FP-ICGLR SG Mwapinga calls for unity, ethical AI use

DODOMA: THE newly appointed Tanzanian Secretary General of the Forum of Parliaments of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (FP-ICGLR), Dr Deo Mwapinga has emphasised the urgent need to leverage technology particularly an artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance democratic governance across the region. Delivering his inaugural solidarity speech at the opening of the …

DODOMA: THE newly appointed Tanzanian Secretary General of the Forum of Parliaments of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (FP-ICGLR), Dr Deo Mwapinga has emphasised the urgent need to leverage technology particularly an artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance democratic governance across the region.

Delivering his inaugural solidarity speech at the opening of the 57th Plenary Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Dr Mwapinga said AI should extend human capabilities, not override them.

“AI must enhance our democracy, not endanger it,” he said.

However, the Secretary General sounded an alarm on the uncritical adoption of technology in legislative processes.

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The Plenary Assembly was convened under the theme ‘Harnessing Artificial Intelligence stressed on the growing necessity of regional parliamentary solidarity in the face of shared challenges such as transboundary conflict, displacement, youth unemployment, climate change and threats to democracy.

“Regional (AI) for Effective and Efficient Parliamentary Processes in the SADC Region: Experiences, Challenges and Opportunities’.

Dr Mwapinga praised the SADC PF for initiating critical conversations around the potential and risks of AI, recognising its role in improving legislative efficiency, transparency and public engagement.

However, he warned of the ethical, legal and technical challenges posed by over-reliance on AI, urging parliaments to maintain hu man agency at the heart of their decision-making.

Drawing on African wisdom and cultural insight, he invoked the words of Kenyan literary icon Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, adapting them to the digital age: ‘Use AI, and not let AI use you’.

Beyond the realm of technology, Dr Mwapinga parliamentary cooperation is not a choice, it is a necessity.

Our people are interdependent and our responses must be united and strategic,” he said.

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Highlighting the importance of South-South cooperation, Dr Mwapinga revealed that the FP- ICGLR is actively pursuing a formal partnership with the SADC Parliamentary Forum.

He explained that the collaboration aims to foster joint missions, legislative harmonisation, peer learn ing and institutional resilience across the African continent. He also spotlighted the rising relevance of parliamentary diplomacy, asserting that national legislatures now play a crucial role on the global stage.

“Parliaments are no longer just national actors, they are essential players in shaping peace, prosperity and justice globally,” he said.