While Western and Asian nations have long refined their legislative processes to meet contemporary demands, African parliaments are steadily adapting their frameworks to foster inclusive governance, digital efficiency, and socio-political stability. This transformation signifies a profound evolution in Africa’s democratic institutions as they strive to overcome historical challenges and align with global best practices.

READ ALSO: African Parliamentary Networks: Cooperation and Challenges

A global perspective reveals that parliamentary evolution is often driven by economic imperatives, citizen engagement, and technological advancements. According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), more than 68% of national parliaments worldwide have digitised their operations, enabling virtual sessions, e-legislation, and real-time public participation. In the United States, Congress has incorporated artificial intelligence (AI) into legislative drafting and policy analysis, expediting decision-making processes. Similarly, the European Parliament has adopted stringent transparency measures, allowing citizens to scrutinise legislative proceedings through open-access platforms.

In Asia, Singapore’s e-Parliament initiative exemplifies how digital governance can enhance legislative efficiency. However, Africa’s legislative landscape presents a unique case. As of 2023, only 40% of African parliaments had fully digitised legislative processes, with South Africa, Rwanda, and Kenya leading the way in adopting e-governance tools. The continent faces significant gaps in technological infrastructure, legal reforms, and parliamentary independence, yet several case studies highlight commendable progress.

African parliaments are increasingly asserting themselves in governance, addressing contemporary challenges such as youth unemployment, climate change, and cybersecurity. In Nigeria, the National Assembly’s passage of the Start-Up Act in 2022 illustrates how legislative bodies are fostering innovation-led economic growth. The law, aimed at supporting tech entrepreneurs, aligns Nigeria with global trends in digital economy policies.

Meanwhile, Ghana’s parliament has played a crucial role in enacting policies to curb illegal mining, tackling environmental degradation through strict legal frameworks. Rwanda’s parliament has gone further by leveraging artificial intelligence to streamline legislative research and deliberations, setting a precedent for digital governance across the continent. These examples indicate that African legislatures are not only responding to present challenges but are also shaping the future of governance through proactive policymaking.

One of the most critical areas of parliamentary evolution in Africa is electoral reform. Historically, electoral disputes have plagued many African democracies, undermining stability and development. However, there is a growing trend of legislative interventions to ensure free, fair, and credible elections. Kenya’s 2022 electoral process, largely upheld as transparent, was significantly influenced by legal frameworks established by the Kenyan Parliament. By integrating biometric voter registration and real-time results transmission, Kenya’s legislature demonstrated how legal innovation could enhance electoral integrity. In contrast, Zimbabwe’s parliament has struggled to implement comprehensive electoral reforms, highlighting the uneven progress in democratic evolution across the continent.

Security legislation has also taken centre stage as African nations grapple with terrorism, cyber threats, and cross-border conflicts. The rise of militant groups such as Boko Haram in Nigeria, Al-Shabaab in Somalia, and armed insurgencies in the Sahel region has prompted legislative bodies to enact stringent counterterrorism laws. Nigeria’s 2011 Anti-Terrorism Act, which has undergone multiple amendments, showcases how parliaments are adapting to evolving security challenges. Similarly, the African Union’s (AU) emphasis on legislative collaboration among member states to combat terrorism reflects the growing role of parliaments in regional security frameworks.

Economic governance is another defining aspect of Africa’s parliamentary transformation. With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement in full swing, legislative bodies across the continent are harmonising trade policies to facilitate seamless intra-African commerce. According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), AfCFTA could boost intra-African trade by 52% by 2025, provided that national parliaments align their legislative frameworks with regional economic goals. South Africa’s parliament has played a leading role in aligning national policies with AfCFTA objectives, demonstrating the potential of legislative harmonisation in fostering economic growth.

Beyond economic and security concerns, African parliaments are addressing gender inclusivity and human rights. Countries such as Rwanda and Ethiopia have set global benchmarks in gender representation, with women holding over 60% and 50% of parliamentary seats, respectively. This shift signifies a broader recognition of gender equity as a legislative priority. However, challenges remain, as nations like Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo struggle with restrictive policies that hinder women’s political participation.

As African parliaments continue to evolve, the key to sustained progress lies in institutional strengthening, technological integration, and regional cooperation. Lessons drawn from global legislative trends can serve as a blueprint for Africa’s parliamentary future. While significant strides have been made, the road ahead requires deliberate reforms, robust public engagement, and unwavering commitment to democratic principles. In an era defined by unprecedented challenges and opportunities, Africa’s legislatures stand at the crossroads of transformation, poised to redefine governance for generations to come.

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Ethnic and religious divisions can be traced back to pre-colonial times, but contemporary tensions stem largely from the arbitrary borders drawn by European colonial powers. These borders often disregarded ethnic and cultural boundaries, forcing the amalgamation of historically rival groups. Colonial powers such as Britain, France, and Belgium employed a “divide and rule” strategy in countries like Rwanda, Burundi, and Nigeria, deliberately pitting ethnic groups against each other to maintain political dominance and control over resources.

READ ALSO: Ethnic and tribal dynamics in African politics: Effects on National Harmony

In many African countries, ethnic identity is closely tied to political affiliation, and the acquisition of power is often perceived as a zero-sum game. This has exacerbated ethnic tensions, with groups vying for control of state institutions and resources, particularly in countries where governance is weak or corrupt. Sudan provides a stark example, where conflict has been shaped by both ethnic and religious differences. The predominantly Arab Muslim north was in prolonged conflict with the African Christian and animist south, and even after South Sudan gained independence in 2011, ethnic violence continues to plague both nations as rival groups compete for political and economic control.

Religion has also played a role in exacerbating inter-group violence. Although Africa has a long history of religious coexistence, particularly in cosmopolitan urban areas, religion has increasingly been politicised and used as a tool for mobilisation in conflicts. In Nigeria, the religious divide has contributed to recurrent violence, including the deadly insurgency by the Islamist group Boko Haram. The group has targeted Christians, government institutions, and anyone opposing their vision, displacing millions and deepening religious rifts within the country.

In the Central African Republic (CAR), violent religious conflict erupted between Christian and Muslim militias in 2013. The largely Muslim Séléka rebel group overthrew the government, prompting the formation of the Christian Anti-Balaka militia in retaliation. The ensuing violence resulted in massacres, ethnic cleansing, and widespread atrocities, illustrating how religious identity can be manipulated by armed groups to incite violence and deepen societal divides.

Economic factors play a significant role in fuelling ethnic and religious violence. Competition for resources such as land, water, and minerals often exacerbates existing tensions. In the Sahel region, where desertification and climate change have worsened resource scarcity, ethnic and religious groups frequently clash over access to arable land and water sources. The conflict between Fulani herders and sedentary farming communities in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger demonstrates how environmental stress can escalate pre-existing tensions into violent confrontations.

The exploitation of natural resources, such as oil and minerals, has also been a major catalyst for violent competition between ethnic groups in countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of the Congo. Armed groups, often backed by foreign interests, engage in resource wars, while local communities are forced into violent allegiances to protect their land and wealth.

Foreign powers have frequently played a role in deepening these conflicts, either for strategic reasons or to gain access to natural resources. Arms trading, political interference, and support for authoritarian regimes have fuelled conflicts that pit ethnic or religious groups against each other. In Somalia, the United States and other Western countries have supported the government in its battle against militant groups like al-Shabaab. In Libya and Sudan, foreign intervention in civil wars has often exacerbated ethnic and religious divisions, further destabilising already fragile nations.

A crucial step toward mitigating these conflicts is the strengthening of democratic institutions that promote inclusivity, equality, and the rule of law. By ensuring that all ethnic and religious groups have a stake in the political process, African countries can begin to address the root causes of division and violence. Some nations, such as Rwanda after the 1994 genocide, have made significant strides in rebuilding trust among communities. Rwanda’s emphasis on national unity, reconciliation, and economic development has provided a model for other countries grappling with the aftermath of ethnic violence.

Ethnic and religious divisions have undoubtedly played a central role in fuelling inter-group violence in Africa. While these conflicts are deeply rooted in the continent’s history, there are numerous examples of reconciliation, cooperation, and progress. If African nations can build strong, inclusive institutions, promote dialogue between divided groups, and address the root causes of inequality and poverty, there is hope that the continent can move toward a future free from violence based on ethnicity and religion.

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Education Under Siege in Africa

Africa’s struggle to protect education from attacks is longstanding. The continent has witnessed the deliberate targeting of schools and educational institutions, transforming places of learning into zones of conflict. During apartheid in South Africa, education was used as a tool of oppression, with black schools underfunded and often attacked. Today, violent extremist groups such as Boko Haram in Nigeria, Al-Shabaab in Somalia, and armed militias in countries like the Central African Republic and Mali continue to exploit education as a symbol of state authority, with devastating impacts.

According to the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA), between 2020 and 2021, there were over 2,000 recorded attacks on educational institutions across Africa. These attacks not only result in the destruction of infrastructure but also displace students and teachers, destabilising communities. In Nigeria alone, hundreds of students have been kidnapped, with one of the most notorious incidents being the 2014 abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Chibok by Boko Haram. The United Nations reports that in the past decade, conflict-related violence has led to more than 1,680 children being abducted while at school or elsewhere; 180 children killed due to attacks on schools; an estimated 60 school staff kidnapped, with 14 killed; and over 70 attacks on schools. This tragedy brought global attention to the vulnerability of schools in conflict zones, particularly for students.

The Human Cost of Attacks on Education

The ripple effects of these attacks on education extend far beyond immediate physical damage. Each time a school is attacked, children lose access to their one opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and build a better future. Schools are often forced to close, leaving children out of the classroom for years. Consequently, generations are deprived of education, leading to higher rates of unemployment, crime, and poverty. The loss of education also threatens the long-term development and peace of African nations.

The situation is particularly dire for girls. In conflict zones across Africa, girls face the added threat of gender-based violence, exploitation, and early marriage when schools are unsafe. According to UNICEF, for every 10 boys out of school in conflict-affected areas, there are 12 girls. This growing gender disparity highlights the urgent need for targeted measures to ensure that girls, in particular, can access safe education.

Global Efforts to Protect Education in Africa

International organisations have played a critical role in addressing the crisis of attacks on education in Africa. They work alongside governments, local communities, and other stakeholders to provide emergency support and develop long-term strategies for protecting schools.

UNICEF: The United Nations Children’s Fund has led education initiatives in conflict-affected regions. In northern Nigeria, UNICEF established temporary learning spaces and distributed materials to keep education going, even in areas where violence has displaced thousands of families. Similar efforts are underway in countries like South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where ongoing conflicts have devastated educational systems.

Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA): The GCPEA documents and reports attacks on education worldwide, with a particular focus on conflict-prone regions like Africa. Their annual reports provide crucial data for policymakers and advocates. The GCPEA also promotes the Safe Schools Declaration, encouraging governments to commit to protecting educational institutions from military use during conflicts.

UNESCO: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has been instrumental in advancing education in Africa through initiatives like the Education Cannot Wait programme. This initiative focuses on emergency education for children affected by conflict, ensuring that displaced and vulnerable children have access to safe learning environments.

This is particularly alarming given that Africa has one of the youngest populations in the world. Over 70% of the continent’s population is under the age of 25, meaning the future of Africa depends on its ability to provide education to its youth. If education continues to be under attack, Africa risks losing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and skilled workers.

Voices of Advocacy: Global Leaders Speak Out

Key figures in the global education sector have emphasised the importance of protecting education, particularly in regions affected by conflict. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called education “a lifeline” for children in conflict zones, stating, “Protecting schools from attacks is not only a moral obligation but a necessity for building peaceful and resilient societies.”

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay has also underscored the importance of education for long-term development: “Education is the foundation for peace, development, and prosperity. Attacks on schools are an attack on the future of entire societies, particularly in regions like Africa, where education holds the key to unlocking the continent’s potential.”

Key Strategies for Securing Education in Africa

Protecting education in Africa requires a multifaceted approach involving governments, international organisations, local communities, and civil society. To secure safe learning environments for African students, the following recommendations must be implemented:

Adopt and Enforce Legal Protections: African governments must adopt and fully implement the Safe Schools Declaration, committing to protect schools during armed conflict. Legal frameworks should also be strengthened to ensure that those responsible for attacks on education are held accountable.

Increase Funding for Education in Emergencies: International donors should prioritise funding for education in conflict-affected areas. This includes rebuilding destroyed schools, providing psychological support for traumatised students, and creating safe spaces for learning in regions where violence is ongoing.

Community Engagement and Resilience: Local communities must play an active role in safeguarding education. By involving parents, community leaders, and students in security efforts, schools can be better protected. Programmes like community-led school watch initiatives and peace education can reduce the risk of attacks.

READ  ALSO: International Day of Charity: Tackling Poverty, Education, and Health in Africa

Focus on Girls’ Education: Governments and international organisations must prioritise the protection of girls in conflict zones. This includes developing specific programmes to ensure girls can access education safely and without fear of violence or exploitation.

Address Root Causes of Conflict: Long-term solutions to protect education must focus on addressing the root causes of conflict in Africa, including poverty, political instability, and inequality. Peacebuilding and inclusive development strategies are essential for creating environments where education can thrive.

The International Day to Protect Education from Attack is a call to action for the global community, particularly for Africa. As conflicts continue to disrupt education across the continent, protecting schools, students, and teachers must be an urgent priority. By working together, governments, international organisations, and communities can ensure that African children have access to the safe, quality education they need to build a brighter, more peaceful future.

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Somalia’s new president was inaugurated on Wednesday, promising his people that the era of al Shabaab and other Islamist militant groups was over.

Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, a dual U.S.-Somali citizen, called on al Shabaab’s thousands of fighters to surrender, promising them “a good life” if they did.

“To those who work with al Qaeda, al Shabaab and IS (Islamic State), your time is finished,” he said at the inauguration ceremony, attended by the leaders of neighbouring states.

“You have been misled, destroyed property and killed many Somalis. Come and we shall give you good life,” he said.

Somalia has been in turmoil since 1991, hit by decades of conflict at the hands of clan militias. Over the past several years it has faced an insurgency by al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab, which the government is battling with the help of regional troops.

On Sunday a suicide bomb in a crowded market in the capital Mogadishu killed dozens of people. [nL8N1G40H4]

As well as the security situation, Mohamed, who was elected by lawmakers on Feb. 8, faces the challenge of cutting corruption.

“Our government will not loot but will help its people. We shall fight insecurity, economic crisis and unemployment,” he said.

By Reuters

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Fadumo Dayib, Somalia Elections 2016 Presidential Candidate

By Phil Stewart

The U.S. military conducted two strikes in southern Somalia early this week that killed four al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militants involved in attacks on Somali government troops, a U.S. military spokeswoman said on Wednesday.

The U.S. military has in the past used drones to target al Shabaab’s senior leaders. The Pentagon said in June it carried out a strike in late May against Abdullahi Haji Da’ud, one of al Shabaab’s senior military planners and served as a principal coordinator of attacks in Somalia, Kenya, and Uganda.

The latest strikes took place in Torotorow in Lower Shabelle region, on Monday.

“During a Somali-led counter-terrorism operation, a large group of armed al Shabaab fighters attacked the force, threatening the safety and security of the forces in the area,” Captain Jennifer Dyrcz, a U.S. Africa Command spokeswoman, said. “In response, the U.S. conducted two self-defence strikes… killing four al Shabaab militants.”

Al Shabaab was pushed out of Mogadishu by African Union peacekeeping forces in 2011 but has remained a potent antagonist in Somalia, launching frequent attacks aimed at overthrowing the Western-backed government.

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The president of the federal republic of Somalia HE Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said the country’s security forces have successfully thwarted suicide attacks in Mogadishu by Al Shabaab.

“The security forces of the federal government have raided several suspected house in Mogadishu and neutralized suicide bomb attacks aimed to target civilians,” Mohamud said.

He said troops were put on high alert and cautious any attempt of attack in Mogadishu by Al Shabaab militants who attacked AMISOM base with twin car bombs on Tuesday, killing 15 people.

NISA – National Intelligence and Security Agency of Somalia said its forces have seized several vehicles-laden with explosives after operations in Mogadishu this week.

Source: Shabelle Media Network

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The African Mission In Somalia (AMISOM) Acting Force Commander, Major General Nakibus Lakara, recently commended Ethiopian troops for thwarting an Al-Shabaab attack and inflicting heavy casualties on the Al Qaeda-linked militants, according to AMISOM.

Lakara visited the Halgan Forward Operation Base, in Hiiraan region, a day after troops from the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), serving under AMISOM, thwarted a dawn attack by Al Shabaab.

He was received at the base by the AMISOM sector four Deputy Commander, Colonel Ayenom Mesfin, who briefed him on the operation and took him on a guided tour of the camp where a huge cache of arms seized from the attackers was displayed.

The battlefield was still strewn with bodies of slain Al-Shabaab fighters.

“Let me congratulate Colonel Ayenom and the troops for doing a very commendable job. Al-Shabaab has been exploiting AMISOM weaknesses but over time we have been able to learn lessons and share the experiences and this is evidence of the troops being able to pick those lessons from previous experiences,” he noted.

The Acting Force Commander said AMISOM had come a long way and will continue to ensure the weaknesses are addressed.

“This is a big catch; the communication gadgets, machines guns and the B10’s and of course the terrorists as well. It is massive,” he said in an interview moments after touring the battleground.

Colonel Ayenom revisited the bloody Thursday, saying Al-Shabaab had attempted to overrun the camp but found AMISOM soldiers more than ready for battle, forcing the terrorists to flee after suffering major casualties. The fighting lasted more than four hours.

“We were attacked by about 400 enemies from four different fronts at dawn and the fight ended after 9:30am,” the Sector Four deputy commander said.

Apart from killing more than 100 Al-Shabaab fighters, the Ethiopian contingent managed to recover an assortment of weapons among them rocket-propelled grenades, AK 47 rifles, hand-held radios and anti-aircraft guns.

He further addressed the soldiers and praised them for their commitment and resilience in defeating the terrorists.

“I am going to report to the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia and Head of Mission that you have done a commendable job. I have seen the evidence on the ground”, he added.

AMISOM Force Spokesperson Lt. Colonel Joe Kibet dismissed initial claims by the Al-Shabaab that they had overrun the camp.

“The claims by the Al-Shabaab are ridiculous. We have seen with our own eyes and it is pure propaganda to say that they overran this camp”, the spokesperson added.

Source: Ethiopia News Agency

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