Messages of congratulations continue to stream in for Cameroon’s former Prime Minister, Philemon Yang, who was elected Thursday, June 6, as President of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Yang was elected by acclamation and will replace Dennis Francis from Trinidad and Tobago, when the next UN General Assembly session opens on September 10 in New York.
Congratulations messages have been pouring in from home and abroad. The UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, was among the first people to congratulate Philemon Yang.
Welcoming Yang to the new post, the UN scribe said he is taking over at a challenging time, marked by conflict across the globe and division among the organisation’s member states
“Conflicts continue to rage. The climate catastrophe is deepening. Poverty and inequality are rife. Mistrust and division are pulling people apart. The sustainable development goals are dramatically off-track. And developing countries are left without the support they need to invest in their people,” the UN SG said.
He hoped that the president-elect will play an important role in handling some of these issues.
“He brings a vital voice to this hall. He has a wealth of experience representing his country as a diplomat and public servant. He is also a proud African dedicated to the future of his continent,” Guterres said.
The President of the 78th UNGA, Dennis Francis, also congratulated his successor, stating: “It is with great pleasure that I extend my congratulations to H.E. Philemon Yang on his election as President of the General Assembly for the 79th session.”
He added: “This is a milestone for Cameroon and also for Africa. Your leadership will undoubtedly nurture cooperation within the global community. I wish you every success in your forthcoming term.”
Dennis Francis adding that Yang’s “steadfast leadership has also been characterized by a consistent commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and inclusivity—principles that are essential for guiding the General Assembly’s work.”
He urged member states to collaborate with the incoming president so that they can collectively look for ways to address world issues.
Several diplomatic bodies, including the EU, also congratulated Yang for the new post.
The EU Ambassador to the UN, Stavros Lambrinidis, stated, “The EU welcomes your strong commitment to upholding the UN Charter and joins your pledge to bridge differences and build unity in diversity, which is also the EU’s motto.”
The African Union Ambassador to the UN, Fatimah Mohammed, while congratulating Yang, said, “The presidency rotation comes to #Africa every 5 years. We look forward to working with him during his term, starting in September 2024.”
CAMEROONIANS REACT
At home, Politicians like the 2018 Presidential hopeful, Akere Muna, offered congratulations to Yang.
The Royal Palace of Oku, from where Philimon Yang hails, a statement congratulated the son of the soil.
“It is with immense pride and joy that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on your esteemed election as President of the General Assembly of the United Nations. This prestigious position is a testament to your unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and commitment to fostering global peace and cooperation in unity and diversity,” the Fon of Oku wrote.
He added, “Your election not only honours you but also brings great honour to our nation. It is a recognition of your remarkable contributions to international diplomacy and your tireless efforts to address the pressing challenges facing our world today.”
The 79th session of the General Assembly will convene on September 10, with the body’s high-level general debate starting on September 24, 2024.
