PAP Bureau and AUC Department for PAPS engage on renewed collaboration

The Bureau of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) and the Department for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) have agreed to set up a Joint Working Group to review and fine-tune areas of collaboration between the two institutions of the African Union (AU). The two delegations met on the sidelines of the recently concluded 4th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the AU in Lusaka, Zambia.

The collaboration between the PAP and PAPS had been put on hold following the political leadership vacuum at the Parliament. Following the recent resumption of parliamentary activities with the election of new Office-Bearers, the PAP Bureau sought to signal the continental Parliament’s readiness to reposition itself and renew its working relationship with the PAPS.

The delegations led by PAP President H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira and H.E. Amb. Bankole ADEOYE, Commissioner for PAPS resolved to task the Joint Working Group, comprised of members from both sides, to analyze the current collaborative framework and come up with concrete proposals on how to enhance the relationship.

The mandates of the PAP and PAPS are intertwined. They are both tasked by the African Union to promote peace and stability, good governance, democracy and human rights as a foundation for inclusion, security and the development of the continent and its people.

One of the key areas of collaboration over the past few years between the PAP and PAPS has been the African Union Election Observation Missions (AUEOM).

In line with an Executive Council decision taken in February 2010, the PAP and the African Union Commission, through the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, participate in joint AUEOM.

Source: Jeffrey Onganga, Media Officer, Pan-African Parliament