The High Commission of the Republic of Cameroon in India commemorated the 54th National Unity Day of Cameroon with a diplomatic reception held at Le Méridien, New Delhi, on 21 May 2026. The evening brought together senior officials of the Government of India, ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, parliamentarians, business leaders, members of the media, and friends of Cameroon to celebrate the enduring friendship between India and Cameroon.
The event was hosted by H.E. Ms. Sylvie Michele Mpon, Chargé d’Affaires of the Republic of Cameroon to India, who highlighted Cameroon’s historical journey, its commitment to national unity, and the growing depth of India–Cameroon relations across diplomacy, trade, education, development cooperation, and culture.
The Chief Guest for the evening was Shri Sevala Naik Mude, Additional Secretary (Central & West Africa), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
Shri Sevala Naik Mude, expressed his delight at witnessing such an impressive gathering, noting the presence of nearly 60 ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps. He particularly appreciated the vibrant cultural performances presented by Cameroon, followed by the captivating musical performance by the Indian Air Force band, which added a special dimension to the celebrations.
He remarked that it was heartening to see such a well-attended and meticulously organised event, and congratulated the High Commission of Cameroon for hosting a successful National Unity Day reception. He also commended the dedication and efforts of the High Commission team under the able leadership of H.E. Ms. Sylvie Michele Mpon, Chargé d’Affaires of the Republic of Cameroon to India, in strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Cameroon and India.
Opening her address, Ms. Mpon welcomed the distinguished gathering and described the occasion as a celebration of unity, resilience, and international friendship.
Reflecting on Cameroon’s national history, she noted that the country’s modern identity was shaped through a historic referendum held on 20 May 1972, when Cameroonians voted to adopt a unitary state, reinforcing national cohesion and integration.
“This historic date continues to symbolise our collective aspiration for solidarity, peace, stability, and national integration,” she remarked.
This year’s National Unity Day was celebrated under the theme “National Unity: The Bedrock of a Strong and Prosperous Cameroon.” Ms. Mpon emphasised that unity and social cohesion remain central to Cameroon’s developmental vision.
Highlighting Cameroon’s diversity, she observed that more than 200 languages are spoken across the country, adding that this cultural richness is viewed as “a source of strength, creativity, and national richness.”
The Chargé d’Affaires also underlined the growing momentum in India–Cameroon ties. She noted that relations between the two countries predate Cameroon’s independence in 1960 and continue to deepen through mutual trust and South–South cooperation.
Ms. Mpon also highlighted growing cooperation in the field of defence and strategic studies, noting the successful visit of a high-level delegation from the International War College of Yaoundé to India in July 2025. The delegation comprised nearly 70 senior military officers and participants representing 26 nationalities, reflecting the institution’s international character and Cameroon’s commitment to multilateral engagement. She described the study tour as a significant milestone in India–Cameroon relations, providing an important platform for professional exchanges, strategic dialogue, and a deeper understanding of India’s defence institutions, development experience, and regional role.
The Chargé d’Affaires further welcomed the increasing high-level exchanges between India and Cameroon, recalling that India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, visited Yaoundé in March 2026 to participate in the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), hosted by Cameroon. The conference brought together trade ministers and senior representatives from across the world to deliberate on key issues affecting the global trading system, while also providing an opportunity to further strengthen India–Cameroon economic engagement and explore new avenues for trade and investment cooperation.
Quoting an African proverb, she remarked: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”
She added that this spirit continues to define the partnership between Cameroon and India.
Ms. Mpon highlighted several areas of expanding bilateral cooperation, including agriculture, renewable energy, education, infrastructure, healthcare, and capacity building. She expressed appreciation for India’s development assistance and technical cooperation initiatives, including support for cassava mechanisation, rice production, and renewable energy projects.
She also acknowledged India’s humanitarian assistance to flood-affected regions in northern Cameroon, including the donation of rice and medicines.
On economic ties, Ms. Mpon noted that bilateral trade between India and Cameroon has witnessed significant growth over the past decade, increasing from approximately US$749 million in 2015 to over US$1 billion in recent years, making India one of Cameroon’s important trading partners.
In the field of education and human resource development, she praised India’s contribution through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme and ICCR scholarships, which continue to support Cameroonian students and professionals.
She also highlighted the growing people-to-people connection between the two countries through cultural exchanges, yoga celebrations, Indian festivals, and Cameroon’s participation in events such as the Surajkund International Crafts Mela.
Recalling a deeply personal moment during a recent environmental initiative in New Delhi, Ms. Mpon shared: “In many countries, leaders plant trees in their own names, but this was the first time I had the privilege of planting a tree in my late mother’s name.”
Describing the gesture as profoundly symbolic, she added: “It reminded us to care for the environment with the same love, respect, and responsibility we show to our mothers.”
The Chargé d’Affaires also reiterated Cameroon’s commitment to strengthening economic engagement with India and invited Indian businesses to explore opportunities in sectors such as technology, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, and job creation.
“Cameroon remains open to business and committed to strengthening cooperation and friendship with India,” she affirmed.
Addressing the broader India–Africa partnership, Ms. Mpon highlighted the significance of India–Africa engagements in advancing cooperation aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and India’s development vision.
She also stressed the importance of youth and women in Cameroon’s future development trajectory, noting that nearly 70 percent of Cameroon’s population is under the age of 35.
“As Cameroon continues to focus on youth empowerment and women’s inclusion, we recognise the critical role of young people and women in driving innovation, entrepreneurship, social inclusion, and sustainable development,” she said.
Concluding her address, Ms. Mpon expressed confidence that Cameroon–India relations would continue to deepen under the leadership of Paul Biya and Narendra Modi.
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