Paul Biya

Cameroon
French arms broker lost in limbo of Cameroon justice system

Philippe Bourcier, who has been deprived of his passport since 2019 after an investigation was launched into former defence minister Edgar Alain Mebe Ngo'o, is still under house arrest in Cameroon.

Senegal
French Minister of State Thani Mohamed-Soilihi due in Dakar

French Minister of State Thani Mohamed-Soilihi is planning to visit the Senegalese capital on 9 March, at a time when relations between Paris and Dakar are going through a turbulent phase.

Cameroon
Following on from Geocoton, Baba Danpullo plans to pull out of Sodecoton

Cameroonian business magnate Baba Danpullo, a minority shareholder in cotton producer Sodecoton, has been trying to sell his shares since the beginning of the year. This follows on from the company's French strategic partner, Geocoton, announcing its own withdrawal.

Palace Intrigues
Paul Biya, Lucy Tamlyn, Laurent Esso, Jean-Louis Billon

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

DRCUS ambassador Lucy Tamlyn's luxury refuge

CameroonLaurent Esso's absence quells reshuffle rumours

Ivory CoastBillon clan to stage classy Miami wedding

Cameroon
Army wants its helicopters back in the air for unity day celebrations

Cameroon's army general staff is planning to upgrade its fleet of choppers, which are in a very poor state of repair, for the traditional military parade on 20 May, the country's national day.

Cameroon
Technical head of external intelligence service given marching orders

The technical director of the DGRE, James Elong Lobe, has been dismissed after 15 years in post - a consequence of his poor relations with new intelligence chief Jean-Pierre Robins Ghoumo.

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.