ELIE SMITH
24.5K posts

ELIE SMITH
@eliesmith
I am a West African journalist living and working in Paris, France. I specialised in Central and West African Politics and Economy.
Bonneuil sur Marne, France Katılım Ekim 2009
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Africa’s Untouchable Heroes: When History Becomes an Excuse for Failure eliesmith.blogspot.com/2026/04/africa…
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🇨🇲🇨🇫J'ai été honoré de représenter le Chef de l'État, S.E. @PR_Paul_BIYA, à la cérémonie d'investiture du Président de la République Centrafricaine, S.E. @FA_Touadera, à #Bangui, ce 30 Mars 2026 🇨🇲🇨🇫
#PM #JDN
#Cameroun




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Tension Escalates in Menchum Valley as Fresh Attack Hits UchUachu Village
Menchum Valley Subdivision, North West Region — 28th March 2025
Tension is mounting in Menchum Valley Subdivision following a fresh attack reportedly carried out by Fulani cattle rearers from Nigeria on UchUachu village, a community in the Esimbi clan.
According to information released by the UchUachu Cultural and Development Association (UCUDA), the attack took place on 28th March and left at least three persons seriously injured. The victims are currently receiving treatment at the Benakuma District Hospital.
Eyewitnesses say the assailants stormed the village, triggering panic and causing significant destruction. Several residents reportedly fled into nearby forests for safety, while others escaped to Benakuma, the administrative headquarters of Menchum Valley Subdivision.
Local sources indicate that UchUachu is the latest in a growing list of communities affected by the ongoing incursions. Villages such as Kekekum and Bodu have also reportedly been attacked, deepening an already serious displacement crisis across the Esimbi clan. With more than 11 villages previously affected, the addition of these three newly invaded communities brings the total to over 15 villages, with thousands of residents forced to flee their homes.
The security situation in Menchum Valley remains highly volatile, marked by recurring confrontations between cattle rearers and local farming communities.
Community leaders have raised the alarm over what they describe as a systematic expansion of herders into farming areas. They warn that, without urgent intervention, more villages could come under threat. Particular concern has been expressed over Baworo, a strategic corridor along the Cameroon-Nigeria border, which locals say has become a major entry point for armed groups.
Efforts by the authorities to contain the situation appear to have remained limited so far. Residents and local organisations are now calling on the government, humanitarian agencies and security forces to take immediate, coordinated action to restore order, protect civilians and prevent further displacement.
As of press time, no official statement had been issued by the administrative or security authorities regarding the latest incident.
More updates are expected as the situation develops.
Source: Esimbi Herald News @BBCWorld @RFI @RFIAfrique @daily_trust @GuardianNigeria @guardian @mailandguardian @TV5MONDEAfrique @lemondefr



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Today , I had the privilege to meet with the former Nigerian President @GEJonathan in Abuja, the federal capital of Nigeria. He is a proof that democracy is not only universal, and , there is life after the presidency. Others must emulate.




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Cardinal Christian Tumi: The Courageous Voice Cameroon Still Needs eliesmith.blogspot.com/2026/03/cardin…
Le Grand-Saconnex, Suisse 🇨🇭 English

When Journalism Fails, Nations Falter eliesmith.blogspot.com/2026/03/when-j…
Le Grand-Saconnex, Suisse 🇨🇭 English

Setting the Record Straight: Honouring the First Woman Lawyer of Cameroon eliesmith.blogspot.com/2026/03/settin…
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Isabelle Mergault is no more. She was 67.
I did not know her personally, but I came to know her presence — and her spirit — through French television, notably on On a tout essayé, the iconic programme hosted by Laurent Ruquier. She was, for me, one of those rare voices who made France Télévisions worth watching.
She knew her fate. Diagnosed with stomach cancer, she spoke openly — even on television — about death, admitting that she thought about it every single day. And yet, she never withdrew from what she loved. She remained present, expressive, and unapologetically herself.
Her passing is a powerful reminder: even when we know that death is near, we must not abandon what gives us meaning.
Born on 11th May 1958 in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, Isabelle Mergault lived — and has now departed — as a true Parisian: independent-minded, free-spirited, and authentic.
She leaves behind not just memories, but a lesson in courage.
Rest in peace.
Elie Smith
@RTLFrance @Francetele @Europe1
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China’s Economic Paradox: A Superpower That Still Relies on Exports eliesmith.blogspot.com/2026/03/chinas…
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How the ANC Is Squandering South Africa’s Democratic Legacy: From Beacon of Hope to Troubling Geopolitical Alignment eliesmith.blogspot.com/2026/03/how-an…
Sint-Joost-ten-Node, België 🇧🇪 English

Iran After the Mullahs: Fragmentation, Succession and the Perils of Regime Collapse eliesmith.blogspot.com/2026/03/iran-a…
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