Ambassador Lamora's Farewell Speech Highlights U.S.-Cameroon Achievements

On the occasion of American Independence Day, celebrated on July 4th, U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon Christopher J. Lamora delivered a poignant farewell speech, marking the end of his tenure as the nomination of Elisabeth Moore Aubin to succeed him has already been approved by the U.S. Congress.

Scheduled to assume a new role in the Central African Republic, Lamora expressed optimism about the ongoing role of the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé in shaping Cameroon’s future, as he celebrated this national holiday in his capacity as the chief diplomatic mission.

This event provided an opportunity for Ambassador Lamora to reflect on his three-year tenure. In the realm of healthcare, he commended the collaborative efforts to enhance basic healthcare services for the Cameroonian people, particularly in combating HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and other diseases. In terms of defense cooperation, the ambassador highlighted the joint efforts to combat terrorist groups in the Far North and address maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea. He also underscored Washington's commitment to "end the violence in the North-West and South-West regions." U.S. law enforcement agencies have taken targeted actions against individuals in the U.S. who have violated American laws in the context of the crisis.

On the diplomatic front, Ambassador Lamora emphasized the significance of several high-profile visits to Cameroon, including those by the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, the Deputy Director of the Peace Corps, the U.S. Global Coordinator for Malaria, and two members of the U.S. House of Representatives. “The importance lies not in the visits of these high-ranking officials, but in the commitment these visits represent towards our relations and the Cameroonian people,” he noted.

In the economic sector, Ambassador Lamora reminded attendees of Cam Hydro USA’s signing of a memorandum of understanding in January for the construction of a 240 MW dam on the Sanaga River. Additionally, the American company Hoffman International has partnered with Feicom on a 50 billion FCFA deal to supply heavy construction equipment for the development of community infrastructure across Cameroon.

While Cameroon remains a strategic partner for the United States in Central Africa, it has diversified its alliances in recent years, notably strengthening ties with China and Russia, major geopolitical rivals of Washington.

As Ambassador Christopher J. Lamora transitions to his new post, his tenure is marked by significant contributions to healthcare, defense, diplomacy, and economic development, leaving a lasting impact on U.S.-Cameroon relations.