Cameroon’s Minister of External Relations, Lejeune Mbella Mbella, has firmly rejected reports alleging that the country has been suspended from the African Union (AU), describing the claims as false, misleading, and rooted in a poor understanding of the workings of the continental body.
In a press release issued from Yaoundé on Wednesday December 17, 2025, the Ministry of External Relations reacted to an article published online on December 15 by lesfaitsdici.com, a Yaoundé-based news website. The article, attributed to journalist Jean Daniel Mvondo and titled “The Suspension of Cameroon from the African Union”, claimed that Cameroon had lost its right to vote and speak within the AU due to delays in the payment of its financial contributions.
According to the publication, the alleged sanctions had also negatively affected Cameroon’s activities within the organization, including its presidency of the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) for the month of November 2025.
Minister Mbella Mbella categorically dismissed these assertions. “Cameroon is not under any sanction by the African Union,” the statement read, adding that the country continues to participate fully and regularly in the AU’s activities.
The head of Cameroon’s diplomacy emphasized that the country effectively chaired the Peace and Security Council in November 2025, in line with the AU’s rotational system. During Cameroon’s chairmanship, the PSC examined several major crises affecting the continent, including the unconstitutional change of government in Madagascar and the kidnapping of schoolchildren by terrorist groups in Nigeria’s Far North region.
“These facts alone demonstrate that Cameroon retains all its rights and responsibilities within the African Union,” a senior diplomatic source noted, pointing out that a sanctioned country would not be entrusted with such a strategic leadership role.
Addressing the sensitive issue of financial contributions, the Ministry acknowledged the existence of global economic pressures and internal constraints but stressed that Cameroon continues tohonourr its commitments to international partners.
“Cameroon’s participation within the African Union, including its financial obligations, is being carefully followed up by the competent government services,” the press release stated.
Minister Mbella Mbella also used the opportunity to caution media outlets against disseminating unverified or inaccurate information on diplomatic matters. He described it as “inappropriate to communicate about the functioning of the African Union and relations with its Member States without a good knowledge of them,” underscoring the potential damage such reports can cause to a country’s image and international standing.
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