With a strategic manoeuvre that highlights diplomatic skill, Philemon Yunji Yang, a former Prime Minister and the current Grand Chancellor of National Orders, is set to assume the role of the next President of the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations (UN). Yang’s impressive diplomatic experience and exceptional profile have earned overwhelming endorsement from the African Union Commission (AU), solidifying his position as the preferred candidate for the continent.
The endorsement of Philemon Yang occurred during the 44th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Led by Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, the Executive Council meeting gathered Foreign Affairs Ministers from across Africa to address the continent’s development and promote cooperation for economic growth.
Philemon Yang is a candidate for the UN’s top position, with a focus on promoting intercultural dialogue. The President of the 79th General Assembly will begin their term on September 24, 2024, and it will conclude on September 24, 2025.
Cameroon’s choice to support Yang as the candidate for the presidency of the UN General Assembly comes after the country’s previous withdrawals from the race, initially in favour of Uganda and later Nigeria. Experts in international affairs highlight that this endorsement represents the culmination of Cameroon’s sacrifices and contributions, which has positioned the nation favourably for this prestigious role.
President Paul Biya made a strong effort to persuade diplomats to back Cameroon’s candidate, highlighting the important role of the UN in addressing global challenges. Biya expressed deep concern regarding the threats to international peace and security, emphasising the importance of prioritising dialogue and conciliation over confrontation. During the New Year wishes reception on January 6, 2024, Biya emphasised the significance of the UN’s role in promoting global collaboration and unity.
In order to garner support for Yang’s candidature, the Cameroonian government actively pursued lobbying strategies. On July 6, 2023, the Minister of External Relations, Lejeunne Mbella Mbella, made an official announcement regarding Yang’s candidature to the African diplomatic corps accredited to Yaounde. Mbella Mbella emphasised Yang’s noteworthy impact on domestic politics and policies, portraying him as a compassionate, resolute, knowledgeable, and energetic leader.
Philemon Yang garnered further support from the Heads of State and Governments of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). During their 23rd Conference in Libreville, Gabon, on July 1, 2023, ECCAS leaders expressed their complete support for Yang’s candidature and urged the entire African continent to unite behind him.
Yang has had an illustrious diplomatic career, holding the position of Prime Minister from June 30, 2009, to January 4, 2019. Yang, hailing from Jikejem-Oku in Oku Subdivision, Bui Division of the North West Region, boasts an impressive background as a multilingual career diplomat. Notably, he held the esteemed position of Cameroon’s Ambassador to Canada for a remarkable two decades. He has a wide range of experience, including serving as Assistant Secretary General of the Presidency and Chairman of the African Union Imminent Personalities, where he tackled important issues on a continental level.
Philemon Yang’s appointment as President of the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations highlights Cameroon’s diplomatic skills and dedication to global collaboration. As he takes on this position, the global community will be closely observing Yang’s approach to the various obstacles and possibilities on the international platform.
