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Proceedings at the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly and Related meetings started on 4th April 2025, with two crucial meetings, namely, the SADC Group at the IPU augmented by the Africa Geopolitical group meetings. In a clear show of confidence in his leadership, vast experience on Parliamentary legal issues, and drafting capabilities, Speaker Mudenda was unanimously and unequivocally elected by the Africa Geopolitical Group to chair the newly constituted Committee.
The Committee is tasked with the arduous assignment of drafting a proposal for an Emergency Item for possible inclusion on the Agenda of the 150th IPU Assembly and Related Meetings.
The proposed resolution is set to combine the resolutions submitted to the Africa Geopolitical Group for consideration by the Arab Group and the delegation from Seychelles. The proposal from the Arab Group focuses on the rising global conflicts, including in the Middle East, Africa, and among other regions as well as the attendant global impact of climate change.
The resolution submitted by the delegation from Seychelles seeks to address the devastating and debilitating impacts of climate change on sustainable development.
Accordingly, the Drafting Committee is expected to come up with a proposal that will resonate with all African and Arab countries, with the potential to be supported by other Geopolitical Groups. Members of the Drafting Committee are drawn from African countries, namely, Algeria, Djibouti, Morocco, Seychelles, Burkina Faso, Zambia, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe. The ad-hoc Committee commenced its work on the morning of 5th April 2025.
Relatedly, Hon. Maureen Kademaunga, Zimbabwe Member of Parliament, was also nominated into the Bureau of the Committee on Science and Technology and is set to begin her tenure in October 2025 during the 151st Assembly of the IPU and Related Meetings scheduled for Geneva, Switzerland.
The Africa Geopolitical Group Meeting was preceded by the SADC PF Group Meeting at the IPU, chaired by the newly elected Speaker of the Parliament of Botswana, Rt. Hon. Dr. Dithapelo Lefoko Keorapetse.
In his opening remarks, the Rt. Hon. Speaker welcomed the opportunity to once again strengthen regional and international cooperation through Parliamentary diplomacy on the global stage.
He added that the interface had become imperative, particularly within the context of the unprecedented global challenges that threaten peace, democracy, and sustainable development.
Furthermore, Speaker Keorapetse accentuated the fact that the world has witnessed the collapse of traditional alliances. In this regard, Rt. Hon. Speaker Keorapetse emphasized the critical role of Parliament in advancing solutions to global challenges and ensuring universal peace and stability, a condition precedent for world security and prosperity. He, therefore, called on the SADC Parliamentary Forum to take an active role on the political global stage, to ensure that the voices of all the people of the world are heard.
Thereafter, Rt. Hon. Nelly Mutti, Speaker of the Parliament of Zambia and representative of the Africa Geopolitical Group to the IPU Executive Committee, presented a statement on decisions of the 295th Session of the IPU Executive Committee held on 3rd and 4th April 2025. The Report focused on the outcomes of the work of the President and Secretary General of the IPU, the financial situation of the IPU, and progress on the amendments of the IPU Statutes and Rules, among other issues.
Key to note for the SADC Group were the nominations for the positions of the Secretary-General as well as the Cremer-Passy Prize. The Cremer -Passy Prize will this year focus on champions of gender equality.
Speaking on the same occasion, Rt. Hon. Dr. Tulia Ackson, President of the IPU called for a coordinated approach and unity of purpose by the Africa Geopolitical Group in addressing issues under consideration at IPU Assemblies, particularly the issues of voting for the Emergency Item for inclusion on the Agenda of IPU Assemblies.
The IPU President emphasized that it was the responsibility of Africa to ensure that African problems find space on the Agenda of the biggest global Parliamentary Organisation. Accordingly, she implored African Parliaments to ensure that their Members do not only participate in the vote on pertinent issues but also vote in line with the position supported by the Africa Geopolitical Group.
The President of the IPU welcomed the possibility of the amendment of the Statutes and Rules of the IPU as they relate to the Emergency Item wherein there could be a possible inclusion of two Emergency Items. In furtherance of the Agenda to get African issues on the Agenda, the President of the IPU proposed the establishment of a Committee for Africa Task Force on Africa.
In calling on African Parliaments to actively participate in all processes and activities of the IPU, the Rt. Hon. IPU President commended Hon. Speaker Mudenda for his indefatigable and unwavering commitment to the work of the IPU. Testimony to this, Hon. Speaker Mudenda continually provides much-needed feedback on issues under consideration by the IPU, Hon Ackson, highlighted.
Finally, the Rt. Hon. Tulia Ackson spoke about the tenure of the current Secretary General of the IPU which terminates in June 2026. Accordingly, she called on Member Parliaments to submit nominations for the post. Quintessentially, she highlighted that the Secretary General’s position was not elected based on the principle of regional rotation, rather, competence and ability to deliver on the mandate of the IPU are the key fundamentals for consideration. Elections for the Secretary-General will be held in April 2026.
