DIPLOMACY: CAMEROON AND SOUTH AFRICA TAKE STOCK OF THEIR ENDURING BILATERAL COOPERATION

On Wednesday, 7 October 2026, the Minister of External Relations, H.E. Mbella Mbella, received in audience H.E. Mandla Langa, High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa to Cameroon, at the latter’s request.

Discussions focused on reviewing matters of common interest and an appraising the excellent state of bilateral cooperation between Yaounde and Pretoria.

Both Personalities explored ways and means of strengthening their strategic cooperation framework, particularly in the areas of defence, investment protection, the management of their respective diasporas, as well as promoting economic and trade relations.

The High Commissioner availed the opportunity to convey to the Cameroonian Government a message from the Head of State of South Africa, H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, strongly condemning acts of xenophobia recorded in South Africa in recent months. He further reassured the Cameroonian Side of the stringent measures being undertaken by Pretoria to better address migration and illegal immigration-related issues, while ensuring the safety and protection of all foreign communities.

Throwing a retrospective look at four years of working in Cameroon, the South African diplomat expressed his overall satisfaction and honour at the quality of the support as well as the frank and cordial cooperation he had enjoyed with the various Cameroonian ministries.

The audience ended with both Parties reaffirming their commitment to taking the necessary steps towards effectively establishing a permanent mechanism for bilateral consultations, with a view to fully harnessing the potential of this South-South cooperation.