Yang should replicate UN experience in Cameroon.

In taking office for a one-year mandate, not endless tenure, he said peace and security will continue to be “of paramount importance” during his Presidency.

“This is why, I will urge the assembly to intensify its determination to prioritize the resolution of conflicts, including the intractable ones in the Gaza Strip and Ukraine, as well as find durable solutions to the situation in the Great Lakes region and elsewhere in Africa,” he had said. 

Yang, however, didn't mention the one in his North West and South West Regions backyard; variously described as a "real war", "conflict" and the "situation" which continues with sporadic killings, kidnappings and protests.

In his farewell address early last week, Yang reflected on a term that took place “in a context marked by growing uncertainty”, amid the intensification of conflicts, a deepening climate crisis and calls for reforming the Security Council.

The task of leading the Assembly, “the Parliament of humanity”, has been a true honour, he said, noting that many of its meetings focused on the most urgent conflicts around the world, from Gaza to Sudan to Ukraine.

“Our actions for peace have certainly been the most visible in our call to end the suffering in Gaza,” he said.

The defence of human rights took on renewed urgency this year, he noted, pointing to the commemoration of the sixtieth anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the launch of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent.

He also recalled representing the Assembly during the historic reading of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on climate change in The Hague.  

The decision affirmed that States have a legal obligation to protect the climate system and human rights of their citizens by taking robust, science-based mitigation and adaptation measures, including addressing fossil fuel   production. Failure to do so constitutes an internationally wrongful act with legal consequences.

One of his other achievements was highlighting the historic adoption of the Pact for the Future, in which he recalled its theme of “United in diversity for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity everywhere and for all”.

The Assembly, under his tenure, also worked to reduce digital divides by promoting an inclusive and transparent process for implementing the Global Digital Compact.

Turning to the reform of the Security Council, Yang noted that he met with all groups of the intergovernmental negotiations process. 

Drawing attention to several “signature events”, he highlighted the interactive dialogue with the International Committee of the Red Cross on preserving human dignity in armed conflict, and the multistakeholder dialogue on the New Partnership with Africa, among others.

“Throughout, I maintained a priority focus on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls,” he said, also noting that he made multilingualism an important part of his agenda.

Despite rising global conflicts, the Charter, and the United Nations itself, represent a collective promise for a better future world, he said, adding: “This is a promise we must fulfil.”

Praising Yang, the United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, noted that he took office during a “profoundly tumultuous” moment, yet, many milestones were achieved “through his leadership”.

Commending his “wisdom, vision and skill”, António Guterres spotlighted Yang’s efforts to “forge multilateral solutions” and provide a powerful voice for Africa; thanking him for his “advice, guidance and commitment”.

The Guardian Post equally appreciates Yang for making Cameroonians proud at the international stage. 

But for that to make any meaning, he must translate that enviable international experience and achievement to solve the problems in Cameroon. After all, is it not said that charity starts from home?

While in New York, Yang obviously knew that he was President just for one year, as UN rule stipulates, so as "to ensure equitable geographical rotation of the office among member States, allows for fresh perspectives and approaches" to addressing issues.

How can Yang reconcile that with his acceptance to campaign for a Head of State who has been in power for over four decades to run for an eighth term of seven years?

How could he have forgotten to mention the pervasive insecurity in the North West and South West Regions, which erupted during his tenure in office as Prime Minister, Head of Government, to draw international concern to find a peaceful solution?

The Guardian Post isn't on the same page with critics like jailed Muslim scholar, Ali Abdul Karim, who referred to Yang as a "sociopath and hypocrite" in an open letter circulating in the social media for failing to highlight the conflict in the North West and South West Regions, at the UN.

Nonetheless, he has come back with global recognition with his head high as a politician and diplomat in the forefront of peace, dialogue and unity in diversity.

Yang has undoubtedly better understood the importance of a Presidency with a short limitation to ensure fresh and innovative perspectives, which honour demands that he replicates those values at home.

As Patron General of the CPC Bali Ex-students Association, BOBA, he should be guided by the institution's motto of God, Knowledge, Service, not by the CPDM party hierarchy, and replicate his UN experience through advocacy of dialogue, peace, justice and human rights in Cameroon, where those values at best exist only in the architecture of political minds. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3566 of Tuesday September 16, 2025