Chapter 2
Japan's Foreign Policy by Region
4 Central Africa
(1) Cameroon
Under the leadeship of President Paul Biya, Cameroon is making efforts to bring stability to the English-speaking regions in the North West and South West regions based on the “Presidential Plan for the Reconstruction and Development of the North West and South West Regions” launched in April 2020. Japan, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), is contributing to the reconstruction of the regions by providing 291 million Japanese yen in support for the renovation of health centers and other facilities.
Japan and Cameroon are maintaining and strengthening friendly relations, including sports exchanges. During the Tokyo 2020 Games, Cameroon athletes held their pre-Games training camp in Hita City, Oita prefecture.
(2) Democratic Republic of the Congo
President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo declared the state of emergency martial law in Ituri and North Kivu provinces in May, and is working to stabilize the eastern region, where the activities of armed groups such as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF, Ugandan rebels) have created major security challenges. In addition, the President Tshisekedi serves as the AU Chair and is actively involved in discussions on Africa in the international arena and in solving issues relating to peace and stability within Africa. The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is also working with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to rebuild the domestic economy that was crippled by COVID-19.
Also in May, the Nyiragongo volcano erupted near Goma City, North Kivu, and Japan provided emergency relief supplies as the lava flow caused many casualties, including deaths, as well as physical damage. In August, the Minister of Sport and Leisure, Serge Chembo Nkonde, visited Japan for the Tokyo 2020 Games.
(3) Chad
In Chad, President Idriss Deby Itno, who had been in power for more than 30 years, passed away in April after being injured in a battle with the rebel armed group FACT. Also in April, the Transitional Military Council (CMT), chaired by President General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, the son of the former President Idriss Deby Itno, was set up to hold elections after an 18-month transition period.
Japan and Chad have friendly bilateral relations, Minister of Youth, Employment and Sport and Entrepreneurship Promotion, Routouang Mohamed Ndonga Christian visited Japan for the Tokyo 2020 Games in August as an exchange through sports.
(4) Central Africa
In Central Africa, under President Faustin-Archange Touadera, who was reappointed in March 2021, completed the election for members of the National Assembly by July, despite security problems caused by attacks of armed groups. He also announced a “unilateral cease-fire” in October and continues to work for peace and stability in Central Africa.
Japan has been providing humanitarian assistance, such as food aid, for Central Africa, which is facing humanitarian crises, such as a large number of refugees and internally displaced persons and is contributing to the strengthening of peace and stability in the country.