The Chairperson of the National Council, Lukas Muha, spoke at the Annual Conference of Speakers of African Parliaments, held this week from 29 to 30 September in Midrand, South Africa.

In his speech, Muha said African parliaments should utilise parliamentary diplomacy as a means to promote peace, unity, and sustainable development on the continent.

He explained that parliaments should not only focus on making laws but also serve as spaces where leaders and citizens can engage, discuss, solve problems, and find common ground.

Muha stressed the need to set up permanent systems in parliaments to help prevent conflicts, strengthen cooperation between African countries and make sure peace agreements are not left only for governments but are also discussed and approved by parliaments.

He added that women, young people and civil society must have a strong voice in peacebuilding.

He reminded the gathering that "peace is not just the absence of war, but the presence of justice".