Latest Embassy News
U.S. Embassy Celebrates the Presidential Inauguration
The U.S. Embassy in Yaounde, Cameroon, celebrated democracy and the peaceful transition of power January 20 with a reception honoring the inauguration of the 44th president of the United States, Barack Obama. Over 200 guests attended the reception, held at the residence of Ambassador Janet E. Garvey, including members of various political parties and civil society, the media, educators, and students. In her remarks, Ambassador Garvey underlined the historic nature of the inauguration of America’s first president of African descent and noted the link many in Cameroon and elsewhere in Africa feel with Barack Obama. She remarked upon the significance of President Obama picking a “team of rivals,” including former political rivals and members of his predecessor’s team, to serve in his cabinet and his desire to speak to people of all beliefs in choosing preachers from opposite ends of the political spectrum to deliver prayers at his inauguration. Additionally, the Ambassador cited the precedent set by America’s first president, George Washington, who stepped down after two terms in office, even though he was asked by many to remain in power indefinitely. Finally, the Ambassador emphasized the benefit to the country of new leadership in the presidency, the importance of the alternation of power between political parties, and the significance of the smooth transition between the presidencies of George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Reception participants watched the inaugural events with great enthusiasm, breaking into applause frequently during the new president’s remarks.
During the reception, 18 American students visiting Cameroon from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, met with Cameroonian university students to discuss democracy in Cameroon. The students from Centre College were in Cameroon on a study abroad trip on the topic of “Democracy and Development in Africa: The Case of Cameroon.” They spoke highly of their two-week experience in Cameroon and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to speak freely with their Cameroonian counterparts. The Centre College students were accompanied by Dr. Lori L. Hartmann-Mahmud, the Chair of International Studies at Centre College. Prior to undertaking her academic career, Dr. Hatmann-Mahmud was an Ambassadorial Graduate Rotary School in Senegal and a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Niger.
Ambassador Speech | President Obama Speech | Photos