Ambassador Christopher J. Lamora recently concluded his third visit to Cameroon's Southwest Region, reaffirming the U.S. Embassy's commitment to peace and partnership in the area. The visit occurred from April 24 to April 27 and was highlighted by meetings with regional leaders and participation in the Cameroon International Film Festival (CAMIFF).
During discussions with the Governor of the Southwest Region, the Ambassador stressed the significance of peace and stability for sustainable development. He visited the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) Center in Tiko, meeting with Director Bernard Ngone. "The center’s efforts to reintegrate ex-combatants through vocational training, moral education, and strong collaboration with local communities" were discussed. Additionally, Ambassador Lamora visited the Man O’War Base in Limbe, where he learned from Colonel Henri Belinga about progress in professionalizing Cameroon’s Rapid Intervention Battalion.
In Limbe, the Ambassador engaged with the Port Authority regarding infrastructure projects. Deputy Director Thomas Ndive Mulongo discussed plans for the Port of Limbe's expansion, potentially making it the deepest seaport in West and Central Africa. Discussions covered public-private partnerships and U.S. expertise in maritime risk management.
Ambassador Lamora also visited Buea, where he participated in a roundtable with entrepreneurs from "Silicon Mountain," Cameroon’s tech hub. The roundtable, held at the American Corner Buea, included representatives from the American Chamber of Commerce and the American Council for Africa. Discussions revolved around improving the investment climate and expanding U.S.–Cameroon business ties.
At CAMIFF, the Ambassador emphasized the film industry's importance to local economies and praised CAMIFF Founder Gilbert Agbor Ebot. He highlighted collaborations between Cameroonian and American filmmakers, noting the induction of American actress Vanessa E. Williams into the CAMIFF Wall of Fame and the screening of "Superman Doesn’t Steal," a film by American filmmaker Tamika Lamison.
The visit also underscored community-led developments as Ambassador Lamora met with Paramount Chiefs in Buea and Limbe. The discussions covered community initiatives in waste management and workforce development. At the Limbe Wildlife Center, he lauded its conservation efforts and community education.
The Ambassador's visit concluded at Mutengene Baptist Hospital, a facility supported by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The hospital, serving over 122,000 patients annually, has received significant investments for HIV and TB care. "The collective effort behind these achievements" was acknowledged by the Ambassador, reaffirming the U.S.'s commitment to health security in Cameroon.
This visit highlighted new opportunities for U.S.–Cameroon collaboration in the Southwest Region.