Arab and African Governments Urged to Intensify Efforts Against Desertification and Land Degradation

On September 27, 2024, the First Deputy-Speaker of the Senate, Honourable Denise Ndadaye, participated in the second day of the annual consultation meeting of the Association of Senates, Shoura and Equivalent Councils of Africa and the Arab World (ASSECAA), which is held at the Sipopo International Centre in Malabo, Republic of Equatorial Guinea.

During this day, the meeting was themed: Promoting logistical factors to fight against desertification and land degradation. Several speakers stressed the need for governments of Arab and African countries to redouble their efforts to address desertification, mitigate the effects of drought, develop natural resources and adopt robust environmental policies as well as an effective legislative framework.

Honourable Denise Ndadaye also took part in the extraordinary meeting of women parliamentarians of ASSECAA, where participants discussed on the role of women parliamentarians in times of war and conflict, as well as the legislative approach to the challenges related to artificial intelligence. The discussions made it possible to take stock of these issues in the different represented countries.

Participants recommended removing the social, cultural and economic obstacles that hinder women’s engagement in their role as catalysts for change. It was also suggested that their participation in awareness-raising campaigns for peace be encouraged, among other initiatives.

On the sidelines of this meeting, the First Deputy-Speaker of the Senate had fruitful discussions with the Senate Speaker of the Guinea Republic, H.E. Teresa Efua Asangono. Their discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between Burundi and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.

The closing ceremonies took place in the afternoon of September 27, 2024. ASSECAA member parliamentarians committed to working together to strengthen efforts and establish cooperation links between the African countries and the Arab world parliaments on strategic issues.