VICTORIA, Seychelles — Seychelles is hosting the 88th Executive Committee Meeting of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Africa Region at the Savoy Resort and Spa in Beau Vallon. The meeting has brought together parliamentary leaders from across the African continent, with the National Assembly of Seychelles serving as the host. The meeting serves as a vital platform for parliamentarians to engage in discussions on governance, legislative development and regional cooperation.
In her opening remarks, Catherine Gotani Hara, the chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee and Speaker of the Parliament of Malawi, expressed her satisfaction at the record attendance of members. She emphasised the importance of collaboration among the delegates, calling for constructive engagement that adheres to the principles of openness, mutual respect and tolerance. Speaker Gotani Hara also acknowledged the participation of Dr Christopher Kalila MP, the newly elected chairperson of the CPA International Executive Committee, who was attending his first major regional engagement since his election in Sydney, Australia in November 2024.
Roger Mancienne, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles, also addressed the gathering. He acknowledged the challenges Seychelles had faced in the past, including the shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic, and his commitments to the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum. ‘Despite these challenges, the Seychelles Parliament has remained actively engaged with the CPA, with the deputy Speaker, Gervais Henrie, representing the country at the Executive Committee meeting. Peace and security, human rights, economic development and environmental preservation are issues that resonate deeply within Africa,’ he affirmed. Deputy Speaker Henrie also noted that being a member of CPA brings many advantages to Seychelles.
