By Doh James Sonkey
Cameroon has reaffirmed its readiness to play host to the 51st General Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie (APF) next July 7 to 12, 2026 in Yaounde.
The country’s readiness was disclosed during a press briefing held last June 25, 2026 at the Paul Biya Glass House by the President of the Cameroon Branch of the APF, Hon Hilarion Etong, who doubles as Senior Deputy Speaker of Cameroon National Assembly.
In his preliminary statement, Hon Hilarion Etong indicated that all necessary arrangements have been finalized to ensure the successful hosting of this major parliamentary event.
He said the session, which will be held alternately at the National Assembly and the Senate, is organized under the distinguished patronage of the President of the Republic, H.E. Paul Biya, and coordinated by the Speaker of the National Assembly and the President of the Senate.
Providing insight into the level of preparedness, the MP emphasized that a comprehensive organizational mechanism has been put in place, with 17 sub-committees fully operational and working in synergy to oversee all aspects of the event. Key components including transportation, accommodation, catering, health services, security, communication, and protocol arrangements have all been carefully addressed to ensure a smooth and successful session.
The session is expected to bring together over 300 delegates from across the Francophone world, underscoring its importance as a major platform for parliamentary diplomacy.
Particular emphasis has been placed on inclusivity, especially the participation of women and young people within the Francophone parliamentary space. In this regard, the Youth Parliament and the Network of Female Parliamentarians of the APF will hold their respective meetings on the sidelines of the session.
Hon. Hilarion Etong also reassured the international community on health safety, noting that Cameroon has recorded no cases of Ebola, thereby offering a secure environment for all participants.
This press conference marks the final phase of preparations for the session, which is poised to enhance Cameroon’s visibility and reaffirm its commitment to the values of dialogue, cooperation, and solidarity within the Francophone parliamentary community.
