African nations are pushing for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) to be recognized as an international inter-parliamentary organization. This push has been ongoing for over a decade, and the momentum is now stronger than ever as African leaders call for the change.
The 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Sydney, Australia, has provided the perfect platform for this dialogue. Moses Wetangula, Kenya’s National Assembly Speaker, is leading the Kenyan delegation and emphasized the need for reform. He pointed out that the CPA, established in 1911, is currently registered as a charity organization in the UK and needs to be upgraded to an international status.
“The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association has always been a charity organization in England. For 20 years, there has been a push for the CPA to transition into an international body, much like the Inter-Parliamentary Union or United Nations agencies, to benefit from the diplomatic privileges under the Vienna Convention,” Wetangula said.
He expressed confidence that this change would be completed by the end of the year, as recommended at the 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Accra, Ghana, in 2023.
Stephen Twigg, the CPA Secretary-General, expressed optimism about the organization’s autonomy, stating that 2024 would be a turning point in its history. He highlighted that King Charles had announced the legislation necessary for the transition, with the final bill passing through the House of Lords and Commons. He anticipates that by the time of the 2024 conference in Barbados, the CPA will have its new international status, putting it on par with other global parliamentary organizations like the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie.
“This milestone has been years in the making, and we owe it to all those who have advocated tirelessly for this transformation,” said Twigg, who also discussed how the changes would enhance the CPA’s ability to advocate for democracy, human rights, and good governance.
In addition to the push for the CPA’s legal upgrade, Wetangula attended a workshop at the conference focusing on the challenges faced by parliamentarians, including violence and abuse. He stated that being an MP requires courage, as representatives must challenge the state, confront bullying, and fight for their constituents’ rights.
The Kenyan delegation also held discussions on critical issues, such as improving the retention of women in politics, advocating for the inclusion of persons with disabilities, addressing human trafficking, and promoting immigration reforms within the Commonwealth.
The Kenyan delegation comprises notable figures, including Kinango MP Gonzi Rai, Vihiga County MP Beatrice Adagala, Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi, Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda, Igembe South MP John Paul Mwirigi, and Gatundu North MP Njoroge Kururia. Also present are the Clerk of the National Assembly, Samuel Njoroge, and Senators Jackson Mandago and Beth Syengo.