The Second Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has come to an end with key resolutions and recommendations on the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA), climate change, peace and security issues in Africa, migration issues, fight against corruption and Africa’s socio-economic transformation.
Over 250 African Parliamentarians gathered in Midrand from 15 May to 2 June 2023 under the African Union Theme for 2023, “Accelerating the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).” The Session held a dedicated workshop on unbundling the landmark agreement and unpacking the strategic significance of the PAP in the implementation process.
The just ended Ordinary Session was officially opened by H.E Azali Assouami, President of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union. The leader of the Union stressed the strategic role of the PAP in achieving a prosperous and peaceful Africa. He further pledged support for the realisation of the mandate of the PAP as the legislative arm of the AU.
The other key highlight was the 3rd African Parliamentarians Summit on Climate Policy and Equity, held on the margins of the Ordinary Session. The Summit was addressed by the President of the Republic of Kenya and Chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC), H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto.
The Summit galvanised a critical mass of stakeholders capable of catalysing broad support for pro-poor, just, equitable, locally led and science-based decisions in nationally determined contributions (NDCs) implementation and overall climate action.
The Second Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament attracted various other key stakeholders and high-level guests including Speakers of national, regional and continental Parliaments; diplomatic corps; international partners; and civil society organizations. This is testament to the significant progress made by the leadership to renew and reinvigorate the Continental Parliament.
Following vigorous debates, the PAP Plenary also adopted several resolutions and recommendations stemming from the work of Committees held in March 2023, with some of them being subject to amendment. These include the Resolution on the PAP support of the financial transactions tax on climate action; Resolution by Women Caucus on current war in Sudan and its effects on women and children; Resolution on promotion of peace and security in Africa; Resolution on the development of a Model Law on Climate change for Africa; and Resolution on the Place of traditional medicine in the African Health systems.
The Session also adopted recommendations that include, Recommendation by Women caucus “for an inclusive digital world: Innovation and technologies for gender equality”; Recommendation from the youth dialogue held in the Kingdom of Morocco (Rabat) 4-6 December 2022; Recommendation on Climate Policy and Equity in Africa; Recommendation for the resolution on the ongoing conflict in Sudan and promotion of peace and stability in the region; and a Motion proposed by the Permanent Committee on gender equality, the family, youth and persons with disabilities on the budget of the PAP
While officially closing the session, H.E Chief Charumbira expressed gratitude towards the African legislators and the Secretariat for their contribution second Ordinary Session of the 6th Parliament of the PAP. Prior to closing the session H.E Chief Charumbira highlighted that the PAP contributed to the promotion and support of human rights and social inclusion goals of the AU. He also underscored that the PAP has made some achievements which saw it participating in meetings and summits of Policy Organs of the AU. He said, this improved the relationship between the PAP and other AU Organs and enhanced the relevance of the PAP within the AU architecture.
Launched in 2004, as a legislative organ of the African Union (AU), PAP also seeks “to ensure the full participation of African peoples in the development and economic integration of the continent.” It is also a platform for people from all African states to be involved in discussions and decision-making on the problems and challenges facing the continent.
The seat of the PAP was initially in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia but was later moved to Midrand, South Africa.
The Parliament holds two Ordinary Sessions within May and October in a year. Uganda is set to be the third member state to host a session of the PAP in October 2023.
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