Belo council receives lone award among Councils in North West Region

The Belo Council in the Boyo Division of the North West Region was the only council from the region to receive an award at the just-ended 2023 edition of the Council’s International Economic Forum also known in French as Journées économiques internationales des municipalités, JEICOM.

The awards were given during the closing ceremony of the forum on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at the Yaounde Conference Center.

According to Mayor Ngong Innocent who was there to receive the prize on behalf of his council, the award is a compensation of the people of Belo for their hard work and persistence.

“This prize is going to the youths and people of Belo that are working very hard in producing potatoes, beans, honey, and tea in the Ndawara tea factory. It tells you what our farmers are able to produce. All of these contribute to food security and by this, we are showing to the world what we are capable of producing,” the Mayor said.

He equally noted that “The prize is an appreciation of their hard work, I want them to know that what they are doing is going to go a long way to help the whole nation of Cameroon and Africa. I want to assure them that so many people out of the country, Belgium, Italy, Vietnam Brazil have appreciated their products and I am calling on them to produce more and be proud of what they are doing”.

Mayor Ngong Innocent also stated that for three days of the Forum, the Belo Council Stand received over 1000 visitors who were excited and happy with their produce. This helped them get international contacts.

Out of 360 Councils that were in competition, the organizing committee awarded the top five councils at the event, with the Belo Council ranked in the fifth position.

During the forum, stakeholders including councils, the government, foreign investors, and local businessmen had as their main aim to brainstorm ways to empower municipalities, foster digitalization, tackle food security, hygiene, and sanitation, develop tourism, and promote wood processing amongst other projects.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

Naturcold syrup Kills six-year-old in Douala

Naturcold, the deadly syrup, banned by the Ministry of Public Health has claimed another life.

A six-year-old child died after consuming the banned drug prescribed to the parents by medics at the Bassa Health Centre in Douala on May 24, 2023. Unfortunately, the health of the child deteriorated.

He was rushed to the Douala general hospital days later where doctors have been battling to save his life. The child reportedly succumbed to death on Sunday, June 4.

The medic who prescribed the banned Naturcold syrup has been arrested. He is currently detained at the 4th District Police Station.

The child’s parents are proceeding with arrangements to bury their child.

Despite repeated warnings of the danger of this Naturcold syrup that killed six children in the North West region and caused the death of others in the South West region as well as other regions, many are still shocked at the comportment of this parent who still went ahead to procure the syrup for their child.

Some medical doctors who ought to be life savers are instead those invoking death with their unprofessional behaviors by prescribing contraband medicines to patients even when they are aware these drugs are dangerous.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

Somali and Norwegian Foreign Ministers Discuss Bilateral Cooperation in Oslo Meeting

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Government of Somalia, Mr. Abshir Cumar Jaamac, recently convened a meeting with his counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, H.E. Anniken Huitfeldt, in the picturesque city of Oslo. The purpose of the meeting was to strengthen the bilateral ties between the two nations and explore avenues for collaborative progress.

During the productive discussion, the ministers engaged in a comprehensive dialogue concerning the potential areas of cooperation that could contribute to the economic, social, and political development of Somalia. The talks primarily focused on how Norway could extend support to Somalia in key areas such as economic growth, peacebuilding initiatives, and institutional capacity building.

Minister Anniken Huitfeldt expressed admiration for the commendable efforts made by the Somali government in achieving debt relief, emphasizing the importance of sustained international support to foster long-term stability and prosperity in the country. She reiterated Norway’s commitment to extending assistance and collaborating with international financial institutions to help Somalia meet its developmental objectives.

Both ministers acknowledged the significance of mutual trust, understanding, and friendship between their respective nations. They underlined the potential for fruitful cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, infrastructure development, and renewable energy. Recognizing the vital role of education and vocational training, they also explored possibilities for educational exchanges and scholarships, which could empower Somali youth and contribute to human resource development.

Furthermore, the ministers discussed the imperative of maintaining peace and security in Somalia, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to combat terrorism and promote stability in the region. They underscored the significance of regional cooperation in addressing common challenges and fostering an environment conducive to peace and prosperity.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both ministers expressing their commitment to further strengthen the ties between Somalia and Norway. They emphasized the shared goal of promoting bilateral cooperation and working towards mutual progress. The gathering in Oslo served as a platform for constructive dialogue and laid the groundwork for future collaborations between the two nations.

As Somalia continues on its path of recovery and rebuilding, the engagement of supportive partners like Norway plays a crucial role in realizing the country’s aspirations. With the commitment and collaborative spirit demonstrated in this meeting, Somalia and Norway are poised to forge a stronger partnership that will bring about tangible benefits for their respective peoples and contribute to regional stability.

Source: Somali National News Agency

10 Al-Shabaab members surrender to the Government

10 Al-Shabaab members surrendered to the Government forces in Baidoa town, the interim Administrative capital of Southwest State in Somalia, SONNA reported Monday.

The number of Al-Shabaab leaders and fighters surrendering to government forces increased during the ongoing operations in the region.

Source: Somali National News Agency

Minister Daud Aweis and Ethiopian Ambassador to Somalia Discuss Closer Cooperation for Mutual Progress

Mogadishu: The Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Mr. Daud Aweis Jama, welcomed the Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to Somalia, Mr. Mukhtar Mohamed Ware, to his office today. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring avenues for increased cooperation between the two neighboring countries.

During the fruitful discussions, Minister Daud Aweis provided a comprehensive overview of the current situation in Somalia, highlighting the progress made in various crucial areas. He emphasized Somalia’s dedication to achieving security, political stability, and reconciliation, paving the way for a brighter and prosperous future.

Ambassador Mukhtar Mohamed Ware, in turn, applauded the remarkable strides made by the Somali government in enhancing security, achieving political stability, and promoting reconciliation efforts. He commended the Somali people and their leadership for their unwavering commitment to the country’s progress.

Recognizing the interdependence and shared interests of Somalia and Ethiopia, both officials emphasized the need for even closer collaboration across all sectors. They underscored the importance of jointly addressing common challenges and exploring opportunities for mutual growth and development.

Ambassador Ware reaffirmed Ethiopia’s unwavering support for Somalia’s ongoing efforts in achieving lasting peace, stability, and development. He expressed confidence that Somalia’s current positive trajectory would be further bolstered through strengthened cooperation and partnership between the two nations.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to advancing bilateral ties and fostering greater synergy in areas such as trade, investment, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange. The officials recognized the immense potential for mutually beneficial cooperation, which would contribute to regional stability and prosperity.

As both countries continue to navigate the path towards progress, the discussions between Minister Daud Aweis Jama and Ambassador Mukhtar Mohamed Ware serve as a testament to the growing friendship and shared aspirations between Somalia and Ethiopia. The commitment to closer cooperation signifies a promising future for the two nations, fostering an environment conducive to peace, stability, and sustainable development.

The dialogue and collaboration between Somalia and Ethiopia stand as a testament to the power of regional partnerships and highlight the significance of collective efforts in overcoming challenges and pursuing shared goals. With a renewed commitment to cooperation, Somalia and Ethiopia are poised to build a brighter future together, leveraging their strengths and resources for the benefit of their peoples and the region as a whole.

Source: Somali National News Agency