Legislative Aides Unite to Safeguard Democracy in Africa

Concerned about the collapse of democratic systems in some African countries and the weakening of democratic institutions in others, legislative aides from across the continent are preparing to convene for strategic discussions on sustaining democracy in Africa.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday, the Chairman of the National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum (NASSLAF), Barrister Emeka Nwala, announced that a major strategic conference has been scheduled for next Monday in Abuja, with 7,500 legislative aides expected to participate from various African parliaments.

The conference, themed “Empowering Legislative Aides as Strategic Drivers of Parliamentary Effectiveness in African Nations,” is aimed at enhancing the capacities of legislative aides across Africa and fostering strong regional partnerships and cooperation to reinforce parliamentary and democratic processes on the continent.

Nwala said: “We are not unaware of the collapse of democracy in some African nations, resulting in the return of military governance in countries such as Niger, Gabon, Mali, Burkina Faso and so on.
It is also evidence-based that parliamentary structures in some African nations are struggling due to weak democratic institutions.”

He noted that these disturbing developments highlight the urgency of strengthening legislative aides to enable them play more effective roles in consolidating democracy in the region.

According to him, the upcoming conference will delve into the expanding roles of legislative aides in areas such as legislative research, democratic accountability, digital governance, and institutional performance — all critical components in building efficient legislative support systems.

“In the history of Africa, this is the first time African legislative aides are coming together to brainstorm, build networks, partnerships, and capacities for the common good and development of the region,” he added.

Nwala listed several dignitaries expected at the event, including the Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly of South Sudan, Rt. Hon. Jemma Nunu Kumba; Nigeria’s Vice President, H.E. Senator Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, among others.