PSC Chairperson Rebecca Amuge Otengo Calls for Collective Action at PAP–PSC Joint Consultative Meeting

In her opening remarks at the high-level Joint Consultative Meeting between the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union and the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), the Chairperson of the PSC for July 2025, H.E. Rebecca Amuge Otengo, called for deeper collaboration, legislative advocacy, and people-centered action to confront the continent’s growing security, demographic, and economic challenges.

Speaking to a distinguished gathering at the PAP precincts in Midrand, Otengo emphasized that the continent stands at a crossroads, grappling with “a multiplicity of threats” that include terrorism, violent extremism, unconstitutional changes of government, cybercrime, and transnational organised crime—threats that, she said, require joint reflection, decisive leadership, and sustained partnership between AU organs.

A Time for Reflection and Realignment

Otengo began by thanking the PAP President, H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, for convening the meeting and acknowledged the presence of a strong delegation from the PSC, including members from Angola—currently serving as the AU’s Chair for 2025—and the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adewoye.

In framing the context for the gathering, she called on delegates to reflect deeply on the persistent crises facing Africa and urged a realignment of efforts between the PSC and PAP, rooted in Article 18 of the PSC Protocol, which mandates close collaboration between the two organs.

Convergence of Mandates: PAP as a Strategic Partner

The PSC Chairperson acknowledged the active role PAP has played in the peace and security domain, particularly through fact-finding missions and election observation engagements. These contributions, she said, are closely aligned with the work of the PSC.

However, she lamented the limited implementation of PSC decisions and proposed a joint effort to ensure that the outcomes of both organs’ deliberations are complementary, impactful, and effectively communicated to AU Member States. “How can we leverage the massive reach of the Pan-African Parliament,” she asked, “to socialize and drive the implementation of the Council’s decisions across the continent?”

Spotlight on Youth, Security and Natural Resources

In one of the most compelling segments of her remarks, Otengo turned to Africa’s youth bulge and its implications for security and development. Citing the African Development Bank’s 2025 report Unlocking Energy, Jobs and Opportunities for Africa's Growing Young Population, she noted that over 60% of Africans are under the age of 25, with the number expected to rise by 138 million in the next 25 years.

While this demographic presents a huge opportunity, she warned that without stable economic opportunities, Africa’s youth remain vulnerable to radicalization and recruitment by extremist groups. “How we manage this growth,” she said, “will determine whether we enjoy demographic dividends—or descend into deepening conflict.”

Otengo also focused on Africa’s vast but underutilized natural resources, including 65% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, 40% of the world’s gold, and massive deposits of oil and rare earth minerals. Despite these endowments, Africa remains a net food importer and faces frequent food insecurity. “Natural resources have too often become a driver of conflict,” she warned, “used by both state and non-state actors as fuel for instability.”

She called for a continental shift toward value addition in mineral and agricultural products, as a strategy to create jobs, curb the illicit economy, and restore hope for a more inclusive and prosperous Africa.

Linking Peace, Security, and Development

Underscoring the inextricable connection between security and development, Otengo echoed a long-held AU principle: that peace, security, and development are mutually reinforcing. She emphasized that PAP, with its mandate to represent the peoples of Africa, must be fully engaged in the preventive governance architecture of the continent, especially in advocating for economic inclusion, participatory development, and responsive institutions.

She added that parliaments are not mere observers but active agents in peace building through legislative oversight, policy advocacy, and public accountability. “You have too much authority,” she said, addressing PAP members, “even on the executive. So let us put that authority to good use.”

A Pledge for Continued Collaboration

Concluding her remarks, Otengo pledged that the PSC would continue to work closely with the PAP and other AU organs to ensure that all necessary actions are taken to secure a peaceful, united, and prosperous Africa.

“In you,” she told the assembled PAP members, “we see 55 national parliaments. That’s a powerful reach. What happens here must echo across the continent.”

Her words served not only as an acknowledgment of the potential of institutional synergy but also as a solemn call to action: that the time for fragmented responses is over, and the path forward lies in coordinated, inclusive, and people-driven engagement for peace and stability in Africa.