News

Eneo recovers only CFA59bn from state electricity bills in 2024

16/01/2026

Eneo’s annual report highlights a further deterioration in payments by the state and its entities for electricity consumption in 2024. The company says the year was “marked by a less sustained payment effort” from public administrations.

According to the report, the central government and its entities paid only CFA59 billion over the full year, a level deemed insufficient “to even partially cover the amounts owed to Eneo for the period.” This shortfall is compounded by weak payments from some large state-owned companies that rank among the grid’s biggest consumers. Alucam and Camwater paid a combined total of just CFA6 billion.

The document also notes that Eneo “received virtually nothing” for public lighting during the year, nor for tariff compensation. Both items are nevertheless described as key revenue streams for the power utility.

This situation reflects a long-standing trend. Regular payment of public electricity consumption has for years been a major challenge for the sector’s finances. In an April 2024 interview with Business in Cameroon, Eneo chief executive officer Amine Homman Ludiye said the company issues around CFA7 billion in monthly invoices to public entities. “But since the start of this year—2024—our collections were limited to CFA1.5 billion in January and CFA1.8 billion in February,” he said.

The state plans to automate electricity bill collections from 2026

From 2026, the government plans to tighten the treatment of unpaid electricity bills by public entities, which in turn weaken Eneo’s cash flow and that of the wider sector. For several years, the Public Treasury has been forced to step in for these administrations to settle bills that continue to accumulate. Under the National Energy Compact, the government plans to “put in place a mechanism to guarantee regular and full payment of public entities’ electricity bills.”

According to the document, several measures are being considered to force public entities to pay their monthly electricity consumption. For public institutions, these include integrating electricity bills for month N-1 into the payroll payment file for month N, factoring electricity arrears into their budgets, and deducting subsidies at source from beneficiary entities to offset energy consumption in cases of persistent arrears. For state-owned companies, the plan provides for deducting amounts owed for electricity consumption at source from advance payments received by beneficiary firms.

If these measures are effectively implemented from 2026, they could significantly alter financial flows in the electricity sector. By ensuring regular and automatic payment of public consumption, the state would sharply reduce the burden of arrears on Eneo’s cash position.

Source: Business in Cameroon

Southern Cameroons Crisis: 12 civilians killed, 15 wounded in Ndu

14/01/2026

At least 12 civilians, including women and children, were killed early Wednesday when suspected separatist fighters raided a community in Cameroon’s restive Northwest Region, local authorities said.

Fifteen people were also wounded, two critically, in the attack that occurred at around 5:30 a.m. local time in Mbandfung, a village in the English-speaking region’ Ndu subdivision, Abdou Kanfon Borno, mayor of Ndu Council, told Xinhua by phone.

“The separatist terrorists invaded the Gidado neighborhood of the village, targeting the Mbororo community who live there,” Abdou said. “There were no clashes. The villagers were still asleep. They just opened fire on everyone, including children and women. A respected community elder was killed.”

He condemned the attack and called for calm as authorities investigate.

There have been frequent deadly clashes between separatist fighters and armed Mbororo tribesmen since 2017, when an armed separatist conflict erupted in Cameroon’s two Anglophone regions of Northwest and Southwest.

Source: Xinhuanet

Iran says armed forces ‘fully prepared’ for war

12/01/2026

The Iranian Armed Forces, backed by the nation, are fully prepared to repel any act of aggression against the country, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday.

Asked at a press conference about the possibility of war, Baghaei said Iran is closely monitoring the situation and stands ready to respond to any act of aggression.

“Our nation has shown that, with full might and complete courage, it defends Iran’s integrity, and our readiness is increasing carefully and on a moment-by-moment basis, and our armed forces, as in the past, will be ready to repel any act of aggression,” he said.

He said the recent riots in Iran were caused by “very evident” interventionist remarks by US and Israeli officials.

“Peaceful protests were met with an appropriate response by the administration… But in the second stage, the country was faced with a wave of warm and cold arms, in addition to US and Israeli officials’ interventionist remarks,” he noted.

Some shopkeepers last week staged limited street protests in several Iranian cities over economic instability, but the demonstrations were steered toward violence after public statements by US and Israeli figures — amplified by Israeli-linked Persian-language outlets — encouraged vandalism and disorder.

Authorities have acknowledged the legitimacy of peaceful economic grievances and vowed to address them, while blaming foreign-backed elements for exploiting concerns over rising living costs and the depreciation of the national currency, which is directly linked to unilateral US sanctions targeting Iran’s central bank and oil exports.

Iranian authorities declared that perpetrators of the latest unrest are backed by the United States and the Israeli regime.

Baghaei added that this time, American and Israeli officials revealed their interference very openly.

It was clear, according to Baghaei, that these interventions were meant to create violence and chaos in Iran.

“Many believe that the recent events that happened these days were the thirteenth day of the US-Israeli aggression against our country,” he said.

He further noted that these remarks were in violation of international laws, and the country will show the documents in the future.

Source: Presstv

Southern Cameroons Crisis: 11 Amba fighters killed in military ambush

07/01/2026

At least 11 separatist fighters have been killed in a military ambush in Cameroon’s war-torn English-speaking region of Northwest, security sources said Tuesday.

The fighting occurred on Tuesday at about 3:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) when troops ambushed a motorcycle convoy of separatist fighters in Ntabah locality of the region, a security source in the region said.

A soldier was injured in the operation and is receiving treatment, the source said.

Cameroon’s English-speaking regions of Northwest and Southwest have been gripped by an armed conflict since 2017, as separatist groups seek to establish an independent state in the two regions.

Source: Xinhuanet

Burkina Faso: Plot to kill Capt Ibrahim Traoré foiled

07/01/2026

A plot to kill Burkina Faso’s military leader, Capt Ibrahim Traoré, has been thwarted, the West African nation has announced.

The sophisticated plan had been hatched by Lt Col Paul Henri Damiba, the military officer ousted by Traoré in September 2022, the security minister said in a late-night broadcast.

“Our intelligence services intercepted this operation in the final hours. They had planned to assassinate the head of state and then strike other key institutions, including civilian personalities,” said Mahamadou Sana, further alleging that the plot had been funded from neighbouring Ivory Coast.

There has been no comment from either Col Damiba or Ivory Coast.

Since seizing power, Capt Traoré has faced at least two coup attempts and is also grappling with growing jihadist violence that has forced millions from their homes.

Despite these challenges and his authoritarian reputation, the 37-year-old military leader maintains strong popular support and has gained a following across the continent for his pan-Africanist vision and criticism of Western influence.

Source: BBC

Indomitable Lions beat Bafana Bafana to reach AFCON 2025 quarterfinals against Morocco

04/01/2026

A statement win in the Round of 16. Cameroon showed efficiency and composure to knock out South Africa and book a quarterfinal date with the host.

An intense battle from the opening whistle

The AFCON 2025 Round of 16 clash got off to a fast, physical start as South Africa and Cameroon traded early momentum. Both sides tested the waters, with set pieces and direct play defining the opening exchanges.

Bafana Bafana looked to assert themselves through crosses and dead-ball situations, while the Indomitable Lions relied on pace, power and quick transitions going forward.

Tchamadeu breaks the deadlock

The breakthrough arrived in the 41st minute. Junior Tchamadeu capitalized on a well-worked move to beat the South African back line and give Cameroon a deserved lead heading into the break.

South Africa tried to respond before halftime, including a saved effort from Oswin Appollis, but lacked the final touch to draw level.

Kofane doubles the lead and Cameroon take control

The second half could not have started better for Cameroon. At 54 minutes, Christian Kofane struck to make it 2-0, putting immediate pressure on South Africa and shifting full control of the match to the Lions.

With the advantage secured, Cameroon managed the tempo intelligently, closing down spaces and looking to exploit gaps on the counter.

Late drama, but no comeback

Just when the match seemed settled, South Africa found a late lifeline. In the 88th minute, Evidence Maggopa attacked the space inside the box to meet a long delivery from Aubrey Modiba, pulling one back to make it 2–1 and adding real tension to the closing moments.

Despite a late push from Bafana Bafana, Cameroon held their nerve and protected the lead to secure their place in the AFCON 2025 quarterfinals.

Cameroon march on to a heavyweight quarterfinal

Solid at the back, clinical in front of goal and composed in key moments, Cameroon closed out a 2-1 victory to secure their place in the quarterfinals. Awaiting them is a blockbuster showdown against tournament hosts Morocco.

The Indomitable Lions move forward with confidence, while South Africa bow out after a spirited performance that ultimately fell short when it mattered most.

Source: beIN Sports

Trump claims Venezuelan President Maduro captured, flown out of country

03/01/2026

Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been captured by US armed forces, US President Donald Trump claims, after Washington carried out a large-scale strike against the country.

In a post published on the social media platform Truth Social on Saturday, Trump said the couple had been flown out of Venezuela.

“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country,” he wrote.

There has been no statement from the Venezuelan government regarding Maduro’s whereabouts after the US military aggression against the South American country this morning.

In a video published on Facebook, the Venezuelan Minister of Defense, Vladimir Lopez, said that the news about his death during the US missile attack on Caracas is not true, and he is safe in a bunker.

“Heroic people of Venezuela! Soldiers of the Fatherland! Sons and daughters of Bolívar! The Bolivarian National Armed Forces inform the entire world that in the early hours of January 3, 2026, the Venezuelan people became the target of the most criminal military aggression by the government of the United States,” Lopez said.

“Honor, duty, and history call upon us. Let the cry of a free Fatherland echo in every corner. Victory is ours, because reason and dignity stand with us. We will prevail,” he added.

Source: Presstv

Biya: Final speech from the great dictator

31/12/2025

Fellow Cameroonians,

My dear compatriots,

During my recent swearing-in ceremony, I pledged to continue working, together with you, for the emergence of a united, stable and prosperous Cameroon.

In my view, achieving this objective is a sacred duty. It is a duty to which I intend to continue devote all my time and energy, as I have in the past.

I am duty-bound, given the trust you have continued to place in me since my accession to the helm of State. Moreover, you just renewed that trust in a convincing manner in the 12 October poll.

To me, this is an expression of satisfaction with what we have achieved together this far, and a commitment to continue our joint efforts with ever greater determination for the advancement of our country.

My dear compatriots,

During the year ending and throughout the seven-year term that has just ended, we successfully overcame many challenges together.

Even more daunting challenges await us in the coming year and as we embrace the new seven-year term. However, I have no doubt about our collective ability to face these challenges.

Everything will be possible as long as we stay united. Indeed, we have the courage, ingenuity and determination.

My dear compatriots,

There is no doubt whatever that significant progress has been achieved in many areas this year, despite numerous internal and external constraints.

On the political front, our democratic system has once again proven its vitality. The successful organization of the presidential and regional elections confirms the entrenchment of democracy in our country.

Despite the post-presidential election unrest due to the actions of some irresponsible political leaders, the vast majority of Cameroonians demonstrated great maturity. Together, we have preserved what we cherish most: national unity, peace and stability.

Security wise, our defence and security forces, whose professionalism I will continue to commend, have been waging a courageous fight against terrorists and other criminals who jeopardize the safety of our people and their property.

On the economic and financial front, the structural reforms we have implemented with the support of our international partners have consolidated our public finances and preserved the main macroeconomic balances.

The investment budget has increased significantly.

Despite the uncertainty of the global economy, necessary measures have been taken to curb inflation and boost local production.

Many projects are being implemented or launched across various sectors to address the concerns of the people and improve their well-being.

In this respect, the commissioning of the Nachtigal Dam and numerous solar power plants, especially in the northern regions, has increased power supply.

There is ongoing construction of new power transmission lines and rehabilitation of the existing grid. The completion of these projects will improve electricity supply to industry and households.

Furthermore, I instructed the takeover of ENEO, marking a decisive milestone towards restoring our energy sovereignty and controlling the reform of this strategic sector, which requires substantial investment.

Significant progress has also been made to provide our people with drinking water in urban and rural areas.

To this end, the rehabilitation and extension of drinking water distribution networks will be stepped up to meet the needs in the area.

Rest assured that I am deeply concerned, just as you are, about improving our road infrastructure.

As I recently announced, a special programme to rehabilitate degraded roads and construct new ones will be launched in the year just beginning. It will help, among other things, to improve urban and inter-urban mobility, as well as access to production basins.

In the same vein, we will intensify efforts to enhance the performance of our education and public health systems. We will also pay special attention to the development of the digital economy, the strengthening of our industrial fabric, the processing of agricultural produce and the improvement of the business climate.

Fellow Cameroonians,

My dear compatriots,

As you may have noticed, Cameroon has remained steadfast in its resolute march towards progress, thanks to Government’s tireless efforts and the invaluable contributions of our hard-working citizens.

This reality can be seen, felt and observed by all. Of course, during election periods, such as the one we have just experienced and will experience again in the coming months, it is common for candidates seeking to win the trust of the people to make statements that do not reflect the reality.

Hence, some of them claimed that the current government has done nothing, absolutely nothing. They also promised you the moon and claimed to be able to solve all your problems with a wave of a magic wand.

There could be no better lie. I have not stopped and will never stop warning you against these purveyors of false hope.

For my part, since my accession to the helm of State, I have opted to tell you the truth. I have never tried to hide from you the difficulties we face, mainly due to an increasingly complex international context.

These difficulties which delay or hinder the implementation of projects designed to improve your well-being are, however, not insurmountable. We proved it yesterday. We are proving it today, and we will prove it again tomorrow, together.

My dear compatriots,

True to the duty of truth that I have just mentioned, I readily acknowledge that, despite the laudable track record that I have just presented to you, sustained efforts still need to made, without delay, to significantly improve your living conditions.

Such will be the priority for the Government that I will form in the coming days.

Fellow Cameroonians,

My dear compatriots,

During the election campaign and in my swearing-in speech, I presented to you the agenda that I intend to roll out to address your concerns, aspirations and demands.

I would like to reiterate that improving the situation of women and the youth will be the core of my priorities, as I pledged to do.

Under my authority, the Government will ensure the effective implementation of the Special Youth Employment Promotion Plan, the guidelines for which were presented during my swearing-in ceremony.

The sum of 50 billion CFA francs has already been set aside in the 2026 State budget to finance initial tranches of youth-led projects.

I will also ensure that measures are implemented to improve women empowerment and to guarantee greater youth participation in the management of public affairs.

Let me recall, however, that the idea is not to stigmatize other age groups or categories of our society. Beyond the age and gender criteria, qualifications, skills, integrity and commitment to serving the public interest will continue to be prioritized in access to or retention of duty posts, as well as in promotions.

However, we will strive to better reconcile youth and experience than in the past and, above all, to vigorously combat injustices arising from membership of a particular ethnic or cultural group, gender, religion or age group. In this way, we will be able to better promote equal opportunities and enable skills that are too often overlooked, at home and in the diaspora, to participate in the lofty task of nation building.

My dear compatriots,

In line with my appeal during the swearing-in ceremony, I would like to stress the need to step up our collective efforts to promote living together and consolidate national unity in the face of cultural isolationism and hate speech that are replete in the media and threatening the very foundations of our beloved and great country, Cameroon.

We are a people renowned for our diversity. We are an assortment of ethnic groups, languages, cultures and religions that many envy. This distinctive feature is an undeniable asset and a source of pride. We must make the most of it. Indeed, it is our greatest asset. We must make it the crucible of our indispensable unity, one that will be even stronger because it is forged by this desire to live together, which is also our distinctive feature.

Fellow Cameroonians,

My dear compatriots,

I urge you to do everything in your power to preserve peace and the stability in our country. They have been severely put to test in recent years, particularly in the Far-North, North-West and South-West Regions. They were also tested during the unrest that followed the post-election period. They are challenged on a daily basis by increasing attacks on State authority, widespread disregard for the rule of law, and the growing use of violent language and behaviour, all of which is underpinned by a creeping sense of impunity. This is not acceptable.

The nation-building process to which we are firmly committed cannot tolerate disorder, indiscipline and impunity. It is essential that we take vigorous control of the relevant sectors. We will set about doing so forthwith.

We will pursue, with renewed determination, our efforts to consolidate the gradual return to normalcy taking place in the regions mentioned earlier on. I have high hopes for the virtues of community dialogue, which I recently encouraged. I urge the administrative authorities, traditional rulers and vital forces of the regions concerned to commit themselves resolutely to this process.

Fellow Cameroonians,

My dear compatriots,

I would like to reiterate my appeal for unity in the best interests of our beloved and great country. I know I can count on your unwavering support in this regard. I reiterate my determination to remain worthy of the trust you have placed in me.

Let me restate tonight that I have confidence in the future of our country. Rest assured that the best is still to come.

I wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year 2026.

Long live the Republic!

Long live Cameroon!

October 12: The truth about the Biya-Tchiroma affair

31/12/2025

Issa Tchiroma Bakary, Anicet Ekane, Djeukam Tchameni and other allies did not agree to an early offer of appointments into the government of Paul Biya barely a week after the 12 October presidential election in Cameroon, even before the National Vote-Counting Commission had done its work.

Tchiroma declared he won the election but the Constitutional Council proclaimed the results a fortnight later in favour of Paul Biya.

“If this was not an acknowledgement of defeat and panic to pamper Tchiroma, what was it?” says a political commentator about Biya’s early offer, considered premature, considering the timing.

“Tell me who, sure to win an election, would undertake maneuvers to lure someone they were sure they have defeated. It’s all clear. Biya knew Tchiroma had won.”

In what appeared to be panic over early returns from the polls and perhaps state intelligence reports, suggesting Tchiroma was winning the election by a comfortable margin, henchmen of the Biya regime swung into action and approached Tchiroma and his allies. They offered him and them appointments into the government and certain government companies (otherwise called parastatals), according to authoritative sources, close to Issa Tchiroma Bakary.

A special envoy of the Presidency of the Republic, Philippe Mbarga Mboa went on a top secret mission to Douala on 19 October to discuss a deal with Tchiroma’s main allies Anicet Ekani and Djeukam Tchameni.

“That move was possibly both to use their influence to bring Tchiroma along, or failing which, they should abandon him and selfishly accept the appointments,” continued the commentator who sued for anonymity.

Mbarga Mboa who is Minister for Special Duties at the Presidency proposed to them appointments into the government as Prime Minister, ministers of state, ministers, minister delegate, secretaries of state, directors general and board chairs in government companies. Ekani and Tchameni did not accept the offer. Both men were later arrested. Ekani died in detention.

Tchiroma has said in several speeches and statements that he will not negotiate and will not betray the struggle to claim what he confidently calls his “victory in the 12 October polls”.

Contacted for comment via a WhatsApp call on 16 December, Mbarga Mboa asked me, “Why are you bringing this up now? To serve what purpose? When did this happen?”

When I gave him the date, he said, “That has been long. Is it necessary now?”

As a close collaborator of the Secretary General at the Presidency, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, Mbarga Mboa was seen playing a key role in the pre-election consultations with political forces from different regions of the country. Ngoh Ngoh, described as the de facto Vice President or even the “acting” President of the Republic as the aged Biya is often considered out of form, is understood to be the main push behind the actions of aides at the Cameroon Presidency to desperately retain power, despite what observers describe as clear signs Biya lost the election to Tchiroma.

Mbarga Mboa’s visit to Douala was ostensibly to meet and strategize with local CPDM barons and allies there, especially the northern kingpin in Douala, Bayero Fadil.

Faced with the failure of Mbarga Mboa’s mission, higher level steps were taken to reach out to Tchiroma. There have been reports of negotiations at different levels, some reportedly involving the government of France and other foreign partners to coarse Tchiroma to give up his claim to victory in the 12 October presidential election. But Tchiroma has repeatedly said he will not negotiate.

Feeling unsafe at his residence in Garoua where several high risk incidents had been reported, Tchiroma relocated to Nigeria and later to the Gambia.

He or his appointed spokesperson Barrister Alice Nkom have continued to claim his victory was stolen by Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), the institution charged with organizing elections in Cameroon and the Constitutional Council, the highest judicial organ in the country, charged with deliberating over election litigations and proclaiming election results. They insist Tchiroma’s stolen victory must be restored.

*The author, Franklin Sone Bayen, is a freelance investigative journalist trained in Israel and an Alfred Friendly (US) Press Partners Fellow. He can be reached at +237 656969090 (Direct calls and WhatsApp) and sonebayen@gmail.com

Issa Tchiroma Bakary is Cameroon Concord Person of the Year

30/12/2025

For forty-two years, the people of Cameroon have been fed stories that political change was an illusion. Many political commentators opined that the Unity Palace was fixed in place and the country resigned to its fate. Then came a man Issa Tchiroma in the October 12, 2025 presidential election and the whole narrative changed forever.

Issa Tchiroma Bakary (to use his three names) stepped out of a system he once served to confront the very power structure that made him. Tchiroma organized a campaign that became an unexpected rallying point for the entire nation with sell-out crowds, igniting debates, and awakening a people long numbed by routine elections with predictable outcomes.

Tchiroma, a long standing cabinet minister under Biya, broke with the governing body to run as a leading candidate, energizing Cameroonians with promises of change after decades of entrenched rule by the ruling CPDM crime syndicate.

The Tchiroma campaign drew large crowds and the former Biya acolyte stated that the will of the Cameroonian people was on his side.

On October 14, less than 48 hours after polls closed, Issa Tchiroma Bakary declared victory in the presidential election and urged President Biya to concede defeat and honour the truth of the ballot box.

Tchiroma’s majority following mobilized in all the nooks and crannies of the country following his electoral victory, with protests and demonstrations pressing for recognition of what they said was a great win for the Northern Cameroon political elite. These demonstrations underlined both the deep dissatisfaction among many Cameroonians and the intensity of political tensions.

However, officially and according to the Constitutional Council — the only body authorized to proclaim election results in Biya’s Cameroon —92-year-old President Biya was declared the winner, securing approximately 53.66 % of the vote as concocted by the ruling crime syndicate, compared with 35.19 % for Issa Tchiroma Bakary. Biya’s so-called victory guaranteed his continued stay in power and extended his decades-long rule.

The opposition rejected the Constitutional Council’s outcome with its leader Issa Tchiroma asserting that state institutions manipulated the results to deny him victory. From his base in Garoua, Tchiroma pressed his supporters and political allies to resist what he described as an illegitimate outcome and he framed his challenge as part of a broader struggle for democratic accountability in Cameroon.

There are moments in a nation’s life when the truth does not wait for official stamps or ceremonial announcements. Issa Tchiroma gave Cameroon that moment in October 2025.

Whether Cameroonians and their partners accept the Constitutional Council’s figures or Issa Tchiroma’s own declaration, one fact is undeniable: Tchiroma achieved what no challenger had managed in decades- he shattered the aura of inevitability that surrounded Biya’s 42-year rule.

Cameroon Concord Group readers in their thousands watched Tchiroma when he declared victory — whether or not the corrupt security and judicial establishments endorsed it — Tchiroma accomplished something historic: he forced the Cameroonian nation to imagine the end of the nasty Biya era. He destroyed the psychological monopoly of one man, one party and one narrative. He made the possibility of transition feel real, tangible and of course reachable.

In that sense, Issa Tchiroma Bakary defeated not just a corrupt, vicious and malicious political figure but a paralysis of hope.

The so called official results may have returned Biya to office. But the story Cameroonians will always remember is not simply about numbers; it is about a perfectly bilingual Cameroonian who stood against a decades-old machine and convinced a nation that change could be claimed, spoken aloud and above all demanded.

Cameroon Concord News People have voted!! Issa Tchiroma Bakary, you are the Cameroon Concord News Person of the Year!!

Your stolen victory will forever remain symbolic, moral and political because you successfully made Cameroonians to believe again. And once a people begin to believe, no regime, no matter how entrenched, sleeps comfortably.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

Chairman/Editor-In-Chief

Cameroon Concord News Group

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