Know the Charter that has Africa talking

DAR ES SALAAM: ACROSS Africa, a new policy proposal is generating intense debate among governments, legal experts, healthcare professionals, religious leaders, civil society organisations and development partners.

Known as the ‘Draft African Charter on Family, Sovereignty and Values’, the proposal seeks to promote African family values, cultural identity, parental responsibility and national sovereignty.

Supporters view the Charter as a timely response to growing concerns that African societies should define their own moral and social values without undue external influence.

They argue that it reinforces the central role of the family, protects children and upholds Africa’s cultural heritage.

Critics, however, contend that some of its provisions could undermine decades of progress in protecting human rights, particularly the rights of women, children and young people, as well as access to sexual and reproductive health services.

Although the Charter has not been adopted by the African Union, it is important for Tanzanians to understand what it proposes and what its adoption could mean for the country’s health sector, legal framework and development agenda.

What is the Draft Charter?

The Draft African Charter on Family, Sovereignty and Values was developed through the Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family Values and Sovereignty by a group of African parliamentarians and government representatives.

The draft seeks to strengthen the family as the cornerstone of society, promote parental rights and responsibilities, safeguard African cultural and religious values, and affirm the sovereignty of African states in determining their domestic social policies.

Many of these objectives resonate with African societies. Strong families are widely recognised as the foundation of healthy communities, and every nation has the right to preserve its cultural identity and traditions.

However, the draft has also attracted significant scrutiny because some of its provisions are viewed as opposing comprehensive sexuality education and limiting adolescents’ access to sexual and reproductive health information and services.

Public health and legal experts argue that these issues deserve careful and evidence based examination before African countries decide whether to adopt the Charter.

For Tanzania, sexual and reproductive health is not merely a policy issue, it is a matter of saving lives.

Over the past two decades, the country has expanded voluntary family planning services, strengthened maternal healthcare, increased skilled birth attendance, reduced HIV transmission and improved access to reproductive health information for women and adolescents.

Mgeni Kisesa, a National Trainer on Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health, believes any new regional instrument should be evaluated according to its impact on public health.

“As a public health practitioner, my priority is the health and wellbeing of women and families. Tanzania has made significant progress in reducing preventable maternal deaths through improved reproductive health services and voluntary family planning. We should carefully assess whether any new regional framework strengthens these gains or creates barriers that could affect women’s access to lifesaving care. Policies should always be informed by scientific evidence and the realities facing our communities,” she says.

Human rights and legal obligations Beyond healthcare, legal experts are examining how the proposed Charter aligns with Africa’s existing human rights commitments. Advocate Peter Majanjala on his part says careful legal scrutiny will be essential before Tanzania takes any position.

“African countries have already adopted important regional legal instruments that protect human dignity, equality, women’s rights and children’s rights. Any new Charter should complement, not contradict, those commitments. Before Tanzania supports any regional instrument, Parliament and legal experts should carefully assess whether it aligns with our Constitution and the treaties we have already ratified,” he says.

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He argues that protecting family values and protecting human rights should not be viewed as competing objectives but as complementary goals that can reinforce one another.

Another area of debate concerns adolescents and their access to health information.

Psychologist Dr Faith Kiondo believes parents remain the primary educators of their children, but says young people also need access to accurate, age-appropriate sexual and reproductive health information as they mature.

“Adolescence is a period of rapid physical, emotional and psychological development. Families play an irreplaceable role in guiding young people, but parents, teachers and health professionals all have responsibilities. When adolescents receive accurate sexual and reproductive health information and supportive guidance, they are better equipped to make responsible decisions, avoid risky behaviours and seek help when they need it,” she says.

She adds that strengthening families should also mean strengthening communication between parents and their children.

Public health specialists note that Tanzania’s progress in reproductive health has been achieved through evidence based policies, sustained investment and partnerships.

According to Kisesa, the country has made significant advances in family planning, maternal healthcare, HIV prevention and adolescent health.

“Our investments in family planning, maternal health, HIV prevention and adolescent health have saved lives and improved the wellbeing of thousands of families. As we examine any proposed Charter, we should ask one important question: Will it help us sustain these gains or make it more difficult for people to access essential health information and services? Public health policies should always be guided by evidence,” she says.

She believes public dialogue should focus on the practical implications for ordinary Tanzanians rather than political rhetoric.

Others argue that Tanzania should proceed cautiously before taking a formal position.

Advocate Ziada Mkwazu believes any decision should follow broad national consultations involving Parliament, legal experts, healthcare professionals, religious leaders, women, young people and civil society organisations.

“This discussion is too important to involve only a few stakeholders. Tanzanians deserve an opportunity to understand the proposed Charter and express their views. Our responsibility is to ensure that any commitment our country makes upholds constitutional principles, protects women and children, advances public health and contributes to national development,” says Advocate Mkwazu.

She believes meaningful public participation will strengthen whichever position Tanzania ultimately adopts.

The debate surrounding the Draft African Charter on Family, Sovereignty and Values is often portrayed as a choice between protecting African values and protecting human rights. Perhaps the real challenge is finding a path that achieves both.

Tanzania has long valued strong families, respect for culture, religious freedom and community solidarity.

At the same time, the country has made significant progress in improving maternal health, expanding access to reproductive healthcare, promoting gender equality and strengthening child protection.

These achievements need not be seen as competing priorities.

Strong families flourish when mothers survive childbirth, young people receive accurate information to make informed decisions, children are protected from harm and communities enjoy good health.

As discussions continue across Africa, Tanzania has an opportunity to contribute thoughtfully and constructively.

Policymakers should examine the proposed Charter alongside the Constitution, national laws and existing African human rights instruments.

Public debate should be guided by evidence, informed by diverse perspectives and centred on the wellbeing of current and future generations.

Whether one ultimately supports or opposes the Draft African Charter on Family, Sovereignty and Values, one thing is clear: This conversation belongs to all Tanzanians.

An informed and inclusive national dialogue will help ensure that any decision taken strengthens not only our cultural values but also our shared aspirations for a healthy, just and prosperous nation.