Francis Nkwain embarks on final journey

The removal of the body of Senator Francis Nkwain, who died October 19 in Yaounde from illness took place Thursday morning at the Yaoundé general hospital mortuary.

It was in the presence of the Prime Minister, head of Government, Philemon Yang, personal representative of the head of State, of several other members of the Government, parliamentarians, members of the bereaved family as well as friends and acquaintances.

After the morgue, there was a Pontifical mass at Mvolye in the Basilica of Mary Queen of Apostles, under Bishop Sosthène Léopold Bayemi, Bishop of Obala, and in the presence of the personal representative of the head of State.

The Bishop said on this occasion that Francis Nkwain, during his existence, remained faithful to God, his faith and the Church. In his eulogy, the president of the Chamber of the Parliament, Marcel Niat Njifenji, stressed that 'the high sense of duty demonstrated by Francis Nkwain, during his long and rich career, explained why his fellow senators and senior officials of the State gathered.

Speaking of the life of one who was until his death the president of the Commission of Foreign Affairs of the Senate, Marcel Niat Njifenji stated that the deceased was "a convinced Republican, who deeply loved Cameroon, its institutions, had a deferential respect for one who is the guarantor".

Born April 19, 1930, Francis Nkwain served his country as diplomat, Deputy, Member of the Government, Chairman of Board of Directors (University of Dschang), Senator. He served as Minister of Mines, water and energy, then Minister delegate to the Minister of External Relations.

Observers say he played a key role in the admission of Cameroon within the Commonwealth. Passionate about diplomacy and international relations, he greatly contributed to promote the international influence of the upper House of the Cameroonian Parliament.