Catégorie : A LA UNE

  • Yaounde: Collective Weddings Strengthen Family Values Ahead of International Family Day

    Yaounde: Collective Weddings Strengthen Family Values Ahead of International Family Day

    Twenty-one couples formalised their unions on May 9, 2026, in Yaoundé during the “Grand National Banquet for Families,” held ahead of the International Day of Families on May 15 under the theme “Cameroon, One Family, One Nation.” The event brought together families, officials and guests in a celebration promoting legal marriage, family unity and social cohesion.

    Organised by Institut Tyrannus in partnership with the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family (MINPROFF), the ceremony was presided over by Minister Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa. Several couples expressed gratitude for the opportunity to regularise their unions through a dignified collective ceremony.

    General Supervisor Emmanuel Juste Lingom said the initiative was designed to support couples facing financial barriers to traditional wedding celebrations, while encouraging those in informal unions to formalise their marriages within a shared family gathering. The concept also aimed to elevate the celebration of family as a central pillar of society, alongside other life achievements. He noted that while achievements such as academic success and professional promotions are often celebrated, families themselves are rarely given similar recognition despite their central role in society. Organisers prepared to host thousands of guests, allowing couples and their relatives to celebrate freely.

    Speaking during the event the Director of Tyrannus Institute, Mfondi Rachel emphasised that legal marriage strengthens family stability and provides greater security for children. She noted that participating couples benefited from preparatory seminars on marriage, communication and conflict management, with continued post-ceremony guidance.

    Minister Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa highlighted that this year’s International Family Day theme, “Families, Inequalities and Child Well-being,” underscores the need to reduce social disparities affecting children. She called for stronger social protection systems and collective action to improve family welfare across Cameroon.

    The ceremony concluded in a celebratory atmosphere, reaffirming the importance of marriage, family cohesion and shared responsibility in national development.

    Egoh Yvonne (Intern)

  • Young Cameroonian Writers Honoured for Promoting National Unity and Combating Fake News

    Young Cameroonian Writers Honoured for Promoting National Unity and Combating Fake News

    Six young Cameroonian writers have been honoured at the end of the National Youth Writing Competition organised by the Ministry of Arts and Culture. The prize award ceremony took place this Monday, May 11, 2026, at the National Museum in Yaounde.

    Selected out of 80 participants from the 10 regions of the country, the winners aged between 16 and 35 distinguished themselves through short stories and poems centered on two major themes: the fight against fake news on social media and the promotion of national unity.

    Through their writings, the young authors denounced misinformation, manipulation and the growing influence of deceptive online content targeting young people. At the same time, they highlighted values, traditions and everyday experiences that strengthen social cohesion and peaceful coexistence among Cameroonians.

    Members of the jury, made up of writers and education professionals, praised the creativity, originality and depth reflected in many of the submissions. However, they also expressed concern over the excessive use of artificial intelligence tools by some candidates, stressing the need to preserve authenticity and personal creativity in literary production.

    Organisers say the competition is part of efforts to revitalise the book sector by encouraging creative writing among young people while promoting reading culture across the country.

    The initiative also seeks to use literature as a tool for civic education and national integration at a time when misinformation on digital platforms continues to pose challenges to social harmony.

    Egoh Yvonne (Intern)

  • Fact Check: No Scientific Evidence That Veldt Grape Roots Cure Epilepsy, Experts Warn

    Fact Check: No Scientific Evidence That Veldt Grape Roots Cure Epilepsy, Experts Warn


     
    Epilepsy, a chronic neurological disorder affecting an estimated 50 million people worldwide, requires specialized and evidence-based treatment, typically involving anti-seizure medications or, in some cases, surgery.

    According to global health experts, proper diagnosis and long-term medical follow-up are essential for managing the condition effectively.

    However, misleading medical claims have recently gained traction online, suggesting that the roots of veldt grape, scientifically known as Cissus quadrangularis can treat epilepsy. One such claims, circulating widely on social media, has raised concerns among medical professionals. (see more)
     
    Experts Dismiss Viral Claims 

    The CRTV Factchecking Team started verifying these claims, shared on Facebook and other social media platforms.
    We consulted medical experts including a Neurologist who said the claims are not backed by scientific evidence.

    Dr. Leonard Ngarka, neurologist, explains that while some laboratory research has shown potential anticonvulsant properties of Cissus quadrangularis in animal models, this does not translate to proven treatment for humans.

    “Cissus quadrangularis has been shown to have anti-seizure properties especially in rats, but scientifically it has not been proven that it can treat epilepsy in humans. As a neurologist, I advise the population to be cautious about using the roots of this plant for epilepsy, and instead consult a medical doctor for proper follow-up,” he said.
     
    Why the Confusion Persists: Our Findings

    The misconception may stem from the plant’s long-standing use in traditional medicine. Cissus quadrangularis has been widely used for bone healing and other ailments, and some experimental studies in animals have explored its neurological properties.

    According to Dr. Ngarka and other experts, such preliminary findings often spark public interest, but fall far short of the rigorous clinical testing required for approval in modern medicine. He says for any plant-based remedy to be considered safe and effective for human use, it must undergo years of controlled studies to evaluate both its benefits and potential side effects.

    When a substance is part of traditional African pharmacopeia, its integration into conventional medical practice depends on extensive scientific validation.
     
    What Patients Should Do

    Health professionals stress that individuals living with epilepsy—or those seeking treatment for loved ones—should rely on qualified neurologists and evidence-based care.

    At present, there is no clinical or medical proof that the roots of Cissus quadrangularis can treat epilepsy in humans.
    Relying on unverified remedies may delay proper treatment and increase the risk of complications.
     
     
    Natacha Lehman Mbachi

  • Douala 2026 Dixiades: Preparations Gain Momentum

    Douala 2026 Dixiades: Preparations Gain Momentum

    Preparations ahead of the 2026 National Games of Cameroon, dubbed Dixiades, have already begun with key meetings bringing together actors of the organising committees and the National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSC).

    The session held Wednesday, May 6, 2026 in Yaounde was presided over by the General Coordinator of the Committees, Grégoire Owona, and featured the presentation of the official logo of the Games scheduled to take place in Douala from December 13 to 22, 2026.

    During the meeting, stakeholders reviewed progress and outlined priority areas to ensure the successful organisation of the event.

    Key focus was placed on logistics, security, athlete accommodation, as well as sanitation, nutrition and the live broadcast of competitions, all considered critical to delivering a smooth and high-standard sporting event.

    The meeting also brought together Presidents of Regional Olympic and Sports Committees (CROS), National Sports Federations, local organising committees, and partners involved in the planning process. CRTV, as the main communication partner, is expected to play a central role in ensuring wide media coverage of the Games, alongside other stakeholders supporting various operational aspects.

    Speaking at the end of deliberations, the Secretary General of the Cameroon National Olympic and Sports Committee, David Ojong, stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among all actors.

    He noted that national federations will work closely with the technical departments of Regional Olympic and Sports Committees to guarantee effective preparation and execution of the Games.

    With momentum building and coordination strengthening, the Douala 2026 Dixiades are on course to stand out as a major sporting rendezvous, showcasing Cameroon’s commitment to sports development and excellence.

    Egoh Yvonne (Intern)

  • Parliament: Former House Speaker Honourable Cavaye Yeguie Djibril Passes On

    Parliament: Former House Speaker Honourable Cavaye Yeguie Djibril Passes On

    The former Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Cavaye Yeguie Djibril died this Wednesday May 6, 2026 in Tokombere in Mayo-Sava Division of the Far North Region.

    The Member of National Assembly was the First-Class traditional ruler of Mada in the Tokombéré subdivision.

    He was the fourth Speaker of the National Assembly, holding the position from 1992 to 2026, becoming the longest-serving serving person to hold the position.

    He will be remembered for playing an essential role in the construction of the new edifice of the National Assembly called the Paul Biya Glass House.

  • SOCADEL: Executive Bureau Installed

    SOCADEL: Executive Bureau Installed

    The Pioneer Executive of Cameroon Electricity Company, (#SOCADEL) installed during a board meeting chaired by the Minister of Water Resources and Energy, Gaston Eloundou Essomba this Tuesday May 5, 2026 include:

    – Antoine Ntsimi
    Board Chair

    – Oumarou Hamandjoda
    Director General

    – Jean Basile Ekobena
    Deputy Director General

  • Official Burial decreed for Former Senate President, Niat Njifenji

    Official Burial decreed for Former Senate President, Niat Njifenji

    The President of the Republic has decreed an official funeral for the former President of the Senate, Marcel Marcel Niat Njifenji on May 16, 2026 in Bangangte, Nde Division of the West Region.

  • Mandate of municipal councillors extended from June 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027.

    Mandate of municipal councillors extended from June 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027.

    President Paul Biya signed a decree this Monday, May 4, 2026, extending the term of office for municipal councillors who were elected on February 9, 2020 to February 28, 2027.

  • 16th Commonwealth Regional Conference of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa Opens in Yaoundé

    16th Commonwealth Regional Conference of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa Opens in Yaoundé

    Over 80 participants from 21 countries are taking part discussions and group works at the ongoing 16th Commonwealth Regional Conference of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa organized in Yaounde, Cameroon.

    Opening the Conference, the Representative of the Head of State, Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Supreme State Audit, Mbah Acha Rose described the gathering as a remarkable platform for leading dialogue and actions in building societies where corruption has no place.

    She highlighted Cameroon’s National Development Agenda blended with technology driven solutions and digital transformation mechanisms created to enhance transparency, accountability and reduce fraud.

    The Chairman of the Anti- Corruption Commission, CONAC, Rev. Dr. Dieudonne Massi Gams who welcomed the participants noted that the conference will focus on reinforcing shared commitment in combatting corruption in the continent and beyond.

    Marked by an exceptional cultural display of the diversity of Cameroon and Africa, the various speakers insisted that transparency, accountability, integrity, collaboration and the use of AI will drive impactful change across Africa.

  • ENEO becomes SOCADEL Following a Presidential Decree

    ENEO becomes SOCADEL Following a Presidential Decree

    Energy of Cameroon, ENEO Cameroon S.A. has been transformed into a State-owned corporation called Cameroon Electricity Corporation, abbreviated « SOCADEL by Presidential decree of May 4, 2026.