Hon. Rahab Mukami Commends Pan-African Parliament President for Strengthening AU-PAP Relations and Leadership on African Unity Agenda - AFRICAN PARLIAMENTARY NEWS

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Sunday, October 27, 2024

Hon. Rahab Mukami Commends Pan-African Parliament President for Strengthening AU-PAP Relations and Leadership on African Unity Agenda

Hon. Rahab Mukami, a member of Kenya’s delegation to the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), has praised PAP President H.E. Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira for his recent high-level delegation visit to Kenya. During this visit, Chief Charumbira and his team met with Kenyan President and AU Institutional Reforms Chair, H.E. William Ruto, to discuss the ongoing African Union (AU) reform agenda, specifically PAP’s evolving role in advancing African governance and unity.

Hon. Mukami expressed deep gratitude for Chief Charumbira’s commitment to "strengthening unity and cooperation across Africa" and noted his "dedication to ensuring the Pan-African Parliament functions effectively as a voice for all Africans is truly inspiring."

Hon. Mukami’s commendation comes at a critical moment, as AU reforms aim to reinforce PAP’s capacity for oversight, advocacy, and representation of the African people—key elements of Agenda 2063, the AU’s strategic blueprint for sustainable development and inclusive growth. The discussions underscored PAP’s potential to deepen citizen engagement across the continent, expand oversight of AU organs, and enhance financial transparency, including PAP’s review of AU budget proposals as mandated in the PAP Protocol.

Addressing Institutional Weaknesses and Funding Challenges

The meeting with President Ruto focused on empowering PAP amid AU reforms to solidify its position as the people’s voice within the AU. Chief Charumbira’s leadership has been instrumental in addressing institutional challenges and securing critical funding, which had previously affected PAP’s statutory functions. Since 2021, PAP has faced financial constraints that led to the postponement of both the August 2023 Committee Sitting and the October 2023 Ordinary Session.

These funding setbacks were further compounded by a leadership dispute following the suspension of PAP’s amended Rules of Procedure adopted in November 2022. This suspension, based on a legal opinion from the AU’s Office of the Legal Counsel (OLC), required PAP’s Plenary to reconsider the amended Rules and address specific inconsistencies.

Ensuring Continued Operations and Engagement

Despite concerns that these issues might affect the August 2024 Committee Sitting, the 2024 Conference of Speakers of Africa’s National and Regional Parliaments in September, and the upcoming October 2024 Ordinary Session, Chief Charumbira’s diplomatic efforts helped secure essential funding. His proactive leadership has allowed PAP to proceed with its agenda, ensuring sustained engagement and alignment with AU goals.

This recent collaboration between PAP and AU leadership in Kenya marks a pivotal moment in the Pan-African Parliament’s mission to represent African voices, enhance transparency, and foster stronger connections between the AU and African citizens.

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