Opening remarks for H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, president of the Pan-African Parliament, at the official opening ceremony of the fifth ordinary session of the sixth parliament
SALUTATIONS: 5TH ORDINARY SESSION
Excellencies, Vice Presidents of the Pan African Parliament;
Our Guest of Honour, H.E. Ambassador Professor Miguel Cesar Domingues Bembe, Ambassador of the Republic of Angola to Ethiopia and UNECA, and Chairperson of the Permanent Representatives Committee;
The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, Hon. Thandi Moraka;
Hon. Hamma Salama, Speaker of the Saharawi National Council;
H.E Hilarion Etong, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie (APF);
H.E. Mrs Nardos Bekele- Thomas, CEO of AUDA NEPAD
H.E. Amb. Marie Antoinette Rose Quatre, CEO of African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM)
Hon. Sylvia Lucas, Vice President of the SADC Parliamentary Forum;
Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Ghana;
Excellencies, Representatives of the Permanent Representatives Committee;
Excellencies, Ambassadors representing Member States in the Republic of South Africa;
Excellencies, Ambassadors of the Pan African Parliament;
The Clerk of the Pan African Parliament, Ms. Lindiwe Khumalo;
The Clerk of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Ms. Boemo Sekgoma;
Representatives of the Diaspora;
Our esteemed partners;
Distinguished Invited Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
1.0 MINUTE OF SILENCE: FORMER PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA, MUHAMMADU BUHARI & FORMER PRESIDENT OF ZAMBIA, EDGAR LUNGU
Before we proceed, I would like to request that we observe a minute of silence in honor of the former President of Nigeria, the late Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on the 13th of July 2025, as well as the late former President of Zambia, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, who was called to higher glory on 5th June 2025. May their dear departed souls rest in eternal peace.
2.0 CLARIFICATION FOR THE DELAY IN HOSTING THE SESSION
Allow me to welcome you all to the 5th Ordinary Session of the 6th Parliament of the Pan African Parliament which is being held under the African Union Theme of the Year for 2025, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.” Admittedly, in the past our Session has been held in May or June and some may be questioning the seeming delay in convening the session this time. Without belabouring you with the details, let me state that the delay in convening the Session was occasioned by the inadequacy of resources.
However, we highlighted our plight to the AU Policy Organs, that is, the PRC and the Executive Council. They empathized with our situation and responded affirmatively by granting us a Special Budget Allocation of US$650 000 to cover pressing operational requirements, including the Plenary Session.
We, therefore, express our gratitude to the PRC Ambassadors, represented here by - the Chairperson of the PRC, H.E. Ambassador Professor Miguel Cesar Domingues Bembe, the Chairperson of the PRC Sub-Committee on General Supervision, Budgetary, Finance and Administrative Matters, H.E. Ambassador George Orina, H.E. Ambassador Sophia Nyamudeza, the Dean of Southern Region Ambassadors in Addis Ababa and H.E. Ambassador Youssouf Assoumani Mondoha, the Ambassador of Comoros in Ethiopia - for their support as well as the Foreign Ministers collectively as the Executive Council for endorsing the recommendation by the PRC to allocate a special budget to PAP.
Let me also express my gratitude to the Vice Presidents of the Pan African Parliament as well as those Members of the Pan African Parliament who played a decisive role in the allocation of the Special Budget by lobbying their respective Ambassadors and Foreign Ministers.
3.0 THE DELAY IN THE HOSTING OF THE SESSION IS NOT A VIOLATION OF THE PAP PROTOCOL
Let me also allay the anxieties of some of our Members who have been given the erroneous impression that the delay in the convening of the Session is a violation of the PAP Protocol. Far from it, Article 14(2) of the PAP Protocol clearly states that:
"The Pan-African Parliament shall meet in ordinary session at least twice a year, within a period to be determined in the Rules of Procedure..."
Likewise, Rule 26 of the Rules of Procedure affirms that “The Pan-African Parliament shall hold at least two ordinary sessions within a period of twelve (12) months...” It is instructive to note that neither text mandates that one of these sessions must occur specifically in May or June. The obligation is annual, not monthly. Therefore, we are well within the provisions of our Protocol even if we host the Plenary Session in July as long as we abide by the legal requirement to convene another session before the end of the year.
In fact, as we speak, the Bureau has already scheduled dates for the Committee Sittings as well as the second Plenary Session of the year and these will be communicated to national Parliaments in due course.
4.0 A BRIEF BACKGROUND OF THE PAN AFRICAN PARLIAMENT: WHEN AND HOW DID THE PAP COME INTO THE AU ARCHITECTURE
For the benefit of those who may be attending the session for the first time, allow me to give a brief background of the Pan African Parliament In doing so, I seek to answer the question, why was PAP created? Why did the founding fathers deem it fit to establish a continental representative Organ 41 years after the establishment of the OAU in 1963?
4.1 A UNION OF MEMBER STATES VS A UNION OF CITIZENS
I will not hesitate to say that the founding fathers realized that without a continental legislature made up of the people’s elected representatives, the Union was a Union of Member States and not a Union of African citizens. The founding fathers realized that without a Parliament, the AU would merely be paying lip service to Article 3 (f) of the Constitutive Act of the African Union which enjoins the Union to “promote democratic principles and institutions, popular participation and good governance.” In that regard, the founding fathers also recognized that, without a Parliament, without the people’s elected representatives who keep the Union firmly attuned to needs of the people at the grassroots level, the AU would not be able to uphold its vaunted principle of “participation of African peoples in the activities of the Union” as required by Article 4 (c) of the Constitutive Act.
The establishment of the Parliament, therefore, gave the Union the much needed democratic legitimacy as the Parliament embodies, stands for and expresses the will of the people in the continental governance framework.
4.2 STRENGTHENING THE DEMAND SIDE OF ACCOUNTABILITY
In establishing the Pan African Parliament in 2004, our Founding Fathers had realized that there was a missing link not just in terms of participatory democracy, but, equally importantly, in strengthening the demand side of accountability. Parliaments the world over, are critical to any governance architecture as institutions of accountability that hold governments to account and ensure that governments deliver to citizens’ expectations. Parliaments are critical cogs in public sector accountability, and our founding fathers recognized that such an institution cannot be missing at the continental level. The Pan African Parliament, therefore, as a watchdog institution ought to provide checks and balances on AU Executive Organs in the continental governance agenda.
4.3 MANDATE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE PAN AFRICAN PARLIAMENT
It is precisely for these reasons that the Pan African Parliament was created and entrusted with the mandate of “ensuring the full participation of African peoples in the economic development and integration of the continent.” Under Article 3 of the Protocol to the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community relating to the Pan African Parliament (Sirte, 2001), the Pan African Parliament is also expected to:
- Facilitate the effective implementation of the policies and objectives of the OAU/AEC and, ultimately, of the African Union;
- Promote the principles of human rights and democracy in Africa;
- Encourage good governance, transparency and accountability in Member States;
- Familiarize the peoples of Africa with the objectives and policies aimed at integrating the African Continent within the framework of the establishment of the African Union;
- Promote peace, security and stability;
- Contribute to a more prosperous future for the peoples of Africa by promoting collective self-reliance and economic recovery;
- Facilitate cooperation and development in Africa;
- Strengthen Continental solidarity and build a sense of common destiny among the peoples of Africa; and,
- Facilitate cooperation among Regional Economic Communities and their Parliamentary fora.
5.0 PAP’S PERFOMANCE ORIENTATION RECEIVING PLAUDITS FROM INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
In line with the aforementioned functions, Hon. Members will recall that the operative mantra of this Parliament since the Bureau came into office has been a single-minded focus on measurable performance and tangible results guided by the motto: “Reviving, Renewing, Repositioning and Reinvigorating the Pan African Parliament.”
The pursuit of a performance culture was premised on the need to change the negative perception of the Pan African Parliament not only among AU Organs but also among the African citizenry, some of whom had begun to question the value and usefulness of the Parliament in the continental governance framework.
Hon. Members may recall that in his address at the 4th Ordinary Session of the 5th Parliament, the former AU Chairperson, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, stated that, “The Pan African Parliament is performing below expectations.” Our adoption of a results driven culture was, therefore, intended to restore the PAP’s place as an effective representative institution in the continental governance agenda.
Performance orientation is more than just the drive to succeed. It is about the mindset and values that encourage excellence, continuous improvement, and results-driven behaviour. It means focusing not only on what we do, but also how well we do it.
To build a performance-oriented mindset we have:
- Set clear goals - through the adoption of our Strategic Plan that is aligned to the 7 Moonshots identified by the African Union, Agenda 2063 and the mandate of PAP.
- Consistently stuck to our mandate – our Plenary Sessions and the activities of our Committees reflect our focus on driving the objectives of the Union and the mandate of the Pan African Parliament. This explains why the focus of this Session is on the African Union Theme of the Year for 2025, Continental Integration, Peace, Security and Governance, and contemporary issues such as the impact of U.S. Tariffs on Africa, Artificial Intelligence, Women and Youth issues which ensure that the PAP remains relevant in the current developmental discourse. As Aristotle rightly observed, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.”
- Capacitate MPs and staff to deliver on their mandate – in addition to sector specific capacity building programmes for Committees that capacitate them to effectively conduct their oversight duties, the PAP had convened training workshops for both Members and Staff on Results Based Management and Strategic Planning in an endeavour to fortify the performance culture in the institution. As a Bureau, in liaison with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), we are in the process of arranging a Diplomatic Training that covers protocol, etiquette, deportment and general Parliamentary decorum to guide our members in the execution of their Parliamentary mandate.
- Celebrate Progress – not just the destination, but the journey. The approval of the Special Budget Allocation by the AU Policy Organs as well as the recently concluded PAP-PSC Retreat, which brought together Ambassadors and Parliamentarians at the seat of the PAP to deliberate on how to jointly promote peace, security and stability on the continent for the first time in over a decade are a resounding vote of confidence in the Pan African Parliament.
Admittedly, we have passed through periods of internal turbulence which have tarnished our image in the eyes of a discerning public and the AU Policy Organs. However, the plaudits that we have been getting from the PRC, Executive Council and even members of the public demonstrate that we have gone some way in restoring the faith of the African citizenry in the value and usefulness of the Pan African Parliament. It is up to us to continue to build on that foundation and make sure that we disabuse the perception of below par performance.
6.0 THE PAP -PSC RETREAT: A SIGN OF THE BURGEONING CONFIDENCE IN THE ROLE OF THE PARLIAMENT IN PROMOTING PEACE, SECURITY AND STABILITY ON THE CONTINENT
Honourable Members, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Speaking of celebrating progress, it would be remiss of me not to mention in greater detail, the successful convening of a Joint Retreat between the Pan African Parliament and the Peace and Security Council for the first time in 11 years.
It is both an honour and a responsibility to reflect upon and share the outcomes of the historic Pan-African Parliament (PAP) – Peace and Security Council (PSC) Retreat. This retreat marked a pivotal moment in our ongoing journey towards deepening integration, fostering good governance, and most importantly, enhancing peace and security across our beloved continent.
The retreat, held under the theme, “Strengthening Institutional Synergy and Collaboration for Sustainable Peace and Security in Africa”, brought together Members of the Pan-African Parliament and the African Union Peace and Security Council for frank, strategic, and forward-looking discussions. These engagements reaffirmed our shared commitment to the values of the African Union and the aspirations of Agenda 2063—the Africa We Want.
6.1 KEY OUTCOMES AND AGREEMENTS
6.1.1 INSTITUTIONAL SYNERGY AND IMPROVED COORDINATION
One of the major outcomes was the recognition of the need to bridge the institutional gap between PAP and PSC. It was agreed that regular, structured engagements will be institutionalized to ensure better coordination on matters of peace, security, conflict prevention, and democratic governance. The Parliament is not merely a deliberative body; it is a key player in preventive diplomacy. Strengthening collaboration will enable PAP to play a more proactive role in mediation, early warning, and post-conflict reconstruction.
6.1.2. ENHANCED ROLE OF PAP IN CONFLICT PREVENTION AND PEACEBUILDING
There was consensus on the need to involve PAP more directly in monitoring conflict hotspots, engaging stakeholders at the grassroots, and ensuring that the voices of African citizens—particularly women and youth—are heard and reflected in peace processes. The retreat underscored the importance of empowering the Pan-African Parliament to support and monitor the implementation of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA).
6.1.3 INFORMATION SHARING AND EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS
The meeting agreed on the development of a joint framework for sharing intelligence and early warning data. PAP Committees will work with PSC and the Continental Early Warning System (CEWS) to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging threats. This real-time coordination is critical in dealing with the threats of terrorism, unconstitutional changes of government, and cross-border conflicts that undermine stability.
6.1.4. COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRACY, GOVERNANCE, AND HUMAN RIGHTS
The retreat reaffirmed the indivisibility of peace and good governance. It was agreed that both organs will enhance collaboration in monitoring democratic transitions, supporting electoral processes, and addressing issues of political exclusion, marginalization, and youth radicalization.
6.1.5 JOINT MISSIONS AND FIELD ENGAGEMENTS
A practical step agreed upon was the initiation of joint fact-finding missions to countries in conflict or post-conflict situations. These missions will ensure that recommendations are grounded in reality and informed by the lived experiences of affected communities.
6.1.6 JOINTLY ADVANCING THE EZULWINI CONSENSUS
The PAP and the PSC also agreed to jointly support and advance the Ezulwini Consensus. Adopted in 2005 by the African Union, the Ezulwini Consensus represents a pivotal moment in Africa's diplomatic history. It is more than just a policy position; it is a call for justice, equity, and true representation in global governance — particularly within the United Nations.
The central demand of the Ezulwini Consensus is clear: Africa deserves permanent representation on the UN Security Council — with at least two permanent seats with veto power, and five non-permanent seats. Why? Because the current structure, established in the aftermath of World War II, no longer reflects the realities of the modern world.
Africa, a continent of 55 nations and over 1.4 billion people, contributes enormously to global peacekeeping, economic development, and environmental sustainability. Yet, when it comes to decision-making on matters of international peace and security, Africa remains on the sidelines. This is not just unfair — it is unsustainable.
The Ezulwini Consensus also goes beyond Security Council reform. It calls for greater African involvement in global economic institutions, disarmament efforts, human rights governance, and environmental negotiations. In doing so, it presents a bold vision: a world order where African nations are not passive recipients of policy but active architects of global norms.
Let me be clear: this is not a plea for charity. This is a demand for justice — and for a global system that truly embodies the principles of fairness, inclusivity, and democracy. If we are serious about creating a just and representative global order, then Africa’s rightful place must be acknowledged and secured. The PAP and the Peace and Security Council will play their part in advancing this political and developmental imperative.
6.1.7 PROMOTING RATIFICATION OF AFRICAN UNION LEGAL INSTRUMENTS
The Joint Meeting called on PAP as the continental Parliament to take decisive, meaningful, and overdue action on the ratification of African Union legal instruments. It was recognised that across our continent, the African Union has provided us with the tools to build a stronger, more united, more just Africa. These instruments — treaties, charters, protocols, and conventions — are not just bureaucratic paperwork, they are blueprints for the future we all claim to desire, “The Africa We All Want.”
From democracy and governance, to women’s rights, to free movement, integration, and economic justice, these legal frameworks capture the collective aspirations of African people. Yet, too many of them remain stuck at the level of signature without ratification, commitment without implementation.
Let me pose a question: What does it mean to speak of Pan-Africanism, of African solutions to African problems, when we leave our own agreements unsigned, or unratified? How can we build "The Africa We Want" — as envisaged in Agenda 2063 — if we do not first give legal life to our shared promises?
Consider, for example:
- The African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance — a vital tool in fighting unconstitutional changes of government. Still not fully ratified across the continent.
- The Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons — which aims to unify Africans, open borders, and encourage continental citizenship. Still lacking critical signatures and ratifications.
- The African Disability Protocol, the Protocol on Women’s Rights, — all bold, progressive texts held back by political hesitation.
And yet, what do we lose by procrastinating? We lose public trust. We lose time. We lose lives. Hon. Members, ratification is not a symbolic act. It is a political and moral commitment to the people. When we ratify, we bind ourselves to action. We give our citizens tools to claim their rights and hold governments accountable. We empower our institutions to deliver justice and protect the vulnerable.
I, therefore, urge this house, and every African parliament, cabinet, and head of state to move beyond rhetoric, accelerate ratification of AU legal instruments and prioritize implementation.
6.1.8 THE WAY FORWARD
As we reflect on the outcomes of this retreat, it is evident that the strength of our continent lies in unity, collaboration, and collective action. The Pan-African Parliament must continue to be a vocal and active agent in ensuring that Africa speaks with one voice on matters of peace and security. We cannot speak of development without peace, and we cannot guarantee peace without justice and inclusion. The retreat was not the end—it was a beginning. A renewed partnership between PAP and PSC must now be driven forward with determination, resourcing, and political will.
In line with our performance orientation, let us rise to the occasion. Let us ensure that the agreements reached are not lost in transcripts and communiqués but translated into tangible impact for the people of Africa. Our citizens demand peace. They deserve security. And they expect action.
7.0 OUTCOMES OF THE AFRICAN UNION MID-YEAR CO-ORDINATION MEETING: THE IMPERATIVE OF BREAKING THE RHETORIC–ACTION GAP
Excellencies, Hon. Members, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Bureau of the Pan African Parliament attended the recently concluded 7th African Union Mid - Year Coordination Meeting (MYCM) and related meetings held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, from 10th to 13th June 2025. If the AU manages to transcend from policy rhetoric to concrete institutional action, the 7th MYCM may mark a turning point in terms of deepening regional integration and strengthening Africa’s voice against global financial inequities.
7.1 CHALLENGING GLOBAL FINANCIAL NORMS
The Mid – Year Coordination Meeting underscored a growing call to overhaul the global financial system, as current Western-led frameworks are no longer fit for purpose. African states roundly emphasized the need for financial sovereignty, reform of global institutions, or the creation of alternative financial structures.
It must be recalled that this is one of the foundational objectives of the Ezulwini Consensus which also calls for a greater voice for Africa in global financial institutions. The policy pronouncements have been made, even since 2005. What remains is to see action in driving the financial sovereignty of the continent.
As the carrier of the people’s voice, PAP must also play its part in driving this agenda through Parliamentary diplomacy in international Parliamentary fora, such as the AU-EU and PAP-EUP meetings. As the people’s representatives, we have been conspicuous by our silence on this issue. We cannot afford to remain silent if Africa is to be an influential player in the global development agenda which translates to economic development, improved livelihoods and the prosperity of our people. The words of Edmund Burke are instructive at this point, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
7.2 COMMITMENT TO THE AFRICAN CONTINENTAL FREE TRADE AREA (AfCFTA)
The Mid–Year Coordination Summit underscored the need to foster deeper continental integration and collective prosperity guided by the findings of the 2025 Africa Regional Integration Report which showed slow progress in productive and infrastructural integration.
Recognizing that Africa’s strongest integration performance lies in free movement of people, goods and services and macro-economic coordination, the Summit recommitted to the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Tripartite Free Trade Area.
For PAP, therefore, to remain relevant in the AU governance framework, we must play our part in lobbying for the full implementation of the AfCFTA through regional and national Parliaments and also conduct oversight to ensure that the Union is living up to its commitments to elevate trade integration beyond the current levels.
7.3 U.S. TARRIFS ON AFRICA
The Heads of States and Government also deliberated on the tariffs being levied by the United States of America on goods produced and exported from Africa. Recently, it was disheartening to hear the Governor of South Africa’s Reserve Bank warning that U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs—targeting South African exports such as citrus, wine, and automotive products—could place up to 100,000 jobs at risk. The tariffs, set to take effect on August 1, threaten sectors already under economic pressure.
For decades, Africa has been a supplier of raw materials to the world, often at the expense of its own industrialization and economic sovereignty. Tariffs — especially those imposed by powerful economies like the United States — have contributed significantly to this imbalance.
Tariffs on African exports hurt the very people powerful nations claims to support — small farmers, entrepreneurs, and manufacturers trying to grow industries and lift communities out of poverty. When African cotton is taxed while raw American cotton is subsidized, or when processed African cocoa faces higher tariffs than raw beans, it discourages value addition in Africa — the very thing needed to create jobs and wealth.
In the wake of this reality, the MYCM acknowledged that these developments are an opportunity for African countries to harness the advantages provided by the AfCFTA to trade more amongst themselves and foster collective self-sufficiency and prosperity. The AfCFTA, if implemented, will be a game changer for the continent which PAP must fully support.
7.4 AFRICA TEAM ROUNDTABLE
We congratulate AUDA-NEPAD for conceptualizing and developing jointly with the AUC and RECs, the Africa Team Programme Document which serves as a unified framework for alignment, delivery and resource mobilization for a pipeline of high impact investment programmes aimed at accelerating the implementation of Agenda 2063. The Africa Team Programme aligns to the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Though the initiative was roundly endorsed by Organs and other partners, the Africa Team was cautioned to include the African private sector in the initiative, ensure equitable development in Member States, and carry the voice of the people in its development programmes by including PAP as part of the team.
7.5 AU INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS
The report on AU Institutional Reforms was presented to the PRC during the PRC Meetings held in June and Organs were given an opportunity to make an input into the report.
The PAP queried some of the proposals made in the report, among them, the restriction of the PAP’s mandate focusing only on the consultative role, the proposal to reduce the number of staff as well as the proposal to introduce shared services. The AU has indicated that an Extraordinary Summit will be convened in November to discuss specifically the issue of reforms. PAP will be represented at the Summit and we will stand our ground in defending our mandate and the place of the Pan African Parliament in the continental governance matrix.
7.6 ELECTION OF AFRICAN UNION COMMISSIONERS
Elections were conducted for the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI) as well as the Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Mining (ETTIM) during the MYCM. The following were duly elected as Commissioners:
- H.E. Professor Gaspard Banyankimbona (Burundi) – ESTI
- H.E Francisca Tatchoup Belobe (Equatorial Guinea) - ETTIM
The full complement of elected officials now stands as follows”:
- AUC Chairperson: H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti, Eastern Region)
- AUC Deputy Chairperson: H.E. Selma Malika Haddadi (Algeria, Northern Region)
Commissioners
- Ambassador Bankole Adeoye (Nigeria, Western Region), Political Affairs, Peace & Security (PAPS)
- H.E. Moses Vilakati (Eswatini, Southern Region), Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy & Sustainable Environment (ARBE)
- H.E. Lerato Mataboge (South Africa, Southern Region), Infrastructure & Energy (I&E)
- Ambassador Amma Twum‑Amoah (Ghana, Western Region), Health, Humanitarian Affairs & Social Development (HHS)
- H.E. Professor Gaspard Banyankimbona (Burundi) – Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI)
- H.E. Francisca Tatchoup Belobe (Equatorial Guinea) – Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Mining (ETTIM)
8.0 ADVANCING THE AFRICAN UNION THEME OF THE YEAR FOR 2025:
“JUSTICE FOR AFRICANS AND PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT THROUGH REPARATIONS”
Excellencies, Hon. Members, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Article 3(1) of the PAP Protocol compels us to “Facilitate the effective implementation of the policies and objectives of the African Union.” It is for that reason that we are obliged to lend our support to the African Union Theme of the Year for 2025, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.”
Justice is not charity, it is a debt long overdue. Distinguished leaders of Africa, global partners, voices of our diaspora, and champions of justice everywhere. Therefore, we gather here not only to reflect—but to demand. Not only to remember—but to repair.
For too long, the cries of our ancestors—chained in ships, lashed in fields, and silenced in systems—have echoed unanswered. For too long, the children of Africa and her scattered descendants have borne the scars of slavery, colonization, racial apartheid, and economic exploitation.
Today, the African Union and PAP speaks with one voice: enough is enough. Justice is not a gift to be granted. It is a right. And it is time. We speak of reparations—not as handouts, but as healing. Not as sympathy, but as structural correction because the past is not past. Its legacies are alive today—in the ghettos of the Global North, in the debt traps of the Global South, in the stolen wealth that built empires while Africa bled.
Our people still suffer exclusion, racial violence, and systemic poverty—not because of their failures, but because of the world’s failure to reckon with its crimes. Clearly, reparations are not only about money. They are about dignity. Restoration. Return. Recognition. They are about land that was stolen, languages that were erased, families that were torn apart, and futures that were denied.
As the continental Parliament, we call for:
- Financial reparations—from those who built their wealth on the backs of enslaved and colonized peoples.
- Institutional reparations—through education reform, debt justice, and the rewriting of history.
- Cultural reparations—the return of stolen artifacts, ancestors, and knowledge systems.
- And legal justice—to hold institutions accountable for crimes against humanity.
9.0 PAP INTERNAL ISSUES
9.1 STAFF RECRUITMENT
The recruitment of staff remains in abeyance after indications from the AUC that there is no budget for recruitment in 2025. The AUC has also indicated that recruitment has been suspended until the SACA process is concluded. This has affected service delivery by the Secretariat with over 24 vacancies in the institution. This year alone, we are likely to lose even more staff to retirement.
We continue lobbying as a Bureau for the PAP to be allowed to recruit as we have vacancies in critical positions, among them, Head of Finance, Senior Internal Auditor, and Head of Human Resources.
9.2 THE PAP BUDGET
The PAP Budget for 2025 as well as the budget for 2026 remain COVID-era “lockdown budgets” which do not enable the Parliament to operate optimally. From a high of US$23 million in 2017, the PAP Budget has regressively whittled down to US$10,5 million with over 75% of that budget going towards operational costs.
Less than 25% is left for the core programmes of the Parliament including statutory meetings, Committee oversight activities, Bureau programmes, meetings and rotational duties.
I, therefore, call upon all Members to engage their respective Foreign Ministers and PRC Ambassadors to lobby for a meaningful increase in the budget of PAP budget to maybe not to pre-COVID levels but to a level that allows the institution to fulfil its mandate.
9.3 RESTORATION OF MPs ALLOWANCES
Hon. Members, I am pleased to report that after an extensive period of lobbying, the AU Policy Organs, including the PRC and the Executive Council, have endorsed our request for the restoration of allowances for MPs.
This is not a call for charity nor is it driven by greed, but it is a constitutional imperative that has been violated since 2019. Article 10 of the PAP Protocol states that “The Pan-African Parliamentarians shall be paid an allowance to meet expenses in the discharge of their duties.”
The PRC, during its meetings in June, acknowledged the decision by the Executive Council, through EX.CL/Dec1288 of February 2025, which directed the PRC to restore the allowances of PAP Parliamentarians and pledged to look into this issue after the Mid – Year Coordination Meeting. In the meantime, PAP was tasked to come up with a detailed proposal for the payment of the allowances.
I am happy that both the Chairperson of the PRC and the Chairperson of the PRC Sub Committee on General Supervision and Coordination of Budgetary, Finance and Administrative Matters are present at this Session and we will certainly hold them to that promise.
10.0 CONCLUSION: A CALL FOR UNITY AND ACTION
Excellencies, Honorable Members of the Pan-African Parliament, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we commence our deliberations today, let us be guided by the spirit and philosophy of Ubuntu – the belief that “I am because we are.” It is with that spirit that I conclude my remarks today and hope to inspire a renewed commitment to unity and action in this august institution.
The Pan-African Parliament was established as a voice for the people of Africa — not merely for governments or elites, but for the ordinary men and women who dream of a continent that is free, just, and united. But let us ask ourselves, with honesty and courage: Are we living up to that mission? Are we, as the legislative arm of the African Union, truly acting as the conscience of our continent?
Too often, our unity is spoken but not shown. Our resolutions are passed but not implemented. We face common challenges: poverty, conflict, climate change, youth unemployment, unconstitutional changes of government. Yet we respond in fragments — divided by language, region, or politics — while those who exploit our divisions thrive. Africa must act — and Africa must act as one.
This Parliament must rise above national interests and speak with a continental voice. We must push our governments to ratify AU treaties, to respect democracy and constitutional order, to invest in youth and women, and to unlock the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Let us no longer wait for others to shape our future. Let us shape it ourselves — with African solutions to African problems. Let us pass resolutions that lead to real reforms. Let us hold each other accountable. Let us use this Parliament not just as a stage for speeches, but as a platform for bold and collective action.
And let us remember: Unity is not uniformity — it is the power of diverse voices working toward a shared purpose. In the words of Nelson Mandela, “It always seems impossible until it is done.” But we are the ones entrusted to do it.
Let history not say we were silent. Let it say we stood together, we acted boldly, and we moved Africa forward. Long live African unity! Long live the Pan-African Parliament! Long live the African people! One Africa! One Voice!
I THANK YOU! MERCI BEACOUP! SHUKRAN! OBRIGADO! ASANTE SANA!
