The 48th Conference of Presidents of National Parliamentary Assemblies of the African Parliamentary Union (UPA) was held recently, with Niger's representative delivering a speech. The representative expressed deep gratitude to Togo's authorities, including the President of the Council, the President of the National Assembly, and the President of the Senate, for the warm and fraternal welcome extended to Niger's delegation. The representative also acknowledged the country's rich history, dating back to the founding of the Union of African Parliaments (UPA) in Abidjan on February 13, 1976.
The representative emphasized that the UPA's founding was based on the conviction that African unity must be built in the hémicycles, and paid tribute to those who have carried this vision forward. The representative noted that 50 years later, African countries are taking different institutional paths, but their unity will be stronger and more durable if it is based on respect for each state's sovereignty and the free choices made by its people. The representative highlighted the key themes on the conference agenda, including youth unemployment, migration, and terrorism, as well as geopolitical upheavals and their economic consequences.
The representative stressed that these challenges require concrete, courageous, and adapted responses, and that the youth constitute one of Africa's main assets. However, this asset remains underutilized on the continent, with many young people lacking prospects and being exposed to traffickers, criminal networks, and terrorist groups. The representative emphasized that investing in youth is investing in peace, security, and state sovereignty, and that Niger has implemented policies to promote youth participation in public life, including the National Youth Policy and the National Youth Charter.
The representative noted that Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali have taken a joint approach to promoting youth empowerment at the regional level, hosting the first AES Youth Forum in Niamey in June 2025. The forum focused on the role of youth in regional integration, and a follow-up forum was held in Ouagadougou in August 2026, which resulted in a roadmap for youth engagement by December 2027. The representative emphasized that youth must be actors in public policies that concern them.
The representative also addressed the impact of global conflicts on African economies, including the effects of supply chain disruptions and rising prices for essential goods. The representative called on those responsible for making decisions that affect global peace to take their responsibilities seriously, as these decisions have a direct impact on African populations. The representative also condemned terrorist attacks and attempts to destabilize Sahelian states, and reaffirmed Niger's commitment to defending its territory and population.
The representative emphasized that African countries must take control of their own development and create their own wealth, rather than relying on external decisions. The representative noted that Africa must valorize its resources, modernize its agriculture, develop its industry and energy, and trade with itself. Niger, under the leadership of General Abdourahamane Tiani, is committed to regional integration and has taken steps to promote local production and consumption.
The representative concluded by highlighting Niger's efforts to promote economic development and regional integration, including the creation of a National Observatory for "Consommons Nigérien" (Consume Nigerien) to promote local production and consumption. The representative emphasized that these efforts aim to reduce dependence on external partners and promote African autonomy.
Key points
- Niger's representative emphasizes youth empowerment and regional integration at the 48th UPA conference.
