The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) participated in the Second Congo Basin Convening, held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, from 25 to 27 August 2026. Organised by the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) under the theme “Agroecology for Inclusion, Sustainable Food Systems, Biodiversity, and Climate Justice in the Congo Basin,” the three-day gathering brought stakeholders together to advance dialogue and collaboration on sustainable food systems, agroecology, biodiversity protection and climate justice.
The Convening sought to strengthen regional alignment among governments, civil society, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, women and youth, researchers and development partners. It drew representatives from the six Congo Basin countries, as well as delegates from neighbouring countries. It was officially opened by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Cameroon, who underscored the importance of collective efforts to promote resilient agricultural and food systems in the region.
The PAP delegation was led by Hon. Sulayman Saho, Chairperson of the PAP Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources. In his opening remarks, Hon. Saho commended AFSA for its efforts to advance food sovereignty in Africa and highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration among governments, parliaments, civil society and farmers in addressing interconnected challenges, including climate change, environmental degradation, conflicts and food insecurity.
A key component of the Parliament’s participation was the popularisation of the PAP Model Law on Food and Nutrition Security in Africa and the Model Law on Sustainable Soil Management in Africa. Hon. Saho presented the objectives and key provisions of the two Model Laws, noting that they provide practical legislative frameworks for promoting sustainable food systems, agroecology, soil conservation and restoration, climate resilience, and food and nutrition security.
The delegation also held a bilateral meeting with the Coordinator of the AU Inter-African Phytosanitary Council (AU-IAPSC) to explore joint activities on sustainable agriculture and food systems. The participation further strengthened the PAP’s partnership with AFSA, with both institutions intending to formalise their cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding at the forthcoming PAP Session and to collaborate on a Model Law on African Food Policy.
Read the original release on pap.au.int
Media contact
Directorate of Communications, Pan-African Parliament · communications@pap.au.int · Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, South Africa.
