CAMEROON: INTEREST IN USG POSITION ON ZIMBABWE

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