The Pan-African Parliament’s (PAP) Plenary has encouraged African Union (AU) Member States to review and align their policing legislation to the Model Police Law for Africa.
The Model Police Law for Africa was adopted at the PAP's Plenary Session in October 2019 and is premised on the vision for policing in Africa that is based on the notion that all citizens on the continent should enjoy policing services that command respect and ensure that everyone feels safe and secure.
Acknowledging the importance of the Model Law on Policing, Chairperson of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Hon Jean Marie Nibirantije said the Model Law makes a significant contribution to improving policing in Africa, and his Committee is examining ways in which the model legislation could be promoted amongst the AU Member States.
“The Model Law on policing provides a strong legislative framework that reflects international standards for a rights-based approach to policing. The legislation establishes clear principles for the mandate and structure of law enforcement agencies and we are attempting to let Africa build itself in its own peculiar way. Therefore, our Committee is seeking synergies within the PAP to promote and disseminate information on this law,” said Hon Jean Marie Nibirantije.
AU Member States have been encouraged to review their policing legislation in line with the Police Model Law for Africa, as the law complements other AU and regional efforts to promote safety, security, democratic governance and human rights.
Taking into consideration Agenda 2063, the Model Law on policing speaks to this developmental framework that without effective promotion and protection of human and people's rights, Africa cannot achieve the noble objectives of Agenda 2063.
The PAP session, which kicked off on 24 October and will run through to 10 November 2022, is 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.”
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