Theme: “Defence Forces and Cameroonian people in harmony to safeguard peace and national unity, bedrock of a strong and prosperous Cameroon”.
Cocktail on the Occasion of the 53rd Cameroon National Day Celebration in The Hague, Kurhaus Hotel, on May 23, 2025. Many fellow ambassadors along with senior officials of the Netherlands, International representatives, friends of Cameroon and members of the Cameroonian diaspora in the Netherlands and beyond. A delightfully flamboyant atmosphere reigned in the Pronk Hall of the Kurhaus.
Ambassador H.E. Ms. Madeleine Liguemoh Ondoua delivered her welcome address:
“ On May 20, We commemorate the decision by referendum to make Unity the cornerstone of the Cameroonian Nation consecrated by the Unitary State. Unity in diversity and in peace, geared towards achieving a Great Nation, under the motto: “Peace, Work and Fatherland”. Thus, the theme chosen this year, ‘Army and Nation, united for a Cameroon turned towards peace and prosperity’, reflects the appeal of the Head of State, His Excellency Paul Biya.
Cameroon and the Netherlands enjoy long-standing relations based on mutual respect, technical cooperation, economic exchanges and cultural diplomacy. This cooperation was recently strengthened by the signing of MoUs:
- With the FANEC/NAFTEC/NFS Consortium structure and the Cameroon Chamber of Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock and Forestry,
- between Cameroon’s Ministry of Water and Energy and the Dutch partners in the MINKOUMA hydroelectric project;
- between the Dutch company African Construction and the municipalities of Cameroon, to rehabilitate certain roads.
Other highlights include last September’s visit by the ING bank to Cameroon and the announcement of funding for numerous projects in the agricultural sector, as well as the increase in the number of missions by Dutch equipment manufacturers to Cameroon over the last two years.
In addition, trade relations with the Netherlands have been consolidated, with the Netherlands now ranked Cameroon’s 1ᵉʳ trading partner since 2023 and one of the main destinations for products such as cocoa powder, cocoa paste and oils.
At the multilateral level, Cameroon has a stronger presence in multilateral organization based in the Netherlands, with which it pursues its constructive engagement. ,
This evening’s ceremony brings to a close a week of intense activities organised alongside the celebration of the 53rd edition of the National Day, focusing on sport, culture and innovation including:
- a Mass of thanksgiving for Cameroon;
- a football tournament involving eleven teams from the Diplomatic Corps, the Dutch and Cameroonian communities. The Moroccan team won the tournament. The tournament was accompanied by an exhibition of works of art and a cultural event
- an international film festival, a major innovation of this year’s event in the Netherlands, which was only possible, thanks to a fruitful partnership with the International Institute of Social Studies.
This first edition of the International Film Festival ended with the signing of a Declaration of Intent between Cameroonian and Dutch cultural players on 22 May 2025.
At this point, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the dynamic team of staff at the Embassy and to all the people and partners who made this week such a success. Without being exhaustive, we salute the contribution of:
- The Autonomous Port of Douala ;
- CIMPOR .
- COCOA VALLEY;
- UTAMTSI ;
- WHAT WATER ;
- Des Senteurs & du Goût ;
- ICON Production ;
- International Institute of Social Studies ;
- Le Festival International du Film Panafricain ;
- L’Alliance Française ;
- The City Council of The Hague;
- The City Council of Wassenaar,
- The NGOs GREAT The Hague and STEK Den Haag ;
- MBOARTS ;
- DONATELA CREATIONS
Before closing my remarks, I would like to share a few words with our compatriots. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Cameroonian Community,
Your dynamism in your professional and personal occupations makes you Ambassadors for Cameroon on a daily basis. Under the leadership of the President of the Republic, Paul Biya, and its institutions, our country is resolutely committed to development and progress. Progress that is naturally strewn with trials that we will undoubtedly overcome, thanks to our unity in diversity, the sense of common belonging, and our sincere commitment.
This unity and commitment make us say that << Impossible is not Cameroonian >>. Therefore, let us never lose sight of the need to remain united and work together respectfully to strengthen national unity.
Before proceeding with the pleasant ritual of raising a toast in honor of the friendly relations between the Republic of Cameroon and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, I would like to hand over an honorary distinction awarded by the President of the Republic to a Brilliant compatriot.
Monsieur Guy Andela, au nom du Président de la République et en vertu des pouvoirs qui nous sont conférés, nous vous faisons Chevalier de l’ordre de la Valeur.
Finally, I ask you to raise your glasses for unity, peace, the prosperity of Cameroon, and the fortification of relations between the Netherlands and Cameroon.”
The rich and diverse gastronomy of Cameroon was confidently showcased to the guests, perfectly complemented by the vibrant rhythms of Cameroonian music. The presence of colorfully dressed Cameroonian women invigorated the festive atmosphere, ensuring the evening was an unforgettable experience. Attendees enthusiastically praised and appreciated this remarkable event.
