CEMAC PARLIAMENT: Budgetary discipline and financial governance at the heart of the 2026 budget session

The second ordinary session of 2026 of the Parliament of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) has opened with a renewed focus on financial discipline, transparency and regional integration. The opening ceremony was held virtually at the Marigoh Mboua Committee Room of Cameroon’s National Assembly, with the Cameroonian delegation led by the Honourable Hilarion Etong.

In his opening address, CEMAC Parliament President Fernand Sabaye stressed that the virtual format did not diminish the solemnity of the proceedings or the importance of the issues under consideration.

He welcomed the decision taken by the Council of Ministers of the Central African Economic Union (UEAC) at its meeting on October 2, 2026, to postpone the vote on the Community budget in response to financial difficulties, particularly outstanding remittances of the Community Integration Tax (TCI).

Fernand Sabaye noted that the decision underscored the importance of realistic budgeting and responsible financial management. He also reaffirmed Parliament’s support for governance reforms, including the proposed establishment of an audit committee to strengthen transparency and oversight of the Community’s finances.

The CEMAC Parliament President further highlighted the need to modernize public financial management through programme-based budgeting. He also called for greater public awareness and stronger parliamentary diplomacy to accelerate regional integration.

During the discussions, Cameroon's Senior Deputy Speaker, and former President of the CEMAC Parliament, alongside representatives from other member states, including Gabon, Chad, Equatorial Guinea and the Republic of the Congo, expressed support for the proposed measures. They nevertheless stressed the importance of holding more face-to-face meetings among member states to strengthen bilateral relations, deepen mutual understanding and improve regional cooperation.

The exchanges highlighted the importance of combining fiscal discipline, transparent financial management and sustained political dialogue to advance the regional integration agenda.

Hon. Man Simbe Jacqueline, Hon. Ateawung Foju and Hon. Haman Tchouto were among the parliamentarians who participated in the session.