President Paul Biya of Cameroon extended his congratulations to South Sudan on its 13th independence anniversary, emphasising the importance of peace and progress in the young African nation. In a telegram message, President Biya conveyed his warm wishes directly to South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit, acknowledging the challenges the country has faced since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011.
“Mr. President and Dear Brother, THE CELEBRATION OF THE NATIONAL DAY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH SUDAN, ON JULY 9, OFFERS ME THE GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO SEND YOU MY LONG AND WARM CONGRATULATIONS,” President Biya wrote. “I JOIN MY WISHES FOR PEACE, CONCORD, AND PROGRESS FOR THE SOUTH SUDANESE NATION. PLEASE ACCEPT, MISTER PRESIDENT AND DEAR BROTHER, THE RENEWED ASSURANCES OF MY VERY HIGH CONSIDERATION.”
Despite the aspirations for stability expressed by President Biya, South Sudan has been plagued by internal conflicts, notably between President Kiir and his vice president, Riek Machar, leading to widespread violence fueled by their respective loyal forces. Consequently, South Sudan has struggled under the label of a failed state by various international observers.
The situation in South Sudan echoes Cameroon’s own challenges, particularly in its Northwest and Southwest regions, where separatist conflict has persisted for eight years. Both nations, having endured prolonged conflicts preceding their independence, continue to grapple with the complexities of fostering unity and stability within their borders.
