La diplomatie parlementaire au Cameroun: du point d'interrogation au point d'exclamation. Le cas de l'Union Parlementaire Africaine

Abstract

SUMMARY Parliamentary diplomacy is a living reality in Cameroon. It takes place both upstream and downstream from Cameroon diplomatic activity. Upstream, it is a question of controlling and giving legislative authority for the diplomatic activity of government. Downstream lies the practical conduct of international relations through inter-parliamentary organizations. The president of the parliament heads this practical activity, which is organized by the general secretariat of parliament through its Division de la Coordination et des Relations Internationales (DICRI). One example is participation in the Union Parlementaire Africaine (UPA). Here the role of the Cameroon parliament is all the more important in that it was one of the founders of the UPA. Parliament's involvement in both the work and the creation of this organization is distinguished by the pertinent nature of the proposals made by Cameroon deputies on the issues of peace and democracy in Africa. Such participation has extended to the work of the executive committee of the union in 1978, the conference of presidents in 1989, and the choice of a Cameroon deputy as rapporteur in 1996. The parliament's diplomatic activity complements that of traditional diplomacy. In any case it is appropriate that its work be highlighted and made better known, since, more than ever, governments are yielding ground to international organizations in a world system which is becoming more unified. In this respect the UPA provides an ideal opportunity for the Cameroon parliament.