16th CEMAC Heads of State Summit promises hope.

Initially scheduled for August 9, 2025, in Bangui, the extraordinary CEMAC summit was postponed until September at Gabon’s request to ensure the participation of all member States.

According to Gabonese President, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, the postponement was prompted by a busy diplomatic calendar in August, marked in particular by the celebration of numerous independence celebrations in the sub-region.

This decision aimed “to allow optimal and effective participation of all heads of member states,” ensuring a calm atmosphere for the consideration of the issues on the agenda.

A press release announcing the postponement had noted that “the rescheduling of the summit was to ensure institutional continuity and strengthen subregional economic and monetary integration”, particularly through the transfer of the rotating CEMAC presidency from the Central African Republic to the Republic of Congo.

Member States have been engaging in diplomatic and technical exchanges, with a focus on regional cohesion and stability. 

With virtually all participants viewing the gathering as a platform to reach concluding agreements on economic integration, at a time when CEMAC faces mounting public debt and a fragile recovery from global economic shocks.

Leaders are also deliberating on how to put in place mechanisms that will spur financial stability and regional growth, while projecting an image of unity.

The highlight of the summit is the symbolic handover of CEMAC’s rotating presidency, where Faustin Archange Touadéra of the Central African Republic will pass the torch to Congo’s Denis Sassou Nguesso, underscoring the bloc’s tradition of shared leadership.

Delayed Merger with CEEAC

Another principal point on their agenda is the long-postponed merger between CEMAC and the Economic Community of Central African States, CEEAC. 

This is a move that is viewed as having the potential of laying the foundation for a unified monetary and economic space in Central Africa. Originally slated for July, the project remains in limbo, though leaders insist progress will be made.

Observers said the absence of President Paul Biya, who is represented by the Minister of External Relations, Mbela Mbela, raises questions. 

The wise man of Africa, observers say, is known for giving direction in gatherings of such strategic importance. This is why they say his absence leaves a yawning gap and has fueled renewed debate about Cameroon’s future role in sub-regional governance.

Despite that, the Bangui summit is expected to produce key resolutions on economic governance, debt management, and producing a roadmap towards integration. The theme of the summit is: “Together for a dynamic and responsible sub region”.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3561 of Thursday September 11, 2025