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.
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