Seychelles represented at second forum of chairs of Foreign Affairs committees in African parliaments   |05 March 2025

Hon. William during his intervention

The second forum of chairs of Foreign Affairs committees in African parliaments convened on February 20 and 21, 2025 in Rabat, Morocco.

Seychelles was represented by the chairperson of the International Affairs Committee (IAC) Hon. Waven William and was among 35 other African nations represented by policymakers, diplomats and parliamentary representatives.

The aim of the forum was the enhancement of parliamentary collaboration in addressing continent-specific challenges such as peace, security and sustainable development.

The forum provided an opportunity for discussion on the vulnerabilities experienced across the continent, particularly the instabilities caused by poor governance and corruption, terrorism, ethnic rivalries due to colonial borders, and socio-political tensions due to competition of land and other natural resources.

The main tool broached as a mechanism for conflict resolution was mediation, noted as a peaceful form of cooperation and reconciliation.

During discussions and debates, a call for the restoration of a more robust African sovereignty was made. Questions were raised on the unfair extraction of raw materials and resources from the continent, leading to a loss of wealth creation and steady revenue streams.

In his intervention, Hon. William noted that it is imperative for African leaders to “redefine sovereignty, as it is a crucial element of African progress and development”.

In assessing the positive structures in place regionally, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was highlighted as a successful tool in the promotion of economic self-reliance and unity.

As a representative of a small island developing state (Sids), also known as Large Ocean Territories, Hon. William highlighted the need to include the Sids in continental discussions which require both regional and international support.

Due to the unique vulnerabilities and challenges, such as economic limitations and disproportionate effects of climate change, Sids must play a larger role in continental development.

Hon. William then made an intervention on the growth of local industry, following a presentation showcasing the success of Morocco in stimulating industrial development.

Hon. William noted that fostering trust in citizens is the first step in ensuring a thriving local economy, as a mistrust in local goods and producers harms the potential for domestic markets to develop.

The forum concluded with a unified message of hope and resilience, with the adoption of a draft statute for the forum to establish a formal foundation to secure its future.

The goal of a peaceful and prosperous Africa remains at the forefront, with emphasis on mediation, education, and regional cooperation as tool to achieve this unified ambition.

Contributed