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Daily Echoes, Rome (2025)

21/11/2025

Rising Visa Scams in Cameroon: When Travel Agents Betray Trust

There is a growing and deeply troubling trend in Cameroon. Travel agencies promising visas to hopeful migrants are instead disappearing with their clients money. Many Cameroonians who dream of finding better opportunities abroad are falling victim to this wave of fraud, and the consequences are both financial and emotional.

Recent cases show how serious the situation has become. In one major scandal, a network led by a man named Sidieboeun Steve Césaire used several travel agencies including CYV Travel in Yaounde to collect between two million and two point five million CFA francs from each client. They promised work contracts and visa appointments that never existed. Authorities estimate the fraud exceeded forty million CFA francs.

Another case involves a visa agent named Thomas Ngang, based in Nigeria but targeting Cameroonians. Reports say he collected more than ten million CFA francs from a man in Cameroon after promising a visa and flight for his brother. Investigations revealed he issued fake bank statements, fake flight tickets and fake visa documents.

There is also the case of Leticia Fotio, a promoter on TikTok accused of collecting money from dozens of clients by offering work visas to Switzerland, Canada and Germany. According to victims, she disappeared after receiving millions of CFA francs through convincing videos and counterfeit contracts. She has now been arrested.

In another scheme, a man known as Sense Tchieungue Christian posed as an immigration official in Douala. He allegedly scammed more than fifty Cameroonians out of millions of CFA by pretending he was processing their immigration to Canada. He later vanished without providing any service.

These fraud cases reveal a dangerous lack of regulation. Even legitimate service providers warn against intermediaries. TLScontact, which handles French visa applications, states clearly that appointments must be booked only on its official website and warns that third party agents often sell fraudulent services.

What can be done to stop this growing problem?

First, authorities must strengthen the regulation and monitoring of travel agencies. Licensing, inspections and regular audits can help eliminate fake agencies. Secondly, more public education is needed. Many victims are young people who are easily convinced by travel promises on TikTok, WhatsApp and Facebook. Government and civil society should teach the public how to recognize visa scams and verify agencies.

Also, legal consequences must be stronger. Victims need simple and safe ways to report fraud. Law enforcement should handle these cases quickly and seriously to discourage scammers. Lastly, trusted visa support centers or government backed guidance services could offer safe and reliable information for people who want to travel legally.

The stakes are high. When travel agents steal from people who are trying to build a better life, it is not just money that disappears. It is hope.

What do you think should be done to stop visa fraud in Cameroon?

Daily Echoes

20/11/2025

Just In

Chief Moja Moja of Bwassa Village has reportedly been released from custody.

The traditional ruler, who also serves as an infantry soldier in the South West Region, is widely known for his outspoken stance and strong resistance against separatist movements in Fako.

Further details surrounding his release remain limited, and official statements are still expected.

More updates to follow

Source: T.F.Y News

20/11/2025

Will ENEO Become the Next Victim of Government Mismanagement?

Cameroon’s government has taken full control of ENEO after buying out Actis’s majority stake, instantly placing the country’s electricity distributor under complete state ownership. While the move is presented as a strategic reclaiming of national assets, it raises troubling questions given the government’s poor record in managing public enterprises.

For decades, many state-run institutions in Cameroon have collapsed under mismanagement, political interference, corruption and a lack of accountability. From water utilities to transport companies and agricultural corporations, the pattern has been the same. Promises of reform are made, money is injected, yet the situation worsens. Consumers end up paying the price through higher costs and poorer services.

Already weighed down by massive debt and aging infrastructure, ENEO may be headed for even deeper trouble under full state control. As of the end of 2024, ENEO’s total debt was around 800 billion CFA francs, including approximately 500 billion owed to suppliers and 80 billion in outstanding receivables. In 2022, its debt was already reported at roughly 700 billion, with 336 billion owed to public entities like Sonatrel, EDC, Sonara, SNH-Tradex, and Arsel.

Part of the problem lies in the government’s own behavior. ENEO claims the state and public institutions owe it 186 billion CFA in unpaid electricity bills. This is the same government that is now about to assume full ownership. Critics argue that will only blur the lines of accountability even further.

There is also grave concern that political priorities could override technical necessities. Without strong governance reforms, investment could be delayed, corruption could grow, and critical changes might be pushed aside to protect short-term interests. Many fear that Cameroon’s fragile electricity sector could weaken even more, triggering more blackouts, slower economic growth, and increasing frustration for millions of consumers.

Some supporters argue that nationalization allows for better long-term planning and alignment with national energy goals. But without real institutional reform, this optimism may be misplaced. History shows that state ownership alone has often failed to resolve Cameroon’s deep-seated management problems.

This takeover may be hailed by some as a bold move, but for many others it is a warning sign. Do you believe government control will fix ENEO, or is this the beginning of an even deeper electricity crisis?

Daily Echoes

19/11/2025

Should the Papal Visit to Cameroon Be Postponed? The Church’s Role in a Crisis

As the Pope’s planned visit to Cameroon draws near, many are raising serious questions. The country is still reeling from a disputed October election and a violent crackdown on protesters. Given the Catholic Church’s long history of speaking out on justice and peace, some argue that the visit should be delayed. They believe the Church could play a more active role rather than simply offering prayers.

The Vatican is reportedly aware of the risks. Political tension and security concerns make the timing sensitive. If the trip goes ahead, the Pope’s presence would carry powerful moral weight in a nation where the Church remains deeply respected.

In the current moment, the Cameroonian Catholic Church has an opportunity to push for accountability. Church leaders have often called for reconciliation, respect for human dignity and genuine dialogue. The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop José Avelino Bettencourt, has already urged believers to be agents of hope and peace amid this post electoral crisis.

Another prominent voice is Archbishop Samuel Kleda, who has made repeated public outings in defense of the poor and voiceless. In the past, Archbishop Kleda has criticized abuses of power and called for greater social justice. His moral authority gives weight to the call for truth and reform in times of national upheaval.

Some point to the example of the Catholic Church in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where bishops have not only mediated but also mobilized people for political change. In 2017, church-backed civic groups led peaceful protests demanding free and fair elections. In earlier decades, in 1991, Congolese bishops played a central role in a national conference that helped guide the country toward democratic reform.

Could Cameroonian bishops do the same? A public and unified declaration from church leaders could pressure the government to allow an independent review of the election, investigate abuses, and protect human rights. Through its network of parishes, the Church can provide a space for peaceful civic participation and support victims of violence.

Thanks to a 2014 framework agreement, the Vatican and Cameroon have formal diplomatic relations, and the Church is recognized legally as an institution that serves the public good. This gives the Church both a moral voice and a legal base to act in meaningful ways.

If the Pope’s visit proceeds, it could be more than a symbolic pilgrimage. He could call for justice, peace, and national reconciliation. The Church could unite Cameroonians across divides and remind them that faith demands action when human dignity is at stake.

At this critical moment, the Church may be one of the few institutions able to bridge deep fractures. Its role could turn out to be decisive not only as a spiritual guide but as a powerful force for peaceful change.

Daily Echoes

19/11/2025

Moroccan and PSG footballer Achraf Hakimi wins CAF Men's Player of the Year award 2025.

Congratulations to the football star

Daily Echoes

19/11/2025

National Shutdown Declared by Issa Tchiroma as Post Election Tensions Deepen

Cameroon’s post election crisis has entered a more intense phase as President elect Issa Tchiroma Bakary has declared Friday, November 21, 2025, a National Day of Mourning. He has called for a complete shutdown across the country to honor civilians he says were killed while defending their votes.

In a national address obtained by MMI News, Tchiroma accused what he described as an illegitimate regime of using lethal force against protesters following the disputed October 12 presidential election. He praised the victims, calling them martyrs who fell so that the truth may live.

Tchiroma instructed that no businesses or public offices should open on that day. He asked churches, mosques and temples to hold prayer services and called for a one minute nationwide silence at noon. He also appealed to Cameroonians in the diaspora to join the day of mourning in solidarity.

He described the shutdown as both a tribute and a form of peaceful resistance, stating that it would not be an ordinary day but an act of national defiance. He also announced the creation of a victims support fund to assist families of those killed or detained.

Tchiroma dismissed the recent release of a few detained minors as a masquerade, insisting that many others remain in custody and that new arrests continue. He declared firmly that he will never capitulate and rejected any possibility of negotiation with the current administration.

He accused President Paul Biya’s government of perjury, claiming they swore to defend a power they wrongfully took. Tchiroma concluded his address by stating that his mandate will be defended and that the struggle is for justice, dignity and the future of Cameroon.

Daily Echoes

19/11/2025

Equatorial Guinea congratulates President Paul Biya

Vice President, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, conveyed his country's congratulatory message to President Paul Biya on his reelection after the contested October 12 elections.

This recognition of elections comes at a time when the polls are still highly contested as former Minister of Communication insists he won the elections.

Daily Echoes

19/11/2025

FECAFOOT is said to hold it's elective General Assembly on November 29, 2025, despite disapproval from the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education.

The confirmation is contained in a communique signed by FECAFOOT's Secretary General, Mandong Isaac in which he informs public opinion of the participation of CAF and FIFA representatives to ensure the election process goes on hitch free.

Daily Echoes

18/11/2025

Cameroon's serial hit maker Kocee celebrates his birthday today.

To mark the special day, the "deux œufs spaghetti" singer gifted himself a brand new car.

Happy birthday Kocee

Daily Echoes

18/11/2025

Editorial: Africa’s Expanding Terror Threat Demands Smarter Intelligence and Stronger Regional Unity

Islamist terrorism in Africa is not fading. It is changing shape, expanding, and striking with frightening precision across Mali, Nigeria, Chad, Burkina Faso, Niger and Cameroon . Recent developments in these countries show a disturbing trend. Extremist groups are becoming more coordinated and more confident, while state responses often remain slow and divided. If governments in the region hope to regain control, intelligence gathering must be placed at the very center of their strategy. This must be supported by closer cooperation, stronger community involvement, and genuine socio economic reforms. In this editorial, we take a look at 3 countries; Cameroon, Nigeria and Mali, where in the last few days, terrorists attacks have been common .

Mali continues to experience some of the most dangerous insurgent activity in Africa. The withdrawal of foreign forces has created a space quickly occupied by militant groups connected to al Qaeda and the Islamic State. Towns and military positions come under repeated attack, and many civilians live under constant fear. Recent events point to the fact that militants have blocked the access of fuel to Mali's capital Bamako. The Government claims of stability contrast sharply with reality. Recent assaults on military convoys and bases show that armed groups are reorganizing rather than weakening. They take advantage of a weak state presence and long standing local frustrations.

In Nigeria, the army is facing renewed boldness from extremist organisations. Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) remain active. Recent events have shown an alarming increase in targeted attacks. There are reports of the alleged killing of a senior military officer but the government is still to confirm. This demonstrates the daring attitude these groups now display. At the same time, the northern regions continue to suffer from unpredictable raids, ambushes, kidnappings, and bombings. Civilians are exposed and security forces, already overstretched, often struggle to anticipate attacks before they occur.

Cameroon’s Far North remains vulnerable even if it rarely dominates international headlines. Boko Haram factions continue cross border assaults, kidnappings, and surprise attacks on communities and military outposts. Although less publicised, the Far North remains a crucial part of the wider struggle against violent extremist groups in Central Africa.

Across these three countries, one lesson stands out. Reactive military operations cannot defeat movements that rely on secrecy, mobility, and unpredictable strategies. Intelligence gathering is the foundation of modern counterterrorism. Without it, security forces operate in the dark, communities grow fearful, and militants retain the upper hand. Governments must build stronger human intelligence systems by cultivating trusted community sources. They must also invest in technology, including surveillance tools, data analysis, and airborne observation. Cross border cooperation is essential, since extremist networks move freely across national boundaries. Early warning systems that link government agencies with local communities are also indispensable. Without these measures, military operations will continue to respond to attacks rather than prevent them.

A long term solution requires much more than intelligence. African governments must strengthen regional cooperations because the threat crosses borders with ease. They must work to disrupt the financial networks and smuggling routes that provide money and weapons to extremist groups. Border monitoring must improve, and young people should be given real opportunities in education and employment so that extremist recruiters cannot exploit frustration and poverty. Efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate former fighters must also be expanded. Above all, security forces must build respectful and cooperative relationships with the communities most affected by violence, since these communities are often caught between armed groups and the state.

Terrorism in Africa is a military problem, but it is also a governance and development problem. Armed force can disrupt insurgent groups for a time, but only good governance, fair treatment, and inclusive public policies can prevent them from returning.

The tragedies unfolding in many African countries including Cameroon show that the threat is evolving faster than the response. Governments must therefore move beyond speeches and adopt coordinated strategies. The fight against terrorism in Africa will be won not by strength alone, but through information, cooperation, and the courage to address the conditions that allow extremism to thrive.

Daily Echoes

18/11/2025

Alice Nkom, spokesperson for Issa Tchiroma in a powerful outing reinforces the growing narrative around Issa Tchiroma Bakary’s claim to the presidency. Maitre Nkom frames the political situation at the moment as a long standing cycle in which elections happen but power never truly changes hands. By describing the system as a machine that always produces the same winner, she positions the current dispute as part of a deeper historical pattern.

Her post suggests that this election represents a turning point. She argues that the public has become more aware, more determined, and unwilling to accept results they believe are manipulated.

Nkom concludes by stating that the people stand with Issa Tchiroma and have achieved what she calls a moral and symbolic victory, even if official institutions did not validate it. She frames the movement around him as a fight for dignity, national interest, and change.

Here’s the full post 👇🏾

"In a dictatorship, the losers never change.
The people take part… but they never win.
The machine keeps spinning, candidates come and go, colors flash and swirl…
and somehow,
the same face always comes out on top.

But this time, something shifted.
This time, the people opened their eyes.
This time, they refused to be the regime’s designated losers.
This time,
👉 the machine crossed the line — and lied once too often.

And today,
the people — alongside Issa Tchiroma Bakary — have emerged victorious.
For dignity. For country. For future. For change.

MOM LOVES YOU ✊🏿❤️🇨🇲💪🏿✌🏿
💚💚💚❤️❤️❤️💛💛💛
💚💚💚❤️⭐❤️💛💛💛
💚💚💚❤️❤️❤️💛💛💛

🇨🇲

President Donald J. Trump Fox News CNN Amnesty International USA U.S. Embassy Yaounde"

Daily Echoes

18/11/2025

Yaounde Central Hospital announces that over 100 corpses have been abandoned in their morgue.

In a press release dated on Monday November 17, 2025, the director of the hospital called on the families of the deceased individuals to identify and remove the corpses remove them from the mortuary. Failure to do so, the corpses will be handed over to the Yaounde urban council for burial.

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