Cameroonian diplomat Nelly Banaken Elel has been sworn in as Commissioner in charge of Gender Promotion, Human and Social Development of the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). The ceremony took place on March 2, 2026, in Equatorial Guinea, under the aegis of the Equatoguinean President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, the current Chairman of ECCAS.
Nelly Banaken Elel, Minister Plenipotentiary, brings solid diplomatic experience to this role. Her appointment underscores the importance ECCAS places on gender and social development issues, signaling a desire to put these themes at the heart of its agenda. ECCAS, which brings together several countries in Central Africa, aims to strengthen regional cooperation and integration.
The portfolio entrusted to Nelly Banaken Elel is crucial for Central Africa, which faces major social challenges such as inequalities, access to education, health and the empowerment of women. She will have to work with member states to promote effective and measurable policies in these areas. ECCAS has already developed gender-sensitive sectoral action plans, particularly in the areas of peace and security, agriculture, and disaster risk management.
The appointment of Mrs. Banaken Elel strengthens Cameroon's presence within ECCAS. While some within Cameroonian diplomacy had argued for Cameroon to retain the Common Market portfolio, considered more strategic, the choice was ultimately made to focus on the promotion of gender and human development.
Through this appointment, ECCAS reaffirms its commitment to gender equality and social development in Central Africa. It remains to be seen how Nelly Banaken Elel will approach the sensitive issues and priorities she will set for her term within the commission. ECCAS has expressed confidence in the new teams, urging them to perform their duties in accordance with the principles of collegiality, integrity, independence and good governance.
