Yaounde: 51st La Francophonie Parliamentary Assembly wraps up with calls for dialogue, climate action.

Hosted by Cameroon’s bicameral Parliament, the event also featured the 11th Session of the Francophone Youth Parliament and meetings of the Association of Secretaries General of Francophone Parliaments. 

Speaking during the opening ceremony on July 10, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Cameroon, the Rt Hon Théodore Datouo, said the presence of delegates reflects the confidence that the APF places in the Cameroonian Parliament, built over the years on cooperation, mutual esteem and shared commitment to Francophone values. 

Datouo pointed the two principal themes of the plenary session, multilateralism and State sovereignty, as well as climate change in a Francophone space seeking development and solidarity.

He said the two issues were closely linked because they both require international cooperation while respecting national sovereignty. 

Citing President Paul Biya’s position on international cooperation, Datouo said Cameroon remains committed to dialogue, consultation and cooperation among nations.

Climate & peace dominate discussions

The Speaker also stressed that parliamentary institutions have a responsibility to help address environmental challenges affecting populations across the world.

“The countries most vulnerable to climate change continue to expect concrete action, more effective financing mechanisms and strengthened international solidarity. Climate solidarity cannot remain a simple principle. It must become a reality,” Datouo stated. 

He said climate change is among the greatest challenges facing humanity and that responses could only succeed through collective action and international cooperation. 

Datouo added that environmental issues directly affect water access, public health, biodiversity and economic stability. He also underscored the importance of peace in achieving development objectives.

“There can be no shared prosperity without peace. Peace is not only a universal aspiration. It is the primary condition for development and the foundation of lasting cooperation between peoples,” he stated.

APF President reflects on two-year mandate

For APF President Hilarion Etong, the Yaounde session marked the conclusion of a two-year mandate that began in Montreal in 2024 and ended with the transfer of leadership to Quebec National Assembly President, Nathalie Roy.

Etong said participants have a common conviction that the French language remains a living force and that parliamentary dialogue continues to help bring peoples together. 

“In a world marked by fractures, your decision to come to Yaounde means that parliamentary Francophonie continues to choose dialogue, solidarity and shared discussion. Our Assembly remains a space where parliamentarians from different political, geographical and cultural backgrounds still accept to speak to one another and seek paths to peace,” Etong said. 

He said the APF under his tenure, strengthened its political role, expanded parliamentary diplomacy initiatives and reinforced cooperation with international and regional organisations. He also cited efforts to promote multilingualism, cultural diversity and dialogue in conflict situations. 

“We wanted to give the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie a stronger voice, greater visibility and a more concrete capacity for action in the major debates of the contemporary world. We strengthened parliamentary diplomacy and multiplied dialogue initiatives during a period marked by crises and transitions,” Etong said. 

He added that the future of La Francophonie would largely be shaped in Africa and called for cooperation based on mutual respect and sovereignty.

“The future of the Francophonie cannot be built through dependency or sterile confrontation. It must be built through respect for our sovereignties, mutual listening and a renewed relationship between Francophone peoples,” Etong stated. 

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