The President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, has called on the African Union (AU) to refocus its agenda on issues that directly impact the lives of African citizens and to urgently address the escalating conflicts threatening stability across the continent.
Speaking at a meeting with African Ambassadors at the PAP precincts in Midrand, South Africa, ahead of the official opening of the Sitting of Permanent Committees scheduled to start on 24 February under the AU Theme of the Year for 2025: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”
H.E. Charumbira underscored the urgent need for Africa’s leadership to deliver on the promise of “Silencing the Guns by 2030.” He lamented the devastating humanitarian crises in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Sudan, where millions have been displaced, and countless lives lost due to prolonged conflicts.
“The African Union must ask itself why we are failing in the DRC and Sudan. Why are the numerous conflict resolution initiatives not yielding results? The AU Master Roadmap on Silencing the Guns must not remain a paper commitment; it must be implemented with urgency,” stated the PAP President.
He emphasized that the PAP and African Ambassadors must take a more proactive role in addressing these crises. The PAP Committee on Cooperation, International Relations, and Conflict Resolution has been tasked with interrogating the root causes of these conflicts and proposing actionable recommendations.
H.E. Charumbira also called for the strengthening of preventive diplomacy, urging the AU to effectively coordinate its various peace mechanisms, including the Panel of the Wise, the Peace and Security Council, and other specialized bodies. “We cannot continue with disjointed efforts. Coordination is key to making a meaningful impact,” he stressed.
Africa Must Reduce Dependency on Foreign Aid
Beyond conflict resolution, the PAP President highlighted the pressing need for Africa to reduce its dependence on foreign aid, especially in the wake of the recent 90-day suspension of U.S. foreign development assistance. He described this move as a wake-up call for the continent to leverage its abundant natural resources to foster economic self-sufficiency.
“How can Africa, a continent so rich in resources, continue to rely on aid? It is high time we take the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) seriously, remove trade barriers, and push for a common African currency. We must take charge of our own destiny,” he said.
Africa’s Role in Global Governance
The President of the Pan-African Parliament also reiterated Africa’s long-standing demand for reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), arguing that Africa must have permanent seats with full voting rights. “The UNSC was established in 1945 when Africa had no voice. Today, Africa bears the brunt of global conflicts, yet remains excluded from the decision-making table. This must change,” he declared.
Similarly, he urged African nations to rally behind South Africa’s G20 Presidency as an opportunity to amplify the continent’s voice on the global stage. “Africa must support South Africa’s leadership in shaping global economic policies that align with the continent’s development aspirations,” he noted.
Justice for Africa and Its People
H.E. Chief Charumbira also drew attention to the AU’s 2025 theme, “Justice for Africa and People of African Descent through Reparations,” calling it a crucial step toward addressing historical injustices, including slavery, apartheid, and colonial exploitation. He called for a united push to demand economic justice and reparations for the harm inflicted on African nations and their people over centuries.
A Call for Action
H.E. Chief Charumbira urged African leaders, diplomats, and policymakers to take decisive steps in addressing the continent’s most pressing challenges. “The people of Africa expect action, not rhetoric. It is time for the AU to realign its priorities to serve the interests of its people by ensuring peace, security, economic independence, and justice,” he stated.
The Sitting of Permanent Committees and related meetings of the 6th Parliament of the will kick off on 24 February and run until 28 February 2025. Preparatory meetings are currently underway ahead of the opening.
The sittings of the permanent committees and related meetings of the 6th Parliament will kick off on 24 February and run until 28 February 2025. Preparatory meetings are currently underway ahead of the opening.
