Yaoundé, Cameroon — July 15, 2026 — In a landmark decision, Nathalie Roy has been elected as the new president of the Assembly of the Francophonie (APF), marking a transition from outgoing president Hilarion Etong.
The election, which took place during the concluding ceremony of the 51st session of the APF, was held at the iconic Paul Biya Glass Palace in Cameroon, as noted by Radio France internationale.
The 51st session of the APF, spanning from June 6 to July 11, 2026, brought together over 300 parliamentarians from 42 sections of national parliaments across the five continents.
The APF, established in 1967, serves as a platform for political debate and collaboration among member states, with a focus on cultural and linguistic diversity, as well as democratic governance. Roy, who currently serves as the President of the National Assembly of Quebec, represents a commitment to continuity and cooperation between parliaments. Etong’s presidency, which concluded with the transfer of the presidency to Roy, was in line with the organization’s institutional rules promoting rotation among different sections of the Francophonie, ensuring diversity and inclusiveness in governance.
The Yaoundé session was significant, with participants engaging in discussions on various issues pertinent to the francophone world.
The APF, with its membership of 99 countries from parliaments or interparliamentary organizations globally, operates primarily in French, the shared language of its member states.
As Roy begins her tenure, the francophone community and beyond will be watching to see how her presidency will influence the relationship between the APF and its member states. Questions about her specific actions and initiatives as the new leader of the APF are likely to be addressed in the coming weeks.
The APF’s historical focus on cultural and linguistic matters has expanded to include a more prominent role in promoting democratic governance among its member states, and Roy’s presidency may herald a new chapter in these efforts.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Agpgabon
Source: Redaction
