Cameroon is putting the final touches on preparations to host the 51st general assembly of the Francophonie Parliamentary Assembly (APF), scheduled to take place in Yaoundé from July 7 to 12, 2026. This high-profile international event follows the 14th WTO ministerial conference and the recent visit of Pope Leo XIV, marking Cameroon’s third major diplomatic gathering in recent months.
In a key meeting at the National Assembly in Yaoundé, National Assembly President Théodore Datouo received Cameroon’s Ambassador to France, André-Magnus Ekoumou, to assess the country’s readiness for the upcoming assembly. The discussions underscored the government’s confidence in successfully organizing the event, aligning with the strategic vision outlined by President Paul Biya.
To ensure smooth participation, Cameroon’s embassy in France has implemented streamlined processes for issuing courtesy visas to all arriving delegations. During the meeting, Datouo emphasized the importance of strengthening parliamentary democracy and praised Ekoumou’s efforts in supporting Cameroonians in France, particularly in facilitating their involvement in Promote 2026, the major business forum set to take place at the Yaoundé Congress Palace.
Another key topic was the ongoing initiative to establish a parliamentary museum within the National Assembly. Datouo highlighted the potential for collaboration with French institutions to incorporate digital innovation and best practices into the museum’s development.
The assembly will also feature a critical vote to elect the next Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda emerging as leading African candidates.
