The 86th Executive Committee session of the African Parliamentary Union (APU) began on November 10, 2026, in Lomé, Togo, and will run for two days. The session is dedicated to assessing the organization's activities, following up on previous decisions, and examining future prospects. The meeting aims to review the report on the recovery of contributions from member states, elect a new Secretary-General, and prepare files for submission to the 48th Conference scheduled for November 13-14.
The session coincides with the celebration of the APU's 50th anniversary and is seen as an opportunity to strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation and promote common responses to the continent's challenges. In his welcome address, Togolese National Assembly President Komi Selom Klassou expressed his joy at Togo hosting the meeting and emphasized the importance of the session in shaping the future of African nations.
The opening ceremony was attended by APU Executive Committee President Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge, Togolese National Assembly President Komi Selom Klassou, and Senate President Barry Moussa Barqué, among others. During the two-day session, committee members will review decisions taken at the previous meeting in Dakar to assess their implementation and identify actions to be pursued.
A key aspect of the session is the examination of the organization's financial situation, including a report on the committee's follow-up on member states' contributions. The election of a new Secretary-General is also a crucial agenda item, given the need to ensure the continuity of the organization's administrative and institutional activities.
APU Executive Committee President Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge praised Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé for his commitment to peace, dialogue, and mediation in Africa, particularly in the context of the security crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. He also acknowledged the efforts of Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo in promoting peace and the well-being of his citizens.
The session's discussions will focus on finding solutions to the continent's challenges, including security crises, terrorism, population displacement, youth unemployment, economic difficulties, health challenges, and climate change. Participants have been urged to prioritize consensus, fraternity, and solidarity in their deliberations to ensure that the resolutions adopted contribute to building a peaceful, viable, prosperous, and united Africa.
The APU's 50th anniversary commemoration, scheduled for the 48th Conference, is seen as a significant milestone in the organization's history. The session's outcomes are expected to strengthen the organization's role in promoting African unity and cooperation, with a focus on addressing the continent's pressing challenges and promoting sustainable development.
Key points
- The 86th Executive Committee session of the African Parliamentary Union aims to strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation and promote common responses to the continent's challenges.
- The session will review the organization's activities, follow up on previous decisions, and examine future prospects, including the election of a new Secretary-General.
- The meeting coincides with the APU's 50th anniversary celebration, which is seen as an opportunity to reflect on the organization's achievements and reaffirm its commitment to promoting African unity and cooperation.
