The Pan Afrikanist Watchman
Parliament has been described as a “peace-building” institution that is well-placed to resolve conflicts.
In a statement released today (June 30th) to mark the International Day of Parliamentarism, the Secretary-General of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADCPF), Ms. Boemo Mmandu Sekgoma spelled out the attributes of a Parliament.
She said that as a peace-building institution, parliament is the appropriate forum to resolve conflicts “through representative, oversight and legislative initiatives” that are spearheaded with the approval of the people.
Sekgoma said that parliamentary dynamism and pro-activeness can thus go a long way to ensure that conflicts are thwarted and that lasting solutions for peace are found through “leadership and dialogue”.
According to the SADCPF head-honcho, it is recognized that parliamentarism at all levels is “the embodiment of a functioning democracy which is grounded in the rule of law and respect for human rights”.
Sekgoma pointed out that a parliament elected through regular, free, and fair elections is “a guarantee for adequate checks and balances congruent to the sacrosanct notion of separation of powers”.
She reiterated that the SADC-PF acknowledges that parliamentarism is an “effective form of public engagement”, and thus pays tribute to the “gracious efforts” of its partners around the world.
Among these partners, she mentioned the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), which she said has focused on the crucial theme of public engagement to celebrate parliamentarism in 2022.
In addition, Sekgoma, advised that consistent public engagement remains a necessary ingredient for participatory democracy, and for that reason, expressed the Forum’s steadfast commitment to implement Sustainable Development Goal 16.
SDG 16 speaks to ‘accountable, effective, and inclusive institutions for peace’, and reiterates a commitment to strengthen the capacity of Parliaments as provided for in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance.
Sekgoma said in her statement that while Africa is steering its way toward lasting peace, the Forum will continue to support Parliaments to achieve this “noble objective”.
And, as the world slowly recovers from the pandemic and continues to face other health and economic challenges, Sekgoma reiterated that parliaments remain at the “centre stage of reform action”.
