Chief Fortune Charumbira, president of the Pan-African Parliament, at the official opening of the Fifth Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament in Midrand, South Africa, on 21 July 2025.
Facilitating cooperation and development in Africa, strengthening continental solidarity, and building a shared destiny among African peoples remain our cardinal responsibilities. Cooperation among regional economic communities and their parliamentary fora is key to this mission.
In line with these functions, members will recall that the operative mantra of this parliament since the Bureau took office has been a focus on measurable performance and tangible results guided by the motto: ‘Reviving, Renewing, Repositioning and Reinvigorating the Pan-African Parliament’.
This results-driven approach aims to change negative perceptions about the parliament, restore public trust, and assert its relevance in continental governance. The former African Union (AU) chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, once observed that the Pan-African Parliament was performing below expectations. We resolved to correct that.
Performance orientation demands excellence, improvement, and accountability. To foster this culture, we:
- set clear goals aligned with Agenda 2063 and PAP’s mandate,
- anchored plenary sessions and committee activities on AU priorities like continental integration, peace, governance, and the impact of global issues,
- built capacity through training on results-based management and parliamentary decorum, and
- celebrated institutional progress, including the recent PAP-Peace and Security Council (PSC) Retreat – the first in over a decade.
Despite internal turbulence, the commendations from the permanent representatives’ committee, executive council and public demonstrate that we are restoring confidence in this institution.
PAP-PSC Retreat: A landmark for peace and governance
The recent joint retreat between PAP and the PSC marked a historic shift toward institutional synergy. Held under the theme ‘Strengthening Institutional Synergy and Collaboration for Sustainable Peace and Security in Africa’, it affirmed shared commitment to AU values and Agenda 2063.
Key outcomes included:
- institutional coordination through regular engagements,
- enhanced PAP role in conflict prevention and peacebuilding,
- development of a joint framework for early warning systems,
- stronger collaboration on democracy, governance and human rights,
- joint fact-finding missions,
- renewed support for the Ezulwini Consensus, and
- renewed urgency to ratify AU legal instruments.
We are reminded that without implementation of ratified treaties and protocols, the Africa we want will remain aspirational.
The Ezulwini Consensus: Justice in global governance
Africa’s demand for permanent representation on the UN Security Council is grounded in the Ezulwini Consensus. The call is not for charity but for fairness. Africa’s vast contributions to peacekeeping, economic development, and sustainability must be matched by influence in decision-making.
We must not remain passive. The Pan-African Parliament, in partnership with the PSC, will advocate for this shift in global governance.
Ratifying AU legal instruments: A moral and political duty
Too many AU treaties remain unsigned or unratified, undermining continental progress. We must:
- finalise ratification of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance,
- unblock the Protocol on Free Movement, and
- push for adoption of protocols on women’s rights, disability, and governance.
Ratification signals commitment, empowerment, and legal authority for our citizens.
Charting the way forward
Our retreat must serve as a launchpad for real impact. Let us ensure outcomes lead to change. Our citizens demand peace, security and dignity – we must deliver.
Mid-Year Coordination Meeting: Turning policy into action
At the seventh AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Malabo (10–13 June 2025), a growing consensus emerged for reforming global financial norms. African states want financial sovereignty and justice in global institutions. PAP must now play its part through parliamentary diplomacy.
We must also support the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). With trade integration slow, PAP must lead in ensuring member states act.
US tariffs and economic sovereignty
The imposition of United States (US) tariffs on African exports threatens jobs and growth. The AfCFTA offers an opportunity for Africa to boost intra-continental trade and shield itself from global economic shocks.
Africa team roundtable and AU institutional reforms
We commend the Africa Team Programme, designed to accelerate Agenda 2063. But PAP must be included in its implementation to ensure grassroots voices are heard.
We remain concerned about AU proposals to limit PAP’s role to consultation. We will oppose moves that undermine our mandate. At the upcoming AU Extraordinary Summit, we will defend PAP’s role.
AU commissioner elections
We welcome the recent appointments to AU commissioner positions. We look forward to working with the new leadership.
Justice for Africans and people of African descent: The AU’s 2025 theme
Reparations are not a plea for aid – they are a call for justice. PAP supports the AU theme of 2025 and calls for:
- financial reparations,
- institutional reform,
- cultural restitution, and
- legal accountability.
Internal challenges
Staff recruitment remains stalled due to budget constraints. With over 24 vacancies, service delivery is under pressure. We continue lobbying for key posts.
The current budget is inadequate, with less than 25% allocated to core activities. Members must lobby their foreign ministers and ambassadors to support a more functional budget.
We are pleased that members’ allowances are to be restored after lobbying efforts. This is a constitutional entitlement, not a favour.
Conclusion: One Africa, One Voice
As we begin our deliberations, let us embody Ubuntu. The Pan-African Parliament must act as the conscience of our continent. We must unify around common challenges and push our governments to implement AU commitments.
Africa must act – and act as one. Let us shape our future with African solutions. Let our resolutions lead to reform, not rhetoric.
Let it be said we stood together and moved Africa forward.
One Africa! One voice!
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