Philémon Yunji Yang (born 14 June 1947) is a Cameroonian politician who served as Prime Minister of Cameroon from 2009 to 2019, having previously held various ministerial and diplomatic roles particularly in Canada where he served as the ambassador of Cameroon to Canada for over 20 years. He is the longest-serving prime minister in Cameroonian history, having served 9 years, 9 months, and 3 days. From 2024 to 2025 he served as President of the United Nations General Assembly for its seventy-ninth session.
Early life and education
Yang was born in Jikejem-Oku, in the Oku subdivision of the Bui division of the Northwest Region of Cameroon. before being appointed to the government in 1975 as Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration. In 1979 he became Minister of Mines and Energy,
Ambassador and High Commissioner in Canada
Yang served as Ambassador to Canada from 1984 to 1995 − and as High Commissioner in Canada from 1995 to 2004, after Cameroon joined the Commonwealth of Nations.
Return to domestic politics
In 2004 Yang was appointed Assistant Secretary-General of the Presidency of Cameroon. In 2008 he became chair of the board of directors of the Cameroon Airlines Corporation.
Prime Minister of Cameroon
right|thumb|Philémon Yang shaking hands with President [[Paul Biya in 2012.]]
On 30 June 2009 President Paul Biya appointed Yang as Prime Minister of Cameroon, replacing Ephraïm Inoni. Yang's appointment marked the largest government shake-up since his predecessor was appointed in 2004. Biya stated on state radio that three ministers from the previous government had switched places, six new names were added while six portfolios were cut entirely. The opposition said that it did not expect a great deal of change due in part to the continuance of a large government. It had been hoping for 30 ministerial positions to be cut, but there remained over 60 ministers. The reshuffle was believed to have been spurred by public anger over rising food prices and discontent with high levels of government corruption. Adding to this, the move was seen as an attempt by Biya to shore up support for the next presidential election in 2011. In addition to Yang, new ministers were appointed for defence, posts and telecommunications, communication, education, promotion of women, water and energy, and sports.
Yang stepped down as Prime Minister on 4 January 2019.
President of the United Nations General Assembly
On 6 June 2024 Yang was elected to serve as President of the United Nations General Assembly for its seventy-ninth session, from 10 September 2024 to 9 September 2025.