By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
It was a bittersweet afternoon at the U.S. Embassy compound Friday, June 26, as colleagues and friends gathered to bid farewell to outgoing Regional Security Officer (RSO), Joseph Love and his family.
The reception, marked by emotional speeches, tearful embraces and standing ovations, celebrated Love’s three-year tenure in Cameroon. The event honored his contributions and selfless working standards while wishing his family well as they prepare for their next diplomatic assignment.
Speaking during the ceremony, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Gaïna Dávila said the Executive Office is thankful to have had Love and his family as part of the U.S. Mission in Cameroon.
“I’m so sad, so, so sad to be saying goodbye to you all,” Dávila said. “Your time here has really, really had a positive impact, Joe, with keeping our community safe and working with your team to ensure that everyone is well-protected.”
Dávila noted the personal sacrifices made by the Security Chief and his wife, Tiangal Love.
“There was a lot of times that I’m sure that he missed nights asleep thinking about how to keep us safe,” Dávila said. “And Tia has put in so much heart, so much soul into actually bringing our community together.”
Andrew Harris, Assistant Regional Security Officer and Love’s closest collaborator in the office, praised Love’s professional commitment. Harris noted that one of the most redeeming attributes he observed during his 10 months working with the RSO was Love’s sharp instincts.
“I think this comes from years and years of professional experience, both in the Embassy environment as well as in his law enforcement background and environment,” Harris said.
Nainsah Petra Mbuyongha, President of the American Embassy Local Employee Association (AMLEA) in Yaounde, also hailed Love and his family for their remarkable impact on the local workforce.
Tiangal Love on her part, thanked the U.S. Embassy Community for their support throughout their stay in Cameroon, noting that their experiences had shaped everyone involved.
“We leave this post not only with wonderful memories, but with friendships that we will always treasure,” she said. “Teamwork is our greatest strength and our most powerful tool. Over the years, we celebrated victories together, worked through disagreements, solved impossible problems, and built friendships that will last forever.”
“To each of you, thank you for believing in Joseph, supporting him, challenging him, walking alongside him throughout this journey,” she said.”Your respect and friendship has meant more than you know. Joseph, I am incredibly proud of the man and father you are, the leader you have become, and the legacy you leave behind.”
Members of the RSO team used the occasion to describe Love as a leader who showed deep concern for everyone and was always available to provide guidance. One team member described Love as the definition of a true leader whose skills are worth emulating.
“His proximity to his staff makes it possible to be able to talk one-on-one with him on both professional and personal issues,” the staff member said.
“He visits every office and discusses freely as often as he can. Most often, he prefers to come down rather than talk to you on the phone if he wants things done. He’s always ready to share knowledge with his staff.”
The staff member added that Love frequently surprised his team and visitors with thoughtful gestures, ranging from candy and birthday gifts to organizing breakfast and lunch parties at his residence.
“Striking Eagles will forever be grateful for the equipment you offered them,” the staff member said. “In his simplicity, Mr. Love will always rub shoulders with everyone regardless of your section.”
Love, visibly moved during the ceremony, could not hide his tears as he thanked the community for their time together.
“This tour here for the last three years has been very interesting, very challenging, and I had ups and downs—positive, negatives,” Love said. “Things happened personally in my family, things happened here that affected me deeply and greatly. But I want to say that the love you people had for me and my family made everything go smoothly.”
Performances by the Ndurum dance group and a presentation of gifts capped off an afternoon dedicated to celebrating the remarkable legacy that Joseph Love leaves behind in Cameroon.
