The Right Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly of The Gambia and President of the CPA Africa Region, The Right Honourable Speakers and Heads of Delegation from Parliaments across Africa, Honourable Members of Parliament, Your Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, Representatives of Regional and International Organisations, Esteemed Members of Civil Society Organisations and the Media, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the Government and People of The Gambia, it is with immense pleasure and honour that I welcome you all to The Gambia, Africa’s Smiling Coast, for the fifty-fourth (54th) Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region Conference.

We are truly honoured to host this significant event, and trusting that the deliberations here will be impactful and inspiring. Likewise, we encourage our international guests to enjoy their stay with us. Honourable Speaker,

The theme of the conference, “Strengthening Democratic Governance and Resilience in Africa: Tackling Conflicts, Economic Shocks, and Climate Risks” resonates deeply with the aspirations and challenges of every African nation.

It is a theme that invites and merits critical reflection on the intricate realities that define the present and, potentially, may shape the future. It is a powerful call to collective action, urging us to confront our challenges with renewed vigour and determined commitment.

As Parliamentarians, you are fully aware of the well-known African paradox, of poor nations in wealthy lands. Africans are known to inhabit a continent of ample potential to develop rapidly. It is rich in human and natural resources and vibrant in diversity but navigating a complex landscape of threats, instability, poverty, and uneven development patterns.

We have witnessed, with deep concern, the persistence of conflicts and the unfortunate re-emergence of unconstitutional governments in some parts of the continent. These incidents undermine peace, reverse hard-won development gains, and displace millions of people. They remind us that true development cannot thrive in the absence of mutual trust, hard work, peace, and stability.

African economies, most of which are still developing, are extremely vulnerable to unfavourable global economic trends. Rising inflation, external debt burdens, disruptions to global supply chains, and the prolonged socio-economic impact of recent global crises continue to frustrate our efforts, waste our resources, and test our resilience. These shocks can deepen poverty, widen inequalities, and disrupt social structures.

The climate crisis is not a distant threat for Africa. It is a lived reality. From the Sahelian droughts that devastate agriculture and rising sea levels that threaten our coasts to unpredictable floods that displace thousands, climate change is intensifying the vulnerability of our nations. It continues to fuel resource scarcity, trigger migration, and, in some instances, contribute to conflicts and unrest. In the face of such challenges, strengthening democratic governance, building resilience, and ensuring inclusive development and justice are not mere policy options but also imperatives. Honourable Speaker,

Democratic governance provides the legitimate framework to address complex and systemic challenges. It ensures that governments remain accountable to their people, policies are inclusive, and decisions are made through transparent processes.

Parliaments are the bedrock of democracy, holding the Executive accountable, enacting progressive laws, and ensuring that public resources are managed prudently and equitably. As the voice of the people, a parliament plays an indispensable role in key democratic processes, especially in handling matters of national concern.

In The Gambia, my government remains firmly committed to upholding parliamentary independence and strengthening oversight institutions. We believe that a strong parliament is absolutely essential for a strong democracy, with entrenched accountability and transparent procedures protected. Because our collective resilience strengthens us to withstand, adapt to, and recover from the shocks that hit our economy, we constantly seek options to build a diversified economy that can absorb external pressures. Besides developing effective disaster preparedness and response mechanisms, we also invest in social protection systems that shield the most vulnerable. We will continue to foster national cohesion, promote peace education, and empower communities to participate actively in their own development and security. Honourable Speaker,

The Gambia is currently on a journey of democratic consolidation, economic recovery, and climate action. We understand first-hand the value of robust institutions, transparent governance, and civic participation. We are thus committed to fostering an environment where peace prevails, opportunities flourish, and communities are resilient to climate and economic threats.

Fittingly, therefore, we have established annual Regional and National Dialogue sessions to build consensus on thematic issues and enhance cohesion through dialogue. To solidify such initiatives, this conference offers our countries a crucial learning and sharing platform to craft and act on innovative solutions.

As parliamentarians, you are uniquely positioned to translate policy into action, advocate for your constituents, and ensure that the voices of the people are heard at the highest levels of governance structures. This is an opportunity for you to compare notes. Distinguished Delegates,

The tasks before you are immense, so must your collective resolve be intense. The salvation of Africa lies in democratic governance, proper policies, and appropriate action, sustained by peace, stability, and security for all.

In line with the values and principles of the Commonwealth, I encourage you to engage in thoughtful dialogue, forge stronger partnerships, and commit to concrete actions that will strengthen democratic governance and build resilience across the continent. I wish you a highly productive conference.

With these thoughts on the theme, it is now my honour and privilege to declare the Fifty-fourth (54th) Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Africa Region Conference officially open. May God bless us all.