The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) Permanent Committee on Trade, Customs and Immigration Matters has agreed to take a tour around various busiest Border Posts across Africa.
This came to light at the recently concluded August Sittings of the Permanent Committees of the sixth Parliament in Midrand, South Africa. The sittings were guided by the African Union (AU) theme for 2022: “Building resilience in nutrition on the African continent: Accelerate the human capital, social and economic development.”
“We are in agreement that we will implement an Activity Plan which includes visiting Africa’s busiest border posts and problem areas,” said Committee on Trade, Customs and Immigration Matters, Chairperson Hon. Sen. John Bonds Bideri who hails from Rwanda.
“During the proposed field trips, the Committee members will hold public hearings and interview stakeholders. This is in hope that the Committee will have a greater appreciation of issues on the ground, as well as be visible and accessible to all African people.”
The Committee session also agreed to create partnerships with universities and leading Research Institutions, Institutions of Higher Learning on Trade and Migration.
“Our agreed activities will enable the Committee to access relevant research findings that will inform discussions, recommendations and deliberations. These are key exercises that we need for us to achieve our goals,” said Hon. Sen. Bideri encourages the Committee to be proactive and visible adding that the PAP is undergoing reform, as it seeks to be a people-centred organization that is responsive to the problems facing African people.
The Committee chairperson also highlighted the importance of partnership between the African Union Commission (AUC) Departments on Trade and Social Affairs.
“Let us take note that most missions being undertaken by the AUC departments are important opportunities for collaboration, and PAP should be updated and involved in the policy-making process by the organ in regard to trade and migration,” he added.
The idea of touring African borders was mooted following a presentation titled African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) “Uptake and Challenges” by Mr. Mohamed Ali, Director, Trade in Goods and Competition, AfCFTA Secretariat.
Meanwhile, Hon Amos Masondo from South Africa recommended improving the relationship between PAP and the public. He proposed connecting with the grassroots through a vibrant media engagement strategy, including enhancing the committee’s presence on social media.
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