Pan-African Parliament Set to Open Fifth Ordinary Session with High-Level Ceremony in Midrand

The Fifth Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) is set to officially open on Monday, 21 July 2025, with a grand opening ceremony at the institution’s seat in Midrand, South Africa. The event promises a dignified display of continental unity, parliamentary renewal, and renewed political momentum for African integration and development under Agenda 2063.

The day’s proceedings will commence with the entry of guests from 8:00 AM, followed by the ceremonial ringing of the bell at 8:30 AM to usher Parliamentarians into the House. The President of the Pan-African Parliament, H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, is scheduled to arrive by 9:00 AM, after which a moment of prayer and meditation will be observed. The African Union Anthem will set the tone for a solemn but hopeful start to the session.

At 9:15 AM, President Charumbira will deliver the Opening Address, marking the formal launch of the Fifth Ordinary Session. His speech is expected to highlight the institution’s recent achievements, budgetary challenges, and its legislative priorities for the coming months, including institutional reform, youth empowerment, continental peacebuilding, and oversight of Agenda 2063 initiatives.

One of the early highlights will be the swearing-in of newly appointed or reappointed Members of Parliament, taking place from 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM, symbolizing the democratic renewal of the continental legislative body. A brief suspension of the session will follow, after which the African Union Anthem will be rendered once more to resume the proceedings.

From 10:45 AM to midday, the session will feature a series of high-level welcome remarks and solidarity statements:

·       President Charumbira will officially welcome Members and guests.

·       Hon. Thandi Moraka, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, will deliver remarks on behalf of the host country.

·       Statements will also be made by continental and international dignitaries, including:

H.E. Mrs. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO of AUDA-NEPAD;

Amb. Marie Antoinette Rose Quatre, CEO of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM);

Ambassador Nzapayeke, Dean of African Ambassadors in South Africa;

Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, Deputy Speaker of Ghana’s National Assembly;

Rt. Hon. Mohammed Ould Errachid, President of the House of Councillors of Morocco;

Hon. Hamma Salama, Speaker of the Saharawi National Council;

H.E. Hilarion Etong, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie (APF).

The keynote moment of the morning will be the address by the Guest of Honour, H.E. Professor Miguel César Domingos Bembe, Ambassador of Angola to Ethiopia and Chairperson of the AU Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC). His remarks are expected to underscore the AU’s expectations of PAP in the broader institutional reform process and the Parliament’s role in championing the aspirations of the African people.

A presentation of a ceremonial gift and vote of thanks will follow, before the session is adjourned at 12:40 PM.

The event will conclude with a photo session, media briefing, and signing of the Visitor’s Book at 1:00 PM, offering media and stakeholders an opportunity to engage with key participants.

Expectations: unity, urgency and Agenda 2063

President Charumbira is expected to echo his recent call for “unity, commitment and a sense of urgency” as MPs embark on an agenda that includes budget restoration, rule-alignment and deeper oversight of flagship AU initiatives. “With collective action, determination and strategic leadership, we can bring about the PAP we want and the Africa we envision,” he told bureaux leaders on Saturday.

When the ceremonial bell rings on Monday morning, observers will be watching not just the protocol unfold but whether Africa’s continental legislature can translate its renewed mandate into concrete legislative and oversight gains throughout the fortnight-long session.