US pledges support to combat Boko Haram

The Prime Minister, Head of Government, Philemon Yang yesterday, August 28, 2014, at the Star Building in Yaounde, held talks with America’s new Ambassador to Cameroon, His Excellency Michael Stephen Hoza.

Ambassador Hoza told the press at the end of the meeting that talks focused on ties between the two countries, adding that the US was exploring ways of helping Cameroon overcome security challenges, especially the Boko Haram insurgency.

“We spoke about Boko Haram and the great threat it poses to Cameroon and its neighbours,” the US diplomat said.

He expressed his country’s readiness to work with Cameroon by bringing in all resources to help put an end to the problem. He explained that the sect is not 10 feet tall, reason why there was no need to panic as it can be exterminated. He however insisted on the need for collaboration between Cameroon and its neighbours in the fight against the militants.

Stephen Hoza says his priority is to familiarise himself with national issues and Cameroon’s objectives for growth and emergence. Relations between Cameroon and the US are built on a strong partnership and Ambassador Hoza says he appreciates the warm welcome he has received in the country.

“It’s probably the most wonderful welcome I have ever had in 30 years in the Foreign Service,” Hoza said, insisting that Cameroonians have been wonderful. He was confident that the sky is the limit for ties between the two countries. “I see a bright future for all of us,” he revealed.

Stephen Hoza presented the advance copies of his Letters of Credence to the Minister of External Relations, Pierre Moukoko Mbonjo, on August 22, 2014.