The Continental Speakers’ Platform for African Legislatures (CoSPAL) has emerged as a new legislative organization aimed at uniting parliamentary leaders across Africa to address shared challenges facing the continent. CoSPAL provides a collaborative forum for legislative leaders to work together on policy solutions, conflict management, and inter-parliamentary cooperation.
In a recent event held in Accra, Ghana, Kenya’s National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetangula, was unanimously appointed to CoSPAL’s advisory panel, a significant leadership role. Representing Wetangula in his absence due to the funeral of Tharaka MP Gitonga Murugara’s mother, Ugenya MP David Ochieng accepted the appointment on his behalf. Ochieng, who is also a member of the Kenyan Speaker’s panel, spoke highly of Wetangula’s qualifications for the position, citing his decades-long career in public service and his commitment to Pan-Africanism.
“Speaker Wetangula has over thirty years of experience as a legislator and is a dedicated public servant with a strong commitment to Pan-African ideals,” Ochieng remarked. “His leadership and vision make him well-suited for guiding CoSPAL.”
The meeting in Accra drew over ten Speakers, twenty Deputy Speakers, and numerous Vice Presidents from various African legislatures. During the assembly, key topics were addressed, including the adoption of CoSPAL’s draft Constitution, which outlines the organization’s framework and objectives. The Constitution also formally established Abuja, Nigeria, as the headquarters and secretariat for CoSPAL, signifying the central role Nigeria will play in hosting and supporting the organization’s operations.
CoSPAL’s advisory panel, where Wetangula will serve, is comprised of up to ten members, with an equal balance of current and former Speakers from African legislatures. This panel is tasked with guiding the organization’s policies and programs, advising both the General Assembly and Executive Committee. Additionally, the advisory panel will serve as a resource for conflict management and resolution and act as an election monitoring body when required.
Beyond the advisory panel, CoSPAL’s Constitution established three other primary organs: the General Assembly, the Executive Committee, and the Secretariat. Together, these structures form the organizational backbone of CoSPAL, enabling a coordinated and efficient approach to addressing Africa’s legislative challenges.
Membership in CoSPAL is open to all African Union (AU) member states, with eligibility extended to current and former Speakers, Presidents of Parliament, and their deputies. Through this open membership policy, CoSPAL aims to foster collaboration across African parliaments and enhance ties with the AU and other international organizations.
With objectives centered on promoting unity, fostering collaboration, and establishing a platform for legislative leaders to work toward the continent’s collective progress, CoSPAL seeks to play a transformative role in shaping Africa’s legislative future.
By Newscreator