PAP President and Rwanda’s Speaker Commit to Strengthening Parliamentary Diplomacy for Africa’s Peace and Prosperity

The President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, has reaffirmed the Parliament’s commitment to strengthening parliamentary diplomacy as a tool for advancing Africa’s integration, peace, and sustainable development.

Chief Charumbira made this known during a courtesy visit to Rt. Hon. Gertrude Kazarwa, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Republic of Rwanda, on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress 2025 (MWC25) held in Kigali.

Deepening Inter-Parliamentary Collaboration

During their discussions, both leaders underscored the growing importance of inter-parliamentary collaboration in addressing the continent’s pressing challenges — from peace and security to economic development and youth unemployment. They agreed that national and continental parliaments must work in synergy to accelerate progress toward the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision of “The Africa We Want.”

“Africa’s challenges are interlinked and require collective parliamentary responses. Through stronger collaboration, we can ensure that the voice of the people is heard and reflected in continental policy outcomes,” — H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, President of the Pan-African Parliament.

Speaker Gertrude Kazarwa welcomed the PAP President and expressed Rwanda’s readiness to deepen engagement with the continental legislature in promoting good governance, people-centered development, and regional integration.

“We share the Pan-African Parliament’s belief that parliamentary diplomacy can build bridges of understanding and cooperation among African nations. Rwanda stands ready to strengthen this partnership,” — Rt. Hon. Gertrude Kazarwa, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of Rwanda.

Shared Vision for Africa’s Transformation

The meeting also discussed how parliaments can play a proactive role in shaping policies that respond to Africa’s most urgent priorities particularly peace building, job creation, and inclusive growth. Both sides agreed that stronger legislative oversight and policy harmonization are critical for sustaining peace and unlocking the continent’s economic potential.

Chief Charumbira highlighted the need for national parliaments to support the implementation of PAP resolutions and model laws, which aim to harmonize legislation across member states and foster integration.

Strengthening the Role of PAP

The discussions were attended by Deputy Speakers Uwineza Beline and Sheikh Harerimana Mussa Fazil of the Rwanda Chamber of Deputies, as well as Hon. John Bideri, a member of Rwanda’s delegation to PAP and Chairperson of the PAP Committee on Trade, Customs, and Immigration Matters.

Their presence underscored the strategic partnership between Rwanda’s national legislature and the Pan-African Parliament, particularly in areas of trade facilitation, regional integration, and youth empowerment.

Chief Charumbira commended Rwanda for its leadership in innovation, technology, and governance, noting that these successes reflect the values of efficiency and accountability that PAP seeks to promote across the continent.

The meeting between the two parliamentary leaders demonstrates a growing consensus that diplomacy between legislatures, beyond traditional state-to-state relations, is key to advancing African unity, democratic governance, and sustainable development.

As the Pan-African Parliament continues to engage national parliaments across the continent, such partnerships are expected to bolster continental policy coherence, peace building, and the legislative architecture necessary to realize Africa’s long-term transformation agenda.