The 13th Plenary Session of the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP) opened yesterday in N'Djamena, Chad, with a focus on the vital role of parliamentary diplomacy in fostering peace and preventing conflicts across Africa.
In his keynote address, the President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira articulated a vision for the future of the continent. He declared, “Parliamentary diplomacy is key to achieving lasting peace in Africa. It empowers us to engage constructively, encouraging dialogue over discord.” He stressed the importance of parliaments as pivotal instruments for promoting peace, highlighting that effective legislation can serve as a preventive measure against conflicts.
Further exploring this theme, President Charumbira shared compelling examples of successful peace processes that have been driven by parliamentary action. “In countries where dialogue has reigned, we see not only reduced conflict but also flourishing communities that thrive on cooperation. Let us learn from these successes and replicate them across our nations,” he urged delegates.
The President also called attention to the critical roles of youth and women in peacebuilding, stating, “Our future depends on the inclusion of all voices. Young people and women must be at the forefront of every initiative aimed at creating stable societies. Their perspectives bring fresh ideas and creativity necessary for sustainable peace.” He proposed the establishment of platforms specifically designed to elevate these voices within parliamentary discussions, ensuring they shape the policies that impact their lives.
The opening session included opening remarks from Hon. Ddjidda Mamar Mahamat, Chair of the Organising Committee and 4th Vice President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP).
The plenary session featured a series of panel discussions, interactive workshops, and key presentations that further unpack these themes, aimed at sharing best practices in parliamentary mediation and conflict prevention. Topics included the implementation of peacekeeping legislation, strategies for enhancing inter-parliamentary cooperation, and building strong community ties for enhanced social cohesion.
The gathering in N'Djamena reflects the commitment of African nations to prioritize peace and cooperation, building a stronger foundation for unity and resilience across the continent. Holding this plenary session in N'Djamena, the capital of a country at the forefront of these challenges in the Sahel region, carried strong symbolism. It offered a unique opportunity to contextualize discussions about Africa's future in terms of tolerance and peacebuilding, and mobilize African and international parliamentarians around concrete solutions.
