The Cameroonian flag flew in Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China from 02 to 06 September 2017 on the occasion of the 157th FMAC Executive Board Meeting and the 22nd Meeting of the Asia Pacific Standing Committee (APSC) of the World Veterans Federation, at the invitation of the Veterans Association of the Republic of China (VAROC) and the Veterans Affairs Commission (VAC).

The meeting took place at the Grand HYATT Hotel, near Taipei 101, previously the highest building in the world. In addition to the Members of the Asia and Pacific Standing Committee, Colonel Alfred FULLER, retired Director General of ONACAM, in his capacity as President of the Standing Committee on African Affairs (CPAA), Vice-President of the World Veterans Federation (WVF) and Member of the World Executive Board, took part in the work of these meetings in the company of Mr. Saif KHAN, an American national, Managing Director of Khanections, LLC Strategic Alliance Solutions, an American firm working for the benefit of veterans.

During these meetings, Colonel ® Alfred FULLER presented the evolution of the security situation in Africa since the holding of the 156th Executive Board Meeting in March 2017 until the 157th Meeting. He dwelt on the new developments in the forms of terrorist attacks by BOKO HARAM especially in Cameroonian territory. He insisted on the involvement of the Cameroonian Government in the eradication of this asymmetrical war waged against Cameroon and noted the efforts of the public authorities of our country which, under the leadership of His Excellency Paul BIYA, President of the Republic, Head of the Armed Forces, is doing its utmost to secure the Northern part of the country, as well as the Eastern border and the Gulf of Guinea. Finally, he asked for more involvement of the international community in this asymmetrical war that Cameroon is waging against the BOKO HARAM jihadist sect and requested the support of the United Nations and the Governments of FMAC member countries on the improvement of the living conditions of African ex-combatants. To this end, he requested the intervention of the International Community and the World Veterans Federation for the organization of a World Summit to support African countries in the functioning of the Permanent Commission on African Affairs and better living conditions of African Veterans, following the example of the Summit on Peace and International Security organized by the FMAC in STOKHOLM, Sweden in November 2011.

Recommendations were made to Colonel Alfred FULLER to sensitize African governments to pay more attention to the well-being of their people who have dedicated themselves at the cost of bloodshed, to the pacification of their countries and the world. This is the best recognition that African countries owe them for their services.  

Several draft resolutions were examined during these meetings and will be presented during the 29th General Assembly to be held in 2018 for adoption before being sent to the United Nations and member countries.

In addition, the analysis of the level of the contributions made it possible to note that many countries are not in good standing, in particular those of Africa, this situation seriously penalizes the operation of the Federation. To this effect, the Executive Board invited the Presidents of the Permanent Commissions to sensitize the Associations so that the financial situation is more reluisant to allow the Executive Board to reach its objectives which are the Security, the Health and the Welfare of the Veterans.

During the 22nd Meeting of the Asia and Pacific Standing Committee, the representatives of the participating countries were called upon to make presentations on how their governments deal with veterans. It was a meeting for the exchange of experiences that also gave rise to draft recommendations that will be presented during the next General Assembly for adoption.

During this meeting, the Taiwan Veterans Association was the star of the meeting. This one benefits from a very particular attention from its country. The Taiwanese government has built several hospitals and retirement homes with all the latest specialties and amenities to protect them from need. All participants were able to visit these facilities in Taipei. During the visit of the Veterans Hospital, Colonel Alfred FULLER had the privilege to be received in consultation and treated to the admiration of all participants. The delegates of this meeting went to Zuoying in the South of the country by high speed train (TGV) where the largest Air Base of the Taiwanese Army is located. This military structure was the biggest attraction as it has several Aeronautical Training Centers and a superb Air Museum where military aircraft, weapons and ammunition used by the Armed Forces of this island country since their creation until today are exhibited on several hectares, a real architectural masterpiece.

On their return to Taipei, the Executive Board members, before attending the closing dinner of the two sessions, organized in a sumptuous Grand Hotel of Taipei of oriental style, animated by the orchestra of the Armies and presided over by the Minister of Defense, The members of the WVF Executive Board present in Taipei, including Colonel Alfred FULLER, were received at the Presidential Palace by His Excellency TAI ING Wen, President of the Republic, Head of State and Supreme Chief of the Taiwanese Armed Forces.

The presence of the Cameroonian official at this great meeting of the fighting world full of warmth and conviviality, highlighted the constant will of the Cameroonian Head of State His Excellency Paul BIYA, to promote the well-being of the Cameroonian Veteran in view of the sacrifices he has made in the search for peace both in Cameroon and in the world.

In doing so, the Director General of ONACAM reiterates his sincere thanks to the President of the Republic, His Excellency Paul BIYA and the Minister Delegate to the Presidency in charge of Defense without forgetting the Secretary of State for Defense in charge of Veterans and Victims of War who spare no effort to enable Cameroon to make its voice heard in the concert of the fighting world. This trip has once again undoubtedly contributed to the radiance of the brand image of Cameroon which works tirelessly to improve the living conditions of those who fought for the defense of the integrity of our country.

In a word, the Taipei meeting was a real success.

                                                                                          (é) Colonel Alfred FULLER