By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The newly constructed Cameroon National Assembly has officially been inaugurated. The complex, valued at over FCFA 55 billion, was inaugurated on November 30 in a ceremony chaired by House Speaker Hon. Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, who represented the Head of State, H.E. Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon.
He was joined by H.E. Zhang Qingwe, Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the People’s Assembly of China and personal representative of Chinese President Xi Jinping. The event was attended by several government officials, including the Prime Minister, as well as diplomats from various countries.
During the inauguration ceremony, Hon. Cavaye expressed gratitude, stating that the new complex is a generous gift from the People’s Republic of China. He emphasized that its completion symbolizes the enduring friendship and five decades of rich cooperation between the two nations. He noted that the edifice solidifies the ties and shared values of sacrifice, courage, and patriotism between Cameroon and China.
H.E. Zhang Qingwe praised the strong cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Cameroon, highlighting the collaborative spirit of Chinese and Cameroonian technicians during the construction process. He described the new National Assembly Complex as a symbol of the fruitful partnership between the two countries, affirming that China will continue to support Cameroon.
Hon. Théodore, Chairman of the Committee overseeing the construction, outlined the major milestones of the project. He remarked that the new National Assembly aligns with the Head of State’s vision to modernize the nation’s institutions to meet international standards.
During the ceremony, medals were awarded to H.E. Zhang Qingwe, several Members of Parliament, and officials from the Lower House.
The National Assembly Complex features impressive architecture, comprising three main buildings. The first is a 15-story structure that will house the General Secretariat. The second is the new Plenary Hall, which can accommodate approximately 480 seats, while the third is a banquet hall designed for about 1,000 seats.
The foundation stone was laid in 2019, two years after a fire consumed a large part of the main building hosting the sessions. The fire consumed four of the seven buildings, but no human casualties were recorded.
Cameroon-People’s Republic of China diplomatic relations date back to 1971, with the fruits of this rich and long cooperation felt in many areas, including the construction of infrastructure. The Yaoundé Conference Centre, Yaoundé Sports Complex, and now the New National Assembly Complex and roads are some of these areas.
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