Pan-African Parliament Opens Sixth Ordinary Session with Renewed Call for Unity and Institutional Strengthening

The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) on Monday, officially opened its Sixth Ordinary Session of the Sixth Legislature at its headquarters in Midrand, South Africa marking two decades since the establishment of the continental legislature in 2004.

Presiding over the opening ceremony, H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, President of the Pan-African Parliament, welcomed delegates, observers, and dignitaries, emphasizing that “if we do not build PAP, no one else will.” He acknowledged the budgetary difficulties facing many Member States yet underscored that such constraints must not erode the Parliament’s statutory and moral responsibilities to Africa’s citizens.

The session, convened under the African Union’s 2025 Theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations” brings together parliamentarians from all five AU regions to deliberate on pressing issues of integration, peace, human rights, and sustainable development.

Bureau Members Reaffirm Unity and Shared Purpose

Members of the Bureau of the Pan-African Parliament reaffirmed their collective commitment to deepening African unity, democratic governance, and human development across the continent and its diaspora.

·       H.E. Hon. Djidda Mamar Mahamat (Chad), Fourth Vice President, welcomed Members by commending their dedication to advancing continental cooperation and development. He emphasized that this session represents “an opportunity to address the issues affecting our Parliament and our continent, and to advance African integration through meaningful debate and collective action.”

·       H.E. Hon. Lucia Mendez Dos Passos (Cabo Verde), Third Vice President, called on Parliamentarians to uphold the PAP’s mandate as “the Voice of the African People.” She highlighted urgent continental priorities, including:

·       Defense of constitutional order

·       Protection of human rights

·       Promotion of peace and stability

·       Inclusion of the diaspora in development policy

·       Ensuring access to education, health, and dignified livelihoods for youth, women, children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly
“Our relevance is justified only if we champion democracy, human rights, and equality for all Africans.”

·       H.E. Hon. Dr. Fatimetou Habib (Mauritania), First Vice President, reflected on the responsibility of the moment, urging Members to work with unity, discipline, and integrity:
“We face a challenging stage. We must strengthen collaboration and fulfill our mandate with sincerity, responsibility, and service to the aspirations of our beloved continent.”

Their remarks set a tone of purpose, solidarity, and renewed resolve as the Parliament embarks on two weeks of plenary work, committee deliberations, and engagements with continental partners.

South Africa Reaffirms Its Commitment as Host Country

Delivering the host country’s welcome address, Ms. Sibiu Makhiako, Director of African Union Cooperation in South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), warmly welcomed delegates on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic.

She reaffirmed South Africa’s unwavering support for the PAP as “a living symbol of our commitment to democracy, unity, and shared governance.” Reflecting on the AU Theme of the Year 2025, she urged Members to confront historical injustices with honesty and transform the reparations agenda into concrete development outcomes.

Invoking the Bandung Principles of solidarity and mutual respect, she described them as a moral compass for Africa’s diplomacy and multilateral engagement. She also reaffirmed South Africa’s pledge to provide infrastructure, security, and logistical support to ensure PAP’s effective functioning, while deepening cooperation on Agenda 2063, the AfCFTA, and Africa’s digital and green transformation.

Guest of Honour Highlights the Power of Tolerance and Cooperation

The Guest of Honour, H.E. Ahmed Mohammed Al-Zahrani, President of the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace, commended the Pan-African Parliament for its leadership in promoting dialogue and mutual understanding among nations. A former parliamentarian and diplomat, he emphasized that peace, tolerance, and inter-faith harmony are essential foundations for sustainable development.

He called for stronger inter-parliamentary cooperation between Africa and the Arab world to advance global stability and shared prosperity. His message of mutual respect and partnership echoed with the day’s theme of unity and solidarity.

The ceremony concluded with a group photo and a recess before afternoon deliberations, marking a dignified beginning to a session defined by hope, collaboration, and renewed institutional determination.