Members of parliament have resumed duties on Friday, 11th March 2022 in Yaounde, this as the March session kicks-off with several burning issues at hand.
The 2022 March session of parliament officially resumed on Friday, 11th at the Yaounde conference where activities of the national assembly take place.
The opening session was chaired by Honourable Laurentine Koa Fegue Mbede, eldest member of the national assembly. As underscored in the texts governing the parliament, the eldest member alongside the two youngest MPs of the national assembly will chair discussions while waiting for the elective plenary session.
Honourable Laurentine Koa Fegue Mbede took opportunity of the ceremony attended by Prime Minister, Head of Government, Secretary General at the Presidency of the Republic, government officials and many other dignitaries, to express dismay on the murder of Ekondo Titi’s sub divisional officer alongside the mayor and other citizens on March 2, 2022 this as the crisis in the North-West and South-West regions keeps alarming. In the same occasion, she expressed sadness about the Olembe stadium stampede that took place during the 33rd edition of the African cup of nations, AFCON.
The current chair of the lower house of parliament also seized the occasion to highlight the positive notes scored by Cameroon during the organization of the just ended AFCON that gathered 24 countries in various major towns of the country. She praised the prowess of captain Vincent Aboubakar who with team mates honoured the flag of Cameroon.
The hosting by Cameroon of the traditional international economic and business fair dubbed Promote was raised by Honourable Koa Fegue Mbede. Just as the international women’s day celebrated in grand style on March 8th 2022 through a parade after threats from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In her key address, the eldest member of parliament browse over saillent issues affecting Cameroonians in the country and those living abroad like in Ukraine where the war has escalated.
She said there is a growing concern about those who are entangled in the battle between the Russia Federation and the republic of Ukraine.
“I would like as a mother, wife and representative of the nation, to add my voice to those of members of the national assembly of Cameroon and appeal to the leaders of Russia and Ukraine to call for a cease-fire and to open negotiations in order to do the needful in the interest of their respective countries.” Honourable Koa Fegue Mbede said.
Moreover, she said: “As for our compatriots who are trapped in the war in Ukraine, they should rest assured that we share their pain and do piously hope that the government of Cameroon will do everything to get them out of their predicament.”
Still on international issues but on a positive note, she outlined the fact that the national assembly has during the intersession period, actively participated in activities organized by the parliamentary association of la Francophonie, APF.
She said deputy speaker at the national assembly, Honourable Hilarion Etong represented the lower house during deliberation that took place in Gabon while Honourable Lydienne Epoube, as vice-president of the female network of AFP was in Niamey, Niger’s capital city in order to carry the voice of Cameroonian MPs.
For more than 30 days, lawmakers will scrutinize new bills and by the way reflect on socio-economic and political issues that affect Cameroon at large.
Elise Kenimbeni
