The 49th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region Conference was held at the Gaborone International Conference Centre (GICC) in Gaborone, Botswana from 13th to 22nd August, 2018 under the theme, “The Role of African Parliaments in Fostering National and Regional Security”.

The conference drew delegates and observers from all the four sub-regions of CPA Africa Region, namely Central Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa and West Africa. Zambia, Botswana, Malawi and Mozambique belong to the Central Africa Sub-region.

The conference was officially opened by the Vice-President of the Republic of Botswana, His Honour Mr Slumber Tsogwane. Speaking at the same event were the President of the CPA Africa Region and Speaker of the National Assembly of Botswana, Hon Gladys K T Kokorwe PH, MP, and the Chairperson of CPA International Executive Committee and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Cameroon, Hon Emilia Manjowa Lifaka, MP, the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians, Hon Angela Thokhozile Didiza, MP and the Chairperson of the Executive Committee for CPA Africa Region, Hon, Lindiwe Maseko.

In his opening remarks, Hon Tsogwane urged the conference to keep in mind Africa’s Agenda 2063 and especially its aspirations of being an Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice, rule of law and of being a peaceful and secure. He added that issues of security, by their nature, required concerted efforts. Hon Tsogwane reminded delegates that as pivotal democratic institutions, parliaments had a much bigger role to play in terms of providing direction and ways of providing direction, and fostering and promoting international security.  

On her part, Hon Kokorwe said that security, that is, national security; food security or cyber security was necessary for socio-economic development and that Parliaments had a key role in providing an environment in which security could be realised and enjoyed. She hoped that the conference would enable delegates to plan for better security and urged Parliaments not to “operate like a silent movie”, but strive to be transparent, responsive and accessible to the people they represent.

In thanking CPA Africa Region for the support that led to her election, Hon Emilia Lifaka pledged to ensure that it achieved its aspirations. The conference was an opportunity to courageously identify causes of insecurity and find solutions to them, she added. On the issue of change of status of the CPA to an international organisation, Hon Lifaka assured delegates that the process was underway.

Hon Maseko, whose second term of office as Chairperson of the Executive Committee for CPA Africa Region came to an end at this conference, assured delegates that CPA was committed to the ideals of democracy. She expressed happiness at the possible increase in the membership of the association if The Ghambia and Zimbabwe came on board, as mechanisms were in place to ensure that the two countries joined the association. She urged delegates to extend the same support that they gave her to the next chairperson.

Hon Didiza urged delegates to look at issues of conflicts and security in a holistic manner, as women, children and the physically challenged are the most affected. She acknowledged the critical role women have played in liberation struggles and the challenge that gender-based violence was to peace and security.   

In a related event, Hon. Lazarous C Bwalya, MP, Central Africa Sub – regional Representative and a member of the Executive Committee for CPA Africa Region, gave a vote of thanks to the Vice-President, Mr Slumber. “Security is a corner of development and democracy” he said. In this vein, he implored Parliaments to pass laws that fostered security. He added that in recognition of the importance of peace and security, Zambia would this year host the centenary celebrations to mark the end of the First World War.

Later that evening, the First Deputy Speaker, Hon Catherine Namugala, gave a vote of thanks at the welcoming dinner held at Poipuso Hall. The dinner was officiated by His Excellency the President of the Republic of  Botswana, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi. Speaking on behalf of delegates, Hon Namugala thanked the host Speaker for her leadership and acknowledged the skill and care behind the organisation of the conference. She urged delegates to utilize the opportunity to leave a legacy of sacrifice by bettering the lives of people of their respective countries living in poverty, most of whom are women, children and the aged.