists
MTN Cameroon
Mimi Mefo Info

16/07/2025

Putting People at the Centre: NW Governor Rallies Citizens for Peace, Development

By Neba Jerome Ambe

In a region striving to overcome years of instability, the Governor of the North West, Adolph Lele Lafrique, has placed renewed focus on the power of citizen involvement in shaping a peaceful and prosperous future.

Speaking during the opening of the June 2025 Ordinary Session of the North West Regional Assembly on Monday, July 14, Governor Lele Lafrique called on all stakeholders, citizens, regional councillors, and community leaders to actively participate in ongoing peacebuilding and development efforts.

The session, which set the stage for the orientation of the 2026 regional budget, focused on identifying projects that will address both the immediate needs of communities and the long-term goals of regional transformation.

“Local development cannot be dictated from the top. It must reflect the voices, hopes, and efforts of the people it is meant to serve,” the governor stated in his keynote address.

He challenged elected councillors to ensure that their deliberations and proposals are grounded in the realities of their communities, noting that peace and progress can only be achieved through inclusive and transparent decision-making.

Governor Lele Lafrique lauded the Regional Assembly for pioneering the first-ever North West Economic Forum, an initiative that brought together public officials, private investors, and civil society actors to collectively chart a new path for the region’s economic recovery.

The forum, he noted, is already yielding results by promoting collaboration and restoring investor confidence, critical elements in the region's broader efforts toward stabilization and growth. “The government views the Assembly not just as a legislative body but as a strategic partner in reshaping the narrative of the North West,” he emphasized.

With the presidential elections scheduled for October 12, the governor appealed to the population to participate fully in the democratic process. “Our region must not stand aside. This election is a national opportunity, and we must show our resilience by turning out and voting freely,” he said.

He used the occasion to address lingering security concerns, highlighting the role of citizen collaboration with security forces. Encouraging a community-based approach to safety, he emphasized the principle of proactive vigilance: “If you see something, say something.”

Governor Lele Lafrique’s remarks signal a shift toward solution-focused governance, where challenges are met not only with policy but with participatory action and shared responsibility.

His message was clear: the journey to lasting peace and meaningful development begins with the people, and with the institutions that truly represent them.

In the words of a regional councillor present at the session, “This is no longer about waiting for change; it is about becoming the change.”

13/07/2025

*Governor Lele Lafrique Commends Regional Assembly President for Spearheading North West Renaissance*

By Neba Jerome Ambe

As the North West Region takes bold steps toward economic recovery and long-term renewal, Governor Adolph Lele Lafrique, representing the Head of State, has praised Professor Fru Fobuzshi Angwafo III, President of the North West Regional Assembly, for his visionary leadership and tireless commitment to peace and development.

Speaking during the official opening of the maiden North West Economic Forum (NWEF) in Bamenda, the Governor lauded the regional assembly’s innovative initiatives in repositioning the region from a landscape marked by crisis to one of resilience and renaissance.

“This forum comes at a crucial moment, when the North West is steadily turning the page from crisis and moving confidently toward stability and growth,” said Governor Lele Lafrique.

Held under the theme, “From Resilience to Renaissance: Strategies for the Economic Transformation of the North West Region,” the forum has drawn policymakers, investors, and community leaders from across Cameroon and the diaspora. It serves as a platform for forging partnerships, designing local solutions, and mobilizing investment to accelerate regional recovery.

*From Vision to Action: Regional Leadership Recognized*

Governor Lele Lafrique singled out the accomplishments of the North West Regional Assembly under Professor Angwafo, calling its achievements in peacebuilding, development outreach, and economic planning “mind-blowing.”

Through a series of peace and development initiatives, Prof. Angwafo has catalyzed a new narrative for the region, one that centers on community resilience, local ownership, and strategic investment. The Governor applauded these efforts as crucial in restoring public confidence and setting the stage for economic transformation.

“This forum is not just symbolic. It is a space for shaping the next chapter of the North West. Let us use it to draw a roadmap for revival, built not on aid but on vision, investment, and unity,” he urged.

*Launch of Regional Investment Fund Signals New Economic Direction*

A major highlight of the forum is the official launch of the North West Development and Investment Fund (NOWEDIF), a community-driven financing mechanism aimed at raising capital for infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and value chain development in key sectors.

Governor Lele Lafrique encouraged sons and daughters of the region, both at home and abroad,to support the fund by contributing donations or subscribing to shares. “Let this be a collective legacy. When we fund our own future, we are no longer waiting for change, we are creating it,” he emphasized.

The fund is expected to play a pivotal role in transforming the region’s economic base, attracting public-private partnerships, and reinforcing local entrepreneurship, particularly among youth and returning diaspora professionals.

*Infrastructure as a Cornerstone of Sustainable Growth*

Acknowledging infrastructure as a catalyst for economic development, Governor Lele Lafrique reiterated the government’s commitment to improving road networks across the North West. He referenced recent assurances made by Prime Minister Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute during his last visit to Bamenda, in which the Head of Government pledged urgent action on road rehabilitation.

“Real development cannot happen in isolation from infrastructure. With improved roads, access to markets, services, and opportunities becomes a reality,” the Governor noted.

*A Region Reclaiming Its Future*

The North West Economic Forum marks a new era in regional self-determination. It is both a symbol of resilience and a laboratory for solutions, where local institutions and community actors are taking charge of the recovery process.

As the forum continues, participants are expected to formalize economic partnerships, unveil investment pledges, and chart a shared vision for inclusive, sustainable growth.

“Let this forum be remembered not for the challenges we inherited, but for the choices we made. The North West is not broken, it is rebuilding. And it is doing so on its own terms,” Governor Lele Lafrique concluded.

13/07/2025

*North West Economic Forum Champions Local Solutions for Post-Conflict Renewal*

By Neba Jerome Ambe

With a bold call to action, “No one will build the North West but us”, the President of the North West Regional Assembly, Professor Fru Angwafor III, officially opened the inaugural North West Economic Forum (NWEF) in Bamenda Saturday July 12, 2025. The event, hailed as a turning point in the region’s quest for renewal, is more than a conference; it is a declaration of intent to reclaim economic agency in the face of adversity.

Organised by the North West Development and Investment Fund (NOWEDIF) and the North West Digital Association (NOWEDA), the forum brings together government officials, business leaders, diaspora innovators, development partners, and grassroots actors under one unifying theme: action over aid.

“We are not here to seek permission. We are here to act,” declared Prof. Angwafor. “The blossoming of the North West is not the business of foreign donors. It is our business, our legacy, our mark on history.”

The two-day forum, held under the patronage of President Paul Biya, builds on the government’s decentralisation policy, giving regional actors the tools and legitimacy to drive bottom-up development. Yet, its central focus remains squarely on homegrown solutions and community-powered resilience.

*A Post-Conflict Vision Rooted in Collective Ownership*

More than eight years into a socio-political crisis that has stifled economic activity and displaced thousands, the North West is now looking inward for renewal. Prof. Angwafor’s keynote was a rallying cry steeped in indigenous wisdom and civic duty.

Drawing on the African philosophy of Ubuntu and speaking in local pidgin, "You na mi, mi na you, wi be wi", he urged communities to embrace mutual responsibility and reject dependency mindsets.

“If we do not build, we will borrow. If we do not act, we will beg. If we do not invest in ourselves, we will become tenants in the house of our ancestors,” he warned.

The Regional Assembly has laid out a four-pillar strategy aimed at catalyzing sustainable economic growth: Grassroots financing and community-led investment,
Value chain development in agriculture and livestock, Formalization of under-regulated sectors like cocoa, and
Digital entrepreneurship for youth empowerment.

A flagship initiative under NOWEDIF will mentor and fund youth-led startups, leveraging technology to create opportunities even for those with limited formal education.

“Post-crisis recovery cannot be built on outdated methods,” said Prof. Angwafor. “Through digital innovation, our youth,, both literate and illiterate, can reclaim their dignity and direction.”

*From Diaspora to Development Catalysts*

In a move symbolising the region’s open-arms approach to co-creation, the forum welcomed North Westerners from the diaspora, including internationally recognized entrepreneurs and tech leaders. Their involvement is not only symbolic but strategic—returning as mentors, investors, and bridge-builders.

“Our diaspora is not a loss; it is a latent asset. Their return, physically or through investment, can transform this region faster than any aid package,” Prof. Angwafor noted.

He encouraged local communities to subscribe to shares in NOWEDIF, positioning community ownership as the key to unlocking larger pools of national and international capital.

*Rebuilding Trust, Restoring Peace*

While the forum celebrates economic innovation, it is equally anchored in reconciliation and inclusive growth. Social cohesion projects were highlighted as living examples of how business and peace can co-exist.

In his welcome address, Prof. Angwafor acknowledged development partners such as the UNDP but emphasised that external support must align with locally defined priorities, not dictate them.

“True sustainability comes when every person counts and is counted. Let this forum be remembered not for speeches but for signatures; not for policy talk but for business action.”

*A Regional Renaissance in Motion*

As the forum continues through Sunday, participants are expected to sign investment agreements and unveil development partnerships spanning agriculture, tech, and cooperative banking. The expected outcomes include job creation, regional value retention, and a reduction in economic migration.

In closing, Prof. Angwafor reaffirmed the region’s resolve: “The world does not owe us relevance. We must seize it, for the dignity of self-reliance, the prosperity of generational planning, and the power of regional ownership. These are within reach.”

13/07/2025

*Restoring Hope Through Security: New BIR Camp Reignites Education, Economic Activity in Bali Nyonga*

By Neba Jerome Ambe

In a community once ravaged by violence, fear, and institutional collapse, signs of recovery are emerging and at the heart of this transformation is a newly constructed military installation. On July 8, 2025, a state-of-the-art base for the Bataillon d’Intervention Rapide (BIR), Cameroon’s elite security force, was officially inaugurated in Bali Nyonga, Northwest Region.

The project, completed in just nine months, includes a dormitory, control unit, refectory, kitchen, and administrative offices. According to local authorities, the base is more than a military outpost, it is a turning point in Bali’s path to stability, education revival, and community resilience. Items were handed to the population through the authorities.

*From Destruction to Deterrence*

Presiding over the inauguration, the Divisional Officer (DO) of Bali, Dolingo Dion, painted a stark contrast between past chaos and present calm.

“In 2021, the BIR left a school they were protecting. That very day, it was burned down. In 2022, their departure from the court area led to the torching of the treasury, court, and nearby institutions,” he recounted.

“Since the BIR returned in late 2022, not a single public structure has been destroyed. Schools have reopened, children wrote official exams this year — something unimaginable just a few years ago,” he added.

*Security as a Foundation for Growth*

Beyond safety, the BIR presence has triggered a ripple effect on local commerce. Once empty markets and shuttered businesses are now coming back to life.

“There was a time people would avoid public invitations due to fear. Today, even the military camp receives visitors,” DO Dion noted. “Security has unlocked community engagement, restored trust, and reopened economic channels.”

He also called on Colonel Pelene François, General Coordinator of the BIR, to further strengthen the camp with additional personnel and logistics, to meet the growing needs of the area.

*Community Partnership as a Model*

The success of the project, local leaders say, is rooted in collaboration between the military and civilians. Mayor Wadum Ernest of Bali described the camp as a product of collective effort driven by hardship and hope.

“Our people have endured years of suffering from armed separatists. This project shows what unity can achieve. We are committed to partnering with the forces to completely eliminate the remaining threats hiding in the bushes,” the mayor declared.

Colonel François echoed these sentiments, describing the base not just as a military installation, but as a shared space with the community. “This camp belongs to the people of Bali. The progress we’re seeing today is due to your cooperation. Together, we must now tackle issues like kidnapping and theft,” he said.

He urged local youth involved in illicit activities to surrender, emphasizing the importance of a safe environment where all children can return to school.

*A Symbol of Civic Resilience*

A representative of the Fon of Bali Nyonga, who attended the ceremony, called the BIR’s efforts an “eye-opener,” showcasing the role of security forces not just as protectors, but as partners in peacebuilding. “Let’s stand by them to ensure lasting peace,” he urged.

*The Bigger Picture: BIR’s Role in National Security*

The Bataillon d’Intervention Rapide (BIR) is an elite unit of Cameroon’s military, specializing in counter-terrorism and rapid response. From battling Boko Haram in the Far North to addressing insurgencies in the Anglophone regions, the BIR plays a critical role in stabilizing volatile zones across the country.

With intensive training and advanced equipment, the BIR’s redeployment in Bali is viewed as part of a broader national strategy to restore state authority and rebuild trust in government institutions.

* A Replicable Approach to Stability*

The Bali model offers valuable insights: when security efforts are grounded in community partnership, backed by civic leadership, and oriented toward protecting education and livelihoods, recovery is not only possible, it’s sustainable.

For other conflict-affected areas in Cameroon and beyond, Bali stands as a compelling case of how rebuilding trust through security and collaboration can unlock long-term peace and development.

Photo credit. Mbuh Stella

09/07/2025

*Mbengwi Hosts Second Edition of Meta Unity Sports Tournament: A Grassroots Drive for Peace and Development*

By Neba Jerome Ambe

The second edition of the Meta Unity and Sports Tournament, a community-driven initiative aimed at promoting peace, unity, and youth engagement in Mbengwi, was officially launched on Saturday, July 5, 2025.

Organized under the banner of the Ndangoh Calvin Foundation, the tournament is the brainchild of Barrister Ndangoh Tah Calvin, a prominent legal practitioner and native of the Meta clan. Building on the success of the inaugural edition in 2024, this year’s event promises greater participation and expanded impact, with a budget of 2 million FCFA dedicated to fostering community cohesion through sport.

“Football is a unifying factor,” Barrister Ndangoh told the press at the launch. “This tournament is my humble contribution toward promoting peace, development, and prosperity in Meta. Last year’s edition showed the potential of sports to bring people together, and I felt compelled to continue.”

Beyond entertainment, the tournament serves as a platform for peacebuilding, especially in a region facing socio-political challenges. Barrister Ndangoh expressed hope that the various villages of the Meta clan would embrace the competition as a collective moment for reconciliation, dialogue, and forward-looking development.

The tournament also seeks to empower young people by keeping them engaged in productive activities. Ndangoh used the opportunity to encourage other elites and stakeholders of Momo Division to emulate the initiative.

“The more opportunities our youth have to play and participate, the more we keep them away from deviant behaviors. Sport builds discipline, teamwork, and hope,” he said.

*Expansion of Sporting Disciplines*

This year’s edition introduces new events, including girls’ football, boys’ handball, and a cross-country race, reflecting a deliberate effort to be inclusive and broaden the appeal of the games.

09/07/2025

*Restoring Dignity Through Faith: Apostle Emmanuel Collins Empowers Bike Riders and Taxi Drivers in Bamenda*

By Neba Jerome Ambe

In a city grappling with economic hardship and ongoing insecurity, a Faith leader is quietly transforming lives, one act of kindness at a time. On Sunday, July 6, 2025, Apostle Emmanuel Collins of Kingdom Life Bible Church International once again mobilized his church’s resources to support some of Bamenda’s most overlooked frontline workers: bike riders and taxi drivers. The initiative, part of the church’s year-long “Operation Save the Lost” campaign, provided both spiritual nourishment and much-needed material assistance to several transport workers.

Unlike the previous edition, which was held on the streets, this year’s event brought the drivers into the church hall, turning the sanctuary into a space not only for prayer but for healing, solidarity, and practical support. Each participant received five liters of fuel and five bars of soap after a powerful message of hope and resilience based on Luke 19:10.

“It is a message from God since last year that I should focus on bike riders and taxi men,” Apostle Collins explained. “This is not about gaining popularity or material reward. It is about the Kingdom of God and serving those who keep our city moving despite daily challenges.”

Nde Tse, President of the Alabukam Bike Riders’ Association, expressed gratitude on behalf of his colleagues.
“This is the second time I’m benefitting from Apostle Collins. We’re not only receiving fuel and soap; we are receiving dignity. I encourage my fellow riders to continue responding to this call.”

For many, the gesture goes far beyond the value of the goods distributed. In a context where transport workers often face social stigma, harassment, and limited access to basic services, the campaign offers them a rare moment of recognition and support.

Community leaders have also taken note. The quarter head of Alakuma, where the church is located, hail

02/07/2025

Take a read about PM Dion Ngute visit to Bamenda towards the 7th PPRD Steering Committee Session, Launch Intra-Urban Road Works in Bamenda

*Yaoundé, 30th June 2025 The Prime Minister, Head of Government, His Excellency Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute, will be in *Bamenda* this week as *Special Guest* at the *7th Session of the Steering Committee of the Presidential Plan for the Reconstruction and Development of the North West and South West Regions (PPRD-NW/SW)*.

This strategic session is scheduled for *Friday, 4th July 2025*, at the *Bamenda Congress Hall*, and will bring together *government officials, local administrative authorities, civil society leaders, religious figures, development partners*, and *media representatives*.

This marks the *Prime Minister’s third official visit* to the North West Region since taking office in 2019. His last mission to Bamenda, on *6th October 2021*, was highlighted by a major public rally at Commercial Avenue, where he outlined bold commitments to rebuild trust, improve infrastructure, and foster inclusive development in the region.

Key Highlights of the Visit

✅ *Foundation Stone for Intra-Urban Road Works*

A major highlight of the visit will be the *laying of the foundation stone* for the macadamisation of the Bamenda intra-urban road networks, a crucial step toward improving urban connectivity and easing mobility for residents and businesses.

✅ *Review of Ongoing Infrastructure Commitments*

The Prime Minister will also assess progress on several flagship projects including:

* The *365-kilometre Bamenda Ring Road*, particularly the *Kumbo–Nkambe stretch* currently under construction.
* The rehabilitation of Bamenda's intra-urban roads*, with secured funding and active compensation to affected property owners.

✅ *Inspection of PPRD Realised Projects*

PM Dion Ngute will visit multiple completed or ongoing initiatives under the PPRD framework.
Some of the projects realized include:

* *Education Infrastructure*

- Catholic Prim

29/06/2025