Adress by the head of State to the Government
ADDRESS BY THE HEAD OF STATE
Yaounde, 15 March 2018
Mr. Prime Minister,
Honourable Members of Government,
You are welcome to Unity Palace on the occasion of this
Council of Ministers Meeting which is taking place following the
cabinet reshuffle of 2 March 2018.
I would like to warmly congratulate those who have been
newly promoted, as well as those who have been maintained.
Do strive to be worthy of the trust bestowed upon you!
I urge you to work diligently so that, together, we meet
the multiple challenges confronting our country. Our people
expect nothing less from us.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Despite an unfavourable global economic context, the
consolidation of our economic performance, the improvement
of our people’s living conditions and the fight against
unemployment must remain the Government’s core priorities.
In this light, it is necessary to pursue the smooth
implementation of the Programme concluded with the IMF.
There is also an urgent need to finalize the implementation of
major structuring projects, the Emergency Growth Acceleration
Plan and the Special Youth Plan. The operationalization of the
Kribi Deep Sea Port and the second bridge over the Wouri
augur well in that regard.
2
These and many other projects that have been or are
soon to be completed may be commissioned this year.
However, despite these excellent performances, we must
not forget that much remains to be done. As I underscored
recently in my message to the Nation, the Government should
continue to put a special focus on outreach services, such as
water and electricity supply, health, and road infrastructure.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I strongly reiterate my instructions on the need for
judicious use of public resources, reduction of public spending
and the fight against corruption.
Each of you, in your respective spheres of competence,
should rise to the performance challenge. The pursuit of the
general interest and efficiency, solidarity, team spirit and
respect for hierarchy, should guide your action at all times and
in all circumstances; they constitute the standards by which
you will be judged. Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thanks to the firm action of our defence and security
forces, we have been able to drastically curb the atrocities
perpetrated by criminal groups in the Far North, North-West
and South-West Regions. Efforts in that regard need to be
continued, especially to ensure that economic and social
activities return to normalcy.
Our populations countrywide have continued to express
their desire to be closely involved in running the affairs that
directly impact their daily lives. The creation of the Ministry of
Decentralization and Local Development is geared towards
speedily addressing these repeated calls.
In the short term, I am expecting detailed proposals and a
timeline for fast-tracking the on-going decentralization process.
3
Several elections are scheduled for this year, starting with
the senatorial elections which will be held in the days ahead.
Necessary measures must be taken to ensure that they
are conducted in total calm and security.
The effective establishment of the Constitutional Council,
whose members have just taken the oath of office, is a further
guarantee of our determination to forge ahead with our
democratic process. The necessary resources must be provided
to ensure its optimal functioning.
I am pleased with the efforts made thus far regarding
preparations for AFCON 2019. I urge the various government
services concerned to step up these efforts for Cameroon,
Africa and the world to celebrate a grand and excellent football
festival.
Mr. Prime Minister,
Honourable Members of Government,
The daunting task devolving upon you requires the full
and total commitment of each and every one of you. It is your
duty to fully mobilize the human resources under your
authority to provide concrete answers to the legitimate
concerns of our people.
Such is and should always be the ultimate goal of your
action.
Thank you for your attention.