The President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, officially opened the session of the National Assembly of Benin, calling for servant leadership, greater parliamentary oversight, and deeper collaboration for Africa’s development.
In his address, Chief Charumbira praised Benin’s strong delegation to PAP and underscored the institution’s role in fostering democratic governance, accountability, and integration across the continent.
Speaking in alignment with the African Union’s 2025 theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” he urged Benin to take a leading role in the reparations debate, citing its historical ties to the transatlantic slave trade.
The PAP President further called on parliamentarians to champion the implementation of Agenda 2063, ratify the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and adopt the PAP-FAO Model Law on Food and Nutrition Security to address food insecurity. He also emphasized urgent action on youth unemployment, corruption, climate change, and health preparedness.
“We must be servant leaders, not bosses,” Chief Charumbira declared. “If we fail to listen and respond to the people, we risk fostering instability. The future of Africa depends on our ability to lead with purpose, unity, and humility.”
