African heads of state engaged in the traditional exercise of televised greetings for the new year. Here are extracts from some of their interventions in Cameroon, Gabon, Chad, Guinea and Mali.
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In his traditional end-of-year speech, after having mentioned the achievements of his government and some events which will have marked the year which is ending (like the floods in the far north region which is more of 200 thousand victims), the president of Cameroonpointed out “a year full of challenges” for 2025. Indeed, the electoral calendar provides for regional and presidential elections. See you almost 92 years old, Paul Biya sends a message to CPDM activists.
Paul Biya’s wishes: “My determination to serve you remains intact and strengthens on a daily basis”
At Mali, in his address to the nation presented on national television, General Assimi Goïta paid tribute to civilian and military losses, announced that he wanted to strengthen the fight against corruption and the promotion of national culture. A speech during which the president did not mention the holding of any election. The president welcomed the country’s progress in security matters, as well as the strengthening of the confederation of Sahel States, before announcing that “2025 will be the year of culture”.
I decree 2025 year of culture: increased promotion of our artists and enhancement of our cultural heritage; I invite Malians to revitalize our cultural values and celebrate our rich culture during this year 2025
In Mali, Assimi Goïta decreed that 2025 would be the year of culture
AtGabonin his message of good wishes to the nation, the president of the Gabonese Transition, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema drew up a positive assessment of the Transition which will end in eight months. The author of the coup d’état of August 30, which swept away the regime of Bongo father and son, said he was satisfied to have reconciled the Gabonese and to reappropriate the key sectors of the national economy, notably oil, wood and transport. Oligui Nguema also promised free and transparent elections as part of the end of the transition.
… but a rebuilding of our republic, which will continue well beyond the Transition… Gabon is getting back on its feet, united and determined
Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema: “This transition, which I have the honor of leading, is not a simple parenthesis”
In Guinea“2025 will be an election year” announced the president Mamadi Doumbouya on national television during his greetings to the nation. On the program: legislative, presidential and municipal elections as well as a referendum for the adoption of a new Constitution. At the end of October and after a census and evaluation campaign of the country’s political parties, the government announced the dissolution or suspension of 50% of them. Tuesday evening, Mahamadi Doumbouya announced the total resumption of political activities in view of the elections.
The year 2025 will be an election year, crucial for completing the return to constitutional order. From the first quarter, I will sign a decree setting the voting date for the referendum. The full resumption of political activities will be effective from 2025
In Guinea, 2025 will be an election year
At ChadPresident Deby sent his wishes Tuesday evening on national TV. A speech in the form of a general policy speech since the country has now emerged from its transition that began three and a half years ago with the death of his father Idriss Déby. Since then, Chad has a new Constitution and soon a new National Assembly when the results of last Sunday’s elections are known. Mahamat Idriss Déby looked to the future, ensuring that he had heard the expectations of Chadians. He also returned to the breakdown of defense agreements with France.
Mahamat Idriss Déby: “On the level of diplomacy, we have put Chad’s best interests in pole position”