By DOH JAMES SONKEY
The President of the Republic, Paul Biya last January 9, 2020 set the ball rolling on the traditional New Year Wishes presentation ceremonies in Cameroon when he received best wishes and handshakes from members of the Diplomatic Corps and those of the National Constituted Corps at Unity Palace in Yaounde.
Diplomats used the occasion to salute his efforts in resolving the crisis in the North West and South West regions and at the same time, condemned separatists for the killing of security forces, kidnappings for ransom, beheadings, destruction of public infrastructures and the ruining of the economies of the two regions.
Ambassador Paul Patrick Biffot, the Dean and spokesperson of the Diplomats stressed that the international community condemns such acts that have put the lives of thousands in difficulty.
While reassuring President Biya that in line with his political belief, the international community is in support of a one and indivisible Cameroon, the Diplomats encouraged him to particularly reach out to other key actors of the Anglophone crisis who were not part of the Major National dialogue thereby encouraging the Yaounde regime to continue the dialogue process in order to end the crisis.
He renewed the commitment of the international community in helping Cameroon address its challenges, succour the humanitarian situation and help civilians affected by the crisis.
On behalf of his peers, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps ended his speech by wishing Cameroon well in the organisation of a peaceful, free, fair and transparent February 9, 2020 legislative and municipal elections as well as a smooth and successful organisation of the African Youth Championship, CHAN tournament this year.
On his part, Cameroon’s Head of State while reiterating government’s determination to solving the crisis in the North West and South West regions said, they will be restless until terrorism in the Northern part of the country is eliminated. He once again appealed for international solidarity in order to eradicate extremism.
While the dust was still settling on the ceremony at the Unity Palace, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon Cavaye Yeguie Djibril defied State protocol as usual and positioned himself as the 2nd state personality after the Head of State to receive 2020 New Year wishes from his close collaborators.