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Check FAQAbout Amindeh
Amindeh Blaise Atabong is an award-winning journalist based in Yaoundé, Cameroon, known for his investigative reporting and in-depth coverage of politics, security, and social issues in Central and West Africa. With over 10 years of experience across print, radio broadcast, and multimedia, Amindeh has a track record of uncovering groundbreaking stories. His work has illuminated the humanitarian crisis in Cameroon, including the impact of Boko Haram attacks, which have led to internal displacement and a severe food crisis. He has reported on the resilience of communities in northern Cameroon, such as the establishment of grain banks with the support of NGOs like RELUFA, and the challenges faced by the University of Maiduguri in Nigeria amidst an insurgency. Amindeh's journalism has earned him recognition, including the Kurt Schork Award in International Journalism and an award from the British High Commission in Cameroon in 2016 for exposing a scam involving security officials and a fake Red Cross agent. His reporting has taken him beyond Cameroon's borders, such as to the Central African Republic to investigate the smuggling of conflict diamonds. Amindeh has contributed to respected international news organizations, including Quartz, Reuters, dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Semafor, The Times, African Arguments, Jeune Afrique, Equal Times, amongst other . His reporting on the internet blackouts in Cameroon's Anglophone regions, the country's worst train crash in Eseka, and the deep-seated issues of marginalization and economic disparity that fuel the Anglophone crisis, has provided valuable insights into the region's complex socio-political landscape. His work not only sheds light on current events but also offers historical and cultural context, underscoring the significance of local initiatives and the profound impact of government policies on various crises.
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Portfolio
Cameroon seeks €50 million loan to broaden video surveillance
Cameroon is advancing its urban video surveillance system with a €50 million loan from Banco Santander's Hong Kong branch. President Paul Biya authorized the loan to fund the second phase, aiming to install 5,000 cameras and 17 control centres nationwide. The project, started in 2014, has already set up 1,500 CCTV cameras and related infrastructure in major cities. Huawei is the technological partner, working with state-run Camtel, and the project is overseen by the country's police force, the DGSN.
Cameroon tipped as digital hub for Central Africa
Cameroon has been identified by the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa as a potential digital hub for Central Africa due to its advanced digital infrastructure relative to regional peers. The ICT sector contributes about 5% to Cameroon's GDP, with room for growth. The country ranks 26th in Africa on the Digital Preparedness Index and has seen mobile phone penetration increase significantly. However, political instability poses challenges to infrastructure development and business operations.
MTN launches Chenosis platform in Cameroon
MTN Cameroon has launched Chenosis, a pan-African API marketplace, in Yaounde, aiming to become Africa's largest library of open APIs. Chenosis offers a range of API goods and services across various industries, including telecoms, health, and finance. The platform is designed to facilitate the creation of new applications with minimal coding. MTN Cameroon's CEO, Mitwa Ng'ambi, emphasizes the company's commitment to digital solutions that contribute to Cameroon's economic growth and sustainable development. She encourages businesses to leverage Chenosis for their digital transformation.
Cameroonian entrepreneur leverages climate-smart greenhouses to stabilize food prices amid hikes
In Cameroon, soaring food prices due to global supply chain disruptions and the Russian invasion of Ukraine have significantly impacted local markets and low-income earners. Roland Fomumdam, an entrepreneur with a background in entrepreneurship from the US, has introduced climate-smart greenhouse technology to stabilize food prices by ensuring year-round availability of produce. His company, Greenhouse Venture Cameroon, has successfully reduced the importation of certain food items and is producing high-quality, locally-grown produce. The initiative has not received financial support from the government but has been endorsed and utilized by the Ministry of Secondary Education. Greenhouse Academy, also founded by Fomumdam, is transferring knowledge to new generations of farmers.
Travel restrictions on African journalists, a brake on press freedom?
African journalists, including Cameroon Tribune's Sainclair Mezing and Nigerian investigative journalist David Hundeyin, face significant travel restrictions and visa discrimination, impeding their ability to cover international events and conduct cross-border investigations. These barriers not only limit their access to diverse sources and the ability to report from their own perspectives but also hinder professional networking and advancement. The issue reflects broader challenges of visa inequality and mobility for African professionals traveling to Europe and America, as well as within the continent. The International Federation of Journalists and the Foreign Press Association of Africa highlight the discriminatory practices that disproportionately affect journalists from the global south, calling for governments to respect international commitments to press freedom and ease visa protocols for journalists.
Cameroon receives first shipment of GSK’s Mosquirix malaria vaccine
Cameroon received its first shipment of GSK's Mosquirix malaria vaccine, with 331,200 doses arriving at Yaounde's Nsimalen International Airport. This makes Cameroon the first African country to receive the vaccine outside of pilot programs in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi. The vaccine will be distributed to 42 health districts, targeting children aged six to 24 months. More than 1.7 million children in the pilot countries have received at least one dose, and the vaccine is expected to roll out in nine more countries next year. A second vaccine from the University of Oxford is anticipated by mid-2024.
Cameroon receives first shipment of GSK’s Mosquirix malaria vaccine
Cameroon has received its first shipment of Mosquirix malaria vaccines from GSK Plc, with 331,200 doses arriving at Yaounde's Nsimalen International Airport. This makes Cameroon the first African country to receive the vaccine outside of the pilot programs in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi. The vaccines will be distributed to 42 health districts, targeting children aged six to 24 months. Over 1.7 million children in the pilot countries have received at least one dose, and the vaccine is expected to roll out in nine more malaria-endemic countries next year. A second vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, developed by the University of Oxford, is anticipated to be available by mid-2024.
Cameroon receives first shipment of GSK’s Mosquirix malaria vaccine
Cameroon received its first shipment of GSK's Mosquirix malaria vaccine, with 331,200 doses arriving at Yaounde's Nsimalen International Airport. This makes Cameroon the first African country to receive the vaccine outside of the pilot programs in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi. The vaccine will be distributed to 42 health districts, targeting children aged six to 24 months. Over 1.7 million children in the pilot countries have received at least one dose, and the vaccine is expected to roll out in nine more malaria-endemic countries. A second vaccine from the University of Oxford is anticipated to be available by mid-2024.
Cameroon receives first shipment of GSK’s Mosquirix malaria vaccine
Cameroon received its first shipment of GSK's Mosquirix malaria vaccine, with 331,200 doses arriving at Yaounde's Nsimalen International Airport. This makes Cameroon the first African country to receive the vaccine outside of pilot programs in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi. The vaccine will be distributed to 42 health districts, targeting children aged six to 24 months. Over 1.7 million children in the pilot countries have received at least one dose. A second vaccine from the University of Oxford is expected by mid-2024. The WHO notes that malaria is one of Africa's deadliest diseases, with children under five being the most vulnerable.
Cameroon receives first shipment of GSK’s Mosquirix malaria vaccine
Cameroon received its first shipment of GSK's Mosquirix malaria vaccine, with 331,200 doses arriving at Yaounde's Nsimalen International Airport. This makes Cameroon the first African country to receive the vaccine outside of the pilot programs in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi. The vaccine will be distributed to 42 health districts, targeting children aged six to 24 months. Over 1.7 million children in the pilot countries have received at least one dose, and the vaccine is expected to roll out in nine more countries next year. A second vaccine from the University of Oxford is anticipated to be available by mid-2024.
Cameroon receives first shipment of GSK’s Mosquirix malaria vaccine
Cameroon received its first shipment of GSK's Mosquirix malaria vaccine, with 331,200 doses arriving at Yaounde's Nsimalen International Airport. This makes Cameroon the first African country outside of the pilot programs in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi to receive the vaccine. The vaccine will be distributed to 42 health districts, targeting children aged six to 24 months. More than 1.7 million children in the pilot countries have received at least one dose, and the vaccine is expected to roll out in nine other malaria-endemic countries from early next year. A second vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, developed by the University of Oxford, is anticipated to be available by mid-2024.
Cameroon receives first shipment of GSK’s Mosquirix malaria vaccine
Cameroon has received its first shipment of GSK's Mosquirix malaria vaccine, with 331,200 doses arriving at Yaounde's Nsimalen International Airport. This makes Cameroon the first African country to receive the vaccine outside of the pilot programs in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi. The vaccines will be distributed to 42 health districts, targeting children aged six to 24 months. Over 1.7 million children in the pilot countries have received at least one dose, and the vaccine is expected to roll out in nine more countries next year. A second vaccine from the University of Oxford is anticipated by mid-2024.
Cameroon receives first shipment of GSK’s Mosquirix malaria vaccine
Cameroon received its first shipment of GSK's Mosquirix malaria vaccine, with 331,200 doses arriving at Yaounde's Nsimalen International Airport. This makes Cameroon the first African country to receive the vaccine outside of the pilot programs in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi. The vaccine will be distributed to 42 health districts, targeting children aged six to 24 months. Over 1.7 million children in the pilot countries have received at least one dose. A second vaccine from the University of Oxford is expected by mid-2024. The WHO notes that malaria is one of Africa's deadliest diseases, particularly for children under five.
Cameroon receives first shipment of GSK’s Mosquirix malaria vaccine
Cameroon has received its first shipment of Mosquirix malaria vaccines from GSK Plc, with 331,200 doses arriving at Yaounde's Nsimalen International Airport. This makes Cameroon the first African country to receive the vaccine outside of the pilot programs in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi. The vaccines will be distributed to 42 health districts, targeting children aged six to 24 months. Over 1.7 million children in the pilot countries have received at least one dose, and the vaccine is expected to roll out in nine more countries next year. A second vaccine from the University of Oxford is anticipated to be available by mid-2024.
Cameroon receives first shipment of GSK’s Mosquirix malaria vaccine
Cameroon has received its first shipment of Mosquirix, a malaria vaccine from GSK Plc, at Yaounde's Nsimalen International Airport. This makes Cameroon the first African country to get the vaccine outside of the pilot programs in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi. The vaccine will be distributed to 42 health districts, targeting children aged six to 24 months. Over 1.7 million children in the pilot countries have received at least one dose. A second vaccine from the University of Oxford is expected by mid-2024. The World Health Organization notes that malaria is one of Africa's deadliest diseases, with children under five being the most vulnerable.
Cameroon receives first shipment of GSK’s Mosquirix malaria vaccine
Cameroon received its first shipment of GSK's Mosquirix malaria vaccine, marking the country as the first to receive the vaccine outside of the pilot programs in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi. The vaccine aims to combat malaria, which is particularly deadly in Africa, killing nearly half a million children under five annually. The initial batch will be distributed to 42 health districts, with inoculations starting in the coming months. Over 1.7 million children in the pilot countries have received at least one dose, and the vaccine will be rolled out in nine more malaria-endemic countries. A second vaccine from the University of Oxford is expected by mid-2024.
Cameroon receives first shipment of GSK’s Mosquirix malaria vaccine
Cameroon has received its first shipment of 331,200 doses of the Mosquirix malaria vaccine from GSK Plc, becoming the first African country to do so outside of pilot programs in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi. The vaccine, also known as RTS,S, will be distributed to 42 health districts, targeting children aged six to 24 months. Over 1.7 million children in the pilot countries have received at least one dose, with plans to roll out the vaccine in nine more countries next year. A second vaccine, R21/Matrix-M from the University of Oxford, is expected to be available by mid-2024.
Gunmen kill nine in market raid in western Cameroon
Nine people were killed in a market raid by gunmen in the Bamboutos division of western Cameroon, near the region where armed separatists have been fighting for an independent English-speaking state, Ambazonia, since 2017. No separatist group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which is part of increased violence in French-speaking regions. The conflict, rooted in the marginalisation of Cameroon's Anglophone community by the Francophone-led government, has resulted in over 6,000 deaths and nearly a million displaced, with atrocities committed by both sides.
At least 28 people killed after rains burst dam in Cameroon
A dam burst in Yaounde, Cameroon, following heavy rains, killing at least 28 people with the death toll expected to rise. The colonial-era dam's failure caused a wave of water to destroy homes and bury the Mbankolo neighbourhood in debris and mud. Communications Minister Rene Emmanuel Sadi stated that the situation is under control, while Territorial Administration Minister Paul Atanga Nji warned of the likelihood of an increasing death toll. The disaster affected vulnerable communities, with climate change contributing to more frequent and intense extreme weather in Africa.
At least 28 people killed after rains burst dam in Cameroon
A dam burst in Yaounde, Cameroon, following heavy rains, killing at least 28 people with the death toll expected to rise. The colonial-era dam's failure caused a wave of water to sweep through the Mbankolo neighbourhood, destroying homes and resulting in casualties, including children at a birthday party. The Communications Minister, Rene Emmanuel Sadi, stated that the situation is under control, while Territorial Administration Minister Paul Atanga Nji noted that the affected buildings were in a high-risk zone. The disaster highlights the vulnerability of communities to extreme weather, exacerbated by climate change.
At least 23 people killed after dam bursts in Cameroon’s capital — army
A dam burst in Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon, has resulted in at least 23 fatalities following heavy rains. The colonial-era dam collapsed around 4pm on Sunday, causing a wave of water to flood the Mbankolo neighbourhood. Local leader Assola Joseph reported the incident, which also led to the destruction of at least 30 houses. Rescue efforts are underway, with residents and workers searching through the aftermath.
Cameroon separatists publicly execute two civilians accused of spying
In Cameroon's English-speaking North West region, separatists executed two men accused of spying for the government. The incident was captured on video in the village of Guzang and confirmed by a senior administrator. The separatists' military wing, the Ambazonian Defense Forces, claimed responsibility, stating it was a warning and example. The conflict in the region has resulted in over 6,000 deaths since 2017, with Amnesty International condemning all parties for human rights abuses.
Explainer-The causes of Cameroon's six-year separatist conflict
Cameroon's separatist conflict has historical roots dating back to 1884, with tensions escalating after the annexation by Germany and subsequent partition between Britain and France post-World War I. The English-speaking region's secessionist sentiments were stoked by perceived marginalization, culminating in violent clashes and a separatist movement in 2017. Human rights abuses have been reported on both sides, with significant human and economic tolls, including thousands of deaths, widespread displacement, and educational and economic disruptions. Peace efforts have stalled due to the absence of main separatist leaders and the government's refusal to release Anglophone political prisoners.
Cameroon to expedite delivery of biometric ID cards
Cameroon is set to issue biometric national identity cards within 48 hours after enrolment to address the significant delays and challenges of the current system. The Delegate General for National Security announced plans for public-private cooperation to establish three biometric identity card production facilities in Yaounde, Douala, and Garoua, and at least 15 biometric enrolment posts in each regional headquarters. The expansion will increase identification posts from 280 to 543 and deploy 700 permanent and 300 mobile biometric registration kits, along with 1,000 mobile reading terminals for automatic document checks. DGSN chief Martin Mbarga Nguélé emphasized the investment's importance for national security and effective duty performance.
Experts gather to discuss Cameroon's digital development
Tech experts from various sectors have been evaluating Cameroon's digital transformation, focusing on healthtech, at a virtual forum. Ebot Ebot Enaw, director general of the National Agency for Information and Communication Technologies, emphasized the importance of a clear roadmap and the simultaneous advancement of people, process, and technology for successful digital transformation. He highlighted the potential benefits of telemedicine and surgical robots in improving health services and stressed the importance of privacy in digital transformation programs.
In areas where trash pickup is challenging and accumulations of rubbish lead to flooding, a homegrown collection system is cutting risks
In Nkolbikok, a neighborhood in Cameroon's capital, residents have taken the initiative to manage waste and reduce flooding by starting a local trash collection system called 'Tam Tam Mobile'. The community-led effort involves daily trash pickups and monthly cleanups of wetlands and drains, which has reduced improper garbage disposal by 35% and decreased flooding. The initiative, which began in 2014, has been commended by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. Despite challenges such as limited funding and the city's waste management company HYSACAM's struggle with the volume of trash, the program has been successful in mitigating environmental and health risks. The government has secured funding for infrastructure projects to reduce flooding, but these do not benefit Nkolbikok. The article highlights the importance of local action in the face of inadequate services and the increasing threat of climate change.
At least 28 people killed after rains burst dam in Cameroon
A dam burst in Yaounde, Cameroon, following heavy rains, killing at least 28 people with the death toll expected to rise. The colonial-era dam collapsed on Sunday afternoon, causing a wave of water to destroy homes and bury the Mbankolo neighbourhood in debris and mud. Among the victims were children at a birthday party. The Communications Minister and the Territorial Administration Minister visited the site, with the latter warning that the death toll could increase and noting the construction of buildings in high-risk zones. The incident highlights the vulnerability of communities to extreme weather, exacerbated by climate change.
Cameroon aspires to be a tech hub and “multiply by 50” jobs in ICTs. But high costs, poor infrastructure and the internet blackout in Silicon Mountain undermine this vision.
Cameroon's ambition to become a tech hub is being severely hampered by an internet blackout imposed by the government in the country's English-speaking regions. This blackout, a response to protests against marginalization and the imposition of the French language, has disrupted communication and business operations, causing significant economic losses. The shutdown has been condemned by international bodies and has affected tech companies in Buea's 'Silicon Mountain', a hub for African tech startups. The government's long-term vision to boost the ICT sector and become an emerging economy by 2035 is at odds with the current situation, which includes unfulfilled promises, expensive and unreliable internet, and poor digital infrastructure. Cameroon ranks low in global reports on network readiness and e-government, and the shutdown could further undermine the country's digital ambitions.
Cameroon’s Anglophone crisis isn’t about language, but economic deprivation
The article discusses the ongoing crisis in Cameroon's English-speaking regions, which began in November 2016 with strikes by lawyers and teachers against the imposition of the French language. The situation has escalated to deadly clashes between government forces and protesters, mass arrests, and calls for separatism with the proposed country of Ambazonia. The crisis reflects deeper issues of marginalization and economic disparity faced by Anglophones in Cameroon. Despite calls for dialogue, no significant steps have been taken by either side. The government's heavy-handed response has been criticized by local and international bodies, and there are fears that the violence may radicalize the population further. The article also touches on the economic and political marginalization of the English-speaking regions compared to the Francophone regions of Cameroon.
Cameroon disrupts internet in Anglophone regions amid protests
The Cameroonian government has reportedly disrupted internet connections in the North West and South West Anglophone regions amid new mass protests. This has affected social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter. Residents have experienced slow or inconsistent connections, raising concerns that the government is attempting to suppress dissent by pressuring mobile operators to cut services. This follows a previous internet shutdown that lasted 93 days and ended in April, which was met with national and international condemnation. Despite the government's denial of plans to cut the internet, the recent disruptions coincide with planned protests to acknowledge an English-speaking independent state of Southern Cameroons/Ambazonia. Mobile network providers have attributed the disruptions to technical issues, but have not taken responsibility.
Can community grain banks help Cameroon tackle its chronic food insecurity?
Since 2013, Cameroon has faced a humanitarian crisis due to Boko Haram attacks, causing internal displacement and a severe food crisis. The Sahel and East Africa are also experiencing food insecurity, affecting millions. The European Commission and the FAO have noted the crisis, with climate change exacerbating the situation. In response, northern Cameroon communities have created grain banks to combat food insecurity. These banks allow locals to store and borrow grains, reducing dependency on fluctuating market prices and providing a buffer against shortages. The NGO RELUFA is supporting these efforts, which have benefited thousands and are expanding across the region.
‘Digital refugees’, repression and the death penalty – Cameroon’s escalating language conflict
The article discusses the situation in Cameroon, where English-speaking regions have been subjected to an internet blackout by the government following protests and civil unrest. The blackout is seen as an attempt to suppress dissent in the anglophone minority regions, which have long felt discriminated against by the francophone-dominated central government. The article covers the historical context of the 'anglophone problem' in Cameroon, the recent protests and strikes by lawyers and teachers against the use of French in courts and schools, and the trial of three prominent English-speaking activists facing serious charges. It also highlights the response of the international community, including condemnation from the United Nations and human rights organizations. The article concludes with the government's stance on the crisis and the call for dialogue and resolution from civil society activists.
The university that even Boko Haram couldn’t shut
The article discusses the resilience of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) in Nigeria, which continued to operate despite the threat from Boko Haram, a terrorist group that has caused significant disruption in the northeast region of the country. The university, located in the city of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, managed to avoid closure even at the height of Boko Haram's insurgency. The group, which opposes Western education, attempted to attack the campus multiple times but was thwarted by intelligence agents, campus guards, and the military. While Boko Haram succeeded in influencing some students off-campus, the university's strategy to keep students on campus proved successful in preventing further radicalization. The article also touches on the broader impact of Boko Haram's activities in the region, including the reduction of the university's student population and the overall security situation in Borno state.
Mass protests in Cameroon are exposing the fragility of its dual French-English system
The article discusses the protests in Bamenda, Cameroon, which were sparked by an indefinite strike by school teachers. The protests are part of a larger uprising by English-speaking Cameroonians against perceived neglect by the Francophone-led government. The article traces the roots of the current tensions to Cameroon's colonial history, where the country was divided between Britain and France. The Anglophone regions, which were under British control, now feel marginalized within the predominantly Francophone country. The article also touches on the historical reunification of Cameroon and the subsequent constitutional changes that have led to the current state of affairs. President Paul Biya's administration is criticized for its indifferent attitude towards the Anglophone population, and the article suggests that the government's policies are contributing to the erosion of the Anglophone educational and legal systems.
Cameroon mourns as criticism mounts over president’s handling of train crash
Cameroon is in a state of national mourning following the country's worst train crash in history, with the death toll officially at 79 and unconfirmed reports suggesting higher numbers. The accident occurred in Eseka, en route to Douala from the capital, Yaoundé. President Paul Biya, who was abroad at the time of the crash, has been criticized for his delayed and seemingly indifferent response. Despite returning to Cameroon, Biya has not visited the crash site or injured victims, opting instead to create a commission of inquiry. Citizens and government officials have expressed outrage at Biya's handling of the situation. The train, managed by French company Bolloré, was reportedly overpacked due to a collapsed major road. Opposition parties have condemned the government for poor infrastructure maintenance and slow emergency response.
The Gombo Bug: Elements and Implications on the Cameroon Media Landscape
The article discusses the ethical challenges faced by journalists in maintaining objectivity and fairness due to various pressures. It acknowledges that journalists, being human, are imperfect and sometimes succumb to temptations. The article highlights the symbiotic but often conflicting relationship between the media and news makers, where journalists need information and news makers seek media coverage. The different orientations of journalists and news makers, especially during crises, are noted. The piece also touches on the practice of 'gombo', where journalists accept cash for news coverage, attributing it to factors like low salaries and poor training. The article indicates that the researcher will investigate the effects of gombo on news coverage and placement through qualitative research.
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