PAP Bureau, Bureauxes Approve Programme for Third Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament - AFRICAN PARLIAMENTARY NEWS

Breaking

memfysadvert

memfysadvert
memfys hospital Enugu

Thursday, October 31, 2024

PAP Bureau, Bureauxes Approve Programme for Third Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament

The Bureau of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), along with the Bureaux of Permanent Committees, Regional Caucuses, Women’s Caucus, and Youth Caucus, on Thursday gathered to review and approve the agenda for the Third Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the PAP. This session underscores PAP’s commitment to addressing pressing issues across Africa and strengthening its legislative role in alignment with the mandates of the African Union (AU). The President of the Pan-African Parliament, H.E. Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the importance of the PAP’s evolving role and the need for a results-driven agenda.

Silent Tribute to Chadian Soldiers

Chief Charumbira began his address by calling for a moment of silent meditation in honor of the 40 Chadian soldiers recently killed in a Boko Haram attack on a military base in Barkaram. This gesture of solidarity reflects the PAP’s ongoing commitment to addressing regional security issues and supporting member states facing extremist threats.

Purpose of the Joint Bureaux Meeting

According to Chief Charumbira, the Joint Bureaux meeting aimed to review the program for the session, as stipulated by Rule 36(2) of the PAP Rules of Procedure. This consultative process with the Bureaux of Permanent Committees and Caucuses emphasizes collective decision-making and helps ensure that each segment of the PAP remains informed and aligned in its activities. The President echoed American theorist Russell Ackoff, who argued that “a system is never the sum of its parts; it is a product of their interaction,” highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts across the Parliament’s committees and caucuses to achieve a unified goal.

Evaluating the PAP’s Mandate

The PAP’s mandate, established in 2004, was born from the vision of the African Union's founders to create a continental body representative of Africa's citizens, not just its member states. Chief Charumbira outlined PAP’s primary responsibilities, which include facilitating AU objectives, promoting democratic governance and human rights, fostering legislative harmonization, and contributing to Africa’s economic integration. He challenged the Joint Bureaux to consider whether the session’s program would enable PAP to meet these mandates effectively and serve African citizens' expectations.

Addressing Public Perceptions of PAP

In his address, Chief Charumbira acknowledged critical public perceptions of the PAP and AU, which are often viewed as ineffective in addressing the continent’s pressing issues. He cited journalist Francois Soudan’s observation that many Africans regard the AU as a distant institution that has yet to resolve the problems it was established to address. With this perspective in mind, the President encouraged the PAP to address these concerns directly through actionable programs that can restore public trust and affirm the Parliament’s role as the supreme representative body in the African governance landscape.

Changing Narratives Amidst Resource Constraints

Chief Charumbira acknowledged the resource constraints facing PAP, which has hindered its ability to host sessions and meet statutory obligations. He praised recent efforts in resource mobilization that have increased the supplementary budget, allowing the Parliament to proceed with its Plenary Session and other vital activities. Initiatives with AU partners, such as the AfCFTA and Afreximbank, also provided critical support for events, underscoring the importance of continued collaboration within the AU framework.

Results-Oriented Approach to Strategic Planning

A significant part of the Third Ordinary Session will focus on developing a Strategic Plan that sets out a results-based agenda for PAP over the next five years. This plan will align PAP’s programs with the AU’s 2063 Agenda, specifically the “7 Moonshots” goals, which range from ensuring that African states reach middle-income status to promoting African values and enhancing continental integration. This strategic plan aims to streamline the Parliament’s activities, ensuring they are measurable, aligned with AU priorities, and capable of delivering tangible outcomes to the African public.

Highlighting the Need for Increased Awareness and Engagement

Hon. Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, Chairperson of the Committee on Monetary and Financial Affairs, commended the Bureau for its recent achievements, especially in securing much-needed resources and developing impactful programs. He emphasized the importance of enhancing PAP’s visibility across the continent, advocating for comprehensive media coverage of Committee activities in each country visited during oversight missions. According to Hon. Muntaka, this increased media presence would help generate awareness about PAP’s roles and responsibilities, helping to foster greater engagement and understanding of its mission among African citizens. His call to action underscores a vital component of PAP's strategy to bridge the gap between itself and the public it represents.

Towards Tangible Results and an Improved Image

Chief Charumbira concluded by urging the meeting participants to consider whether the approved program aligns with PAP’s mandate, will improve PAP’s public image, and serves African citizens' aspirations. By emphasizing tangible results and public accountability, he highlighted the importance of fostering a positive perception of PAP as an effective, citizen-focused institution.

The session's program sets the stage for a pivotal period in PAP’s history, where strategic planning, budget management, and public engagement will determine its role in achieving the aspirations of a more united and empowered Africa. The session, spearheaded by President Charumbira's call for accountability and measurable outcomes, underscores PAP’s renewed dedication to its mission and the people of Africa.







No comments:

Post a Comment

Disclaimer: Comment expressed do not reflect the opinion of African Parliamentary News