The Pan-African Parliament and the State of the African Diaspora (SOAD) have taken a landmark step toward fostering collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This historic agreement, signed at the Pan-African Parliament Headquarters in Midrand, South Africa, underscores their shared commitment to uniting the African continent and its Diaspora under the principles of peace, development, and unity.
The MoU establishes a strategic framework for cooperation, highlighting several areas of mutual interest. Key priorities include co-hosting an Africa-Diaspora Summit, establishing a permanent African Diaspora Desk at the Pan-African Parliament, institutionalizing a Statement of Solidarity from SOAD at the Pan-African Parliament’s Ordinary Sessions, and jointly commemorating African Diaspora Day. It also outlines plans to grant observer status to the SOAD Parliament at the Pan-African Parliament’s sittings, facilitate reciprocal information sharing, and pursue joint fundraising initiatives to support programs that uplift African communities worldwide. Both parties emphasized the importance of adapting their collaboration to emerging issues and conducting periodic reviews of priority areas to ensure relevance and impact.
The mechanisms of cooperation reflect the MoU’s intent to establish a seamless partnership. Both parties committed to jointly implementing projects, sharing knowledge and expertise, and engaging in collaborative research and advocacy. Planned activities include public sensitization on diaspora-related issues, coordination with regional and international organizations, and active participation in statutory meetings. Regular consultations and annual evaluations will ensure that the partnership achieves its objectives and remains responsive to the evolving needs of the African continent and its Diaspora.
The implementation of the MoU will be guided by a jointly developed Plan of Action that details specific collaborative activities and programs. Both parties recognized the importance of prudent financial management and equitable resource allocation in all joint initiatives. They also committed to engaging in joint fundraising and strategic resource mobilization to support their shared goals. All activities under the MoU will prioritize efficiency and minimize duplication of efforts.
The MoU also underscores the importance of joint media and public engagement. The Pan-African Parliament and SOAD will work together to enhance the visibility of their partnership and initiatives through media platforms, ensuring public awareness of their shared goals. To safeguard the integrity of their collaboration, strict confidentiality protocols will govern the handling of sensitive information, and intellectual property rights arising from joint efforts will be managed in alignment with relevant African Union regulations.
Reflecting on the significance of this partnership, H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, President of the Pan-African Parliament, expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating:
"We are looking forward to a progressive working relationship for the betterment of the livelihoods of Africans across the globe. It is high time that Africans everywhere come together for a better cause."
Dr. Louis-Georges Tin, Prime Minister of the State of the African Diaspora, highlighted the historical nature of the event, calling it:
"A truly historic moment that bridges the African continent with its diaspora in unprecedented ways."
This MoU represents the start of a transformative partnership aimed at fostering unity, addressing shared challenges, and amplifying the voices of African people both on the continent and across the diaspora. By working together, the Pan-African Parliament and SOAD aspire to build a future defined by prosperity, peace, and shared progress.
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