Pan-African Parliament President Chief Charumbira Calls for Unity and Action at Meeting with African Ambassadors

Midrand, South Africa – February 20, 2025

The President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), H.E. Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira, delivered a compelling opening address at the meeting between the PAP Bureau and African Ambassadors resident in South Africa. The meeting, held at the PAP precincts in Midrand, focused on pressing continental issues, including security challenges, economic independence, and Africa’s global representation.

Honoring a Great African Leader

Chief Charumbira opened the meeting by calling for a minute of silence in honor of the late H.E. Samuel Shafishuna Daniel Nujoma, former President of Namibia and a revered African revolutionary. He expressed heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Namibia for their loss, recognizing Nujoma’s invaluable contributions to the African liberation struggle.

Congratulating the New AU Leadership

In his address, Chief Charumbira extended congratulations to H.E. Joao Lorenco for assuming the Chairpersonship of the African Union (AU), H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti on his election as Chairperson of the AU Commission (AUC), and H.E. Ambassador Salma Malika Haddadi of Algeria for her appointment as Deputy Chairperson of the AUC. He emphasized that their leadership marks a new era of continental development and cooperation.

Addressing Africa’s Growing Security Challenges

Chief Charumbira expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Sudan, which continue to displace millions and exacerbate humanitarian crises. He questioned why Africa is failing to resolve these conflicts despite AU initiatives and called on the PAP and the diplomatic community to find effective solutions. He stressed the need for coordinated conflict resolution efforts, leveraging tools such as the Pan-African Parliament, AU Peace and Security Council, and the Panel of the Wise.

A Call for Economic Independence

The PAP President also addressed the recent suspension of aid by the United States government, following an Executive Order by U.S. President Donald Trump. The sudden withdrawal of financial assistance, including USAID’s pledged $1.7 million for AU health initiatives, serves as a wake-up call for Africa, Chief Charumbira noted. He urged African nations to prioritize economic self-sufficiency by strengthening intra-Africa trade through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He further emphasized the necessity of a common African currency, the removal of trade barriers, and the full implementation of an African passport.

Advancing Africa’s Global Influence

The meeting also focused on Africa’s representation in global governance structures, particularly the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Chief Charumbira reaffirmed the urgent need for Africa to gain at least two permanent seats with full voting rights on the UNSC, arguing that the current structure, established in 1945, does not reflect Africa’s geopolitical significance today. He called upon Ambassadors to support lobbying efforts to achieve fair representation for the continent.

Support for the Palestinian Cause

Reaffirming the Pan-African Parliament’s commitment to international justice, Chief Charumbira expressed solidarity with Palestine. He called for an end to the ongoing aggression in Gaza and the full implementation of UN resolutions supporting Palestinian statehood. The Palestinian Ambassador is expected to provide further updates during the upcoming PAP plenary session.

African Union Theme 2025: Justice for Africans and People of African Descent

The PAP meeting was held under the AU’s theme for 2025: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.” Chief Charumbira reminded attendees of the Abuja Declaration of 1993, which recognized the need for reparations for the transatlantic slave trade, colonial injustices, and economic exploitation. He called for a unified approach to demanding justice and compensation for historical wrongs.

Welcoming Remarks by 3rd Vice President Hon. Lucia Dos Passos

Hon. Lucia Dos Passos, the 3rd Vice President of PAP, set the tone for the discussions, emphasizing that justice must begin within African nations. She called for equal treatment of all citizens and condemned internal conflicts that continue to plague the continent. She further highlighted that seven African countries are currently under AU sanctions due to unconstitutional government changes and urged Ambassadors to collaborate with PAP in engaging these nations. She reminded attendees that while governments may be sanctioned, their citizens should not suffer the consequences.

Address by the Dean of African Ambassadors, H.E. Ambassador Andre Nzapayeke

H.E. Ambassador Andre Nzapayeke congratulated Chief Charumbira for his leadership and the newly elected AU Commission leadership. He lauded the AU for conducting credible elections based on merit, a sign that Africa is progressing toward true democratic governance. Ambassador Nzapayeke also expressed solidarity with South Africa over the economic sanctions imposed by President Trump, calling for their peaceful resolution. Additionally, he emphasized the need for urgent action to resolve the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Addressing PAP’s Budgetary and Institutional Challenges

Chief Charumbira acknowledged that the PAP’s 2025 budget remains insufficient, with no provisions for Committee or Bureau activities. He pointed out that the AU has not met its funding commitments, making PAP heavily reliant on external donors. He called upon Ambassadors to lobby for increased funding and for national parliaments to consider seconding staff to PAP to address manpower shortages.

Conclusion

The meeting concluded with a call for collective action to address Africa’s security, economic, and governance challenges. Chief Charumbira invited all participants to engage actively and contribute to the ongoing discussions. With Africa at a crucial juncture, he urged leaders to take decisive steps to build a prosperous and self-reliant continent.

The meeting set the stage for robust engagements in the upcoming PAP Committee Sittings, where pressing issues including AU sanctions, economic reforms, and regional conflicts will be deliberated upon further.