Reviewing Charumbira’s Presentation on AU Institutional Reforms to President Ruto

In a compelling address to the President of Kenya and the African Union (AU) Reform Champion, H. E. William Ruto, the President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), H. E. Hon. Chief Charumbira, outlined critical reform priorities needed for PAP to fulfill its mandate effectively. The presentation, titled "African Union Institutional Reforms and PAP Institutional Arrangements Imperatives," underscores PAP’s role in advancing the AU's vision for a united and prosperous Africa while highlighting significant operational challenges that hamper its potential impact.

1. Advisory and Consultative Mandate of PAP

Chief Charumbira emphasized PAP’s foundational role as an advisory and consultative body under the Sirte Protocol, positioning it as a key conduit for citizen engagement within the AU. This mandate is instrumental for PAP in representing African voices in shaping policy, promoting human rights, and advancing governance frameworks. The advisory role enables PAP to issue recommendations, resolutions, and declarations to AU organs and Member States, an essential function that reflects citizens' aspirations and reinforces the AU's goals.

2. Basis of PAP’s Oversight Power

PAP’s oversight responsibilities are delineated by Article 11 of the Sirte Protocol, granting it the authority to question, evaluate, and provide feedback on AU policies and initiatives. PAP’s oversight is essential for transparency, enabling it to hold the AU accountable to its goals. This function distinguishes PAP from other AU organs by focusing on constructive evaluation rather than policy implementation.

Through mechanisms such as fact-finding missions, committee inquiries, and official questioning of AU representatives, PAP aims to uphold transparency and accountability, fostering a responsive governance structure within the AU. The emphasis on oversight aligns PAP with international parliamentary standards, where oversight operates independently of legislative powers.

3. Distinct Role of Parliamentary Oversight

Chief Charumbira clarified that PAP's oversight functions complement rather than duplicate those of other AU entities. Oversight serves to ensure efficient resource utilization, timely project execution, and transparency, reinforcing the distinct roles of PAP and other AU bodies. This clarification is vital to counter any perception that PAP’s role is redundant, instead emphasizing its unique contribution to checks and balances within the AU system. And unlike executive agencies, PAP does not implement policies but rather evaluates AU operations to guarantee effective resource use and adherence to policy objectives. This distinction underlines the necessity of PAP’s role, as robust oversight ensures AU initiatives meet citizens' expectations without conflicts of interest that could arise within executive bodies.

4. The Need for PAP to Report Directly to the AU Assembly

Chief Charumbira’s presentation highlighted the current reporting structure, in which PAP submits reports to the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC) rather than directly to the AU Assembly. Direct reporting to Heads of State aligns PAP’s findings with decision-making at the highest level, enabling quicker and more impactful policy adjustments.

Indirect reporting on the other hand, diminishes PAP’s influence and delays critical issues from reaching the highest levels of decision-making. He advocated for direct communication with the Assembly, aligning PAP’s reporting mechanism with best governance practices, which enhance executive accountability to parliament.

5. Funding Constraints for PAP Committees

The operational effectiveness of PAP’s 15 committees, described as the Parliament’s “engine room,” is severely hindered by inadequate funding. These committees, which are integral to PAP’s oversight and legislative functions, struggle to conduct in-depth inquiries and implement initiatives effectively. Chief Charumbira’s call for AU institutional reforms to increase funding for these committees reflects a pressing need for budgetary support, ensuring that PAP’s work is not merely symbolic but practical and impactful.

6. Challenges in Budget Oversight

Despite its mandate to review the AU budget, PAP's budgetary oversight function remains unfulfilled due to procedural limitations. As the AU budget currently bypasses mandatory scrutiny by PAP, an essential component of fiscal accountability is lacking. Empowering PAP to review and recommend budget adjustments would align AU operations with parliamentary standards globally, where budgetary oversight is a fundamental parliamentary prerogative.

7. Recognition of Key PAP Structures

Chief Charumbira highlighted the structural disconnect within PAP’s administration, particularly regarding the Bureau, which, although constitutionally tasked with managing PAP’s affairs, lacks the recognition needed to function autonomously. This undermines PAP's capacity to oversee its administration effectively, a concern amplified by the Secretariat’s direct reporting to the African Union Commission (AUC). Strengthening the Bureau’s authority could enhance PAP's administrative and operational efficiency, promoting a unified governance framework within the Parliament.

8. Inadequate Allowances for Members

The presentation stressed the importance of fair compensation for PAP members, noting that the current allowances are insufficient and do not reflect their responsibilities. Comparing PAP’s compensation structure with other legislative bodies worldwide, Chief Charumbira argued for competitive allowances to maintain members’ motivation and productivity, particularly since existing disparities deter the continuous dedication required for PAP’s activities.

9. Financial Oversight Challenges

PAP’s Bureau lacks financial control over its operations, with the Secretariat holding primary authority. This misalignment in authority and responsibility prevents PAP from effectively managing its own resources. Chief Charumbira called for reforms allowing the Bureau control over PAP’s finances, ensuring transparent and effective resource management consistent with its oversight responsibilities.

10. Budgetary Limitations

Budget cuts over the past six years have reduced PAP’s operating funds from $32 million to $10.5 million, crippling its capacity to execute core activities like committee sessions, plenary meetings, and public engagement. Chief Charumbira stressed the need for a budget review, proposing an increase to restore PAP’s functional independence and ability to fulfill its mandate.

11. Centralized Recruitment Issues

AU’s centralized recruitment, via the Merit-Based Recruitment System (MBRS), has created substantial delays in filling critical positions at PAP, with 24 vacancies remaining open. The bureaucratic hurdles impede PAP’s staffing autonomy, diminishing its operational efficiency. Chief Charumbira called for the decentralization of recruitment, advocating for direct hiring authority to allow timely recruitment aligned with PAP’s immediate needs.

12. Strengthening PAP’s Mandate through AU Reforms

At the heart of the presentation was a rallying call for AU reforms that reinforce, rather than restrict, PAP’s influence within the AU structure. Chief Charumbira urged the AU to grant PAP greater autonomy and legislative powers, empowering it to fulfill its democratic oversight role and meet citizens' needs across Africa.

Conclusion

Chief Charumbira’s presentation to President Ruto is a testament to PAP’s vital role in driving AU objectives forward. The address underscores the need for institutional reforms that grant PAP adequate resources, autonomy, and authority to operate as a genuine representative body. Recognizing PAP’s oversight role, as well as addressing funding, administrative, and structural challenges, will be crucial in ensuring that the AU remains accountable and that the voices of African citizens resonate across the continent’s governance landscape.