New head of Great Lakes Parliamentary Forum calls for responsible AI use and stronger regional unity

Victoria Falls. In a stirring address that underscored the importance of solidarity, innovation and regional cooperation, the newly appointed Secretary General of the Forum of Parliaments of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (FP-ICGLR), Tanzanian Dr Deo Osmund Mwapinga, delivered his inaugural solidarity speech at the opening of the 57th Plenary Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum.

Addressing a distinguished audience of parliamentary leaders, diplomats and regional stakeholders, Dr Mwapinga extended greetings from FP-ICGLR and emphasised the urgency of leveraging technology — particularly artificial intelligence (AI) — to enhance democratic governance across the region.

The Plenary Assembly, themed “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Effective and Efficient Parliamentary Processes in the SADC Region: Experiences, Challenges and Opportunities”, provided a fitting platform for his forward-looking message.

“AI should extend human capabilities, not override them. It must enhance our democracy, not endanger it,” Dr Mwapinga said, cautioning against the uncritical adoption of AI in legislative processes.

He commended the SADC Parliamentary Forum for initiating critical conversations on the potential and risks of AI in parliamentary work, noting its promise in improving efficiency, transparency, and public engagement. However, he warned that ethical, legal and technical risks must be carefully navigated, urging parliaments to keep human agency at the heart of their decision-making.

Drawing on African cultural wisdom, Dr Mwapinga referenced Kenyan literary icon Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, adapting his words for the digital age:

“Use AI — and not let AI use you.”

Beyond the technological front, Dr Mwapinga highlighted the importance of regional parliamentary solidarity in responding to shared challenges such as conflict, displacement, youth unemployment, climate change and threats to democracy.

“Regional parliamentary cooperation is not a choice — it is a necessity. Our peoples are interdependent, and our responses must be united and strategic,” he said.

He announced that the FP-ICGLR is actively pursuing a formal partnership with the SADC Parliamentary Forum, aimed at fostering joint missions, legislative harmonisation, peer learning, and institutional resilience.

Dr Mwapinga also emphasised the growing role of parliamentary diplomacy in advancing peace, prosperity and justice on the global stage.

“Parliaments are no longer just national actors — they are essential players in shaping global outcomes,” he said.

He concluded his remarks with a call to action, urging leaders to turn solidarity into lived commitments through knowledge exchange, capacity building and coordinated action.

“We salute your dedication and vision,” he said. “We look forward to continued collaboration in building a better future for our regions and for Africa as a whole.”

Earlier, welcoming Dr Mwapinga, SADC PF Secretary General Boemo Sekgoma congratulated him on his appointment and affirmed the Forum’s readiness to engage in structured collaboration with the FP-ICGLR, particularly in promoting peace, security, and human rights across both regions.

The 57th Plenary Assembly was officially opened by the Guest of Honour, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who lauded the theme for its relevance to Africa’s development agenda. President Mnangagwa emphasised the need for African legislatures to lead the continent into the Fourth Industrial Revolution while upholding democratic values.

The week-long assembly continues with high-level discussions, knowledge exchange and strategy sessions focused on digital innovation, ethical AI regulation, and enhanced parliamentary oversight.

As Dr Mwapinga aptly said:

“Solidarity is not merely about statements — it is about action.”