Dakar, Senegal — The 85th session of the African Parliamentary Union Executive Committee is set to kick off in Dakar on June 3 and 4, 2026, drawing high-level parliamentary delegations from across the continent. With just under 24 hours before the first official meetings, Ousmane Sonko, President of Senegal’s National Assembly, has issued a call to fellow African lawmakers to advance the panafrican ideal through strengthened parliamentary cooperation.
In a statement addressed to his peers, Sonko emphasized the urgency of continental unity at a time when Africa faces mounting challenges. He underscored the belief that the continent’s future must be shaped by Africans themselves, guided by their shared values, aspirations, and collective interests.
«As we gather in Dakar, the responsibility on our shoulders is immense. Our continent stands at a crossroads, and it is through dialogue, solidarity, and unwavering commitment that we will overcome the obstacles before us. I am convinced that the work we undertake here will honor the panafrican vision championed by past generations—a vision to which we remain deeply devoted,» Sonko declared.
The upcoming session will bring together over a hundred parliamentarians—including deputies and senators—representing nearly 16 African nations. For Ousmane Sonko, this marks his first major parliamentary leadership event since his election as President of Senegal’s National Assembly on May 26, 2026, where he secured an overwhelming 99.25% of the vote (132 out of 133 ballots cast).
With this session, Sonko signals his intent to prioritize regional cooperation as a cornerstone of Senegal’s and Africa’s development, fostering unity and collective progress on the global stage.
