- President Paul Biya appointed Ndifontah Buma Nyamndi as Cameroon’s ambassador to Israel on February 5, 2026.
- Cameroon maintained its diplomatic presence in Tel Aviv despite heightened Middle East tensions.
- Yaoundé continued a cautious, balanced stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
By decree dated February 5, 2026, President Paul Biya appointed Ndifontah Buma Nyamndi as Cameroon’s “Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary” to the State of Israel, with residence in Tel Aviv. The appointment comes as the Middle East remains under strain following the war triggered in October 2023 between Israel and Hamas and its wider regional repercussions.
A diplomatic posting in a high-risk environment
Persistent tensions continue to shape the regional context. Military operations, regional polarization, and intensified diplomatic pressure define the current environment. In this setting, the presence of a fully accredited ambassador carries strategic importance for political and security monitoring, the protection of Cameroon’s interests, and the management of bilateral cooperation.
While several countries have reduced or reconfigured their diplomatic presence in the area, Yaoundé has chosen to maintain an active post in Tel Aviv. The government aims to preserve dialogue channels and ensure consular follow-up for Cameroonian nationals residing in or traveling through Israel and neighboring territories.
A cautious line on the Israeli-Palestinian issue
On the Israeli-Palestinian question, Cameroon has maintained a balanced position. Authorities have regularly called for a political solution based on the two-state framework. At the United Nations, Yaoundé has repeatedly opted for abstention on resolutions linked to the war in Gaza, reflecting a strategy of diplomatic caution.
Cameroon–Israel relations date back to the 1960s and rely on sector-based cooperation. The partnership covers agriculture, health, security, defense, technological innovation, and training. Officials frequently cite security cooperation, with Israel contributing to the training of certain Cameroonian units.
On the economic and technical front, Israeli diplomacy also highlights cooperation in agriculture and technology as part of a long-standing bilateral relationship.
An academic and diplomatic profile
Ndifontah Buma Nyamndi holds academic training in history, journalism, and international relations from the University of Yaoundé. He also earned a PhD from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). He has worked in diplomacy and corporate management and has conducted research on Cameroon, focusing on governance, politics, and international relations.
He succeeds Jean-Pierre Biyiti bi Essam, a former Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, who was appointed ambassador in May 2018.
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