Gambian Parliamentarians Join Kinshasa Talks as APU Sets Agenda on Sovereignty and Energy Transition.
By Raymond Enoch
Gambian parliamentarians have joined counterparts from across the continent in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, for the 84th Session of the Executive 5Committee and the 47th Conference of the African Parliamentary Union (APU), holding from 18 to 22 November.
The high-level gathering, convening under a charged continental context of governance reforms, economic pressures and rising demands for inclusive development, is expected to shape a coordinated parliamentary response to Africa’s most pressing challenges.
Over five days, delegates will consider and adopt a series of key institutional reports, including the report of the President of the Executive Committee, the activity report of the APU Secretary General, and the report of the Committee of Women Parliamentarians. These documents are expected to provide a broad overview of the Union’s activities, priorities and internal reforms, while setting out new directions for engagement with member parliaments.
At the heart of the Kinshasa conference are substantive debates on sovereignty, development and energy. The Political Committee is scheduled to deliberate on the consolidation of national sovereignty as a pathway to sustainable development—an issue that resonates strongly with many African countries navigating complex geopolitical and economic pressures.
In parallel, the Economic and Sustainable Development Committee will focus on Africa’s energy transition and the role of renewable energy. For small and climate-vulnerable states such as The Gambia, the discussions around access, affordability and sustainability of energy are central to long-term growth and social stability.
Beyond the plenary sessions, specialised parliamentary committees are also meeting to dig deeper into sectoral issues—ranging from governance and human rights to economic integration and social development—aimed at strengthening legislative frameworks and enhancing oversight across member states.
The Gambian delegation to the Kinshasa conference is led by Hon. Omar Darboe, and includes Hon. Kebba T. Sanneh, Hon. Yaya Gassama, Hon. Alfusainey Ceesay and Hon. Sulayman Jammeh, with Isatou Kassama serving as Secretary to the Delegation.
Their participation underscores The Gambia’s commitment to regional parliamentary diplomacy and its determination to remain actively engaged in shaping Africa’s collective development and governance agenda.
