Second Vice-President of the Pan-African Parliament and Korle Klottey MP Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings has called on African Union member states to urgently ratify and implement the Malabo Convention to strengthen cybersecurity, data protection, and democratic governance across the continent.
Speaking at the 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Banjul, Dr. Rawlings warned that Africa continues to grapple with interconnected challenges, including violent extremism, unconstitutional changes of government, economic hardship, climate insecurity, and growing public distrust in state institutions.
Delivering the opening statement on behalf of Fateh Boutbig, she stressed that Africa must move beyond reactive crisis management and instead focus on prevention, inclusive governance, and accountable leadership.
Dr. Rawlings described the Malabo Convention as a critical African-led framework capable of promoting digital trust while safeguarding citizens’ rights in an increasingly technology-driven world.
“Security and freedom should not be viewed as opposing goals. Africa must build digital systems that are both secure and rights-based,” she stated.
The Korle Klottey legislator also raised concerns over recent attacks on fellow African nationals in parts of South Africa, cautioning that xenophobia and Afrophobia threaten the core ideals of Pan-African unity and solidarity.
“As Africans, we cannot advocate for unity at the continental level while allowing fear, misinformation, economic frustration, and social tensions to divide us from one another,” she said.
Dr. Rawlings further underscored the link between governance, peace, and human rights, arguing that weak institutions, exclusion, and disregard for constitutionalism often fuel instability across the continent.
She called for stronger collaboration between the African Governance Architecture and the African Peace and Security Architecture to promote sustainable peace through civic inclusion and respect for fundamental freedoms.
The MP also highlighted the often underappreciated role of women in peacebuilding and conflict prevention, urging governments to ensure women are fully represented in peace negotiations and decision-making structures.
She advocated greater youth inclusion in governance and policymaking, emphasizing that Africa’s growing youthful population must be empowered to shape the continent’s future.
Dr. Rawlings reaffirmed the Pan-African Parliament’s commitment to partnering with the ACHPR and other stakeholders to advance justice, peace, dignity, and shared prosperity across Africa.
