Diplomatic, Protocol Trainees: Fifty-fourth Batch Graduates

G reat was their joy and evident enough was their determination to serve by putting into prac­ tices skills and knowledge learned in international relations and adminis­ trative procedures. The event was the graduation ceremony of the 54th batch of diplomatic and protocol trai­ nees at the International Relations Institute of Cameroon (IRIC) on July 22, 2026. At the behest of the Mi­ nistry of External Relations, the Acting Secretary General, Gervais Bindzi Ed­ zimbi, Director of Protocol and Consular Affairs at the Ministry, chaired the event. A general overview of the trainees as presented by the Secretary General of IRIC, Dr Neba Ridley Ngwa indicates that a total of 55 students (17 fe­ males and 38 males) from basically Cameroon, Republic of Congo and Chad were enrolled for the 2025/2026 academic year. In the course of studies, two withdrew, 47 passed, five failed and one student unfortunately died. This gives a per­ centage pass of 90.38 with Birem Steve Chanel (Cameroon) emerging best student. Congratulating the students, the re­ presentative of the Minister of Ex­ ternal Relations, Gervais Bindzi Ed­ zimbi, who schooled in the educational establishment some 33 years back said contemporary diplomacy warrants anticipation, in-depth analytical skills and apt competences, reason for the training programme. With the evolu­ tion of time, he urged them to nego­ tiate without losing sight of national interest, anticipate before succumbing and understand before reacting. The message to the trainees was clear; promote the principles of Pan-Afri­ canism, foster the policy of good neighbourliness and regional inte­ gration, ideals cher...