Africa Geopolitical group fine-tunes positions on key issues ahead of the IPU Assembly

In preparation for the inauguration ceremony of the 145th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly and its related meetings, the Africa Geopolitical Group met to coordinate positions on key issues on the agenda of the gathering.

African Parliamentarians present in Kigali for the 145th Assembly held consultations on proposals for debates and resolutions on emergency items for the Assembly. The group also reviewed vacancies on IPU committees and groups and consulted among their members to candidates in a bid to ensure fair representation of all parts within IPU structures. It is important to note that the Africa Geopolitical Group meeting was preceded by a meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) bloc to ensure alignment on topics to be unpacked during the the five-day Assembly.

Both meetings were attended by H.E. Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira, President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), marking the first time the leadership of the Continental Parliament has observed these preparatory meetings to encourage the Africa Group to unite to advance Africa’s common concerns at the IPU.

The presence of the President of the PAP held several engagements on the sidelines of the meetings to convey the importance of the Africa Group to the work of the PAP, but also the new leadership’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with national and regional Parliaments and enhancing the visibility of the Legislative organ of the African Union.

Geopolitical groups of the IPU were initially established within the IPU to ensure a fair geographical distribution of seats on IPU’s Executive Committee and other bodies. However, over time, their role and responsibilities have evolved. The groups are involved in shaping and reviewing the implementation of our main policies.

Five of the groups represent Africa, the Arab World, Asia-Pacific, Eurasia, and Latin America/the Caribbean. The sixth—known as the "Twelve-Plus" group—is made up mostly of European nations, alongside other Western states including Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

The Parliament of Rwanda is hosting the 145th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and its related meetings in Kigali from 11 to 15 October. The overall theme of the Assembly is Gender equality and gender-sensitive parliaments as drivers of change for a more resilient and peaceful world.

The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments. The organization aims to empower parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development.

Source: Media and Communications Unit, Pan-African Parliament

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