The Souvenir Français Celebrates Franco-Cameroonian Friendship at the Yaoundé « Maison du Combattant ».

The Yaoundé « Maison du Combattant » hosted the Franco-Cameroonian Friendship Day on 18 June 2026, organized by the General Delegation of « Le Souvenir Français » for Cameroon, as part of the commemoration of the historic Appeal of 18 June 1940 launched from London by General Charles de Gaulle.

Held under the high patronage of His Excellency Sylvain RIQUIER, Ambassador of France to Cameroon, this memorial event brought together administrative, diplomatic and military authorities, as well as representatives of veterans’ organizations and civil society, around the values of remembrance, freedom and fraternity that unite France and Cameroon.

The celebration began with an exhibition dedicated to military history and remembrance, featuring period photographs, archival documents, portraits of veterans, and artworks illustrating the historical ties between the two nations. A special section was devoted to the Appeal of 18 June 1940, a symbol of resistance and hope in the face of adversity.

During the official ceremony, the Director General of the National Office of Veterans, Exservicemen and War Victims of Cameroon (ONACAM), Colonel (Ret.) Alfred FULLER, welcomed the guests. He recalled that the « Maison du Combattant » is an emblematic institution dedicated to honoring veterans and promoting the values of citizenship, patriotism, solidarity and social cohesion.

Welcoming the choice of this institution as the venue for the event, he expressed the hope that the gathering would further strengthen cooperation between « Le Souvenir Français », the French Embassy and ONACAM for the benefit of the veterans’ community and the preservation of historical memory.

In her address, the General Delegate of « Le Souvenir Français » for Cameroon, Mrs. Odile Chantal Ndongo, who was unable to attend in person and participated by videoconference, emphasized the importance of this commemoration, which celebrates both a defining event in contemporary history and the longstanding ties between the French and Cameroonian peoples.

Taking the floor in turn, the Ambassador of France to Cameroon, His Excellency Sylvain RIQUIER, recalled the universal significance of the Appeal of 18 June 1940, regarded as the founding act of the French Resistance. He paid tribute to the Cameroonian soldiers who were among the first to rally to the cause and who fought alongside France during the war, stressing that their commitment remains an important chapter in the shared history of both countries.

“Commemorating the Appeal of 18 June in Yaoundé provides an opportunity to express France’s gratitude to the Cameroonian men and women who helped write this history of freedom,” declared the French diplomat.

Beyond its commemorative dimension, the event also served as a privileged moment for intercultural dialogue and closer ties between peoples. Discussions, veterans’ testimonies and documentary screenings helped to revive the duty of remembrance while highlighting the values of courage, commitment and resilience embodied by the Appeal of 18 June.

The ceremony concluded with a Franco-Cameroonian friendship cocktail reception, offering participants an opportunity for warm exchanges and conviviality, reflecting the spirit of cooperation, mutual respect and shared remembrance that continues to unite France and Cameroon.

CELCOM / ONACAM