Criticism grows over Cameroon’s limited parliamentary sessions

The Cameroon national assembly faces scrutiny over its effectiveness following comments by journalist Guibai Gatama regarding the parliament’s session durations. The current system allows for just three annual sessions of 30 days each, raising concerns about the assembly’s ability to fulfill its constitutional obligations.

Gatama argues that with only about fifteen days of active plenary sessions per period, the Cameroon parliament operates at less than half its potential capacity. This limited schedule, he contends, undermines the legislature’s core functions—government oversight, lawmaking, and citizen representation—particularly as the country grapples with pressing political, economic, and social challenges.

To highlight the discrepancy, Gatama compares Cameroon’s parliamentary calendar with those of other African nations. In countries like Chad, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire, legislative sessions extend for eight to nine months annually. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s parliament operates nearly year-round, offering a stark contrast to Cameroon’s abbreviated schedule.

Calls for reform to strengthen democratic oversight

Gatama, founder of L’Œil du Sahel, has urged for a national discussion on extending parliamentary session durations. He believes such a reform would enhance public policy oversight, improve legislative scrutiny, and bridge the gap between institutions and citizens’ daily concerns. The journalist describes the current assembly as operating “on the fringes of the nation,” detached from the realities facing Cameroon’s population.