Africa Demands Change: Speaker Among Calls for Fair Play in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association

Entebbe, Uganda - The air crackled with a potent mix of frustration and determination at the 86th Executive Committee Meeting of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region. 

Speaker Anitah Among of Uganda, in a powerful address, ignited a firestorm of discussion around the status and mission of the CPA, particularly its classification as a charity organization in the UK.

"We need to remain members of the CPA," Among declared, "but a CPA that is not a charity! We are an international parliamentary organization, representing a vibrant and powerful continent. Contributing resources to a charity in the UK simply isn't fair, and it isn't right."

Her words resonated deeply with the delegates from 17 out of 19 African member countries. A palpable sense of unity emerged, a collective resolve to push for a more equitable partnership within the CPA. 

This unity, Among emphasized, is crucial in addressing several key issues facing the continent.

Speaker Among didn't mince words when it came to the economic realities facing Africa. "The socio-economic indices are oddly stacked against us," she stated bluntly. Her pointed question hung heavy in the air: "Can we stand up and be counted?"

She urged African members to champion fair trade practices, sustainable industrialization, and responsible resource extraction. The current system, she argued, disadvantages African nations. A united front, she believes, is the key to demanding a more equitable playing field.

Beyond economic concerns, Among addressed the critical issue of regional security. "We are witnessing a continent that is not at peace with itself," she lamented. The ongoing conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Nigeria were stark reminders of the fragility of peace in Africa.

However, Among also offered a beacon of hope. "We are cognizant of the power of Pan-Africanism," she declared. She sees the CPA Africa Region as a "strategic vehicle for galvanizing our nations towards unity, sustainable growth, and development."

The 86th Executive Committee Meeting served as a powerful platform for African nations to voice their concerns and forge a path towards a more just and prosperous future within the CPA. 

Speaker Among's leadership and unwavering commitment to Pan-Africanism have ignited a flame of change. 

Whether the CPA heeds the call for a revised status and a more equitable partnership remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Africa is demanding to be heard, and its voice is growing stronger by the day.