Papa wa Roma to the world: Speaker Wetang’ula bags key role in powerful African body

The Speaker of Kenya’s National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, has been appointed to a key role within Africa’s newly established legislative organization.

Speaker Wetang’ula was unanimously selected on Saturday to serve on the advisory panel of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL).

The election took place during the Second General Assembly of CoSPAL in Accra, Ghana, where delegates deliberated and adopted the organization’s draft Constitution.

Representing Speaker Wetang’ula at the event was Hon. David Ochieng (Ugenya), who underscored the Speaker’s dedication and wealth of legislative experience as assets to CoSPAL’s leadership.

Presided over by Ghana’s Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Assembly brought together over 10 Speakers from African nations, along with numerous Deputy Speakers and Vice Presidents. Formed in 2020, CoSPAL’s mission is to unify Africa’s legislative leaders to confront shared challenges across the continent.

The conference saw participants agree that CoSPAL’s Headquarters and Secretariat would be based in Abuja, Nigeria, positioning it as a central hub for legislative collaboration in Africa.

CoSPAL’s Constitution defines several key bodies within the organization, including the General Assembly, Executive Committee, Secretariat, and Advisory Panel. The Advisory Panel, limited to 10 members, comprises five current and five former Speakers or Presidents of Parliament. This panel is charged with advising the General Assembly and Executive Committee on policy and programs, providing guidance on conflict management and resolution, and standing ready to monitor elections across Africa.

While accepting Speaker Wetang’ula’s appointment, Hon. Ochieng commended him as an exemplary Pan-Africanist with over three decades of legislative service, describing him as “a committed and dedicated public servant, exceptionally suited for this role.”

Membership in CoSPAL is open to all African Union member states, with eligibility extended to current or former Speakers, Presidents of African legislatures, and their deputies. CoSPAL’s objectives include fostering collaboration among legislative leaders across Africa and establishing partnerships with the African Union and international organizations to address the continent’s most pressing issues.