Preparations in full swing as Yaoundé expects over 300 delegates from across the francophone world for the 51st session of the Assemblée Parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF).
Cameroon is set to welcome the 51st session of the APF in two weeks. During a press conference on Thursday, the organising committee, led by MP Hilarion Etong, provided an update on preparations and outlined the key aspects of this intercontinental event. The country anticipates more than 300 delegates, including around ten heads of parliamentary chambers and 80 young participants.
Attendees will come from the four APF regions: Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. Noteworthy figures expected include Amelia Lakrafi, the APF delegate general, and Louise Mouchoukiwabo, secretary general of the International Organisation of the Francophonie. Registration numbers have already reached 275 personalities.
The organising committee, established in January 2026, has been working diligently. Chaired by Hilarion Etong, who also serves as president of the Cameroon section of the APF, president of the APF, and first vice president of the National Assembly, the committee comprises members from both the Senate and the National Assembly. It includes 17 sub-committees covering all aspects of the event. For accommodation, eight hotels of various standards have been reserved.
The discussions will focus on two main themes: ‘Multilateralism and State Sovereignty’ and ‘Francophone Parliaments Facing Climate Change in a Changing World in Search of Development.’ Under the first theme, participants will explore the rise of protectionism and the capacity of francophone states to act collectively on issues like terrorism, migration flows, and democratic instability. The second theme offers parliamentarians an opportunity to voice their perspectives and translate climate agreements into national legislation.
The session agenda includes a meeting of the APF bureau on July 7, 2026, followed by meetings of the youth and women parliamentarians networks on July 8. That same day, APF bureau members will take an excursion to Nachtigal. On July 9, the four permanent APF commissions will meet ahead of the formal opening on July 10. The proceedings will continue and conclude on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
