As the National Assembly ends proceedings for the March session today, it is worth noting that it has been marked by intense discussions and deliberations, with the examination and adoption of several key bills aimed at addressing pressing national issues.
Work has been intense at the Paul Biya Glass House these past weeks, with Members of the august Chamber scrutinizing and adopting bills as well as getting responses for diverse worries from members of the government. Amongst the bills was that to authorise the President of the Republic to ratify the agreement between the government of the republic of Cameroon and the government of the Tunisian Republic on the reciprocal abolition of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, special or service passports, signed in Yaounde on 27 April 2024. It was defended that the entry into force of the legal instrument could boost trade between Cameroon and Tunisia and stimulate Cameroon’s economic growth.
A similar bill signed on June 2024, this time between Cameroon and South Korea sought reciprocal exemption of visa requirements. Worthy of note is the fact that bilateral relations between both countries date back to 1961 and cooperation is visible in the domains of health, higher education and vocational training. Besides boosting trade between the two countries, the ratification of this instrument would facilitate Cameroon’s access to Korean markets, ranked as the world’s 13th largest economy.
Bills No.2076/PJL/AN and 2075 for their part concerned the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of income tax evasion, signed between Cameroon and the Czech Republic and China respectively. The minister of Finance, Louis Paul Motaze, defended the bills examined by the Foreign affairs Committee headed by Hon. Banmi Emmanuel. Bill no. 2081to authorise the president of the republic to ratify the amendment to article 10(4) of the revised constitution of the African civil aviation commission adopted in Adis Ababa in 2017 was defended by Ngalle Bibehe, Minister of Transport.
Throughout the session, MPs displayed remarkable commitment, engaging in lengthy debates and consultations with members of government and other stakeholders. They addressed various challenges, including public health crises, economic instability, and educational disparities. The discourse was not without contention, as differing viewpoints emerged on the best approaches to tackle these issues, reflecting the dynamic nature of governance in the country.
As the session ends, the adoption of these bills signals a proactive approach by the National Assembly to implement changes that resonate with the needs of the people. MPs have reiterated their commitment to transparency and accountability, promising to continue engaging with citizens to refine and improve legislative initiatives.
Claudette Chin
