The 32nd Regional Assembly for Africa of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie (APF) concluded this Tuesday in Dakar. In his closing remarks, El Malick Ndiaye stated that this meeting underscored a fundamental truth: parliamentary diplomacy is not a secondary form of diplomacy. "It makes a unique, invaluable, and irreplaceable contribution to relations between peoples and states. It allows us to maintain bridges when tensions rise, to preserve dialogue when positions harden, and to build trust where misunderstandings may take root," he said.

The Speaker of the National Assembly argued that in a world marked by security crises, economic divisions, geopolitical tensions, and strategic realignments, parliamentary diplomacy must become more structured, more visible, and more operational. "Our discussions also demonstrated that African sovereignty is neither a slogan nor a retreat. It is a political, institutional, and economic imperative. It is built upon the quality of our laws, the transparency of public management, the control of our resources, the strength of our institutions, and our collective capacity to respond to the aspirations of our people," he stated.

El Malick Ndiaye emphasized that Africa must no longer be merely a coveted space. It must be an actor that thinks, decides, proposes, and influences. And African parliaments have a major responsibility in this regard.

"Our discussions also showed that African sovereignty is neither a slogan nor a retreat."

“Our work has also reminded us that peace, stability and sustainable development cannot be separated. Africa knows the price of conflict, division and interference. That is why the voice of African parliaments must remain a voice of balance, justice, responsibility and dialogue. A voice committed to international law, the sovereignty of States, the protection of civilian populations and the rejection of all forms of terrorism, violent extremism and hatred,” he continued.

Even better, he said he noted the importance given to women, young people, and parliamentary administrations during the discussions. "No democracy can be strong if it does not fully integrate women. No parliament can prepare for the future without involving its youth. And no parliamentary institution can be credible without a competent, modern, stable, and efficient administration," he stated.

The participants in this session will visit Gorée Island tomorrow, "a place of profound memory and universal awareness, as well as the Museum of Black Civilizations, a symbol of intercultural dialogue, the richness of African heritage, and Africa's contribution to world history." "We hope that these moments will allow everyone to better discover the history, soul, and cultural richness of Senegal," El Malick Ndiaye remarked.