National Assembly 2026 June Session: Transparency In Mining, Land Reforms Take Centre Stage

The Right Honourable Datouo Theodore, Speaker of the National Assembly of Cameroon, officially opened the Second Ordinary Session for the 2026 legislative year on Tuesday June 9, 2026 in the Paul Biya Glass House, Ngoa-Ekelle, Yaounde. The session commenced under a veil of heavy mourning following the recent deaths of Emeritus Speaker, Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, alongside the pioneer President of the Senate, Marcel Niat Njifenji. 
In his opening address, Speaker Datouo urged lawmakers to prioritize peace and national unity while setting a rigorous legislative agenda to tackle mining transparency, land tenure disputes, and the upcoming 2027 Budget Policy Debate. 

In Remembrance Of …
The opening ceremony was marked by a solemn minute of silence observed by top state dignitaries, including the Prime Minister, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute, the President of the Constitutional Council, Clement Atangana, Senate President Aboubakary Abdoulaye, cabinet ministers and diplomatic corps. Speaker Datouo paid glowing tribute to the late Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, who served in the National Assembly for over half a century and led the House for 34 uninterrupted years. 
And Senator Niat Njifenji, whom he credited with consolidating the Senate's institutional framework with uncommon wisdom. Both statesmen received State funerals in May 2026 ordered by President Paul Biya. The House also mourned Honourable Mbe Assae Théodore Alexandre, the dedicated Chairman of the Committee on Economic Affairs.

Often Feel Disconnected 
Addressing domestic anxieties, the Speaker directly confronted public concerns regarding the country's rich mining sector. He noted that public debate is increasingly rife with questions about revenue collection, management, and redistribution, pointing out that citizens in mining areas often feel disconnected from the wealth extracted beneath them. 

Traceable Revenue Collection 
Datouo called on sector ministries to redouble efforts toward transparency and revenue traceability, warning that Parliament must enhance its oversight role. He similarly demanded meaningful reforms to correct "reprehensible practices" in land governance that continue to spark protracted property disputes despite legally established land certificates.

Diplomatic Milestones 
Shifting focus to national developments, the Speaker lauded Cameroon’s recent diplomatic achievements. He highlighted the successful hosting of the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation, WTO in Yaoundé in March 2026. The historic apostolic visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, whose message of reconciliation resonated deeply, particularly during his massive reception in the conflict-affected North West Region. Datouo tied these milestones to the strength of Cameroon’s national unity, celebrated during the 54th National Day on May 20, 2026.

APF General Assembly
Looking ahead, the Speaker announced that Cameroon will soon play host to hundreds of global lawmakers for the 51st General Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie, APF, to held under the patronage of President Paul Biya.

Policy Debates, 2027 State Budget
The June ordinary session of the National Assembly will also lay the groundwork for the State budget for the 2027 fiscal year through the upcoming Budget Policy Debate. Speaker Datouo concluded by encouraging parliamentarians to approach the policy debates with a spirit of responsibility and rigour. Ensuring that future public spending choices directly reflect the immediate needs of their constituents, including youth employment, the rising cost of living, and access to water and electricity.

Often Feel Disconnected