Pan-African Parliament Pushes for Financial Independence and Unity in Visionary Addresses by AU Leaders

On Tuesday, November 2023, His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), delivered a virtual State of the Union address at the Fourth Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) held in Midrand, South Africa. His remarks, enriched by reflection and vision, underscored the achievements and aspirations of the African Union, as well as the challenges ahead as he nears the end of his tenure. Simultaneously, H.E. Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson of the AUC, presented a crucial report on the State of Financing of the Union, addressing the financial strategies and challenges for sustainable Union growth.

Highlights of Moussa Faki Mahamat’s Address

Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat celebrated the Pan-African Parliament as a symbol of unity and democratic engagement within Africa, marking the institution as essential to realizing the dream of a unified, citizen-centered continent. He reflected on milestones achieved under the AU’s Agenda 2063, such as the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and efforts toward "Silencing the Guns"—an initiative aimed at fostering peace and security across the continent. Additionally, he acknowledged Africa’s recent admission to the G20, noting that this new role amplifies Africa’s influence in global economic and diplomatic discussions.

Faki emphasized that institutional reforms within the AU have been instrumental in enhancing governance, efficiency, and financial independence, marking a significant shift toward reducing reliance on external funding. He acknowledged, however, that the PAP requires enhanced financing and restructured organizational support to fully embody its oversight and representative functions. His message underscored a need for the PAP to exercise greater accountability, ensuring Africa's interests are represented robustly and consistently.

Faki also pointed to the challenges facing Pan-Africanism, noting the rise of "particularisms and egoisms," both within and outside the continent. He called on the PAP to reinvigorate the spirit of Pan-Africanism, urging members to bridge divides and champion unity, reminding them of the moral and intellectual potential that lies within Africa’s collective vision.

Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa’s Financial Insights

Dr. Nsanzabaganwa’s address shed light on the financial status of the Union and urged PAP members to actively advocate for stronger financial commitments from national parliaments. Reflecting on a historic decision in 2016, the AU sought to implement a 0.2% levy on imports to help member states meet their financial contributions to the Union. While this levy aimed to support financial independence, only 17 member states have adopted it, resulting in a funding shortfall for essential Union programs.

She praised the PAP’s strategic plan alignment with Agenda 2063 but emphasized that full realization of this vision requires financial commitment and cooperation from all members. Nsanzabaganwa advocated for timely payments and domestic resource mobilization through platforms such as the Annual Conference of the Speakers of Africa’s Regional and National Parliaments. Her call to action underscored the need for PAP members to work with their respective national parliaments to ensure consistent funding and sustainable support for AU initiatives.

Key Contributions from PAP Members

The session’s debates reflected a shared commitment to strengthening the PAP’s financial and oversight capacities:

• Hon. Yousef M. Alfak (Libya) requested greater transparency regarding financial contributions to empower PAP members to advocate more effectively within their national parliaments.
• Senator Mungatana Danson (Kenya) questioned the absence of AUC commissioners at PAP sessions, suggesting that direct access to these officials would provide PAP members with a clearer understanding of budget allocations and expenditures.
• Hon. Esther Passaris (Kenya) asserted that the PAP should be independent and adequately resourced to fulfill its mandate, advocating for a buffer fund to assist financially constrained countries in meeting their commitments. She argued that true independence for the AU would only come through financial self-sufficiency.
• Hon. Ahagie Mbow (Gambia) called for self-assessment and promoted the use of indigenous languages to strengthen African unity and identity. He expressed concerns over the lack of transparency in AU budget oversight, underscoring the importance of PAP members having access to AU audit reports.

In his remarks, PAP President H.E. Hon. Chief Charumbira applauded the strengthening ties with the African Union Commission, particularly highlighting the support from the AUC Vice Chair for Finance and Administration in securing the PAP’s supplementary budget. He clarified PAP's advisory role, emphasizing that its oversight function is distinct from lawmaking, and urged against misconceptions regarding PAP’s scope of influence. Expressing gratitude for the progress achieved, he called for ongoing support to advance Africa’s legislative and governance objectives.

A Path Forward for the Pan-African Vision

As the PAP continues its journey, the Fourth Ordinary Session highlights the importance of financial independence, transparency, and unity. The call for full legislative power for the PAP remains a central theme, marking the maturation of the institution and its pivotal role in driving the African Union’s strategic goals. Through its continued dedication to Agenda 2063 and advocacy for robust funding mechanisms, the PAP remains essential in fostering a self-sufficient, integrated, and peaceful Africa.

Faki’s and Nsanzabaganwa’s addresses jointly underscore a renewed vision for Africa—one of unity, strength, and self-reliance, achieved through transparent governance and shared financial commitment across member states. As the AU looks toward an independent and influential future, the PAP stands at the forefront, carrying forth the ideals of Pan-Africanism and the collective aspirations of the continent.