The 86th session of the Executive Committee of the African Parliamentary Union (UPA) began on November 10 in Lomé, Togo. This two-day meeting is part of a series of parliamentary events taking place in the Togolese capital from November 9-14. The events include the Women's Parliamentarians' Caucus and the 48th Conference of Parliament Presidents. The session aims to examine institutional and financial governance, evaluate previous decisions, and prepare for the next conference.
The UPA was established in 1976 to promote dialogue and cooperation among African parliamentary institutions. This year's session coincides with the organization's 50th anniversary. During the session, delegates will review the implementation report of the 47th conference held in the Democratic Republic of Congo in November 2025. They will also discuss the 2027 budget, annual work program, and appointment of auditors for the 2026 financial year.
A key agenda item is the election of a new secretary general for the 2027-2030 term. Two candidates, Bahouaba Norbert Tankoano from Burkina Faso and Bouba Halidou from Cameroon, were preselected during the 85th session in Dakar, Senegal. After hearings and voting, the chosen candidate will be proposed to the Conference of Presidents for official nomination.
Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge, the current president of the UPA's Executive Committee and president of the Senate of the Democratic Republic of Congo, emphasized the need for stronger consultation among African parliaments to address continental challenges. These challenges include terrorism, population displacement, youth unemployment, climate change, and global geopolitical shifts.
Komi Selom Klassou, president of the Togolese National Assembly, expressed satisfaction that Togo is hosting these events, which coincide with the UPA's 50th anniversary. He highlighted the significance of this milestone, representing a legacy of parliamentary dialogue and a commitment to strengthening cooperation among African institutions.
Klassou emphasized that 50 years of parliamentary dialogue constitute a legacy, urging a stronger, more present union parliamentary system ready to respond to African people's aspirations. He noted that the continent's sovereignty relies on solidarity, interparliamentary cooperation, and trust among member states.
The Togolese president also stressed the importance of financial autonomy for the UPA through better mobilization of member parliaments' contributions. The conference will conclude with the election of the new secretary general and discussions on strengthening African parliamentary cooperation.
Key points
- The 86th session of the UPA's Executive Committee aims to strengthen African parliamentary cooperation and address continental challenges.
- The conference will elect a new secretary general for the 2027-2030 term.
- The events in Lomé mark the 50th anniversary of the African Parliamentary Union.
