Organizers outline plans for Yaoundé’s major Francophonie event
The countdown has begun for the 51st session of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF), set to take place in Yaoundé in just two weeks. The national organizing committee, led by parliamentarian Hilarion Etong, has finalized preparations and shared key details at a press briefing.
Cameroon is preparing to welcome over 300 delegates, including parliamentary chamber leaders, young representatives, and high-profile figures from all APF regions: Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. Confirmed attendees already include Amelia Lakrafi, APF’s General Delegate, and Louise Mouchoukiwabo, Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie. With 275 registrations already recorded, the event is on track to surpass expectations.
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The organizing committee, established in early 2026 and chaired by Hilarion Etong—who also serves as APF President and first vice-president of Cameroon’s National Assembly—has mobilized 17 specialized subcommittees. These groups are handling every aspect of the event, from logistics to hospitality, with eight hotels of varying standards already booked to accommodate participants.
The conference will focus on two central themes: “Multilateralism and State Sovereignty” and “Francophone Parliaments Confronting Climate Change in a Shifting Global Landscape”. Under the first theme, delegates will discuss rising protectionism and ways Francophone nations can unite to combat terrorism, migration challenges, and democratic instability. The second theme will empower parliamentarians to translate climate agreements into enforceable national laws.
The program includes key meetings: the APF Bureau on July 7, 2026; youth and women’s parliamentary networks on July 8; an excursion to the Nachtigal site the same day; commission sessions on July 9; and the official opening on July 10. The assembly will conclude on July 11, 2026.
