Pan-African Parliament Bureaux Convene to Set Agenda Amid Key Discussions on Tenure and Africa’s Justice Agenda

The Bureau of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), together with the Bureaux of the Permanent Committees, Regional Caucuses, Women’s Caucus, and Youth Caucus, convened to finalize and adopt the agenda for the upcoming Sitting of the Permanent Committees. This critical session, set to commence on 24 February, will operate under the African Union (AU) Theme of the Year for 2025: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”

Key Address on Bureau Tenure Clarification

In his address, Hon. Dr. Ashebir W. Gayo, the 2nd Vice President of PAP, refuted false claims regarding the Bureau’s attendance at the recent African Union Summit in Ethiopia. He clarified that the Bureau did not request a seven-month extension of their tenure. Instead, the Bureau emphasized adherence to the provisions of the PAP Protocol, specifically Article 12.3, which states that the tenure of Bureau members should align with that of their national parliaments.

Dr. Gayo asserted his commitment to upholding the Protocol, stating, “I will not be a party to any arrangement that violates the Protocol.” He explained that the seven-month extension from July 2025 to February 2026 was necessitated by the Bureau’s inoperative period, meaning that they had not even served a full three years. Additionally, he highlighted that the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC), through its Sub-Committee on Rules, Standards, and Verification of Credentials and Procedures, was mandated by the Executive Council to collaborate with the Office of the Legal Counsel and PAP to ensure full alignment of the PAP Rules of Procedure, with a report due by July 2025.

Call for Unity and International Engagement

Hon. Lucia Dos Passos, the 3rd Vice President of PAP, delivered an impassioned speech, stating that the AU’s 2025 theme should resonate deeply given the historical suffering and injustices endured by African people. She urged PAP to be recognized as a focused and united institution committed to working for the betterment of African citizens.

Moreover, she called for PAP to take a stand against the United States’ sanctions on South Africa, advocating for a unified position on the matter. Hon. Dos Passos also encouraged PAP’s active participation in the preparations for the G-20 Summit, which South Africa will be hosting. She stressed the importance of using this platform to project a positive and influential image of the PAP on the global stage.

Ensuring Strategic Alignment with AU Goals

In his opening speech, H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, President of the PAP, reiterated the importance of aligning the institution’s strategic activities with the broader mandate of the AU. He stressed that all PAP initiatives must contribute to the AU’s objectives while ensuring robust legislative proposals, policy recommendations, and oversight mechanisms.

“The consultation process, as outlined in Rule 36(2) of the PAP Rules of Procedure, is designed to enhance institutional synergy,” said President Charumbira. “Our programs must reflect our collective responsibility and serve as a testament to our unified commitment to Africa’s development.”

As preparations for the Sitting gain momentum, the leadership of PAP remains committed to fostering dialogue, strengthening institutional frameworks, and reinforcing the role of the Parliament in driving Africa’s Agenda 2063. With crucial discussions ahead, stakeholders are urged to actively engage in shaping policies that promote justice, economic growth, and sustainable development across the continent.