GABORONE – The Executive Secretary of Sadc, Elias Magosi, has praised the recent efforts aimed at transforming the Sadc Parliamentary Forum (Sadc PF) into a regional parliament.

After Botswana’s President Duma Boko signed an agreement last week amending the SADC treaty to facilitate the creation of a potential SADC parliament, Magosi initiated this action.

Mauritius currently stands as the sole SADC member state to have signed the agreement.

Nevertheless, he urged for the proactive participation of the region’s parliaments to guarantee prompt approval of all regional agreements.

Magosi characterized the signing of the agreement as a “significant moment” and an essential move toward regional unification, praising everyone who has contributed over the years to achieve this landmark accomplishment.

“We did not lose hope,” Magosi stated, further saying, “Many leaders have preceded you, laying down the groundwork, and now we stand together as you sign this crucial document. While the nation and past leadership deserve recognition, so do you for quickly recognizing the importance of affixing your signature.”

Magosi emphasized that setting up a regional parliament goes beyond symbolism; it represents an essential step forward in the institutional growth of SADC. This move aims particularly at bolstering democratic governance, providing better oversight mechanisms, and aligning legislation among member countries.

He stated that this measure ensures better regional governance, leading to more effective performance.

“The current laws require an independent advocate and an impartial observer to ensure that both the region and the individual member states adhere to these regulations in a way that benefits our area, our member nations, and our people,” Magosi stated.

Nevertheless, he voiced concerns about the persistent gap between presidential endorsements at the SADC summit and the sluggish pace of ratification by the parliaments of member states—delays that have hindered multiple regional agreements for as long as two decades.

“One of my objectives in this position is to ensure that member states endorse these agreements that we’ve had for quite a while,” Magosi stated.

He stated, “Upon approval of the agreement, a time lag exists between when Their Excellencies sign it during the Sadc summit and when they provide their ratification signatures. This interval frequently spans from 5 to 20 years, leading us to question the reason for such delays.”

He pointed out that this delay is especially concerning since all required internal assessments by legal teams and government agencies are presumed to be finished prior to the president’s approval, which means that ratification ought to move forward without undue administrative obstacles.

“SADC is only as robust as its mechanisms. The organization’s efficacy hinges on the efficiency of these tools. For these tools to function effectively, they require signature and ratification,” he emphasized.

Magosi implored lawmakers throughout the area to take an active role in promoting the ratification and implementation of agreed upon documents.

“It’s an appeal to each one of us serving as Members of Parliament from this area to thoroughly examine these tools and help expedite their implementation. We should aim to match the speed at which member states operate,” he stated.

He remained optimistic that should all necessary technical contributions be submitted promptly, the body forming the Sadc regional parliament might be completed and showcased during the forthcoming 45th Sadc summit in Madagascar.

He emphasized that the proposed regional parliament should be viewed and developed as a reliable, efficient, and beneficial organization, distinct from other pancontinental entities.

We are establishing a regional parliament. It needs to appear capable and efficient, with us as Members of Parliament ensuring its effectiveness… Our role includes safeguarding and maintaining it to ensure it brings benefit to the region and enhances the value for each member state.