Pan-African Parliament Proposes 2027 Political Parties Conference to Strengthen Peace in Africa

PAP President Fateh Boutbig proposes a 2027 African political parties conference to advance conflict prevention, dialogue, peace and institutional stability.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 7 November 2026 — The President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), H. E. Dr. Fateh Boutbig, has announced an initiative to convene a continental conference of African political parties in 2027, bringing party leaders and parliamentarians together to strengthen conflict prevention, dialogue and peacebuilding.

Speaking at the closing session of the Second African Political Parties Summit in Addis Ababa, Boutbig outlined a proposed platform for sustained consultation among political actors, in coordination with African Union organs and relevant peace and security institutions.

The initiative would promote the exchange of experiences, common approaches to early warning and conflict prevention, and a stronger contribution from political party diplomacy and parliamentary diplomacy to lasting stability.

The announcement placed peace and institutional resilience at the centre of a summit focused on economic transformation, reinforcing Boutbig’s argument that sustainable development depends on security, capable institutions and political leadership responsive to citizens.

A continental platform for preventive dialogue

The proposed Continental Conference of African Political Parties on Conflict Prevention and the Promotion of Peace and Stability would support the objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Boutbig urged political parties to promote dialogue and consensus, prevent crises and strengthen social cohesion. His proposal envisages cooperation extending beyond individual meetings towards sustained engagement between political parties, parliaments and governments.

Such a platform could help political actors share practical lessons on managing disagreements before they escalate and maintaining channels of communication during periods of tension. Its effectiveness would depend on inclusive participation and the translation of dialogue into commitments that institutions and parties can follow through.

The release did not specify a date, venue or detailed implementation arrangements for the proposed 2027 conference.

From political liberation to economic independence

The summit, held from 5 to 7 November under the theme “Governing for Growth: Political Parties as Architects of Africa’s Economic Future,” examined the contribution of political leadership to the continent’s development.

Addressing participants at the Adwa Victory Memorial, Boutbig linked Africa’s liberation struggles to the continuing pursuit of economic independence. He argued that political freedom must be consolidated through greater control over wealth creation, knowledge and technology, supported by productive economies and strong institutions.

The venue, he noted, recalled African peoples’ resistance to colonialism and their capacity to secure freedom and dignity. That same resolve, he argued, should inform the pursuit of development sovereignty and economic emancipation.

He called on political parties to broaden their focus beyond winning power by competing over credible solutions to economic and social challenges. Political engagement, in his assessment, should produce capable leaders, effective public policies and measurable improvements in citizens’ lives.

Industrialization, innovation and African integration

Boutbig identified industrialization, innovation and deeper economic integration as central priorities.

He urged African countries to harness the African Continental Free Trade Area to develop regional value chains, stimulate investment and production, and create employment in line with Agenda 2063.

His remarks connected political leadership with the practical demands of economic transformation: building institutions capable of implementing policies, sustaining reforms and supporting production and innovation.

He also reaffirmed PAP’s commitment, within its mandate, to strengthening parliamentary diplomacy, exchanging legislative expertise and deepening cooperation between parliaments and political parties.

Such cooperation, he said, could improve legislative quality, reinforce oversight and accountability, and support economic and social reforms.

Addis Ababa Declaration sets out political commitments

According to the summit release, participants adopted the Addis Ababa Declaration, establishing a continental framework to strengthen political leadership, democratic governance and political parties’ contribution to sustainable development.

The declaration affirmed constitutional principles, political pluralism, the rule of law and democratic accountability, while rejecting unconstitutional changes of government. It also called for stronger public institutions and continuity in strategic development policies.

On 6 November, participants adopted the Charter of the African Political Parties Initiative (APPI), setting out its institutional framework and governance mechanisms under the auspices of the Africa Governance Centre. The initiative’s first Bureau was established for a three-year term.

Participants also agreed to launch continental consultations towards an APPI Agenda 2040, intended to translate Africa’s development aspirations into political programmes and commitments complementary to Agenda 2063.

Leadership development featured prominently, with support for establishing the Council of African Political Parties Schools and Institutes and the Political Academy for Transformational Leadership. The summit also called for permanent continental platforms to expand women’s and young people’s participation in leadership and political engagement.

The declaration envisaged mechanisms to monitor implementation, exchange national experiences and provide periodic progress reports.

Turning commitments into public benefit

The summit brought together senior officials and political leaders, including Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister Adam Farah, Africa Governance Centre Advisory Board Chairperson Jeff Radebe and the Centre’s President, Benedicta Lasi.

Boutbig welcomed efforts to strengthen political education and prepare future leaders, but stressed that meetings and declarations must lead to concrete programmes.

That emphasis provides a practical benchmark for both the summit’s commitments and the proposed 2027 conference: whether institutional dialogue strengthens cooperation, helps prevent crises and improves the conditions for development.

Concluding his address, the PAP President urged leaders to measure their responsibility through the impact of their decisions on African peoples. He called for a continent distinguished by strong institutions, knowledge production and innovation, declaring:

“The Africa we aspire to is not an Africa we wait for, but an Africa we build today.”