The African Tribune

Mbankomo hosts pivotal workshop on tobacco tax reforms to boost health financing For three intensive days in Mbankomo, high-level discussions shifted away from hospital construction or drug procurement. Instead, policymakers, health officials, customs authorities, legislators, civil society representatives, and technical partners focused on an unlikely lever for public health transformation: tobacco taxation. Supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), the July 2026 gathering examined how adjusting fiscal policies on tobacco could simultaneously reduce smoking rates and fund sustainable health systems across Cameroon. The core question driving the exchange was clear: How can tax policy save more lives while securing long-term financial stability for the national healthcare system? ...

Mathieu Olivier Paul Biya Hippolyte Ebaka: From Strategic Leadership to Military Supremacy In Cameroon, one name has recently risen to prominence in the corridors of military power: Hippolyte Ebaka. Appointed as Major-General of the Armed Forces, his influence now extends far beyond traditional command structures, reshaping the nation’s defense landscape. But who exactly is this figure, and what does his ascent mean for Cameroon’s military future? His journey reflects a blend of operational expertise and visionary leadership, positioning him as a key architect of the country’s security strategies. Military Career: A Path of Excellence and Strategic Vision Ebaka’s career trajectory is marked by key milestones that underscore his growing influence. His recen...

Gabon’s political figures condemn personal attacks on president In a unified statement issued in Libreville on August 12, 2026, prominent opposition and ruling party leaders voiced strong disapproval of recent inflammatory remarks directed at President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and his family by certain Gabonese activists based in Europe. David Mbadinga, leader of the Union des patriotes gabonais loyalistes (UPGL) and spokesperson for the collective, emphasized the importance of maintaining dignity in political debate. “Criticizing a president does not require insulting his mother,” he declared, highlighting that such behavior undermines Gabon’s reputation both domestically and internationally. The collective, which included Florentin Moussavou of the Conscience et action citoyenne (...