Zimpapers Logo

Daniel Nemukuyu in Victoria Falls
Former Mozambican president Cde Joacquim Chissano has urged the Sadc Lawyers Association to support their governments in promoting rule of law, democracy and good governance through drafting relevant model laws.
Addressing lawyers at the opening of a two-day Sadc Lawyers Association conference here yesterday, Cde Chissano said the region was pregnant with ideas of rule of law, democracy and good governance. He, however, said it lacked the implementation mechanisms.

Cde Chissano cited several declarations adopted by African States in their quest to ensure the rule of law, democracy and good government, saying the implementation was still the biggest challenge.

“Africa is not short of ideas but there is a serious problem in implementing some of the decisions either because of a lack of funding or simply political will.

“It is precisely in this context that structures like the Sadc Lawyers Association should support efforts aimed at promoting transparency and accountability.

“At the level of the continent, I am encouraged by the fact that the last AU Summit in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, adopted amendments to the protocol establishing the Pan African Parliament gradually moving the PAP from advisory to legislative functions.

“This strategic shift may allow for the drafting of model laws and strengthening capacity of PAP to effectively address normative issues,” said Cde Chissano.

Cde Chissano said mere adoption of declarations was incomplete.

“It does not make sense to adopt declarations that we do not have the necessary will to implement.

“This is why I would propose the establishment of a follow-up, monitoring and implementation mechanism to ensure the enhancement of transparent and accountable leadership,” he said.