UK Minister Pledges Boost for Cameroon Trade and Infrastructure
The UK’s Minister for Development and Africa, Rt. Hon. Andrew Mitchell MP, made a powerful two-day trip to Cameroon, vowing fresh UK support for trade and infrastructure. He also tackled the grim human rights issues linked to Cameroon’s ongoing conflicts.
£113 Million UK Investment Fuels Cameroon’s Key Road Project
Mitchell toured Douala, Cameroon’s commercial hub, to witness firsthand how British cash is transforming infrastructure. A major road in the city is benefiting from a hefty £113 million investment from UK-backed initiatives ‘123’ and ‘Southwest’.
Millions in Humanitarian Aid and Education Support
Over the past five years, the UK has pumped more than £20 million into life-saving humanitarian aid for Cameroon. The Minister met experts from the “1 Cannot Wait” programme to discuss UK funding via the UN aiding children caught in conflict zones – bringing education to those shut out of schools.
Minister’s Statement: “Strong UK-Cameroon Ties Despite Conflict”
“During my first visit to Cameroon, I was struck by the depth of our relationship and how our two countries are working together on a range of issues important to both nations.
“The long-term partnership between the UK and Cameroon is underpinned by focused development and security cooperation, as well as trade, investment and education and of course our ties in the Commonwealth. We remain concerned about the conflict in the predominantly Anglophone Northwest and Southwest Regions, and continue to urge all sides to engage in dialogue.”
Top-Level Talks Focus on Conflict and Military Training
The visit included high-profile meetings with Prime Minister Dr Joseph Dion Ngute. Discussions zeroed in on conflicts in the Anglophone Northwest and Southwest regions and the Far North and Lake Chad areas, where the UK military is providing essential training support.
