Senegal’s newly elected National Assembly President Ousmane Sonko is set to attend the 51st annual Francophonie Parliamentary Assembly (APF) session in Yaoundé from July 7 to 12, 2026.

Following his recent election as President of Senegal’s National Assembly, Sonko will make his first official diplomatic appearance abroad in Cameroon. The event marks a significant moment for Senegal’s reintegration into high-level APF discussions, where the country holds a pivotal role within the interparliamentary organization.

The upcoming session in Yaoundé promises intense scrutiny of Sonko’s diplomatic debut. Political observers anticipate his interactions with fellow delegates from across the Francophone world as one of the key highlights of the event. As Senegal prepares to reclaim its position at the forefront of APF activities, Sonko’s participation is expected to set the tone for the country’s future engagement in regional governance.

Local organizers in Cameroon have spared no effort in preparing for this major international gathering. Under the leadership of Hilarion Etong, Vice-President of Cameroon’s National Assembly and head of the local organizing committee, the 51st APF session will feature a packed program combining high-level diplomacy with youth involvement.

The event will coincide with the 11th Francophone Youth Parliament (PFJ), which kicks off on July 6. By hosting both the Youth Parliament and the main APF session simultaneously, Cameroon and the APF are sending a powerful message about the importance of youth inclusion in governance and democratic debate. For a week, young delegates from multiple continents will engage in simulated parliamentary debates within Yaoundé’s legislative chambers, running parallel to the official sessions of senior parliamentarians. With Senegal’s shifting political dynamics under Sonko and the future challenges championed by the youth, the Yaoundé session is shaping up to be a historic milestone for the Francophone community.