Today, the Bureau of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), led by President H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, met with African Ambassadors accredited to South Africa to strengthen their collaborative framework for advancing integration and sustainable development in Africa. This annual engagement serves to reinforce the Pan-African Parliament’s mandate in promoting continental unity and resilience.
Over the years, this traditional meeting has focused on fortifying the Parliament’s operational capacities and aligning strategic objectives with those of African diplomats to achieve the “#AfricaWeWant.” The discussions emphasized the critical partnership between African diplomats and parliamentarians in formulating solutions that address the continent’s unique challenges. Through these synergies, the Pan-African Parliament seeks to enhance its legislative reach and leverage diplomatic networks to support effective oversight and policy alignment.
In his opening remarks, Chief Charumbira reiterated the vital role of these partnerships in advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063. He highlighted PAP's dedication to initiatives in peace and security, economic integration, and governance across the continent. Chief Charumbira also underscored PAP’s commitment to inclusive policymaking, affirming that “the Pan-African Parliament remains a vital platform for the voices of African citizens and the diaspora as the 'sixth region' of Africa.”
For the first time, today’s 's session included representatives from diverse diplomatic groupings , among them the Group of Latin America and the Caribbean (GRULAC), represented by Brazilian Ambassador H.E. Benedicto Fonseca Filho; the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), represented by High Commissioner Joan Thomas Edwards of Jamaica; and the Arab League, represented by H.E. Mahash Saeed Alhameli of the United Arab Emirates.
In anticipation of the 4th Ordinary Session of the 6th Parliament, which will run from 4 to 15 November 2024, the meeting also reviewed the agenda of this significant gathering to ensure alignment with continental priorities.
The longstanding partnership between the Pan-African Parliament Bureau and African Ambassadors has become a powerful platform for advancing continental unity. From advocating for the ratification of the Malabo Protocol to fostering efficient information-sharing, this meeting represents a meaningful step towards Africa-centered policies that resonate throughout the continent.
