Pan-African Parliament Receives Strong Continental and International Backing as Seventh Legislature Opens

Midrand, South Africa, 28 July 2026: The official opening of the First Ordinary Session of the Seventh Legislature of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) extended beyond ceremonial proceedings to become a strong affirmation of continental and international support for Africa's premier legislative institution, as leaders from regional, continental and global organizations pledged closer cooperation to advance human rights, democratic governance, peace, sustainable development and the implementation of Agenda 2063.

The opening ceremony, which followed the keynote address by South African President H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa and the inaugural address of Pan-African Parliament President H.E. Dr. Fateh Boutbig, also featured the swearing-in of thirteen new Members of Parliament, solidarity messages from strategic partners, and renewed commitments to strengthening parliamentary institutions as drivers of Africa's development agenda.

The First Ordinary Session marks the formal commencement of the Seventh Legislature following the election of the new Bureau in April 2026 and sets the tone for a parliamentary term expected to focus on institutional renewal, legislative effectiveness and deeper continental integration.

Thirteen New Members Sworn into the Pan-African Parliament

A significant highlight of the opening ceremony was the swearing-in of thirteen newly designated Members of the Pan-African Parliament representing Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Malawi and Uganda.

The Members took the parliamentary oath after the verification of their credentials by the Clerk of Parliament and the validation of their appointments by the relevant Permanent Committee in accordance with Rule 9 of the Pan-African Parliament Rules of Procedure.

Their induction further strengthens the representative character of the continental legislature and ensures broader participation by Member States in the work of the Seventh Legislature as it begins deliberations on key continental priorities.

African Human Rights Commission Calls for Faster Ratification of Continental Instruments

Delivering one of the principal solidarity messages, H.E. Idrissa Sow, Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR), reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to working closely with the Pan-African Parliament to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights across Africa.

He underscored the indispensable role of national and continental parliaments in ensuring that African Union legal instruments move beyond adoption to effective domestication and implementation.

The ACHPR Chairperson urged Member States to accelerate the ratification of outstanding African human rights treaties and encouraged parliamentarians to intensify legislative oversight aimed at ensuring compliance with continental human rights obligations.

His remarks reinforced the long-standing partnership between the Commission and the Pan-African Parliament in promoting constitutionalism, democratic governance, the rule of law and accountability throughout the continent.

SADC Parliamentary Forum Advocates Stronger Parliamentary Leadership on Water Security

The SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) used the occasion to call for renewed parliamentary leadership in addressing one of Africa's most pressing development challenges: water security and sanitation.

Delivering the Forum's message of solidarity, H.E. Siteny Thierry Randrianasoloniaiko, President of the SADC Parliamentary Forum and Speaker of the National Assembly of Madagascar, congratulated the Pan-African Parliament on the inauguration of its Seventh Legislature and reaffirmed the Forum's commitment to closer parliamentary cooperation.

He commended the choice of the African Union's 2026 Theme of the Year "Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063" describing access to safe water and sanitation as fundamental to public health, sustainable development, food security and climate resilience.

The SADC PF President called for stronger legislative action, enhanced oversight of public investments in water infrastructure, greater regional cooperation and sustained political commitment to ensuring equitable access to water resources across the continent.

He stressed that parliamentary institutions have a critical responsibility to translate continental commitments into effective national legislation capable of improving the lives of African citizens.

United Nations Reaffirms Strategic Partnership with Africa

The opening ceremony also highlighted the enduring partnership between the United Nations and the African Union.

Speaking on behalf of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed and the wider UN family, H.E. Nelson Muffuh, United Nations Resident Coordinator in South Africa, congratulated the newly elected leadership of the Pan-African Parliament and reaffirmed the organization’s continued support for Africa's development priorities.

He welcomed the Parliament's renewed focus on citizen-centred governance, accountability, continental integration and the implementation of Agenda 2063, observing that these priorities align closely with the objectives of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Mr. Muffuh emphasized that Africa's transformation must continue to be driven by African leadership and African-owned solutions, while assuring the Parliament of the United Nations' commitment to supporting institutional strengthening, sustainable development, peace building and inclusive governance.

His remarks reflected the strategic partnership that has developed over the years between the United Nations and the Pan-African Parliament in advancing peace, democracy, gender equality and sustainable development across the continent.

Palestine Expresses Gratitude for Africa's Continued Solidarity

The State of Palestine also reaffirmed its longstanding relationship with the Pan-African Parliament during the opening ceremony.

Delivering a solidarity message on behalf of President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian people, H.E. Ambassador Hanan Jarrar, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to South Africa, congratulated the newly inaugurated Seventh Legislature and expressed confidence in the Parliament's future leadership.

She thanked the Pan-African Parliament for its consistent support for the Palestinian people and called for renewed African solidarity in promoting international law, protecting civilians and advancing a just, comprehensive and lasting peace.

Ambassador Jarrar noted that Africa's historic commitment to justice, self-determination and international solidarity continues to resonate strongly with the aspirations of the Palestinian people.

She reaffirmed Palestine's commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Pan-African Parliament and expressed optimism that the Seventh Legislature would continue contributing to peace, justice and international accountability.

Vote of Thanks Affirms Commitment to Partnership

Delivering the vote of thanks, First Vice-President of the Pan-African Parliament, H.E. Hon. Dr. Ashebir Woldegiorgis Gayo, expressed the institution's deep appreciation to President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Government of South Africa and the South African people for their unwavering support in hosting the headquarters of the Pan-African Parliament.

He also thanked representatives of African Union organs, diplomatic missions, international organizations and development partners for their continued collaboration with the continental Parliament.

Dr. Gayo reaffirmed the commitment of the newly elected Bureau to strengthening cooperation with Member States, African Union institutions and strategic partners in pursuit of Africa's integration, peace, democratic governance and sustainable development objectives.

He observed that effective partnerships remain indispensable to achieving the aspirations contained in Agenda 2063 and strengthening the Pan-African Parliament's contribution to continental governance.

Setting the Tone for the Seventh Legislature

Collectively, the solidarity messages delivered during the opening ceremony reflected broad confidence in the Pan-African Parliament's renewed leadership and growing expectations that the Seventh Legislature will play an increasingly influential role in advancing continental priorities.

Across the various interventions, speakers consistently emphasized the importance of strong parliamentary institutions in promoting democratic governance, safeguarding human rights, strengthening accountability, advancing water security, supporting peace building and accelerating the implementation of Agenda 2063.

The convergence of messages from African Union institutions, regional parliamentary bodies, the United Nations and international partners underscored the central place of parliamentary diplomacy and legislative leadership in Africa's development architecture.

Deliberations Continue Throughout the Week

The First Ordinary Session of the Seventh Legislature continues throughout the week, with Members considering committee reports, policy matters and draft resolutions aimed at strengthening parliamentary oversight, promoting continental integration and supporting implementation of the African Union's Agenda 2063.

With a new leadership team in place, newly sworn Members joining the institution and strong expressions of confidence from strategic partners, the opening ceremony has established a positive foundation for a Legislature expected to place greater emphasis on implementation, institutional effectiveness and delivering practical outcomes for the people of Africa.

As the Seventh Parliament embarks on its first full legislative programme, the challenge before Members will be to transform the commitments expressed during the opening ceremony into concrete legislative action, effective oversight and enduring partnerships capable of advancing Africa's peace, prosperity and integration.