Africa-Press – Gambia. President Adama Barrow yesterday presided over the 54th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Summit which opened here in Banjul.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, President Barrow called on African leaders to unite in building stronger democracies and more resilient nations. He emphasized the urgent need for collective action to tackle conflicts, economic shocks, and the growing impacts of climate change across the continent.
He was speaking at the official opening of the 54th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region Conference, hosted for the first time in The Gambia at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre.
The week-long event, themed “Strengthening Democratic Governance and Resilience in Africa: Tackling Conflicts, Economic Shocks, and Climate Risks”, has drawn parliamentary Speakers, MPs, and delegates from across the continent.
Barrow says Africa’s future depends on peace, stability, and accountable leadership, warning that conflict and unconstitutional governments continue to reverse development gains. “True development cannot thrive in the absence of mutual trust, hard work, peace, and stability,” he stressed, adding that African economies remain “extremely vulnerable” to global market volatility, inflation, and debt burdens.
On climate change, the President notes that Africa is already living its consequences from Sahelian droughts to coastal erosion and floods which exacerbate poverty, migration, and insecurity. He called for stronger parliaments to enact progressive laws, hold executives accountable, and ensure public resources are managed prudently.
Honourable Fabakary Tombong Jatta, Speaker of The Gambia’s National Assembly and President of the CPA Africa Region, described the theme as urgent and timely. He said parliaments must be “resilient, inclusive, and transformative,” asking delegates to reflect on whether African institutions are responsive enough to mediate conflict, structure economies for equitable growth, and anticipate climate risks.
“Our role as parliamentarians is to be custodians of the people’s aspirations,” Jatta said. “We must safeguard constitutionalism, protect human rights, and build institutions strong enough to serve the public interest under any pressure.”
Clerk of the National Assembly, Kalipha MM Mbye, said The Gambia’s hosting of the conference was a “historic privilege” and reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to enabling effective lawmaking, oversight, and representation.
The conference, attended by CPA International Secretary-General Stephen Twigg and other regional leaders, will feature plenary debates, exchanges of best practices, and discussions on legislative innovations to build national resilience.
As delegates began their deliberations, Barrow reminded them that the “salvation of Africa lies in democratic governance, proper policies, and sustained peace.” He declared the conference officially open, urging participants to translate discussions into concrete actions for a “more peaceful, prosperous, and resilient Africa.”
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