Cameroon former PM, Philemon Yang nominated for UN General Assembly president

By David Atangana

The former Prime Minister of the Republic of Cameroon, Philemon Yang is officially a candidate for the President of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

His candidacy was presented to the Heads of Diplomatic Missions in Yaounde Thursday, July 6, 2023, by External Relations Minister Le Jeune Mbella Mbella.

While it is stated that Mr. Yang will be competing against a candidate from South Africa, the identity of the person is not yet known. However, reports say the choice of Philemon Yang was arrived at by leaders of Central African States (ECCAS) in a recent meeting chaired by Gabonese President, Ali Bongo.

In a release issued at the close of the meeting in Libreville on July 1, 2023, ECCAS leaders resolved to give him all the support needed to ensure he succeeds:

“The conference pledges to give him its full support. It calls for the solidarity of the community and its member states, as well as the support of other African countries, to ensure that this candidacy is supported by the African Union”

The United Nations General Assembly elections, MMI learned are scheduled to take place in 2024.

Mr. Philemon Yang is the most suitable candidate from the Central African Sub-region according to political observers, given that he has the professional background for the top job.

A Magistrate by training, he served as government minister from 1975 to 1984, occupying several portfolios.

He was appointed Cameroon’s High Commissioner to Canada in 1984, serving in the role for 20 years.

Upon recall from the diplomatic role in 2004, he was appointed Assistant Secretary General at the Presidency of the Republic of Cameroon.

Following a presidential decree, the native of Oku in the North West region of Cameroon was appointed Prime Minister in 2009. He stayed in the role up to 2019 entering the country’s political record as the longest-serving Prime Minister.

He is currently the Chancellor of National Orders.