In a significant move that could reshape social policies in Africa, twenty nations have endorsed a new charter designed to reinforce national sovereignty over matters such as abortion, marriage, and family policy. This step is seen as a response to ongoing debates about Western influence on the continent’s social frameworks.
During a conference held in Accra, Ghana, these countries officially backed ‘The African Charter on Family, Sovereignty and Values’. This document outlines principles concerning family life, management of national resources, agriculture, trade, and participation in global agreements.
The charter aims to empower African countries to establish their own laws and policies, free from external pressures, especially in areas involving international aid, diplomacy, and treaties.
Marriage is defined within the charter as “the union between a man and a woman”, and it acknowledges only male and female genders.
According to the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC), the charter challenges the notion of an international right to abortion under Article 7, countering claims linked to “sexual and reproductive health” commitments.
Article 4 encourages participating nations to reassess and repeal laws deemed harmful to the family unit.
The charter also takes a stand against laws that allow prostitution and policies that promote gender identity.
SPUC’s chief executive, John Deighan, praised the adoption of the charter, viewing it as resistance against Western efforts to impose liberal ideologies on developing nations.
“For too long a perverse West has been trying to force their malthusian contraception, violent abortion, and modern sexual expression upon third world nations, with African ones hit hardest,” Deighan stated. “It is a joy to see twenty good and moral nations fighting back despite the likely financial punishments they’ll receive.”
He highlighted that these nations possess a “good moral fibre” and suggested that Western countries could learn from the charter’s focus on “life, family, and sovereignty”.
“Development will never be analogous with abortion liberalisation and the dismantling of traditional family structures,” Deighan added.
The charter also includes economic and agricultural policies, advocating for the protection of indigenous seeds and farmer-managed systems. It calls for increased control over natural resources and a reduction in dependency on the export of raw commodities.
It promotes removing barriers to intra-African trade and expresses concerns about the process of negotiating international agreements, where African delegates often face complex documents without adequate time for review.
Notably, South Africa did not endorse the charter, reportedly due to conflicts with its constitutional protections, including the recognition of same-sex marriage.
This charter’s emergence occurs amidst a broader discourse on the relationship between Africa and Western entities regarding social and ethical concerns.
Guinean Catholic Cardinal Robert Sarah recently accused the European Union of engaging in a neocolonial practice by trying to impose Western social values on Africa.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
