The shortened calendar of Cameroon’s parliamentary sessions has come under scrutiny from journalist Guibai Gatama. The current framework, which allocates just three 30-day sessions annually, raises serious questions about the National Assembly’s ability to fulfill its constitutional obligations effectively.
According to Gatama, the existing structure falls far short of what is needed to address pressing national challenges. With sessions often lasting barely half their allocated time—around 15 days per cycle—lawmakers have limited opportunities to scrutinize government actions, debate legislation, or connect with citizens’ concerns.
In an era when Cameroon faces complex political, economic, and social dynamics, the journalist highlights the urgency of reforming the legislative calendar. The current pace, he argues, keeps the Assembly disconnected from the realities of the country, undermining its role as a pillar of democratic governance.
A comparative analysis reveals stark contrasts with regional peers. In Chad, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire, parliaments operate for eight to nine months annually, while Nigeria’s legislature functions nearly year-round. These examples underscore the need for Cameroon to adopt a more robust parliamentary schedule to enhance oversight and legislative efficiency.
Time for reform: extending parliamentary sessions in Cameroon
Gatama’s call for reform is rooted in a broader critique of the Assembly’s perceived detachment from national priorities. By limiting sessions to just three brief cycles per year, the institution risks failing in its mission to represent citizens, hold the executive accountable, and pass timely laws.
The journalist proposes a two-fold solution: increasing the number of sessions and extending their duration. Such changes would allow lawmakers to delve deeper into policy discussions, engage more meaningfully with constituents, and ensure that legislative output aligns with the needs of the population. A reformed calendar, he suggests, could restore public trust in the Assembly’s ability to tackle Cameroon’s most pressing issues.
By aligning its practices with those of neighboring countries, Cameroon’s legislature could strengthen its democratic foundations and better serve the nation’s evolving challenges.
