Inter-parliamentary Cooperation : Substantial Outcomes, Brighter Prospects

Parliamentary cooperation between Cameroon and international organisations like the Commonwealth, La Francophonie and the European Union, as well as bilateral collaboration with countries has produced encouraging outcomes. Legislature has been improved in several aspects, especially governance, which has had a direct impact on the living conditions of the people.
As concerns multilateral cooperation, Cameroon is a member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and has even occupied the position of Chairperson. In July 2023, the Parliament of Cameroon hosted the 18th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) Africa Region, under the theme, “African Parliaments and the Agenda 2063”. Sixteen resolutions were taken by legislators who met at the Yaounde Conference Centre with the objective of helping member countries attain local economic development at an even pace. The 16-point resolutions concerned four main areas including combating food security, mitigating the effects of climate change, ensuring the free movement of goods and persons across the continent and securing public trust. When these legislators come together, there is the sharing of experiences and the exchange of ideas on how best to tackle collective and individual challenges. In addition, the holding of prestigious positions within such an organisation gives Cameroon the pride of place to push forth certain advocacy on certain aspects that meet the aspirations of the people who voted them into the law making institution.
Recently (May 25-29, 2024), Cameroon hosted the 30th session of the Regional Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie, with the Speaker of the National Assembly and the President of the Senate respectively presiding at the opening and closing ceremonies. At the end of deliberat...