Thousands of mourners paid tribute to Elisabeth Tankeu who was described in the Head of State’s condolence message and seven eulogies as an exemplary mother, defender of the New Deal government, hardworking, dynamic, patriotic, development-oriented, competent, methodical, politically engaged and a brilliant economist. Elisabeth Tankeu was a committed member of First Lady Chantal Biya’s humanitarian organization, Circle of Friends of Cameroon (CERAC). The CERAC delegation leader, Mrs. Nkuete, described her death as a great loss and extended the First Lady’s condolence to the Tankeu family. The representative of Njakoua Tchapchoua, the traditional ruler of Bangoua, said Elisabeth Tankeu was so development-minded, hence the traditional title, Mefo Toupgouong or queen mother.
The Chairman of the African Union Commission and head of the AU delegation, Jean Ping, said Elisabeth Tankeu who was elected Commissioner for Trade and Industry in 2003 and died while serving her second term of office, was a woman of substance, clear in her words and decisions. He described her as open, devoted to work and permanently in quest of perfection. She was a brilliant economist who always defended the values of the African Union, worked hard to safeguard the interests of Africa to ensure that the continent made an impact in the concert of nations.
Late Mrs. Tankeu was also Cameroon’s former Minister of Planning and Regional Development from 1988 to 1990. Born on February 29, 1944, Elisabeth Tankeu died on October 16, 2011 in France. Her hard work in Cameroon and abroad in defending the country’s image through her acknowledged performance at the AU was awarded the medal of Grand Officer of the National Order of Valour with which Jean Nkuete on behalf of President Paul Biya decorated her post-humously.
Elisabeth Tankeu was also a committed Christian in the Eglise Evangelique du Cameroun (EEC), reason why her burial ceremony started with a church service. Reverend Pastor Charles Emmanuel Ndjike in his sermon from Romans 1:1 said the best way to remember Elisabeth Tankeu was to continue to build the great African continent she had been working for. The event was animated by church choirs and the National Gendarmerie Band. Also present were representatives of the Central Committee of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) of which she was a member of the Central Committee, cabinet ministers and diplomats, traditional and religious rulers. Mourners brought scores of wreaths in honour of the departed lady.
