Cintia A. , Lebledparle.com
On 08 January 2025, the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, granted a series of audiences to three diplomats, including the United States Ambassador to Cameroon, Christopher John Lamora, the British High Commissioner, Matt Woods, and the Canadian High Commissioner to Cameroon, Lorraine Anderson. The discussions focused on the situation of political parties, NGOs and associations, among others. For Minister Atanga Nji, there is nothing serious, as these exchanges, which he considers to be a regular occurrence, provide an opportunity to discuss the essential points of cooperation between Cameroon and the countries represented: political parties, NGOs and associations, as MINAT is the administration responsible for monitoring and supervising their activities.
Speaking to the press, Minister Atanga NJI also noted that diplomats sometimes raise a variety of issues that are in line with the policy advocated by President Paul Biya and his government. He explained that his department remains receptive to conversations with foreign representatives and values these engagements to clarify positions and better understand the context in which Cameroon operates. Speaking after the audience, the British ambassador acknowledged the importance of understanding Cameroon’s legal frameworks and maintaining an inclusive dialogue that engages all sectors of the Cameroonian society.
Shortly before the arrival of these foreign representatives, MINAT Paul Atanga Nji granted an audience to the Apostolic Nuncio and representative of the Holy See in Cameroon, Mgr José Avelino Bettencourt. He was the bearer of a confidential message from Pope Francis.
This series of meetings takes place amid heightened tension between political parties, NGOs, and associations on one side, and public authorities on the other. One of the highlights are the recent provocative remarks made by certain bishops of the Roman Catholic Church, who openly opposed Paul Biya’s potential candidacy in 2025. The resulting controversy exposed the regime’s reluctance in Yaoundé to fully embrace freedom of expression in Cameroon, despite the reassurances from the Minister of Communication.
