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Speaker Anita Among emphasized the importance of unity as discussions regarding the potential relocation of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region headquarters from London gained momentum. Her remarks came during the 86th Executive Committee Meeting of the CPA (Africa Region) held on Monday, March 11, 2024, at the Protea Hotel in Entebbe, Uganda, approximately 40 kilometers from the capital city, Kampala.
The conference, which convened representatives from 17 out of the 19 member countries of the Africa Region, aimed to address various regional issues and strategic objectives. Attendees included delegates from Tanzania, Zambia, Mauritius, Nigeria, South Africa, Seychelles, The Gambia, Rwanda, Kenya, Eswatini, Botswana, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Malawi, Cameroon, Mozambique, and host country Uganda.
During her address, Speaker Among underscored Africa’s commitment to the principles of Pan Africanism, emphasizing the CPA Africa Region’s role in fostering continental unity. She highlighted the need for collective action to address challenges such as the rejection of the CPA’s status as a charity organization based in the United Kingdom (UK). Among argued that Africa, facing numerous charitable causes due to historical factors like colonialism and unfair trade practices, should not contribute subscription fees to a UK-based charity organization.
Furthermore, Speaker Among urged delegates to leverage Africa’s numerical strength within the Commonwealth to advocate for equitable trade, industrialization, sustainable development, and the protection of African values and interests. She emphasized the importance of overcoming historic colonial legacies that continue to divide and exploit African nations.
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Echoing Among’s sentiments, Hon. Lukas Sinimba Muha, Vice Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee (Africa Region) from Namibia, highlighted key challenges facing Africa, including insecurity, youth unemployment, climate change, and a lack of trust in political institutions. Muha stressed the importance of the CPA Africa Region’s agenda in addressing these pressing issues.
Hon. Enos Asiimwe, MP for Kabula County in Lyantonde District and Chairperson of the CPA Uganda Branch, reiterated the call for action, emphasizing the urgency of preparing for a vote on the relocation of the CPA headquarters from the UK. Uganda had previously submitted a bid to host the headquarters during the 66th CPA conference in Accra, Ghana, on October 4, 2023.
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association comprises 180 branches representing national parliaments and sub-national legislatures of Commonwealth member states, organized into nine regions. The mission of CPA Africa is to promote and protect the interests of regional parliaments and countries, while advocating for gender equality, human rights, democracy, and good governance.
The headquarters of the CPA Secretariat is currently located in London, prompting discussions about potential relocation to better represent the interests of member countries within the Africa Region.
| Key Points |
|---|
| – Speaker Among calls for unity in discussions on relocating CPA Africa offices |
| – Representatives from 17 member countries attend the Executive Committee Meeting |
| – Africa’s rejection of CPA’s UK-based charity status emphasized |
| – Advocacy for leveraging Africa’s numerical strength within the Commonwealth |
| – Highlighting challenges facing Africa and the CPA Africa Region’s agenda |
| – Urgency in preparing for a vote on headquarters relocation |
| – Mission and objectives of CPA Africa |
| – Considerations regarding the current location of the CPA Secretariat |
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