Bangui: PM, Biya's envoy at CAR President’s inauguration.

Cameroon’s Prime Minister, Head of Government, Dr Chief Joseph Dion Ngute, represented the President of the Republic, Paul Biya, at the ceremony. 

The emissary of President Biya was among several other Heads of State and governments, who attended the ceremony.

The CAR President promised his nationals to continue with reforms, pursue dialogue and fast-track national development. 

The presence of PM Dion Ngute at the ceremony, those versed with cooperation issues say, further underscored the strength of the diplomatic ties between Yaounde and Bangui.

PM Dion Ngute’s sitting in for President Biya at the inauguration, others say, signals a fresh and new chapter for bilateral relations between both nations, especially in ensuring regional stability in the Subregion. 

President Biya’s decision to dispatch an emissary to the event, has also been described as a mark of friendship between both leaders and strong message to the commitment to further strengthen ties. 

The move by President to designate his Prime Minister to sit in for him at the inauguration, has also been hailed as proof of excellent relations between both nations and a recommitment of both leaders to see peace and security consolidated along their common border. 

Cameroon and CAR share a borderline of over 900 kilometers. Citizens along the border of both nations share a common geographical, historical and cultural heritage.

Cameroon has been actively involved in contributing troops to the United Nations for the stabilisation of the Central African Republic.

Strong international presence 

Despite the domestic friction in CAR, yesterday's inaugural was marked by strong international presence. Many representatives of diplomatic institutions and international organisations, as well as African Heads of State and governments lived the ceremony. 

Among the African leaders who were present was the President of Comoros, Azali Assoumani. He came in with a high-level delegation and was personally greeted at the airport by Prof Touadéra. 

Gabonese President, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, also attended the ceremony.

The presence of several African Heads of State and governments, observers say, reflects the significant regional diplomatic stakes surrounding the new mandate of President Touadéra. 

The presence of prominent leaders, others say, highlights the deep interconnectedness of Central African States, particularly within the framework of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa, CEMAC. 

President Faustin-Archange Touadéra came to power in 2016 for a five-year mandate. He was re-elected in 2020. The CAR leader secured his third after emerging victories in the December 2025, polls, with 77.90% of the vote. He is beginning the third term on a seven-year mandate. 

Although his main challenger, Anicet-Georges Dologuélé, alleged massive fraud after receiving 13.50% of the vote, his legal appeals were ultimately dismissed by the country's Constitutional Court.

The inauguration, it should be said, took place against a complex political backdrop, with the opposition remaining vocal in its criticisms; following the 2023 constitutional referendum that allowed the President to seek additional terms.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3746 of Monday March 30, 2026