PAP President Charumbira highlights the dire situation in Palestine

In a powerful and impassioned address, H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, the President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), highlighted the dire situation in Palestine and called for decisive international action.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the Third Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament in Midrand, South Africa, Chief Charumbira unequivocally condemned the ongoing Israeli-Palestine conflict and the extensive human rights violations occurring in the region.

Chief Charumbira began by emphasizing the role of the Pan-African Parliament as the voice of the voiceless, a body elected to represent the interests and concerns of the African people. He stated, "I cannot conclude my remarks without adding my voice on the Israeli-Palestine war. As the people’s elected representatives who are called to be the voice of the voiceless, we shall also pronounce ourselves on the horrendous human rights violations perpetrated by Israel in Palestine with the tacit support of a silent international community."

The President of PAP did not shy away from presenting stark figures that underline the gravity of the conflict, mentioning that over 38,000 Palestinians, the majority of them women and children, have been killed. This statistic underscores the catastrophic human cost of the conflict and the urgent need for international intervention.

In a move that highlights regional solidarity and a commitment to justice, Chief Charumbira commended the South African government's actions under President Cyril Ramaphosa. South Africa has taken the Israeli government to the International Court of Justice, a step Chief Charumbira described as a stance against "senseless and inhumane killings in Palestine." He praised this bold move as a necessary step towards holding perpetrators of violence accountable and reaffirming international legal standards.

Chief Charumbira expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, stating, "Our hearts and minds are with the people of Palestine during this horrific time and we call for a cessation of hostilities." He reiterated the call for a two-state solution, describing it as the only sustainable resolution to the crisis. This stance aligns with numerous international voices advocating for a peaceful and equitable resolution that respects the rights and sovereignty of both Israelis and Palestinians.

The President of PAP also broadened his remarks to include other conflict zones in Africa, specifically mentioning Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He stressed the need for the African Union to take a proactive role in addressing and resolving conflicts within the continent. Chief Charumbira underscored the potential of parliamentary diplomacy in conflict prevention, management, and resolution, indicating that such diplomatic efforts could be instrumental in fostering peace and stability.

Chief Charumbira's remarks at the Pan-African Parliament's session serve as a clarion call for both African and international communities to act decisively against human rights violations and to work towards sustainable peace solutions in conflict zones. His address not only highlights the urgent situation in Palestine but also reflects a broader commitment to justice and peace within and beyond Africa.