La Francophonie lawmakers leave Yaounde with calls for unity, peace.

At the end of the gathering, some delegates shared their reactions stressing on parliamentary diplomacy, African-led solutions to African challenges, youth engagement and the need for collective action in addressing global issues.

According to the head of the Moroccan delegation, Hassan Benomar, the North African country travelled to Yaounde to strengthen ties within the Francophone community.

Speaking on Morocco’s position, Benomar said African nations should remain at the centre of efforts to resolve their concerns.

“We defend the principle of non-interference. Africa belongs to Africans. When issues arise, we must be able to resolve them among ourselves and not allow others to take our place in dealing with African affairs,” Benomar noted.

Parliamentary diplomacy in focus

On his part, the head of the Belgian delegation, Benoît Dispa, said parliamentary diplomacy can create opportunities for dialogue even in situations where tensions persist between countries. 

He noted that parliamentarians can help maintain communication channels and encourage peaceful solutions.

“I hope the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie will be able to take positions, including on difficult subjects. Parliamentary diplomacy sometimes allows for more discreet but perhaps more effective dialogue between nations. On challenges such as those affecting the Great Lakes region, it has an important role to play,” Dispa said. 

For Cameroonian Senator, Nicole Okala, the Francophonie should go beyond a shared language and serve as a platform for development, peace and climate action.

“The Francophonie must be the bond that unites all those who speak French. Together we can think about peace, development and climate change. Alone we cannot do everything, but together we can achieve remarkable results,” Okala stated.

On her part, the head of Monaco’s delegation, Marie Hugonnet Grisoul, said discussions within the APF’s commissions had covered conflicts affecting different parts of the world and possible responses from Francophone countries.

She said one of her main expectations was for delegates to return home with a renewed commitment to cooperation.

“The role of the Francophonie is sharing and dialogue. It allows peoples to continue discussing issues when governments have not found solutions, and that is one of the strengths of this assembly,” she said.

The president of the French section and vice-president of the APF, Dieynaba Diop, said delegates had come to Yaounde determined to defend multilateralism at a time when it is being challenged internationally. 

She also stressed the growing importance of artificial intelligence and the contribution of young people to the future of the Francophone community.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3846 of Monday July 13, 2026