Charumbira Delivers Stirring Call for Urgent Action at PAP–PSC Joint Consultative Meeting

In an impassioned address that resonated deeply with the gravity of Africa’s peace and security challenges, the President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), H.E. Chief Fortune Zephania Charumbira, opened the high-level Joint Consultative Meeting between the PAP and the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union with a stark rebuke of institutional inertia and an urgent plea for action.

Speaking at the Idriss Ndele Moussa Plenary Hall at the PAP precincts in Midrand, Chief Charumbira set a blunt tone for the historic engagement, declaring, “Today, instead of being proud of this ‘historic moment’, I stand before you full of shame.” He lamented the 11-year hiatus since the last PAP–PSC consultative session, emphasizing that such engagements should be routine, not rare.

“Fiddling While Africa Burns”

In his wide-ranging speech, the PAP President drew attention to the continent’s raging security fires—from the prolonged conflict in eastern DRC and the fragile political situation in Libya to the scourge of terrorism in the Sahel and Al-Shabaab’s continued presence in Cabo Delgado. He questioned how such crises could persist while crucial AU organs remain disengaged from coordinated action.

Particularly troubling, he noted, was the reluctance of AU budgetary bodies such as the PRC to prioritize the convening of the PAP–PSC meeting. “We requested a budget to convene this Retreat and were told it is not a priority,” he revealed. “Yet, to all intents and purposes, this meeting is not only urgent—it is non-discretionary.”

Anchored in Law, Backed by Legitimacy

Charumbira made a compelling legal and political case for the PAP’s sustained engagement in peace and security matters. Citing Article 18(1) of the PSC Protocol, he reminded delegates that the PSC is constitutionally obliged to maintain close working relations with the PAP. He challenged those who argue that PAP’s mandate on peace and security duplicates the PSC’s work, explaining that the founders of the AU deliberately entrusted both organs with complementary roles.

He pointedly asked: “Why is Parliament always the first institution to be dissolved during coups, only to be immediately replaced with a transitional legislature?” The answer, he said, lies in Parliament’s democratic legitimacy as the voice of the people—an indispensable component in any peace and governance framework.

A People-Centered Approach to Conflict Resolution

Reinforcing the need for inclusive conflict resolution, Charumbira highlighted the unique position of parliamentarians in delivering grassroots intelligence and facilitating access to stakeholders. “MPs live with the people,” he noted, “and face the brunt of conflict with the people. They understand, probably more than so-called experts, what is happening on the ground.”

He proposed that PAP members be systematically engaged in early warning missions, preventive diplomacy, mediation, peace building, and post-conflict recovery. “Why not use PAP MPs to mediate in Sudan or the DRC? They are on the ground,” he urged.

Lessons from Mauritania: The People Must Be Heard

Charumbira illustrated his point with a telling story from 2008, when the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi arrived in Mauritania to enforce AU sanctions following a coup, only to be welcomed by jubilant crowds celebrating the ousted regime’s downfall. “What do you do when an unconstitutional change of government is celebrated by the very people the deposed government was supposed to represent?” he asked. The lesson: peace initiatives that ignore public sentiment are doomed to fail.

Parliament as a Watchdog for Peace

Asserting PAP’s role as both a partner and a watchdog, Charumbira recalled Article 18(3) of the PSC Protocol, which mandates the AU Commission Chairperson to report annually to PAP on peace and governance. He acknowledged the consistent support of Commissioner Bankole Adewoye in this regard, while challenging other AU Commissioners to do the same.

He emphasized that PAP’s oversight strengthens institutional accountability and ensures that peace efforts are not disconnected from democratic values.

Conflict and Development: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Linking peace and development, Charumbira reiterated that Africa’s transformative vision under Agenda 2063 cannot materialize while conflict zones remain ablaze. “Sustainable development, prosperity and economic recovery are not attainable without peace and security,” he declared. “We cannot achieve our flagship projects if the war in Eastern DRC or the fatalities in Sudan persist.”

A Way Forward: Annual Engagements and Expanded Roles

Calling for a structured roadmap, the PAP President proposed that PAP’s involvement go beyond election observation missions and extend to all phases of the peace and security continuum. He called for full implementation of Articles 18(1)–(3) of the PSC Protocol, including annual joint sessions and formal reporting.

Charumbira urged PAP to hold the Commission accountable and recommended that future debates on peace reports be informed by consistent collaboration, not occasional engagements.

Revisiting an Old Question: Can Africa Claim the 21st Century?

He closed with a reflection on the World Bank’s 2000 report titled Can Africa Claim the 21st Century?—a question that remains unanswered 25 years later. “Despite advances in specific sectors and countries, the number of internally displaced persons due to conflict is at an all-time high,” he warned, noting that 35 of the 58 globally classified fragile states are in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“It is time to reexamine, reconsider, and reimagine the pressures on and potential for the continent,” he concluded. “Can Africa rise to the challenge? That is the question we must answer today.”

The opening remarks set a tone for the Joint Consultative Meeting, underscoring the urgent need for deeper synergy between Africa’s legislative and peacekeeping institutions in the pursuit of lasting continental stability..