French tourists seized in Cameroon near Nigeria border

Seven French tourists have been kidnapped by gunmen in Cameroon, near the border with Nigeria, French President Francois Hollande has said.

He says they belong to the same family and were seized by a "known terrorist group based in Nigeria".
Mr Hollande added that the seven - including four children - were probably taken to northern Nigeria.
He indicated that the Nigerian Islamist militant group Boko Haram may have been responsible.
"I see the hand of Boko Haram in that part of Cameroon, and that is worrying enough for us to mobilise," Mr Hollande said.
He said everything possible was being done to rescue the family and warned other French nationals in northern Cameroon to avoid "exposing themselves".
The family had been returning from a visit to Waza National Park when they were attacked by men on motorcycles, Cameroonian officials said.
The incidents come amid a French-led intervention against Islamist militants in Mali.
At least eight French nationals were already being held by Islamist groups in Africa.
Boko Haram has staged many attacks across northern Nigeria in recent years, targeting churches, government buildings and the security forces.
Another Islamist group- Ansaru - is also active in the region.
On Sunday, Ansaru claimed the abduction of seven foreign workers in Nigeria.
Italian, British, Greek and Lebanese workers are thought to be among those held after an attack on a construction project in Bauchi state.
Ansaru also says it is holding a French national, Francis Colump, who was seized in the northern state of Katsina.

Opération épervier: Toutes les personnalités concernées et leurs supposés comptes bancaires

Le gouvernement est en possession d’une liste de comptes bancaires attribués à de hautes personnalités de l’Etat.
Urbain Olanguena Awono (ex ministre)
• Compte : n°13906001508500104357480 (Caisse Régionale du Sud Rhône, Alpes, Paris).
Solde au 23-02-2010 : 889.000.000 FCFA
Cumul de mouvements au crédit : 2.519.000.000 FCFA
Cumul de mouvements au débit : 1.663.000.000 FCFA
• Compte n°0308203548G4 (Banque Régionale de Solidarité, Monaco)
Solde au 31-01-2010 : 111.166.077 FCFA
• Compte n°0952007927000079 (BICEC-Cameroun)
Solde au 30-06-2007 : 1.412.529.345 FCFA
• Compte n°121350030004943554880-52 (Caisse d’Epargne rue de) S/C Claude Kupisz
Solde au 12-01-2010 : 17.000.000 FCFA
• Compte n°30003016900 (Société Générale, 2 rue des Aillettes 51500 Taissy Reims)
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 8.530.000 FCFA
• Compte n°10268-05604-00012355440-06 (Crédit Mutuel France) s/c Jean Paul Dauppher René 22 rue du Vall de Bliz 57200 Paris
Solde non précisé
• Compte n°136070003418619695440-67 (Banque Populaire France, 7 Rue de Barrière Côte d’Azur
Solde non précisé
• Compte n°40618802600004071030888 (Boursorama Banque) s/c Bernard Mariotto, 18 Quai du Pont du Jour 9269 Boulogne Billancourt
Solde non précisé
• Compte n°16607-00015-01519228832-59 (Banque Populaire des Pyrénées Orientales) s/c M. Gaillard Jean François
Solde non précisé
• Compte n°3000300252834712-69 (Société Générale) s/c Tolla Dominique
Solde non précisé
Abah Abah Polycarpe (ex ministre)
• Compte n°04676083646-54 (Caisse d’Epargne Aquitaine Poitou Charentes) S/C M. Cayron André Narcisse et Bragato Pierre
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 730.000 euros soit 478.150.000 FCFA
• Compte n°37331004629001 (Alpha Fund Banking of Djibouti) S/C Bodo Simon
Solde au 22-02-2010 : 310.000.000 FCFA
• Compte n°39-0000515-001-1 (CITI Group Bank USA)
Solde au 15-01-2004 : 154.549.000 FCFA
Après retrait de 1.570.000.000 FCFA
• Compte n°9222353429 (First National Bank)
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 3.500.000 rands
soit 283.500.000 FCFA
• Compte n°1480180003800775400021 (Crédit Agricole Centre Loire) S/C M. Hervouin Claude, 7 rue de Cologne 18110
Solde au 17-03-2010 : 2.847.000 euros
soit 1.864.785.000 FCFA
• Compte n°158990897100028599994074 (Crédit Mutuel) S/C M. Lajard Michel
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 16.000.000 FCFA
• Compte n°15459/3747300010435601-60 (Crédit Mutuel) S/C Jokiel Jean Pierre
Solde au 30-03-2010 : 164.150.000 FCFA
• Compte n°001003733-1004629-01J (Crédit Agricole Charentes Maritimes Deux Sèvres) S/C M. Stil Denis.
Solde au 31-03-2010 : 1.162.742 euros
soit 761.596.010 FCFA
Solde au 05-07-2010 : 140.000 euros
soit 91.700.000 FCFA
• Compte N°21430052314701-S, 10 avenue de la libération (Crédit Agricole Charente Maritime)
Solde au 21-04-2010 : 8000 euros soit 5.240.000 FCFA
• Compte N°3000003224900 (Société Générale, 2 rue des ailettes 51500 taissy Rems)
Solde au 17-02-2010 : 142 000 euros
soit 93.010.000 FCFA
• Compte N°1480180003800775400022 (Crédit Agricole Centre Loire, 2ème)
Solde au 03-03-2010 : 1000 euros soit 655.000 FCFA
• Compte n°30180701S (CBC) S/C Mme Julienne Komnang et de M. Jean Luis Chapuise
Solde non encore précisé (en date du 20 Juillet 2000 M. Abah Abah Polycarpe alors Directeur des impôts a ordonné un important virement en remboursement de la TVA)
• Compte n°30189701M (CBC) S-C Mme Julienne Komnang et de M. Jean luis Chapuise
Solde non encore précisé
• Compte n°2920040075 (First Trust And LeavingSaves) S/C Mme Medou Michel Fregisse
Solde non encore précisé
• Compte n°218749D72 (Crédit Lyonnais 46 avenue Gabriel Perry 93400 Saint Ouen)
Solde non encore précisé
• Compte n°10297501-10 (Crédit Industriel et Commercial CIC 230 rue du Faubourg Saint Martin 75010 Paris) Mandataire, son épouse Mme Caroline Meva’a
Solde non encore précisé
• Compte n°11780343-13 (HSB 16/1 8eme avenue des Villard 75007 à Paris)
Solde non encore précisé
Mme Abena Catherine (ex secrétaire d’Etat)
• Compte n°K00941015021156006018 30 (ECOBANK Sénégal) sous prête nom Mveng Mve Zang Jean Joseph
Solde au 31-12-2008 : 96.000.000 FCFA
Un retrait de 80.000.000 FCFA a été effectué le 1er Novembre 2009
• Compte n°028324852-77-064 (NATIXIS Bank Paris) S/C Abena Nicolas
Solde au 28-02-2010 : 120.000 FCFA
Après un retrait de 622.000.000 FCFA effectué le 23-02-2010
Mme Haman Adama née Alimatou Mahoundé (ex ministre)
• Compte n°22221713-0628-94 (Crédit Agricole Rhône Pollens) S/C Mme Hamadjoda Sidiki
Solde au 10-03-2010 : 310.815.000 FCFA
• Compte n°5354835802-64 (Société Générale, 78eme Paris Versailles)
Solde au 10-03-2010 : 830.000 FCFA
Après un retrait de 235.000.000 FCFA.
• Compte n°26032122806011 sous prête nom Miyouna Nashie Galina Staël
Solde d’ouverture le 20-09-2009 : 203.300.000 FCFA
Jean Marie Atangana Mebara (ex Ministre d’Etat)
• Compte n°7200001696873-02 (BNP Paribas).
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 413.000.000 FCFA
• Compte n°4738077813-FR18 (Union des Banques Suisses) S/C Carthage assistance
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 10.500.000 dollars US soit 4.725.000.000 FCFA
Étogo Mbezele Luc Evariste
• Compte n°179060003204228839015-31 (Crédit Agricole de L’Anjou et du Marnes)
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 521.000.000 FCFA
Dieudonné Nguema Ondo
• Compte n°03219091810-37 (Banque Populaire VAL de France) S/C Hervé Gauca
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 412.000.000 FCFA
Jean Ndjem (Communauté Urbaine de Douala)
• Compte n°30005318137-28 (Société Générale Paris)
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 830.000 euros soit 543.650.000 FCFA
Ngo Yogo Linette
• Compte n°340133091909-19 (UBC I Tunisie)
Solde au 15-02-2010 : 748.000.000 FCFA
Lamine Mbassa (Communauté Urbaine de Douala)
• Compte n°154890485400024693940-70 (Crédit Mutuel) S/C Makary Bernard 7 rue du Morin 61440 Messei France
Solde au 31-01-2010 : 18.000 euros soit 11.790.000 FCFA
Jean Bessala Nsama
• Compte n°3000401131003201-96 (BNP Paribas CROS DE CAGNES LOUVIER France) S/C Yves Maubuchon
Solde au 31-01-2010 : 740.000 euros soit 484.700.000 FCFA
Jérôme Mendouga (ex Ambassadeur aux USA)
• Compte n°18134413-09 (CITI Group Bank New York)
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 2.213.413 dollars US soit 996.035.850 FCFA
• Compte n°171713412-TWTB78 (World Trade Bank USA)
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 324.999 dollars US soit 146.249.550 FCFA
Ntongo Onguene (ex DG de société)
• Compte n°FR2221232816-FR06 S/C Mme Medouane Brigitte
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 228.710.000 FCFA
Nguini Effa Jean-Baptiste (ex DG Société d’Etat)
• Compte n°7610107003690003169651-395 (Banque BRED Caen Saint Etienne) S/C Gresne Claude Marcel François
Solde au 20-09-2009 : 850.000 euros soit 556.750.000 FCFA
• compte n°2220000129200400-75 (Banque BPATL PORNIC EUROP)
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 4.530.649 euros soit 2.967.575.095 FCFA
Engo Pierre Desiré (ex DG Société d’Etat et ex Ministre)
• Compte n°22020204-01 (BICEG Libreville) S/C Ela Ondo Marquise
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 812.000.000 FCFA
• Compte n°05050743120-7249250 (Société Générale, Agence Fontaine Guerrin, France) S/C Bertran José
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 410.000 euros soit 268.550.000 FCFA
• Compte n° 30819480276/68 (Banque BPATL Pornic Europe Guichet 0069)
Solde au 31-01-2010 : 466.000 euros soit 305.230.000 FCFA
Edou Jean Louis (ex trésorier Payeur Général Douala)
• Compte ouvert à CITI Bank New York NA-Fl-CEEMA 111 WALL STREET 19 FLOOR Zone1 10043 NewYork: CITI US33
Solde d’ouverture : 176.402.364 FCFA
• Compte n°091731043-US-12 (Union des Banques Suisses)
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 5.830.720 euros soit 3.819.121.600 FCFA
Gilles Roger Belinga (ex DG Société d’Etat)
• Compte n°0894927L029-89 (Banque Postale, France) S/C Mme Moradais Michelle, N1O Domaine des Magnances, Relles 13170 les Pennes Mirabeau, Centre Financier de Marseille
Solde au 20-01-2010 : 712.490.000 FCFA
• Compte n°0177740S030-03 (BANQUE Postale, Centre Financier de Montpellier) S/C Sauvagnat Bernard, Lavilaubois 41 allée Eugène de la Croix, 77190 Domari les lis
Solde au 28-02-2010 : 839.000.000 FCFA
• Compte n°36326500000-51 (Crédit Agricole) S/C Moutier Marie Odile 7ème Rue Traversière, 18000 Bourges Centre Loire
Solde au 20-01-2010 : 18.000.000 FCFA
• Compte n°32000008-6913 (NATIXIS Banque Paris) S/C Mme Belinga, proviseur du lycée de Mimboman Cameroun.
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 820.000.000 FCFA
• Compte n°2828210814 (Banque de Développement Local) S/C Effemba Ango Roger (étudiant)
Solde au mois de Mai 2010 : 78.000.006 FCFA
• Compte N°0827413241-18 (LA CAIXA, Barcelone)
Solde au 30-06-2010 : 183.000.000 FCFA
• Compte non précisé à la banque de Développement Local en Algérie.
Ondo Ndong Gerard Emmanuel (ex DG société d’Etat)
• Compte n°155893353807039642540 (Crédit Mutuelle du Sud Ouest) S/C Mme Hude Marie Josette
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 3.718.000 euros soit 2.435.290.000 FCFA
Ngamo Hamani Paul (ex DG Société d’Etat)
• Compte n°17406254758-CHF13 (BNP Paribas) S/C Société Transit Transport Routier
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 58.000.000 euros soit 37.990.000.000 FCFA
• Compte n°7274217112204 (Banque Sahélo-Saharienne pour l’investissement et le commerce BSIC) S/C Beta Yene Antoine
Solde au mois d’Avril 2010 : 643.000.000 FCFA
• Banque Sahélo-Saharienne pour l’investissement et le commerce (BSIC) :
numéro de compte non précisé.
Zaccheus Forjindam (ex DG Société d’Etat)
• Compte n°02990167409-20 (HSBC) S/C Dominique Serny Morat, 12 avenue de Pessiart 06100 Nice Grimaldi France
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 128.000 euros soit 83.840.000 FCFA
• Compte n°00541956401-82 (Code Banque 10107) S/C Stanislas Guillet 7B chemin des fleurs 97423 le Guillaume France
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 410.000 euros soit 268.550.000 FCFA
• Compte n°66163226000-15 (Code Banque 18306) S/C Henri Lecordier 14 passage Lienny 76280 Criquelot Lesnevales Paris
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 72.000 euros soit 47.160.000 FCFA
• Compte n°038412813-18-GR30 (INTESA San Paolo)
Solde au 16-12-2009 : 748.930.000 FCFA
• Compte n°340154609 (SCALBERT Dupont Paris France)
Solde au 16-12-2009 : 12.091.641 euros soit 7.920.024.855 FCFA
• Compte n°124988018-5 (Caisse d’Epargne, rue de Mazenaud)
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 843.000 FCFA
• Compte n°1000300100050034293891 (Général Caisse Epargne and Financement a Hamsphild Grande Bretagne)
Solde non précisé
• Compte n°37170200011170130 TEG (National Financial Crédit)
Solde non Précisé
• Compte n°95392660001-35 (BICEC Cameroun)
Solde non précisé
• Comptes n°736568N49 (courant),
n°432616W24 (épargne),
n°960513C22 (épargne logement)
(Crédit Lyonnais agence de l’Ecole Militaire 68 avenue Bosquet 75007 Paris)
Solde non encore précisé
lbrahim Toukour Ismaël (Affaire Trésorerie Générale de Douala)
• Compte n°K009002238712-29 (ECOBANK Senegal)
Solde au 15-02-2010 : 188.000.000 FCFA
Mebe Ngo’o Edgar Alain (ministre délégué chargé de la Défense)
• compte N°1738744 (Citibank New York NA 111 Wallstreet), solde au 30/05/2010 : 3,5 millions USD
• compte N°7777 13 (Royal Banic of Canada 180 Welington Street),
solde au 30/05/2010 : 2 118 000 000 Fcfa
Yves Michel Fotso
• Compte n°771318220-08-WWTBX69 (Wall Trade Bank New York).
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 2.118.813 dollars US soit 1.387.822.515 FCFA
• Compte n°42441318701-02 (CITI Group Bank New-York)
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 847.000 euros soit 381.150.000 FCFA
• Compte n°43441318701-02 (CITI Group Bank New York)
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 7.845.715.dollars. US soit 5.138.943.325 FCFA
• Compte n°7713FR181344 (Safety Group Bank of Georgia, Atlanta).
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 13.850.700 dollars soit 9.072.208.500 FCFA
• Compte n°52545252-TW01 (Crédit Agricole SA Guinée Equatoriale)
Solde au 28-02-2010 : 1.142.813.000 FCFA
• Compte n°30000025347-69 (Société Générale Paris 78 Avenue Biancourt).
Solde au 31-01-2010 : 742.000.000 FCFA
• Compte n°317018842-13T69 (Wall Trade Bank NewYork)
Solde au 20-02-2010 : 1.810.000.000 FCFA
• Compte n°3978771834-T69 (Wall Trade Bank New York)
Solde au 31-01-2010 : 7.000.000 euros soit 4.585.000.000 FCFA
• Compte n°78344720-25 (Scalbert Dupond Paris)
Solde au 20-02-2010 : 12.091.064 euros soit 7.919.646920 FCFA
• Compte n°473457909-S (Intesa San Paolo)
Solde au 31-12-2007 : 18.000.000 euros soit 11.790.000.000 FCFA
• Compte n°991 575849-54S (UBS SA Washington)
Solde au 31-12-2007: 813.000.000 FCFA
• Compte n°6560923010-53 (Crédit Lyonnais) S/C Cabinet AVELIANCE CONSEILS
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 1.000.000 euros  soit 655.000.000 FCFA
• Compte n°172194052000700197310/23 (Crédit Maritime Atlantique) S/C Yves Michel Fotso; prête-nom : GGARREC Jacob; 5 Rue Docteur Albert Schwitzer 56100 l’Orient
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 450.000 euros soit 294.750.000 FCFA
M. Yves Michel Fotso est titulaire de 12
comptes bancaires identifiés à l’étranger dont le solde provisoire est de
45.437.584.260 FCFA.
Inoni Ephraïm (ex Premier Ministre)
• Compte n°2237780808-O1BWCLO7 (Boston City Bank)
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 1.112.730.210 FCFA
• Compte n°44091738513 (BCEAO)
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 495.459 euros soit 324.525.645 FCFA
Lekene Donfack (ex Ministre, député à l’assemblée)
• Compte n°270000716-002-01 (CITI Group Bank USA)
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 3.060.813 euros soit 2.004.832.515 FCFA
Titti Pierre (Ministre)
• Compte n°4381751218-9 (Banque de Gestion Privée Indo-Suez (BGPI)) 20 rue de la Baumé 75008 Paris V
Solde non encore précisé
• Compte n°30003-0112813798-4 (Société Générale)
Solde non encore précisé
• Compte n° 18709708-W42 (Crédit Lyonnais agence Champs-Elysées)
Solde non encore précisé
Houli Zoua Abraham (SG Ministère)
• Compte n°523633421287-01 (Société Générale) S/C M. Manepa Antoine
Solde au 31-12-2010 : 128.730.000 FCFA
Abessolo Martin
• Compte n°74103644701-37 (BNP Paribas)
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 1.830.000 euros soit 1.198.650.000 FCFA
Etonde Ekotto Edouard (ex délégué du gouvernement)
• Compte n°161068500801229362050-06 (Union Bancaire pour le Commerce et l’industrie) S/C Mamoudah Ka
Solde au 20-01-2010 après divers retraits : 18.000.000 FCFA
• Compte n°30002004010000073862H21 (LCL Odette VENLE)
Solde au 20-04-2010 : 896.000.000 FCFA
• Compte n°20035314001 (Crédit Agricole Charente Maritime) 10 avenue de la libération 17139, Domicile pières; prête-nom : Renverseau Christian
Solde au 20-02-2010 : 118.780.123 FCFA
• Compte n°30002004010000073862H24 (LCL, 2ème compte)
Solde au 20-04-2010 : 210.000 euros soit 137.550.000 FCFA
Siyam Siwe Alphonse (ex ministre)
• Comptes n°860283116, n°9960963863 (Natexis Banque Populaire 115 rue Montmartre 75002 Paris)
Solde non encore précisé
• Compte n°134917000910/23 (Crédit Maritime Atlantique, 5 rue Docteur Albert Schwitzer)
Solde au 15-01-2010 : 847.000 euros soit 554.785.000 FCFA
Meva’a Caroline epse Abah Abah
• Compte n°10297604-89 (Crédit Industriel et Commercial CIC 230 rue du Faubourg Saint Martin 75010 Paris)
Solde non encore précisé
• Compte n°9760492-10 (Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken suède)
Solde non encore précisé
• Compte n°4297794-8FR (Kaupthing Bank islande)
Solde non encore précise
• Compte n°4218171717-102 (City Group USA)
Solde non encore précise
• Compte n°3029215099-1 (Banque Canadienne Impériale de Commerce Ontarlo Canada)
Solde non encore précisé
• Compte n°3428813709 (Arab Banking Corporation) S/C Bodo Claude
Solde au mois de Mai 2010 : 847.730.210 FCFA
• Compte n°74813719 (Monte dei paschi de Sienne, Toscane ltalie).
Solde au 09-06-2010 : 813.000 000 euros soit 532.815 000 000 FCFA
• Compte n°441841 0730-71 (Unicredit Group, Italie) S/C MINKONGO Louis Thomas
Solde au 13-05-2010 : 17.000.000 FCFA
• Compte n°17113201-1 (Unipol Banca, Italie) S/C NKOLO Christelle Aurélie
Solde au 24-05-2010 : 710.000 euros soit 465.050.000 FCFA appartenant à M. Tjol Zacharie
• Compte à la banque Arab Banking Corporation (Banque privée) en Algérie non encore précisé
Gervais Mendo Zé (ex DG Société d’Etat et ex Ministre)
• Compte n°03099441906-03 (Banque Populaire du Nord, France)
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 1.810.000 euros soit 1.185.550.000 FCFA
• Compte n°1920840001-49 (BICECCameroun)
Solde au 31-12-2004 : 420.000.000 FCFA
• Compte n°712928061F (CBC Cameroun)
Solde au 31-12-2005: 932.518.615 FCFA
• Compte n°027482775300000 (Crédit Lyonnais)
Solde au 31-12-2005: 361.747.855 FCFA
• Compte n°00633021501-06 (Afriland First Bank-Cameroun)
Solde au 31-12-2005 : 1.423.860.057 FCFA.
• Compte n°100050000100078201051-77 (Afriland First Bank Cameroon)
Solde au 24-02-2010 : 1.813.743.000 FCFA
• Compte n°0033059021 (Banque Régionale de Paris) sous prête-nom Borris Alain 20ème Rue Christophe Colomb, 49460 Montreuil Juihne
Solde non encore précisé
• Compte n°680357681064 (BNP,Paribas) sous prête-nom Gounard, 36 quai Monseigneur Prouvost, 49570 Mont Jean du Loire
Solde non encore précisé
• Compte n°680657681064 (BNP Paribas) sous prêt nom Liliane Vincent, 10ème rue Marcel Rivière
Solde non encore précisé
• Compte n°00031019341 (Banque CCM Paris) identité Code CMC1FR2A, 19 place des fêtes, 78320 la carrière
• Compte n°30198201A, (CBC BANK)
Solde non encore précisé
• Compte n°10008000303713063290104 (CBC BANK)
Solde non encore précisé
• Compte n°8041026013000101 (Banque Nationale de Paris)
Solde non encore précisé
• Compte n°37230198201-84 (CBC Bank)
Solde non encore précisé
• Compte n°18713212-44 (Banque Laurentienne Québec)
Solde non encore précisé
• Compte n° 4222042019-1 (Banco de Credito Colombie)
Solde non encore précisé
• Compte n°789121016-55 (Banque Otsar Ha-Hayal Israël)
Solde non encore précisé
• Compte n°710222813-1 (Macary Bank Australie)
Patricia Enam Daisy (ex employée CRTV)
• Compte n°0308203548G4 (Banque Régionale de Solidarité, Monaco)
Solde : 2.000.000 euros soit 1.310.000.000 FCFA
• Compte n°15749360500001036470137 (Crédit Mutuel CCM Escoublac) S/C Fremont George Noel Jules, 9 Chemin de la Vallée, 445.00 La Baule Escoublac France
Solde au 17-04-2009 : 341.667 euros soit 223.791.885 FCFA
• Compte n°0000483871204 (National Commercial Bank, Arabie Saoudite)
Solde : 6.000.000 euros soit 3.930.000.000 FCFA
L’intéressé posséderait deux comptes localisés l’un à Luxembourg et l’autre aux USA à la World Trade Banque of New York d’un solde respectif de
5.895.000.000 FCFA (9.000.000 euros) et de 4.585.000.000 FCFA (7.000.000 euros)
Elle serait aussi propriétaire des appartements à Paris, Monaco, Mans et à Versailles.
Mongori Elisabeth (ex employée CRTV)
• Compte n°763000100064005245-024 (Banque Européenne d’Investissement)
Solde au 31-12009 : 172.000 euros soit 112.660.000 FCFA
Bapes Bapes Louis (Ministre des Enseignements secondaires)
• Compte n°3094276800245-9 (Société Générale Paris)
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 728.000.000 FCFA
• Compte n°14161 52218-1 (Shangai Commercial Bank Chine)
Solde non encore précisé
• Compte n°0228132532 (Shinsei Bank Japon)
Joseph Edou (ex Dg)
• Comptes n° 3022252532 et n° 12827532 (NP PARIBAS 26 rue des Bourets 92150 Suresnes)
Solde non encore précisé
• Compte n°20041000012958572W020-95 (Banque Postale) S/C M. Belbes Jean Pierre, les Horizons 5 boulevard de l’IH 13340 le Raincy.
Solde non encore précisé
Laurent Nkodo (ex Dg)
• Compte n°1738246718-04FR (United Bank For Africa-Senegal) S/C Mohamadou Sidiki Aral
Solde au mois de Mai 2010 : 224.000.000 FCFA
• Compte à United Bank of Africa non précisé (Sénégal)
Awah Awah
• Compte n°3701238201-48 (BNP Paribas)
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 600.000 euros soit 393.000.000 FCFA
Mendomo Edith Jeanese
• Compte n°49001033604072-18 (Banque Régionale du Sud Rhones Paris)
Solde au 17-04-2008 : 341.730 euros soit 223.833.150 FCFA
Manga Paul
• Compte n°30040048800001335641-19 (BNP Paribas) S/C Mme Lincker Marie Louise
Solde au 30-03-2010 : 177.000.000 FCFA
Ivo Leke Tambo
• Compte n°3924244-12 (CITIBANK, Sénégal)
Solde au 05-04-2010 : 433.000.000 FCFA
Meva Meboutou Michel (Ex ministre)
• Compte n°4718182210 (Al Barid Bank, filiale bancaire des postes Maroc) S/C Minla’a Daniel
Solde au mois de Mai 2010 : 227.000.000 FCFA
• Compte à Al Barik Bank (filiale bancaire des postes au Maroc) non précisé
Essama Zoh Gervais
• Compte n°0087331060004806280752 (CIC EST) S/C M. Melier Christian.
Solde au 15-01-2010 : 612.000.000 FCFA
Mewoulou Oyono Epse Mballa Helene
• Compte n°1170600027026905300196 (Crédit Agricole Charente Maritime Deux-Sèvres) S/C M. Stil Denis
Solde au 31-12-2009 : 612.000.000 FCFA

© L’Oeil du Sahel : RAOUL GUIVANDA via africapresse.com

Does This Imply a Renewed Scramble for Africa?

After viewing this video, what are your impressions on the future of the African Continent??
Have your say

Economic War, Exclusive Interview from an Insider

After watching this video, who do you thing stands to benefit from Economic warfare of International scale?
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Tresor caché de Ben Ali . TV Tunisienne.flv

After watching this video, you will find reason why the rest of the world should support the youths flush out dictators.

The Cameroon You Never Hear of ...

Libya protests: Second city Benghazi hit by violence

 

Gaddafi supporters held rallies in Benghazi and other Libyan cities, state TV reported

Hundreds of anti-government protesters have clashed with police and government supporters in Libya's second city, in the latest display of unrest in the Arab world.

Dozens of people are said to have been hurt in the clashes in Benghazi.
The overnight unrest followed the arrest of an outspoken government critic, who was reportedly freed later.
State TV showed demonstrations in several cities said to be in support of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
The unrest comes a day before planned anti-government demonstrations on Thursday, dubbed a "Day of Anger", which are being organised via internet social networks.
Pro-democracy protests have recently swept through several Arab nations, with the presidents of Tunisia and Egypt forced to resign amid growing unrest.
But Wednesday's demonstrations were the first display of defiance in Libya, where dissent is rarely tolerated.
Jail massacre Witnesses say that at one stage up to 2,000 people were involved in the overnight protests in Benghazi, which saw a march on government offices in the city.

The protesters are said to have thrown stones and petrol bombs, and set vehicles alight. Witnesses said police used rubber bullets and water cannon to disperse them.

The protests reportedly began after the arrest of Fathi Terbil, who represents relatives of more than 1,000 prisoners allegedly massacred by security forces in Tripoli's Abu Salim jail in 1996. He was later said to have been freed.
One witness, who did not want to be named, told the BBC: "A couple of people in the crowd started chanting anti-government slogans and the crowd took that on.
"But then there were clashes with pro-government supporters and then after a bit the pro-government supporters dispersed and then the security services arrived and they dispersed the crowds with hot-water cannons."
Footage purporting to show the unrest, with protesters fleeing gunfire and a man being shot, was later posted on the internet and used by the BBC and other news organisations. However, subsequent inquiries suggested this was footage originally uploaded more than a year ago.

Egypt crisis: President Hosni Mubarak resigns as leader

Hosni Mubarak has decided to step down as president of Egypt.

Vice-President Omar Suleiman made the announcement in a brief statement on state TV.
It came as thousands massed in Cairo and other Egyptian cities for an 18th day of protest to demand Mr Mubarak's resignation.
Protesters responded by cheering, waving flags, embracing and sounding car horns. "The people have brought down the regime," they chanted.
Mr Suleiman said Mr Mubarak had handed power to the high command of the armed forces.
"In the name of God the merciful, the compassionate, citizens, during these very difficult circumstances Egypt is going through, President Hosni Mubarak has decided to step down from the office of president of the republic and has charged the high council of the armed forces to administer the affairs of the country," he said.
"May God help everybody.

EU freezes assets of Tunisia's ousted President Ben Ali

 

The European Union has frozen the assets of ousted Tunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali and his wife.

The sanctions were approved by EU foreign ministers, after a request from Tunisia's new interim government.
Mr Ben Ali fled Tunisia earlier this month after a series of protests against poverty and corruption, ending his 23 years in power.
He and his family are accused of having enriched themselves over many years at the country's expense.
Tunisia generally enjoyed steady economic growth under Mr Ben Ali, but many - including the young men who launched the protests in December - remained poor.
The president's family and his associates are believed to have controlled a large portion of the country's economy.
A number of associates of the deposed president may face similar sanctions, EU officials said.
The EU is looking at resuming talks, begun with Tunisia while Mr Ben Ali was in power, on improving trade terms with the country.

President Obama Expresses concern on the Crisis in Egypt

The SDF wants Supreme Court to Declare ELECAM Unfit To Organise Transparent Elections

The opposition SDF party has urged the Supreme Court, sitting in for the Constitutional Council, to declare that Elections Cameroon, ELECAM, is unfit to organise free, fair and transparent elections in Cameroon.
The SDF request was made by the SDF lawyers to the Supreme Court on the January 13. The SDF claims that since ELECAM is relying on electoral registers established by the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation, MINATD, it has proven that it is not competent to organise free and fair elections. According to the SDF, ELECAM can only gain some credibility if it establishes its own electoral registers, instead of simply revising what MINATD left. It is well known that the MINATD electoral register is full of irregularities ranging from selective registration to multiple registration.
The SDF petition is hinged on section 41 of law No. 2006/011 of December 29, 2006, setting up and laying down the organisation and functioning of ELECAM. Section 42 reads: "Where Election is duly established as incompetent by the Constitutional Council, the President of the Republic shall, under article 5 of the constitution, take the requisite corrective measures." The SDF therefore claims that by failing to established its own voters' registers, ELECAM has demonstrated its limitations and cannot organise free and fair elections.
The petition, signed by the SDF Chairman, Ni John Fru Ndi, insists that the right of Cameroonians to have free and fair elections can be guaranteed if and only if ELECAM establishes its own electoral lists and ensures that voter registration is hitch-free. The opposition party takes great exception to the electoral registers drawn up by MINADT, saying t and non-selective. The whole exercise is mired in fraud. Such registers, the SDF maintains, still carry names of dead people.
In the motion, the SDF argues that ELECAM has the competence to establish new voters' registers as provided for by Section 22 of the law creating it. Citing that section of the law, SDF lawyers said: "the Director General of Elections at ELECAM is responsible for all election operations and referenda under the supervision and control of the Electoral Board."
Thus, the responsibilities of the Director General of Elections, Mohaman Sani Tanimou, include: the drawing up, managing, updating and keeping national voters' register as well as election documents. He also procures and distributes election materials and documents; draws up and publishes voters' cards. It is also the responsibility of the Director General of Elections to organise and supervise the training of electoral personnel as well as prepare the annual draft budget of Elections Cameroon and draft elections budgets and implement the budget of ELECAM.
The SDF wants ELECAM to establish new voter registers and voters' cards within the context of a biometric system of elections. The party equally proposes that political parties be involved at all levels of the electoral process. They are calling for the institution of a two-round presidential election and a stop to civil servants and administrative officials carrying out electoral campaigns.

Ben Ali: Tunisia Issues an International Arrest Warrant for the Self-Exiled Ex-President

Tunisia has issued an international arrest warrant for ousted President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali and his family, the nation's justice minister has said.

Lazhar Karoui Chebbi said Tunisia had asked Interpol to detain Mr Ben Ali, who fled to Saudi Arabia earlier this month amid mass street protests.
Mr Chebbi said Mr Ben Ali should be tried for property theft and transferring foreign currency.
He was speaking as anti-government protests continued in the country.

Wikileaks: France To Intervene In Cameroon And Gabon In Case Of Internal Unrest

                               Original Article by: Aloysius Agendia
In another secret diplomatic cable of US Embassy in Paris, France, dated September 9, 2008, and released on January 9, 2011, by Wikileaks, it has been revealed that France has the obligation to intervene militarily to defend the neo-colonial Government and secure its interests under the France-Afrique secret deals signed with Cameroon in 1960 and later modified in 1974 and that which was signed with the Gabonese Government in 1960.
The cable titled "France's Changing Policy in Africa part III", states, "Equally troublesome and outdated are certain "secret" portions of some of the Agreements. According to Marechaux, the Defense Agreements with Cameroon and Gabon, for example, contain "absurd" provisions obligating France, upon request, to provide internal security in case of domestic unrest in those countries."
Though the document further notes that President Nicholas Sarkhozy of France had promised to put an "end" to the funny neo-colonial France-Afrique exploitative agreement and bring up new ones based on equality and partnership, the truth remains that the Sarkhozy rhetoric is far from the reality on ground.
Proof of this is that as tension mounted in Gabon following the alleged rigging of elections to impose Ali Ben Bongo on Gabonese, the French secretly flew in 300 special paratroopers to quell down any opposition and protect French interest.  The BBC was the lone western media organ which wrote about this. The Wikileaks cable also reveals that, according to the France-Afrique documents, "some of the Agreements contain "secret" clauses giving France monopoly rights to exploit natural resources in the countries concerned." It also admits that some countries like Ivory Coast had increasingly become hostile over such colonial agreements.
This is certainly true reason and why the French have become very hostile toward any regime that fails to respect the agreements. Their hostility towards Ivory Coast and Rwanda are examples though not mentioned in secret diplomatic notes. Paradoxically, Ali Bongo is quoted though not in the cable, as saying the law suits filed against him and some president in Paris is because some French politicians do not want to admit that some African leaders want to totally break with the colonial past.
It should be noted that another cable published on December 31, 2010, revealed how the colonial administration in the Central African sub region CEMAC, in collaboration with the regional Bank BEAC and in connivance with their political master in France embezzled several billions of African tax payers' money to fund French politics and French politicians. Sarkhozy himself who pioneered the rhetoric against the neo-colonial France-Afrique agreements was a beneficiary of the stolen funds.
In 2004, French soldiers shot and killed over 100 unarmed Ivoirian civilians who were protesting against too much French meddling into their affairs and the French attempt to "kidnap" their president, Laurent Gbagbo. The French who initially denied the report, later admitted to killing "only 20" people. Since then, those who claim to speak for the international community have never uttered a word against France nor have those who order the killings been brought to justice.
The French equally blamed the Government of Ivory Coast for the mysterious bombing of French base in Bouake during which nine French soldiers were killed. It has never been established if the military of Ivory Coast was really the one behind the bombing. It is widely beliefed that it was a smokescreen by the French military to destroy the air force of Ivory Coast which was launching an assault against the French backed northern rebels in bid to reunite the country.
Given the increasing hostility of Africans against too much French interest and interference in the continent, reliable sources say France has opted for a diplomatic offensive and serious lobbying both in the African and in the western world to strangle regimes which are hostile to its influence. The same source equally says French intelligence help regimes favourable to interest by sharing strategies on how to bring down any internal opposition. The current situation in Ivory Coast is therefore a test of French influence on Africa.

Tunisia's interim government holds first meeting

Troops fired warning shots as protesters marched in central Tunis

Tunisia's new interim government is holding its first cabinet meeting, nearly a week after the fall of President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.

The meeting had been postponed amid opposition calls not to give key posts to members of Mr Ben Ali's RCD party.
Earlier, the RCD dissolved its central committee after its members on the interim cabinet quit the party.
On Thursday, troops fired warning shots at crowds who had massed near RCD headquarters in the capital, Tunis.
Reports said some protesters had tried to scale a wall at the building.
Spreading protests
Judges also staged a demonstration in Tunis demanding the resignation of all judges who worked for the ousted president.
There were also reports of protests on Thursday in the towns of Gafsa and Kef - the first demonstrations outside Tunis since Mr Ben Ali and his family fled to Saudi Arabia last week.
He left with his family last Friday after mass protests over unemployment, poverty and corruption.

Continue reading the main story

“Start Quote

Together we can write a new page in the history of our country”

End Quote Fouad Mebazaa Tunisian interim leader

Despite his departure, protests have continued, with demonstrators and opposition leaders demanding that all members of the RCD party be excluded from any future administration.

Earlier, it was announced that more than 30 members of the former president's family had been arrested.
It was not clear which members of Mr Ben Ali's family had been held. However, state television showed what it said was gold and jewellery seized during raids on their properties.
The official statement said those being held were suspected of crimes against Tunisia.
Exclusion demands
Political wrangling had delayed the inaugural meeting of the interim cabinet. Hours before it was due to start, a minister who had belonged to the RCD announced he was pulling out of the government.
"I am stepping down for the higher interests of the country in this delicate situation to try to bring the country out of crisis and ensure a democratic transition," the official Tap news agency quoted Zouheir M'Dhaffar, minister of state in the prime minister's office, as saying.
Four opposition ministers quit the cabinet the day after it was formed, demanding the exclusion of RCD ministers.
Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi and interim President Fouad Mebazaa - former speaker of the lower house of parliament - have also quit the RCD to try to distance themselves from Mr Ben Ali.
Swiss officials estimate Tunisian government officials have put about $620m (£387m) into Swiss banks, the Associated Press news agency reports.
On Wednesday, Switzerland said it had frozen any assets of Mr Ben Ali and "his entourage" held in the country.
Schools closed
In a televised address on Wednesday, Mr Mebazaa promised to deliver a complete break from the past.

The interim government must arrange a date for future elections

He hailed "a revolution of dignity and liberty", saying that the government's top priority would be an amnesty for political prisoners. He also promised media freedom and an independent judiciary.
"Together we can write a new page in the history of our country," he said.
Although the situation across Tunisia remains tense, authorities have shortened the hours of curfew.
A state of emergency is still in place and the army is still deployed in the capital Tunis. Schools and universities remain closed.
The interim government has pledged free and fair elections within six months but has given no dates.
Under the Tunisian constitution, a new presidential election should be held within two months of Mr Ben Ali's departure.
The US has urged Tunisia to move to a true democracy, and promised assistance.
State department spokesman PJ Crowley tweeted: "The people of Tunisia have spoken. The interim government must create a genuine transition to democracy. The United States will help."

Tunisia: President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali forced out

Tunisia revolt and its Out come

Tunisia's President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali has stepped down after 23 years in power, amid widespread protests on the streets of the capital Tunis.

In a televised address, Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi said he would be taking over.
A state of emergency was declared earlier, as rumbling nationwide protests over economic woes snowballed into anti-government demonstrations.
Unconfirmed reports say Mr Ben Ali has left the country.
Earlier, police fired tear gas as thousands of protesters gathered outside the interior ministry.

---

The protesters have put their bodies on the line, and many people have been killed. Tonight, they ignored the curfew to celebrate on the streets.
At the end of a dramatic day, President Ben Ali fled, no longer able to hold back the growing tide of public discontent and anger with his regime.
Now, the protesters will want to see the fruits of their demonstrations.
They won't settle for meagre reform, they won't settle for the same elite remaining in power. They're very happy that the president has gone, but they don't like the regime that surrounded him, and they'll want his cronies out as well.

Doctors say that 13 people were killed in overnight clashes in Tunis, and there are unconfirmed reports that five people have been killed in protests on Friday outside the capital.

Troops have surrounded the country's main international airport, Tunis Carthage, and the country's air space has been closed.
Mr Ghannouchi, 69, a former finance minister who has been prime minister since 1999, will serve as interim president.
In an address on state television, he promised to "respect the law and to carry out the political, economic and social reforms that have been announced".
The BBC's Arab affairs analyst Magdi Abdelhadi says Mr Ben Ali's demise will go down in history as the day that an Arab population rose and brought down a head of state they regarded as a dictator.
He says it may rattle the entire post-colonial order in North Africa and the wider Arab world.
Earlier, Mr Ben Ali - who had said in a TV address on Thursday night that he would relinquish power in 2014 - said he was dismissing the government and dissolving parliament, and that new elections would be held within six months.

Fall from power

• 17 Dec: A graduate sets himself on fire in Sidi Bouzid over lack of jobs, sparking protests
• 24 Dec: Protester shot dead in central Tunisia
• 28 Dec: Protests spread to Tunis
• 8-10 Jan: Dozens of deaths reported in crackdown on protests
• 12 Jan: Interior ministry sacked
• 13 Jan: President Ben Ali promises to step down in 2014
• 14 Jan: President dissolves government and parliament, then steps down

The state of emergency decree bans more than three people from gathering together in the open, and imposes a night-time curfew. Security forces have been authorised to open fire on people not obeying their orders.

Human rights groups say dozens of people have died in recent weeks as unrest has swept the country and security forces have cracked down on the protests.
The protests started after an unemployed graduate set himself on fire when police tried to prevent him from selling vegetables without a permit. He died a few weeks later.
UK tour operator Thomas Cook is pulling out all 1,800 of its customers currently on holiday in Tunisia.
Thomas Cook and another holiday company, Thomson First Choice, are cancelling departures to Tunisia scheduled for Sunday 16 January. However, Thomson are not bringing home visitors already in Tunisia early.
Tourism is key to Tunisia's economy and an important source of jobs.
The UK, the US and France are among the countries advising against non-essential travel to Tunisia.
"The situation is unpredictable and there is the potential for violence to flare up, raising the risk of getting caught up in demonstrations," the UK Foreign Office said in its latest travel advisory.
In his speech on Thursday night, Mr Ben Ali, who had governed Tunisia since 1987, announced he would stand down in 2014.

Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi: 'I assume responsibilities of the president'

He said there was "no presidency for life" in Tunisia. But he said he did not intend to amend the constitution to remove the upper age limit for presidential candidates, which would have allowed him to stand for a further term in 2014.
The president, who earlier this week had blamed the unrest on "terrorists", also said he felt "massive regret" over the deaths of civilians in the protests.
On Thursday, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned Arab leaders they would face growing unrest unless they enacted real economic and political reform.
Mrs Clinton was speaking in Doha at the end of a four-nation visit to the Gulf.
Mr Ben Ali, 74, was only Tunisia's second president since independence from France in 1956. He was last re-elected in 2009 with 89.62% of the vote

Nigeria's PDP to decide between Jonathan and Abubakar

Goodluck Jonathan is the first president from Nigeria's oil-producing Delta region

Nigeria - Troubled Giant

Nigeria's governing party is to choose its candidate for presidential elections due to be held in April.

The strongest challenge to President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to come from ex-vice-president Atiku Abubakar.
The PDP candidate has won every poll since the end of military rule in 1999, so its candidate will be favourite.
But some analysts say the PDP could split over the vote with southerners backing Mr Jonathan and Mr Abubakar supported by those from the north.
The PDP has a tradition of alternating power between north and south after two terms of office but this was interrupted when Mr Jonathan, a southerner, succeeded Umaru Yar'Adua when he died last year.
There is tight security in the capital, Abuja, where the voting is taking place, following recent bomb attacks.

PDP Candidates

Goodluck Jonathan, 53

• Christian from Bayelsa state in oil-rich Niger Delta
• Took over as president after death of Umaru Yar'Adua last year
• Former zoologist

Atiku Abubakar, 64

• Muslim from Adamawa state in north
• Vice-president 1999-2007
• 2007, left PDP and ran for president for Action Congress
• Wealthy businessman

Sarah Jibril, 64

• Christian from central Kwara state
• Veteran politician who has run unsuccessfully for the presidency four times
• Former teacher

Some 5,000 PDP delegates have gathered in the city's Eagle Square where the vote is to take place.

The square was hit by twin car bombings last October, as Nigeria celebrated 50 years of independence.
Veteran politician Sarah Jibril is also seeking the PDP ticket but the BBC's Tomi Oladipo says she has sought the party's nomination in past elections with no success and is not expected to pose a threat this time either.
Last year, a group of Nigeria's powerful governors said they would back President Jonathan's candidacy but only if he stood for one term before standing down in favour of a northerner.
He is the first president from Nigeria's southern, oil-producing Delta region.
But several northern powerbrokers have backed the campaign of Mr Abubakar.
Nigeria's recent elections have been tarnished by fraud and violence.
Mr Jonathan has promised to introduce electoral reforms, but correspondents say it will be difficult to implement radical changes before April.
The main opposition candidates are former anti-corruption campaigner Nuhu Ribadu and Gen Muhammadu Buhari.

Tunisia protests: 'Live firing' heard in capital Tunis

 

Troops have been guarding shops and government buildings in several areas of the capital

Troops have fired live bullets and tear gas in the centre of the Tunisian capital Tunis, reports say.

Hundreds of protesters are on the streets and a large area in the centre of the city has been closed off by police and the military.
It comes after violent scenes in the capital overnight despite a night-time curfew being put in place.
At least 23 people have died since nationwide protests over poverty and corruption began last month.
The BBC's Adam Mynott in Tunis says the trouble has reached the central streets of the capital, close to shops, banks and the French embassy.
Police have put up road blocks as trouble reached the central streets but there are reports of looting in shops.
It was not immediately clear whether anyone had been hurt.
There is palpable tension and fear on the streets of the capital, with soldiers and armed police on patrol, our correspondent adds.

---

There is a concern that the approach of Tunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali is making little headway. He seems to be alternately offering concessions to the demonstrators - such as the resignation of the interior minister - but then clamping down ever more strongly.
With the demonstrations now reaching the capital, Tunis, the danger is that it is the president himself - and the political regime over which he presides - that will now increasingly be the target of the demonstrators.
It is still too early to judge the political coherence of this opposition movement, which has many of the aspects of similar protests elsewhere; the stress on youth and mobilisation through the internet and rap music.
But this overlays much more profound concerns about the political system and the economy - problems that are common to so many other Arab states. It is no wonder, then, that the region is holding its collective breath as the Tunisian drama unfolds.

President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali has called the unrest a "terrorist act".

Last night, a protester was reportedly shot dead in a western suburb of Tunis, and three others were killed when police opened fire in a southern area.
However, the International Federation for Human Rights said eight had died.
Violence in Tunis broke out on Wednesday afternoon, as protesters threw stones and police responded with volleys of tear gas. It was the first time in weeks of unrest that the violence had reached the capital.
Overnight, youths fought battles with security forces and set fire to buildings in Tunis, in defiance of a dusk-till-dawn curfew announced on Wednesday.
More clashes were reported from at least half a dozen towns across the country, including Sfax, Douz, Sidi Bouzid and Thala.
Reuters reported up to 10,000 people were on the streets in Sidi Bouzid.
"It is not just about unemployment any more. It's about freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, all the freedoms," one protester said.
An opposition politician and union leader said at least four protesters had been killed, but the International Federation for Human Rights said it had received confirmation of eight deaths and 50 wounded in greater Tunis alone.

The president has ordered the release of most of those arrested during the protests

This increased the death toll since mid-December to 66, the group said, almost three times the government's official figure of 23.
Switzerland's foreign ministry has confirmed that a woman who had dual Swiss-Tunisian nationality was killed in the north of Tunisia.
Swiss Radio said she was hit in the throat by a stray bullet while watching a protest late on Wednesday in the town of Dar Chaabane.
A foreign ministry statement said the Tunisian ambassador had been summoned, and called on the Tunisian government to "respect dialogue, fundamental liberties and human rights", including freedom of assembly.
French diplomats have also reportedly informed the family of a French-Tunisian academic, Hatem Bettahar, that he was one of two protesters killed by the police on Wednesday in the central town of Douz.

“Start Quote

Tunisia needs global reform as well as the formation of a national unity government more than ever”

End Quote Maya Jribi Progressive Democratic Party (PDP)

Mr Bettahar, a computer science lecturer in France, had been visiting his mother. A Tunisian teacher has said he has posted on the internet a video showing Mr Bettahar lying in a pool of blood after being shot.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said the deaths were "a result of some excessive measures used, such as snipers [and] the indiscriminate killing of peaceful protesters".
"It is imperative that the government launch a transparent, credible and independent investigation into the violence and killings," she said.
Our correspondent says President Ben Ali has tried to respond to the unrest by sacking the interior minister, ordering the release of most of those arrested during the protests, and promising to look into the allegations of corruption.
But many in Tunis view these assurances as empty words, he adds.
"Tunisia needs global reform as well as the formation of a national unity government more than ever," said the secretary-general of the opposition Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), Maya Jribi.
Unions have also called for a strike in Tunis on Friday as another means to put pressure on the government. Union officials told the BBC that a strike had been observed in the central Kasserine region on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, al-Jazeera TV is reporting that the president has sacked two of his top advisers, Abdelaziz Ben Dhia and Abdelouahab Abdallah. And the AFP news agency quoted opposition officials as saying the Army chief of staff, Gen Rachid Ammar, had been replaced for refusing to order soldiers to put down the protesters.

There are also unconfirmed reports that the president's son-in-law, the billionaire businessman and MP Mohamed Sakher El Materi, has fled the country and taken refuge in the Canadian city of Montreal, where he owns a mansion. Protesters have directed much of their anger at the great wealth and lavish lifestyle of the president's extended family.
Anti-government demonstrations have been rare in Tunisia, where there are tight controls aimed at preventing dissent.
Mr Ben Ali is only Tunisia's second president since the country gained independence from France in 1956. He came to power in 1987 and was last re-elected to a five-year term in 2009 with 89.62% of the vote.

African dictator Bokassa's chateau sold at auction

 

The chateau 40km west of central Paris is said to need serious refurbishment

A French chateau that once belonged to African dictator Jean-Bedel Bokassa has sold for 915,000 euros (£760,000).

The dilapidated 'Chateau d'Hardricourt' was bought by an anonymous bidder at an auction in Versailles.
Bokassa spent several years living in the mansion in the western Paris suburb of Hardricourt after he was overthrown as leader of the Central African Republic (CAR) in 1979.
It has since fallen into disrepair and needs major refurbishment.
"Electricity, water, heating - all need to be overhauled," Pascal Koerfer, lawyer for the administrator of the Bokassa estate, told Associated Press.
The property overlooking the Seine comes with 10,000 square metres (108,000 sq ft) of surrounding parkland, a house for a caretaker and a double garage.
But Mr Koerfer estimated it would take up to 3m euros (£2.5m) to restore it to a "liveable" condition.
More than 80 potential buyers are reported to have viewed the property before the sale.
'Lamentable' state One curious visitor, described only as Marcel, told Europe 1 radio network that the chateau was in a "lamentable" state: "The manor is not heated, there are broken windows and ceilings falling in."
The chateau was occupied by one of Bokassa's wives and two of his children up until a few years ago. One of the daughters, Marie-France, is quoted as saying they did not have the money to maintain the property.
One of Bokassa's sons, Georges, who was at the auction, had urged French President Nicolas Sarkozy to intervene to prevent what he called the plundering of his family's heritage.

 

Bokassa with some of his children at the chateau in 1984

The self-proclaimed Emperor of Central Africa had an estimated 50 children.
It will be Mr Koerfer's task to divide the profits from the sale between all those claiming to be Bokassa's heirs.
Bokassa took power in the Central African Republic in a coup d'etat on 1 January 1966 and over the years he built a reputation for ruthlessness and cruelty - he was even accused of cannibalism.
He was overthrown in a French-backed coup in 1979, after his guards killed scores of schoolchildren during a period of unrest in the capital, Bangui.
After seven years in exile in Ivory Coast and France, he returned to his home country and was put on trial and convicted of murder.
He served five years in prison, but was released in 1993 and lived in the Central African Republic until his death in 1996.
Bokassa was formally rehabilitated last month, with the current CAR President Francois Bozize describing him as "a son of the nation recognised by all as a great builder".

50 Cent signs Gamu?

 

50 Cent has reportedly signed ‘X Factor' reject Gamu Nhengu to his new record label.

Her deal is said to be with the newly launched G-Note Records, under the name Miss Gamuchirai.

"Miss Gamuchirai has been singed to 50 Cent's new record label, G-Note," said a source.

"G-Note will focus on 50's favourite acts that don't fit neatly into G-Unit's hip-hop categorisation and will favour pop and R&B artists."

It's also thought that Fiddy had to wrangle with her ‘X Factor' contract before getting her signature.

"It is believed that many labels have been interested in signing Gamu but G-Note offered the best deal and are best connected to make her dreams reality," they added.

Gamu was sensationally passed over by Cheryl Cole at the Judge's Houses stage of 'The X Factor' in favour of Cher Lloyd and Katie Waissel.

It later emerged that Gamu faced deportation back to her native Zimbabwe after her family's visa reportedly expired. [MTV]

ALSO IN TODAY'S PRESS

Country music duo The Bellamy Brothers have launched an attack on Britney Spears, claiming she ripped off their track 'If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me'. "Howard and I have no personal beef with Britney," said David Bellamy. "She's a talented gal. But professionally, well, in all honesty, we feel completely ripped off. Where's the originality?" Britney's song is even called 'Hold It Against Me'. [TMZ]

Brian May has confirmed that the Freddie Mercury biopic starring Sacha Baron Cohen is 'fully under way'. "Sacha Baron Cohen is chomping at the bit to get into the role, in a way which certainly would delight Freddie!" he said. [Queen Online]

Simon Cowell is reportedly plotting a 'rat pack-style' band project. "Simon loves Sammy Davis Jr and Frank Sinatra," said a source. "Michael Buble sells millions of records and Simon thinks it's time to cash in on that market." [The Sun]

The reunion of Take That is to be the subject of an academic debate at the University of Salford. The two-day event called 'Making Things Whole Again: The Take That Reunion' will take place in June. [The Sun]

Lily Allen may have secretly got married. The singer posted a picture supposedly of her latest manicure while on holiday in New York on her blog, revealing two rings on her wedding finger. [The Sun]

Check back tomorrow for the latest in pop gossip.

Nigerian city of Jos becomes ghost town after clashes

More forces have been deployed to the city after the weekend clashes

Nigeria's central city of Jos is a ghost town after weekend clashes between rival groups left at least 18 people dead.

Journalist Andrew Agbese told the BBC banks, schools and markets were closed as residents feared more violence.
More buildings were set alight in one area of the city on Monday and extra security forces have been deployed.
Jos lies in Nigeria's volatile Middle Belt - between the mainly Muslim north and largely Christian south.
It has been blighted by violence between rival ethnic groups over the past decade, with deadly riots in 2001, 2008 and last year.
Wedding bus attack
"The whole town is deserted - the usually busy terminus area, where there is high commercial activities, is at a standstill; there is nobody there and all the shops are locked," Mr Agbese, from Nigeria's Daily Trust newspaper, told the BBC's Focus on Africa programme.

• Deadly riots in 2001, 2008 and 2010
• City divided into Christian and Muslim areas
• Hausa-speaking Muslims living in Jos for decades still classified as settlers
• Settlers find it difficult to stand for election
• Communities divided along political party lines

"The university, which is supposed to have started its academic activities today, did not open because students were afraid to go to school."
He said the violence began after news that a bus carrying Muslim wedding guests was attacked when it got lost returning to the city on Friday evening.
Muslim youths began demonstrating when they heard that seven people had died in that attack.
Police say 11 people died on Saturday in disturbances, which they also blamed on election primaries ahead of April's general elections.
Seven politicians from the Congress for Progressive Change were charged in court on Monday with incitement.
Four other people have been arrested after clashes on Sunday in the Bukuru suburb, where seven corpses were displayed outside a mosque on Monday morning, Mr Agbese said.
More unrest broke out on Monday in the Angoljos suburb - where both Christians and Muslims live - when an unidentified group was seen roaming the area causing panic.
"At 9am smoke was coming from that area, when I went there at 2.30pm things had calmed down. Tension and suspicion on both sides ignited the clash; many houses went up in flames," Mr Agbese said.
"Police and soldiers are now there, keeping guard, with their vehicles parked on major junctions."
Late last year, Nigerian faith leaders accused politicians of fuelling a recent upsurge in sectarian violence in Jos.
Some 80 people died when bombs exploded in several areas of Jos on Christmas Eve, and youths clashed two days later.
The people around Jos are divided along religious, ethnic and political lines, with Hausa- and Fulani-speaking Muslims generally supporting the opposition and ethnic Berom Christians favouring the ruling People's Democratic Party.