Four new ambassadors received at State House

Cameroon's diplomatic landscape has been enriched with four new Ambassadors’ Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary from the Central African Republic, Italy, the United States of America and Cote d'Ivoire.

Ambassadors Martial Beti-Marace, Samuel Isopi, Michael Stephen Hoza and Manla Ahounou each handed letters accrediting them to Yaounde to President Paul Biya, in a solemn and colourful ceremony at the State House.

The diplomatic ritual lasted four hours and each of the new Ambassadors was treated to the same protocol;

- honours to the national anthem of Cameroon played by the Presidential Guard band on arrival,

- handing of the letters accrediting them to Yaounde and those of recall of their predecessor at the diplomatic saloon,

- close door audience granted by Head of State

- playing of the national anthem of the ambassador’s country upon exit from the Unity Palace

The new Ambassador of the Central African Republic to Cameroon, Martial Beti-Marace was to first to be received by President Paul Biya.

He presented his accreditation letter from the interim president of his Country, Catherine Samba Panza. Beti-Marace holds a Maitrise in Public law and a Masters degree in Leadership and Management. He had held several top jobs in his country including Minister, Director of Cabinet at the Presidency.

Next in line was Samuela Isopi, the new Italian Ambassador to Cameroon. She is holder of a degree in Political science and have served in several diplomatic positions, the most recent being First Adviser at the Italian Embassy in Russia.

The third diplomat was Michael Stephan Hoza, the new Ambassador of the United States of America. The seasoned diplomat has served in several US diplomatic representations around the globe.

The series was closed by the New Ambassador of Cote d’Ivoire to Cameroon, Manla Narcisse Ahounou. He is holder of a doctorate degree in Applied Social Science. He speaks both English and French. The ceremony took place in the presence of the Head of State’s close collaborators

Before the State House ritual, all four ambassadors had already presented advanced copies of their letters of credence to the Minister of External Relations.