At celebration of Europe Day: EU Ambassador reiterates resolve to support Cameroon combat security challenges.

The event, held at the Yaounde Hilton Hotel on May 9, 2026, was heavily attended by members of the diplomatic corps, members of government, political actors and civil society leaders. 

In his keynote address, Chataigner spoke about the need to work together towards lasting peace, amidst multiple crises facing the country. 

He emphasised that through the European Commission Humanitarian Aid, ECHO, the EU supports disaster risk-reduction efforts and emergency response in the North West, South West, Far North, and East Regions. 

“We are also available and committed to the stabilization and building of lasting peace in the Northwest and Southwest regions,” he said. 

Chataigner added that: “The European Union, through funding provided to the African Union, stands with Cameroon in the face of security challenges, particularly in the Far North region, which is grappling with violence perpetrated by the terrorist group Boko Haram”.

He also mentioned that they are working with Cameroon and other EU member States to combat maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

Drawing inspiration from Pope Leo XIV during his recent visit to Cameroon, the Head of EU Delegation sounded that peace cannot be decreed but must be built through patience, dialogue, and inclusion.

“It reminds us that peace is a collective endeavor, involving not only States but also civil society, faith communities, actors on the ground, and others,” Chataigner stated. 

Promoting democratic values

While commending government’s initiatives aimed at restoring peace in the English-speaking Regions of the country, Chataigner said the EU stands for open societies, rooted in the rule of law, freedom of expression, citizen participation, and respect for fundamental rights.

“We speak about these principles with humility and in a spirit of partnership. Every country has its own history, its own path, and its own pace. But, one thing is clear: strong, transparent, and inclusive institutions are key to lasting stability,” he stressed, adding that they remain committed to working alongside Cameroon in supporting, listening, and engaging in a true partnership.

Cameroon, a regional driving force

According to Ambassador Chataigner, Cameroon plays a vital role in Central Africa. He said through its strategic location, its economy, and quality of human resources, Cameroon is a true driving force in the CEMAC Sub-region.

Noting that the EU backs the regional integration process currently being put in place, the EU Delegation Head said intra-CEMAC trade accounts for no more than 4% of member States’ total foreign trade, foreign exchange reserves have weakened, and several programs with the International Monetary Fund, IMF, are falling behind schedule.

“The European Union has concrete economic interests in Cameroon and within CEMAC, in infrastructure, energy, mining, and agribusiness. But these interests go hand in hand with Cameroon’s ambition to transform its economy structurally, create jobs for young people, and increase local value added,” he detailed. 

Hope for the future

Despite the uncertainties plaguing the world, the EU Ambassador said he remains deeply optimistic and confident in the strength of the EU-Cameroon partnership. 

He said his confidence resonate from the energy and creativity of Cameroonian youth as well as the ability of both EU and Cameroon to overcoming challenges together.  

With this coming summer putting an end to his three-year term in Cameroon, Ambassador Chataigner expressed gratitude to the entire Cameroonian nation for welcoming and facilitating his stay. 

“I naturally extend this gratitude to the Member States of the European Union, with whom we form a team whose combined capabilities are tenfold in supporting Cameroon’s development,” he added. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3788 of Wednesday May 13, 2026