Paul Biya

Cameroon
Yaoundé throws in the towel for AfDB presidency

Cameroon has decided not to put forward a candidate for the presidency of the AfDB, despite two profiles emerging in recent months. This means that President Paul Biya will not find himself at odds with his Chadian counterpart.

Cameroon
Minister of justice's absence during Biya's New Year message explained

On 10 January, the minister of justice, Laurent Esso, did not attend President Paul Biya's New Year's address to the constituted bodies. The presidency had permitted this absence so that he could undergo medical treatment in Paris.

Cameroon
Paul Biya puts his justice minister in his place

A series of probationary magistrate appointments made on 13 December by Justice Minister Laurent Esso, on President Paul Biya's orders, was the first of its kind in over four years.

Central African Republic
IMF denies CAR millions of dollars in aid due to Neptune Oil's continuing monopoly

The International Monetary Fund is unlikely to release its third instalment of aid, depriving Bangui of around $20m. At issue is the Cameroonian company Neptune Oil's monopoly on fuel imports and its pump prices, deemed exorbitant.

Spotlight | Cameroon
Ex-Boko Haram groups put security services to test in Far North Region

Army officers and political leaders in the Far North Region are worried about the recent increase in attacks by jihadist groups previously linked to Boko Haram. Yaoundé is following the situation closely but is reluctant for the time being to take further containment measures.

The New Guard
Algeria, Kenya, Cameroon

Every Wednesday, Africa Intelligence spotlights a new generation of movers and shakers in business and politics.

AlgeriaHamed Oussama Salhi, spokesman for national grains interests

KenyaBrian Wesaala, football's steadfast champion

CameroonYann Gwet, connecting youth across Africa

Cameroon
Reception ceremony for Mbalam-Nabeba iron ore equipment cancelled

The event was to have been held on 11 November.

Cameroon
Nathalie Moudiki behind sacking of Tradex boss Simon Paley

Simon Paley, who was sacked as Tradex's chief executive in early October, has paid the price for his strained relations with Nathalie Moudiki, wife of Adolphe Moudiki, the octogenarian director general of Tradex's parent company, Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures.

Cameroon
Yaoundé strives to save its arbitration against miner Sundance over Mbalam iron

Cameroon missed the deadline to submit its defence, but the president's office has contacted its legal counsel and experts in a bid to defend its position against the Australian miner. Meanwhile, Paul Biya's return to the country is likely to align the various parties in Yaoundé.

Cameroon
Mbalam-Nabeba iron: Ngoh Ngoh and Esso rivalry lies behind obstructed arbitration

The arbitration proceedings at the ICC between Cameroon and Australia's Sundance over the Mbalam-Nabeba iron ore deposit continue to stall, with the former's justice minister not acting upon the secretary general of the president's office's instructions.

Eswatini
Israel-Africa Chamber of Commerce hopes to return to continent next year

The business organisation suspended most of its activities in Africa after the start of the war in Gaza. But it is considering two visits by Israeli business delegations in 2025.

Cameroon
Chinese construction group wins €62m project in Douala

At the end of September, China First Highway Engineering Co won the competitive tender launched by Douala mayor Roger Mbassa Ndine for the construction of the Wouri River embankment road.

Madagascar
Augentic and Thales compete for Prodigy contracts worth €24m

Several players in the new information technologies sector are in the running to win two contracts to develop digital governance and identity management in Madagascar.

Cameroon
Mining minister urges president's office to move forward on Sundance arbitration

When a Cameroon delegation headed to Beijing for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation one of the key issues they sought to bring up was the Chinese-funded Mbalam-Nabeba iron ore mine. Arbitration proceedings to settle a dispute with the former project developer are still at a standstill.

Palace Intrigues
Mamadi Doumbouya, Denis Sassou-Nguesso, Alassane Ouattara, Nicolas Sarkozy

Intrigues big and small – every Thursday, Africa Intelligence takes a peek into the corridors of power in Africa and beyond.

GuineaMamadi Doumbouya's new watch

CongoSassou's daughter's big Parisian wedding

Ivory CoastAlassane Ouattara hosts Nicolas Sarkozy in Mougins