The 86th session of the Union of African Parliaments' (UPA) Executive Committee began in Lomé, Togo, on November 10, with a call for African parliaments to work together to address the multiple crises affecting the continent. Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, President of the Senate of the Democratic Republic of Congo and current President of the UPA Executive Committee, led the opening ceremony. He emphasized the need for a united front against the various challenges facing African states.
Sama Lukonde expressed his gratitude to the Togolese authorities for hosting the event, particularly President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, who has been involved in diplomatic efforts to resolve the security crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. As a mediator appointed by the African Union, Gnassingbé is working to find a peaceful solution to the conflict between Congolese forces and M23 rebels. Sama Lukonde also conveyed greetings from Congolese President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, who has been actively engaged in diplomatic initiatives to restore peace in the region.
The challenges facing Africa go beyond security concerns, Sama Lukonde noted. The continent is grappling with armed conflicts, terrorism, forced displacement of populations, youth unemployment, economic difficulties, and health emergencies. These issues require a concerted response from African parliaments. The UPA, which celebrates its 50th anniversary, is seen as a vital platform for dialogue, solidarity, and finding common solutions to these challenges.
The UPA has a crucial role to play in promoting African interests, Sama Lukonde stressed. The organization must consolidate its position in promoting peace, justice, and human rights. The current session will also address institutional issues, including the examination of financial contributions from member states and the election of a new Secretary General. These matters are essential to ensuring the continuity of the Union's activities and strengthening its capacity for action.
The meeting in Lomé brings together high-ranking officials from six countries to review progress on regional priorities. The participants will examine various dossiers to be submitted to the 48th Conference of Presidents. The opening ceremony was preceded by a welcome address from Komi Sélom Klassou, President of the Togolese National Assembly, who praised the UPA's 50-year commitment to peace, justice, and human rights.
The session will continue until November 14, when the 48th Conference of Presidents of the UPA is scheduled to close. Beyond institutional issues, the meeting provides an opportunity for African parliamentarians to discuss their positions on the challenges that condition the stability and future of the continent. A minute of silence was observed in memory of Manuel Domingos Augusto, head of the Angolan delegation, who passed away in June.
Sama Lukonde arrived in Lomé on November 8, leading a delegation of senators and national deputies. He participated in preparatory meetings and bilateral exchanges before the official opening. The UPA's efforts to promote peace and security in Africa are crucial, given the complex challenges facing the continent. The organization's work is essential to supporting African parliaments in their efforts to address these challenges and promote regional stability.
Key points
- The UPA's 86th session focuses on peace and security in Africa, with a call for African parliaments to work together to address the multiple crises affecting the continent.
- Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde emphasized the need for a united front against the various challenges facing African states, including armed conflicts, terrorism, and economic difficulties.
- The UPA celebrates its 50th anniversary, and Sama Lukonde stressed the organization's crucial role in promoting African interests and consolidating its position in promoting peace, justice, and human rights.
