Membership

Hon. Salah Goudjil is a prominent Algerian politician and a veteran of the country’s War of Independence against France.

A longstanding member of the National Liberation Front (FLN), he has held several key positions, including Minister of Transport and Fishing in past FLN-led governments.

Hon. Goudjil played an active role in Algeria’s anti-colonial struggle and remained a committed public servant in the post-independence era. In 2021, he was elected President of the Council of the Nation, the upper house of Algeria’s parliament, succeeding Abdelkader Bensalah. He had been serving as vice-president of the council since 2019 and was elected speaker with 126 votes out of 127.

As Speaker, Goudjil holds the second-highest position in the Algerian state hierarchy, serving as a constitutional successor to the president in the event of a vacancy. Throughout his career, he has advocated for democratic reforms and supported the political transition led by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

Hon. Gbèhounou Louis Vlavonou is a seasoned Beninese politician currently serving as the President of the National Assembly of Benin, a position he assumed on 17 May 2019.

A member of the Progressive Union party, Hon. Vlavonou has been a Member of Parliament since 2003, demonstrating over two decades of legislative experience. He was elected Speaker with 78 votes in favour, 1 against, and 3 abstentions.

Renowned for his steady leadership and commitment to parliamentary reform, Hon. Vlavonou plays a key role in Benin’s political landscape and democratic governance.

Hon. Cavayé Yéguié Djibril is a veteran Cameroonian politician who has served as the President of the National Assembly of Cameroon since 1992, making him one of the longest-serving parliamentary leaders in Africa.

He is a senior figure in the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), the ruling party, and has been a dominant force in Cameroon’s legislative politics for several decades. As the fourth president of the National Assembly, Hon. Djibril has played a key role in shaping parliamentary procedures and maintaining political stability within the legislature.

Renowned for his political longevity and institutional knowledge, he remains a central figure in Cameroon’s governance and legislative affairs.

Hon. Adama Bictogo is the President of the National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire, a position he officially assumed on June 7, 2022, following a landslide election victory with 97% of the vote (237 votes in favour).

A graduate of the Institute of Commerce and Management (ICOGES) in Paris, Mr. Bictogo began his career in the private sector in 1990, later founding the National Society for the Edition of Administrative and Identification Documents (SNEDAI) in 2007, a company specialising in biometric technologies.

Politically, he has held several key roles within the Rassemblement des Républicains (RDR), including Deputy Secretary General for Trade (1994–2003) and National Secretary for Relations with Political Parties (2003–2014). He was elected First Vice-President of the National Assembly, and later served as Acting President from February to May 2022.

His election as Speaker, backed by members of the opposition, marked a strong vote of confidence in his leadership and commitment to legislative inclusivity in Côte d’Ivoire.

Vital Kamerhe Lwa Kanyiginyi Nkingi is a seasoned Congolese politician, economist, and statesman currently serving as the President of the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a role he assumed on 24 May 2024. He also holds the position of Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, having been appointed to this portfolio in March 2023.

A native of Bukavu in South Kivu Province, Mr. Kamerhe is the leader of the Union for the Congolese Nation (UNC) party, which he founded following his earlier tenure in government and parliament. He has represented Bukavu in the National Assembly across several terms and is known for his long-standing commitment to democratic governance, national dialogue, and institutional reform.

Mr. Kamerhe began his academic journey in Bukavu, later earning a degree in economics with distinction from the University of Kinshasa in 1987. Fluent in all four national languages of the DRC, Kikongo, Lingala, Kiswahili, and Tshiluba, as well as French, he is noted for his ability to bridge communities and foster inclusive dialogue.

He served as President of the National Assembly from 2006 to 2009, where he played a key role in parliamentary oversight and national reconciliation. As one of the architects of the 2002 peace accords, he earned the nickname “Le Pacificateur” (The Peacemaker) for his instrumental role in peace negotiations across the Great Lakes region.

Following the 2018 general elections, Mr. Kamerhe supported President Félix Tshisekedi as a coalition partner. He later served as Chief of Staff to the President, before returning to elective politics and ministerial duties. His leadership within both government and opposition has contributed significantly to the evolution of multiparty democracy in the DRC.

In May 2024, Mr. Kamerhe was elected Speaker of the National Assembly for a second time, with broad support across political lines, reinforcing his reputation as a statesman committed to legislative strengthening and economic stability.

Throughout his public service career, Vital Kamerhe has maintained a focus on peacebuilding, economic reform, and national cohesion

Hon. Dileita Mohamed Dileita is a seasoned Djiboutian politician, currently serving as the President of the National Assembly of Djibouti, a position he assumed on 5 March 2023.

He previously served as Prime Minister of Djibouti from March 7, 2001, to April 1, 2013, becoming one of the country’s longest-serving heads of government. A key figure in Djibouti’s political landscape, he was Vice-President of the People’s Rally for Progress (RPP), the ruling party, until 2012, and also led the Union for the Presidential Majority (UMP), the governing coalition.

Hon. Dileita is widely respected for his diplomatic acumen and his role in strengthening Djibouti’s governance institutions and international partnerships.

President of the State of Eritrea

Chairman of the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ)
H.E. Isaias Afwerki has served as the President of Eritrea since the country gained independence on 24 May 1993, making him the first head of state. He is also the Chairman of the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ), Eritrea’s ruling party.
President Afwerki was a central figure in the Eritrean War of Independence, having led the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF) to victory in 1991. Under his leadership, Eritrea held a UN-supervised referendum in 1993, resulting in formal independence.
He pursued engineering studies at Haile Selassie I University (now Addis Ababa University) before joining the liberation movement. He is fluent in multiple national languages and has emphasized national unity, development, and regional cooperation throughout his presidency.

Hon. Lindiwe Dlamini is a prominent politician from Eswatini, currently serving as the President of the Senate of Eswatini.

Before her appointment to the Senate, she held various leadership roles in government, including serving as the Minister of Public Works and Transport, where she was instrumental in infrastructure development and policy implementation.

Hon. Dlamini is known for her dedication to public service and her contributions to national governance and legislative affairs in Eswatini.

Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta is a Gambian politician currently serving as the Speaker of the National Assembly of The Gambia, a position he has held since 2022. He has also been the leader of the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) since 2017.

A veteran legislator, Hon. Jatta is known for his longstanding service in Gambian politics and his influential role in shaping legislative processes. His leadership in both parliament and party politics continues to impact national governance and political dialogue in The Gambia.

Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin is the Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana, elected to the position on January 7, 2021. A veteran parliamentarian, he previously represented the Nadowli West Constituency for several terms, making him one of Ghana’s longest-serving Members of Parliament.

He also served as Minister for Health from 2012 to 2013 and has held various leadership roles within the legislative and executive arms of government. Known for his deep understanding of parliamentary procedure and democratic governance, Rt. Hon. Bagbin continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s legislative agenda.

Hon. Moses Masika Wetang’ula is the Speaker of the National Assembly of Kenya, a position he currently holds. He is also the leader of FORD-Kenya, a prominent political party with strong support in Western Kenya.

A seasoned politician and diplomat, Hon. Wetang’ula served as Kenya’s Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2008 to 2010 and again from 2011 to 2012, as well as Minister for Trade from 2012 to 2013. His leadership in these roles contributed to Kenya’s regional diplomatic engagements and trade policy development.

Renowned for his experience in governance and public service, he continues to play a central role in Kenya’s legislative process and political landscape.

Hon. Jeremiah Kpan Koung is the 31st Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, having assumed office on 22 January 2024. Under the Liberian Constitution, he serves as President of the Senate, presiding over its deliberations and casting a vote only in the event of a tie.

Hon. Koung began his early education in Nimba and completed his secondary schooling in Ganta. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Cuttington University in 2010.

Hon. Koung began his political career in the House of Representatives in 2012, representing Nimba County District #1. He was re-elected in 2017, demonstrating strong grassroots support and a deep commitment to legislative service.

In 2020, he was elected to the Senate of Liberia, representing Nimba County, and served until his inauguration as Vice President in 2024. During his tenure in both houses of the National Legislature, he championed initiatives in health, education, and infrastructure, with a strong focus on community development.

In April 2023, he was selected as the running mate to Joseph Boakai, standard bearer of the Unity Party (UP), for the 2023 presidential elections. Following a successful campaign, Hon. Koung was sworn in as Vice President in January 2024.

As Vice President, Hon. Koung remains committed to national unity, democratic governance, and inclusive development, particularly in service to the people of Nimba County and the wider Republic of Liberia.

Hon. Aguila Saleh Issa Gueider is a prominent Libyan jurist and politician, serving as the Speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives since 2014. He represents the town of Al Qubbah, located in eastern Libya.

From 2014 to 2021, he also functioned as the de facto head of state under the Tobruk-based government led by Prime Minister Abdullah al-Theni. During the early phase of the second Libyan civil war, and until the establishment of the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) in 2016, this administration was recognised by the international community as the legitimate government of Libya.

A key figure in Libya’s transitional political landscape, Hon. Aguila Saleh has played a central role in national dialogue efforts, legislative affairs, and mediation between rival factions amid the country’s ongoing political challenges.

Rt. Hon. Catherine Gotani Hara, MP, is the Speaker of the Malawi National Assembly, elected in 2019, and the first woman to hold this prestigious position in the country’s history.

She has served Malawi in several high-level government roles, including as Minister of Health, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Deputy Minister of Gender, and Deputy Minister of Transport and Public Works. Her extensive leadership experience spans both social and infrastructure development sectors.

Currently, Rt. Hon. Hara serves as the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Africa Region, a role she will hold from 2022 to 2025, where she champions regional parliamentary cooperation and democratic governance.

Before she entered politics, she worked with the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) as a Programme Officer for sustainable livelihoods projects in Malawi and Mozambique, becoming the first Malawian to attain that position.

An alumna of the prestigious Kamuzu Academy, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Malawi – Chancellor College, and later received professional training in International Development and Project Planning from the University of Brighton, UK.

Rt. Hon. Hara is widely recognised for her contributions to gender equity, governance, and sustainable development in Malawi and beyond.

Hon. Rachid Talbi El Alami is a seasoned Moroccan politician and member of the National Rally of Independents (RNI), currently serving as the President (Speaker) of the House of Representatives of Morocco, a position he assumed in 2021.

He holds a PhD in Finance and Management from New York University in the United States, and previously studied at Mohammed V University in Rabat.

Hon. Talbi El Alami has held multiple ministerial and leadership roles throughout his career. He served as Minister of Trade, Industry, and Telecommunication (2002–2004), and as Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister in charge of Economic and General Affairs (2004–2007) under Prime Minister Driss Jettou.

He was elected Chairman of the Tangier-Tetouan Regional Council in 2009 and re-elected in 2012, demonstrating strong regional leadership.

Nationally, he served as Speaker of the House of Representatives from April 2014 to October 2016, and was also Minister of Youth and Sports from April 2017 to October 2019.
Internationally, he was elected Chairperson of the African Parliamentary Union (APU) in November 2014 and worked as an international expert in decentralization and local finance systems with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Hon. Talbi El Alami is widely respected for his expertise in governance, public administration, and regional development.

Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas is a Nigerian academic and politician currently serving as the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives of Nigeria, a position he assumed in 2023.

He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Business Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

With a strong background in academia and legislative affairs, Rt. Hon. Abbas is known for his commitment to effective governance, inclusive policymaking, and strengthening Nigeria’s

Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio GCON, is the President of the 10th Senate. He is a lawyer and politician who was first elected as Senator representing Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District in 2015 and again in 2023. A prominent figure in Nigerian politics, he previously held the position of Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and has been recognised for his dynamic leadership style and infrastructural development initiatives during his tenure as governor from 2007 to 2015. Known for his strong political influence in the South-South region, he has played a significant role in national legislative affairs and governance reforms.

Dr. François Xavier Kalinda is the President of the Senate of Rwanda, having first assumed the role in January 2023 and re-elected in 2024. A respected academic and seasoned legislator, Dr. Kalinda is known for his commitment to constitutional governance, legal reform, and regional cooperation.

Born in Kitabi Sector, Nyamagabe District, he holds a Bachelor of Laws from the former National University of Rwanda (1996), a Master’s degree in Intellectual Property Rights from the University of Ottawa, Canada (1999), and a PhD in Business Law from the University of Strasbourg, France (2010).

Dr. Kalinda was a lecturer and researcher at the University of Rwanda’s College of Arts and Social Sciences, where he also served as a member of the academic senate. His contributions to legal education and research positioned him as a thought leader in Rwanda’s academic and policy spaces.

From October 2015 to December 2022, he represented Rwanda as a Member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), contributing to regional legislative initiatives and integration efforts.

Upon his entry into the Rwandan Senate in January 2023, he was elected its President, following the resignation of his predecessor. He was re-elected in 2024 with 25 out of 26 votes, running unopposed, a testament to his leadership and the confidence of his peers.

In his role, Dr. Kalinda has pledged to uphold democratic principles, foster institutional collaboration, and contribute actively to Rwanda’s national development goals.

Hon. Celmira Sacramento is the President of the National Assembly of São Tomé and Príncipe, elected on 8 November 2022 with 52 votes in favour and three abstentions. She is the second woman to hold this office and the first to be democratically elected to the role since Alda Neves da Graça do Espírito Santo (1980–1991).

A committed legislator, Hon. Sacramento has represented the Mé-Zóchi District in the National Assembly since 2010, securing re-election in 2014, 2018, and 2022. From 2014 to 2018, she served as President of the Network of Women Parliamentarians, and from 2018 to 2022, she chaired the Third Commission of the CPLP Parliamentary Assembly.

She was instrumental in advocating for gender parity legislation, which was passed in November 2022, setting a target of 40% female representation in future elections.
Following the 2022 general election, she was one of only eight women elected to the 55-member parliament.

In October 2020, Hon. Sacramento was elected Vice President of the Independent Democratic Action (ADI) party, under the leadership of Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada. The party won the 2022 legislative elections, strengthening her influence within both the party and national politics.

Upon her election as Speaker, she identified the “consensual revision of the Constitution” to reform the National Assembly as a central challenge and goal of her mandate.

Hon. Malick Ndiaye is a Senegalese politician and a prominent member of the African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity (PASTEF) party since 2015. He was elected President of the National Assembly of Senegal on 2 December 2024, during the inauguration of the 15th legislature, securing 134 votes in favour, 22 against, and 7 abstentions.

Before he was elected Speaker, Hon. Ndiaye served as Minister of Infrastructure and Land and Air Transport from April to December 2024, where he led initiatives focused on modernising Senegal’s transportation infrastructure.

His election to the National Assembly marks a significant moment in Senegalese politics, reflecting both the strength of the PASTEF party and his rising leadership profile within the country’s evolving democratic landscape.

Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas is a Sierra Leonean lawyer and politician, currently serving as the Speaker of the Parliament of Sierra Leone. A dedicated member of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), he is known for his legislative acumen and strong advocacy for social development.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts and an LLB (Hons.) from the University of Sierra Leone, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, and a BL from the Sierra Leone Law School, combining expertise in law and education with a passion for public service.

Hon. Thomas entered politics in 2012, when he was first elected as Member of Parliament for Constituency 089 in Bonthe District, Southern Region. He was re-elected in 2018, overcoming significant political challenges and reaffirming his popularity among constituents.

In Parliament, his legal insight and eloquence earned him the role of Deputy Speaker, as well as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee and Member of the Appointment Committee. His work has focused on critical issues such as healthcare, youth employment, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Hon. Thomas is widely respected for his contributions to legislative reform, public accountability, and his efforts to improve the living standards of his constituents through effective resource mobilization and inclusive governance.

Hon. Angela Thokozile Didiza is a seasoned South African politician, currently serving as the Speaker of the National Assembly since June 14, 2024.

A senior member of the African National Congress (ANC), Hon. Didiza previously served as Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development from May 2019 to June 2024, and earlier held various ministerial roles between 1999 and 2006, including as Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics and Sociology (2003) and an Honours degree in Politics (2007) from the University of South Africa (UNISA), as well as a Master’s degree in Tertiary Education Management from the University of Melbourne.

Renowned for her leadership in land reform and education policy, Hon. Didiza continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening democratic governance and legislative oversight in South Africa.

Hon. Jemma Nunu Kumba is a prominent South Sudanese politician and the Speaker of the Revitalised Transitional National Legislative Assembly (R-TNLA) since 2 August 2021, becoming the first woman to lead the national parliament in South Sudan.

A senior member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), Hon. Kumba previously served as the Minister of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, among other ministerial roles. She is a strong advocate for women’s political participation and empowerment.

In 2004, during the early stages of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, she founded the Sudan Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, which played a key role in advancing gender equality in legislative spaces.

Throughout her career, Hon. Kumba has been instrumental in promoting inclusive governance, peacebuilding, and the rights of women and children in South Sudan.

Hon. Kodjo Sévon-Tépé Adedze is a Togolese politician and public administrator, currently serving as the President of the National Assembly of Togo, a position he assumed in June 2024. He was elected to a three-year term with overwhelming support—106 votes in favour, two against, and one abstention.

A member of the Union for the Republic (UNIR), the ruling political party, Hon. Adedze has held several prominent roles in both government and public administration. He holds a Diplôme d’Études Supérieures Spécialisées (DESS) in Law and a postgraduate degree from the École nationale des douanes in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France.

He began his career in the Togolese customs department, rising to become Director of Studies and Customs Legislation, then Director General of Customs, and later Director General of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority. In February 2017, he was appointed head of the Office Togolais des Recettes (Togolese Revenue Office).

By 2021, he was serving in the Council of Ministers as Minister of Trade, Industry, and Local Consumption, and in September 2023, he transitioned to the role of Minister of Urban Planning, Housing, and Land Reform.

Known for his deep expertise in fiscal policy, customs regulation, and economic development, Hon. Adedze brings a wealth of experience to his leadership of Togo’s legislative body.

Hon. Anita Annet Among is a Ugandan accountant, lawyer, and politician currently serving as the Speaker of the 11th Parliament of Uganda, a position she has held since 2022. She also represents the Bukedea District Women’s Constituency, a role she retained from the 10th Parliament (2016–2021).

Formerly a member of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), she later joined the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), where she was elected as the Deputy Speaker of the 10th Parliament, becoming the second woman in Uganda’s history to hold that office, after Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga.

Hon. Among is the founder of Bukedea Comprehensive Academy, a co-educational boarding school established in 2018, which offers both academic and vocational training to students in Bukedea District.

Academically, she holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (2005) and a Master of Business Administration (2008) from Makerere University, and later earned a Bachelor of Laws from Kampala International University in 2018. She has also pursued qualification as a Chartered Certified Accountant.

Her name has appeared in a torture-related complaint submitted to the International Criminal Court (ICC) against the Ugandan government.

Hon. Among is known for her influence in national politics, her role in education development in eastern Uganda, and her rise as one of the country’s most prominent female leaders.

Hon. Jacob Francis Nzwidamilimo Mudenda is the Speaker of the National Assembly of Zimbabwe, a position he has held since 3 September 2013. He is a senior member of the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU–PF).

A former schoolteacher and legal practitioner, Hon. Mudenda entered Zimbabwe’s political landscape following the country’s independence in 1980. He is notably recognised for his long-standing association with former President Robert Mugabe, as well as his involvement in the Willowgate scandal, which marked both a setback and a turning point in his political career.

Born in Zimbabwe, Hon. Mudenda holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Education from the University of South Africa, a Bachelor of Laws (Honours), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the University of Zimbabwe.

Before fully transitioning into politics, he practised as a lawyer and worked in the education sector. Since assuming the speakership, he has played a central role in legislative affairs and the administration of parliamentary processes in Zimbabwe.