CFA Franc Convertibility In Africa At Stake.

 
The current status quo slows down industrialisation in countries of the Central and West Africa.
It might sound funny to many, yet it is true. Doing business in countries of Central and West whose currency is all pegged to the EURO remains incompatible when it comes to the use of the CFA Franc. Both zones, more than 50 years after independence still carry out trade transactions in a currency that is not convertible from one country of the sub region to the other.

It bits the imagination of many, when the same CFA Franc used in Cameroon in Central Africa for the example, suffers from devaluation while in other CFA used in West African countries like Côte D’Ivoire was not. The exchange rate system of the CFA Franc in the Central Africa Sub-region is different from that of West Africa.

A situation that does not favour rapid economic growth and capital flows among countries using the same currency. Convertibility of the CFA Franc is therefore desirable to achieve a higher rate of economic growth, improve the balance of payment situation and thereby improve the living standards through greater trade and capital flows within African nations of the Franc zone. There is no gainsaying that at the time countries of the Franc Zone stand to reap more benefits when the currency is convertible.

With convertibility, profitability of exports increases because market foreign exchange rate is higher than the previous officially fixed exchange rate. And this is where both economies zones stand to gain. CFA Franc convertibility provides greater incentatives to send remittances of foreign exchange by workers of countries of Central and West Africa living abroad and makes illegal payments and smuggling less attractive.

Not abiding by this and more, Economists like Dr Ernest L. Molua, strongly hold that in the current status quo, the CFA franc benefits the French more than African States. He pointed out that 3,000 billion Euros of African money was in the French treasury, and the 15 African States using the CFA Franc are clients to the treasury, which means that this money could do more to African Economies if they had immediate control and could command its use at short-notice.“But this is not the case. The bureaucracy involved in accessing this money, implies it is more like confiscated money”, he stated.

After meeting in France in october 2015, Finance Ministers of the Franc Zone with governors of central banks converge in Yaounde from April 8 to 9, 2016, to discuss the financial health of their economies. The Governor of the Bank of Central African States, Lucas Abaga Nchama disclosed during the Monetary Policy Commitee in Yaounde on April 6 that the Yaounde confab will serve as a platform to pry into the issue with the Development bank of Central African States BDEAC.

source: Cameroon Tribune

The Cameroon Music Industry:This is how you know revolution has happened.

Cameroon music, after several years of "hibernation" the country of Manu Dibango has gradually began to regain its place in the top 10 nations in the African music market. This success is characterized by the emergence of a new generation of artists. For a long time, Cameroonian music has occupied a place in the African musical sphere according to the world view. It however did die down at some point.

As it was the case of the earlier Cameroon generation, in the four corners of the globe, Cameroon's music has always been sought either at major world festivals, sports competitions or in African clubs.

Several factors contributed to this excitement particularly ethnic diversity represented through works produced. Reorganization of the talent of pioneers like Manu Dibango (considered the largest and famous saxophonist in the world), Richard Bona (one of the best bassists on the planet), Small country, Grace Decca etc, could not be over emphasized.

Over the years, the African and global success of Cameroonian artists experienced a fall, which some explained by the lack of reports, but also by a lack of cultural policy to encourage young artists to enable their return on African and world stages

A success illustrated by the rise of a new generation inspired by traditional rhythms coiled to the taste of modern music such as hip hop, dancehall, reggae and all sorts of urban music, many artists have managed to become one of the best hopes of the African continent in Cameroon.

Franko, Maahlox, X-Malea, Locko, Jovi Lemonster, Dynasty tiger, Salatiel, Daphne, Magasco, Neglect, coolkid, Mr. Leo and Stanley Enow just to name a few are perfect examples of this musical revolution made in Cameroon. Their styles eventually make these young stars whose originality in lyrics and style "overheat" the dance floor.

The recognition of our upcoming artists by other top African artists and world artists like MI Abaga of Nigeria going crazy in love withRoqzen’s woso and Kevin Lyttle hyping Benzil’s performance is just the light we see clearly at the end of the tunnel.

At this wave of artists in modern style, there are other names that export local rhythms such as Lady Ponce, Mani Bella, Coco silver etc.

It has been Proven globally by successful artists from the country of Samuel Eto'o, as 2015 was illustrated by rewards of several names in Mboa music (music made in Cameroon) or by concerts in legendary venues like the Olympia in Paris and nominations at the MTV base awards inSA

To this end, Stanley Enow and CHARLOTTE DIPANDA received respectively the award for best male artist and best female artist of Central Africa at the Afrima festival in the sub region.

As for concerts, Cameroon was honored everywhere especially in France where many artists performed at the Olympia and some others in Bercy. Further still, the X-Maleya group managed to do a world tour with dates in major concert halls of Europe.

Music has often played a major role in tourism development of nations. Cameroon has long benefited from the success of its artists to attract tourists in the country.

Music has long been a glory that was to make the land of Samuel Eto'o, a destination of choice.

However, despite the evident growth in the music industry how is the cultural platform of the nation(the government and private enterprises )of Cameroon aiding in this growth? 

Listen to Salatiel ca ce passe ici 

This song is a song that cuts across the several Cameroon and African feel of music..Enjoy

Presidency:High speed trains and Cinema Halls to soon run in Cameroon.

 
High speed trains that will rail passengers and goods between Yaoundé and Douala in less than three hours will soon go operational in Cameroon.

The announcement was made at the unity Palace this Wednesday 6th April 2016 during an audience granted by the President of the Republic Paul Biya to the Chief Executive Officer of the Bollore Investment group, Vincent Bollore.

The head of the family owned investment conglomerate said principal point of focus during discussions with the Head of State was a project to reintroduce Cinema halls in Yaoundé and Douala where films especially those that have just been released can be projected.

He also announced the imminent signing of a convention between the Bollore Investment group and the government of Cameroon on the management of the logistics terminal of the Kribi Deep Sea Port.

In the area of renewable energy the Vincent Bollore and President Paul Biya discussed on renewable energy. The CEO of the investment company proposed the solar energy solution that has been experimented at the University of Yaoundé Ito power eco-friendly school buses for rural communities. He explained that the solar panels are easier and cheaper to install as oppose to hydroelectricity.

The audience granted by the Head of State to the Chief Executive officer of the Bollore group lasted one hour.The investment magnet, Vincent Bollore is a regular visitor to the unity palace. His group is involved in maritime transport, logistics management, renewable energy amongst others.

source:CRTV

Army arrests suspected Boko Haram members in posession of poisoned fish

The Nigerian Army 3rd Brigade troops in Jigawa State have intercepted and destroyed 80 bags of poisoned fish brought into the state by suspected Boko Haram terrorists from Baga in Borno State.

While disclosing this to newsmen, the Brigade Spokesperson, Captain Eze Ikechikwu, said the sect members were intercepted with the poisoned fish at Hadeja Local Government Area of Jigawa State with the intent to sell it to unsuspected members of the public. 11 suspected members of the sect group were being interrogated. He added that Boko Haram members have devised another means of attacking members of the public through traditional biological weapon.

Now i think this is crazy and scary at the same time. I did not see this coming. Did you? This is wickedness at it peaks.

Photos: Singer dies on stage after being bitten by a cobra. she perfomed for extra 45 minutes before falling (photos)

An Indonesian pop star, Irma Bule, 29, who was performing in Karawang, West Java carried on performing on stage for 45 minutes despite being bitten by a venomous Cobra. She later collapsed on stage and was rushed to the hospital, where she was confirmed dead...

Irma was well-known for using reptiles in her acts and thought the king cobra, called Rianti, had been de-fanged. But when the snake bit her thigh, it injected venom into her bloodstream until a snake handler pulled it away.

She carried on singing for 45 minutes, but began vomiting and having seizures before she passed out. Someone who was among the audience, Ferlando Octavion Auzura, told a local website:

 'In the middle of the second song, Irma stepped on the snake’s tail. The snake then bit Irma in her thigh.'

According to reports, the singer who had also used boa constrictors and pythons in previous acts, refused the offer of an antidote until she was done with her performance.

Cameroon to get three new football pitches

 
The Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Bidoung Kpwatt has laid the foundation stone for the construction of three football pitches. The ceremony took placat the Cameroon’s Football Association (FECAFOOT) Technical Centre in Yaounde.

One of the pitches will be constructed with natural turf, another for beach soccer and the third pitch for futsal.
The three football pitches are result of a project jointly financed by FIFA and FECAFOOT.

The project stands at a cost of over 400 million CFA Francs with FIFA contributing 304 million CFA Francs and FECAFOOT putting in the rest of the money.
The President of FECAFOOT, Tombi a Roko Sidiki says it will serve as a booster for the development of football in the country.

The engineers charged with the construction say work will be complete by December 2016 since the first phase of the construction work is already complete.

source:CRTV

Clinton Njie back from knee ligament injury. Will he be able to play final games of the season?See more (photo)

Tottenham have been boosted by the return of frontman Clinton Njie to full training, raising hopes he could play in the near future.

The summer signing from Lyon damaged his knee ligaments just prior to Christmas and has not been seen since.

The Cameroon international has struggled to make much of a name for himself this season but he may be in the squad for the clash with Manchester United this weekend.

Tottenham have not beaten United in the league at White Hart Lane since 2001 but need to on Sunday to try and keep the pressure on league leaders Leicester. Should he not return in time for the visit of Louis van Gaal and co, Spurs will be hopeful Njie can feature in the final few weeks of the season.

The very first edition of the Cameroon International Film Festival. Check out what its all about (photo)

 

 If you are a KD reader you will remember me saying at the beginning of this year that there is a lot in store for the entertainment industry as far as 2016 is concerned. Definitely,no department is left out. Not the Music,Movies or fashion industry.

Mr. Agbor Gilbert Ebot aka AGE is the first PRO(public relations officer) of the Cameroon Film Industry. He also doubles up as a Film maker and producer. He has been making films for quite a while now and has produced Films such as LAND OF SHADOWS, DEEPER LOVE, FAR just to name a few of his many great works. He has however, decided to make a bigger move as concerns showcasing the products in this movie and film industry. Mr. AGE is the brain behind the yet to be exhibited but highly anticipated Cameroon International Film Festival, CAMIFF. This is going to be the first edition and the first of its Kind. He explained on a Social media platform yesterday and I quote him

 "The Cameroon International Film Festival - CAMIFF Distribution Market is an international business market that brings together content creators of new feature film, script and unscripted. Documentaries, short films, animation and trans-media concepts with industry executives who can help launch their projects. For 6 days meet top filmmakers and content buyers. 25th to 30th April in Buea @ the Mountain Hotel"
  

Cameroon International Film Festival plans to advance its corporate priority to make the Cameroonian film industry a culturally and economically richer platform by partnering with a vibrant and dynamic Corporate brand to host an exciting annually showcase which will engage Cameroonian  and international films.

The Cameroon International Film Festival (CAMIFF) is put forward as an event that will showcase and present a complete immersion into the world of film making with participation from actors, directors, scriptwriters, cinematographers, sound engineers, editors, light engineers, students, equipment manufacturers and media.   

The festival will feature a series of workshops and training opportunities to raise the standards of the local industry; networking events such as the film and equipment market wherein partnerships are encouraged through development of content trade channels; and a film programme that will screen various films over ?

- See more at: http://camiff.com/home/about/1/camiff#sthash.Sx2WPaIr.dpuf

Cameroon International Film Festival plans to advance its corporate priority to make the Cameroonian film industry a culturally and economically richer platform by partnering with a vibrant and dynamic Corporate brand to host an exciting annually showcase which will engage Cameroonian  and international films.

The Cameroon International Film Festival (CAMIFF) is put forward as an event that will showcase and present a complete immersion into the world of film making with participation from actors, directors, scriptwriters, cinematographers, sound engineers, editors, light engineers, students, equipment manufacturers and media.   

The festival will feature a series of workshops and training opportunities to raise the standards of the local industry; networking events such as the film and equipment market wherein partnerships are encouraged through development of content trade channels; and a film programme that will screen various films over.

 

It could only definitely get better than this. We wish the film industry blessings as they take this giant move. We will definitely have a world recognition

TO READ MORE ON THE CAMIFF. click here

Cameroon International Film Festival plans to advance its corporate priority to make the Cameroonian film industry a culturally and economically richer platform by partnering with a vibrant and dynamic Corporate brand to host an exciting annually showcase which will engage Cameroonian  and international films.

The Cameroon International Film Festival (CAMIFF) is put forward as an event that will showcase and present a complete immersion into the world of film making with participation from actors, directors, scriptwriters, cinematographers, sound engineers, editors, light engineers, students, equipment manufacturers and media.   

The festival will feature a series of workshops and training opportunities to raise the standards of the local industry; networking events such as the film and equipment market wherein partnerships are encouraged through development of content trade channels; and a film programme that will screen various films over ?

- See more at: http://camiff.com/home/about/1/camiff#sthash.Sx2WPaIr.dpuf

FIFA President Gianni Infantino strongly denies any wrong doing after being implicated

New FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly denied any wrong doing after he was implicated in the ongoing scandal involving the report published by Panama Papers. Leaked documents shared with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists revealed that Infantino, while he worked for UEFA  signed a deal with one of the men at the centre of the sport’s corruption scandal, Hugo Jinkis.

News of the deal came to light after 11 million documents were leaked from the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca .

According to the reports, ten years ago when Infantino was director of legal services at UEFA, the organisation sold the rights for broadcasting its club competitions including the Champions League in South America to an Argentinian company called Cross Trading.

Cross Trading immediately sold the rights on to broadcaster Teleamazonas for about three or four times the amount paid, and Cross Trading is a subsidiary of a company called Full Play.

Full Play is owned by Jinkis, who along with his son Mariano, is under house arrest in Argentina  after he was indicted in the United States in May last year as part of the corruption scandal which rocked FIFA, and which the current FIFA board led by Infantino have promised to sanitize.

Hugo Jinkis and his son, Mariano, are fighting extradition from Argentina to the United States.

 US prosecutors alleged last year that, as the owners of Cross Trading, Jinkis and his son paid millions of dollars in bribes to South American football officials over several years in order to gain lucrative television rights for regional football tournaments.

This is a smack on Infantino's face due to the fact that UEFA has constantly denied dealing with those implicated in the scandal.

Infantino, in a bid to ensure his integrity isn't smeared, posted this statement on FIFA's official website last night.

"I am dismayed and will not accept that my integrity is being doubted by certain areas of the media, especially given that UEFA has already disclosed in detail all facts regarding these contracts.

From the moment I was made aware of the latest media enquiries on the matter, I immediately contacted UEFA to seek clarity. I did this because I am no longer with UEFA, and it is they who exclusively possess all contractual information relating to this query. In the meantime, UEFA has announced that it has been conducting a review of its numerous commercial contracts and has answered extensively all media questions related to these specific contracts.

As I previously stated, I never personally dealt with Cross Trading nor their owners as the tender process was conducted by Team Marketing on behalf of UEFA.

I would like to state for the record that neither UEFA nor I have ever been contacted by any authorities in relation to these particular contracts.

Moreover, as media themselves report, there is no indication whatsoever for any wrongdoings from neither UEFA nor myself in this matter."

HIV/AIDS:600,000 HIV positive people in Cameroon. See the city that tops with the highest number of infected people.

 
The figure was disclosed during the first ordinary session of the Douala City Council on April 1, 2016.
Going by United Nations AIDS, UNAIDS, statistics, HIV prevalence rate in West and Central Africa is 2.3 per cent. In Cameroon, the rate is 4.3 per cent, while Douala has an elevated prevalence rate of 4.6 per cent. Of the 600,000 HIV-positive people in Cameroon, Douala accounts for 68,000, making the city the highest in the country with infected people.

The shocking statistics were disclosed by the UNAIDS Country Director, Dr Claire Mulanga Tshidibi, during the first ordinary session of the Douala City Council on April 1, 2016. She travelled to Douala to sign an agreement with all six Mayors in Wouri Division and the Government Delegate to the Douala City Council. The objective is to help get people to undergo HIV testing, follow treatment, reduce mother-to-child transmission and prevent new infections in order to reach “Objective 90 90 90” by 2020.

According to the Douala Declaration read by the Mayor of Douala II Sub-divisional Council, Denise Fampou, the city’s Mayors promised to help put an end to stigmatisation and discrimination against infected people, reduce HIV-related deaths, get people to know their status and follow-up treatment. They are also to work in collaboration with civil society organisations and other stakeholders to eradicate the plague.

Earlier, the Government Delegate to the Douala City Council, Dr Fritz Ntone Ntone, expressed satisfaction with the 20 per cent increase in the execution of 2015 city revenue, compared to 2014. He said 34.1 Billion FCFA of the 56.6 Billion FCFA allocated for 175 projects was used, compared to 2014 when just 28.5 Billion FCFA from the 44.9 Billion FCFA allotted for 120 projects, was executed. He said when projects begin late, they are likely to continue into the next financial year, but quickly added that the money meant for such projects must be kept aside.

With a balance of 15 Billion FCFA in 2014 and 22 Billion FCFA in 2015, Ntone Ntone admitted that the execution rate was weak, assuring that efforts will be made to step up work in order to carry out what was planned. Over 200 projects will be executed in 2016. During the council session, the Senior Divisional Officer for Wouri, Naseri Paul Bea, lauded UNAIDS’ initiative to fight the HIV pandemic. He urged the City Council to lay more efforts on revenue collection, enjoining management to hurry up with work on major projects like the rehabilitation of « Boulevard de la République.”

Supreme Court: Marafa, Fotso Appeal Ruling Again Adjourned

 
Marafa Hamidou Yaya, the former Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation, is currently hospitalised at the Yaounde General Hospital.

The second appeal hearing in the trial of Marafa Hamidou Yaya, former Secretary General at the Presidency and ex-Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation, and Yves Michel Fotso, business magnate and former General Manager of the defunct national carrier, Camair, held at the Supreme Court in Yaounde on April 5, 2016.

Alongside Sandjon Paho Genevieve Paul Gisele and Nkounda Julienne, the four were on September 12, 2012, convicted for embezzling about 21 Billion FCFA meant for the purchase of presidential aircraft, the Bbjet 2. Marafa and Fotso had received 25-year jail terms each while the other two accused got away with lesser sentences. Leading a seven-person panel of judges, Chief Justice Daniel Mekobe Sone adjourned the matter to May 3, 2016, after listening to the observations of the counsel for Marafa Hamidou Yaya, Barrister Patrice Monthé and the Advocate General, Ngatcha Esaie.

Barrister Monthé said his client was on admission at the Yaounde General Hospital at Ngoussou, pleading that any adjournment should be much longer because some of his medical tests might have to be taken abroad. Advocate General Ngatcha concurred by saying that he was also informed of Marafa’s health situation, pleading with the court to take this into consideration. Meanwhile, of all the four appellants, only Nkounda Julienne was present in court. Yves Michel Fotso, who was said to be unwell during the last hearing on March 22, 2016, was inexplicably absent; neither were any of his five lawyers present.

Kumba:Boy hunted by spirits of people he allegedly killed. He has been arrested by the police force.

 
Nji Ange is thought to be behind the poisoning of three family members in July 2015.

A young man, Nji Ange, 23, who is suspected to have masterminded the killing of his step mother, Jeanette Cheche, the step sister, Lilian Lanji and one other person on July 12, 2015, by dropping poison in their food (corn fufu), has been arrested. The incident happened in Mbalangi village along Kumba-Buea Road in Mbonge Sub-division, Meme Division, South West Region.

The suspect was arrested by gendarmes in Kumba on Sunday, March 20, 2016, at about 9.30 pm when he resurfaced to visit his father who was lying sick in the Presbyterian Hospital, Buea Road, Kumba. He had gone into hiding for nine months after the poisoning. Sources said Nji’s his father, who has been suffering from hypertension, immediately collapsed and died after hearing that the son, who came to see him, had been apprehended.

Nji Ange has been remanded and sent to the Kumba Main Prison to meet his mother who has been there for the past nine months as the main suspect behind the killing of the three family members. Both the mother and son are awaiting trial, while the corpse of the late father, has been taken to the Kumba District Hospital mortuary pending burial arrangements. Some people have suggested that the blood of the poisoned victims had been hunting Nji Aunge until it finally pulled him out of hiding.

source:Cameroon Tribune

One of the biggest of Cameroon's Fashion show, FIAFA is here again.

This year's FIAFA is going to be outstanding with the so many sponsors and preparations taking place. It will be held on the 23th of April in the Buea locality at the prestigious Chariot hotel to be precised.

The show will also host the guest star and artist Daphne. Karawa's Diary is going to keep you detaily inform at every activity on and before the D-Day

Stay tuned. 

Louis Fame to launch the "All Stars Collection". Breath taking designs(photos/see more)

 Louis Fame is one of Cameroon's finest and most elegant designer with clothing line based in the South West region of Cameroon. He has clothed several top models of big companies that have posed on national TV stations for adverts. Louis Fame designs has also starred on several red carpet shows worn by several celebrities . The clothing line is trending both at national and international levels.

This year, 2016, Louis Fame presents the Louis Fame designer team as they show case their new products in the very first Louis Fame season 1 "All Stars Collection"      

 

 The outstanding and unique nature of these pieces defines the origin of her name the “All Stars Collection”.

The designs from this collection involve carefully selected quality fabrics and well-Tailored pieces developed from creative designed sketches by the whole LF-Designer team.

Our pieces are designed with original, unique and trendy styles that make you feel confident once you step out dressed in one.

These clothes are specially designed in a way that serves numerous occasions some of which are convertible and serves for both hot and cold weathers.

The collection ranges from - Men Clothing, - Women Clothing, and - Children Clothing made of both responsible and smart casual outfits. These pieces include Sport Shirts, Tunics, Exotic T-shirts, Sweat Shirts, Dresses, Trousers, Jackets, Shorts, Tops and Skirts ETC.

   

  All the pieces are characterized by the appearance of the Cameroonian print fabric (Bameleke/Bamenda) on them, carefully blended with Western fabric that makes every piece to possess an authentic African/Urban nature, hence presenting a perfect African Originality on every piece.

LF-Designer Team has a powerful goal and slogan  that governs them and it says “Making it simple, but significant”

FAB Kalonel drops a must listen single "ME N My Men Dem"

 

Sentieh Aloysius AKA Fab Kalonel is a young talented Cameroonian male artist born in the early 90's. Hails from the NW region of Cameroon and is passionate about music.

His dynamic attitude as he blends different genres of music into his main brand is what makes him outstanding. His debut single titled "me n Ma Men Dem" Prod By Ovadoz n engineered by Mafy is finally here

 This song mainly looks into the past, present and future struggles, successes and failures he and his day-one friends and brothers have been through and he shows gratitude to God for coming this far. He has so much to offer in the music scene and this is just the first of many songs he is yet to make available to fans

listen to Me N MY MEN DEM here