TRANSFER OF CHARGES AT AFRICAN PARLIAMENTARY UNION

The President of the Senate of Zimbabwe , Hon. Mabel CHINOMONA, Chairperson of the African Parliamentary Union (APU), replaces Hon. Mohamed Ali HOUMED, Speaker of the National Assembly of Djibouti.

The handover ceremony was held on January 22, 2023, at the headquarters of this institution in Abidjan. Mr. IDI Gado Boubacar, Secretary General of the UPA, directed this ceremony.

At the end of this ceremony, Hon. Mabel CHINOMONA,  and Hon. Mohamed Ali HOUMED;  were received at a Dinner offered by the Speaker of the National Assembly of Côte d'Ivoire, Hon. Adama BICTIGO.

CEREMONY OF TRANSFER OF CHARGES AT APU HEADQUARTERS BETWEEN THE OUTGOING CHAIRPERSON Hon. Mohamed Ali HOUMED, SPEAKER OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF DJIBOUTI AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE OF ZIMBABWE

The APU Secretary General, Mr. IDI Gado Boubacar, presided over the handover ceremony, on January 22, 2023, between the outgoing Chairperson Hon. Mohamed Ali HOUMED, Speaker of the National Assembly of Djibouti and the President of the Senate of Zimbabwe, incoming Chairperson of the APU Executive Committee , Hon. Mabel CHINOMONA. This handover ceremony was held at the APU headquarters, in Abidjan. In the sidelines of the ceremony, a photo session was held with the two delegations

African Parliamentary Union summit opens in Djibouti

Speech by His Excellency Ali Kolotou TCHAIMI, outgoing Chairperson of the Executive Committee, delivered at the Opening Ceremony of the 47th Conference by the Honourable Abdo Sikieh Dirieh of the Parliament of Djibouti

Your Excellency, Prime Minister of the sister Democratic Republic of Congo;

Your Excellency, President of the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo;

Your Excellency, President of the Senate;

Honourable Presidents of National Parliaments and Heads of Delegation;

Honourable Members of the Executive Committee;

Mr. Secretary General of the African Parliamentary Union;

Mr. Director of the Office of the Head of State;

Mr. Governor of the City of Kinshasa;

Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen of the diplomatic corps;

Ladies and gentlemen, parliamentary experts; Distinguished guests;

Ladies and gentlemen.

‘Africa will write its own history, and it will be, north and south of the Sahara, a history of glory and dignity.’ This thought from PATRICE EMERY LUMUMBA remains relevant today and resonates within us as a call for a united Africa, united in solidarity and resolutely focused on progress.

Having paid tribute to this great pan-Africanist, I would like to take this opportunity offered to me by the 47^th Conference of the African Parliamentary Union to express, on behalf of our Union and on my own behalf, our deep gratitude to His Excellency Mr. FELIX ANTOINE TSHISEKEDI TSHILOMBO, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, for his enlightened leadership and his commitment to dialogue, democracy and peace.

I would also like to express our heartfelt and sincere thanks to the Government, Parliament and all the brotherly people of the Democratic Republic of Congo for the particularly warm welcome given to the parliamentary delegations and for all the attention we have received since we set foot in this great and beautiful country, the Democratic Republic of Congo.

On behalf of all of you, I would like to offer our warm congratulations to His Excellency, Mr Aimé Boji Sangara, the newly elected President of the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo. We wish him every success in the execution of his mandate.

We would particularly like to welcome Her Excellency Judith Suminwa Tuluka, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who has honoured us with her presence at the opening ceremony of this 47^th APU Conference. Her presence reflects the Government's keen interest in our work. It contributes to the influence of the African Parliamentary Union and is a sign of encouragement for the strengthening of inter-parliamentary cooperation.

Honourable parliamentarians,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

The African continent is at a crossroads, and the themes chosen for this 47^th Conference reflect our daily concerns and our constant desire to give Africa the main levers for its development. With regard to the first theme, which focuses on the challenges of energy transition and the development of renewable energies in Africa, we believe that our continent, so rich in natural resources and solar, hydraulic, wind and geothermal potential, is still lagging behind when it should instead be the global driving force in rationally exploiting and transforming this immeasurable wealth.

With Africa's economic potential and proven resources in various fields, we must engage in deep reflection to ensure that Africa remains at the heart of the global transition to clean energy. To this end, we are counting on the Democratic Republic of Congo, with its immense hydroelectric potential – notably the Congo River – to play a pivotal role in this energy revolution.

As for the second theme, which focuses on consolidating national sovereignty for sustainable development, I would like to emphasise the word sovereignty to remind participants that this is not just a slogan. Sovereignty is the ability of a people to freely decide their destiny, to exploit their wealth for the benefit of their children, and to choose their alliances in accordance with their values and interests.

In other words, without political and economic sovereignty, there can be neither lasting peace nor real development.

Finally, the third theme, relating to good digital governance in the service of women's rights, should concern us all. Digital technology can be a powerful lever for emancipation and access to education, employment and political participation. We see its achievements on a daily basis. Therefore, it must be governed in an ethical, inclusive and human rights-respecting manner, so that African women are not only users, but also full participants and beneficiaries of the digital revolution.

Honourable Members of Parliament,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

In listing all these challenges, we are reminded that parliamentary diplomacy has a crucial role to play. In an increasingly fragmented world, parliaments are spaces for dialogue, mediation and democratic legitimacy.

The African Parliamentary Union, through its programmes, resolutions and initiatives, strives to promote peace, democracy, good governance, social justice and cooperation among African peoples. We must continue to defend the sacrosanct principles of democracy and build bridges between nations rather than walls between differences.

Honourable parliamentarians; Distinguished guests;

Ladies and gentlemen.

Our organisation remains convinced that Africa's progress will come through its representative institutions, through strong, transparent, inclusive parliaments committed to serving the common good.

I would like to take this opportunity to raise the serious humanitarian situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo and eastern Chad, with the massive influx of refugees fleeing the crisis in Sudan. The recurring violence, the mass displacement of populations and the suffering endured by thousands of women, men and children must appeal to our collective conscience. As African parliamentarians gathered here in Kinshasa, we cannot ignore or remain indifferent to this tragedy. It is our duty, as representatives of the people, to make our voices heard in a spirit of humanity, solidarity and responsibility.

The African Parliamentary Union reaffirms its solidarity with the Congolese and Sudanese people and encourages all African and international initiatives aimed at restoring peace, security and dignity to these war-torn but courageously resilient regions.

Honourable parliamentarians;

Distinguished guests;

Ladies and gentlemen.

With your kind permission, I would like to pay tribute to the Secretary General of the APU for his dynamism, professionalism and high sense of duty, qualities that have enabled our organisation to achieve its objectives.

Finally, I would like to reiterate our sincere thanks to the President of the Republic, the Government, the Parliament and the entire Congolese people for their exceptional welcome and the perfect organisation of this conference.

May this 47^th Conference of the African Parliamentary Union be an opportunity to strengthen our ties, deepen our solidarity and inspire concrete solutions to the challenges of our time.

It is my hope that our work will be fruitful, that our debates will be marked by mutual respect and listening, and that they will contribute to writing a new page in the history of our continent, that of a sovereign, innovative, united and proud Africa.

headquarters of the African Parliamentary Union

Mozambican Parliament advocates African solidarity and international cooperation

The head of the Mozambican Parliament delegation that participated in the 47th The parliamentarian was speaking during the debate at the organisation's Political Committee meeting on the theme: ‘The challenges of energy transition and the development of renewable energies in Africa’.

The parliamentarian was speaking during the debate at the organisation's Political Committee meeting on the theme: ‘The challenges of energy transition and the development of renewable energies in Africa’.

The MP also stated that the Mozambican parliament reaffirms its commitment to the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

Finally, he noted that, as stated by the President of the Republic of Mozambique, the country is an advocate for the promotion of a sustainable environment, climate justice and inclusive development that puts people and the planet at the centre of decisions.

The Mozambican delegation participated in the 84th Session of the Executive Committee and the 47th Conference as an observer, and was also joined by Deputy Leoneta Ribeiro.

The President of the APU says that parliamentarians must shoulder their responsibilities

In a context of great uncertainty, African parliamentarians must assume all their responsibilities and act with determination, declared the President of the organisation, Ali Kolotou Tchaïmi, in Rabat on 21 May.

The President of the APU made these statements in his opening speech at the 83rd Session, explaining that the Union positions itself as a privileged space for parliamentary dialogue where peace, democracy, good governance and sustainable development are defended.

‘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’, said the President.

President Ali Kolotou Tchaïmi also stated that the APU is a bulwark against the scourges threatening the continent, and a vector of hope for a better future, because together, united in diversity, we can meet the challenges facing us.

The Executive Committee is the body responsible for guiding the Union's activities and monitoring the implementation of the decisions, resolutions and recommendations of the Conference of Presidents, in accordance with the statutes.

The APU was founded in 1976 and has its headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

130 delegates attend the 83rd Session of the APU Executive Committee

One hundred and thirty delegates from the African Parliamentary Union (APU) attended the 83rd session of the organisation's Executive Committee in Rabat, Morocco, on 21 and 22 May.

Representing 22 national groups, the delegates came from the parliaments of Angola, Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Gambia, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

The Executive Committee is the body responsible for guiding the Union's activities and monitoring the implementation of the decisions, resolutions and recommendations of the Conference of Presidents, in accordance with the Articles of Association.

The APU was founded in 1976 and has its headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

Nigeria offers to host the 85th Session of the APU Executive Committee

At the 83rd Session of the APU Executive Committee in Rabat, Morocco, the Parliament of the Federal Republic of Nigeria presented its intention to host the 85th Session of the organisation in 2026.

This intention was expressed by the national group that attended the session.
The Executive Committee is the body responsible for guiding the Union's activities and monitoring the implementation of the decisions, resolutions and recommendations of the Conference of Presidents, in accordance with the Statutes.

The APU was founded in 1976 and has its headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

A APU delegation visited the Moroccan Parliament in February as part of the preparations for the 83rd Session of the Executive Committee

Closing speech of the 83rd Session of the APU Executive Committee, read by Her Excellency Mabel Chinomona, Vice-President of the Union

Your Excellency the President of the Chamber of Representatives of the Kingdom of Morocco,
Your Excellency the President of the Chamber of Councillors of the Kingdom of Morocco,
Distinguished Heads of Delegation
Honourable Members of Parliament
UPA Secretary General
Ladies and Gentlemen

We have come to the end of the work of the 83rd Session of the Executive Committee of our organisation.

It is with a feeling of real satisfaction that I would like, on your behalf, to reiterate my thanks to the entire National Representation of the Kingdom of Morocco, which has spared no effort to make our stay useful and pleasant.

During these two days of intense work, we have exhausted the items on the agenda for this session, in particular the review of the activities carried out by our organisation during the intersessional period, the examination and adoption of the management account and the Auditors' report for the 2024 financial year, and the preparations for the 47th Conference. With regard to the proposed amendments to the Articles of Association and the Rules of Procedure, wisdom led us not to rush their examination and to postpone them to the next Session. Finally, we decided on the draft agendas for the 84th Session and the 47th Conference. These meetings will take place in Kinshasa, around November December, at a mutually agreed date. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Congolese authorities for their availability.

I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the conviviality and family spirit that have characterised our work, and to welcome the renewed dynamism of our organisation. The APU is not only an organisation for interparliamentary cooperation, it is also a framework for calm dialogue, a melting pot for exchanging our views and experiences on the major challenges facing our continent. I welcome the relevance of our decision to devote our next meeting to the important issues of consolidating the sovereignty of African countries for sustainable development, the challenges of energy transition and good digital governance.

Our Session in Rabat enabled us to return to the question of the payment of dues by Member States to our organisation, which, as you know, has limited resources to accomplish its missions.
I invite each of you to make a strong plea to your respective parliaments to ensure that the commitments made to our union are respected.

I would like to conclude by thanking all those who have worked to make this Session a success. I offer my congratulations and encouragement to our General Secretariat.

On behalf of all of you, I would like to reiterate our thanks to the National Representation of the Kingdom of Morocco. I look forward to seeing you at the end of 2025 in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

I wish you all a safe journey home and declare the 83rd Session of the APU Executive Committee closed.

I would like to thank you all

THE PARLIAMENT OF THE DRC AND THE APU SIGN A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO ORGANISE THE 47TH CONFERENCE

Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, will host the 47th Conference of Speakers of the Member Parliaments of the African Parliamentary Union (APU) and the 84th Session of its Executive Committee, from November 18 to 22, 2025.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Saturday, July 19, 2025, between the Presidents of the National Assembly, Mr. Vital Kamehere, and of the Senate, Mr. Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, and the Secretary General of the APU, Mr. Idi Gado Boubacar.

These documents set out the arrangements for organising these meetings, including logistical and diplomatic commitments.

The Conference of Speakers is the supreme organ of the Union. It is composed of the Presidents of the National Parliamentary Assemblies or their representatives.

The Executive Committee is the body responsible for guiding the Union's activities and monitoring the implementation of the decisions, resolutions, and recommendations of the Conference of Presidents.

The APU has 41 members and serves as a forum for African national parliaments, an instrument for parliamentary dialogue and cooperation to promote democracy, peace, good governance, and sustainable development.

The organisation also aims to promote national parliaments that are representative of the population and to foster contacts between African parliamentarians, as well as between African parliamentarians and those from the rest of the world.

The APU was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.