PAP President Participates in High-Level Dialogue on “Re-imagining Democracy in Africa”

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), together with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the Open Society Foundations (OSF), and Switzerland’s Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, hosted a pivotal High‑Level Dialogue titled “Re-imagining Democracy in Africa: Comparative Experiences from the Global South” at the DIRCO Headquarters in Pretoria. Held from 19 to 20 June 2025, the event brought together approximately 200 ministers, legislators, civil society leaders, and democratic experts to discuss recent democratic gains and challenges across Africa and the Global South,

Sharp attention was paid to the global wave of democratic backsliding—with eroding human‑rights protections and weakening international norms—against which African reformers are striving to strengthen governance structures.

Strategic Focus: Institutional Representation from Local to Continental Levels

During a key session on “Comparative Experiences on the Quality of Institutional Representation (Supranational, National, and Local)”, H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, President of the Pan‑African Parliament (PAP), delivered a persuasive address.

He highlighted the urgent need to empower the PAP, stating that an authoritative legislative body is essential to ensure accountability of both the African Union and member governments. Charumbira reiterated his call for accelerated ratification of the Malabo Protocol, a treaty that—once ratified by at least 28 AU states—will upgrade PAP to full legislative status, shifting it beyond its current advisory capacity.

“A legislative PAP would be better positioned to hold the African Union and national governments accountable. Therefore, I call upon Member States to ratify the Malabo Protocol to grant PAP legislative powers.”

PAP’s Mission: Deepening Citizen Engagement Across Africa

In his remarks, Chief Charumbira outlined several strategies to deepen democratic participation across the continent:

·       Promoting genuine connections with citizens, enhancing PAP’s role as the “voice of the people at the continental level.”

·       Amplifying civic input in continental affairs through hearings, outreach programs, and enhanced transparency.

·       Building legitimacy and trust via effective oversight mechanisms, inter-parliamentary collaboration, and institutional strengthening.

He emphasized that democratic quality and institutional representation must be rooted in engagement—from grassroots forums to supranational platforms—and that PAP stands at the center of this effort. “Quality representation begins with a genuine connection to the people, and PAP is their voice at the continental level,” he concluded.

Context & Next Steps: Facing Democratic Backlash

The dialogue took place during a period of democratic regression globally—a backdrop recognized by International IDEA’s officials, including Secretary‑General Dr. Kevin Casas‑Zamora. As part of South Africa’s post‑apartheid narrative of advancing democracy, the event also marked International IDEA’s 30th anniversary and stressed policy innovation—like constitution‑building and electoral reform—to combat democratic shrinkage.

Critical to the way forward is the Malabo Protocol, which currently has up to 15 ratifications, short of the 28 needed for activation. PAP leadership, led by Chief Charumbira, remains resolute in rallying AU Member States toward completing this process and formally transforming PAP into a legislative body.

Looking Ahead

As African democracies encounter both internal and external pressures—from authoritarian spillover to shrinking civil‑space—forums like this dialogue underscore the push for institutional reform, citizen empowerment, and legal strengthening. PAP’s roadmap hinges on advancing the Malabo Protocol and embedding civic participation across all governance levels.

Chief Charumbira’s closing message was clear: African democracy must be both representative and responsive, connecting village-level voices to continental decision-making. The next critical step? Turning discussion into action—ratification, legislative authority, and meaningful implementation.

In summary, the High-Level Dialogue reaffirmed a continental vision of democracy grounded in inclusivity, accountability, and institutional power. With PAP’s presidency and stakeholders reaffirming their commitment, Africa’s democratic renewal appears to be at a critical—and potentially transformational—crossroad.