AU Ambassadors Meet Pan-African Parliament Bureau to Strengthen Collaboration

On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, the Ambassadors of the Member States of the African Union (AU) accredited to the Republic of South Africa convened for a significant meeting with the Bureau of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) at its headquarters in Midrand, South Africa. Out of the 54 invited Member States, an impressive 52 Ambassadors were in attendance, reflecting the growing interest and commitment to the role of PAP within the African Union’s governance framework.

The meeting was marked by praise for the leadership of PAP under its President, Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira, who was commended for his transparent and efficient management of the affairs of the Parliament. The Ambassadors noted that the PAP represents a broader shift in Africa’s governance paradigm—from the state-centric approach of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) to the people-centered development model championed by the African Union. By offering a platform for parliamentary representation from all Member States, PAP gives democratic legitimacy to the AU and serves as a crucial conduit for the voices of the African people.

Strengthening Democratic Legitimacy

In their remarks, the Ambassadors emphasized that PAP’s structure allows each AU Member State to be represented by five elected parliamentarians, a level of representation that is unmatched by any other organ of the AU. This makes PAP a uniquely inclusive and representative body within the AU's institutional framework. The presence of parliamentarians from across the continent highlights the AU's commitment to democracy and governance that resonates with the people, fostering continental integration and unity.

The Ambassador of Nigeria particularly underscored the need for PAP to play a more active role in parliamentary diplomacy, especially in conflict resolution across Africa. As the AU organ closest to the African people, the PAP is seen as having the potential to mediate and engage in diplomatic efforts to address conflicts, contributing to peace and stability on the continent.

Preparing for the “Summit of the Future”

The Ambassadors also commended the involvement of African leaders in the upcoming United Nations “Summit of the Future,” set to take place in New York from September 20 to 23, 2024. The Summit aims to create an action-oriented “Pact for the Future” addressing critical issues such as sustainable development, international peace, science and innovation, youth empowerment, and global governance reform.

His Excellency, Ambassador Andre Nzapayeke, the Dean of African Ambassadors, expressed a desire for Africa to hold its own summit on these issues. He suggested that PAP could take the lead in organizing such a gathering to domesticate and adapt the global agenda to Africa’s unique needs. This proposal was well-received and could mark the beginning of a more assertive role for PAP in shaping Africa’s engagement with global governance debates.

PAP's Progress and Challenges

In his welcoming address, President Charumbira highlighted the importance of such meetings with the AU Ambassadors, noting that this was the second meeting of its kind since PAP resumed business in March 2024. He described the gathering as a vital platform for informing the Ambassadors about PAP’s activities and for evaluating its progress. Charumbira praised the strengthened collaboration between PAP and the Ambassadors, particularly through the establishment of a committee to enhance the relationship.

One of the key issues raised by Charumbira was the limited collaboration between the PAP and the United Nations. He expressed disappointment that the U.N. engages primarily with the African Union and not directly with PAP, despite PAP’s significant role in Africa’s governance structure. This has led to challenges such as the struggle to secure accreditation for the U.N. General Assembly, with the AU only designating one slot to PAP. Nonetheless, Charumbira pointed out the positive synergies between PAP and U.N. agencies such as UNICEF and FAO, which have collaborated with PAP on initiatives like equitable education and gender equality, aligning with the African Union's 2024 Theme of the Year.

Addressing PAP’s Internal Governance

Charumbira also addressed the ongoing issue of PAP's suspended Rules of Procedure. He assured the Ambassadors that the Bureau is committed to resolving the inconsistencies identified between the Rules of Procedure and the PAP Protocol, as outlined in a legal opinion by the Office of the Legal Counsel of the AU Commission. The PAP Bureau is working to ensure compliance with the Executive Council’s directive which called for the restoration of legal coherence within PAP’s governance by a reconsideration of the suspended rules..

In addition, Charumbira updated the Ambassadors on the forensic audit of PAP, which was mandated by the AU Executive Council. He reported that the AUC has formally confirmed that the audit will begin once the supplementary budget is approved. The PAP is currently preparing to submit the necessary documents for the audit, with budget hearings expected to take place soon.

Conclusion

The meeting between the AU Ambassadors and the Bureau of the Pan-African Parliament underscored the growing importance of PAP as a key institution within the African Union’s governance framework. With its unique representation of African citizens and its increasing role in addressing continental and global challenges, PAP is poised to take on a more prominent role in Africa’s political and diplomatic landscape. As Africa continues to engage with global initiatives like the "Summit of the Future," PAP's role in fostering unity, development, and democratic governance will remain central to the continent’s aspirations for peace and prosperity.