Cameroon’s President, Paul Biya, Wednesday, January 16, 2019, during a Council of Ministers’ meeting, announced the holding of Municipal, Legislative and Regional elections in 2019, despite the rising insecurity across certain Regions of the country.
The meeting staged at the Unity Palace in Yaoundé was the first for 2019 and came 12 days after a partial cabinet reshuffle that brought in a new Prime Minister, Head of Government.
According to a press release which the Minister of State, Secretary General at the Presidency, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, issued after the meeting, the President was aware of the security challenges.
Biya, according to the release, has summoned his cabinet to surmount the challenges to meet up with the demands of the population.
“ The President of the Republic recalled the salient points of the programme which should be considered as the Government’s road map notably removing security constraints within the country and its borders; consolidating peace, national unity and cohabitation. Completing the three years Special Youth Plan; preparing for upcoming Legislative, Municipal and Regional elections; accelerating the decentralisation process”.
The Head of State asked his Ministers to ensure the implementation of projects. He cited “developing the digital economy, industrialisation and second generation agriculture, modernising the economy, reviving growth and creating jobs and pursuing the implementation of the 2017-2019 Economic and Financial Programme concluded with the IMF.”
Biya used the 15 minutes conclave with his Ministers drumming for united and coordinated action to enhance productivity at the level of the executive.
“Regarding the methodology and principles that should guide day-to-day Government action, the President of the Republic prescribed the strengthening of Government solidarity and coordination to enhance solidarity,” Ngoh Ngoh reported.
Talking to reporters after the meeting, Prime Minister, Chief Dr Dion Ngute Joseph, said the President has placed his confidence on the new Government with instructions to implement Government action. Ngute talked of the need to follow up economic programmes, restore security and create more opportunities for youths.