Yaoundé reaffirms commitment to multilateralism at Francophonie assembly

Yaoundé, Cameroon, hosted the closing of the 51st Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie (APF), where a strong appeal was made for the defense of multilateralism and inter-state cooperation. The session concluded on July 11, 2026, with Cameroonian Senate President Aboubakary Abdoulaye addressing the assembled parliamentarians.

Abdoulaye urged Francophone parliamentarians to champion dialogue, cooperation, and solidarity in the face of escalating crises that are destabilizing the international order. He congratulated Nathalie Roy on her election as the new president of the APF and paid tribute to Hilarion Etong, the outgoing Cameroonian president, for his contributions to parliamentary dialogue.

The assembly's work centered on two main themes: multilateralism and state sovereignty, alongside climate change. Abdoulaye highlighted the challenges posed by ongoing conflicts, the erosion of international cooperation, and a deficit in climate solidarity. He called for the development of more inclusive and equitable cooperation mechanisms among Francophone nations.

Furthermore, Abdoulaye stressed the importance of effectively monitoring resolutions adopted by APF bodies, including the Francophone Youth Parliament and the Network of Women Parliamentarians. He expressed gratitude to the Cameroonian authorities and President Paul Biya for their support in hosting the event, reaffirming Cameroon's commitment to promoting the Francophonie and parliamentary diplomacy.