Africa-Press – Mauritius. The Assemblée Parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF), in partnership with the Mauritius National Assembly and the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), hosted the Parlement Francophone Régional des Jeunes de l’Indianocéanie (PFRJIO) from 8 to 10 December 2025 in Mauritius.
As part of the programme, a plenary session of the PFRJIO was held, yesterday, in the Chamber of the National Assembly in the presence of several dignitaries. The PFRJIO brings together youth delegates from Comoros, Seychelles, Réunion Island, Mauritius and Madagascar for a series of exchanges, debates and collaborative activities aimed at strengthening youth participation within the Francophone community.
In her opening address, the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mrs Bibi Safeena Lotun, stated that challenges in the Indian Ocean region are real and the ambitions of its youth are legitimate. She pointed out that the region is confronted with numerous issues, ranging from climate change to digital transformation and the influence of social media. She emphasised the importance of cooperation, good governance, peace and stability, as well as the need to develop sustainable initiatives to build a more secure future.
The Delegate General of the APF, Mrs Amélia Lakrafi, highlighted that the young participants had spent several days debating, proposing and amending ideas, while recalling that Francophone democracy is built on dialogue, rigour, attentive listening and boldness. She rejoiced that the work carried out reflects the responsibilities assumed by parliamentarians across the Francophone world.
Mrs Lakrafi also underscored the importance of promoting democracy, inter-parliamentary cooperation, youth empowerment and education. She reiterated the significance of upholding the values championed by the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), centred on the promotion of the French language, cultural diversity, peace, democracy, human rights, solidarity and education.
Also present, Mrs Cynthia Famenontsoa from the OIF recalled that the organisation promotes political, educational, economic and cultural cooperation among Member States for the benefit of their populations. She reaffirmed the OIF’s commitment to supporting young people. She stressed the need to prioritise youth employment as a key axis for personal fulfilment, autonomy and active citizenship, and emphasised the importance of access to skills development, training and employability initiatives.
The Chargé de Mission of the IOC, Mr Marc Maminiaina, pointed out that the plenary session coincided with International Human Rights Day and the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. He noted that discussions would focus on tourism and the socio-professional inclusion of young people.
The IOC actively involves youth from across the region — Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte, Réunion Island and Seychelles — in its programmes, particularly through the PRJIO. According to him, this platform engages young people on climate, environmental and economic issues, recognising them as agents of change for regional development, entrepreneurship and peacebuilding. He also outlined ongoing initiatives, namely training programmes and projects on climate action and the circular economy, which acknowledge the central role of youth in shaping the region’s future.
During the plenary sitting, the young parliamentarians debated two main themes, tourism in the Indian Ocean and the socio-professional inclusion of youth, and subsequently adopted resolutions. The session concluded with the adoption of resolutions and the presentation of certificates to participants.
In her closing remarks, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mrs Shirin Aumeeruddy-Cziffra, commended the young participants for the quality of their reflections and deliberations, noting that they serve as a model for the youth of the five countries of the region. She expressed the hope that they will continue this important work and wished them every success for the future.
About the Parlement Régional des Jeunes de l’Indianocéanie
The Parlement Régional des Jeunes de l’Indianocéanie (PRJIO) is a joint initiative of the Association of Parliaments of the Member States of the Indian Ocean Commission (AP-COI) and the IOC. It is implemented under the Governance, Peace and Stability project and funded by the Agence Française de Développement.
