Paul Biya continues absence from UN General Assembly since 2017
Cameroon's President Paul Biya has not attended the United Nations General Assembly since September 2017. This year, he sent his Minister of External Relations, Lejeune Mbella Mbella, to represent him at the 81st session in New York, continuing a trend of diplomatic absence at this significant international event.
Context of Biya's Absence
Since September 2017, President Paul Biya has not participated in the UN General Assembly, marking a significant diplomatic absence for Cameroon on the global stage. His absence raises questions about the country's engagement with international issues and its representation in global forums. This trend has been noted by various observers who highlight the implications for Cameroon's foreign policy.
Biya's last appearance at the UN was during the 72nd session in 2017. Since then, he has relied on his ministers to represent him, which some critics argue diminishes the country's stature in international diplomacy. The ongoing absence has led to speculation about the reasons behind it, including health concerns and a focus on domestic issues.
Representation at the 81st Session
For the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, which commenced recently, Biya appointed Lejeune Mbella Mbella, the Minister of External Relations, to represent him. This decision aligns with his previous pattern of delegating international responsibilities to his cabinet members. The minister's presence in New York is intended to maintain Cameroon's visibility at the UN, despite the president's absence.
The delegation led by Mbella is expected to address key issues affecting Cameroon, including security challenges and humanitarian concerns. However, the effectiveness of this representation is questioned by some analysts who believe that Biya's direct involvement would carry more weight in discussions and negotiations at the UN.
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