Africa Must Help Shape Global Decisions, PAP President Boutbig Tells Moscow Forum

PAP President Fateh Boutbig calls for stronger parliamentary diplomacy, an independent African voice and sustained Russia–Africa political dialogue.

Pan-African Parliament (PAP) President H.E. Dr. Fateh Boutbig has called for stronger political dialogue and parliamentary diplomacy to confront geopolitical instability, saying Africa must participate as an equal partner in shaping international decisions.

Speaking at a high-level panel organized by the United Russia Party on the sidelines of the Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, Dr. Boutbig urged political leaders to use dialogue to build trust, prevent conflict and develop lasting institutional partnerships.

“Africa does not want to be merely the subject of international decisions, but a full partner, with equal rights and responsibilities, in shaping them,” he declared.

His intervention at the panel, entitled “Interaction Between Political Parties Amid Geopolitical Instability,” combined a call for greater African agency with proposals for sustained political and parliamentary cooperation between Africa and Russia.

Political parties’ responsibilities beyond elections

Addressing political leaders, parliamentarians and party representatives, Dr. Boutbig argued that political parties must look beyond electoral competition and contribute to peace, stability and international cooperation.

He spoke in his dual capacity as PAP President and President of Algeria’s Future Front Party, described in the release as the third-largest political force in the Algerian National People’s Assembly.

His message placed responsibility on political organizations to manage differences through peaceful engagement and maintain channels of communication during periods of tension. Party-to-party exchanges could, in this context, provide opportunities to share experience, improve understanding and sustain contact alongside formal parliamentary relations.

Lessons from Algeria’s political experience

Drawing on Algeria’s struggle for independence, transition to political pluralism and national reconciliation process, Dr. Boutbig highlighted dialogue, resilient institutions and national unity as essential to overcoming crises.

He commended reforms initiated by Algerian President H.E. Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, particularly the 2020 constitutional reform and what the release identifies as a new Organic Law on Political Parties adopted in 2026.

In his assessment, these measures were significant for strengthening democratic practices, improving transparency and internal party democracy, and widening opportunities for women and young people to participate in political life.

Dr. Boutbig presented Algeria’s experience as evidence that political pluralism and national stability can reinforce one another when supported by inclusive participation, strong institutions and a sustained commitment to dialogue.

An independent African voice

Turning to the international order, the PAP President called for Africa to exercise an independent and influential role in global affairs. He cautioned against allowing the continent to become an arena for rivalry among major powers.

His insistence on equal partnership placed African priorities at the centre of his appeal for international cooperation. The position he outlined calls for relationships in which African institutions help define the agenda and shape decisions affecting the continent.

This emphasis also framed his remarks on parliamentary diplomacy, which he described as a complementary instrument for conflict prevention, peacebuilding and institutional cooperation.

Dr. Boutbig referred to the PAP’s efforts to strengthen engagement with African Union institutions, particularly the Peace and Security Council, following their joint consultative meeting in Addis Ababa in August 2026.

Closer engagement between these institutions could help connect parliamentary perspectives and citizens’ concerns with continental discussions on peace and security.

A sustained Africa–Russia dialogue

On relations with Russia, Dr. Boutbig advocated a structured and sustained framework for African–Russian political and parliamentary dialogue.

He said such a framework could strengthen cooperation between political institutions and parties, facilitate exchanges on national reconciliation and conflict management, and support joint initiatives in peace, security and sustainable development.

The emphasis on sustained engagement pointed to the need for cooperation that continues beyond individual conferences. Regular consultations and institutional exchanges could provide opportunities to develop proposals, review progress and maintain relationships over time.

Dr. Boutbig stressed that declarations of principle must be translated into practical institutional mechanisms capable of delivering tangible results.

Preparing a new generation of leaders

The PAP President also called for investment in a new generation of political leaders, with particular attention to empowering women and young people.

He emphasized equipping emerging leaders to manage political differences through dialogue and peaceful engagement, linking broader political participation with the ability of institutions to respond constructively to disagreement.

Concluding his intervention, Dr. Boutbig reaffirmed the PAP’s commitment to peace, inclusive dialogue and equitable international cooperation in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

He urged political actors to turn differences into opportunities for understanding and to ensure that political and parliamentary diplomacy serve as bridges between nations and peoples.