ARUSHA, Tanzania – In a significant step toward African unity, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, has concluded a landmark three-day working visit to the East African Community (EAC) headquarters.
The high-level delegation, hosted by EALA Speaker Rt. Hon. Joseph Ntakirutimana and Clerk Mr. Alex Obatre, engaged in pivotal consultations with key regional bodies, including the EAC Secretariat, the East African Court of Justice, and the Pan African Postal Union.
A New Era of Inter-Parliamentary Diplomacy
The cornerstone of the visit was the presentation of a joint Concept Note proposing the creation of a Network of Regional and Supranational Parliamentary Institutions. This initiative, operating under frameworks like the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), seeks to bridge legislative gaps and amplify Africa’s voice on the global stage.
If established, the network would serve as a platform for regional bodies—including EALA, ECOWAS, PAP, and even the European Parliament—to share expertise and coordinate policy.
Key Focus Areas of the Proposed Network
According to the concept note, the collaboration would center on four main pillars:
· Institutional Cooperation: Enhancing knowledge-sharing on legislation, digital transformation, and governance across regions.
· A Unified Global Voice: Aligning positions and strategies in multilateral forums to speak with one African voice.
· Action on Global Challenges: Tackling pressing issues like climate change, migration, peace, security, and economic integration.
· Rotational Leadership: A governance structure that features rotational leadership and biannual sessions to ensure fairness and continuity.
Bridging the Continent
The visit marks a powerful commitment to deepening ties between West and East Africa. “This is about more than just dialogue; it is about building a framework for sustained legislative cooperation,” the delegation noted.
Source: East African Legislative Assembly (EALA)
