Diplomatic prudence following Cameroon’s 2025 election
France’s traditional practice of congratulating African leaders through official letters after elections has been notably absent in Cameroon’s case. Unlike in 2018, when Paris swiftly acknowledged the results, the Élysée Palace adopted a reserved stance following the October 2025 presidential vote.
This diplomatic silence became a topic of discussion during a recent television program. Sylvain Riquier, France’s Ambassador to Cameroon—who arrived just days before the vote—stressed discretion over public declarations.
Yaoundé and Paris: a relationship that endures
« I don’t believe there was a public letter. You would have seen it if there had been one, » Riquier told the show’s host, Duval Fangwa. When pressed on whether the absence of a message signaled strained relations between Paris and Yaoundé, the ambassador chose his words carefully.
« There hasn’t been a public letter at this time. That’s the fact, » he stated plainly before adding that Cameroon and France remain strong partners. « We noted that the election took place. That doesn’t prevent us from maintaining relations with the authorities—cooperation continues. I’m here, and my Cameroonian counterpart is in Paris. »
Normal relations despite protocol differences
Riquier emphasized that bilateral cooperation remains unaffected. « There’s no doubt about this cooperation. The lack of a public letter doesn’t change the reality that relations between our two states, governments, and presidents are normal. I believe the French president didn’t see the need for a public announcement. »
The ambassador pointed to ongoing exchanges, including letters exchanged during national celebrations, as proof of continued engagement. « The cooperation continues. There have been exchanges of letters on the occasion of our respective national holidays, » he noted.
France | 2025 election | Cameroon-France relations
