Paul Patrick Biffot, the Gabonese High Commissioner and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Cameroon, was formally received by President Paul Biya on November 1. As Biffot’s mission in Cameroon comes to an end, the seasoned diplomat met with Biya to discuss the state of cooperation and bilateral relations between Cameroon and Gabon, two key members of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC).
During their meeting at the Unity Palace, Biya welcomed Biffot, marking his first public engagement since recent rumors circulated about his health. This audience offered both leaders a chance to assess the progress in the Cameroon-Gabon relationship, which has continued to develop and diversify despite political shifts in Gabon, including the change of leadership following President Ali Bongo Ondimba’s removal in August 2023.
After over a decade of service in Cameroon, Biffot will soon depart, marking the end of an era. According to sources from the Cameroonian presidency, the one-hour meeting allowed both leaders to review multilateral cooperation, particularly over the last seven years, during which Biffot also served as the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Cameroon. The diplomat expressed deep gratitude and reflected on the success of his mission, emphasizing the importance of the bond between Yaoundé and Libreville.
In an emotional statement following the meeting, Biffot praised the “excellent relations” between the two capitals, as well as the broader cooperation between Cameroon and other Central African nations. He highlighted the solidarity and support of the international community, particularly regarding Cameroon’s fight against terrorism and other challenges, including insurgencies in the northwest and southwest regions and threats from Boko Haram.
Biffot also extended his gratitude to the diplomatic corps and international community for their unwavering support of Cameroon through these difficult times. He stressed that the cooperation he witnessed was not only significant for Gabon-Cameroon relations but also exemplified the solidarity of the Central African region.
The High Commissioner’s diplomatic journey in Cameroon began when he presented his credentials to President Biya on January 3, 2013. On January 5, 2018, he was appointed Dean of the Diplomatic Corps. His departure is a moment of pride, as he leaves with a sense of accomplishment and the satisfaction of having strengthened bonds with a “brotherly nation.”
As he prepares to conclude his tenure, Biffot’s contributions to diplomacy between Gabon and Cameroon remain a testament to his dedication, and his departure marks a significant chapter in the history of Central African diplomacy.’
This article is originally published on gabonreview.com
