President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Senator Pastor Lindiwe Dlamini, has urged African nations to chart their own development path and defend their sovereignty against external influences that seek to shape the continent’s policies and values.
Addressing delegates at the 4th African Regional Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values in Accra on Wednesday, June 3, Senator Dlamini stressed that Africa’s future must be determined by Africans themselves, guided by the continent’s unique cultures, traditions, and aspirations.
She argued that while international cooperation remains important in an increasingly interconnected world, African countries must ensure that partnerships with foreign governments and institutions do not undermine their national interests or erode their cultural identity.
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“Africa must have the confidence to define its own priorities and make decisions that reflect the realities of its people,” she told delegates drawn from 20 African countries.
The Senate President stressed Africa’s abundant natural resources, noting that the continent possesses vast reserves of minerals, energy resources, and fertile agricultural land capable of transforming the lives of millions. Despite this wealth, she observed that many African nations continue to struggle with poverty and underdevelopment.
According to her, one of the major challenges confronting the continent is the inability to fully benefit from its natural resources due to unfavorable agreements and the export of raw materials without adequate local processing and value addition.
She called on African leaders to strengthen cooperation and develop policies that place the interests of their citizens first while promoting economic self-reliance and sustainable development.
Senator Dlamini also underscored the importance of preserving Africa’s cultural heritage and family structures, describing them as foundational pillars of stable societies.
She warned that external ideological influences were increasingly challenging long-held African values and traditions, particularly among younger generations. As a result, she said African governments and parliaments have a responsibility to protect institutions that promote social cohesion and national identity.
“The strength of any nation begins with the strength of its families and communities,” she said. “If we lose our values, we risk losing the very foundation upon which our societies are built.”
The Eswatini Senate President praised the African Inter-Parliamentary Conference for creating a platform where lawmakers can exchange ideas and develop common strategies to address challenges facing the continent.
She expressed support for initiatives aimed at strengthening African sovereignty and promoting legislative frameworks that protect family values, cultural identity, and religious freedoms.
Senator Dlamini called on parliamentarians across Africa to move beyond discussions and implement practical measures that address the concerns of their citizens while safeguarding the continent’s independence.
The conference, she said, presents a unique opportunity for African lawmakers to shape policies that reflect the aspirations of their people rather than adopting solutions imposed from outside the continent.
As the conference continues, delegates are expected to deliberate on proposals aimed at reinforcing Africa’s cultural heritage, strengthening family institutions, and promoting greater collaboration among African legislatures.
She reaffirmed Eswatini’s commitment to supporting efforts that advance African unity, sovereignty, and self-determination.
“The future of Africa must be written by Africans. We have the resources, the wisdom, and the responsibility to shape our own destiny,” she said.