Cameroon hosts 51st APF session in Yaoundé with nearly 400 participants expected

The organising committee, led by its president deputy Hilarion Etong, provided an update on preparations and outlined the key highlights of the event during a press conference.

Cameroon is preparing to host the 51st session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie (APF) in two weeks. In the run-up to this major intercontinental gathering, the organising committee, composed of members from both chambers of the Cameroonian parliament, has revealed the main features of the event. Following a press conference held on Thursday, it emerged that the country expects more than 300 delegates, including about ten heads of parliamentary chambers and 80 young participants.

They are arriving from the four APF regions: Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. Among the distinguished guests expected are Amelia Lakrafi, the delegate general of the APF, and Louise Mouchoukiwabo, secretary general of the International Organisation of the Francophonie. The registration count has already reached 275 individuals.

The organising committee, established in January 2026, is hard at work and continues its mission. It is chaired by deputy Hilarion Etong, president of the Cameroonian section of the APF, president of the APF, and first vice-president of the National Assembly. Comprising members from the Senate and the National Assembly, the committee includes 17 subcommittees covering all aspects of organising this meeting. In terms of reception and accommodation, eight hotels of various standards have been booked.

The discussions will revolve around two main themes: ‘Multilateralism and State Sovereignty’ and ‘Francophone Parliaments Facing Climate Change in a Changing World in Search of Development’. On the first theme, participants will examine the rise of protectionism and the ability of francophone states to act collectively against terrorism, migration flows, and democratic instability. The second theme provides parliamentarians with an opportunity to voice their opinions and transform climate agreements into national laws.

The session programme includes a meeting of the APF bureau on 7 July 2026, followed by meetings of the youth network and the women parliamentarians network on 8 July. On the same day, members of the APF bureau will go on an excursion to Nachtigal. On 9 July, the four permanent commissions of the APF will hold meetings ahead of the formal opening of the session on 10 July. The proceedings will continue and conclude on Saturday, 11 July 2026.