South Africa and Mozambique abstain from African Family Values Charter adoption in Accra
South Africa and Mozambique have abstained from adopting the African Charter on Family, Sovereignty and Values at a parliamentary conference in Accra. South Africa said the Charter’s definition of marriage conflicted with its constitution and international legal obligations, while Mozambique cited logistical and legislative constraints.
South Africa and Mozambique have both abstained from adopting the African Charter on Family, Sovereignty and Values at a parliamentary conference in Ghana’s capital, Accra.
South Africa said its decision was based on constitutional concerns, arguing that the Charter’s definition of marriage as exclusively between a man and a woman conflicts with its domestic constitution and international legal obligations.
Speaking during deliberations at the 4th Inter-Parliamentary Conference, the head of the South African delegation, Zandile Majozi, said the country supported the broader objectives of the Charter but could not endorse provisions it considered inconsistent with its legal framework.
Mozambique also announced its abstention, citing logistical and legislative scheduling challenges. In a letter addressed to Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, the head of the Mozambican delegation, Carlos Tembe, said the decision was due to parliamentary constraints.
The letter was later read to delegates by the MP for Ho West, Emmanuel Bedzrah.
The developments come as lawmakers from across the continent continue discussions on the proposed Charter, which seeks to promote shared positions on family values, sovereignty and cultural norms in Africa.