By: Fatou Dahaba
The 54th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Regional Conference opened with grandeur at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo, marking a historic milestone as The Gambia hosts the prestigious event for the first time. Running from August 10 to 16, the week-long gathering has attracted over 300 participants, including Speakers of Parliament, Members of Parliament, clerks, parliamentary staff, observers, and governance experts from African Commonwealth nations. The conference serves as a vital platform for fostering dialogue on critical political, economic, and environmental challenges while promoting legislative cooperation across the continent.
Under the theme “Strengthening Democratic Governance and Resilience in Africa: Tackling Conflicts, Economic Shocks, and Climate Risks,” the conference is poised to address pressing issues through plenary sessions, workshops, and specialized meetings. Key topics include parliamentary innovation, climate adaptation, economic growth, and social inclusion, with a particular focus on the role of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) in advancing gender equity in governance.
In his opening address, President Adama Barrow called on African leaders to renew their commitment to democratic governance and collective action amid mounting regional and global challenges. He highlighted the economic vulnerabilities facing developing nations, noting that rising inflation, external debt burdens, disruptions to global supply chains, and the lingering socio-economic impacts of recent global crises continue to test the resilience of African populations. “These shocks can deepen poverty, widen inequalities, and disrupt social structures,” Barrow warned, emphasizing the urgent need for collaborative solutions.
Barrow also underscored the existential threat of climate change, describing it as a “lived reality” for Africa. From Sahelian droughts that devastate agriculture to rising sea levels threatening coastal communities and unpredictable floods displacing thousands, climate change is intensifying vulnerabilities across the continent. “This continues to fuel resource scarcity, trigger migration, and, in some instances, contribute to conflicts and unrest,” he said. Barrow reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to upholding parliamentary independence and strengthening oversight institutions, declaring, “A strong parliament is absolutely essential for a strong democracy, with entrenched accountability and transparent procedures protected.”
Rt. Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, Speaker of the National Assembly of The Gambia and President of the CPA Africa Region, echoed Barrow’s sentiments, stressing the importance of legislative cooperation in addressing conflicts, economic instability, and climate-related threats. “Conflict, in its many forms—from political instability and violent extremism to communal tensions—continues to undermine development gains and human security in Africa,” Jatta said. He noted that African economies remain vulnerable to external shocks, including inflation, debt burdens, and global market volatility. “Climate change, perhaps the defining crisis of our era, is compounding these challenges, deepening poverty and displacing communities,” he added, urging parliamentarians to work collaboratively to devise sustainable solutions.
Rt. Hon. Catherine Gotani Hara, Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee and Speaker of the Parliament of Malawi, commended The Gambia for hosting the flagship event. She called on African parliaments to take a leading role in strengthening governance systems, promoting resilience, and safeguarding democratic gains across the continent. “It is imperative that this conference serves not only as a platform for dialogue but also as a space for shaping actionable strategies that will transform our parliaments into true agents of resilience and democratic consolidation,” Hara said. Her remarks underscored the need for African legislatures to adopt innovative approaches to governance and address the interconnected challenges of conflict, economic instability, and environmental degradation.
Kalipha MM Mbye, Clerk of the National Assembly of The Gambia, outlined the extensive preparations undertaken to ensure the conference’s success. He reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to hosting a forum that fosters constructive dialogue and delivers practical solutions to the challenges facing African democracies. “We have worked tirelessly to create an environment conducive to meaningful discussions and collaboration,” Mbye said, expressing confidence that the conference would yield tangible outcomes for the region.
The 54th CPA Africa Regional Conference comes at a critical juncture for the continent, as African nations grapple with the compounded effects of economic volatility, political instability, and climate change. The event provides a unique opportunity for parliamentarians to exchange ideas, share best practices, and forge partnerships aimed at building more resilient and inclusive societies. Specialized sessions, including those led by the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians, will focus on advancing gender equality and empowering women in legislative processes, reflecting the CPA’s commitment to inclusive governance.
As the conference unfolds, participants are expected to engage in robust discussions on how to strengthen democratic institutions, enhance economic resilience, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The outcomes of these deliberations are likely to shape the future of parliamentary cooperation in Africa, reinforcing the CPA’s mission to promote democratic governance and sustainable development across the Commonwealth.
