A landslide in Cameroon's capital Yaounde on November 27 killed at least 14 people, who were gathered at a funeral to mourn the deaths of several local people. Watch further to know more.

At least 14 killed in Cameroon's landslide

A landslide in Cameroon's capital Yaounde on Sunday (November 27) killed at least 14&nbsp;people, who were gathered at a funeral to mourn the deaths of several local people.

Naseri Paul Bea, governor of Cameroon's Centre region, told state broadcaster CRTV,&nbsp;"We are carrying the corpses to the mortuary of the central hospital, while the search for other people, or corpses, is still ongoing."&nbsp;

As per the media reports, people were attending a funeral on a football pitch. Several witnesses told the news agency Reuters that they were present at the base of a 20-metre-high soil embankment, which collapsed on top of them.&nbsp;

Locals were frantically searching for loved ones as the emergency services were rushed to the site where a tragic incident took place. As per the news agencies, several people in the crowd wept as emergency workers continued&nbsp;their work.&nbsp;

Locals told the news agency AFP that four large white tents were made on waste ground at the top of a hill as families gathered to attend a funeral.&nbsp;

The tents were made on the edge of what looked like a ridge, and beyond that, the ground had disappeared. The area was cordoned off by police and the journalists were prevented from getting closer to the scene of the disaster.&nbsp;

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A landslide in Cameroon's capital Yaounde on Sunday (November 27) killed at least 14 people, who were gathered at a funeral to mourn the deaths of several local people.

A landslide in Cameroon's capital Yaounde on Sunday (November 27) killed at least 14 people, who were gathered at a funeral to mourn the deaths of several local people. Naseri Paul Bea, governor of Cameroon's Centre region, told state broadcaster CRTV, "We are carrying the corpses to the mortuary of the central hospital, while the search for other people, or corpses, is still ongoing." As per the media reports, people were attending a funeral on a football pitch. Several witnesses told the news agency Reuters that they were present at the base of a 20-metre-high soil embankment, which collapsed on top of them. Locals were frantically searching for loved ones as the emergency services were rushed to the site where a tragic incident took place. As per the news agencies, several people in the crowd wept as emergency workers continued their work. Locals told the news agency AFP that four large white tents were made on waste ground at the top of a hill as families gathered to attend a funeral. The tents were made on the edge of what looked like a ridge, and beyond that, the ground had disappeared. The area was cordoned off by police and the journalists were prevented from getting closer to the scene of the disaster. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Landslide in Cameroon's capital Yaounde kills at least 14, search and rescue underway

When European powerhouse Switzerland plays African team Cameroon in their opening match, they will be prepared to begin their FFIA World Cup 2022 campaign in grand style. With the help of Swiss football players Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri, Switzerland will be hoping to get off to a strong start because they know that any mistakes and a match against Brazil later on might hinder their prospects. On the other hand, Cameroon will want to have a successful World Cup debut.

<h2>Switzerland vs Cameroon Head to Head at Qatar FIFA WC 2022&nbsp;</h2>

The first World Cup match between the two teams, who have never met before, might be a heated one. On paper, Switzerland will be the early favourites, but the former African champions have everything they need to pull off an upset at the Al Janoub Stadium. Denis Zakaria's offensive prowess will be primarily relied upon by Switzerland, with Yann Sommer acting as the last line of defense. Cameroon footballer Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, who has Premier League experience, will be a key player, while Eric-Maxim Choupo Moting has been Bayern Munich's top scorer since Robert Lewandowski left. It will be interesting to see who wins the first matchup between the two teams.

<h2>Switzerland vs Cameroon Group info at FIFA World Cup 2022</h2>

Both sides are aware that any errors might have serious repercussions because Brazil will be waiting for them in the other group games, so they will both try to get off to a strong start in the opening game. After the first game, Switzerland will head to Stadium 974 in Doha to take on five-time champions Brazil. On the same day, Cameroon and Serbia will play, with both teams hoping to earn three points. On Friday, December 2, at Stadium 974 in Doha, an all-European match between Switzerland and Serbia will mark the conclusion of the group stage. At the Lusail Iconic Stadium in Lusail, Cameroon will play Brazil in the final group stage match before the tournament is over.

<h2>Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022 record details&nbsp;</h2>

Switzerland has made a total of 12 appearances in World Cup till now with the first one in 1934. The best result in Quarter-finals was in 1934, 1938 and 1954. While Cameroon has made 8 appearances in World Cup so far with the first one in 1982. The best result for the team came in quarter-finals in 1990.&nbsp;

<h2>Switzerland vs Cameroon predicted lineup</h2>

Switzerland (4-3-3): Sommer; Widmer, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka, Sow; Shaqiri, Seferovic, Okafor

Cameroon (4-3-3): Kerrido; Djoufack, Youssoufa, Alain Moukoko, Etta; Ikoung, Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, Mbah; Marou, Emmanuel, Eric-Maxim Choupo Moting

<h2>Switzerland vs Cameroon FIFA World Cup 2022 kick-off date, time and venue&nbsp;</h2>

The FIFA World Cup 2022 Matchday 1 encounter between Switzerland and Cameroon will kick-off on Thursday, 24 November at 3:30 PM IST and 1:00 PM localtime. The venue for the clash will take place at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakra.&nbsp;

<h2>Match prediction: 2-0&nbsp;</h2>

 
&nbsp;

When European powerhouse Switzerland plays African team Cameroon in their opening match, they will be prepared to begin their FFIA World Cup 2022 campaign in grand style.

When European powerhouse Switzerland plays African team Cameroon in their opening match, they will be prepared to begin their FFIA World Cup 2022 campaign in grand style. With the help of Swiss football players Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri, Switzerland will be hoping to get off to a strong start because they know that any mistakes and a match against Brazil later on might hinder their prospects. On the other hand, Cameroon will want to have a successful World Cup debut. Switzerland vs Cameroon Head to Head at Qatar FIFA WC 2022 The first World Cup match between the two teams, who have never met before, might be a heated one. On paper, Switzerland will be the early favourites, but the former African champions have everything they need to pull off an upset at the Al Janoub Stadium. Denis Zakaria's offensive prowess will be primarily relied upon by Switzerland, with Yann Sommer acting as the last line of defense. Cameroon footballer Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, who has Premier League experience, will be a key player, while Eric-Maxim Choupo Moting has been Bayern Munich's top scorer since Robert Lewandowski left. It will be interesting to see who wins the first matchup between the two teams. Switzerland vs Cameroon Group info at FIFA World Cup 2022 Both sides are aware that any errors might have serious repercussions because Brazil will be waiting for them in the other group games, so they will both try to get off to a strong start in the opening game. After the first game, Switzerland will head to Stadium 974 in Doha to take on five-time champions Brazil. On the same day, Cameroon and Serbia will play, with both teams hoping to earn three points. On Friday, December 2, at Stadium 974 in Doha, an all-European match between Switzerland and Serbia will mark the conclusion of the group stage. At the Lusail Iconic Stadium in Lusail, Cameroon will play Brazil in the final group stage match before the tournament is over. Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022 record details Switzerland has made a total of 12 appearances in World Cup till now with the first one in 1934. The best result in Quarter-finals was in 1934, 1938 and 1954. While Cameroon has made 8 appearances in World Cup so far with the first one in 1982. The best result for the team came in quarter-finals in 1990. Switzerland vs Cameroon predicted lineup Switzerland (4-3-3): Sommer; Widmer, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka, Sow; Shaqiri, Seferovic, Okafor Cameroon (4-3-3): Kerrido; Djoufack, Youssoufa, Alain Moukoko, Etta; Ikoung, Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, Mbah; Marou, Emmanuel, Eric-Maxim Choupo Moting Switzerland vs Cameroon FIFA World Cup 2022 kick-off date, time and venue The FIFA World Cup 2022 Matchday 1 encounter between Switzerland and Cameroon will kick-off on Thursday, 24 November at 3:30 PM IST and 1:00 PM localtime. The venue for the clash will take place at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakra. Match prediction: 2-0

Switzerland vs Cameroon debut at Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022:  Match predictions, preview and lineup

The action continues in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 edition, in Qatar, after lots of action on Wednesday (November 23). On Thursday (November 24), Switzerland take on Cameroon in Group C and both sides will be eyeing a win in their respective tournament openers as they are placed in a tough group, along with power-packed Brazil and Serbia.&nbsp;

The pressure will be on Cameroon to get off the mark and claim all three points from their face-off versus the Swiss line-up. In their last two World Cup appearances, in 2010 and 2014, they lost all their three games each and, thus, they will have to be on their toes in their first game of the tournament in Qatar. The Swiss, on the other hand, are in a much better space, having topped the qualifying round and also impressing one and all in the Nations League where they beat teams like Portugal, Spain and Czech Republic. They also reached the quarter-finals in the Euro 2020 and, thus, will be confident to get past Cameroon.

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Here's everything to know about the Switzerland vs Cameroon FIFA World Cup 2022 clash:

<h2>When is the Switzerland vs Cameroon match of the FIFA World Cup 2022?</h2>

The Switzerland vs Cameroon&nbsp;FIFA World Cup 2022 fixture, from Group C, will take place at the Al Janoub Stadium in Qatar.

<h2>What time will the match be telecast in India?</h2>

The clash will kickoff at 15:30 PM IST on&nbsp;Thursday&nbsp;(November 24).

<h2>Where can we watch the match live:&nbsp;Broadcast TV and OTT Channel in India?</h2>

The Indian football fans can watch the&nbsp;FIFA World Cup matches on TV on&nbsp;Sports18&nbsp;and Sports18 HD channels. The live streaming will be available on the&nbsp;Jio Cinema app&nbsp;or website.

The action continues in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 edition, in Qatar, after lots of action on Wednesday (November 23). On Thursday (November 24), Switzerland take on Cameroon in Group C and both sides will be eyeing a win in their respective tournament openers as they are placed in a tough group, along with power-packed Brazil and Serbia.

The action continues in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 edition, in Qatar, after lots of action on Wednesday (November 23). On Thursday (November 24), Switzerland take on Cameroon in Group C and both sides will be eyeing a win in their respective tournament openers as they are placed in a tough group, along with power-packed Brazil and Serbia. The pressure will be on Cameroon to get off the mark and claim all three points from their face-off versus the Swiss line-up. In their last two World Cup appearances, in 2010 and 2014, they lost all their three games each and, thus, they will have to be on their toes in their first game of the tournament in Qatar. The Swiss, on the other hand, are in a much better space, having topped the qualifying round and also impressing one and all in the Nations League where they beat teams like Portugal, Spain and Czech Republic. They also reached the quarter-finals in the Euro 2020 and, thus, will be confident to get past Cameroon. Also read: Qatar World Cup: FIFA opens proceedings against Mexican FA, Ecuador fans over controversial chants Here's everything to know about the Switzerland vs Cameroon FIFA World Cup 2022 clash: When is the Switzerland vs Cameroon match of the FIFA World Cup 2022? The Switzerland vs Cameroon FIFA World Cup 2022 fixture, from Group C, will take place at the Al Janoub Stadium in Qatar. What time will the match be telecast in India? The clash will kickoff at 15:30 PM IST on Thursday (November 24). Where can we watch the match live: Broadcast TV and OTT Channel in India? The Indian football fans can watch the FIFA World Cup matches on TV on Sports18 and Sports18 HD channels. The live streaming will be available on the Jio Cinema app or website.

Switzerland vs Cameroon FIFA World Cup 2022 Broadcast TV Channel, OTT-Live Streaming: When and where to watch

The market town in the far north province of Cameroon which borders Chad has been struggling with major flooding for a week now. The town is the confluence point for two regional rivers both of which are witnessing exceptionally high water levels.

WION Climate Tracker: Town of Kousseri inundated by floods

Cameroon is conducting 'habituation' on mountain gorillas to enhance the co-existence between humans and wildlife. Watch how WWF is promoting this is unique method of Eco Tourism in the country. Erik Njoka tells more.

World of Africa: Gorillas in Cameroon undergo habituation

The Cameroon Ministry Of Health has imposed a ban on skin-lighting products following a spate of high profile cases of consumers developing skin cancers. Here's a report on why this age-old desire by men and women to make their skin fairer, is proving to be detrimental.

World of Africa: Cameroon's 'skin bleaching' craze

The Cameroonian Ministry of Health has imposed to ban on skin lighting products following a speed of high-profile cases of consumers developing skin cancer.

Cameroon to phase out products, government raids several cosmetic shops in Douala

The oval ball or Rugby is struggling to find a place, particularly among women in Cameroon, who are now fighting prejudice.

World Of Africa: Cameroon's women's Rugby team

In an effort to revitalise France's post-colonial connection with the continent, President Emmanuel Macron arrived late on Monday in Cameroon, the first stop of a three-nation trip through western Africa. Around 10:40 p.m., Cameroonian Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute met Macron at the airport in Yaounde. Macron should be able to "show the commitment of the president in the process of renewing the relationship with the African continent" during his first trip outside of Europe, which will also take him to Benin and Guinea-Bissau, according to a French presidential official who asked not to be identified.

Tuesday morning at the presidential palace, Macron is scheduled to meet with his 89-year-old counterpart Paul Biya, who has controlled Cameroon with an iron fist for almost 40 years. They are anticipated to talk about security in Cameroon, which has been torn apart by ethnic conflict and a 2017 insurrection by anglophone separatists seeking the independence of two English-speaking districts. Jihadists from Boko Haram have also carried out attacks in northern Cameroon.

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In 2020, Macron angered Biya by threatening to exert "maximum pressure" on the president in response to the "intolerable" violence in the West African nation. His visit comes at a time when China, India, and Germany are gaining ground on France, a former colonial power, particularly in the economic and commercial spheres. Macron will meet with representatives of youth and civil society after having lunch with Biya and his wife Chantal. He will finish the day at "Noah Village," which is being hosted by former tennis champion Yannick Noah, who is building a recreation and educational facility in a well-liked Yaounde neighbourhood where he spends several months of the year.

On Wednesday, Macron will travel to Benin, which has experienced devastating attacks by jihadists who have expanded from the Sahel to the countries of the Gulf of Guinea.

(with inputs from agencies)

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In an effort to revitalise France's post-colonial connection with the continent, President Emmanuel Macron arrived late on Monday in Cameroon, the first stop of a three-nation trip through western Africa.

In an effort to revitalise France's post-colonial connection with the continent, President Emmanuel Macron arrived late on Monday in Cameroon, the first stop of a three-nation trip through western Africa. Around 10:40 p.m., Cameroonian Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute met Macron at the airport in Yaounde. Macron should be able to "show the commitment of the president in the process of renewing the relationship with the African continent" during his first trip outside of Europe, which will also take him to Benin and Guinea-Bissau, according to a French presidential official who asked not to be identified. Tuesday morning at the presidential palace, Macron is scheduled to meet with his 89-year-old counterpart Paul Biya, who has controlled Cameroon with an iron fist for almost 40 years. They are anticipated to talk about security in Cameroon, which has been torn apart by ethnic conflict and a 2017 insurrection by anglophone separatists seeking the independence of two English-speaking districts. Jihadists from Boko Haram have also carried out attacks in northern Cameroon. Also Read: Sri Lankan crisis: Economy lessons India can learn In 2020, Macron angered Biya by threatening to exert "maximum pressure" on the president in response to the "intolerable" violence in the West African nation. His visit comes at a time when China, India, and Germany are gaining ground on France, a former colonial power, particularly in the economic and commercial spheres. Macron will meet with representatives of youth and civil society after having lunch with Biya and his wife Chantal. He will finish the day at "Noah Village," which is being hosted by former tennis champion Yannick Noah, who is building a recreation and educational facility in a well-liked Yaounde neighbourhood where he spends several months of the year. On Wednesday, Macron will travel to Benin, which has experienced devastating attacks by jihadists who have expanded from the Sahel to the countries of the Gulf of Guinea. (with inputs from agencies)

Macron reaches Cameroon to kickstart west Africa trip to reboot post-colonial relations

A senior state official and a mayor were among five people killed by a road mine in a restive anglophone region of Cameroon on Wednesday, local sources said.

"The convoy... was targeted in an attack by separatists who placed explosives" on the highway between Ekondo-Titi and Bekora in Southwest Region, a senior police officer said.

A local official said the deputy prefect -- the second highest local representative of the state -- and the mayor of Ekondo-Titi were among the dead.

The attack and the death of the two were confirmed by an official at the ministry of communication.

The other fatalities were a gendarme, a local leader in Cameroon's ruling party and the deputy prefect's driver, the local official said.

Cameroon has been torn by violence since October 2017 when militants declared an independent state in the Northwest and neighbouring Southwest Region, home to most of the anglophone minority in the majority French-speaking country.

The authorities responded with a crackdown, and a spiral of violence began that has claimed more than 6,000 lives and forced a million to flee their homes, according to the International Crisis Group (ICG) think-tank.

Eighty-percent of Cameroon's population of 24 million are French-speaking.

The presence of the large anglophone minority is a legacy of the colonial era.

The former German possession of Cameroon was partitioned after World War I between Britain and France.

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In 1961, part of the British territory, the Southern Cameroons, joined Cameroon after it gained independence from France. Over the years, resentment brewed among anglophones over perceived discrimination in key areas, such as education and the judicial system.

But demands for change or a federated state were resisted by President Paul Biya, who at 89 has been in power for nearly 40 years.

The anglophone separatists call their entity the Federal Republic of Ambazonia, from the Ambas Bay on the coastline. It is not recognised internationally.

Monitors of the conflict say that atrocities and other abuses have been carried out by the security forces and the separatists alike.

In November 2021, four students and a teacher were killed in Ekondo-Titi when a secondary school was attacked by armed men.

A senior state official and a mayor were among five people killed by a road mine in a restive anglophone region of Cameroon on Wednesday, local sources said. "The convoy.

A senior state official and a mayor were among five people killed by a road mine in a restive anglophone region of Cameroon on Wednesday, local sources said. "The convoy... was targeted in an attack by separatists who placed explosives" on the highway between Ekondo-Titi and Bekora in Southwest Region, a senior police officer said. A local official said the deputy prefect -- the second highest local representative of the state -- and the mayor of Ekondo-Titi were among the dead. The attack and the death of the two were confirmed by an official at the ministry of communication. The other fatalities were a gendarme, a local leader in Cameroon's ruling party and the deputy prefect's driver, the local official said. Cameroon has been torn by violence since October 2017 when militants declared an independent state in the Northwest and neighbouring Southwest Region, home to most of the anglophone minority in the majority French-speaking country. The authorities responded with a crackdown, and a spiral of violence began that has claimed more than 6,000 lives and forced a million to flee their homes, according to the International Crisis Group (ICG) think-tank. Eighty-percent of Cameroon's population of 24 million are French-speaking. The presence of the large anglophone minority is a legacy of the colonial era. The former German possession of Cameroon was partitioned after World War I between Britain and France. Also read | Russian talkshows describe reports of military losses as 'fake' In 1961, part of the British territory, the Southern Cameroons, joined Cameroon after it gained independence from France. Over the years, resentment brewed among anglophones over perceived discrimination in key areas, such as education and the judicial system. But demands for change or a federated state were resisted by President Paul Biya, who at 89 has been in power for nearly 40 years. The anglophone separatists call their entity the Federal Republic of Ambazonia, from the Ambas Bay on the coastline. It is not recognised internationally. Monitors of the conflict say that atrocities and other abuses have been carried out by the security forces and the separatists alike. In November 2021, four students and a teacher were killed in Ekondo-Titi when a secondary school was attacked by armed men.

Cameroon blast: At least five people killed, including senior official and mayor

At least eight people were killed in a stampede outside a stadium hosting an Africa Cup of Nations soccer game. The stampede took place at Olembe stadium in Cameroon's capital.

Eight dead in Africa Cup of Nations Cameroon stadium stampede

At least six fans died in a stampede at the Yaounde Olembe Stadium in&nbsp;Cameroon&nbsp;on Monday before the host nation's round of 16 game in the African Cup of Nations against Comoros, the Central African nation's national broadcaster reported.

It said dozens of others were injured.

Images shared on social media, which Reuters could not immediately authenticate, showed screaming fans being crushed at an entrance gate.

Continental soccer government body CAF said in a statement that it was aware of an incident at the stadium.

"CAF is currently investigating the situation and trying to get more details on what transpired. We are in constant communication with the Cameroon&nbsp;government and the local organizing committee," it said.

Following a low turnout in the first-round games at brand new stadiums built for the continent's premier men's soccer tournament,&nbsp;Cameroon&nbsp;authorities had&nbsp;thrown open stadium gates, organised mass transport and given out free tickets to lure fans.

Cameroon&nbsp;beat 10-man Comoros 2-1 in the game to advance to the quarter-finals.

At least six fans died in a stampede at the Yaounde Olembe Stadium in Cameroon on Monday before the host nation's round of 16 game in the African Cup of Nations against Comoros, the Central African nation's national broadcaster reported.

At least six fans died in a stampede at the Yaounde Olembe Stadium in Cameroon on Monday before the host nation's round of 16 game in the African Cup of Nations against Comoros, the Central African nation's national broadcaster reported. It said dozens of others were injured. Images shared on social media, which Reuters could not immediately authenticate, showed screaming fans being crushed at an entrance gate. Continental soccer government body CAF said in a statement that it was aware of an incident at the stadium. "CAF is currently investigating the situation and trying to get more details on what transpired. We are in constant communication with the Cameroon government and the local organizing committee," it said. Following a low turnout in the first-round games at brand new stadiums built for the continent's premier men's soccer tournament, Cameroon authorities had thrown open stadium gates, organised mass transport and given out free tickets to lure fans. Cameroon beat 10-man Comoros 2-1 in the game to advance to the quarter-finals.

At least six killed in Cameroon stadium stampede

At least eight people died and 38 were injured when fans stormed a soccer stadium hosting an Africa Cup of Nations match in Cameroon`s capital on Monday, the government said. Images shared on social media, which Reuters could not immediately authenticate, showed a panicked crowd trying to squeeze through a narrow entrance gate at the newly built Olembe stadium in Yaounde that was hosting a round of 16 game between Cameroon and Comoros. 
One video showed dozens of fans scrambling over the stadium fence as a police officer walked by.

The stampede comes as a heavy blow for the tournament, which had grown in excitement on the pitch in recent days thanks to some match upsets but which was under scrutiny for a lack of readiness beforehand. 
COVID-19 and insecurity caused by a separatist insurgency also complicated preparations. Work on the 60,000-seat Olembe Stadium continued right up to the start of Africa`s top soccer tournament, prompting the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the continent`s soccer governing body, to hold an emergency meeting to discuss cancelling the competition altogether.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/at-least-six-killed-in-cameroon-stadium-stampede-447312">At least six killed in Cameroon stadium stampede</a>

"CAF is currently investigating the situation and trying to get more details on what transpired. We are in constant communication with Cameroon government and the Local Organising Committee," it said in a statement.

THE SHOCK, THE WEIGHT 
High school teacher Vanessa Tchouanzi had come to see the match on Monday. She was barely able to get her words out as she recounted her experience over the phone to Reuters. 
Tchouanzi tried to enter the stadium with a friend, but said that gate attendees were too overwhelmed by the mass of people to check tickets. As fans rushed the entrance, Tchouanzi and her friend were knocked to the ground. A bystander helped Tchouanzi escape, but her friend was trampled to death, she said.

"She couldn`t take the shock, the weight of all those people," Tchouanzi said through a flood of tears. 
The government did not give any information on the cause of the crush or whether fans were allowed into the stadium without tickets. It is not clear why the match went ahead after the disaster. Following a low turnout in the first round games at brand new stadiums, Cameroon authorities have thrown open stadium gates, organised mass transport and given out free tickets to lure fans.

At least eight people died and 38 were injured when fans stormed a soccer stadium hosting an Africa Cup of Nations match in Cameroon`s capital on Monday, the government said.

At least eight people died and 38 were injured when fans stormed a soccer stadium hosting an Africa Cup of Nations match in Cameroon`s capital on Monday, the government said. Images shared on social media, which Reuters could not immediately authenticate, showed a panicked crowd trying to squeeze through a narrow entrance gate at the newly built Olembe stadium in Yaounde that was hosting a round of 16 game between Cameroon and Comoros. One video showed dozens of fans scrambling over the stadium fence as a police officer walked by. The stampede comes as a heavy blow for the tournament, which had grown in excitement on the pitch in recent days thanks to some match upsets but which was under scrutiny for a lack of readiness beforehand. COVID-19 and insecurity caused by a separatist insurgency also complicated preparations. Work on the 60,000-seat Olembe Stadium continued right up to the start of Africa`s top soccer tournament, prompting the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the continent`s soccer governing body, to hold an emergency meeting to discuss cancelling the competition altogether. ALSO READ | At least six killed in Cameroon stadium stampede "CAF is currently investigating the situation and trying to get more details on what transpired. We are in constant communication with Cameroon government and the Local Organising Committee," it said in a statement. THE SHOCK, THE WEIGHT High school teacher Vanessa Tchouanzi had come to see the match on Monday. She was barely able to get her words out as she recounted her experience over the phone to Reuters. Tchouanzi tried to enter the stadium with a friend, but said that gate attendees were too overwhelmed by the mass of people to check tickets. As fans rushed the entrance, Tchouanzi and her friend were knocked to the ground. A bystander helped Tchouanzi escape, but her friend was trampled to death, she said. "She couldn`t take the shock, the weight of all those people," Tchouanzi said through a flood of tears. The government did not give any information on the cause of the crush or whether fans were allowed into the stadium without tickets. It is not clear why the match went ahead after the disaster. Following a low turnout in the first round games at brand new stadiums, Cameroon authorities have thrown open stadium gates, organised mass transport and given out free tickets to lure fans.

Stadium stampede kills eight in Africa Cup of Nations soccer face-off

A fire tore through a nightclub in Cameroon's capital city Yaoundé killing at least 16 people and injuring eight people. As per a statement by the government, the fire was caused by the explosion of fireworks which are usually used in the nightclub.&nbsp;

This led to a fire breaking out on the ceiling which caused&nbsp;further explosions. The situation also created panic.&nbsp; 
President Paul Biya has called for an in-depth investigation. He has also sent his condolences to the victims' families.

The communications ministry, in a statement said, "The tragedy, which was caused by explosions from the fireworks often used in these places, first consumed the building’s ceiling, resulting in two very loud explosions, causing panic and a stampede."

In a press conference which held at the scene of the fire, the director of the Yaoundé Central Hospital said that several people who were in critical condition. However, they have been transferred to the hospital.

Government spokesman Rene Emmanuel Sadi, in a report by Al Jazeera said, "We are still at the level of investigations to find out the names and nationalities of the dead and the wounded."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A fire tore through a nightclub in Cameroon's capital city Yaoundé killing at least 16 people and injuring eight people. As per a statement by the government, the fire was caused by the explosion of fireworks which are usually used in the nightclub.

A fire tore through a nightclub in Cameroon's capital city Yaoundé killing at least 16 people and injuring eight people. As per a statement by the government, the fire was caused by the explosion of fireworks which are usually used in the nightclub. This led to a fire breaking out on the ceiling which caused further explosions. The situation also created panic. President Paul Biya has called for an in-depth investigation. He has also sent his condolences to the victims' families. The communications ministry, in a statement said, "The tragedy, which was caused by explosions from the fireworks often used in these places, first consumed the building’s ceiling, resulting in two very loud explosions, causing panic and a stampede." In a press conference which held at the scene of the fire, the director of the Yaoundé Central Hospital said that several people who were in critical condition. However, they have been transferred to the hospital. Government spokesman Rene Emmanuel Sadi, in a report by Al Jazeera said, "We are still at the level of investigations to find out the names and nationalities of the dead and the wounded." (With inputs from agencies)

Over a dozen people dead, 8 injured in Cameroon nightclub fire

The Africa cup of nations was supposed to kick off on Sunday in Cameroon, but it is under the cloud of the pandemic surge for the second time now.

COVID scare for Africa cup of nations: Three players in Senegal test positive

Cameroon processes 600,000 plastic waste every year. Locals in the country are trying to tackle this menace through clean-up drives.

Cameroon locals organise beach clean-up drives

Boko Haram islamists killed five Cameroonian soldiers and a civilian in an attack in the far north of the country, the defence ministry said Tuesday.

The attack took place on Monday night near the border with Nigeria, where operations by the Islamist group have been on the rise.

Three soldiers and one civilian were also wounded in the attack, the statement read on state radio said.

A group "of heavily armed terrorists of the Boko Haram sect, aboard several light tactical vehicles, attacked the command post... near Zigue", a few kilometres from the border with Nigeria, the statement said.

Some militants were also killed the statement added, without elaborating.&nbsp;

"Troops remain on high alert throughout the far north and across the border to prevent further attacks," it said. The group appears to have "regained strength following internal restructuring", it added.

Members of Boko Haram and a splinter group, the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP), have been mounting increasingly deadly attacks against security forces and civilians in the far north of Cameroon, as well as in neighbouring Nigeria, Niger and Chad.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boko-haram-fighters-pledge-allegiance-to-islamic-state-in-video-worrying-observers-394384">Also read |&nbsp;Boko Haram fighters pledge allegiance to Islamic State in video, worrying observers</a>

They frequently abduct civilians, especially women and children.

Boko Haram fighters killed eight Cameroonian soldiers on Saturday in Sagme, a few dozen kilometres from the border with Nigeria.&nbsp;

Their insurgency began in 2009 in northeastern Nigeria before spreading through the region.

Since then, more than 36,000 people -- mainly in Nigeria -- have been killed, and three million forced to flee their homes, according to UN estimates.

In 2016, the group split into two branches: the faction led by its long-time leader, Abubakar Shekau, and ISWAP, affiliated with the Islamic State group.&nbsp;

Boko Haram confirmed in mid-June that Shekau had been killed in fighting with ISWAP.

Boko Haram islamists killed five Cameroonian soldiers and a civilian in an attack in the far north of the country, the defence ministry said Tuesday. The attack took place on Monday night near the border with Nigeria, where operations by the Islamist group have been on the rise.

Boko Haram islamists killed five Cameroonian soldiers and a civilian in an attack in the far north of the country, the defence ministry said Tuesday. The attack took place on Monday night near the border with Nigeria, where operations by the Islamist group have been on the rise. Three soldiers and one civilian were also wounded in the attack, the statement read on state radio said. A group "of heavily armed terrorists of the Boko Haram sect, aboard several light tactical vehicles, attacked the command post... near Zigue", a few kilometres from the border with Nigeria, the statement said. Some militants were also killed the statement added, without elaborating. "Troops remain on high alert throughout the far north and across the border to prevent further attacks," it said. The group appears to have "regained strength following internal restructuring", it added. Members of Boko Haram and a splinter group, the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP), have been mounting increasingly deadly attacks against security forces and civilians in the far north of Cameroon, as well as in neighbouring Nigeria, Niger and Chad. Also read | Boko Haram fighters pledge allegiance to Islamic State in video, worrying observers They frequently abduct civilians, especially women and children. Boko Haram fighters killed eight Cameroonian soldiers on Saturday in Sagme, a few dozen kilometres from the border with Nigeria. Their insurgency began in 2009 in northeastern Nigeria before spreading through the region. Since then, more than 36,000 people -- mainly in Nigeria -- have been killed, and three million forced to flee their homes, according to UN estimates. In 2016, the group split into two branches: the faction led by its long-time leader, Abubakar Shekau, and ISWAP, affiliated with the Islamic State group. Boko Haram confirmed in mid-June that Shekau had been killed in fighting with ISWAP.

Boko Haram Cameroon attack kills five soldiers, civilian, says government

Unidentified attackers killed five Cameroonian soldiers and one civilian during a raid on a military outpost in the far north of the country, local authorities said on Tuesday, the second deadly raid in the area in the past week.

An army post in the village of Zigue was attacked at around 9 p.m. (2000 GMT) on Monday, according to two officials who asked not to be identified.

The attack follows a raid that took place around 50 km (30 miles) north of Zigue on Saturday, which was claimed by Islamic State. Eight soldiers were killed in that raid, according to the defence ministry.

Cameroon, alongside neighbouring Nigeria and Chad, has been battling the Boko Haram militant group for years, but more recently has clashed with fighters who identify themselves as Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP).

In the aftermath of the death of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau in May, ISWAP has sought to absorb Boko Haram fighters and unify the groups which had hitherto fought one another for control of territory.

Unidentified attackers killed five Cameroonian soldiers and one civilian during a raid on a military outpost in the far north of the country, local authorities said on Tuesday, the second deadly raid in the area in the past week.

Unidentified attackers killed five Cameroonian soldiers and one civilian during a raid on a military outpost in the far north of the country, local authorities said on Tuesday, the second deadly raid in the area in the past week. An army post in the village of Zigue was attacked at around 9 p.m. (2000 GMT) on Monday, according to two officials who asked not to be identified. The attack follows a raid that took place around 50 km (30 miles) north of Zigue on Saturday, which was claimed by Islamic State. Eight soldiers were killed in that raid, according to the defence ministry. Cameroon, alongside neighbouring Nigeria and Chad, has been battling the Boko Haram militant group for years, but more recently has clashed with fighters who identify themselves as Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP). In the aftermath of the death of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau in May, ISWAP has sought to absorb Boko Haram fighters and unify the groups which had hitherto fought one another for control of territory.

Attackers kill five soldiers, one civilian in north Cameroon, say officials

At least six Cameroon soldiers were killed Saturday in an attack by Boko Haram in the far north of the country, the governor of the region said on state television.

Heavily armed Boko Haram fighters "arrived at around four o'clock in the morning on six vehicles", the governor of the Far North Region, Bakari Midjiyawa, told CRTV television.

"We deplore the deaths of our six soldiers, who died in action, and four more were injured."

The attack took place in Sagme, a few dozen kilometres from the border with Nigeria, from where Boko Haram originates.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boko-haram-fighters-pledge-allegiance-to-islamic-state-in-video-worrying-observers-394384">Also read |&nbsp;Boko Haram fighters pledge allegiance to Islamic State in video, worrying observers</a>

According to a police report, confirmed by several local sources, eight soldiers were killed.

Boko Haram and its breakaway faction Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have increased their deadly attacks against security forces and civilians in the far north of Cameroon in recent years, as well as in the border regions with three neighbouring countries, Nigeria, Niger and Chad.&nbsp;

They have also frequently kidnapped civilians, particularly women and children.&nbsp;

Fighting with Boko Haram and ISWAP jihadists has killed more than 36,000 people since 2009 and driven almost two million people from their homes in northeastern Nigeria.&nbsp;

In mid-June, Boko Haram confirmed that its leader, Abubakar Shekau was killed after clashes with ISWAP.&nbsp;

At least six Cameroon soldiers were killed Saturday in an attack by Boko Haram in the far north of the country, the governor of the region said on state television.

At least six Cameroon soldiers were killed Saturday in an attack by Boko Haram in the far north of the country, the governor of the region said on state television. Heavily armed Boko Haram fighters "arrived at around four o'clock in the morning on six vehicles", the governor of the Far North Region, Bakari Midjiyawa, told CRTV television. "We deplore the deaths of our six soldiers, who died in action, and four more were injured." The attack took place in Sagme, a few dozen kilometres from the border with Nigeria, from where Boko Haram originates. Also read | Boko Haram fighters pledge allegiance to Islamic State in video, worrying observers According to a police report, confirmed by several local sources, eight soldiers were killed. Boko Haram and its breakaway faction Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have increased their deadly attacks against security forces and civilians in the far north of Cameroon in recent years, as well as in the border regions with three neighbouring countries, Nigeria, Niger and Chad. They have also frequently kidnapped civilians, particularly women and children. Fighting with Boko Haram and ISWAP jihadists has killed more than 36,000 people since 2009 and driven almost two million people from their homes in northeastern Nigeria. In mid-June, Boko Haram confirmed that its leader, Abubakar Shekau was killed after clashes with ISWAP.

Six soldiers killed in Boko Haram attack in Cameroon: governor

Two transgender women in Cameroon have been sentenced to five years in prison for “attempted homosexuality”. According to their lawyers, they were also charged for other things including the clothes that they were wearing at a restaurant.

One of the trans women is a local social media celebrity known as Shakiro, also identified as Loic Njeukam. The other woman was identified as Patricia, and as Roland Mouthe. Both were taken into custody on February 8.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fast-facts-lgbtq-rights-milestones-voices-of-pride-wion-wideangle-308982/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Both of them received the maximum sentence of five years in prison. In addition, they were fined $372.44 (200,000 CFA francs), Reuters reported. They were also convinced of causing public indecency and the failure to bear identification documents.

Reuters cited one of the lawyers, Alice Nkom as saying that “this is a political decision”. Nkom has vowed to appeal the verdict. "It's Yaounde (the central government) that said these people must not bring homosexuality to Cameroon”, Nkom further said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/chinese-court-backs-publisher-of-textbook-calling-homosexuality-psychological-disorder-366440" hreflang="en">Chinese court backs publisher of textbook calling homosexuality 'psychological disorder'</a>

Many activists claim that Cameroon is growing increasingly hostile for sexual minorities and criminalisation continues to put them at risk.

Consensual same-sex relations remain illegal in over 30 African countries including Cameroon. Earlier, the country’s courts sentenced many people to prison time for their “alleged homosexuality”. Last month, Human Rights Watch said that the arrests of Shakiro and Patricia signify a worrying trend in the country, where an overall surge in police action against sexual minorities has been recorded.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/bhutan-parliament-decriminalises-homosexuality-to-delight-of-activists-348910" hreflang="en">Bhutan parliament decriminalises homosexuality, to delight of activists</a>

It doesn’t end there. The country has gone as far as raiding HIV/AIDS organisations where over 53 arrests were made in May 2020.

Many people reported to have been violently thrashed by the police after being taken into custody. In addition, forced “anal examinations” were undertaken in many cases to ascertain the veracity of homosexuality claims, according to HRW.

(With inputs from agencies)

Two transgender women in Cameroon have been sentenced to five years in prison for “attempted homosexuality”. According to their lawyers, they were also charged for other things including the clothes that they were wearing at a restaurant.

Two transgender women in Cameroon have been sentenced to five years in prison for “attempted homosexuality”. According to their lawyers, they were also charged for other things including the clothes that they were wearing at a restaurant. One of the trans women is a local social media celebrity known as Shakiro, also identified as Loic Njeukam. The other woman was identified as Patricia, and as Roland Mouthe. Both were taken into custody on February 8. Both of them received the maximum sentence of five years in prison. In addition, they were fined $372.44 (200,000 CFA francs), Reuters reported. They were also convinced of causing public indecency and the failure to bear identification documents. Reuters cited one of the lawyers, Alice Nkom as saying that “this is a political decision”. Nkom has vowed to appeal the verdict. "It's Yaounde (the central government) that said these people must not bring homosexuality to Cameroon”, Nkom further said. Also read: Chinese court backs publisher of textbook calling homosexuality 'psychological disorder' Many activists claim that Cameroon is growing increasingly hostile for sexual minorities and criminalisation continues to put them at risk. Consensual same-sex relations remain illegal in over 30 African countries including Cameroon. Earlier, the country’s courts sentenced many people to prison time for their “alleged homosexuality”. Last month, Human Rights Watch said that the arrests of Shakiro and Patricia signify a worrying trend in the country, where an overall surge in police action against sexual minorities has been recorded. Also read: Bhutan parliament decriminalises homosexuality, to delight of activists It doesn’t end there. The country has gone as far as raiding HIV/AIDS organisations where over 53 arrests were made in May 2020. Many people reported to have been violently thrashed by the police after being taken into custody. In addition, forced “anal examinations” were undertaken in many cases to ascertain the veracity of homosexuality claims, according to HRW. (With inputs from agencies)

Cameroon sentences 2 transgender women to prison time for 'attempted homosexuality'

A distraught woman knelt at the feet of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Tuesday to plead for help with her family in Africa.

Morrison had just finished a news conference in the Queensland city of Rockhampton when the woman approached the prime minister.

Morrison crouched down next to the woman, holding her hands, as she explained she was from Cameroon.

"There's a genocide going there. I've lost half of all my family. I've got no family left if you don't help me. Everybody will die. Help me, help me, help me," the woman said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-cameroonian-womans-plea-of-help-goes-viral-382824">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-cameroonian-womans-plea-of-help-goes-viral-382824/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Morrison told the woman that Queensland Liberal Senator Michelle Landry would take up her case with Immigration Minister Alex Hawke before the pair helped the woman back to her feet.

Cameroon is known as 'miniature Africa' due to&nbsp;its multiculturalism. It has a population of&nbsp;26 million and the people living in the country speak 24 languages.

This Western African country is caught in multiple conflicts. In the far north, attacks by Boko Haram have become a daily affair.&nbsp;

People are being killed and kidnapped and their property and lives are being destroyed.

In the southwest, there is an anglophone crisis. English-speaking Cameroonians make for 20 per cent&nbsp;of the country's population.&nbsp;Many of them feel marginalised and their demand for federalism has turned violent. Civilians in the region have been&nbsp;caught in the crossfire between the Cameroonian armed forces and the separatists.

Cameroonian forces have been accused of extrajudicial killings and unlawful detention.

In January 2020, security forces destroyed 50 homes in north-western Bali. Several people were killed including the specially abled.

21 civilians were massacred in a separatist area in Ngarbuh last year. As a result, the United Nations called on Cameroonian government to respect international laws.

Paul Biya, 88, is&nbsp;Cameron's president and has been&nbsp;in office for nearly four decades.

In 2018, when Cameroonian soldiers were caught on camera killing two women and two children, Biya's government&nbsp;dismissed the video and called it fake. The same soldiers were found guilty of murder two years later in a trail.

Paul Biya barely makes public appearances anymore. He is&nbsp;only&nbsp;interested in&nbsp;remaining in office till death and&nbsp;handing over this throne to his son.

A distraught woman knelt at the feet of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Tuesday to plead for help with her family in Africa. Morrison had just finished a news conference in the Queensland city of Rockhampton when the woman approached the prime minister.

A distraught woman knelt at the feet of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Tuesday to plead for help with her family in Africa. Morrison had just finished a news conference in the Queensland city of Rockhampton when the woman approached the prime minister. Morrison crouched down next to the woman, holding her hands, as she explained she was from Cameroon. "There's a genocide going there. I've lost half of all my family. I've got no family left if you don't help me. Everybody will die. Help me, help me, help me," the woman said. Watch | Morrison told the woman that Queensland Liberal Senator Michelle Landry would take up her case with Immigration Minister Alex Hawke before the pair helped the woman back to her feet. Cameroon is known as 'miniature Africa' due to its multiculturalism. It has a population of 26 million and the people living in the country speak 24 languages. This Western African country is caught in multiple conflicts. In the far north, attacks by Boko Haram have become a daily affair. People are being killed and kidnapped and their property and lives are being destroyed. In the southwest, there is an anglophone crisis. English-speaking Cameroonians make for 20 per cent of the country's population. Many of them feel marginalised and their demand for federalism has turned violent. Civilians in the region have been caught in the crossfire between the Cameroonian armed forces and the separatists. Cameroonian forces have been accused of extrajudicial killings and unlawful detention. In January 2020, security forces destroyed 50 homes in north-western Bali. Several people were killed including the specially abled. 21 civilians were massacred in a separatist area in Ngarbuh last year. As a result, the United Nations called on Cameroonian government to respect international laws. Paul Biya, 88, is Cameron's president and has been in office for nearly four decades. In 2018, when Cameroonian soldiers were caught on camera killing two women and two children, Biya's government dismissed the video and called it fake. The same soldiers were found guilty of murder two years later in a trail. Paul Biya barely makes public appearances anymore. He is only interested in remaining in office till death and handing over this throne to his son.

Woman drops to feet of Australian PM Morrison, pleads for help

Eleven kidnapped teachers have been freed in western Cameroon, where separatist insurgents are battling government forces, the church that runs the schools said on Thursday

Unidentified men took the teachers hostage on Tuesday during a raid on two schools in the town of Kumbo, just 10 days after gunmen stormed a school in another western town, killing at least seven children. No one has claimed responsibility for either of the raids.

Samuel Fonki, representative of the church that runs the two schools, said the teachers had been freed but gave no further details when contacted via instant message.

There was no immediate comment from authorities on the release.

The recent attacks underscore the precarious security situation in some English-speaking areas of the central African country. More than 3,000 people have died since 2017 in the conflict between the Cameroonian government and the Anglophone separatists who want to break away from the primarily French-speaking state.

Human rights groups say both sides have committed widespread atrocities, with the separatists often targeting schools that fail to comply with their demands to close.

Eleven kidnapped teachers have been freed in western Cameroon, where separatist insurgents are battling government forces, the church that runs the schools said on Thursday Unidentified men took the teachers hostage on Tuesday during a raid on two schools in the town of Kumbo, just 10 days after gunmen stormed a school in another western town, killing at least seven children.

Eleven kidnapped teachers have been freed in western Cameroon, where separatist insurgents are battling government forces, the church that runs the schools said on Thursday Unidentified men took the teachers hostage on Tuesday during a raid on two schools in the town of Kumbo, just 10 days after gunmen stormed a school in another western town, killing at least seven children. No one has claimed responsibility for either of the raids. Samuel Fonki, representative of the church that runs the two schools, said the teachers had been freed but gave no further details when contacted via instant message. There was no immediate comment from authorities on the release. The recent attacks underscore the precarious security situation in some English-speaking areas of the central African country. More than 3,000 people have died since 2017 in the conflict between the Cameroonian government and the Anglophone separatists who want to break away from the primarily French-speaking state. Human rights groups say both sides have committed widespread atrocities, with the separatists often targeting schools that fail to comply with their demands to close.

Eleven kidnapped teachers freed in Cameroon

A 12-year-old girl died on Sunday from wounds sustained when gunmen stormed a school in the South West Region of Cameroon on Saturday and opened fire on the children, taking the death toll to seven with 12 injured.

The attack on the school, in the region where separatist insurgents have been battling government forces since 2017, has drawn widespread condemnation and is likely to pile further pressure on the government to do more to end the conflict.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack in the town of Kumba, where the grieving father of the 12-year-old girl said he saw the gunmen drive by on motorcycles in the direction of the school, and then back after a barrage of gunfire.

What began as protests by people in the English-speaking North West and South West regions of Cameroon over perceived marginalisation by the dominant French-speaking majority has escalated into violence with separatists demanding independence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cameroon-school-attacked-6-students-dead-more-than-10-wounded-337717">Also read|&nbsp;Cameroon school attacked; 6 students dead, more than 10 wounded</a>

More than 3,000 people have died since 2017, with both sides regularly accused of committing atrocities.

"I blame the government for everything that is happening," said Claude Ngwane, whose 12-year old daughter Renny, died from her wounds early on Sunday.

He added that if the Cameroon government would acknowledge that it cannot win a civil war, it would act differently to avoid the escalation of a conflict that has so far displaced over half a million people.

The Cameroon government organised a national dialogue in September 2019 aimed at addressing some of the issues raised by the two regions. But the talks were boycotted by separatists and moderate politicians, and they ended in acrimony.

Since then, the bloodshed has festered unabated, leading to towns and villages in the regions emptying out, and schools closing.

Ngwane, a 36-year old carpenter, said he had sent his daughter to the capital, Yaounde, to complete her primary education due to the conflict. He brought her back to Kumba to start secondary school this year.

He said he was at his work shed near the school when he saw the gunmen, 12 of them on four motorbikes, one armed with a rocket launcher, drive by twice.

"I thought they were just passing. Suddenly we heard sustained gunshots. It lasted for around five minutes, then they drove by again," he said.

"I went out to see what had happened. I saw my wife and saw a man carrying my daughter. I was confused. I saw my child, blood all over her body. I collapsed," Ngwane said.

A 12-year-old girl died on Sunday from wounds sustained when gunmen stormed a school in the South West Region of Cameroon on Saturday and opened fire on the children, taking the death toll to seven with 12 injured.

A 12-year-old girl died on Sunday from wounds sustained when gunmen stormed a school in the South West Region of Cameroon on Saturday and opened fire on the children, taking the death toll to seven with 12 injured. The attack on the school, in the region where separatist insurgents have been battling government forces since 2017, has drawn widespread condemnation and is likely to pile further pressure on the government to do more to end the conflict. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack in the town of Kumba, where the grieving father of the 12-year-old girl said he saw the gunmen drive by on motorcycles in the direction of the school, and then back after a barrage of gunfire. What began as protests by people in the English-speaking North West and South West regions of Cameroon over perceived marginalisation by the dominant French-speaking majority has escalated into violence with separatists demanding independence. Also read| Cameroon school attacked; 6 students dead, more than 10 wounded More than 3,000 people have died since 2017, with both sides regularly accused of committing atrocities. "I blame the government for everything that is happening," said Claude Ngwane, whose 12-year old daughter Renny, died from her wounds early on Sunday. He added that if the Cameroon government would acknowledge that it cannot win a civil war, it would act differently to avoid the escalation of a conflict that has so far displaced over half a million people. The Cameroon government organised a national dialogue in September 2019 aimed at addressing some of the issues raised by the two regions. But the talks were boycotted by separatists and moderate politicians, and they ended in acrimony. Since then, the bloodshed has festered unabated, leading to towns and villages in the regions emptying out, and schools closing. Ngwane, a 36-year old carpenter, said he had sent his daughter to the capital, Yaounde, to complete her primary education due to the conflict. He brought her back to Kumba to start secondary school this year. He said he was at his work shed near the school when he saw the gunmen, 12 of them on four motorbikes, one armed with a rocket launcher, drive by twice. "I thought they were just passing. Suddenly we heard sustained gunshots. It lasted for around five minutes, then they drove by again," he said. "I went out to see what had happened. I saw my wife and saw a man carrying my daughter. I was confused. I saw my child, blood all over her body. I collapsed," Ngwane said.

Seventh child dies as Cameroon reels from shooting attack on school

A private school in Cameroon was attacked on Saturday morning, killing at least six students, the local authorities reported.

The attackers shot at six students at least at close range, out of which six were declared dead. More than a dozen have been wounded in the firing.

"At least six students were shot at close range," Anougou said, with some in critical condition.

Mother Francisca Memorial College was the institute that was attacked. However, the motive behind attacking this particular institute is not clear.

The deputy prefect of the community of Kumba, Ali Anougou, said the school was attacked by separatists who have been at war with the military in parts of&nbsp;western Cameroon.&nbsp;

This is not the first attack on Cameroon schools and colleges, and the attacks have increased in the last few months.

The school was an illegal, undeclared one, Anougou said, adding that authorities could have made security arrangements for the school otherwise.

Authorities have assured locals that a thorough investigation will be carried out and the&nbsp;perpetrators would be captured and killed. The authorities also warned that the neighbouring residents will face measures for not intervening and helping.

In the last few months,&nbsp;Thousands of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced, with civilians suffering from the clashes between separatists and security forces.

A private school in Cameroon was attacked on Saturday morning, killing at least six students, the local authorities reported. The attackers shot at six students at least at close range, out of which six were declared dead.

A private school in Cameroon was attacked on Saturday morning, killing at least six students, the local authorities reported. The attackers shot at six students at least at close range, out of which six were declared dead. More than a dozen have been wounded in the firing. "At least six students were shot at close range," Anougou said, with some in critical condition. Mother Francisca Memorial College was the institute that was attacked. However, the motive behind attacking this particular institute is not clear. The deputy prefect of the community of Kumba, Ali Anougou, said the school was attacked by separatists who have been at war with the military in parts of western Cameroon. This is not the first attack on Cameroon schools and colleges, and the attacks have increased in the last few months. The school was an illegal, undeclared one, Anougou said, adding that authorities could have made security arrangements for the school otherwise. Authorities have assured locals that a thorough investigation will be carried out and the perpetrators would be captured and killed. The authorities also warned that the neighbouring residents will face measures for not intervening and helping. In the last few months, Thousands of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced, with civilians suffering from the clashes between separatists and security forces.

Cameroon school attacked; 6 students dead, more than 10 wounded

Armed men have massacred 22 villagers including 14 children in an anglophone region of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-children-including-school-principal-abducted-in-cameroon-175673">Cameroon</a>, according to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-rights-recommendations-to-be-taken-seriously-maduro-229391">United Nations</a>, with the opposition blaming the killings on government troops.

The bloodshed occurred on Friday in the Northwest region of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-42-people-killed-in-cameroon-landslide-258850">Cameroon</a>, James Nunan, a local official with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-flee-renewed-central-africa-violence-un-2076">UN </a>humanitarian coordination agency OCHA, told AFP on Sunday.

The central government has been battling separatists in the minority English-speaking regions for three years, a conflict that has left 3,000 people dead and forced more than 700,000 to flee their homes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boko-haram-suicide-bomber-kills-11-in-cameroon-1520">Boko Haram suicide bomber kills 11 in Cameroon</a>

Nunan said the massacre took place in the village of Ntumbo on Friday, with his team receiving numerous witness testimonies about the incident.

The army has denied any involvement.

"Up to 22 civilians were killed, including a pregnant woman and several children," Nunan said, adding that 14 children including nine under age five were among the dead.

Eleven of the children were girls, said Nunan, head of OCHA's office for the Northwest and Southwest regions, which are home to the West African country's large English-speaking minority.

The Movement for the Rebirth of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boko-haram-suicide-bomber-kills-11-in-cameroon-1520">Cameroon</a>, one of the country's two main opposition parties, issued a statement condemning the attacks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-flee-renewed-central-africa-violence-un-2076">Thousands flee renewed central Africa violence: UN</a>

"The dictatorial regime (and) the supreme head of the security and defence forces are chiefly responsible for these crimes," it charged.

A key figure in the separatist movement, lawyer Felix Agbor Mballa, in a Facebook post also accused "state defence forces" of carrying out the killings.

An army official contacted by AFP denied the allegations, saying simply: "False". No other official response was immediately available.

Years of grievances at perceived discrimination by the francophone majority snowballed into a declaration of independence by anglophone forces in October 2017, to which the government responded with a crackdown.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-children-including-school-principal-abducted-in-cameroon-175673">Several children including school principal abducted in Cameroon</a>

The declaration of independence has not been recognised internationally, although the government has lately responded to the crisis by decentralising some of its powers.

Friday's killings followed elections on February 9 that were marred by violence in the regions blamed both on separatists and security forces.

Armed separatists prevented people from voting, threatening reprisals, while government soldiers were a heavy presence.

Separatists kidnapped more than 100 people and torched property in the run-up to the elections, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said.

The government has not yet announced the results of the elections or turnout figures.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-flee-renewed-central-africa-violence-un-2076">UN </a>refugee agency said Thursday that almost 8,000 people had fled into Nigeria from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boko-haram-suicide-bomber-kills-11-in-cameroon-1520">Cameroon </a>in the previous two weeks to escape fighting between security forces and armed separatists.

The latest arrivals brought the number of refugees to almost 60,000, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-flee-renewed-central-africa-violence-un-2076">UN High Commissioner for Refugees</a> (UNHCR) said in a statement.

"Refugees reported fleeing violence and some even arrived across the border with gunshot wounds," it said.

Armed men have massacred 22 villagers including 14 children in an anglophone region of Cameroon, according to the United Nations, with the opposition blaming the killings on government troops.

Armed men have massacred 22 villagers including 14 children in an anglophone region of Cameroon, according to the United Nations, with the opposition blaming the killings on government troops. The bloodshed occurred on Friday in the Northwest region of Cameroon, James Nunan, a local official with UN humanitarian coordination agency OCHA, told AFP on Sunday. The central government has been battling separatists in the minority English-speaking regions for three years, a conflict that has left 3,000 people dead and forced more than 700,000 to flee their homes. Also read: Boko Haram suicide bomber kills 11 in Cameroon Nunan said the massacre took place in the village of Ntumbo on Friday, with his team receiving numerous witness testimonies about the incident. The army has denied any involvement. "Up to 22 civilians were killed, including a pregnant woman and several children," Nunan said, adding that 14 children including nine under age five were among the dead. Eleven of the children were girls, said Nunan, head of OCHA's office for the Northwest and Southwest regions, which are home to the West African country's large English-speaking minority. The Movement for the Rebirth of Cameroon, one of the country's two main opposition parties, issued a statement condemning the attacks. Also read: Thousands flee renewed central Africa violence: UN "The dictatorial regime (and) the supreme head of the security and defence forces are chiefly responsible for these crimes," it charged. A key figure in the separatist movement, lawyer Felix Agbor Mballa, in a Facebook post also accused "state defence forces" of carrying out the killings. An army official contacted by AFP denied the allegations, saying simply: "False". No other official response was immediately available. Years of grievances at perceived discrimination by the francophone majority snowballed into a declaration of independence by anglophone forces in October 2017, to which the government responded with a crackdown. Also read: Several children including school principal abducted in Cameroon The declaration of independence has not been recognised internationally, although the government has lately responded to the crisis by decentralising some of its powers. Friday's killings followed elections on February 9 that were marred by violence in the regions blamed both on separatists and security forces. Armed separatists prevented people from voting, threatening reprisals, while government soldiers were a heavy presence. Separatists kidnapped more than 100 people and torched property in the run-up to the elections, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said. The government has not yet announced the results of the elections or turnout figures. The UN refugee agency said Thursday that almost 8,000 people had fled into Nigeria from Cameroon in the previous two weeks to escape fighting between security forces and armed separatists. The latest arrivals brought the number of refugees to almost 60,000, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said in a statement. "Refugees reported fleeing violence and some even arrived across the border with gunshot wounds," it said.

14 children among up to 22 dead in Cameroon massacre: United Nations

It was a "dirty war" waged by French colonial troops but it never made headlines and even today goes untold in school history books.

The brutal conflict unfolded in Cameroon, which on January 1 marks its 60th anniversary of independence -&nbsp;the first of 17 African countries that became free from their colonial masters in 1960.

Many decades on, those who witnessed the violence recall events that shaped countless lives in the central African country yet remain unchronicled today.

"My life was overturned," Odile Mbouma, 72, said in the southwestern town of Ekite.

On the night of December 30, 1956, French troops arrived in the town and slaughtered dozens of people, perhaps as many as a hundred, she said.

"We were sitting under a tree when we suddenly heard the crackle of gunfire," she said. "It was everyone for themselves."

Taking to her heels, the seven-year-old found herself jumping over bodies. "They were everywhere."

The troops were looking for independence fighters - members of the Union of the Peoples of Cameroon (UPC), a nationalist movement established in 1948 that faced repression first by the French and later by Cameroonian soldiers.

French authorities labelled the UPC "communist" and cracked down from 1955, driving the movement underground, though its charismatic founder Ruben Um Nyobe preached non-violence.

Buried in cement&nbsp;

In September 1958, Um Nyobe -&nbsp;nicknamed Mpodol (for "he who brings the word" in the Bassa language) -- was killed by French troops.

"His body was dragged around and displayed so that everybody (saw the corpse) of a man who was considered immortal," said Louis Marie Mang, UPC activist in Eseka, where Um Nyobe is buried in a Protestant graveyard.

"To prevent traditional rites from being held, he was put in a block of cement and buried (without) a coffin."&nbsp;

The conflict continued long beyond independence, for repression of the nationalists continued under Cameroon's first president, Ahmadou Ahidjo, who also banned public references to the UPC and to Um Nyobe.

The violence "passed unnoticed, wiped from memories," according to Thomas Deltombe, Manuel Domergue and Jacob Tatsitsa, authors of "La guerre du Cameroun" ("Cameroon's War"), published in 2016.

They estimate that between 1955 and 1964, tens of thousands of people, including civilians as well as UPC members, were killed.

In Ekite, a wreath of flowers lies on the soil of a scrubland field at the end of a dirt track. "The Nation will remember your sacrifice," says a memorial notice.

"This is one of the mass graves where the nationalists were buried," said Jean-Louis Kell, a UPC militant.&nbsp;

A second ditch was apparent a dozen metres (yards) away, and "a third was discovered not long ago," said Benoit Bassemel. He was seven during the French massacre and has tears in his eyes when he tells how his father was murdered.

'Free like the others'&nbsp;

UPC nationalists believe that the independence granted on January 1, 1960 was not what they fought for.

They view the country's two post-independence presidents, Ahidjo and Paul Biya, who has been in office since 1982, as working hand-in-hand with France.

"We wanted to be free like the other countries. We no longer wanted white people to subjugate us," said 80-year-old Mathieu Njassep, in his tiny family apartment in Petit Paris, a poor district of Douala, the economic capital.

In 1960, aged 21, Njassep joined the Cameroon National Liberation Army (ALNK), the UPC's armed wing.

After two years of fighting, he was appointed secretary to Ernest Ouandie, a leading figure in the movement. He was sentenced to death but escaped the firing squad, unlike Ouandie, who was executed in 1971.

"We had almost nothing to wage a war with," Njassep said.&nbsp;

"We carried out ambushes" with machetes, sticks and homemade guns. "If we had had enough weapons, we would have beaten them."

At the time, the ALNK had established its headquarters in the village of Bandenkop, on the land of the main western tribal group, the Bamileke. Fighting was fierce between the nationalists and the French army.

In the rugged valley from which ALNK commanders led operations, there is no sign of human life today and the only sound is that of a bubbling stream.

"This whole zone was regularly bombed" by the French air force, said Michel Eclador Pekoua, a former UPC official.

Pekoua and other nationalists say French planes dropped napalm. France has neither confirmed nor denied the use of the notorious incendiary weapon.

Decapitations&nbsp;

On a road 30 kilometres (19 miles) to the north, in Bafoussam, a roundabout is known as the "crossroads of the guerrillas," for it was where the decapitated heads of nationalists were placed on show, said Theophile Nono, head of a historical association, Memoire 60.

The regime's methods "ranged from the arrest and arbitrary imprisonment of any Cameroonian suspected of 'rebellion' to systematic torture, with extrajudicial summary executions," Nono said.

For many years the conflict mostly remained taboo in Cameroon. It was in the 1990s, when the authorities came under mounting pressure for democratic change, that people began to raise the historic past.

Biya, in a speech in 2010, paid tribute to "people who dreamed of (independence), fought to obtain it and sacrificed their lives for it... Our people should be eternally grateful to them."

After years of French silence, then-president Francois Hollande in 2015 became his country's first head of state to speak of "a repression" of Cameroonian nationalists leading to "tragic episodes".

For many survivors, this is not enough.

"France must accept its responsibility," Nono said.

"It must undertake to compensate victims of the dirty war, which has been carefully concealed by both the French side and the Cameroonian side."

It was a "dirty war" waged by French colonial troops but it never made headlines and even today goes untold in school history books. The brutal conflict unfolded in Cameroon, which on January 1 marks its 60th anniversary of independence - the first of 17 African countries that became free from their colonial masters in 1960.

It was a "dirty war" waged by French colonial troops but it never made headlines and even today goes untold in school history books. The brutal conflict unfolded in Cameroon, which on January 1 marks its 60th anniversary of independence - the first of 17 African countries that became free from their colonial masters in 1960. Many decades on, those who witnessed the violence recall events that shaped countless lives in the central African country yet remain unchronicled today. "My life was overturned," Odile Mbouma, 72, said in the southwestern town of Ekite. On the night of December 30, 1956, French troops arrived in the town and slaughtered dozens of people, perhaps as many as a hundred, she said. "We were sitting under a tree when we suddenly heard the crackle of gunfire," she said. "It was everyone for themselves." Taking to her heels, the seven-year-old found herself jumping over bodies. "They were everywhere." The troops were looking for independence fighters - members of the Union of the Peoples of Cameroon (UPC), a nationalist movement established in 1948 that faced repression first by the French and later by Cameroonian soldiers. French authorities labelled the UPC "communist" and cracked down from 1955, driving the movement underground, though its charismatic founder Ruben Um Nyobe preached non-violence. Buried in cement In September 1958, Um Nyobe - nicknamed Mpodol (for "he who brings the word" in the Bassa language) -- was killed by French troops. "His body was dragged around and displayed so that everybody (saw the corpse) of a man who was considered immortal," said Louis Marie Mang, UPC activist in Eseka, where Um Nyobe is buried in a Protestant graveyard. "To prevent traditional rites from being held, he was put in a block of cement and buried (without) a coffin." The conflict continued long beyond independence, for repression of the nationalists continued under Cameroon's first president, Ahmadou Ahidjo, who also banned public references to the UPC and to Um Nyobe. The violence "passed unnoticed, wiped from memories," according to Thomas Deltombe, Manuel Domergue and Jacob Tatsitsa, authors of "La guerre du Cameroun" ("Cameroon's War"), published in 2016. They estimate that between 1955 and 1964, tens of thousands of people, including civilians as well as UPC members, were killed. In Ekite, a wreath of flowers lies on the soil of a scrubland field at the end of a dirt track. "The Nation will remember your sacrifice," says a memorial notice. "This is one of the mass graves where the nationalists were buried," said Jean-Louis Kell, a UPC militant. A second ditch was apparent a dozen metres (yards) away, and "a third was discovered not long ago," said Benoit Bassemel. He was seven during the French massacre and has tears in his eyes when he tells how his father was murdered. 'Free like the others' UPC nationalists believe that the independence granted on January 1, 1960 was not what they fought for. They view the country's two post-independence presidents, Ahidjo and Paul Biya, who has been in office since 1982, as working hand-in-hand with France. "We wanted to be free like the other countries. We no longer wanted white people to subjugate us," said 80-year-old Mathieu Njassep, in his tiny family apartment in Petit Paris, a poor district of Douala, the economic capital. In 1960, aged 21, Njassep joined the Cameroon National Liberation Army (ALNK), the UPC's armed wing. After two years of fighting, he was appointed secretary to Ernest Ouandie, a leading figure in the movement. He was sentenced to death but escaped the firing squad, unlike Ouandie, who was executed in 1971. "We had almost nothing to wage a war with," Njassep said. "We carried out ambushes" with machetes, sticks and homemade guns. "If we had had enough weapons, we would have beaten them." At the time, the ALNK had established its headquarters in the village of Bandenkop, on the land of the main western tribal group, the Bamileke. Fighting was fierce between the nationalists and the French army. In the rugged valley from which ALNK commanders led operations, there is no sign of human life today and the only sound is that of a bubbling stream. "This whole zone was regularly bombed" by the French air force, said Michel Eclador Pekoua, a former UPC official. Pekoua and other nationalists say French planes dropped napalm. France has neither confirmed nor denied the use of the notorious incendiary weapon. Decapitations On a road 30 kilometres (19 miles) to the north, in Bafoussam, a roundabout is known as the "crossroads of the guerrillas," for it was where the decapitated heads of nationalists were placed on show, said Theophile Nono, head of a historical association, Memoire 60. The regime's methods "ranged from the arrest and arbitrary imprisonment of any Cameroonian suspected of 'rebellion' to systematic torture, with extrajudicial summary executions," Nono said. For many years the conflict mostly remained taboo in Cameroon. It was in the 1990s, when the authorities came under mounting pressure for democratic change, that people began to raise the historic past. Biya, in a speech in 2010, paid tribute to "people who dreamed of (independence), fought to obtain it and sacrificed their lives for it... Our people should be eternally grateful to them." After years of French silence, then-president Francois Hollande in 2015 became his country's first head of state to speak of "a repression" of Cameroonian nationalists leading to "tragic episodes". For many survivors, this is not enough. "France must accept its responsibility," Nono said. "It must undertake to compensate victims of the dirty war, which has been carefully concealed by both the French side and the Cameroonian side."

Survivors tell of France's 'dirty war' in Cameroon independence

A landslide caused by heavy rains in western Cameroon killed at least 42 people overnight, state media reported on Tuesday.

Rescue teams spent the day scouring the rubble of destroyed houses in the town of Bafoussam in the western highlands. Among the bodies recovered were those of 26 children, Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) reported.

The search will resume on Wednesday for additional bodies believed to remain under the rubble, CRTV reported.

"Around 10 p.m. I heard a noise," said Albert Kenge, who survived the landslide. "I saw a big cloud of dust and when it dissipated, I saw that the mountain had collapsed."

Heavy rains have continued beyond the end of Central Africa's rainy season, causing severe flooding which has displaced nearly 30,000 people in Cameroon's neighbour, the Central African Republic.

The United Nations children's agency UNICEF said last week that exceptionally heavy rain in South Sudan had destroyed health centres and roads, making access to food and water more difficult for nearly 1 million people. 
&nbsp;

A landslide caused by heavy rains in western Cameroon killed at least 42 people overnight, state media reported on Tuesday. Rescue teams spent the day scouring the rubble of destroyed houses in the town of Bafoussam in the western highlands.

A landslide caused by heavy rains in western Cameroon killed at least 42 people overnight, state media reported on Tuesday. Rescue teams spent the day scouring the rubble of destroyed houses in the town of Bafoussam in the western highlands. Among the bodies recovered were those of 26 children, Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) reported. The search will resume on Wednesday for additional bodies believed to remain under the rubble, CRTV reported. "Around 10 p.m. I heard a noise," said Albert Kenge, who survived the landslide. "I saw a big cloud of dust and when it dissipated, I saw that the mountain had collapsed." Heavy rains have continued beyond the end of Central Africa's rainy season, causing severe flooding which has displaced nearly 30,000 people in Cameroon's neighbour, the Central African Republic. The United Nations children's agency UNICEF said last week that exceptionally heavy rain in South Sudan had destroyed health centres and roads, making access to food and water more difficult for nearly 1 million people.

At least 42 people killed in Cameroon landslide

A Cameroonian military court Saturday ordered the release of main opposition leader Maurice Kamto, who has been imprisoned for nine months, after a series of conciliatory gestures by veteran ruler Paul Biya.

The court said Kamto and 101 others summoned could be released "if they have not been detained for anything else".&nbsp;

Kamto's lawyer Sylvain Souop added,&nbsp;"We note the release of our clients who should not have been in prison. Maurice Kamto is free".

Biya who has ruled Cameroon with an iron fist for nearly 37 years on Friday announced he had ordered prosecutions to be dropped against "some" opposition leaders, including a number from the main&nbsp;Movement for the Rebirth of Cameroon (MRC) led by his jailed rival Kamto.&nbsp;

Kamto went on trial with 88 others in a military court in September on charges of insurrection, hostility to the motherland and rebellion crimes that could carry the death penalty.

Biya's shock announcement came on the closing day of crunch talks aimed at easing a bloody crisis in Cameroon's anglophone regions, which were shunned by the main separatist leaders.

The talks also ended with a proposal to give more autonomy to the English-speaking regions, where a two-year armed campaign for independence has been met with a brutal crackdown and cost nearly 3,000 lives, according to the International Crisis Group.&nbsp;

The two areas in western Cameroon the&nbsp;Northwest Region and Southwest Region are home to most of the country's anglophones, who account for about a fifth of a population that is overwhelmingly French-speaking

A Cameroonian military court Saturday ordered the release of main opposition leader Maurice Kamto, who has been imprisoned for nine months, after a series of conciliatory gestures by veteran ruler Paul Biya.

A Cameroonian military court Saturday ordered the release of main opposition leader Maurice Kamto, who has been imprisoned for nine months, after a series of conciliatory gestures by veteran ruler Paul Biya. The court said Kamto and 101 others summoned could be released "if they have not been detained for anything else". Kamto's lawyer Sylvain Souop added, "We note the release of our clients who should not have been in prison. Maurice Kamto is free". Biya who has ruled Cameroon with an iron fist for nearly 37 years on Friday announced he had ordered prosecutions to be dropped against "some" opposition leaders, including a number from the main Movement for the Rebirth of Cameroon (MRC) led by his jailed rival Kamto. Kamto went on trial with 88 others in a military court in September on charges of insurrection, hostility to the motherland and rebellion crimes that could carry the death penalty. Biya's shock announcement came on the closing day of crunch talks aimed at easing a bloody crisis in Cameroon's anglophone regions, which were shunned by the main separatist leaders. The talks also ended with a proposal to give more autonomy to the English-speaking regions, where a two-year armed campaign for independence has been met with a brutal crackdown and cost nearly 3,000 lives, according to the International Crisis Group. The two areas in western Cameroon the Northwest Region and Southwest Region are home to most of the country's anglophones, who account for about a fifth of a population that is overwhelmingly French-speaking

Cameroon orders release of main opposition leader Maurice Kamto

Nine Chinese and eight Ukrainian seamen were abducted on Thursday when two merchant vessels came under attack in Cameroonian waters, sources said Friday.

"Seventeen Chinese and Ukrainians were kidnapped... (of whom) nine (are) Chinese who were abducted on one of the ships," an official in the port of Douala told AFP.&nbsp;

A Cameroonian security official, likewise speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the account.

The abduction was reported on Thursday by sources in the Cameroonian navy and the country's port service, but their number and nationality were not then known.

The navy source had said the kidnappers "are probably Nigerian pirates," adding that Cameroon's security forces had launched a search for them.

The Gulf of Guinea, whose coastline stretches in a huge arc from Liberia to Gabon, is notorious for piracy as well as oil theft, illegal fishing and human and drugs trafficking.

In Malaysia, Noel Choong, who heads the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), a watchdog agency, said the 17 seamen were seized from two ships that were attacked within hours of each other while they were anchored off Douala.

Choong said one of the ships was a multipurpose German-owned ship that flew the flag of Antigua and Barbuda.&nbsp;

"Eight crew were kidnapped from the ship consisting of a total of 12 Asian and European sailors," he said.

The other vessel was a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier managed in Greece with a Greek owner.

"There were 21 crew on board. All were Asians. Nine crew were taken," Choong told AFP.

"(The) IMB has issued a warning to all ships at Douala. We ask all ships to take additional precaution."

According to the IMB's figures, 62 seafarers were taken hostage or abducted in the area in the first half of 2019.

The Gulf of Guinea accounts for 73 percent of kidnappings and 92 percent of hostage-takings at sea worldwide, it says.

The 17 countries in the Gulf of Guinea and adjacent regions have limited surveillance and maritime defence capabilities.

They have been trying for several years to bolster their means of intervention and to put in place closer collaboration.

Nine Chinese and eight Ukrainian seamen were abducted on Thursday when two merchant vessels came under attack in Cameroonian waters, sources said Friday. "Seventeen Chinese and Ukrainians were kidnapped.

Nine Chinese and eight Ukrainian seamen were abducted on Thursday when two merchant vessels came under attack in Cameroonian waters, sources said Friday. "Seventeen Chinese and Ukrainians were kidnapped... (of whom) nine (are) Chinese who were abducted on one of the ships," an official in the port of Douala told AFP. A Cameroonian security official, likewise speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the account. The abduction was reported on Thursday by sources in the Cameroonian navy and the country's port service, but their number and nationality were not then known. The navy source had said the kidnappers "are probably Nigerian pirates," adding that Cameroon's security forces had launched a search for them. The Gulf of Guinea, whose coastline stretches in a huge arc from Liberia to Gabon, is notorious for piracy as well as oil theft, illegal fishing and human and drugs trafficking. In Malaysia, Noel Choong, who heads the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), a watchdog agency, said the 17 seamen were seized from two ships that were attacked within hours of each other while they were anchored off Douala. Choong said one of the ships was a multipurpose German-owned ship that flew the flag of Antigua and Barbuda. "Eight crew were kidnapped from the ship consisting of a total of 12 Asian and European sailors," he said. The other vessel was a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier managed in Greece with a Greek owner. "There were 21 crew on board. All were Asians. Nine crew were taken," Choong told AFP. "(The) IMB has issued a warning to all ships at Douala. We ask all ships to take additional precaution." According to the IMB's figures, 62 seafarers were taken hostage or abducted in the area in the first half of 2019. The Gulf of Guinea accounts for 73 percent of kidnappings and 92 percent of hostage-takings at sea worldwide, it says. The 17 countries in the Gulf of Guinea and adjacent regions have limited surveillance and maritime defence capabilities. They have been trying for several years to bolster their means of intervention and to put in place closer collaboration.

17 Chinese, Ukrainian seamen kidnapped off Cameroon

How Boko Haram's terror split  Niger, Chad and Cameroon

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