Eseka Train Accident Cameroon: President Paul Biya calls for unity in an emotional speech

On arrival at the Nsimalen International airport in Yaounde this evening (Sunday 23 October 2016), President Paul BIYA expressed his sympathy to the families who lost their loved ones in the train derailment in Eseka.

The President of the Republic was welcomed on arrival by senior state personalities: the President of the Senate, Marcel NIAT NJIFENJI; the Speaker of the National Assembly, CAVAYE YEGUIE DJIBRIL; the Prime Minister Head of Government, Philemon YANG; and the Secretary General at the Presidency of the Republic, Ferdinand NGOH NGOH. President Paul BIYA granted brief audiences to these personalities before speaking to the press.

Paul Biya called for unity after the Eseka train accident in an emotional speech.He alluded to the sad events , saying he was deeply saddened . He said he has instructed government to take a number of measures to cushion the suffering of the victims. First , government shall take full charge of victims of the accident. He declared October 24 a national day of mourning for the victims . He exhorted all Cameroonians to show unity and remain courageous. President Paul Biya finally called for unity of hearts.

Observers were expecting a solemn declaration through a radio-televised speech, while others had speculated a rapid reorganization of the government as to point the fingers to who did not perform his duties well. However, the Cameroonian head of state spoke to his countrymen in a seriously looking mood. He expressed sadness and found sympathetic words to the bereaved families.

Last Sunday, in parts of the capital religious leaders from both the Christian and Muslim communities led additional prayer services.

Several African leaders including Senegal's Macky Sall and Niger's Mahamadou Issoufou expressed their condolences on social media.

Read beloew original speech by President Paul Biya