Cameroon's news on May 15, 2026, was marked by politics, sports, and institutional tributes. Jean-Claude Mbede Fouda's column defending Issa Tchiroma Bakary, discussions surrounding FECAFOOT, and the anticipated return of Francis Ngannou were among the day's highlights.
Jean-Claude Mbede Fouda published a widely circulated column on social media, defending Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who is currently in exile in Gambia. Mbede asserts that Tchiroma is pursuing a discreet diplomatic strategy against the current regime. "The people prefer Tchiroma alive and in Gambia," he wrote. Mbede denounces a "cabal" within a segment of the opposition seeking to erase Tchiroma in order to impose their leader. According to Mbede, Tchiroma's exile is a strategy to organize the seizure of power through diplomacy, renouncing arms to avoid deaths.
In other news, François Hiondi Nkam IV sharply criticizes Samuel Eto'o in a column titled "Samuel Eto'o: Failure in Concrete". He believes that FECAFOOT's new headquarters cannot mask the deep-seated difficulties in Cameroonian football. The journalist accuses Samuel Eto'o of prioritizing image over fundamental reforms. Hiondi Nkam questions the support Eto'o reportedly enjoys within the ruling apparatus.
The Palais des Congrès in Yaoundé hosted a parliamentary tribute ceremony dedicated to Marcel Niat Njifenji, former President of the Senate, who passed away at the age of 91. Several political and administrative figures paid tribute to the former Senate President. Jean Daniel Niat, representing the family, hailed "a loving and attentive father," praising "his courage, will, and resilience". Bandel Ndanga Ndinga described Marcel Niat Njifenji as "an institutional memory, a republican conscience, and a voice of wisdom".
The Cameroonian sports world is holding its breath ahead of the MMA fight between Francis Ngannou and Philipe Lins, scheduled for May 16, 2026, in Los Angeles. The event will be broadcast live on Netflix starting at 2 a.m. Cameroon time, and on CRTV Sports. Ngannou, a former UFC champion, will make his return to the octagon against Brazilian fighter Lins.
Finally, the Cameroonian Football Federation expressed its gratitude to the Head of State, Paul Biya, and the Prime Minister, Joseph Dion Ngute, for their support during the inauguration of its new headquarters in Yaoundé. Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute, representing Paul Biya at the ceremony, invited Samuel Eto'o to make the headquarters "a space for constructive dialogue and victory". The new FECAFOOT headquarters were inaugurated in the presence of numerous African football personalities, including CAF President Patrice Motsepe.
Between tributes, criticisms, and sporting hopes, Cameroon continues to experience a rich and diverse news landscape.
