President Paul Biya received a barrage of congratulatory messages from Pope Francis and other world leaders for a successful celebration of Cameron’s 52nd National Day on May 20.
In a telegram message channeled to President Biya by the Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon, Pope Francis said, “I am happy to present to you and your dear compatriot all my wishes for peace and prosperity on the occasion of your national day.”
The Pontiff equally prayed for God’s abundant blessings on Cameroon.
“I ask God to fill your entire nation with his abundant blessing,” the head of the Roman Catholic Church said.
Aside from the Pope, other world leaders like the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, also sent their wishes.
“I am convinced that cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Cameroon will continue to develop in the future in all areas of common importance, to which I am prepared to contribute,” President Vucic wrote.
“I take this opportunity once again to renew my expressions of deep gratitude for the support that the Republic of Cameroon grants to the preservation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Serbia.”
The wishes of the Chinese President, Xi Jinping, were an opportunity for him to invite President Paul Biya to the upcoming Sino-African summit.
“I intend to work together with you to obtain further gains in these relations of friendship and cooperation, to which I attach particular importance,” the Chinese President said.
“In this regard, I welcome the holding next fall of the Forum Summit on Sino-African Cooperation, during which China will meet Cameroon and other friendly African countries in Beijing and discuss together with them the new plans for this cooperation,” he added.
President Biya also received messages from the head of the military junta in Gabon, the President of Ivory Coast, the King of Morocco, the King of the UAE, and the President of Poland, President of Belarus, among others.
Just like the Chinese President, the President of Congo, Denis Sassou Ngessou, said he is expecting Biya to visit his country.
“In this context, I invite you to take part in the first international conference on afforestation and reforestation, which will be held from July 2 to 5, 2024, in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.”
Cameroon celebrated its national unity day amid an ongoing struggle for secession in the English-speaking Regions and a jihadist war against Boko Haram in the Far North.
While civil society and political observers have often blamed the government for mishandling the separatist conflict, Cameroon’s allies have hardly mounted any pressure on the Biya government to end the armed conflict.
Rather, government officials have repeatedly rejected calls by international and local actors for authorities to dialogue with the separatists for a lasting solution to the crisis.
