Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08YAOUNDE1237
2008-12-22 13:27:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Yaounde
Cable title:  

CAMEROON: INTEREST IN USG POSITION ON ZIMBABWE

Tags:  CM PGOV PREL ZI 
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R 221327Z DEC 08
FM AMEMBASSY YAOUNDE
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 9527
INFO AFRICAN UNION COLLECTIVE 0268
HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE
C O N F I D E N T I A L YAOUNDE 001237 


DEPT FOR AF/C

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/19/2019
TAGS: CM PGOV PREL ZI
SUBJECT: CAMEROON: INTEREST IN USG POSITION ON ZIMBABWE

Classified By: Heather A Watson-Ayala, Reason 1.4 (D)

C O N F I D E N T I A L YAOUNDE 001237


DEPT FOR AF/C

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/19/2019
TAGS: CM PGOV PREL ZI
SUBJECT: CAMEROON: INTEREST IN USG POSITION ON ZIMBABWE

Classified By: Heather A Watson-Ayala, Reason 1.4 (D)


1. 1. (C) In a meeting on December 17, Ministry of External
Relations Secretary General Sebastien Foumane asked about the
USG position on the crisis in Zimbabwe. He opined that the
position of some countries, including the USG, was too
strong. Cameroon felt a softer position that allowed
President Mugabe to leave power "with dignity" would be more
beneficial to the country, he said. Foumane agreed that President
Mugabe should leave power, but felt that he should not be
forced to leave.

Comment: Since Cameroonian President Biya has been in power
almost as long as Mugabe, Foumane,s decision to raise
Zimbabwe was interesting and unusual. In the past, MINREX
officials have been uncomfortable discussing Zimbabwe. While
Foumane,s views on Mugabe suggest that Cameroon is
increasingly displeased with Mugabe, we do not expect
Cameroon to take any leadership role on the Zimbabwe
situation.

GARVEY