Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetangula, has represented Africa at the Standing Committee Meeting of the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) held in Guernsey, Channel Islands. The meeting aimed to finalize the agenda for the upcoming 28th CSPOC Conference, which is scheduled to take place in New Delhi, India later this year.
As a member of the CSPOC Standing Committee, Wetang’ula championed Africa’s interests, stressing the importance of addressing the continent’s unique challenges and opportunities on the global stage. In his remarks, he emphasized the need for Africa to gain more attention in sectors like trade, agriculture, tourism, and technological development. “Africa is a rich continent that deserves proper attention in these areas,” he stated, underlining the continent’s immense potential.
The meeting was chaired by Om Birla, the Speaker of India’s Parliament, and saw discussions on critical global issues, including the misuse of social media and the spread of fake news. Delegates expressed concern about the negative impact of misinformation on public messaging and governance. Additionally, it was confirmed that the CSPOC general conference will be held in New Delhi in 2026, while the Standing Committee will meet in Trinidad and Tobago in 2027.
Wetang’ula also highlighted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy and peer exchange to strengthen legislation across Commonwealth nations. “This meeting represents a significant opportunity to ensure that Africa’s voice resonates strongly in the Commonwealth’s legislative and governance agenda,” he remarked.
Accompanying Wetang’ula were Kenya’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Amb. Catherine Karemu, the Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Jeremiah Ndombi, and the Chief of Staff in the Speaker’s Office, Mr. Benson Milimo. The delegation’s participation marks a pivotal moment in ensuring that Africa’s role in global legislative processes is strengthened.
The CSPOC, established in 1969, continues to foster dialogue and collaboration among the speakers and presiding officers of Commonwealth member states, working to promote best practices in parliamentary governance.
