Cameroon readies for 51st parliamentary assembly of la francophonie
Préparatifs de l’Assemblée Parlementaire de la Francophonie : Le Cameroun se mobilise
Le Cameroun se prépare à accueillir la 51ème Assemblée générale de l’APF en juillet 2026, avec des discussions diplomatiques et des préparatifs logistiques en cours.
Cameroon is diligently preparing to host its third significant international event of the year: the 51st General Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie (APF). Scheduled to take place in Yaoundé from July 7 to 12, 2026, this major gathering follows the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization and a visit from Pope Leo XIV, underscoring the nation’s growing prominence on the global stage. Diplomatic discussions and comprehensive logistical arrangements are currently in full swing.
In a crucial step towards these preparations, André-Magnus Ekoumou, Cameroon’s Ambassador to France, engaged in a significant audience with Théodore Datouo, the President of the country’s National Assembly. Their discussions primarily centered on assessing Cameroon’s readiness to host the upcoming APF General Assembly. Both officials conveyed strong confidence in the nation’s capability to successfully manage this ambitious undertaking, aligning with the strategic directives issued by President Paul Biya.
At the Cameroonian Embassy in France, specific protocols have been implemented to streamline the issuance of courtesy visas for all anticipated international delegations, ensuring smooth entry for participants.
During their meeting, President Datouo underscored the critical importance of strengthening parliamentary democracy within the nation. He also commended Ambassador Ekoumou for his dedicated efforts in supporting Cameroonians residing in France, particularly regarding their involvement in Promote 2026, a major business forum hosted at the Yaoundé Congress Palace.
Further discussions explored ongoing initiatives for establishing a parliamentary museum within the National Assembly. The President of the lower house conveyed his interest in leveraging French expertise for this project, specifically seeking shared experiences and best practices, while also emphasizing the crucial role of digitalization in the future museum’s development.
A significant item on the agenda for this session will be the election of a new Secretary-General for the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF). The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have emerged as the leading contenders from the African continent for this pivotal role.
