Ethiopian Parliament expresses concern over seeming inactivity at the Pan African Parliament

The Ethiopian Parliament has expressed concern over the challenges faced by the Pan African Parliament (PAP) particularly its inability to hold regular plenary and other statutory meetings as required by Article 15(2) of the Rules of Procedure.

This was contained in a letter by the Speaker of The House of People’s Representatives of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Rt. Hon. Tagesse Chaffo to the Acting President of PAP, Rt. Hon. Bouras Djamal.

According to Hon. Chaffo, “PAP is an important is an important body within the African Union established to be a common platform for all African states to be involved in discussions and decision-making on the problems and challenges facing the continent”.

“Affirming that as representatives of the people of Africa, PAP should have a more influential and facilitative role to assist the social and economic lives of the people that have particularly been affected by COVID-19”.

Noting that the objectives of PAP’s existence “include to contribute to a more prosperous Africa, facilitate cooperation and development in the continent and strengthening continental solidarity, Hon. Chaffo then called on PAP to:

v  Take all necessary measures for its organs to resume their full functions including meeting virtually;

v  Call and organize a plenary session in order to fill the 3 vacant positions in the Bureau, swear in new members as well address outstanding issues affecting PAP;

v  Draw up a PAP calendar and ensure that it is followed as per the rules and regulations.

Concluding, Rt. Hon, Chaffo called on all members of PAP and stand up for the resumption of PAP activities without further delay.