In his final address to the Pan-African Parliament during the Fourth Ordinary Session of its Sixth Parliament, His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, delivered a powerful message calling for unity, reform, and a renewed commitment to Pan-Africanism. Speaking under the African Union Theme for 2024: “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century,” H.E. Mahamat underscored the crucial role of the Pan-African Parliament in shaping Africa’s future, reflecting on the challenges and achievements of his two terms in office.
Pan-African Parliament: The Voice of the People
Opening his remarks, H.E. Mahamat emphasized the Parliament’s foundational role as the “voice of the people” within the African Union (AU) structure. He celebrated its mission to unify Africa’s diverse voices and represent the continent’s collective aspirations. He acknowledged the Parliament's evolution over time, stating that it has reached “the fullness of its institutional maturity.” The Chief Executive Officer of the Union argued that this maturity necessitates transforming the Parliament from a consultative body to a legislative institution.
“The transformation from a consultative organ to a full legislative institution is imperative,” H.E. Mahamat stated, explaining that legislative authority would empower the Pan-African Parliament to make decisions that genuinely reflect the will of the African people. He urged AU leaders to consider further reforms to solidify the Parliament’s role in advancing the AU’s goals, particularly those outlined in Agenda 2063, the continent’s blueprint for socioeconomic transformation.
Institutional Reforms and Financial Independence
Reflecting on his tenure, H.E. Mahamat highlighted the AU’s institutional reforms aimed at enhancing governance, transparency, and financial autonomy. He stressed that these reforms are essential for reducing the AU’s reliance on external funding and ensuring that African priorities remain at the forefront. However, he also noted the need for increased resources for the Pan-African Parliament to fulfill its mandate effectively, stating, “Financing and resourcing the Pan-African Parliament is crucial for it to function optimally.”
The Chairperson called on the AU to prioritize resource mobilization strategies that would enable the Parliament to carry out its role effectively. He praised the Parliament’s efforts to represent Africa’s diverse interests and pledged that the AU would continue striving for a sustainable and independent African Union.
Pan-Africanism and Africa’s Global Influence
The AUC Chairperson’s address also touched on Africa’s growing influence on the international stage, emphasizing the AU’s recent inclusion in the G20. “This historic inclusion marks a significant geopolitical shift,” he said, noting that the AU’s place in the G20 amplifies Africa’s voice on global issues such as economic policy, debt relief, and climate finance. He encouraged Parliament members to engage with their counterparts worldwide to strengthen Africa’s case for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, arguing that such a move would reflect Africa’s role in promoting global peace and security.
While celebrating these milestones, H.E. Mahamat autioned against a diminishing spirit of Pan-Africanism, describing it as a rising challenge. He expressed concern over the “waning of the Pan-African spirit” in recent years, with increasing individualism and particularism threatening Africa’s unity and shared vision. Faki urged the Parliament to “bridge gaps, foster cooperation, and represent the voices of the peoples,” positioning the institution as a guardian of Pan-African ideals that could inspire a renaissance across the continent.
Agenda 2063 and Strategic Partnerships
Central to the Chairperson’s vision for Africa’s future is Agenda 2063, which he described as “a commitment to transform the lives of Africans.” He commended the Parliament for its role in integrating Agenda 2063 into national policies and holding Member States accountable, asserting that this is essential for realizing a prosperous, integrated, and peaceful Africa.
He encouraged the Pan-African Parliament to foster strategic partnerships that align with Africa’s long-term objectives, particularly those that promote economic integration through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By reducing poverty, creating jobs, and boosting Africa’s global competitiveness, the AfCFTA is a key driver in achieving the ambitious targets set out in Agenda 2063, he noted.
Responses from the Pan-African Parliament
Following H.E. Mahamat’s address, the Pan-African Parliament President, H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, expressed deep appreciation for Faki’s encouragement and guidance. Charumbira echoed Faki’s call for the Parliament to embody the “voice of the people” across areas such as education, trade, security, and youth empowerment. He emphasized that the Parliament’s strategic plan must be people-centered and responsive to Africa’s needs, aligning with Agenda 2063’s focus on inclusive development.
H.E. Charumbira also reiterated the importance of promoting Pan-Africanism, stressing that “a renewed spirit of Pan-Africanism is essential” for Africa’s unity and resilience. He reaffirmed the Parliament’s commitment to amplifying Africa’s voice on the global stage and working collaboratively with other AU bodies to realize the continent’s vision.
A Lasting Legacy
In closing, H.E. Mahamat expressed optimism for Africa’s future and confidence in the continued growth and maturity of the Pan-African Parliament. He called upon the Parliament to carry forward the ideals of Pan-Africanism and to embrace its full potential as a legislative force within the AU. With his tenure drawing to a close, Faki’s parting words reflected a vision of a united, self-reliant, and resilient Africa, ready to face the challenges of the 21st century.
H.E. Mahamat’s final address stands as a testament to his dedication to the African Union and its mission. His emphasis on reform, financial independence, and Pan-Africanism leaves a lasting mark, inspiring the Pan-African Parliament and the AU to continue striving for a united, prosperous, and resilient Africa.
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