PAP President Charumbira sets a new tone for parliamentary engagements

The President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), H. E. Chief Fortune Charumbira has highlighted the importance of doing things differently, as the plenary session signaled a bold shift from traditional Committee Sittings, setting a new tone for parliamentary engagements. He emphasized the significance of PAP’s role in addressing the evolving continental challenges and stressed the need for strengthening institutional frameworks to efficiently respond to the changing dynamics within Africa.

Chief Fortune Charumbira stated this on Monday while delivering his opening remarks at the Third Statutory Sitting of the Permanent Committees of the Sixth Parliament at the seat of the Parliament in Midrand, South Africa. The event was held under the African Union's 2024 theme, "Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Learning in Africa."

Key Themes Addressed:

1. The Purpose and Mandate of the PAP

Chief Charumbira provided insight into why the Pan-African Parliament was established in 2004. He described the PAP as the missing link in the African Union's governance structure, transforming it from a "Union of Governments" to a "Union of the People." The PAP serves as a platform for participatory democracy, ensuring accountability and transparency across the continent, which he noted was essential for fostering governance that truly serves African citizens.

2. Education for the 21st Century

The AU theme for 2024 was at the heart of Chief Charumbira's remarks. He noted Africa’s urgent need to invest in adaptable and inclusive education systems that empower the next generation to thrive in an increasingly complex global landscape. He lamented the learning poverty across the continent, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, where 90% of children in Sub-Saharan Africa cannot read a simple text by age 10. Additionally, Africa faces a shortage of 17 million teachers to achieve universal primary and secondary education by 2030.

He stressed that investing in education is not just about meeting immediate needs but about securing Africa’s future, driving innovation, and ensuring sustainable growth.

3. Peace and Security: The Challenge of "Silencing the Guns" by 2030

Despite the ambitious AU goal of silencing guns by 2030, Chief Charumbira expressed concern over intensifying conflicts across Africa, including unconstitutional changes in governments and military takeovers in countries such as Niger and Gabon. He outlined the pressing need for parliamentary diplomacy to address these conflicts and highlighted the inextricable link between peace, security, and sustainable development.

4. PAP's Role in Agenda 2063

Chief Charumbira reiterated the critical role that PAP plays in advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063. He urged the Committees to focus on concrete strategies that contribute to the implementation of the agenda's second ten-year plan, calling for an alignment of legislative frameworks across member states with the continent’s developmental objectives. The PAP must move beyond rhetoric and deliver tangible outcomes that directly benefit African citizens.

5. The Climate Crisis and Energy Security

He recognized the devastating impact of climate change on Africa, highlighting extreme weather events such as floods in various African countries. He called for urgent action to enhance Africa’s climate resilience and renewable energy investments. The PAP president emphasized that Africa must lead global negotiations to ensure climate justice, advocating for equitable solutions that address the continent's disproportionate burden in the climate crisis.

6. Pandemic Preparedness

Reflecting on the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, Chief Charumbira stressed the need for stronger health systems across Africa. He warned of the emerging threat of the Mpox virus and underscored the importance of regional collaboration in health research, infrastructure development, and equitable vaccine distribution to prepare for future health crises.

Resource Deficit and Call for Support

One of the major challenges outlined by the PAP President was the crippling financial deficit facing the PAP. Despite the pressing need for resources to fulfill its mandate, the 2024 budget had been significantly reduced. He called on the African Union and other partners to provide the necessary financial support, citing examples of successful collaborations, such as the recent Afreximbank-funded workshop.

Conclusion

In his closing remarks, Chief Charumbira called for unity, cooperation, and a shared sense of purpose among parliamentarians. He reiterated that the work ahead was not merely about policymaking but about shaping the future of the African continent. He emphasized the responsibility of the PAP to uphold its mandate and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s security, prosperity, and sustainable development.

With a strong call to action, Chief Charumbira inspired a sense of urgency among the Committees as they embarked on their deliberations, urging them to develop actionable plans that align with Africa’s long-term vision.

The opening ceremony marked a pivotal moment in the Sixth Parliament's efforts to tackle Africa’s most pressing challenges, with education, peace, climate resilience, and health preparedness standing out as priority areas for discussion and action.