In a bid to advance the cause of open parliament in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, the Africa Parliamentary Monitoring Organisations Network (APMON) recently engaged with the Southern African Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (SAf-CNGO) at a high-level stakeholders meeting.

The meeting, which took place in South Africa, was attended by representatives from the SADC Secretariat and the SADC Parliamentary Forum, highlighting the importance of the discussions in progressing and developing the sub-region.

APMON, represented by its Coordinator, Ben Opoku Aryeh, was invited to share perspectives on how civil society organizations (CSOs) can strengthen national and regional parliaments to be more open and accountable. This invitation underscores the recognition of APMON’s expertise and its role in promoting transparency and good governance across the African continent.

During the meeting, APMON highlighted its achievements over the years, showcasing its commitment to promoting sustainable development and democratic governance. Ben Opoku Aryeh, APMON’s Senior Programmes Officer, also participated in the meeting, sharing insights on APMON’s vision for the future and how SAf-CNGO can be part of this vision.

The meeting was a significant step towards fostering collaboration between APMON and SAf-CNGO, with both organizations recognizing the importance of working together to achieve their common goals. As APMON continues to champion the cause of open parliament in Africa, its partnership with SAf-CNGO is poised to make a meaningful impact in the SADC region and beyond.

The engagement between APMON and SAf-CNGO marks a milestone in the efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the SADC region. By leveraging the strengths of CSOs and parliamentary monitoring organizations, the two organizations are paving the way for a more open and inclusive democratic process in Southern Africa.

Source: Clement Akoloh/Comms Officer – PNAfrica