The newly accredited Ambassador of the United States of America to Cameroon, Michael Stephen Hoza, has presented advance copies of his Letters of Credence to the Minister of External Relations, Pierre Moukoko Mbonjo.

The ritual paves the way for the diplomat to be introduced to the national diplomatic circle prior to the presentation of originals of his Letters of Credence to the Head of State.

Before Cameroon, he worked at the US Embassy in Moscow, Russia, as Management Counsellor since 2010. The seasoned diplomat began his diplomatic career on African soil.

He has held different posts of responsibility at the US Embassies in Kenya, Swaziland, Eritrea, Angola, Somalia, Mozambique and Cote d’Ivoire. Born on November 21, 1957 in Goldsboro in North Carolina, USA, Ambassador Hoza, is a holder of a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations Sciences from the University of Georgetown in the USA.

His efficiency during his long years of service has earned him a number of prizes notably; the Senior Honorary Distinction Prize, Group Bravery Prize, Group Service Merit Prize and the Senior Diplomatic Service Prize.

H.E Michael Hoza takes office shortly after the U.S African Leaders’ Summit in Washington D.C, organized on August 4 to 6, 2014 that saw the active participation of Paul Biya and wife Chantal.

His Excellency Michael Stephen Hoza takes over from Robert P. Jackson.