Biya makes US Ambassador “Grand Officer of the Cameroon Order of Valor” & gifted him a Sculpture as he Bids Farewell to the Diplomat

A few days ago, it was made public that the US Ambassador to Cameroon; Henry Peter Barlerin tenure as Ambassador to Cameroon. will end later this month after the head of State His Excellency Paul BIYA (on July 14th 2020,) granted a farewell audience to the Ambassador at the Unity Palace.

During the farewell audience, the President and the chief American diplomat reviewed the extensive bilateral cooperation between Yaoundé and Washington.

At the end of the Unity Palace audience (which lasted an hour), Ambassador Henry Peter Barlerin was made Grand Officer of the Cameroon Order of Valor; the highest civilian distinction in Cameroon…. and owing to the fact that the United States is one of the support systems of the war on terrorism in Cameroon especially in the Far North Region, the President also handed to him a souvenir, a “sculpture” to outline the vitality of relations between both countries.

In a state dinner at the unity palace after the bilateral discussion, the American Ambassador presented some apologies, “excuses” to the Cameroonian people if he had hurt them in any way or form by saying he was just doing his job.

During a briefing with reporters at the end of the audience, the outgoing American Ambassador to Cameroon painted a positive image of his three-year stay in Cameroon.

The U.S. Diplomat expressed his satisfaction with the current level of cooperation between Yaounde and Washington D.C. – especially in the health sector.

“I am proud of what we have achieved together particularly in the area of health: the fight against HIV/AIDS and malaria,” he said.

Furthermore, he disclosed that he made an appeal to President Paul BIYA to make sure that the Cameroonian Government continue to devote resources to the fight against HIV/AIDS and partner with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Its also noteworthy that, Cameroon and the U.S. have equally cooperated in the fight against the novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).

During press briefing, the outgoing Ambassador advised that the impact of COVID-19 should in no way hamper efforts made against other diseases like HIV/AIDS.

Because health diplomacy was one of the key achievements of the American chief diplomat during his three years stay in Cameroon, enormous cash was disbursed by the US government; which was used by Cameroon government, to combat HIV AIDS, Malaria and the current Coronavirus pandemic.

In the past three months alone, Twenty million dollars (20m) (roughly twelve billion CFA) has been sent by the United States of America to support Cameroon’s healthcare system.

During the press briefing, Ambassador Henry Peter Barlerin concluded with an appraisal of Cameroon’s beautiful and diversified landscapes saying that..

“I have loved being here and I love the Cameroonian people. I am going to miss them a lot;” he said.

It’s also noteworthy that the outgoing US Ambassador to Cameroon also showed interest in the conflict in the Northwest and the Southwest Regions of Cameroon during his tenure in Cameroon as the chief diplomat.

In a recent article,published on the US Embassy Cameroon website on the 4th of July, 2020 ( to mark American Independence Day commemoration), Henry Peter Barlerin wrote….

“In regards to the conflict in the Northwest and the Southwest, we hope the parties can come together soon to discuss a peaceable solution, because there is no military solution.

We imagine the day when the U.S. Peace Corps volunteers can return to the Northwest and Southwest, as well as to the North and Far North.

All this is possible if Cameroonians come together to find solutions.

Solutions often come from the younger generation. It has been inspiring to meet with U.S. exchange program participants like those benefiting from the Young African Leaders Initiative also known as YALI.

Many of you are aware that after nearly three years in Cameroon, my tenure as Ambassador ends later this month.

I want to thank everyone, starting with President Paul Biya. My gratitude is also extended to members of the government, starting with the Prime Minister, religious leaders, traditional chiefs, academia, members of the party leader and opposition party leaders, NGOs, and the press, for helping me to interpret the complexities of Cameroonian history and culture.

Much is made of the uniqueness of this country. It is true Cameroon is unique, but Cameroon shares many characteristics with other countries. We all have our weaknesses, we all have our deep scars, we all have our great strengths.

I have the confidence that the Cameroonian people will resolve their differences peaceably, continue to develop, and come to flourish.”

Our  ears are still on the ground, we shall bring you more information as the story unfolds.

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