GEF's Outlook

Women Voices in Global Discussion on AgroFuels

By George Esunge Fominyen

On 28 January 2009 the focus of the World Social Forum in Belem was on the Pan-Amazonian People and their habitat. On one of the several events, Women from across Brazil rallied to raise an alarm to the bio-diversity hazards caused by mono-crop farming for the production of bio-fuels. Watch excerpts of that presentation.
Women Sound Warning Bell on Biodiversity and bio-fuels - George Esunge Fominyen

Not Even the Rain could Stop Them

George Esunge Fominyen

We were warned on arrival in Belem, that it rained here each day between 2 and 4pm local time. We were advised to buy umbrellas which we didn’t do. We learnt a bitter lesson on the opening march of the 2009 World Social Forum. However, that torrential downpour was unable to prevent the groups present from marching.
Samba after the rain at Belem - George Esunge Fominyen

World Social Forum - Getting Set in Belem

By George Esunge Fominyen

The World Social Forum (WSF) 2009 opens 'officially' on 27 January with a March. The Amazonian city of Belem in the Brazilian State of Para is teeming with thousands of guests who have converged here to make a statement about the other world that they would like to see.

Organisers say they are expecting about 80 to 100 thousand people in this town situated in the very north of Brazil. The queues at the registration centre for associations and individuals are so long and winding. The regular tropical rain, coupled with the humid atmosphere and temperatures revolving around 29°C to 32°C do not give room for comfort. At the tent where youths are gathered to register for their forum some have chosen to wait for their turn by learning a few dance steps. Watch this...

Waiting for the WSF 2009 to Start - George Esunge Fominyen

Welcome To Belem for the World Social Forum

By George Esunge Fominyen

After a gruelling journey that took us exactly 24 hours – we made it to Belem Para in Brazil. We late into the night of the 25th or early in the morning of the 26th January 2009. At the Belem airport it was getting really social. A band was on site spewing some very South American tunes and a two dancing couples paced to their music. That should put a smile on the faces of the  hundreds who were waiting for their luggage – having crossed oceans, forests and icecaps to attend this World Social Forum in the middle of the Amazon.

Do watch excerpts of that welcome dance!

Welcome to Belem - George Esunge Fominyen

Can Change Come to Our Poor?

By George Esunge Fominyen

Forget Obama now. Look at the picture below. Take a really hard look at the picture below and tell me what you see…

Let me help out. What you see is not an abandoned latrine.  That is a school: Government School Pomla near Figuil in the North Region of Cameroon.  That building is the same classroom for all the different grades of the school. I saw the different blackboards (or what passes for that) per grade (class) at different wall angles. Now that’s the face of poverty on our side of the world.

Singing Barack Obama in Cameroon

By George Esunge Fominyen

After a brief lull, the Barack Obamania is back into full gear in Africa and among many of African descent. Today (20 January 2009) is his 'Inauguration Day' as President of the United States of America. Given the way some are excited in Africa, one might misconstrue him for the President of another USA: United States of Africa?!

I tuned in to Cameroon Television (CRTV) this morning and the breakfast show was wholly dedicated to Obama's coming into office. The set was decorated with American flags and Obama campaign gadgets. But what struck me was this musical piece on Barack Obama, stipped in Bakweri folklore. A rythm hatched by the up and coming Tata Kingue...

The 'Pichichi' is Back!

By George Esunge Fominyen

18 goals in 18 matches in La Liga this season. That makes Samuel Eto'o the leading goal scorer in the Spanish football top flight. The Cameroonian has hit his most deadly form after being besieged by injuries in the last two years and branded an outcast last summer by his current coach - Pep Guardiola.The Lion in him has made a statement in the realm of soccer strikers - the Pichichi is back!

Beachside Wrestling in Tourist Haven called Mbour

Tumor Wins Major Fight against Large Cameroonian Diasporic Community

By **Joachim Arrey in Tunis, Tunisia

A young Cameroonian child who was locked in a battle against a maglinant tumor has lost his fight despite efforts by a huge Cameroonian military living in the Diaspora.

Fuh Bright Passes On

By George Esunge Fominyen

As the days passed, the pictures on the CRTV website of four year old Fuh Bright became more and more disturbing. Thecondition of the boy's severe retinoblastoma or orbital tumor was worsening. The ailment finally overcame the kid's resistance.

He passed away on the morning of 8 January 2008.

What had become a national (if not international) effort to save his life is left behind him.

Thanks to George Esunge from Global Voices

Friends of Bright Fuh Committee say thank you to reporter George Esunge from Global Voices for the report on Bright Fuh. We thank you for helping to draw attention to the needs of Bright and calling for donors to support Bright.