Türkiye’s Ambassador Reinforces South West Engagement with a Listening, Human-Centered Visit to Buea and Kumba
Following a strong opening day in Limbe, Volkan Öskiper, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Cameroon, continued his South West regional tour with a full day of high-level engagements in Buea and Kumba.
The second phase of the visit deepened a message that had already begun to resonate across the region:
the South West is active, welcoming, and open for renewed cooperation, and this visit is only the beginning.
Buea: Governance, Stability, and Confidence in the Region
The Buea programme opened with a courtesy visit to the Governor of the South West Region, where discussions focused on governance, perceptions of security, and economic recovery.
The Governor emphasized the importance of correcting outdated narratives about the region, noting that while perceptions abroad often lag behind reality, the South West continues to function, receive visitors, and welcome partners. He recalled longstanding ties with Türkiye, including the role of Turkish Airlines in strengthening connectivity and people-to-people exchange.
In his response, Ambassador Öskiper spoke candidly about the power of firsthand experience. He noted that being on the ground offered a very different perspective from what is often portrayed externally. Observing daily life, movement, and institutional activity, he stressed that Buea and the wider South West do not reflect the image of a closed or inaccessible zone.
A point he would repeat throughout the day was clear and deliberate:
this is his first visit to the South West, but it will not be his last.
This message was echoed during his meeting with the Mayor of Buea, where local authorities highlighted the city’s youthful energy, driven in part by its strong university presence and diverse population. The exchanges underscored Buea’s potential as a hub for innovation, skills development, and future partnerships.
The Ambassador also paid visits to key institutions, including the Buea Garrison (Military Hospital) and the South West Regional Council. Discussions here focused on restoring investor confidence, improving international visibility, and encouraging practical proposals that translate dialogue into results.
Across all engagements in Buea, one theme stood out clearly:
listening comes first, and solutions follow.
Kumba: Community, Culture, and Visible Impact
The visit then moved to Kumba, where the programme placed stronger emphasis on humanitarian action, cultural connection, and direct engagement with local communities.
A defining moment of the Kumba visit was the laying of the foundation stone for a new maternity ward at the Kumba Regional Hospital. The facility will be constructed by TİKA, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Türkiye.
More than an infrastructure project, the initiative reflects a clear commitment to maternal health, dignity, and long-term social impact. The Ambassador reassured local authorities that this was not a symbolic gesture, but a concrete intervention that will be closely followed through with continued engagement until completion.
The delegation also paid courtesy visits to traditional authorities, including the Nfon’s Palace, where the Ambassador was warmly received by chiefs, women’s groups, and cultural custodians. These exchanges reinforced respect for tradition and the importance of anchoring cooperation within local identity and history.
Further visits included the old palace currently being rehabilitated into a resource and cultural centre, as well as engagements within the Kumba Market, where the Ambassador interacted with traders, including members of the Turkish business community operating locally. These moments allowed for open conversations around everyday realities, access to markets, infrastructure needs, and opportunities for improved collaboration.
Humanitarian engagement remained central to the Kumba programme. At an orphanage, the delegation met with caregivers and children, listening to their needs and offering support. The visit to the mosque further underscored the inclusive and respectful tone of the tour, highlighting shared values of solidarity, faith, and coexistence.
The following day, the Ambassador visited Barombi Mbo Lake, where discussions touched on environmental preservation, eco-tourism potential, and sustainable development. Struck by the site’s natural beauty, he noted the importance of protecting such assets while exploring responsible ways to unlock their value for local communities.
Once again, he reiterated a message already familiar by this stage of the tour:
this visit opens the door to future engagement, deeper exploration, and concrete cooperation.
A Consistent Diplomatic Style
From Limbe to Buea and Kumba, a clear pattern emerged in Ambassador Öskiper’s approach.
His diplomacy is 360-degree in nature, combining:
- Institutional and economic dialogue
- Humanitarian action and social impact
- Cultural respect and community presence
- Sports and youth engagement, including football, a personal passion he openly shares
Whether meeting governors, mayors, traditional rulers, hospital staff, traders, or young people, his approach remains grounded in presence, sincerity, and follow-through.
Looking Ahead
The Buea and Kumba visits consolidated the foundations laid in Limbe and strengthened the overall narrative of the South West tour. They confirmed that this mission was not ceremonial, but intentional.
As the Ambassador himself emphasized repeatedly, this is not an endpoint. It is the opening chapter of a longer engagement that will continue through dialogue, follow-up discussions, and future visits.
For the South West Region, the signal is clear:
Türkiye is listening, relationships are being built, and the door to deeper cooperation is open.