By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Calls for sweeping reforms in Cameroon’s mining and land tenure sectors dominated the opening of the June 2026 parliamentary session, as House Speaker of the National Assembly, Right Hon. Theodore Datouo, urged lawmakers and government officials to address issues that continue to fuel public concern.
Opening the month-long session in Yaounde on June 9, House Speaker painted a broad picture of the challenges confronting Cameroonians, ranging from the rising cost of living and youth unemployment to access to quality education, healthcare, potable water, electricity, and modern infrastructure.
He noted that while Parliament must remain attentive to all these concerns, the mining and land sectors have emerged as particularly pressing issues in recent public discourse.
Unlocking the Promise of Mineral Wealth
Hon. Datouo described Cameroon’s mineral-rich subsoil as a strategic asset capable of accelerating economic growth, creating jobs, expanding infrastructure, and driving the structural transformation of the national economy.
Yet, despite the sector’s vast potential, questions persist over how mining revenues are collected, managed, and redistributed. In many mining communities, residents continue to feel disconnected from the wealth extracted from their lands, a situation that has generated frustration and heightened calls for greater accountability.
“The issue of mining has become increasingly sensitive and cannot be ignored,” the Speaker stressed.
He called on government ministries and public institutions responsible for the sector to strengthen transparency mechanisms, improve oversight, ensure traceability of revenues, and guarantee that communities hosting mining activities benefit more directly from the economic gains generated.
According to Hon. Datouo, Parliament also has a key role to play through legislation and oversight. He urged stakeholders to reflect on reforms that would allow the country to maximise returns from its mineral resources while safeguarding the interests of local populations.
Land Ownership and Legal Security Under Scrutiny
The Speaker also turned attention to land governance, describing land certificates as the foundation of legal security in property ownership. However, he acknowledged that recurring disputes, lengthy administrative procedures, competing ownership claims, and questionable practices have weakened public confidence in the system.
Although government initiatives aimed at modernising land administration are already underway, Hon. Datouo emphasised that reform efforts must continue if citizens are to regain trust in land management institutions.
“Cameroonians do not expect sterile debates from us. They expect solutions and meaningful reforms,” he told lawmakers. “They expect our institutions to work together in the service of the common good.”
He added that Parliament would continue to carry out its responsibilities in a spirit of dialogue, responsibility, and commitment to national development.
Budget Debate to Shape 2027 Priorities
Beyond sectoral reforms, the June session is expected to focus heavily on the Budget Orientation Debate, a key exercise that will lay the foundation for the preparation of the 2027 State budget.
Hon. Datouo reminded parliamentarians that budget planning goes beyond approving expenditures. Instead, it requires a collective reflection on the country’s priorities and the direction of public policy.
Among the questions lawmakers must address, he said, are which sectors deserve special attention, how national priorities should be ranked, and how government can respond to citizens’ needs while operating within financial constraints.
Honouring Statesmen and National Milestones
The opening ceremony also provided an opportunity for the Speaker to pay tribute to two prominent figures of Cameroon’s legislative history: former Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, and President of the Senate, Senator Marcel Niat Njifenji, both of whom recently passed away after decades of public service.
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Hon. Datouo praised their contributions to the nation, describing their careers as marked by integrity, dedication, and dignity.
He further welcomed several significant events that have recently enhanced Cameroon’s national and international profile, including the successful hosting of the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization, the visit of Pope Leo XIV, and celebrations marking the country’s 54th National Unity Day.
Preparing for a Global Parliamentary Gathering
Looking ahead, the Speaker called on all stakeholders to support preparations for the 51st General Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie (APF), which Cameroon will host.
He expressed confidence that the event would position Yaounde as a major hub for parliamentary dialogue, peace, and international
