Ghana, Accra – Eswatini’s Senate president, Lindiwe Dlamini, says African parliaments must realise the impact of their laws on families while urging legislators to oppose ideologies that undermine the sovereignty of their nations.
Dlamini spoke at the Fourth African Inter-Parliamentary Conference in Accra on June 3, stating that African nations should never give in to external pressures that border on sovereignty and matters of governance in family institutions. She said Africa must retain the right to determine their own laws and policies while strengthening cooperation with other nations.
She urged the gathering of parliamentarians, government officials, religious leaders, and policy advocates from across Africa to support the African Charter on Family and Sovereignty proposal, arguing that the continent must defend its legislative independence, cultural values, and development priorities from outside pressure. 
The African Charter on Family and Sovereignty is billed as a framework for encouraging cultural sovereignty, family-centered legislation, and increased collaboration among African legislators.
These are still debatable concerns, with supporters claiming that the framework gives guidelines for parliaments to design legislation centred on African social, cultural, and religious traditions.
In her speech, Dlamini told the hosts, widely giving prominence to President Yoweri Museveni, for previously hosting three editions that His Majesty King Mswati III sends his regards while also highlighting Eswatini’s gratitude for delegations that attended the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly at Ezulwini.
Among others, Dlamini acknowledged the presence of the speaker of the parliament of the Republic of Ghana, the honourable Alban Bagbin; His Eminence the Archbishop Duncan Williams; founding members of the African Inter-Parliamentary Conference; and parliamentarians.
“I bring warm greetings and solidarity from His Majesty King Swati III, the government of Swaziland and the parliament, including the people of the Kingdom of Swaziland,” she said.
Dlamini said Accra was hospitable, with the city showing its vibrancy of modernity and rich cultural blend.
The Senate president said it was encouraging that the foundation of togetherness, true equality, and respect among nations, as demonstrated in previous editions of the conference, is still present.
“This is what we stand for as Africans. It is wonderful that this conference is happening shortly after the continental commemoration of Africa Month. While the hearts and minds of many on the African continent are still reflecting on what sets us apart as Africans. I extend our deep gratitude to the OACPS EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly for the confidence placed in the Kingdom of Eswatini to host this conference,” she said.
Dlamini said Africa holds vast natural resources, including over 30% of the world’s known mineral reserves, along with major deposits.
The United Environmental Programme acknowledges the continent’s diamonds and uranium deposits but still witnesses exploitation. Dlamini said Africa must consider development priorities and protect God-given heritage through solidarity.
She motivated her colleagues to remember their role as one that is not meant to impose a single model but to protect the right of African societies to define family in the way that reflects history, faith, and lived realities.
“‘Sovereignty’, excellencies, uh, ladies and gentlemen, means the power of African people to legislate for ourselves without fear or pressure,” she said.
