Politics
The Hague / Benin City – June 21, 2025
In a landmark move, the Dutch government will officially return 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, the largest-ever handover of looted African cultural treasures. These artifacts were taken during the infamous British invasion of the Kingdom of Benin in 1897, a colonial assault that razed a thriving African civilization.
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At least three Cameroonian soldiers have been confirmed dead and two others seriously wounded following a deadly ambush early Wednesday morning in the locality of Magba, located in the West Region of Cameroon, near the restive Bui Division in the Northwest.
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By Chi Magnus | Updated: June 17, 2025 – 14:00 CEST
TEL AVIV / TEHRAN / GLOBAL —
Iran and Israel traded fresh missile and air strikes Monday and Tuesday, deepening a conflict that has triggered global diplomatic alarm and sparked emergency readiness measures among several African nations.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
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Iran launched a third wave of long-range ballistic missiles targeting Tel Aviv and Haifa, including alleged Israeli intelligence centers.
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Israel responded with deep-strike air raids across Tehran and western Iran, targeting nuclear-linked sites and military infrastructure.
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A top Iranian general, Ali Shadmani, was killed. Israel claims to have destroyed over 120 Iranian missile launchers.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
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G7 Reaction:
Meeting in Ottawa, the G7 issued a joint statement holding Iran responsible for “escalating regional instability.” The bloc reaffirmed support for Israel’s right to self-defense while warning both parties to avoid further military escalation. -
Trump’s Role:
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, attending the G7 summit, abruptly exited and posted an urgent call for "immediate evacuation of Tehran", citing possible further Israeli strikes. His statement sparked concern in diplomatic circles for potentially inflaming the situation further. -
Evacuations Begin:
China, India, and several European countries began evacuating diplomats and citizens from both Iran and Israel.
African embassies in Tehran, Tel Aviv, and Haifa are reportedly reviewing evacuation protocols. Sources in Nairobi and Abuja suggest plans are being drafted in case of further deterioration.
AFRICAN STAKES IN THE CRISIS
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Energy Prices:
With global crude prices surging past $118/barrel amid fears over Iranian oil disruption, oil-importing African countries—like Kenya, Senegal, and South Africa—face renewed inflationary pressure. -
Diaspora Impact:
Thousands of African expatriates live and work in both countries. The African Union has called for restraint, and South Africa’s Department of International Relations says it is “monitoring with concern the safety of nationals in the region.” -
Diplomatic Positioning:
Several North and West African nations—including Algeria, Egypt, and Nigeria—have issued statements urging adherence to international law. Others, like Ethiopia and Ghana, remain silent, reportedly awaiting AU direction.
ON THE GROUND
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Tehran:
Explosions near state media buildings during a live broadcast caused panic. Roads out of the capital are reportedly jammed, with Iran issuing partial city evacuations and jamming airspace to prevent Israeli drones. -
Israel:
While the Iron Dome intercepted dozens of incoming threats, some missiles hit coastal installations in Haifa, causing structural damage. Civil defense units remain on alert in Tel Aviv, though no new casualties have been confirmed since Monday.
GEOPOLITICAL RIPPLE EFFECT
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Russia and China have both criticized the Israeli strikes as “disproportionate,” while Moscow accuses Israel of rejecting ceasefire channels.
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Arab and Islamic nations—including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar—issued a joint statement warning of “severe consequences” if hostilities continue, echoing calls to respect Iran’s sovereignty.
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Jewish diaspora communities, especially in Europe and North America, have increased security measures around synagogues and cultural centers.
WHAT’S NEXT
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More strikes are expected if no diplomatic breakthrough occurs. Israel has vowed to continue military operations until Iran’s long-range threat is “permanently neutralized.”
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G7 nations are pressing for UN action, while France and Turkey are reportedly working behind the scenes on mediation.
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The African Union is scheduled to convene an emergency session this week to evaluate economic and humanitarian implications for the continent.
BOTTOM LINE
This is no longer a regional crisis—it’s a global flashpoint with direct consequences for Africa’s economies, diplomacy, and diaspora. As airstrikes ripple across Tehran and Tel Aviv, the international community faces mounting pressure to prevent a regional war from becoming a global catastrophe.
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A tense standoff unfolded late Thursday morning in Douala's Akwa district as hundreds of motorcycle taxi riders (locally known as benskinneurs) blocked traffic along the axis between Salle des Fêtes d’Akwa and Ancien Mobile Bonakouamouang. The protest erupted around 11:00 AM in defiance of a controversial measure imposed by the Douala Urban Community requiring all motorcycle taxi riders to wear official vests (chasubles) to operate.
Tensions escalated rapidly after security forces launched a crackdown, confiscating motorcycles from drivers found without the mandated vests. The operation, backed by gendarmes, provoked outrage among the riders and bystanders, turning a routine enforcement measure into a flashpoint for civil unrest.
Gendarmerie units on the ground, overwhelmed by the resistance, reportedly called for reinforcements to contain the chaos and re-establish order. As of this writing, the situation remains volatile, with a high risk of violent confrontation between protesters and the security forces.
A Nation on Edge
This latest flare-up comes amid a broader climate of unrest and repression across Cameroon. The commercial capital of Douala has been under tight security since the weekend, following the forced house arrest and subsequent escort of opposition leader Prof. Maurice Kamto by heavily armed forces. Kamto’s supporters—many of whom have been arrested or silenced—accuse the Biya regime of orchestrating a targeted campaign of political intimidation ahead of the upcoming October presidential election.
In the Anglophone regions, armed conflict persists, with separatist violence and military reprisals continuing unabated. In the Far North, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacks have added another layer of insecurity.
The Akwa moto-taxi protests, though sparked by a seemingly local issue, reflect the deepening frustration and explosive social pressure gripping Cameroonians across regions and sectors. What begins as a protest against vests today could quickly merge into the broader outcry against decades of authoritarian rule, economic despair, and institutionalized suppression of dissent.
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Douala, Cameroon — June 9, 2025 — The Biya regime is once again resorting to authoritarian tactics, launching an aggressive campaign to silence dissent ahead of the October 5 presidential election.
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Douala, Cameroon — June 9, 2025 — The streets of Douala have turned into a militarized zone. More than 100 members and supporters of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM/MRC) have been arrested between Sunday and Monday, dozens of others injured or blocked, and the entire Bonapriso neighborhood placed under siege by security forces. All of this, triggered by the presence of one man: Professor Maurice Kamto.
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Subcategories
Biya Article Count: 73
# Paul Biya and his regime
Explore the political landscape of Cameroon under the rule of Paul Biya, the longest-serving president in Africa who has been in power since 1982. Our Paul Biya and his regime section examines the policies, actions, and controversies of his government, as well as the opposition movements, civil society groups, and international actors that challenge or support his leadership. You'll also find profiles, interviews, and opinions on the key figures and events that shape the political dynamics of Cameroon.
Southern Cameroons Article Count: 549
.# Southern Cameroons, Ambazonia
Learn more about the history, culture, and politics of Ambazonia, the Anglophone regions of Cameroon that have been seeking self-determination and independence from the Francophone-dominated central government. Our Southern Cameroons section covers the ongoing conflict, the humanitarian crisis, the human rights violations, and the peace efforts in the region. You'll also find stories that highlight the rich and diverse heritage, traditions, and aspirations of the Southern Cameroonian people.
Editorial Article Count: 885
# Opinion
Get insights and perspectives on the issues that matter to Cameroon and the world with our opinion section. We feature opinions from our editors, columnists, and guest writers, who share their views and analysis on various topics, such as politics, economy, culture, and society. Our opinion section also welcomes contributions from our readers, who can submit their own opinions and comments. Join the conversation and express your opinions with our opinion section.
