CNA Sports: Cameroon Cup 2023; early exit for YOSA, PWD humbles Dream Olympique, Gazelle crowned Futsal champions

The two darling clubs of the North West were in action Thursday, May 25, for their matches counting for the 32nd finals of the Cup of Cameroon.

PWD Social Club of Bamenda whitewashed Dream Olympique, an amateur club from the East Region, 7-1 at the Yaoundé Omnisports Annex Stadium thanks to a brace from Heka and goals from Blaise, Dieudonné, Tangko, Awahmukala, Bello Karim. The Abakwa boys will in the 16th finals face the winner of the match between Fauve Azur and Épervier of Ebolowa.

Yong Sports Academy of Bamenda on their part could not resist the current holders of the Cameroon Cup, Coton Sports of Garoua as the Boys of Blaise Ndikum bowed 0-4 at the Bertoua stadium.

This result summarizes the team’s difficult season this year.

Another Club from the North West Region that was scheduled this Thursday was Rangers of Bafut whose match against Union of Douala could not take place. Closed sources say the Director of the Bandjoun Stadium where the match was programmed, did not give them access to the stadium for unknown reasons.

Other matches will be played this Friday, May 26th with the Vice Champions of Cameroon, Bamboutos FC of Mbouda to face Africa FA at Limbe the Limbe Centenary Stadium.

Foncha Street of Bamenda will face Atlantic of Kribi at the CAF excellence centre.

32nd final matches of the 2023 Cameroon Cup scheduled to be played at the Mbouda Arena Stadium might be relocated.

The Mbouda Arena Stadium has temporarily been suspended for a 30-day period by the National Sports Facilities and Equipment Board.

The suspension note is contained in correspondence from the Board’s Administrator, François Félix Ewane to FECAFOOT President, Samuel Eto’o on Wednesday, May 24.

The main reason for the suspension as mentioned in the letter is the degrading nature of the pitch due to its high utilization rate, thus needing particular attention.

During this period, the pitch will be upgraded to normal standards.

Futsal 2023:

Gazelle FA of Garoua has won both the 2023 Futsal League and the Cameroon Cup.

The Boys from Garoua won both titles in the National Futsal tournament that ended on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at the Gymnasium of Mfandena in Yaoundé.

They beat AS Ngoto of the South region 5-1 to win the national championship and equally defeated the representative of the East region to win the Cup of Cameroon.

In the female category, EEFA of the West Region defeated AJSAC in a penalty shootout 5-4 to win the Cameroon Cup title while AJSAC won the league title.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

Corpse of woman finally out of mortuary after two years dispute

The corpse of a woman, Mme Kuissu Wouaffo Clarisse disputed for over two years by her son and a certain Eric Nodou she was married to for over 16 years has finally been removed from the Aluchem hospital mortuary on Thursday, May 25, 2023, and laid to rest.

A bill of about FCFA 6 Million was settled before the removal.

According to the deceased’s son, the delayed burial was due to Eric Nodou’s refusal to let her corpse be buried on his piece of land.

“The main issue is that he wants to absolutely bury his mother on my land, which is impossible. Again his mother tricked me to pay her bride price to another man she lied to and presented as her father. The man I paid the bride price to was instead her mother’s boyfriend (lover). She also lied to me about her age and so many things. I had no idea and only learned of these afterward. I had to file for annulment of the marriage but she died in the process.” Explained Eric Nodou, the deceased’s husband.

Son of the deceased insisted that his mother was the one who ensured the construction of the house she was living in with her husband for 16 years, with little contribution from the man.

“He claims, the money used to construct the house was his, presenting documents of expenses. It was my mother’s money in his possession. He only had access to those documents. It is my mother’s house he can’t dispute that. My mother must be buried in the bedroom of this house,” he said.

It was after the intervention of the Police and Gendarmes that Mme Clarisse was finally laid to rest in the bedroom of the said house in Logbessou, Douala V. sub-division.

Eric Nodou in question has no child with his late wife.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

Uganda army probes attack on its ATMIS base in Bulo Marer

Ugandan military says it is investigating an attack on African Union military base manned by Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in Bula Marer in Somalia on Friday Morning.

UPDF Spokesperson Flex Kuleyigye told Nation that the attack was carried out by ‘foreign insurgents’ without giving further details.

He said they were ‘cross-checking information the information ‘ with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) headquarters before issuing a statement.

Reports indicate that attackers, suspected to be Al-Shabaab militants, attempted to storm the base located some 110 kilometers south of Mogadishu before a series of explosions rent for air.e.

There were no immediate reports on casualties but local sources said there was a heavy presence of militants in Bula Marer town.

Source: Somali National News Agency

EU releases EUR 20.5 million in budget support to Somalia

The European Union (EU) has approved a EUR 20.5 million budget support payment to the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), under the EU’s Somalia State and Resilience Building Contract and Support to Debt Relief Action (SRBC). This coincides with the FGS and EU launching the Joint Operational Roadmap for a renewed engagement between the EU and Somalia, which outlines joint priorities for the next two years.

With this disbursement, the EU supports the FGS to implement its national development and stabilisation plan and remain on track with the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) process. The EU Ambassador to Somalia, Ms. Tiina Intelmann, noted: ‘With HIPC completion point in sight, Somalia will soon reach a historical milestone, which will bring new opportunities but also challenges. Increasing domestic resource mobilisation and further improving financial governance are absolutely critical to advance the economic reform agenda and further the state-building of Somalia. The EU looks forward to continue supporting and working closely with Somalia to tackle these challenges to ensure that more and better services are delivered to Somali citizens.’

H.E. Dr. Elmi Mahamoud Nur, Minister of Finance of the FGS, stated: ‘the EU budget support is an invaluable source of assistance to ensure our government strengthens the ongoing reforms and delivers basic public services to the people’.

Cumulatively, under the SRBC, a total amount of EUR 82.9 million has been released since 2018 as budget support to the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS). The EU budget support operation has assisted the Federal Republic of Somalia to ensure the delivery of core state functions, underpin macroeconomic stabilisation measures and, with the onset of Covid-19 and other concurrent crises, prevent a serious deterioration of the economic and social situation.

Source: Somali National News Agency

Somali Foreign Minister Holds an Official Meeting with Russian Counterpart in Moscow

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E Abshir Omar Jama, embarked on an official visit to Moscow, the capital city of Russia Today. He held a significant meeting with his Russian counterpart, Mr. Sergey Lavrov, to discuss bilateral relations and explore avenues for further cooperation.

The discussions between Minister Abshir and the Russian Foreign Minister revolved around strengthening the existing ties between Somalia and Russia, as well as identifying opportunities for mutual growth and development.

During the meeting, the Minister highlighted the significance of the partnership between the two nations, emphasizing the extensive cooperation and support Russia has provided to Somalia, particularly in bolstering the country’s security forces, including its Navy.

‘We had a fruitful discussion with the Minister of Foreign Affairs on mutual interests and ways to further strengthen cooperation, coordination, and joint efforts. Somalia and Russia have a longstanding relationship, and Russia has been a valuable ally in various aspects, notably in the development of our security forces, including the Navy,’ stated Minister Jama.

Sergey Lavrov said that Russia is prepared to provide military equipment to Somalia’s army in their fight against terrorism.

Both parties acknowledged the robust and longstanding diplomatic ties between Somalia and Russia, recognizing the potential for increased collaboration across multiple sectors. They expressed their commitment to fostering closer relations and exploring new avenues of cooperation to promote shared interests and regional stability.

The meeting in Moscow highlights the importance Somalia places on its relationship with Russia and signifies the desire to deepen diplomatic engagements and strategic partnerships. The discussions held are expected to lay the groundwork for enhanced cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, security, and cultural exchange.

As the Federal Government of Somalia continues to prioritize its engagement with the international community, this visit to Russia is seen as a crucial step in furthering diplomatic efforts and expanding the scope of cooperation between the two nations.

Both Somalia and Russia recognize the potential for extensive collaboration and are committed to building upon their existing relationship. The meeting between the Foreign Ministers is expected to pave the way for future exchanges and initiatives that will contribute to the progress and prosperity of both countries.

The visit of Minister Abshir Omar Jama to Moscow marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic ties between Somalia and Russia and underscores the commitment to strengthening relations for the benefit of both nations and the wider region.

Source: Somali National News Agency