The organizing committee, through its president, Member of Parliament Hilarion Etong, provided an update on preparations and outlined the major aspects of the upcoming event during a press briefing.

Cameroon is preparing to host the 51st session of the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie (APF) in just two weeks. Ahead of this significant intercontinental gathering, the organizing committee, composed of members from both chambers of the Cameroonian parliament, has unveiled the key details of the event. During a press conference held this Thursday, it was announced that the nation expects to welcome more than 300 delegates, including approximately ten heads of parliamentary chambers and 80 young participants.

Attendees will converge from the four distinct regions of the APF: the Africa zone, the Americas zone, the Asia-Pacific zone, and the Europe zone. Among the distinguished personalities anticipated are Amelia Lakrafi, the APF’s Secretary General, and Louise Mushikiwabo, the Secretary General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF). Registration figures currently show 275 individuals confirmed for participation.

The organizing committee, which commenced its operations in January 2026, is diligently working to fulfill its mission. It is chaired by MP Hilarion Etong, who also serves as the president of the Cameroonian section of the APF, the president of the APF, and the first vice-president of the National Assembly. Comprising members from both the Senate and the National Assembly, the committee is structured into 17 sub-committees, each dedicated to a specific aspect of the meeting’s organization. For delegate reception and accommodation, eight hotels of varying standards have been secured.

The substantive discussions will revolve around two critical themes: “Multilateralism and State Sovereignty” and “Francophone Parliaments Confronting Climate Change in a Changing World Seeking Development.” Pertaining to the first theme, participants will engage in dialogue concerning the rise of protectionism and the collective capacity of Francophone states to address challenges such as terrorism, migratory flows, and democratic instability. The second theme offers parliamentarians a vital platform to voice their perspectives and facilitate the integration of climate agreements into national legislation.

The session’s agenda includes an APF Bureau meeting scheduled for July 7, 2026, followed by gatherings of the youth network and women parliamentarians network on July 8. On the same day, members of the APF Bureau will embark on an excursion to Nachtigal. July 9 will see meetings of the four permanent APF commissions, preceding the solemn opening of the session on July 10. The proceedings are set to continue, concluding on Saturday, July 11, 2026.