The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, today voiced concerns regarding the slow ratification of the 2014 Protocol to the Constitutive Act of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), also known as the Malabo Protocol. He emphasized the Protocol's significance in bringing stability to the Parliament .
The Chairperson of the AUC made the statement during the opening ceremony of the 44th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council (comprising Foreign Affairs Ministers) taking place at the African Union (AU) Headquarters in Addis Ababa.
H.E. Mahamat pointed out that legal ambiguities in the current protocol have hindered the PAP's effectiveness since its inception. He stressed the ratification of the Malabo Protocol as essential for resolving the institutional challenges that the continental Parliament faces.
"I respectfully request that the Executive Council take or recommend suitable actions to resolve the uncertainties inherent in certain provisions of the Protocol establishing the PAP. Alternatively, they should urgently advocate for the ratification of the Malabo Protocol, which is intended to address these issues. Despite ten years having passed since its adoption, the Malabo Protocol remains inactive, with only 16 of the required 28 ratifications completed," said H.E Mahamat
Established in March 2004, the PAP has not yet achieved full legislative powers due to the protracted pace at which member states are ratifying the needed 2014 protocol amendments.
The ratification is crucial for bestowing the PAP with the authority that will harmonize national legislations and enhance the legal and institutional framework within the AU.
Today's statement by the Chairperson reiterates the urgency and need for collective efforts to empower the PAP to fulfill its mandate.
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