Fifty years ties with La Francophonie: Stakeholders reflect on challenges, perspectives of bilateral relations.

The symposium is part of activities to mark the 2026 edition of National Francophonie Week.

The two-day symposium, holding at the International Relations Institute of Cameroon, IRIC, began Thursday, March 11. 

The Minister of External Relations, Mbella Mbella, in the presence of the Minister of Youth and Civic Education, Mounouna Foutsou, and a host of other officials, opened the symposium. 

The colloquium, which brings together representatives of institutions, lecturers, experts and observers, is serving as an opportunity to examine the cooperative relationship between Cameroon and La Francophonie since the country became a member in November 1975. 

The minister said key aspects of the assessment will be peace and security. Noting that the Francophonie cooperation also goes beyond the cultural and economic thresholds, the member of government said the organisation has played important role in the security and stability, which can be canceled out in the environment of no peace. 

These, he said, aligns with vision President Biya passed down to the government for implementation through the National Development Strategy, NDS 2030. 

“We therefore want La Francophonie to be able to make a contribution, however modest, and to support us in the economic sphere. Another aspect, the cultural aspect, is not to be ignored or set aside,” Mbella Mbella said. 

The minister urged the stakeholders to place particular attention on the economic aspects, as the country gears up to host the 14th Conference of Ministers of the World Trade Organization, from the 26th to the 29th. 

“If the world comes to Yaounde, it is to promote everything related to the economic and trade aspects for concrete benefits for the various populations of our responsible states,” he sounded. 

While acknowledging major role politics plays in international cooperation and the life of each state, he said the economy must be at the center of everything to improve the conditions of their populations.

Historic & political dimension

According to Dr Stéphane Mbono, Academic Director of the global French-speaking community known as Chaires Senghor at IRIC, who doubles as focal point for organising activities at IRIC, the two-day gathering has a historic and political dimension.

“Over these two days, we will therefore take a retrospective look at the political and even historical dimensions of the organization, as well as the economic aspects and the aspects of youth and innovation that are at the heart of the construction of the Francophonie,” Dr Mbono said. 

He added that “it will clearly be a matter of taking stock without compromise, an essentially critical assessment”. 

The IRIC lecturer further pointed that artificial intelligence has now become an indispensable tool in today’s society, mobilizing the major powers and enormous sums of money to develop this sector.

“We need to be able to take stock of this technological innovation so that it can be beneficial for the country, for young people, and for women,” he added.

The article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3730 of Friday March 13, 2026