President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has sent a message of congratulations to the Government and people of the Republic of Cameroon on the occasion marking their 44^th National Day on Friday, May 20, 2016.

National Day is a holiday in Cameroon celebrated on May 20. On May 20, 1972, in a national referendum, Cameroonians voted for a unitary state as opposed to the existing federal state. The United Nations Trust Territory known as French Cameroon achieved independence from France on January 1, 1960, and British Southern Cameroons changed status from a Trusteeship under British administration to a federated state within Cameroon on October 1, 1961. The government chose May 20 as Cameroon’s National Day to commemorate President Ahmadou Ahidjo’s abolishment of the federal system of government in favor of a unitary country in 1972.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, the Liberian leader, in her message to His Excellency, Mr. Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon, extended to him and through him to the Government and people of Cameroon, heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Liberia and in her own name.

As the people of Cameroon commemorate this auspicious occasion, she recalls the longstanding cordial ties and cooperation the two countries continue to enjoy.

President Sirleaf prayed that as Liberia and Cameroon work together in furtherance of international peace and economic integration in Africa and the world, that the Almighty God will endow His Excellency, Mr. Biya, with abundant wisdom and strength as he leads his people to sustainable peace and greater prosperity.