Pan-African Parliament Plenary Engages The Scourge of Drug and Substance Abuse in Africa
The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) convened a plenary session on July 3, 2024, to address “The Scourge of Drug and Substance Abuse as a Barrier to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Education in Africa.” This critical discussion, led by the Youth Caucus, underscored the pressing challenges faced by Africa’s youth. The session aligned with the African Union’s 2024 theme on Education, framing the ongoing 3rd Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament. The scourge of drug and substance abuse undermines efforts to create a conducive learning environment and hampers the development of human capital essential for the continent’s socio-economic growth.
Honorable Dali Laila, Chairperson of the Youth Caucus, addressed the multifaceted issue of drug trafficking and its devastating impact on African youth. She highlighted the importance of strengthening international cooperation to combat drug smuggling, improving job opportunities and education, and organizing continuous awareness-raising sessions for students. Emphasizing the necessity of family and community support, she said, “Schools must also be an environment that encourages correct discussion on this sensitive issue and provides support to students who need it.” Honorable Laila lamented the dire consequences of drug use, stating, “Unfortunately, the effects of drugs on young people are disastrous in Africa, where drug consumption has a negative effect on the health of young people physically and mentally, in addition to its negative effect on social and professional relations.”
Dr. Olubosayo Akinola, Head of the Drug Control and Crime Prevention Division at the African Union Commission, delivered a comprehensive overview of illicit drug trafficking statistics and trends across member states. She emphasized the prevalence of cannabis as the most seized substance and highlighted disturbing levels of youth involvement in drug use and trafficking. Dr. Akinola stressed the importance of prevention through education, noting, “Treatment is expensive in our member states, and prevention through education is key.”
The session concluded with a call to mobilize resources for initiatives aimed at combating this challenge and urged engagement with all stakeholders involved in prevention, trafficking control, and rehabilitation efforts. Through collaborative efforts with member states and international partners, PAP endeavors to develop a Model Law for adoption by member states parliaments aiming to strengthen enforcement mechanisms, improve healthcare interventions, and foster community-based initiatives that support a drug-free learning environment.
