This Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Cameroon witnessed significant events ranging from the religious sphere to politics, encompassing social issues and security concerns.
The day was notably marked by the official announcement of a historic visit by Pope Leo XIV. The Vatican confirmed that the Pope will visit Cameroon from April 15 to 18, 2026, as part of an African tour. He is scheduled to be received in Yaoundé, Bamenda, and Douala, where he will participate in cultural, civil, and religious gatherings and deliver a message of peace and reconciliation. This papal visit is his first major overseas trip to Africa since his election. He is also expected to visit Algeria, Angola and Equatorial Guinea.
In another development, the Miss Cameroon Organizing Committee (COMICA) announced the dismissal of Josiane Golonga Harangada, who was elected Miss Cameroon 2025 on July 12, 2025. This decision follows repeated failures to fulfill her official obligations, including unjustified absences from events and violations of contractual commitments. Josiane Golonga, originally from the Far North region, had captivated the public with her beauty, eloquence, and language skills.
Cameroonian authorities carried out a record drug destruction operation in Douala. A shipment of nearly 2,491 kg of narcotics, seized at Douala International Airport on February 20, was destroyed. This seizure included cocaine and tramadol, representing nearly 27 million tablets, and is one of the largest anti-drug operations carried out in Cameroon. The Minister of Finance, Louis Paul Motazé, visited the site to witness the scale of the seizure. According to him, the value of the seized drugs is estimated at approximately 50 billion CFA francs (approximately $90 million).
Furthermore, the death of Anicet Ekane, former leader of the MANIDEM party, continues to spark debate. According to Cameroonian authorities, the autopsy report concluded that he died of natural causes while in detention. However, some political figures, such as Célestin Bedzigui, dispute these findings, claiming that the opponent died as a martyr and not of natural causes. Anicet Ekane was arrested on October 24, accused of being one of the instigators of the challenge to the presidential election results. His death in detention has provoked strong reactions, both in Cameroon and abroad.
Finally, supporters and political activists have relayed the announcement of a possible return of Issa Tchiroma Bakary. Having finished second in the October 2025 presidential election and currently in exile, Issa Tchiroma is reportedly preparing a "triumphal" return to Cameroon, although the exact date remains to be specified. In October 2025, Issa Tchiroma Bakary left his home to take refuge in Nigeria.
