Council of Ministers:

Biya Down-plays Growing Insecurity in NW & SW

By Innocent Kum in Yaounde

President Biya Presided the Council of Ministers on Thursday

President Paul Biya has urged members of government to redouble efforts in providing solutions to the multiple challenges faced by the country.

            Addressing a ministerial council meeting Thursday March 15 in Yaounde, President Paul Biya said team work and commitment is vital to the country’s drive towards emergence. 

            Before tasking the ministers during the Unity Palace meeting which came a week after the 2 March 2o18 cabinet shake-up, Biya congratulated those who were newly promoted, as well as those who were maintained. He urged them to strive to be worthy of the trust bestowed upon them.

            “I urge you to work diligently so that, together, we can meet the multiple challenges confronting our country. Our people expect nothing less from us,” he added, before stating that “...Despite an unfavourable global economic context, the consolidation of our economic performance, the improvement of our people’s living conditions and the fight against unemployment must remain the Government’s core priorities.” 

            He continued: “In this light, it is necessary to pursue the smooth implementation of the Program concluded with the IMF. There is also an urgent need to finalize the implementation of major structuring projects, the Emergency Growth Acceleration Plan and the Special Youth Plan. The operationalization of the Kribi Deep Sea Port and the second bridge over the Wouri augur well in that regard.” 

            The president was quick to add that “Despite these excellent performances, we must not forget that much remains to be done. As I underscored recently in my message to the Nation, the Government should continue to put a special focus on outreach services, such as water and electricity supply, health, and road infrastructure.”

            “I strongly reiterate my instructions on the need for judicious use of public resources, reduction of public spending and the fight against corruption” Biya then cautioned.

 Each of you, he said “in your respective spheres of competence, should rise to the performance challenge. The pursuit of the general interest and efficiency, solidarity, team spirit and respect for hierarchy, should guide your action at all times and in all circumstances; they constitute the standards by which you will be judged.” 

            In what appeared to be a signal of a continuous crackdown on Anglophone separatists in the two English-speaking regions, 85-year-old President Biya said: “Thanks to the firm action of our defence and security forces, we have been able to drastically curb the atrocities perpetrated by criminal groups in the Far North, North-West and South-West Regions. Efforts in that regard need to be continued, especially to ensure that economic and social activities return to normalcy.” 

 He noted further that the creation of the Ministry of Decentralization and Local Development is in response to the desire expressed by the populations countrywide to be closely involved in running the affairs that directly impact their daily lives. He urged the new minister of Decentralization to forward to him proposals and a timeline for fast-tracking the on-going decentralization process.