The Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Théodore Datouo, has called on Cameroonians to defend the integrity of republican institutions following the circulation of fake presidential decrees.
Delivering his closing address at the end of Parliament’s June session on Wednesday, 8 July, Hon. Datouo condemned the forgery of the President’s signature and the attempted broadcast of the fake decrees on the national broadcaster, describing the incident as a “serious affront” to State institutions. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and exercise discernment in the face of misinformation. Rather than allowing such incidents to dominate public attention, the Speaker called on citizens to focus on national priorities, notably the ongoing Fourth General Population and Housing Census and the Agriculture and Livestock Census, describing them as essential tools for evidence-based planning and national development.
He also encouraged eligible Cameroonians, particularly young people, to register on the electoral roll before the end of August, saying broad citizen participation remains the bedrock of a credible democracy.
The appeal came as the National Assembly concluded its second ordinary session of the 2026 legislative year after 30 days of legislative business. The Speaker praised Members of Parliament for their constructive examination of the government’s Budget Policy Paper, which sets the broad fiscal and economic direction for the 2027 State budget, and said the quality of debate reflected healthy collaboration between the Executive and the Legislature. He also commended members of government for participating in three question-and-answer sessions during which MPs raised 14 oral questions to eight ministers, including the Prime Minister. According to him, such exchanges remain an essential mechanism for parliamentary oversight and democratic accountability.
The session closed as Cameroon continues to host the 51st General Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly La Francophonie, bringing together hundreds of parliamentarians and youth delegates from across the Francophone world for a series of meetings in Yaounde.
Claudette Chin
