SENATE President Mabel Chinomona yesterday urged African lawmakers to unite in combating terrorism and fostering intra-African trade.
Making the call during the executive committee of the African Parliamentary Union conference underway in Côte d’Ivoire, Chinomona said: “We are gathered here today as African parliamentarians, with unwavering enthusiasm and steadfast commitment, to foster dialogue, enhance parliamentary co-operation, exchange experiences, harmonise our positions on the challenges facing our continent, and reinforce our commitment to promoting peace and democracy in Africa.
“Our gatherings hold a unique quality, as they provide an opportunity for mutual enrichment and emphasise the camaraderie and dialogue inherent within Africa, which underpin the values of our organisation. This spirit should pervade our proceedings, fortifying our resilience in an international landscape rife with challenges.”
She said the conference recognised the devastating impact of the scourge of terrorism on the African continent, as well as the potential benefits for removing the barriers that hinder trade relations.
“These two areas are critical to the growth and development of our nations, in that regard, we are encouraged to make earnest contributions as mandated by our statutes. Africa has no option but to rise,” she said.
Many African countries such as Zimbabwe lack the necessary infrastructure to facilitate trade, such as well-functioning ports, roads and railways.
This makes it difficult to transport goods efficiently within the continent.
Chinomona, however, urged legislators to actively shape the future of Africa by working together and overcoming challenges.
“It is high time that we remodelled ourselves and become more active, especially on issues affecting fellow African States, be it political, economic or even social so that we enhance good governance, peace and sustainable development across Africa,” she added.