The Hon. Speaker of the National Assembly of the Gambia, Fabakary Tombong Jatta has called on African Parliaments to ratify the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement and take concrete steps through parliamentary oversight to ensure that the Executive branch of government honors the obligations and principles of the agreement.
Honourable Jatta made these remarks on Wednesday whilst addressing Speakers of Commonwealth Parliaments at the ongoing 18th Commonwealth Conferences of Speakers and Presiding Officers Africa Region.
“AfCFTA presents a historic opportunity for Africa to transform its economic fortunes and foster greater regional integration. However, to achieve this vision, the active participation of African Parliaments is indisputably required. Parliaments must play a central role in enacting legislation ensuring budgetary support, fostering public awareness, and providing oversight throughout the implementation process, he told colleague Speakers.
The 18th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) African Region underway in Yaounde, Cameroon was officially opened by the Prime Minister of Cameroon Mr. Joseph Ngute on behalf of the President His Excellency President Paul Biya.
The conference is being held under the theme, “African Parliaments and Agenda 2063,” which underscores the commitment to advancing the welfare of the African people and aligning legislative efforts with Agenda 2063.
The conference promises an excellent platform for diverse African delegations to engage in productive exchanges of ideas, strengthen existing relationships, and foster collaborations for future inter-parliamentary initiatives.
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