Charumbira’s Closing Address Highlights Milestone Achievements of the Pan-African Parliament

The President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP),  H.E. Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira, has outlined the several tangible outcomes achieved during the just concluded Fourth Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament which came to an end on Friday. The session, held amidst a charged atmosphere of optimism and commitment, also underscored the crucial role of the PAP in shaping Africa's governance and legislative landscape.

Acknowledgment of Dedication

President Charumbira began by expressing profound gratitude to the Members of Parliament who demonstrated unwavering commitment by actively participating throughout the session. He singled out exemplary contributors, including Hon. Nicaise Fagnon, Hon. Alhagie Mbow, Hon. Esther Passaris, Senator Mungatana Danson and others, for their vibrant engagement in the chamber.

Tangible Outcomes: A Testament to Progress

Highlighting the accomplishments of the session, the President outlined several key outcomes, which underscore the PAP’s dedication to effective governance and legislative action:

1. Leadership Inclusivity: Election of Hon. Fatimetou Habib as the First Vice President, promoting gender balance and inclusivity in PAP leadership.
2. Strategic Vision: Adoption of the PAP Strategic Plan (2024–2028), aligning legislative goals with Africa’s developmental priorities.

3.   Enhanced Protocols: Aligning identified violations contained in the suspended PAP Rules of Procedure with its Protocol.

4. Diaspora Engagement: Strengthening ties with the African Diaspora (SOAD) emphasized inclusiveness beyond continental borders.
5. International Collaboration: Formalizing relations with the Parliament of Belarus through an MoU.
6. Model Legislation: Adoption of two landmark model laws—on Nationality and Eradication of Statelessness and on Labour Migration in Africa.
7. Solidarity Efforts: Declaration of solidarity with Palestine.
8. Operational Revival: Resuscitation of committee activities stalled since 2019.
9. Resource Mobilization: Securing funding to successfully convene the Plenary Session.

These milestones signify a shift towards a results-based approach, a hallmark of President Charumbira's leadership.

Strategic Priorities for the Future

In setting the course forward, President Charumbira emphasized the PAP’s focus on:

• Advancing Continental Goals: Ensuring the implementation of Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
• Institutional Oversight: Strengthening oversight of AU organs and programs, including budgetary accountability.
• Restoring Trust: Repairing the PAP's image through effective governance and financial prudence.
• Parliamentary Diplomacy: Advocating for a proactive role in peace and security across Africa.
• Capacity Building: Enhancing skills and operational efficiency for MPs and staff.

The President stressed the importance of continued collaboration with AU organs, robust follow-up on PAP recommendations, and addressing gaps in the PAP’s Rules of Procedure.

Call to Action

Concluding his address, President Charumbira urged MPs to remain engaged with PAP’s mission even after the session. He encouraged them to report back to their national parliaments on PAP's activities and provide feedback on the implementation of its resolutions.

Reflecting on Legacy

The President closed on a reflective note, challenging members to consider the legacy they wish to leave. “What do we want the people of Africa whose sacred mandate we carry to say about us?” he asked, reminding MPs of the profound responsibility they hold in shaping the continent’s future.

As the session ended, the Pan-African Parliament stood united in its vision, committed to translating resolutions into impactful actions for the benefit of Africa and its people.

The newly elected First Vice President of the Pan-African Parliament, Hon. Dr. Fatimetou Habib, extended heartfelt thanks to her colleagues for their support and pledged to fulfill the responsibilities of her new role with dedication. She emphasized the importance of collaboration and expressed gratitude to the bureau members and staff for their contributions.

Also speaking, Second Vice President Hon. Dr. Ashebiri Gayo echoed the sentiments of unity, calling for continued collective efforts to advance Africa’s development agenda. He urged members to maintain their commitment to fostering stronger collaboration among African legislators.