The 44th Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie was held in Yaounde last weekend. In his opening address, Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute praised the “dynamic” cooperation between Cameroon and the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF). "Over the years, the relationship between these two historic partners [Cameroon and La Francophonie] has been diversified and strengthened on several levels," said Joseph Dion Ngute (photo).

On the political front, the Cameroonian head of government points out that this dynamism is a fact, as Cameroon has taken part in all the OIF’s statutory meetings. Joseph Dion Ngute adds that his country can pride itself on having already received visits from all OIF secretaries-general: Egypt's Boutros Boutros-Ghali in 1996, Senegal's Abdou Diouf in 2005, Canada's Michaëlle Jean in 2015 and Rwanda's Louise Mushikiwabo in 2019.

He also commended La Francophonie's contribution to the advancement of democracy in Cameroon, emphasizing the organization's longstanding commitment to fostering democratic values globally. "The OIF provides support to states and national institutions in their endeavors to revise constitutional and legal frameworks, and bolsters the governance of public institutions. Additionally, it advocates for the development of parliamentary activities and the cultivation of a democratic culture," the organization highlights in its annual reports. 

In Cameroon, La Francophonie has played a pivotal role in establishing the Constitutional Council and in facilitating the smooth conduct of elections, thereby contributing to the maintenance of a peaceful democratic environment. The organization has also been actively engaged in seeking solutions for peace in the conflict-affected North-West and South-West (Noso) regions, as Cameroon reveals.

Prime Minister Dion Ngute also revealed that the cooperation with La Francophonie resulted in the construction of several basic infrastructures in local communities and the implementation of projects like  PDTIE, a sustainable development and poverty reduction program implemented by La Francophonie in Cameroon and Congo. 

Michel Ange Nga