May 21, 2026, was a day of significant events in Cameroon, ranging from presidential decisions to political tensions, poignant social issues, and cultural tributes. Here’s a recap of the five major news stories that dominated the headlines.
President Paul Biya signed a decree dismissing Police Commissioner Meh Kangha Michael from his position at the Regional Unit of the Special Division for the Control of Services in the North. The stated reason was "serious misconduct," without further details.
The official program for the funeral of Bassek Ba Kobhio has been released. A prominent figure in African cinema and founder of the Écrans Noirs festival, who passed away on May 12 in Yaoundé, Bassek Ba Kobhio will be buried on June 27, following a series of tributes and vigils organized between Yaoundé and his native village. His death has sparked widespread emotion in the African cultural scene, where he is celebrated as one of the greatest builders of cinema.
Mamadou Mota, a political figure from the MRC, expressed his disagreement with the management by the Civil Cabinet of the Presidency regarding the official funeral of Cavayé Yéguié Djibril, former president of the National Assembly who died on May 6. Mota denounces a "procedural short circuit," contesting the decision to relocate the ceremony from Tokombéré, the deceased's native village, to Mora. According to him, this choice constitutes "a profanation of his memory" and a "sovereign and intolerable contempt" towards the people of Tokombéré.
In the South region, specifically in Zoétélé, about thirty people were arrested following the violence and vandalism that occurred on May 19. These tragic events are a consequence of the murder of Marie Patience Dikamba, a case that continues to provoke strong emotion and tensions in the locality. The Republican Forum has raised the alarm about this situation, denouncing a possible drift towards tribalism and calling for transparent judicial communication to avoid manipulation and community tensions.
Finally, in the Mbam-et-Kim department, the May 20 celebrations were marked by a vibrant tribute to Samuel Eto’o. Residents paraded carrying effigies of the FECAFOOT president, presenting him as a model of courage and success for Cameroonian youth. This tribute comes as Eto'o continues to leave his mark on Cameroonian football, notably through the inauguration of the new FECAFOOT headquarters.
