Ambassador Sylvain Riquier on La Vérité en face

In previous electoral cycles, such as the 2018 presidential election, France typically extended letters of congratulations within days of the Constitutional Council’s official results announcement. However, following the October 2025 presidential election in Cameroon, this established practice saw a significant shift. Instead of immediately endorsing the official figures, the Élysée adopted a more reserved position.

This diplomatic silence from Paris became a central point of discussion during the July 19, 2026, broadcast of La Vérité en face on Equinoxe TV. Ambassador Sylvain Riquier, who arrived in Cameroon just days before the October 12, 2025, presidential election, demonstrated a cautious and modest approach while addressing the queries.

Yaoundé and Paris: A strong connection persists

“I don’t believe I’ve seen any public letter. You would have seen it too,” the French Ambassador responded to journalist Duval Fangwa during the program. When asked if the French President’s silence indicated any strain in the relationship between Paris and Yaoundé, the diplomat maintained a measured tone.

“There was no public letter at that time. That’s it,” he stated succinctly, before quickly affirming the enduring positive relationship between Yaoundé and Paris. “We observed that the election took place. I believe this doesn’t hinder our ongoing relations with the authorities, particularly our continuous cooperation. I am here, and I have a Cameroonian counterpart in Paris.”

Exchanges of letters mark national celebrations

“This cooperation exists between our two states. There is no room for doubt,” Sylvain Riquier continued. “The absence of a specific letter does not prevent normal relations between our two states, our two governments, and our two presidents. I believe the President of the French Republic did not deem it necessary to issue a public letter. Cooperation remains robust, and we have exchanged letters on the occasion of our respective national holidays.”