By Doh James Sonkey
The Unity Palace in the nation’s capital received august guests last January 10, 2025 as members of the Diplomatic Corps and National Dignitaries came in during separate occasions to present New Year wishes to the President of the Republic and Head of State, Paul Biya.
In his new capacity as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Mostafa Bouh, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco officially opened the ceremony of New Year Wishes at the Hall of Ambassadors by acknowledging Cameroon’s hospitality and efforts to strengthen multilateralism. He congratulated the Head of State on CAF’s decision to confer the Excellence Award, a recognition for his outstanding contribution to the growth of football on the African continent. Ambassador Mostafa Bouh equally lauded the recent inscription of the Ngondo festival of the Sawa people on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list last December 4, 2024.
President Paul Biya in his response expressed gratitude and recalled his message for more solidarity and constructive dialogue in the resolution of conflicts around the world. He reiterated Cameroon’s position for a peaceful, just, prosperous and inclusive international community. Paul Biya also expressed his profound gratitude to the Diplomatic Corps for their massive support on the election of Cameroonian-born Philemon Yang as President of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The second and last phase of the ceremony organised at the Banquet Hall opened the floor to National Dignitaries, including Members of Parliament, the judiciary, Members of Government, Defence and Security Forces, political and religious authorities, businesspersons, trade union leaders, and staff of the Presidency of the Republic. President Paul Biya made a tour of the hall after one-hour-thirty-minute event to exchange courtesies with some of the guests before his departure to the office. First lady, Chantal Biya received 2025 new year wishes on Saturday, January 11.