By Nformi Sonde Kinsai
In an address to the Diplomatic Corps, President Paul Biya of Cameroon warned that the international system could face collapse unless the global scourge of terrorism and repeated violations of state sovereignty are checked.
Speaking at the Unity Palace on January 8, 2026 while receiving New Year wishes from ambassadors, Biya stated that despite commendable international efforts, the world remains plagued by these ills. “If we continue down this path… there is every reason to fear that the international system, which we have spent so much time and effort building, will ultimately collapse,” he declared.
He argued that the proliferation of global crises and conflicts spares no region, with devastating consequences for development and human well-being. Reiterating a past appeal, Biya championed dialogue and reconciliation over violence.
“The path of arms and violence is, very often, a dead end. Lasting and just peace… requires other means, which cannot be war.”
The President called for a strengthened United Nations, stating, “We absolutely need to provide it with the necessary resources and support to successfully carry out its missions in the service of humanity.”
Biya affirmed Cameroon’s unwavering commitment to multilateralism and global cooperation. He highlighted the country’s upcoming role as host of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference as a key moment to “extol the virtues of multilateralism.”
The ceremony served as an opportunity to review Cameroon’s tenure at the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, presided over by former Prime Minister Philemon Yang. Biya credited the international community’s support for the mission’s success and noted progress in strengthening global governance.
Key achievements he cited included the adoption of the UN’s ‘Pact for the Future’ in September 2024 and the Yaoundé Declaration on a Sustainable Blue Economy in July 2025. Biya also expressed satisfaction with advancements made towards reforming the UN Security Council—a priority for African and developing nations.
Concluding his remarks, the President commended the quality of Cameroon’s partnerships and assured diplomats of the nation’s determination to strengthen these ties through mutual trust and respect.
In the earlier New Year message to Biya, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Armando Kote Echuaca, Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea, lauded Cameroon’s active foreign policy. He highlighted the nation’s growing international profile in 2025, citing Yang’s UNGA presidency, election to UNESCO’s Executive Council, and strengthened economic cooperation following the WTO Director-General’s visit.
The diplomatic ceremony was followed in the afternoon by the presentation of New Year wishes to the President by national constituted bodies.