First Lady Chantal BIYA has received New Year wishes from the wives of the members of the Diplomatic Corps and National Dignitaries. The annual ceremony took place on 7 January 2017 at the main residence of the Unity Palace.

 Mrs. Ratsiborinskaya Elena, wife of the Russian Ambassador to Cameroon, handed a bouquet of flowers to Mrs Chantal BIYA, to open the event, which was characterised by a series handshakes.

26 other delegations, made up of the wives of the national constituted bodies, and special guests presented their best wishes to close the event. Amongst the delegations were; the wives of the members of the ruling CPDM, members of CERAC, representatives of some NGOs, and indigenes of the Baka and Bororo communities.

Mrs. Chantal BIYA was accompanied by the wives of the close collaborators of President Paul BIYA.