Hon. Djidda Mamar Mahamat Elected 4th Vice-President of the Pan-African Parliament, PAP Declares Solidarity with DRC

Djidda Mamar Mahamat’s Election as 4th Vice-President

Honorable Djidda Mamar Mahamat of Chad has been elected as the 4th Vice-President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), representing the Central African region within the Bureau. His election follows the withdrawal of Hon. Anita Ndayizeye of Burundi, who was also nominated by the Central Regional Caucus. Her withdrawal was in accordance with Rule 15(7) of the PAP Rules of Procedure, which allows candidates to withdraw before elections through a formal notification to the Clerk.

As per Rule 15(1), each region must nominate two candidates for Vice-Presidency, ensuring gender balance. With Hon. Djidda remaining the sole candidate, he secured a decisive victory with 115 votes out of 121, solidifying his leadership role in the Bureau. Immediately after the results were announced, he was sworn in by the PAP President, H.E. Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira.

Commitment to Leadership and Regional Development

In his acceptance speech, Hon. Djidda expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support and trust placed in him by the PAP President, the Chairpersons of the Regional Caucuses, and fellow parliamentarians. He reaffirmed his commitment to addressing challenges and advancing the objectives of the Pan-African Parliament through collaboration and strategic leadership.

Hon. Djidda also extended appreciation to President Mahamat Itno Déby of Chad for his steadfast support in facilitating his successful election. His election is expected to enhance the representation of Central Africa within the Bureau, ensuring that the region's interests and concerns are effectively addressed at the continental level.

Pan-African Parliament’s Declaration of Solidarity with the Democratic Republic of Congo

On the same occasion, the Pan-African Parliament issued a Declaration of Solidarity for the Cessation of the War in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The declaration underscores PAP’s commitment to promoting peace, security, and stability across the continent, particularly in conflict-affected areas.

The resolution was introduced by Hon. Felix Mpozeréniga, Chairperson of the Central Africa Caucus, and supported by Hon. Djidda Mamar Mahamat. It strongly condemns the ongoing atrocities committed by the M23 rebels in eastern DRC, which have resulted in mass killings, rape, displacement of thousands, and the destruction of critical infrastructure.

Key points of the declaration include:

1. Condemnation of M23 rebel attacks – PAP denounces the violence and its devastating impact on civilians, particularly women and children.
2. Expression of concern over the humanitarian crisis – The Parliament acknowledges the widespread suffering and violations of fundamental human rights.
3. Support for regional peace efforts – PAP backs the initiatives led by the African Union (AU), the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to secure a ceasefire.
4. Call for international intervention – The declaration urges the international community, particularly the AU and regional bodies, to step up efforts to restore peace in DRC.
5. Demand for diplomatic engagement – PAP emphasizes the need for urgent diplomatic intervention to halt attacks on civilians and uphold the sovereignty of the DRC.
6. Appeal for adherence to peace agreements – All parties are urged to respect existing peace and ceasefire agreements.
7. Call for non-violence – The declaration advises the Congolese government and people to seek peaceful resolutions to their conflicts.

The declaration reaffirms PAP’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace, security, and stability across the African continent. By adopting this resolution, the Pan-African Parliament sends a strong message of support to the Congolese people while urging collective action to end the prolonged crisis in the region.

With the election of Hon. Djidda and the adoption of this declaration, the PAP demonstrates its proactive stance in addressing critical political and humanitarian issues facing Africa. The developments signify a renewed commitment to regional cooperation and a vision for a more unified and peaceful continent.