UPA Executive Committee Holds 86th Session in Lomé

The 86th session of the Executive Committee of the African Parliamentary Union (UPA) took place in Lomé, Togo, on November 14. During the session, UPA President and Congolese Senate President Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge presented his activity report, covering his tenure at the helm of the committee. The report highlighted actions taken since the 47th UPA conference in Kinshasa in November 2025.

President Sama Lukonde's report focused on diplomatic initiatives to expand and reactivate participation from member parliaments, particularly in Southern Africa. Bilateral consultations were held with South Africa, Namibia, Angola, and Zambia on the sidelines of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) assemblies. These efforts led to a principle agreement from Zambian parliamentary authorities to rejoin the UPA, following a mission to Lusaka on October 29.

The UPA president also addressed financial matters, urging member states to regularly pay their contributions and settle their arrears. He commended the Moroccan parliament for fully settling its arrears, totaling over 370,000 euros. Furthermore, President Sama called for the finalization of statutory text revisions to establish a youth caucus, similar to the women's caucus, and emphasized the need to enhance the organization's visibility and communication.

President Sama Lukonde congratulated the new UPA Secretary-General, Bahouaba Norbert Tankoano, and the newly elected president of the Chadian National Assembly, who leads the African group within the IPU. He expressed gratitude to Togolese authorities for their solidarity and support in hosting the session in Lomé and celebrating the UPA's 50th anniversary.

The UPA president also thanked delegations for their backing of the Democratic Republic of Congo amid the security and humanitarian crisis in the East. He reaffirmed his commitment to promoting the UPA's growth in a spirit of fraternity and solidarity. The UPA, established in 1976 in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, comprises African state parliaments and works to strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation, democracy, peace, and development on the continent.

The Lomé session demonstrated the UPA's ongoing efforts to revitalize and strengthen its member relationships. By engaging with parliaments in Southern Africa and encouraging regular financial contributions, the organization aims to enhance its impact and effectiveness. The UPA's work is crucial in fostering cooperation and understanding among African nations.

As the UPA continues to evolve, it faces challenges in promoting democracy and stability across the continent. The organization's 50th anniversary celebrations served as a reminder of its enduring commitment to African parliamentary cooperation and development. The UPA's future endeavors will likely focus on building on its achievements while addressing emerging challenges and opportunities.

Key points

• UPA President Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge presented his activity report at the 86th session of the UPA Executive Committee in Lomé, Togo.