MPs should find solutions to economic challenges in Africa - CPA chair

MPs should find solutions to economic challenges in Africa - CPA chair
By Mutale Kapekele in Livingstone
Sunday July 20, 2008 [04:00]

MEMBERS of parliament should find solutions to economic challenges in Africa, Commonwealth Parliamentarians Association (CPA) Africa region chairperson Mninwa Mahlangu has said. And CPA secretary general Dr William Shija said parliaments in the Commonwealth should participate more actively in conflict resolution.

Meanwhile, the 39th CPA African Region conference and annual general meeting on Friday unanimously adopted the resolutions on climate change, fighting corruption in Africa, gender issues and addressing issues of the disabled on the continent.
Speaking at the just-ended 39th CPA Africa region conference in Livingstone, Mahlangu said the economic challenges the world was experiencing had serious consequences that members of parliament should seek to address.

"We are aware that the world is experiencing serious economic challenges as a result of rising food prices and soaring fuel prices. Unfortunately, these developments have serious consequences for developing countries, especially its poor citizens," Mahlangu said. "As representatives of our parliaments, we have the unenviable task of presiding over the search for solutions that are aimed at alleviating the conditions under which our people find themselves."

Mahlangu said members of parliament should also plan for future generations by making decisions that would not endanger the future of the young.

And Dr Shija said parliaments should participate actively in conflict resolution.
"Since we have witnessed conflict emanating from incidents of democratic practices such as elections, members of parliament should seek the best way to participate in the area of conflict management and resolution," Dr Shija said.

And the CPA Africa region has unanimously agreed to take a leading role in climate change, gender, corruption and disability issues.

The Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia Amusaa Mwanamwambwa takes up the one-year chairmanship of the CPA Africa region.