The former government member and journalist died last night at the age of 76.
His name was Jean Pierre Biyiti Bi Essam. A former state official, his name has resonated in the high administration of the Republic of Cameroon for the past three decades. Between 1990 and 2026, he followed an exceptional career within the Cameroonian government and diplomacy. He entered the high administration through the Ministry of Higher Education where he served as a technical advisor. He was also appointed as a special advisor to the Secretary-General of the Presidency of the Republic before continuing at the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications.
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Between 2001 and 2007, he served as Secretary-General of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. After six years of service in this position, the Head of State appointed him Minister of Communication in 2007. For two consecutive years, he communicated for the government before being sent to head another ministerial department. Between 2009 and 2015, he was Minister of Posts and Telecommunications.
In parallel with his government responsibilities, he was Chairman of the Board of Directors of Cameroon Postal Service (Campost) from 2004-2006 and from 2010 to 2018, the year he was called to serve in Cameroonian diplomacy. He was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cameroon to the State of Israel, a position he held until February 2026.
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A journalist by training, a graduate of the International Higher School of Journalism in Yaoundé in 1974, Jean Pierre Biyiti Bi Essam practiced journalism at Cameroon Tribune, where he was a reporter and then head of section. He continued his career at CRTV where he was appointed director of information in 1990. Born in Mvoula in the Southern region, he held a 3rd cycle doctorate in sociology obtained in 1984 and a 3rd cycle doctorate in semiology obtained in 1980.
