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In a shocking twist to the Martinez Zogo case, Judge Sikati II Kwamo Florent, the investigating magistrate, has stumbled upon significant information linking the journalist to key figures, including Martin Stéphane Savom, the Mayor of Bibey and close friend of Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, the Secretary-General of the Presidency of the Republic.

The revelation occurred during the examination of the case file transferred to the military tribunal on March 3, 2023. The comprehensive dossier contained materials used by investigators to compile the preliminary investigation report, leading to the provisional detention of Maxime Eko Eko and Jean Pierre Amougou Belinga on March 4, 2023.

Upon reviewing the file, Judge Sikati II Kwamo Florent noticed missing pieces, notably Martinez Zogo's car and, significantly, the two phones belonging to the deceased journalist. Strangely, the dossier included forensic analyses of phones belonging to Amougou Belinga, Maxime Eko Eko, Bruno Bidjang, Etoundi Nsoe, and Justin Danwe, but no information on Martinez Zogo's phones.

Judge Sikati II Kwamo Florent requested the return of Martinez Zogo's phones. Surprisingly, despite being expected at the Specialized Equipment Division (SED), where a joint commission established by President Paul Biya had worked, the phones were not found there. After several days, the phones were discovered by the police, who had initiated an investigation led by Commissioner Vincent Meva’a, head of the Grand Investigations Department at the Office of the Delegate General for National Security, Martin Mbarga Nguele.

Even more strangely, the dossier indicated that Martinez Zogo had two phones, but only one was presented to Judge Sikati. When inquired about the other phone, it was revealed that it had been destroyed—a crucial piece of evidence in the case.

Judge Sikati reported the matter to the Minister of Defense, Joseph Beti Assomo, for the attention of President Biya. The judge then decided to commission a judicial expert examination of the phone in his possession. The findings revealed Martinez Zogo's privileged connections, including with his spouse, and most notably with Martin Stéphane Savom, with whom he regularly communicated.

Furthermore, the judge discovered constant exchanges between Martinez Zogo and Martin Stéphane Savom on the day before and the day of the journalist's abduction. This raised suspicions, especially as Martin Stéphane Savom's name had previously surfaced in another ongoing military tribunal case involving individuals allegedly providing security for Martinez Zogo with military equipment.

The situation escalated when an examination of Justin Danwe's phone revealed frequent communication with Martin Stéphane Savom. Additionally, a phone call from Justin Danwe to a close associate of Martin Stéphane Savom at the Presidency of the Republic was uncovered.

Given these compelling connections, Judge Sikati II decided to shift the focus of the investigation and summon Martin Stéphane Savom for questioning, particularly considering that his wife was coincidentally serving at the Directorate General of External Research (DGRE), specifically in the operations department, just like Justin Danwe. The unfolding revelations suggest a complex web of relationships that could be crucial to understanding the circumstances surrounding Martinez Zogo's case.

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Ayuk Divine

11.Dec.2023

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In a significant move signaling the commitment to strengthen ties between Yaoundé and Moscow, the Cameroonian government is poised to intensify cooperation with Russia. The renewal of the military cooperation agreement is currently under examination by parliament, encompassing exchanges of information on defense and international security, military training programs, and partnerships in various military fields such as engineering, medicine, and combating maritime piracy.

Beyond military collaboration, a new development emerged last Saturday as a bill authorizing the President of the Republic to ratify an agreement between Russia and Cameroon regarding the reciprocal removal of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic or service passports is now before the parliament.

In practical terms, this agreement means that Cameroonian and Russian nationals holding diplomatic or service passports will have the privilege of entering, staying, transiting, and exiting the territory of the other party without the need for a visa. This visa-free stay is granted for a maximum duration of 90 days from the date of entry. Similar facilities are extended to diplomatic and consular staff on the territory of the other party, subject to the initiation of accreditation procedures.

This development marks a significant step forward in diplomatic relations between Cameroon and Russia, fostering greater ease of travel for citizens of both nations and demonstrating a commitment to enhanced collaboration in various spheres, including defense and security. As these agreements progress through the legislative process, they are anticipated to further solidify the bilateral ties between the two countries.

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Ayuk Divine

30.Nov.2023

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A businessman in Bangui has filed a complaint against the Russian mercenary group and the Central African police, accusing them of vandalizing and looting his residence.

Will Bangui witness a trial against the Russian mercenary group Wagner and the Central Office for the Repression of Banditry (OCRB)? According to our information, both entities are the subject of a complaint filed before the Central African justice on October 30th

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Ayuk Divine

14.Nov.2023

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"Both candidates had each garnered more than 43% of the votes in the first round on October 10. The outgoing president, a former football star, had triumphed over his opponent, the former vice president, in the previous election with over 61% of the votes."

Six years after their first presidential duel, George Weah and Joseph Boakai find themselves face-to-face again. Liberians are called to the polls on November 14 to decide whether they will re-elect the former football star with a criticized record – he won the previous election with over 61% – or prefer the veteran despite his age.

This second round is expected to be close, as Weah, 57, and Boakai, 78, were neck-and-neck in the first round on October 10, with just over 43% and a lead of 7,126 votes for the incumbent president.
More than 2.4 million voters are invited to cast their ballots from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (local and GMT) between an incumbent who remains popular among the youth but must defend a criticized record, and an experienced politician who served as the vice president from 2006 to 2018 under Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first woman elected head of state in Africa.
The electoral commission has 15 days to publish the results, but it could take less time, says one of its officials, Samuel Cole.
Prince Johnson, kingmaker?

The runoff primarily involved both camps securing the support of voters from the other 18 candidates, none of whom reached 3%. The third-place candidate from the first round, Edward Appleton, and two others among the top six candidates have called for voting for Boakai.
Read more: Against George Weah, will Joseph Boakai get his revenge?

The voter turnout could also be a significant factor, according to Lawrence Yealue, Liberia director of Accountability Lab, a network for good governance. He predicts a lower turnout than the record set on October 10 (78.86%) because this vote will not be coupled with parliamentary elections this time.

George Weah maintains his aura as the only African to be awarded the Ballon d'Or, the most prestigious individual football award. Benefiting from the image of an approachable and peaceful man, he claims credit for his efforts in education, electrification of households, road and hospital construction. He promises to continue working for the development of one of the poorest countries on the planet. His critics accuse him of not keeping his promises and of being disconnected from the realities faced by citizens struggling with price hikes and shortages. According to the World Bank, more than a fifth of the population lives on less than $2.15 per day.

Joseph Boakai, blaming him for the worsening of reputedly endemic corruption, promises to develop infrastructure, attract investors and tourists, and improve the lives of the poorest. He has formed alliances with local power players, including former warlord and senator Prince Johnson, who supported Weah six years ago.
Fear of post-election violence

One of the challenges is the peaceful and orderly conduct of the election and the acceptance of results. This election is the first organized without the presence of the United Nations Mission in Liberia, created in 2003 (and departed in 2018) to ensure peace after the civil wars that claimed over 250,000 lives between 1989 and 2003, and whose memory remains vivid. The election "undoubtedly represents a crucial step in the consolidation of peace and democracy in Liberia and the region," said the UN in a recent statement.


Clashes during the campaign have resulted in several deaths, raising concerns about post-election violence. Boakai reported on November 12 attacks and abuses against his camp, including a firearm attack on November 10 against a convoy carrying Prince Johnson and vice-presidential candidate Jeremiah Kpan Koung. Seven people were reportedly injured.

Boakai's camp has also denounced irregularities in the first round. The numerous international observers deployed praised the smooth running of the first round in a region where democracy is shaken by a series of coups.

The campaign was also marked by disinformation. The United States, an important partner of Liberia, warned that they were considering the possibility of restricting visa issuance against individuals "guilty or complicit in actions undermining democracy."

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Ayuk Divine

14.Nov.2023

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Note: "Opération Epervier" (Operation Sparrowhawk) refers to an anti-corruption campaign in Cameroon. "Kondengui" is a reference to the Central Prison in Yaoundé, which is often used for the detention of individuals involved in high-profile corruption cases.

 

"Nineteen ministers in Cameroon are on the verge of being arrested.

This exclusive information is reported in the newspaper La Météo, in its edition of Monday, November 13, 2023.

According to the newspaper, Paul Biya is determined to start his election campaign for the 2025 election with individuals who are not burdened by scandals.

These arrests, it is learned, would be part of the government's efforts to combat corruption and embezzlement of public funds, an initiative aimed at ensuring a scandal-free election in 2025.
The ministers are allegedly involved in financial irregularities and fictitious public contracts, and they are expected to be held accountable.

According to well-informed sources in the judicial circles, the investigations are almost complete, and the alleged wrongdoings of these different personalities are nearly identical. They are presumed to be involved in the misappropriation of public funds and the awarding of fictitious contracts to their friends and family members.

The time to be answerable has therefore come. The famous Sparrowhawk will have something to seize with its relentless beak.

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Ayuk Divine

14.Nov.2023

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It is no longer a secret. Paul Biya's country has 369 legalized political parties. At the end of last week, the government unveiled the list of the latest entrants. 40 new formations are making their debut in the Cameroonian political landscape. They are approved to "enrich political debate and encourage the expression of freedoms." The role of the 37 new French-speaking parties and the three English-speaking ones is to participate in the "animation of a contradictory and constructive political debate," as specified by the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji.

Before these political parties, 329 others are registered in the national political file. They have been approved over time since the return to multipartyism in 1990 to play the same role and make the same contribution. However, only about a dozen political parties stand out for their performance and activity on the ground.

In the National Assembly, only eight parties are represented. Following the legislative elections of February 9, 2020, the RDPC won 152 seats, the UNDP 07, the SDF 05, the PCRN 05, the UDC 04, the FSNC 03, the MDR 02, and the UMS 02. In the Senate, in addition to the RDPC, which occupies 95% of seats, we find the ANDP, the MDR, the UPC, the SDF, and the UNDP. The reality is almost the same for municipal and regional elections.

This is because, apart from the RDPC, which is present in all the districts of the 10 regions, other parties have a still limited presence. Some have a communal or regional base, or even influence in two to four regions. Some remain present in a friendly or family circle. All are more or less active as elections approach. It is also during this period that several new parties emerge.

Thus, this multiplication of political formations is rather unfavorable to the opposition, which continues to fragment. Parties lose influential members, and in some cases, they split into several factions, further weakening them in the face of the ruling party, which works to consolidate its leadership every day.

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Ayuk Divine

14.Nov.2023

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