At close of June Session: Speaker sounds alarm over rising social violence.

Datouo made the call during closing of the second Ordinary Session of the 2026 Legislative Year in Yaounde Wednesday. 

The plenary sitting marked the end of a month-long session characterised by scrutiny of government action and debates aimed at shaping the 2027 Finance Bill.

The President of the Swiss National Council, Pierre-André Page, Prime Minister, Head of Government, Dr Chief Joseph Dion Ngute, state officials, diplomats and others guests attended the closing session. 

The House Speaker said MPs had, during the just ended session, fully exercised their constitutional responsibilities through oral questions addressed to government officials and examined the Budget Policy Paper. 

Datouo noted that three plenary sittings were dedicated to question time, during which 14 questions were put to eight members of government, including the Prime Minister. 

He commended both MPs and government officials for the constructive exchanges aimed at strengthening accountability and improving public action. 

Datouo also stressed the importance of the Budget Policy Paper, a key instrument for preparing the future Finance Bill and ensuring effective cooperation between the executive and legislative branches.

Zoom on burning national issues 

Addressing recent national developments, Datouo strongly condemned the circulation of fake presidential decrees, including a falsified document that purportedly announced major appointments within the state apparatus. 

He warned that such acts undermine public institutions and called on citizens to verify information before sharing.

“The President’s signature symbolises the continuity of the State. Hence, usurping it or tampering with it constitutes a serious affront to the very foundation of republican institutions. The National Assembly decries and strongly condemns such reprehensible acts,” Datouo stated. 

He used the occasion to encourage citizens to participate fully in the ongoing Fourth General Population and Housing Census as well as the Agriculture and Livestock Census currently taking place across the country. 

Datouo said reliable statistical data would enable authorities to better plan development programmes and adapt public policies to demographic and social realities.

The House Speaker further urged citizens, particularly young people who have reached voting age, to register on electoral rolls before the end of August and take an active role in democratic life. 

Concern over rising violence

He also expressed concern over recent cases of femicide and infanticide reported across the country. According to Datouo, family disputes and personal difficulties should never result in the loss of human life. He further called for collective action and greater responsibility from families, communities and institutions. 

“I hereby appeal to all and sundry to act responsibly, have greater recourse to dialogue in family circles, vigilance at community level and to republican institutions so that our society will continue to respect human dignity and the sacred nature of human life,” Datouo underscored.

51^st La Francophonie assembly

On the international front, the Speaker welcomed delegates attending the 51^st General Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie, APF, currently taking place in Yaounde. 

He noted that the gathering has brought together hundreds of delegates and youth representatives from across the Francophone world. This, he said, reflects the country’s growing role in parliamentary diplomacy and international cooperation.

Before declaring the June session closed, Datouo wished pupils and students productive holidays and invited parliamentarians and foreign delegations to attend the solemn opening ceremony of the APF General Assembly scheduled for July 10, in Yaounde. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3842 of Thursday July 09, 2026