Staff Reporter
VICE President Lucia Witbooi officially opened the 90th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) African Region Executive Meeting, which brought together legislators from across Africa.
“Namibia is privileged to host this important gathering, which affirms our collective commitment to inter-parliamentary cooperation and the enduring relevance of the CPA as a platform for advancing democratic governance across Africa. The CPA Africa Region stands as one of the most dynamic arms of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, uniting legislatures from across our diverse continent,” Witbooi said.
Photos: Vice President of Namibia
She noted that the meeting comes at a crucial time as African institutions face complex political, economic, technological, and demographic transitions. According to Witbooi, these developments present both major challenges and unique opportunities to modernise legislative practices, strengthen oversight, enhance citizen participation, and reinforce democratic legitimacy.
“Our ability to adapt and respond determines our progress towards peace, prosperity, and justice for our citizens,” she added.
Witbooi stressed that the work of the CPA in African regions plays an important role in strengthening democracy by promoting the core values of the Commonwealth, including constitutional governance, separation of powers, the rule of law, respect for human rights, gender equality, and inclusive participation.
“For a country to be stable and to grow sustainably, it needs strong, independent, and robust legislatures. Parliaments must move beyond lawmaking to exercise rigorous oversight, ensure fiscal accountability, articulate the aspirations of the people, and safeguard the constitutional order. The credibility of our democracies depends on the effectiveness and integrity of our parliamentary institutions,” Witbooi said.
She emphasised that through the CPA, African countries collaborate in a spirit of cooperation, dialogue, and mutual respect to advance the values of parliamentary democracy, good governance, and human rights.
“These are the foundations upon which our nations continue to build inclusive, resilient, and prosperous societies within the wider Commonwealth family,” Witbooi added.
