The Third Vice President of the Pan-African Parliament
(PAP), Hon. Lucia Dos Passos, has
called for amendments to the Parliament’s Rules of Procedure following the
recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Cooperation with the State of the
African Diaspora (SOAD). This partnership represents a significant
milestone in broadening PAP’s global engagement. Concurrently, the African
Union’s (AU) 2025 theme—“Justice for Africans and People of African
Descent through Reparations”—highlights the urgent need for PAP to
align its procedural framework with its evolving vision of inclusivity,
collaboration, and justice.
Areas Requiring
Amendment
1. Recognition of
Diaspora Representation
The MoU grants SOAD observer status with some advisory
seats in PAP. To formalize this arrangement, PAP’s Rules of Procedure should
explicitly integrate diaspora representation. Such a framework would welcome
advisory voices while preserving PAP’s legislative autonomy, underscoring the
commitment to represent Africans both on the continent and in the diaspora.
2. Creation of a
Committee on Diaspora Affairs
Hon. Dos Passos
proposed establishing a Committee on Diaspora Affairs to ensure structured and
ongoing engagement with SOAD and other diaspora organizations. This committee
could:
- Facilitate
cooperation on key areas outlined in the MoU, such as agribusiness,
health, education, restitution, and tourism.
- Serve as a
focal point for diaspora contributions to reparations and justice,
aligning with the AU’s 2025 theme.
- Spearhead
initiatives including the Africa and Diaspora Global Development Fund and
the proposed Africa and Diaspora Summit.
3. Inclusion of
Restitution and Reparations in the PAP Agenda
In light of the AU’s focus on reparations and SOAD’s
active restitution campaign, PAP should adopt mechanisms to engage with these
initiatives. Possible steps include:
- Instituting
periodic reviews of restitution and reparations efforts.
- Developing
clear guidelines for endorsing campaigns or proposals from diaspora
stakeholders.
4. Collaboration on
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The joint Africa and Diaspora Global Development Fund
aims to advance the United Nations’ 17 SDGs. Accordingly, PAP’s Rules of
Procedure should incorporate provisions for monitoring, evaluating, and
reporting on projects undertaken with SOAD to ensure accountability and
tangible impact.
5. Recognition of
Cultural and Historical Symbolism
Article 1 of the MoU emphasizes Marcus Garvey as a
unifying figure between Africa and the diaspora. To honor this legacy, PAP
could adopt cultural commemorations—such as a Marcus Garvey Day—to strengthen
ties with the diaspora and celebrate shared heritage.
Opportunities for
Alignment with the AU’s 2025 Theme
The AU’s 2025 theme, “Justice for Africans and People
of African Descent through Reparations,” provides a crucial backdrop for these
procedural reforms. In this context, PAP should prioritize:
- Advocacy for Reparations: Amplifying
its voice on global platforms to promote justice and reparations.
- Engagement with Diaspora Stakeholders:
Encouraging meaningful dialogue on reparations and justice with diaspora
communities.
- Promotion of Restitution:
Collaborating with SOAD and AU member states to expedite the return of
African artifacts and cultural heritage.
Additional Voices in
Support of Reform
A member of the Gambian delegation to PAP, Hon. Sulayman Saho echoed these calls
for reform. He underscored the importance of representing the African
diaspora—recognized as the AU’s “sixth region”—within PAP’s committees.
Emphasizing the diaspora’s substantial role in Africa’s socio-economic
development and its contribution to AU Agenda 2063, Hon. Saho noted that many diaspora communities face hostilities,
marginalization, and discrimination, yet maintain strong cultural ties to their
ancestral homeland.
He further argued that SOAD, as the most organized
diaspora body, merits permanent membership in PAP rather than mere observer
status—an adjustment that would require amending PAP’s Rules of Procedure to
allow full participation in its activities.
Conclusion
Amending the Pan-African Parliament’s Rules of
Procedure is not a mere administrative exercise; it is a transformative
opportunity to institutionalize diaspora engagement and honor the principles
set forth in the MoU with SOAD. By enacting these reforms, PAP can enhance its
capacity to advocate for all Africans, including those in the diaspora, and to
champion the ideals of unity, development, and justice laid out by Pan-African
visionaries like Marcus Garvey.
In the collective pursuit of reparations, restitution, and strengthened partnerships with the diaspora, these amendments will ensure that PAP remains a vital instrument of African solidarity and progress in the 21st century.
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