AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and PAP Bureau Agree on Framework to Strengthen Pan-African Parliament

By Olu Ibekwe

Addis Ababa, 16 February 2026: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, on Monday held a high-level working meeting with the 6^th Bureau of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), led by its President H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, agreeing on enhanced coordination to strengthen the Parliament’s institutional capacity and operational effectiveness.

The discussions focused on ensuring the timely implementation of decisions of the Assembly and Executive Council relating to PAP, with particular emphasis on electoral processes, institutional stability, and the administrative framework required for the Parliament to discharge its mandate effectively within the African Union architecture.

Enhancing Institutional Coordination

The discussions underscored the need for closer coordination between the Commission and the Parliament, especially in areas where administrative execution and political oversight intersect. Ensuring that decisions of the Assembly and Executive Council concerning PAP are implemented efficiently was identified as a shared priority.

Electoral processes within the Parliament, as well as the legal and administrative structures underpinning its operations, were highlighted as areas requiring sustained technical and institutional support. Both sides emphasized the importance of predictability, transparency, and adherence to established frameworks in safeguarding the credibility of the Parliament.

Recognition of PAP’s Active Engagement

Chairperson Youssouf commended the Pan-African Parliament for its active participation during the recently concluded 39^th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government and for the support it provided to the Commission during the summit.

He reaffirmed the critical role of the Parliament within the Union’s institutional architecture, describing it as a cornerstone for ensuring the direct participation of African peoples in continental decision-making and for advancing Africa’s economic integration agenda.

The Chairperson’s remarks reflect an acknowledgment of PAP’s expanding contribution beyond deliberative debate to structured oversight, legislative harmonization, and parliamentary diplomacy.

Commitment to Strengthening the Parliament

Speaking in his capacity as Chief Executive Officer and Legal Representative of the Union, Chairperson Youssouf assured the PAP Bureau of the Commission’s commitment to implementing decisions aimed at strengthening the Parliament. He further emphasized the importance of ensuring that PAP is equipped with the necessary resources to effectively discharge its mandate.

This assurance signals continued executive backing for institutional consolidation efforts within the Parliament, including administrative stabilization and enhanced coordination with AU organs.

Call for Structured Engagement

For his part, President Charumbira welcomed what he described as a frank and open dialogue initiated by the Chairperson on enhancing the Parliament’s capacity and performance within the Union’s governance framework.

He underscored the need for structured, regular, and direct engagement between the Pan-African Parliament and the Office of the Chairperson. Such engagement, he noted, would be consistent with the Parliament’s status within the Union and the Chairperson’s responsibility to represent and safeguard the interests of the African Union as a whole.

President Charumbira reaffirmed the Pan-African Parliament’s commitment to working closely with the Commission in advancing the key aspirations of Agenda 2063, particularly those relating to democratic governance, accountability, economic integration, and people-centered development.

Toward Stronger Institutional Synergy

The meeting reflects a broader effort to reinforce institutional synergy within the African Union system. By strengthening collaboration between the Commission and its parliamentary organ, the Union seeks to ensure that policy decisions are not only adopted at the highest political level but are also supported by effective administrative implementation and parliamentary oversight.

As the AU continues to refine its governance architecture, sustained engagement between the Commission and the Pan-African Parliament is likely to play an increasingly central role in consolidating institutional coherence and delivering on Africa’s long-term development agenda.