The Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Roger Mancienne, has been elected as the President of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) At the 52nd Plenary Assembly Session. The Speaker was accompanied by Hon. Regina Esparon, Hon. Rosie Bistoquet and assisted by Parliamentary Secretary Ms. Brigitte Contoret.
The theme of the Forum was “The Role of Parliaments in Strengthening Legislative Frameworks for Peace and Security in the SADC region” and it was officially opened by H.E. Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Forum started on Tuesday 6th of December with the Administration of Oath or Affirmation of Adherence for New Members, followed by a presentation of Country Reports on the Progress on the Implementation of the Decisions by the 51st Plenary Assembly Session by Speakers and Head of Delegation.
Hon. Rosie Bistoquet, Chairperson of the SADC PF Standing Committee on Human and Social Development and Special Programmes (HSDSP), presented two Motions. The first was a Motion for Adoption of the Report of the Executive Committee on Policy and Administrative Matters, and the second was a Motion for the Adoption of the Report of the Standing Committee on Human and Social Development and Special Programmes. Hon. Bistoquet called for both of these Reports be adopted by the 52nd Plenary Assembly.
Hon. Regina Esparon - Chairperson of the SADC PF Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (RWPC) presented the Motion for the Adoption of the Report of the Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus which called for the Report be adopted by the 52nd Plenary Assembly. Hon. Esparon had the privilege of speaking on behalf of Women Parliamentarians of Southern Africa at the official opening of the Forum and discussed the initiatives of RWPC such as gender equality, effective representation of women and the increased participation of women in decision-making and policy drafting.
Hon. Mancienne has now taken over from Hon. Christophe Mboso N’kodia Pwanga and will serve in this role for two years, concluding his term in 2024. In his inaugural speech, Hon. Mancienne began by extending his thanks and appreciation to the host, Hon. Pwanga, and the SADC PF Secretariat for their hospitality and welcome. A special dedication was made to President Wavel Ramkalawan, as Hon. Mancienne noted the president’s long-term interest in and contribution to the SADC PF.
President Ramkalawan has sent a message of congratulations to Hon. Mancienne, on behalf of the country and himself, noting that this appointment represents a moment of pride for Seychelles, and that it is an achievement that reflects the country’s leadership role in regional and international affairs. President Ramkalawan concluded his felicitations by wishing both Hon. Mancienne and the National Assembly success in the tasks ahead.
