Cameroon's diplomacy
Introduction
Founding member of the OAU (0rganisation of African Unity) which later became AU, Cameroon has based its diplomacy on one of the basic principles of this pan African organisation: non-interference in the internal affairs of other States.
This desire at maintaining sacred, the sovereignty of third countries has usually been erroneously seen as an astonishing indifference, looking at the leadership position that Cameroon holds in the Central African sub region, which is prey to unceasing conflicts.
Conscious of the distortion and in a bid to give his country a better image to match its real potential, President Paul Biya started a vigorous action of reorientation and dynamisation of Cameroon's foreign policy. This option was translated by a remarkable coming to power of Cameroon's diplomacy which is deployed generously in all fronts, starting with organisations and multilateral institutions with which the country is linked: UN, AU, Francophonie, Commonwealth, OCI, CEMAC, World Bank, etc. Here and there, Cameroon has been putting every thing in place to make its voice heard by proposing areas of reflection that should help build a better and solid international society.
Added to this will is an increasing involvement in the management of conflicts, from Yaounde, notably through interposition forces whether concerning Cambodia, Darfur, Central African Republic, etc. under the auspices of the UN who are known for their dominant role in world political scene. 'In this instance as in others, with a constant determination, Cameroon's participation was constantly exercised in the sense of dialogue, negotiation, respect of the sovereignty and integrity of States. These values are held by Yaounde as being cardinal for democracy and respect for international law.
Cameroon's continuous efforts to promote these values and make its views known on the international scene have met with recognition from its partners. A Cameroonian, Elisabeth Tankeu is part of the AU government in Addis Ababa at the head of the department in charge of industry; her counterpart Emmanuel Ze Meka is head of the International Organisation of Tropical Woods (0lBT), a UN specialised structure, mean while their counterpart Hamat Kalkaba Malboum is the head of the International Military Sport Council (ClSM). Apart from the individual achievements of these personalities, the various promotions translate beyond any doubt, the pertinence and efficiency of a move and above all, confidence manifested by various partners.
The celebration in Yaounde of the 8th edition of the Cameroon-Europe friendship day under the theme "50 years of cooperation Cameroon- Europe and fight against poverty" in June 201 1 with a remarkable show, attests of the vital relationship be1ween the 1wo parties. Since 1958, cooperation be1ween Cameroon and Europe has always been in perfect 'harmony with development being the priority of Yaounde. We know that the EU is well ahead of Cameroon's partners, given the volume of exchange, without forgetting French, British, German, Dutch, and Spanish... cooperation on the bilateral side. Besides, in favour of vast diplomatic movement carried out in 2007 and 2008, Cameroon renewed or reinforced its representations in various European capitals with this sought-for objective being to intensify and reaffirm cooperation with each of the concerned States.
However, if the impetus given to diplomacy gives privileged relationship with Europe, the movement is not limited only to traditional partners. This explains why Abdullaly Gul, the Turkish president whose country is the 15 economic power came to Yaounde in March 2010 accompanied by close 150 economic operators, Who ail came to build a fruitful relationship in the most varied sectors of activity. Faced with these highly motivated hosts, a huge number of Cameroonian business men gathered in the chamber of commerce, mines and handicraft, visibly happy to have built this mutually beneficial partnership. On their part, the Iwo heads of States "agreed to print a new dynamic and particular impetus to multiform cooperation relation between the Iwo countries." As a result; since 2011 Cameroonians who are holders of a diplomatic or service passport can go to Turkey without a visa. Concerning strengthening relations with Asia, cooperation continued. That is why Yaounde received Jia Qing Lin, president of the national committee of the political conference of the Chinese people; Chinese supreme consultative organ in March 2010.
In July 2011 , president Paul Biya carried out a State visit to this empire, and this helped to reinforce and substantially intensify a cooperation qualified by the Iwo parties as exemplary, up to envisaging the Yaounde-Beijing axes under happy auspices.
Multilateral Cooperation
During latest decades, Cameroon had to develop cooperation with international organizations dealing in economic and financial sectors. The decision was due to the growing needs for its development and the growing role of international financial institutions on the backdrop of the invading globalization.
At the multilateral level, Cameroon maintenance of successful cooperative relations with the institutions below:
- The World Trade Organization (WTO);
- The International Monetary Fund (IMF);
- The World Bank (WB);
- The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency;
- The European Union (EU)...
Bilateral Cooperation
Cameroon keeps its efficient follow-up policy with its traditional partners. The trips of President Paul Biya abroad and the audiences he grants to many foreign personalities in Yaounde is proof of the close relationship he has with his foreign counterparts.
ln the light of these many contact and the fruits they yield, it is evident that Yaounde's foreign policy, carried out with patience and determination by President Paul Biya, enables Cameroon to establish confident and fruitful relationships with many countries.
It is for this reason that the president was very involved during Omar Bongo Ondimba funeral in 2009.
This event created a lot of tension in Libreville, as the transitional period saw friction and open disagreement between members of the ruling party. It is in recognition of his role of stabiliser and well wisher that even before taking office, president elect, Ali Bongo, reserved his first official visit out of Gabon to Paul Biya, a head of State recognised and saluted across Africa and the world for his wisdom.
Other leaders and high personalities do not hesitate to come and draw inspiration from this great source. It is in this respect that in late 2009, Paul Biya received his Chadian and Central African counterparts, Idriss Deby It no and Francois Bozizé Yangouvouda respectively, at the Unity Palace. These consultations fall within the framework of a permanent dialogue between countries united by nature and history.
For example, some partner countries of Cameroon:
France;
China;
Turkey;
Brazil;
Great Britain;
Germany;
Vatican ...
