By David Atangana
Cameroon’s head of state Paul Biya has prescribed a merger of Central African Economic and Monetary Community, CEMAC and Economic Community of Central African states, ECCAS.
According to president Paul Biya, this will pave the way to better tackle challenges faced by the sub-region.
He also called for vigilance as insecurity is on the rise in the sub-region.
He was speaking Friday March 17, in while addressing the summit of CEMAC heads of state holding in the capital Yaounde.
The summit is attended by leaders from Chad, Central Africa Republic, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guniea and Cameroon.
According to President Paul Biya, the world is changing and CEMAC cannot be indifferent.
“The challenges along our path to the integration of our States are multiple and varied. The world is changing, and CEMAC cannot afford to stay on the sidelines of this dynamic,” Biya said.
Noting that distance is no longer a barrier, he highlighted global challenges that have spilled over to the subregion.
“This is evidenced by the war in Ukraine, with the ensuing hike in food and energy prices, and the successive waves of COVID-19, with its adverse social and economic impacts worldwide,” he noted.
He further called for the acceleration of economic reforms proposed geared towards boosting trade and facilitating the movement of people and goods in the CEMAC zone.
Harping on security, the 90-year old who has been ruling Cameroon since 1982 said all envisaged reforms in the subregion can not be achieved without peace and security.
“Insecurity caused by internal and cross-border armed groups roaming our sub-region definitely features among the threats looming over the development of CEMAC.” Paul Biya said adding that, ” Their activities are all the more dangerous as one of their attacks cost the life of our late brother President Idriss Deby Itno.”
Lamenting on the cost that goes with the fight against insecurity,he called on member states to be on alert as terrorist activities continue to soar.
“Although we have made major strides here and there, we need to stay on the alert and not relent in our efforts. Such is the case, for instance, with the fight against the Boko Haram terrorist group,” Mr Biya said.
Mimi Mefo Info
