Senegal’s Ousmane Sonko calls for stronger African parliamentary governance

The Speaker of Senegal’s National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko, met with Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge on June 4, 2026, during the 85th executive committee session of the African Parliamentary Union (APU). The high-level dialogue centered on strengthening the organization’s operational framework amid Africa’s evolving political, economic, and institutional landscape.

Sonko presented a series of reform proposals aimed at enhancing the APU’s efficiency and influence in shaping continental policy decisions. A key emphasis was placed on aligning the union’s strategic directions with those of the African Union (AU) to ensure greater coherence among Africa’s leading institutions.

Following the meeting, Sonko highlighted the urgency of institutional reforms to improve the APU’s responsiveness to member states’ needs. “For African parliamentary diplomacy to remain effective, its structures must evolve in tandem with the continent’s challenges,” he stated.

The discussions reflected a broader continental commitment to fostering stronger governance and collaboration among African parliaments. Observers noted that Sonko’s proposals could pave the way for a more unified parliamentary voice in continental decision-making processes.

This meeting underscores the ongoing efforts of African lawmakers to build institutions capable of addressing the continent’s most pressing issues.