Cintia A. , Lebledparle.com
Let’s start the review with Mutation, which headlines: “Roland Ewane: At the end of hell.” Kidnapped on October 1, 2024, and taken to Nigeria, the Sub-prefect of Idabato was released on Monday after intense negotiations and an emotional rollercoaster. Read page 5 to get details.
Meanwhile, Le Quotidien provides more details on the sub-prefect’s release with the headline: “The seal of the head of state.” Less than 24 hours after his release by his captors, accompanied by the Prefect of Ndian, Gilbert GUIBAT BALDENA, and the Governor of the South-West, Bernard OKALIA À BILAI, the Sub-prefect of Idabato, Felix Roland EWANE, was received yesterday, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, by the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul ATANGA NJI. During this meeting, which also marked the sub-prefect’s first official public appearance after being kidnapped on October 1, 2024, the government official emphasized to the media covering the event that from the moment of his abduction, the Head of State issued firm instructions to ensure that all necessary measures were taken for his release. In execution of these high-level directives, multiple efforts were undertaken by Cameroonian authorities, leading to this successful outcome. This once again demonstrates that the Republic remains steadfast in the South-West and North-West regions. To Sub-prefect EWANE, the Minister of Territorial Administration conveyed the encouragement and support of the Head of State.
Lastly, Cameroun Tribune headlines: “National dialogue recommendations: progress is being made.” The newspaper reports that while chairing the sixth session of the follow-up committee on implementation, the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Joseph Dion Ngute, praised the progress made in various areas. He also urged stakeholders and Cameroon’s partners to intensify efforts for a definitive return to peace in crisis-affected areas. Read all about it on pages 6-7.
Amidst the PM lauding the advancement on the reconstruction of the North West and South West, Archbishop Nkea urges Government to engage directly with Amba fighters. According to The Guardian Post, the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Dr Chief Joseph Dion Ngute, has expressed delight in the progress made nation wide, especially in the North West and South West Regions, since the holding of the Major National Dialogue; from September 30 to October 4, 2019. Besides what the Prime Minister said are giant strides made in rebuilding the entire nation, based on the blueprint adopted at the dialogue, he called for renewed wed efforts make Cameroon a strong, united and prosperous nation. He reminded members that the path the country has taken is thanks to the enlightened leadership of the Head of State, Paul Biya. The entire nation, he said, must work in unity to fully implement the dialogue recommendations to match with Biya’s crusade for peace, unity and democracy.
Le Diapason headlines on its front page: “Free movement in CEMAC: A handbrake on regional integration.” This issue was once again highlighted and regretted during the 16th CEMAC Day, celebrated on March 16, 2025, across the community. The success of this initiative depends on the active involvement of the heads of member states, community institutions, and civil society. More information on page 6
Birth registration: Act 2 is launched. According to L’Étudiant, the Minister of Basic Education, Laurent Serge Etoundi Ngoa, officially launched the second phase of the birth certificate issuance program in Yaoundé on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. This initiative, in partnership with the World Bank, aims to provide birth certificates to 1,036,000 children. The operation seeks to address the lack of birth certificates among certain students, particularly those preparing for official exams this year, such as the Primary Education Certificate (CEP). Details on page 2
We conclude with La Voix des Jeunes, which reports on the tragedy in Soulédé Roua. Cameroonian researchers responded in large numbers to the call of the National Union of Public Sector Researchers (SYNAC) during memorial ceremonies held on Tuesday, March 18, in cities such as Yaoundé, Douala, Garoua, and Maroua. These gatherings honored the two researchers and their guide, who were recently assassinated in Mbalda. Read page 3 for details.
