Opening address delivered by His Excellency Jean-Michel SAMA LUKONDE KYENGE, President of the APU, on the occasion of the 85th session of the Executive Committee in Dakar
His Excellency Malick NDIAYE, dear brother and representative here of His Excellency Ousmane Sonko, President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Senegal,
The Honourable Manuel Rodrigo, Special Guest representing the Republic of Mozambique,
Honourable Heads of Delegation,
Honourable members of the Executive Committee,
Honourable parliamentarians,
Secretary-General of the APU,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is a great honour for me to address you at the opening of this 85th Session of the Executive Committee of the African Parliamentary Union, here in Dakar, a historic land of dialogue and pan-Africanism.
Allow me, first and foremost, to extend, on behalf of the Executive Committee and on my own behalf, our most sincere thanks to His Excellency Mr Bassirou Diomaye, President of the Republic of Senegal, whose unwavering commitment has made it possible to hold this meeting in Dakar.
I take this opportunity to convey to him the fraternal greetings of His Excellency, his brother, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi TSHILOMBO, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
I would also like, through you, Your Excellency Malick Ndiaye, to convey my warmest congratulations to His Excellency Ousmane Soncko on his election as President of the National Assembly of Senegal. We are convinced that his term of office will contribute to strengthening African parliamentary diplomacy and promoting the ideals of peace and democracy.
Finally, I would like to pay tribute once again to you, the Honourable El Malick Ndiaye, outgoing President of the National Assembly of Senegal, for your vision and your high sense of public duty. Lastly, I extend my warmest greetings to the delegation from Mozambique, a special guest at this session.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Senegal, through its democratic tradition and its unwavering commitment to the ideals of peace and cooperation, remains a benchmark in the building of African unity. By hosting this 85th Session of the African Parliamentary Union, it reaffirms its role as an essential partner in inter-parliamentary dialogue and the consolidation of our shared values.
Ladies and gentlemen, Honourable Members of Parliament,
Our session is taking place against an international backdrop marked by a succession of multifaceted crises: security, political, economic, climate-related and even health-related.
Perhaps never before, in recent decades, has humanity been confronted simultaneously with so many factors of uncertainty and instability, particularly in the Middle East, Sudan, the Sahel region and the Great Lakes region.
Speaking specifically of the Great Lakes region, for several decades the Congolese people have paid a heavy price for armed conflicts, cross-border violence and the illicit exploitation of their natural resources.
This human tragedy has given rise to one of the most serious humanitarian crises of our time, characterised by millions of displaced people, millions of lives lost and grave human rights violations. Beyond the suffering inflicted on our people, this crisis poses a real threat to the stability of the entire region.
Faced with these challenges, the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains committed to the principles of international law, notably: respect for the sovereignty of States, respect for territorial integrity, the principle of non-interference, and the peaceful settlement of our disputes.
Honourable Members of Parliament,
The resurgence of violence against migrants, observed in several African countries, is also a matter of grave concern that could undermine African unity, economic development and the stability of states.
Our collective responsibility is immense. Africa cannot remain a bystander to the tragedies affecting its states. Our institutions must be agents of peace, dialogue and justice, in order to build a future founded on solidarity and stability.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The decline of multilateralism threatens the global balance. For Africa, it remains a vital necessity: our challenges can only be met together, in solidarity and in accordance with international law.
Climate change is no longer a future threat, but a daily reality. We must advocate for genuine climate justice, increased funding for adaptation and the effective transfer of green technologies. The Democratic Republic of the Congo will continue to fully assume its environmental responsibility, as custodian of a vital part of the Congo Basin, the planet’s second ecological lung. Our country is actively working to preserve this heritage, which is vital for humanity.
Finally, health crises serve as a reminder of the urgent need to build African health sovereignty. Following the painful lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic, our continent continues to face recurring epidemic threats. The recent resurgence of Ebola virus disease reminds us that African health systems remain vulnerable and require massive investment.
This situation highlights the need to develop genuine African health sovereignty based on scientific research, the training of healthcare personnel, and the local production of medicines and vaccines.
Honourable Members of Parliament,
Our responsibility is immense: to make Africa a key player in multilateralism, a champion of climate justice and a continent in control of its own health. Together, let us turn these challenges into opportunities to build a strong, united and respected Africa.
Ladies and gentlemen,
During this session, we will have the opportunity to review in detail the main actions undertaken by our Union during the intersessional period. We will also pay particular attention to financial matters, which are essential to the smooth running of our organisation, and will examine together the reforms necessary to revitalise our institution. Furthermore, we shall examine the nominations for the post of Secretary-General and actively prepare for the next Conference of the African Parliamentary Union.
Honourable parliamentarians,
In this year, 2026, we are celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the African Parliamentary Union. This milestone highlights fifty years of parliamentary cooperation which have served to enhance the prestige of our institution.
Over the decades, the APU, a pioneer among the continent’s parliamentary organisations, has distinguished itself through its commitment to supporting popular representation and promoting democracy, peace, dialogue and sustainable development, notably through the organisation of sessions, conferences and seminars.
This fiftieth anniversary symbolises the consolidation of strong institutions through the unity, perseverance, respect and commitment of all. May this jubilee be not only a celebration of our journey, but also a springboard for a new impetus for the future of our organisation.
Ladies and gentlemen, Honourable Members of Parliament,
Before concluding my remarks, I would like to express, on behalf of all the members of the Union, our deep gratitude to the Senegalese authorities, its Parliament, its Government, as well as to the people of Senegal and all the administrative and technical teams for their warm welcome and their assistance during our stay in Dakar.
I sincerely hope that this 85th Session of the African Parliamentary Union will be a resounding success and that it will contribute to strengthening our continental solidarity.
May our organisation continue its noble mission by giving a strong voice to the African peoples and working with determination towards a united, strong, prosperous Africa that is recognised on the international stage.
With these words of hope, I hereby officially declare the 85th Session of the Executive Committee of the African Parliamentary Union open.
Thank you for your kind attention.
Speech by His Excellency Ali Kolotou Tchaïmi on the occasion of the 83rd Session of the APU Executive Committee in Morocco
Your Excellency, Mr President of the House of
Representatives of the Kingdom of Morocco,
Your Excellency, Mr President of the House of Councillors of the Kingdom of Morocco
Your Excellencies, Heads of Delegation,
Honourable members of national groups,
Mr Secretary General of the APU,
Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, in your ranks, ranks and capacities, all protocol observed,
It is with deep gratitude and a sense of honour that I address you today on the occasion of the opening of the 83rd session of the Executive Committee of the African Parliamentary Union (APU), here in this beautiful country of Morocco, and in this magnificent and historic city of Rabat.
First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to ask you to stand and observe a minute's silence in memory of the Honourable Hatouma Gakou, Vice-President of the National Transitional Council of Mali and Head of the Mali National Group delegation to the APU, who died on 1 APRIL 2025. She was with us at the last APU Session in Ndjamena. A woman of conviction and commitment, she always worked to promote cross-border cooperation and championed the cause of people living with disabilities.
May her soul rest in peace.
Thank you.
On this page dedicated to the duty of gratitude, allow me to express, on behalf of all of us and on my own behalf, our very sincere feelings of respect and deep gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI (may God assist him) for the warm, friendly and fraternal welcome we have received since our arrival in Rabat, and to express to him the sympathy of the national representatives of the Member States of the African Parliamentary Union.
I would also like to thank His Excellency Mr Rachid Talbi El Alami, President of the Chamber of Representatives of the Kingdom of Morocco, and His Excellency Mr Mohamed Ould Errachid, President of the Chamber of Councillors of the Kingdom of Morocco, for agreeing to host this important meeting of the APU, for their personal involvement and for all the efforts they have made to provide us with excellent working conditions. Excellencies, Presidents of the Chambers of the Kingdom of Morocco, your availability and your constant solicitude illustrate your unwavering commitment to defending the fundamental values of the African Parliamentary Union, as well as your desire to contribute to building a strong, united, prosperous and united Africa.
I would also like to reiterate my sincere thanks to all the member parliaments of the APU for their presence at this Session and for the confidence shown in the Chadian Parliament by entrusting it with the presidency of our union. Under the leadership of Marshal MAHAMAT IDRISS DEBY ITNO, President of the Republic, Head of State, and his constant commitment to parliamentary diplomacy, our national representation is honoured by this mark of esteem and confidence, and is keenly aware of the responsibility it has to build a union that is more united and more respectful of the APU's values. In accepting it, we commit the entire Chadian Parliament to working with determination, foresight and efficiency to strengthen our Union and defend its noble objectives.
Excellencies,
Distinguished Heads of Delegation,
Honourable Members,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The group is meeting today in a particularly worrying international context, marked by serious threats to peace and security, the dramatic consequences of climate change, the retreat of multilateralism, the establishment of the law of retaliation, the greed of the great powers and the development of identity-based divisions. These challenges, which threaten our stability and prosperity, demand a collective and resolute response.
In this context of great uncertainty, it is imperative that we, as African parliamentarians, assume all our responsibilities and act with determination.
In the face of these scourges, the APU is positioning itself as a privileged forum for parliamentary dialogue where we advocate peace, democracy, good governance and sustainable development. Our Union is an instrument of parliamentary diplomacy, a framework for exchanging best practices, sharing experiences and harmonising our positions as African parliamentarians on the international issues that concern us. It is a bulwark against the scourges that threaten our continent, and a vector of hope for a better future. It is together, united in our diversity, that we will be able to meet the challenges we face.
Excellencies,
Honourable Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The agenda for our session is rich and ambitious. We shall be reviewing the activities carried out by our Union during the intersessional period. We will also look at the financial issues of our organisation, through the examination and adoption of the management accounts and the Auditors' Report for the 2024 financial year, and we will consider the reforms needed to revitalise our Union, through the revision of our constitutive texts.
Finally, we will be preparing the next APU conference, to be held in November 2025 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Our discussions will be essential to strengthening our effectiveness and impact on the continent.
Before concluding my remarks, I think it is essential to point out that most UPA members are not up to date with their subscriptions. I urge them to do their utmost to ensure that the Union has the essential resources to carry out its missions
I am convinced that our work will be fruitful and that we will be able to take the relevant decisions to strengthen our organisation and place it at the heart of African issues.
I hope that our deliberations will be fruitful, that they will take place in a good-natured atmosphere, that they will contribute to the influence of our Union and that they will bring us closer to our common objective: to build a strong, united, prosperous and mutually supportive Africa.
I declare open the 83rd Session of the African Parliamentary Union.
I would like to thank you
Closing speech of the 47th APU Conference, delivered by His Excellency Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge, President of the Senate of the DRC, elected President of the Executive Committee of the organisation.
Your Excellencies, Madam and Sir Presidents, Heads of Delegations of African National Parliamentary Assemblies,
Secretary General of the APU,
Secretary General of the IPU,
Honourable Members of Parliament and Senators, dear delegates,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As our work draws to a close, I would like to perform a pleasant duty, that of thanking His Excellency ALI KOLOTOU TCHAÏMI, President of the National Assembly of CHAD and outgoing President of the Executive Committee, for the commendable work he has done on behalf of our organisation.
My thanks also go to all the parliamentary delegations who travelled to Kinshasa to participate in the work of the 84th Session of the Executive Committee of the African Parliamentary Union and the 47th Conference of Presidents of National Parliamentary Assemblies of the APU, which I have listed in alphabetical order: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Djibouti, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Morocco, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Senegal, Chad, Togo, Tunisia and Zimbabwe.
Through this message, I would also like to express the deep gratitude of the entire Congolese nation, which has been honoured by the holding of the APU National Parliamentary Assemblies in Kinshasa.
I am deeply honoured and touched by the confidence you have placed in me by appointing me to head our organisation as Chairperson of the Executive Committee in accordance with the provisions of Article 14 of our Statutes. I modestly appreciate the full scope of this institutional, diplomatic and political responsibility.
I can already assure you of my deep commitment to fulfilling with determination the responsibilities of President of the APU Executive Committee, in particular: i) working to recruit new members; ii) ensuring that the Union's sessions are held regularly; iii) Ensuring the promotion of APU communication with the media and intervening with the Presidents of the Assemblies for the settlement of contributions.
Wishing you a safe return to your respective countries, I declare the 47th Conference of APU Presidents closed and thank you.
Statement by His Excellency Jean-Michel SAMA LUKONDE KYENGE, President of the APU Executive Committee, on the occasion of the organisation's 50th anniversary.
1976–2026: Fifty years of parliamentary diplomacy in the service of Africa.
It is therefore with deep emotion, great pride and a heightened sense of responsibility that we celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the African Parliamentary Union. Fifty years of existence is a historic moment, a major milestone that invites us to reflect, give thanks and look to the future.
Created on 13 February 1976, in a context marked by the momentum of African independence and the desire of the peoples of the continent to build a united, sovereign and united Africa, the African Parliamentary Union was born out of a strong conviction: that African parliaments, as institutions representing the people, should play a central role in building African unity, promoting peace and entrenching democracy. From its inception, the APU has thus set itself the task of strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation, promoting political dialogue and actively contributing to the development of the continent.
Over the past five decades, the African Parliamentary Union has evolved and adapted to the profound political, economic and social changes in Africa. It has established itself as a privileged framework for consultation between African parliaments, a space for dialogue and solidarity, but also a committed actor in the promotion of democratic values. Through the organisation of conferences, statutory sessions, international meetings, seminars and capacity-building activities, the APU has helped to consolidate parliamentary institutions, promote a culture of democratic debate and strengthen the role of parliaments in public governance.
The APU's work has also been marked by its commitment to major issues such as conflict prevention and resolution, the promotion of human rights, gender equality, youth participation in public life, good governance and sustainable development. True to its pan-African vocation, the Union has constantly worked to make the voice of African parliaments heard on major issues affecting the future of the continent.
In fulfilling its mission, the African Parliamentary Union has been able to establish and maintain strategic partnerships with numerous institutions and organisations, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union, regional parliamentary organisations, United Nations agencies and various technical and financial partners. These collaborations have strengthened the impact of its actions, enriched its thinking and ensured that African parliamentary action is firmly established on major continental and international agendas.
However, while the APU can legitimately congratulate itself on the progress it has made, it still faces significant challenges, similar to those facing our continent, including political and security crises, challenges related to the consolidation of democracy, economic and social difficulties, the consequences of climate change, demographic and migratory effects, rapid technological change and the growing expectations of populations, particularly young people, which are a major challenge for African parliamentary action.
Faced with these challenges, the African Parliamentary Union must remain faithful to the spirit of its founders while reinventing itself. It must continue to work to strengthen the role of parliaments in crisis prevention and peacebuilding, promote inclusive, transparent and accountable governance, encourage greater involvement of women and young people in parliamentary life, and adapt its actions to the demands of the contemporary world, particularly in the digital sphere with the use of artificial intelligence. Strengthening cooperation with strategic partners and solidarity among African parliaments also remain essential levers for meeting the challenges ahead.
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the African Parliamentary Union, we pay tribute to all those who, through their commitment and dedication, have contributed to building and sustaining this institution. Men and women who have carried the APU on their shoulders. Men and women, sometimes without impressive titles or a voice in the media, but whose loyalty, sacrifices and sometimes even suffering have been the invisible lifeblood of our inter-parliamentary institution. Some are no longer with us. Their silence still speaks to us. Their commitment obliges us. Their legacy challenges us.
Fifty years of existence have never been a long, quiet river. The APU has had its moments of glory, but also moments of difficulty and division. Twelve African countries have not yet joined us in the Union. We still have a long way to go.
But beyond the tribute, this fiftieth anniversary is a call to action and collective responsibility. It invites us to renew our commitment to a strong, dynamic and resolutely forward-looking African Parliamentary Union, serving peace, democracy and sustainable development in Africa.
The current generation has not inherited the APU as a trophy, but as a heavy and sacred responsibility. What we do — or fail to do — will determine how history judges us.
On this memorable day, on behalf of the Executive Committee, we make a solemn commitment before history, before our members and before our nations to preserve the soul of the APU, to defend its values and to serve its mission with loyalty, courage and integrity.
May this fiftieth anniversary mark not the end of a journey, but the starting point for a new impetus for the next fifty years, based on unity, solidarity and hope.
Long live the African Parliamentary Union.
Long live African parliamentary solidarity.
Long live a united, sovereign and prosperous Africa.
Abidjan, on 13 February 2026
