“The Path Of Arms And Violence Is, Very Often, A Dead End”

“The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps,

I would like to start by expressing my sincere gratitude for the kind words and warm wishes for the year 2026 that you have extended to me and to the people of Cameroon. As you know, on 9 September, Cameroon completed the term entrusted to it, with your invaluable support, to preside over the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. We were able to successfully complete this mission owing to the backing and support of the entire international community.

Once again, I would like to thank the authorities and government bodies that you represent, for their support. In a particularly challenging international environment, Cameroon continued during its term to work with conviction to strengthen multilateralism and international solidarity.

We can honestly give ourselves a pat on the back for the progress we achieved together in placing the international system in a better position to respond to today's global challenges.

The adoption on 22 September 2024 of the Pact for the Future, together with its annexes, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations, has been unanimously acclaimed, and rightly so.

I would also like to commend the adoption in Yaounde in July 2025, of the Declaration on a Sustainable Blue Economy at the end of the international conference held on the issue.

Our term as President of the United Nations General Assembly also enabled us to continue advocating for the reform of the United Nations Security Council.

As you know, this issue is closely monitored by developing countries in general, and African countries in particular.

The progress made in this regard during Cameroon's term as President of the United Na- tions General Assembly is a source of satisfaction for all of us.

Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Despite the international community’s commendable efforts, our world is still under the scourge of terrorism, multiple violations of State sovereignty and the decline of international law. The proliferation of crises and conflicts, with their attendant loss of life and manifold destructions, spares no region of the globe.

This situation, as we know, has negative consequences for the development of our countries and the well-being of our people. If we continue down this path, members of the Diplomatic Corps, there is every reason to fear that the international system, which we have spent so much time and effort building, will ultimately collapse.

Some time ago, in this very place and under si- milar circumstances, I made a fervent appeal for dialogue and reconciliation. Yes, Mr Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, I wish to reiterate this today. The path of arms and violence is, very often, a dead end. Lasting and just peace, which is the only true guarantee for the survival of humanity, requires other means, which cannot be war. The international community, and particularly the United Nations, are responsible for achieving such peace. I w...