By Suleman Chitera
Speaker of the National Assembly of The Gambia, Fabakary Tombong Jatta, has delivered a powerful and historic address to Parliament of Malawi, calling for stronger cooperation among African legislatures to accelerate the continent’s development agenda.
Addressing Members of Parliament in Lilongwe, Jatta described his visit as a defining moment in African parliamentary diplomacy, underscoring the critical role legislatures must play in shaping accountable governance and sustainable development across the continent.
“This engagement reflects our shared commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and advancing Africa’s collective aspirations,” Jatta said, emphasizing that Africa’s transformation hinges on robust institutions, transparent leadership, and solidarity among nations.
Learning, Sharing, Building Together
Jatta commended Malawi’s Parliament for its effective operational systems and legislative oversight mechanisms, noting that his delegation from National Assembly of The Gambia is in the country to exchange knowledge and benchmark best practices.
He highlighted that parliamentary diplomacy is no longer symbolic but strategic — serving as a catalyst for policy alignment, peer learning, and stronger continental representation in global decision-making platforms.
“The time has come for African parliaments to move beyond bilateral courtesies and embrace structured collaboration,” he said.
Deepening Malawi–Gambia Ties
The Gambian Speaker proposed enhanced cooperation between Malawi and The Gambia through exchange programmes for parliamentary staff and legislators, joint committee engagements, and coordinated positions in international parliamentary forums.
Such partnerships, he said, would not only strengthen institutional capacity but also amplify Africa’s voice on the global stage.
Africa’s Solutions Must Be African
In a strong message of continental self-reliance, Jatta stressed that Africa must craft its own solutions to its challenges.
“Our development trajectory must be shaped by African institutions, African leadership, and African unity,” he declared, urging lawmakers to champion reforms that promote good governance, economic resilience, and inclusive growth.
His address was widely viewed as a significant step toward deeper inter-parliamentary cooperation, reinforcing the growing momentum for African-led development and institutional strengthening.
The visit signals a renewed commitment to solidarity between Malawi and The Gambia — and a broader call for African parliaments to work collectively in driving the continent’s democratic and economic transformation.
