CI-NEWS

Suspension of container terminal deal with Swiss company: Swiss envoy in counter-lobby at Etoudi?

2019-11-05

No: 454

Suspension of container terminal deal with Swiss company: Swiss envoy in counter-lobby at Etoudi?

The Swiss are determined to do battle with the French over control of the container terminal of the Douala Port Authority (PAD). The suspension of a much lucrative container terminal deal with a Swiss company Terminal Investment Limited (TIL) following the visit of French foreign minister to Cameroon had paved the way for French business group Bollore-APM, which recently lost control over the container terminal of the Douala Port Authority (PAD), to dream of a re-conquest.

But in what was seen as a counter-lobby, a Swiss envoy has come knocking at the gates of Etoudi to plead the case of TIL.

President Paul Biya, last Monday, received Switzerland’s Ambassador to Cameroon at the State House during which they discussed a number of topical issues, amongst which was the situation of Swiss businesses operating in Cameroon.

“We talked about the role of Swiss enterprises in Cameroon, especially the group MSC, within the framework of the management of the container Terminal of the Douala port…” Ambassador Pietro Lazzeri said, assuring that the business outfits have indicated willingness to continue carrying out their operations in the country.

The audience that lasted one hour also saw the handing over of a sealed envelope from the President of the Swiss Confederation, Ueli Maurer, to the Head of State. Although the content of the sealed message was not revealed, the Swiss diplomat, after the meeting with his host, told reporters that they exchanged views on a litany of issues which are of common interest to both countries.

The social media had been awash with a leaked confidential document from the Minister of State, Secretary General at the Presidency, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, asking the General Manager of the PAD to put activities of the Swiss company on hold until the court case with Bollore group is settled. This document appeared barely 24 hours (Thursday 24 October) after Jean-Yves Le Drian met with the Head of State in Yaounde.

Responding to a question about recent reports that Switzerland is interested in playing the role of mediator in bringing an end to the crisis in the two English-speaking regions, His Excellency Pietro Lazzeri admitted that he and President Biya discussed the matter during their meeting. “I discussed with the Head of State about the possible contribution of our country in this regard…”, the Swiss envoy said, adding that such contribution would be done with “expertise, neutrality and the consent and accord of all the parties concerned”.

The envoy disclosed that they also talked about the major national dialogue which was held in Yaounde from September 30 to October 4, stating that the move is an important step towards meeting the deep needs of citizens of the two Anglophone Regions. “What’s of prime importance now is to keep seeking negotiated solutions in order to put an end to the violence that continues to affect the population in these two Regions…” the diplomat appealed.

His Excellency Pietro Lazzeri’s stop at the State House Monday follows the last one on May 22 in which he was accompanied on the occasion by a delegation of Swiss business men who used the platform to discuss their business interests in Cameroon with the Head of State.

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

Suspension of container terminal deal with Swiss company: Swiss envoy in counter-lobby at Etoudi?