Second Vice-President of the Pan-African Parliament and member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has called for the urgent ratification of the Malabo Convention to safeguard Africa’s democratic future.
She lamented that Africa still faces interconnected challenges, including conflict, violent extremism, unconstitutional changes of government, economic hardship, climate insecurity, and rising public distrust in institutions.
She stressed that the continent must move beyond reactive responses to crises and instead prioritize prevention, inclusive governance, and accountable leadership.
Dr Rawlings urged all African Union member states to ratify and implement the Malabo Convention, describing it as a vital African-led framework for cybersecurity, data protection, and digital trust.
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Delivering the opening statement at the 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in Banjul, Dr Rawlings argued that Africa needs to build stronger institutions, greater respect for human rights, and increased investment in women and youth leadership.
She was speaking on behalf of Fateh Boutbig, the President of the Pan-African Parliament.
Dr Rawlings expressed concern over recent attacks against fellow African nationals in parts of South Africa, warning that xenophobia and Afrophobia undermine the ideals of Pan-Africanism.
“As Africans, we cannot advocate for unity at the continental level while allowing fear, misinformation, economic frustration, and social tensions to divide us from one another,” she said.
The Klottey Korle MP emphasized that peace and security cannot be separated from governance and human rights, noting that weak institutions and exclusion often fuel instability.
She called for stronger coordination between the African Governance Architecture and the African Peace and Security Architecture, arguing that sustainable peace requires constitutionalism, civic inclusion, and respect for fundamental freedoms.
Dr Rawlings emphasized the critical but often underrecognized role of women in conflict prevention and peacebuilding, urging governments to ensure women are meaningfully represented in formal negotiations and decision-making structures.
She also advocated greater inclusion of young people in governance and policy-making, noting that Africa’s youthful population must be empowered to help shape the continent’s future.
“Security and freedom should not be viewed as opposing goals. Africa must build digital systems that are both secure and rights-based,” she stated.
Dr Rawlings reaffirmed the Pan-African Parliament’s commitment to working with the ACHPR and other stakeholders to advance justice, dignity, peace, and shared prosperity across the continent, and urged delegates to renew their commitment to an Africa where institutions protect citizens, technology serves humanity responsibly, and every African can live with dignity, opportunity, and hope.