Tulia cites peace gains as IPU term nears end
ARUSHA: OUTGOING Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) President Dr Tulia Ackson capped her three-year tenure by highlighting major gains in global conflict resolution and legislative diplomacy ahead of the organisation’s governing assembly in Arusha next month.
Dr Tulia outlined the achievements of her presidency during a televised interview with state broadcaster TBC1 ahead of the 153rd IPU Assembly, scheduled for next month in Arusha. Elected in October 2023 as the 31st IPU president and the first African woman to lead the global legislative body, Ackson will step down when member states elect her successor on Oct 9.
The IPU has confirmed three candidates contesting the 2026–2029 presidential term: Sahiba Gafarova of Azerbaijan, Milton Dick of Australia and Rojo Edwards Silva of Chile.
Ackson said her administration prioritised conflict resolution through diplomatic engagement, parliamentary human rights oversight and direct international cooperation over military intervention.
“We want people to talk and understand each other, to find out what the problem is before they start fighting,” she said, adding that where hostilities have already erupted, the IPU relies on international legal principles and mediated talks.
She cited IPU diplomatic interventions in the Russia-Ukraine conflict as an example of practical outcomes, noting that parliamentary channels helped facilitate the return of several children separated from their families during the war.
Parliamentarians hold a unique position in international peacebuilding because they represent citizens directly and can leverage legislative power to push national executive branches toward peaceful dispute resolution, she said.
Beyond security, Ackson said her presidency worked to align parliamentary actions across borders on climate change, technology regulation, and institutional human rights representation, supported by stronger operational ties with the United Nations.
She noted that while legislative authority over military actions varies under national constitutions, the IPU employs joint resolutions and diplomatic pressure where direct parliamentary veto powers are lacking.
She also urged African nations to establish cohesive diplomatic blocks to amplify the continent’s leverage in global governance.
“Africa has more than 50 countries, but we have not reached a point where Africa speaks with one voice,” she said.
The upcoming gathering in Arusha will mark the conclusion of Ackson’s mandate as head of the Geneva-headquartered IPU, which brings together lawmakers from 180 member states.
