At close of November session: MPs call for ‘responsible’ execution of 2026 State Budget.

They made the remarks shortly after the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Rt Hon Cavaye Yeguié Djibril, presided the closing closing ceremony. 

Cavaye in his address hailed the work carried out during the 30-day sitting, during which seven bills were examined and adopted.

“I express my deep satisfaction with fellow Members of the National Assembly and our close aides who ensured the Finance Bill was scrutinised and passed. Congratulations to all for their professionalism during this short but decisive period,” Hon Cavaye stated.

Speaking to reporters after the session, MPs highlighted the need for transparent implementation, decentralisation-driven delivery, and timely execution of projects earmarked across the country for the coming financial year.

Peace, social priorities

Hon Manfouo David said the session was marked by political tensions surrounding the elections, but stressed that the President’s call for unity, reconciliation and peace remained central.

“We must be relays of this culture of peace everywhere in our country,” he said. Hon Manfouo pointed to the budget’s 14% increase, from that of 2025 as significant in a global crisis context.

“The budget is ambitious. Each year must take us step by step towards emergence,” he concluded. 

Push for administrative reorganisation

For Hon Aka Martin Tyoga of Akwaya, the session reinforced the need to reorganise Cameroon’s administrative map to improve local development. He said his sub-division, with 150,000 inhabitants, was too large to function effectively.

“Decentralisation does not need big sub-divisions. It needs units where development can reach the people. The civil map must be re-organised to ensure development reaches the grassroots,” Hon Aka said.

Infrastructure, health & education priorities

For Manyu Division, Hon Teku Tanyi Teku of Eyumojock said the 30-day session was intense, with MPs fighting to secure development projects in their constituencies. 

He said the outcome of the budgetary discussions were positive for his constituency, noting allocations for road rehabilitation, health services and school reconstruction.

He highlighted allocations for the reconstruction of the Mamfe Hospital destroyed in past unrest, rehabilitation of the Kumba-Mamfe Road, electrification projects using solar power, and the rebuilding of schools that had not functioned for up to eight years.

On ensuring project delivery, he urged vote holders to award contracts in good time.

“Sometimes they say they lack contractors. But if tenders are launched early, projects will be completed and funds will reach the field. Vote holders must ensure allocations go to the end so that projects are delivered,” Hon Teku Tanyi underscored.

Youth, women empowerment 

Hon Dr Fonge Julius of Kupe Muanenguba II constituency said the session was action-packed, especially for first-time MPs who witnessed the presidential swearing-in. 

Speaking on the budget, he noted the rise from over FCFA 7,000 billion to over FCFA 8,000 billion and stressed the need for effective management.

“This budget has to benefit the Cameroonian people, especially the youth and women. If these allocations are applied effectively, Cameroon will have a new face by next year,” he said.

On her part, Hon Injoh Prudencia of Momo East speaking on the FCFA 50 billion special allocation for youth women, she said empowerment remained essential for economic stability. 

“I am very impressed. When women are empowered, homes become stable and the country moves forward. We must ensure the budget is used judiciously. Parliamentary oversight is key,” she stated.

Hon Injoh further described the session as historic, citing the land tenure bill presented to address recurrent land disputes linked to double sales and poor regulation.

“If this law is rigorously followed, order will be restored in land matters in our country,” the MP for Momo East said.

Calls for national cohesion, effective spending

Hon Edward Lambe Adamu of Donga Mantung East constituency said the session captured several concerns raised by the Head of State during his swearing-in, including peace and national cohesion.

“The Speaker of the National Assembly says that we should be ambassadors of peace in our constituencies, we also call on other Cameroonians to help us in one way or the other,” he stated.

He added that: “We are happy the budget has gone up compared to other years. We have taken on some debts, but no country can live without debts. What matters is that the funds are used correctly.”

On the death of politician Anicet Ekane, he said authorities had explained that the deceased had been under intensive medical care.

“It's unfortunate our brother passed on and that he happened to have passed on while in custody,” the MP said.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3645 of Thursday December 04, 2025