Commonwealth Secretary-General to visit Cameroon

Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon with HE Mr Paul Biya, President of Cameroon at the Commonwealth Day Reception, Marlborough House, London, 2004.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon will visit Cameroon from 11-13 October 2005, at the invitation of President Paul Biya. During his visit, the Secretary-General will meet with senior ministers, opposition leaders, representatives of civil society organisations, Commonwealth High Commissioners and other international partners. He will also meet the Chairman of the National Commission on Human Rights and Freedom and the President of the National Elections Observatory. Mr McKinnon's trip marks the 10th anniversary of Cameroon joining the Commonwealth.

The Secretary-General's discussions will focus on technical assistance to Cameroon for strengthening its democratic framework, issues of regional importance and preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta in November 2005.

Mr McKinnon will deliver a lecture on 'Africa and the Commonwealth: A Partnership for Democracy and Development' at the University of Buea on 12 October 2005.

Note to Editors:

The Commonwealth Secretary-General last visited Cameroon in June 2001. A Cameroon/Commonwealth Commission was established in 2003 to work out a framework and timetable for the implementation of wide ranging reforms in the areas of election management, human rights, the judiciary and de-centralisation. It has met on four occasions so far, March and June 2003 in Yaoundé; in October 2003 in London and in May 2005 in Yaoundé.

For media inquiries please contact Victor Pungong +237 (0)7532220.

Key Links:

• Country Profile: Cameroon