PARLIAMENTARY DIPLOMACY

Cameroon Parliament Showcases Commonwealth Engagement During Open Door Day

Cameroon Parliament Showcases Commonwealth Engagement During Open Door Day

The Cameroon National Assembly on Friday, 6 March 2026, hosted a Commonwealth Parliamentary Open Door Day, an initiative aimed at strengthening public awareness of the values, programmes and opportunities offered through the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

The event, organised in line with Commonwealth parliamentary traditions, was chaired by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Muyali Mary epse Meboka, who presided on behalf of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, currently on an official mission to Turkey.

Held within the parliamentary precincts, the open-door initiative brought together Members of Parliament, Senators and parliamentary staff for an informative exchange highlighting the shared heritage of Commonwealth legislatures and the benefits available to member states such as Cameroon. The programme featured presentations and discussions on how parliamentarians, parliamentary staff and citizens can better leverage Commonwealth platforms in areas including governance, education, youth engagement and democratic development.

Speaking during the deliberations, Hon. Tabot Lawson Bokia, Member of Parliament for Meme and Secretary of the National Assembly Bureau, underscored the professional opportunities available through Commonwealth institutions. He noted that parliamentary staff could benefit from specialised training programmes offered by Commonwealth-affiliated universities in Ghana and Nigeria, which are designed to deepen understanding of parliamentary practice and the broader objectives of the Commonwealth.

The event also saw the participation of members of the Commonwealth parliamentary family from Cameroon’s Upper House, including Senator Otte Andrew and Senator Fon Chafah Isaac, reflecting the bicameral commitment of Cameroon’s Parliament to Commonwealth cooperation.

Addressing the press at the close of the programme, Deputy Speaker Muyali Mary epse Meboka described the open-door session as an important platform for public enlightenment on the role of the Commonwealth in parliamentary development.

She explained that the meeting served as an exchange forum intended to help citizens better understand the functioning of the Commonwealth and, in particular, the work of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association within national legislatures.

“The objective was essentially an informative exchange so that people can better understand what the Commonwealth is about, especially as it concerns Parliament and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association,” she stated.

The Deputy Speaker further emphasised that the Commonwealth remains a credible international organisation that has continued to support Cameroon’s democratic consolidation, particularly through initiatives that promote the rule of law, parliamentary strengthening and youth empowerment.

According to her, young Cameroonians and educational institutions are encouraged to explore the various opportunities offered through Commonwealth programmes, including training, academic exchanges and leadership development initiatives.

She added that a wealth of information on these opportunities is readily accessible through official Commonwealth platforms, urging citizens to take advantage of the benefits available to Cameroon as a member of the global association.

The Open Door Day formed part of ongoing efforts by the Cameroon Parliament to foster transparency, deepen public engagement and reinforce the country’s active participation within the Commonwealth parliamentary community.