Charumbira stresses the Importance of the Pan-African Parliament in African Union Governance

The President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), Chief Fortune Zephania Charumbira has stressed the importance of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) in the African Union Governance Architecture. He stated this on Wednesday September 18, 2024 when he delivered a pivotal opening speech at the Twelfth Annual Speakers’ Conference held in Midrand, South Africa.

The speech set the tone for a conference aimed at addressing contemporary African challenges and exploring parliamentary solutions. The event gathered an impressive lineup of high-profile attendees, including Vice President Kembo Dugish Campbell Mohadi of Zimbabwe, PAP Vice Presidents; Hon. Angela Thokozile Didiza, the Speaker of South Africa’s National Assembly; Speakers of Africa’s National Parliaments; His Excellency, Ambassador Andre Nzapayeke, the Dean of African Ambassadors in the Republic of South Africa; Her Excellency, Hannan Jarrar, Ambassador of Palestine to the Republic of South Africa; diplomatic representatives, and officials from the African Union among others.

Acknowledgment and Importance of Parliament in African Governance

Chief Charumbira began by acknowledging the presence of esteemed political figures from across Africa, underscoring the importance of parliamentary institutions in fostering participatory democracy. He highlighted the vital role that parliaments play in providing democratic legitimacy, stating that parliaments act as a direct link between citizens and the state. The dissolution of parliaments in military takeovers, he remarked, serves as a testament to their pivotal role in governance.

The Establishment and Purpose of the Pan-African Parliament

The establishment of PAP in 2004 was driven by a desire for deeper political integration, better representation of African citizens, and improved governance. Charumbira explained that without a continental parliament, Africa would have remained a union of governments, disconnected from its people. The PAP was created to bridge this gap and ensure the full participation of African citizens in decision-making processes.

Despite this ambitious mandate, the PAP has faced challenges in fulfilling its role, particularly in terms of accountability and oversight. Charumbira expressed frustration that the PAP has not been empowered to exercise its oversight role fully, which has hindered its ability to promote transparency and hold governments accountable. This, he said, weakens the foundation of good governance and democracy across the continent.

Key Themes of the Conference

The Twelfth Annual Conference’s agenda focused on a range of critical issues, each reflecting Africa’s contemporary challenges and its broader developmental aspirations. Central themes included:

1.     Education: Aligning with the African Union's 2024 theme, “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century,” Charumbira emphasized the need for resilient education systems. He stressed the importance of equipping African youth with relevant skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving world shaped by digital technologies and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

2.     Peace and Security: The speech also addressed ongoing political instability and conflict in regions such as Niger and Sudan. Charumbira advocated for the use of parliamentary diplomacy to restore peace, promote constitutional order, and prevent further political disruptions.

3.     Economic Integration and AfCFTA: The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was hailed as a key driver of Africa’s economic growth and integration. However, Charumbira highlighted the need for greater harmonization of national laws with AfCFTA principles to fully unlock the benefits of intra-African trade.

4.     Climate Change and Sustainability: Climate change’s devastating effects on African agriculture and livelihoods were a recurring theme. Charumbira called for Africa to take a leading role in global climate negotiations, advocating for climate justice, given that the continent bears the brunt of climate impacts despite contributing minimally to global emissions.

5.     Health Crises and Future Pandemics: Reflecting on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, Charumbira stressed the importance of preparedness for future health threats. He highlighted the looming threat of the Mpox virus and called for stronger healthcare systems, regional collaboration, and equitable access to healthcare resources.

Challenges Faced by the PAP

A significant portion of the speech was dedicated to the funding crisis facing PAP. Charumbira lamented that the PAP’s budget had been drastically reduced in recent years, crippling its operations. He explained that the COVID-19 pandemic had led to a decrease in budget allocations, and despite the return to normalcy, the funding levels had not been restored. This shortfall has hindered the PAP’s ability to convene meetings, hold plenary sessions, and perform its oversight functions effectively.

In a passionate appeal, Charumbira urged African national parliaments and heads of state to advocate for increased financial support for the PAP. He pointed out that despite PAP’s critical role in promoting democracy and accountability, it continues to face unfair accusations of duplicating the work of other African Union organs, which further weakens its position.

Reaffirmation of PAP’s Mandate

Despite these challenges, Charumbira reaffirmed the PAP’s commitment to its mandate, emphasizing that the institution plays a crucial role in promoting unity, democracy, and accountability across Africa. He also reflected on recent internal conflicts within the PAP, including the 2021 and 2023 disputes over leadership rotation and procedural rules, noting that while these conflicts had tarnished the institution’s image, the PAP remains resilient and determined to rebuild its credibility.

Conclusion

In closing, Charumbira emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration among African nations. He expressed optimism that through collective action, Africa can achieve its aspirations of peace, prosperity, and resilience as outlined in the African Union’s Agenda 2063. With a call to “One Africa, One Voice,” he left the audience with a clear message: the future of Africa lies in the hands of its leaders and citizens, and only through concerted efforts can the continent fulfill its potential.