The organising committee, led by its president MP Hilarion Etong, provided an update on preparations and outlined the main highlights of the event during a press conference.
Cameroon is set to host the 51st session of the Assemblée parlementaire de la francophonie (APF) in two weeks. Ahead of this major intercontinental event, the organising committee, composed of members from both chambers of the Cameroonian parliament, revealed the key aspects of the gathering. Following a press conference on Thursday, it emerged that the country expects over 300 delegates, including about ten heads of parliamentary chambers and 80 young participants.
They come from the four APF regions: Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. Among the expected dignitaries are Amelia Lakrafi, APF General Delegate, and Louise Mouchoukiwabo, Secretary General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie. The registration count has already reached 275 personalities.
The organising committee, established in January 2026, has been hard at work and continues its mission. It is chaired by MP Hilarion Etong, president of the Cameroonian section of the APF, APF president, and first vice-president of the National Assembly. Comprising members from the Senate and the National Assembly, it includes 17 sub-committees covering all areas related to the organisation of this meeting. For hospitality and accommodation, eight hotels of various standards have been booked.
The sessions will revolve around two major themes: ‘Multilateralism and State Sovereignty’ and ‘Francophone Parliaments Facing Climate Change in a Changing World in Search of Development’. Regarding the first theme, participants will discuss the rise of protectionism and the ability of Francophone states to act together against terrorism, migratory flows, or democratic instability. As for the second theme, it gives parliamentarians an opportunity to make their voices heard and turn 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 women parliamentarians on 8 July. On the same day, APF Bureau members will go on an excursion to Nachtigal. On 9 July, the four permanent commissions of the APF will hold meetings before the formal opening of the session on 10 July. Work will continue and conclude on Saturday 11 July 2026.
