Cameroon has paid a formal tribute to former Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari, who died earlier this month, underscoring the deep diplomatic and historical ties between the two neighbouring nations.
Cameroon’s Minister of External Relations, Mbella Mbella, signed the condolence book at Nigeria’s High Commission in Yaoundé. The solemn visit followed a message from President Paul Biya to his Nigerian counterpart Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in which he praised Buhari’s legacy as a statesman and regional leader.
“He was a true friend of His Excellency President Paul Biya and, together, the two leaders worked to combat the Boko Haram insurgency,” Mbella Mbella said during the official ceremony, which adhered strictly to international diplomatic protocol.
A special memorial space was arranged inside the High Commission, where Buhari’s portrait took centre stage as Cameroonian officials, diplomats, and dignitaries expressed their respects.
Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023, was widely regarded in Cameroon as a pivotal figure in strengthening bilateral relations.
His tenure was marked by close cooperation with President Biya, not only in the fight against Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin but also in advancing trade and infrastructure projects that benefited both nations.
One of the key milestones of their partnership was the joint development of the Transport Facilitation Programme, which led to the construction and inauguration of the Ekok/Mfum border bridge — a project aimed at boosting regional integration and cross-border commerce.
“He was a close ally of President Paul Biya, and together they worked to promote the integration and unity of Central and West Africa,” noted one diplomatic analysis reflecting on the pair’s cooperation.
Cameroon’s tribute to Buhari, led by Mbella Mbella, reflects not only respect for the late Nigerian leader but also the continuity of the strong ties that bind Yaoundé and Abuja.
The gesture signals that, even in Buhari’s absence, both nations intend to maintain and deepen their strategic partnership across security, trade, and regional development.
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