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

According to a Foreign Ministry release issued in Monrovia, 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 AhmadouAhidjo’s abolishment of the federal system of government in favor of a unitary country in 1972.
According to the Foreign Ministry release, the Liberian leader, in her message to His Excellency, President Paul Biya of Cameroon, extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia.

As the people of Cameroon commemorate this auspicious occasion, she recalled 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, the Almighty God will endow His Excellency, PresidentBiya, with abundant wisdom and strength as he leads his people to sustainable peace and greater prosperity.