WNN Africa

03/07/2024

The President of the United Africa Royal Assembly, His Imperial Highness Prince Estifanos Matewos, has joined other world leaders and royals in sending a heartfelt condolence message on the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Latifa, the Queen Mother and mother of Moroccan , who died at the age of 78. On behalf of the United Africa Royal Assembly and all its members, Prince Matewos extended deepest condolences to the King, the Royal Family, and the entire nation of Morocco.
The President expressed profound sorrow over the loss of the Queen Mother, describing her as a pillar of strength, grace, and dignity, whose legacy of compassion and dedication will be forever remembered. In his message, Prince Matewos emphasized the unity and support of the African Royal Families during this difficult time, offering prayers for strength and comfort to King Mohammed VI and the people of .

03/07/2024

Pan African Parliament Plenary Reviews Reports on Revised OAU Convention to Eliminate Mercenaries and the Status of Peace and Security in
The plenary of the Pan-African Parliament convened on the morning of July 2, 2024, to deliberate on the Zero Draft of the Revised OAU Convention for the Elimination of Mercenaries in Africa. This session was led by the Permanent Committee on Cooperation, International Relations, and Conflict Resolution, presenting the outcomes of a joint meeting with the Committee on Justice and Human Rights and the Committee on Rules, Privileges, and Discipline held on June 27.

The Chairperson of the Permanent Committee on Cooperation, International Relations, and Conflict Resolution, Hon. Dr. Sherif Gabaly, reiterated the committee's mandate under Section 26 4C of the Laws and Processes of the African Parliament, which includes evaluating protocols and treaties within the African Union and providing substantial inputs to the Parliament.
"In collaboration with the Department of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security of the African Union, we organized a session aligned with the revised OAU Convention on the elimination of mercenaries in Africa," stated Dr. Gabaly. He also acknowledged the contributions of experts from the African Commission, namely Ms. Jocelyne Nahimana and Mr. Samory Badona Monterio from the African Union Commission (AUC) Department of Political Affairs, who provided parliamentarians with comprehensive insights into the convention. They emphasized that mercenarism is a distinct crime of aggression and highlighted its prohibition within the security services by the African Union.

The plenary heard that the joint session enjoyed a robust exchange of views among the committees’ parliamentarians, who underscored the relevance of the revised convention in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by mercenarism. It was also heard that they highlighted the hand of foreign entities in the recruitment and training of mercenaries, particularly in regions with fragile security systems. The discussions culminated in 4 recommendations presented as follows:

Accelerate Ratification: Urging African Union Member States to expedite the ratification process of the revised convention in light of the imminent threats posed by mercenarism.
Strengthen Security Systems: Emphasizing the need for robust national security frameworks to effectively counter mercenarism.
Foster Cooperation: Prioritizing bilateral and multilateral military cooperation to address the complexities of mercenarism.
Invest in National Armies: Advocating for substantial investments in national defense forces to reduce dependency on private security services.

In his detailed presentation to the plenary, Mr. Christopher Suna Kayoshe, Head of Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration in the Security Sector Reform Division of the African Union Commission, provided an overview of the historical and contemporary dynamics of mercenarism. He pointed out that the original convention, adopted in 1977, was primarily focused on countering colonial and foreign domination. However, the current landscape, characterized by the rise of private military companies (PMCs), necessitates a revised approach.

"The essence of revising this convention lies in addressing the loopholes that allow mercenaries and PMCs to operate with impunity, often destabilizing legitimate governments and impeding socio-economic development," Mr. Kayoshe stated. He highlighted the need for regulatory mechanisms and enforcement strategies to tackle these modern challenges effectively.
Mr. Kayoshe also drew attention to the broader geopolitical implications of mercenarism, noting that African nationals are increasingly being recruited to fight in conflicts outside the continent, as evidenced by recent developments in Ukraine. "The proliferation of mercenaries and affiliated groups undermines regional stability and poses significant obstacles to achieving lasting peace in Africa," he added.

Another segment of Hon. Dr. Gabaly covered the committee’s report of the meeting on the Status of Peace and Security in Africa held on Tuesday, June 25. Among organizations that engaged parliamentarians, was Afrobarometer, a network of African scholars conducting regular public opinion surveys on governance, human rights, peace, and security.

The Committee Chairperson presented to the plenary concerning findings contributing to conflict in include economic inefficiency, rising youth unemployment, poverty, lack of social services and a significant public distrust in democratic institutions, with 47% of citizens expressing a lack of confidence, often leading to a preference for military regimes over democratic governance.
The Chairperson went on to inform the plenary of the AU Department of Political Affairs Peace and Security (AUPAPS) prioritization in 2024 of resolving crises in Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Eastern Congo, and the Greater Sahel region. He underscored the importance of the enhanced collaboration between the AUPAPS and the Pan-African Parliament, aiming to avoid threats to peace through a knowledge-based approach in peace consolidation and conflict resolution.
In light of the multifaceted nature of conflicts threatening Africa's peace and security, the committee members made several recommendations:

Strengthening democracy and the rule of law in African Union member states.
Combating poverty and youth alienation.
Ensuring the provision of social services to populations.
Strengthening national unity and fighting corruption.
Guaranteeing democratic regime change.
Avoiding foreign intervention in internal affairs.
Combating all forms of imperialism to prevent conflicts in Africa.

The Permanent Committee on Cooperation, International Relations, and Conflict Resolution of the Pan-African Parliament further recommends the establishment of a security fund for peace initiatives, stressing the importance of reducing financial dependence on Western powers and utilizing Africa's natural resources to finance programs and projects. For the African Union’s quasi-Legislative Organ, it is essential to establish robust cooperation with the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the African Commission, devise effective methods to address current challenges from national parliaments, and organize parliamentary missions in conflict zones and election monitoring, which are crucial for the committee's mandate but currently hindered by financial constraints.to support countries striving for peace and stability.
The plenary presentation concluded with Chairperson Hon. Dr. Sherif Gabaly urged Pan-African Parliament MPs to advocate for its ratification within their national parliaments. The revised convention aims to regulate private military companies (PMCs), address governance and human rights concerns, and strengthen Africa's resilience against mercenaries. This initiative is a crucial step towards achieving peace and stability in Africa, aligning with the African Union's 2024 theme, "Educate and Skill Africa for the 21st Century."
Following the presentation, African Parliamentarians engaged in a robust debate, offering further recommendations for the committee to submit to experts for the amendment of the OAU Convention for the Elimination of Mercenarism in Africa. They underscored the importance of a comprehensive and enforceable framework that addresses the multifaceted nature of mercenarism, including its economic, political, and security dimensions.

WATCH DEBATE HERE: https://www.youtube.com/live/uv2c4W7_2ig?si=vfX0ZrdNfERpyAlX

02/07/2024

Addressing fellow parliamentarians and dignitaries, Honorable Esther M Passaris, OGW of the Kenyan delegation to the Pan African Parliament asserted that Africa remains a “dark continent” due to pervasive issues such as corruption, population growth, debt, and manipulated elections. The Kenyan Legislator submitted her intervention during a plenary debate on peace and security at 3rd Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament .on 2 July, 2024

“We have seen it in every election cycle,” she stated, highlighting the manipulation and false promises that plague African elections. The Kenyan legislator lamented the loss of trust in the electoral process, noting that in her home country’s last elections saw 8 million Kenyans abstain from voting due to a lack of confidence.

Hon. Muthoni Passaris called for an end to corruption, advocating for a continent where leaders, irrespective of personal c***ections, are held accountable. “Whether it is your brother, your wife, your mother, your son, corruption should not be tolerated,” she declared.

The parliamentarian also addressed the continent’s population growth, recalling a historical perspective from the 1960s when Kenyan leader Tom Mboya spoke of population control as a goal. With a 40% employment rate and the increasing impact of artificial intelligence on job markets, Hon. Muthoni Passaris stressed the urgent need for family planning to avoid unsustainable population growth.

Debt and climate change were also major points in her speech. She underscored the debilitating impact of high-interest rates on African nations and the pressing need to address these financial burdens. Hon. Muthoni Passaris called for a collective approach to engage with global financial bodies and address the continent’s debt crisis.The Kenyan MP did not shy away from critiquing the internal workings of the Pan-African Parliament itself, urging her colleagues to strive for a corruption-free institution. “If we have corruption, if we manipulate elections, if we don’t talk about the population, we will have to manage not only machinery but also conflicts,” she warned.

Hon. Muthoni Passaris also touched on food security and climate change, advocating for a unified African voice to engage with global partners and address these critical issues. She called for reparations and accountability for the continent’s colonial past, emphasizing the need for fair tax exchanges and tangible support for Africa’s development.

The legislator passionately issued a stark warning about the future as she referenced the dire consequences of bad leadership, including the potential for total anarchy, drawing parallels with conflicts in Syria and Libya. “No one wants to see their children without medicines in hospitals or unable to get a job after obtaining a degree,” Hon. Muthoni Passaris stated, emphasizing the human cost of governance failures.

“The spirit of Africa as a dark continent is actually coming like a shadow and very soon it will consume us,” she cautioned. Honorable Esther Muthoni Passaris implored her colleagues to commit to real change, saying, “If we want to stop being the dark continent, we must have an honest reflection on who and how we represent ourselves and what we dream for Africa.”

02/07/2024

Eswatini Prime Minister Encourages Africa to Embrace Home-Grown Democracy and Ubuntu

H.E. Russell Dlamini, Prime Minister of , urged African nations to adopt home-grown democratic systems and embrace the philosophy of Ubuntu. Addressing the Pan-African Parliament Plenary, he stated that the prevalent Western democracy has not entirely benefited Africa and its people.

Speaking at the 3rd Ordinary Session of the 6th Pan-African Parliament in Midrand, South Africa, Dlamini focused on "Unpacking the Issue of Pan-Africanism" and the role of the Pan-African Parliament. He highlighted that since May 1963, when 32 African heads of state met in Addis Ababa to establish the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), later the African Union (AU), the vision was always for a united and self-determined Africa. The OAU Charter emphasized freedom, equality, justice, and dignity as essential for achieving Africans' aspirations. Pan-Africanism aimed to promote understanding and cooperation, transcending ethnic and national differences, rooted in African socialism and unity.

H.E. Dlamini noted that the foreign democratic system had failed to bring Africa peace, stability, and prosperity. He pointed out that it often leads to frequent leadership changes, partisanship, and instability, recycling leaders without transforming societies. Instead, he called for home-grown systems that unite Africans and focus on growth, development, peace, and unity.

He cited Eswatini's unique blend of western and traditional democracy, the Tinkhundla (county) system, as an example. This system, established in 1978 under King Sobhuza II, combines Western democratic elements with traditional practices, promoting non-partisan, county-level elections, and collective national leadership. Dlamini asserted that this system has brought stability and respect for human rights, empowered women, and could serve as a model for other African nations.

Dlamini also emphasized Africa's need to reject foreign concepts disguised as human rights that do not align with African values. He stressed the importance of preserving core values such as family, respect for human life, and dignity to safeguard African identity.

He urged Africa to capitalize on its natural resources, such as fertile soils, minerals, and a youthful population, protecting them from exploitation. Dlamini advocated for adding value to raw materials to retain wealth within the continent and highlighted the need to educate and empower young people with skills, critical thinking, and innovation to solve Africa's problems.

Former Pan-African Parliament member and South African MP, Professor Mathole Motshekga, also addressed the delegates. He called on African Parliamentarians to promote Pan-Africanism and the African Renaissance at the grassroots level, suggesting that these concepts could significantly contribute to the continent's growth and development if widely adopted and implemented.

As seen on Pan African Parliament website

29/06/2024

ECOSOCC National Chapters to Boost Collaboration Between Pan-African Parliament and Civil Society

At the ongoing Third Ordinary Session of the Sixth Pan African Parliament , Mr. William Carew, Head of Secretariat for the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (African Union ECOSOCC), announced the roll-out of ECOSOCC National Chapters which he says will provide for enhancing collaboration between Pan-African Parliament (PAP) representatives and civil society organizations (CSOs) across African Union (AU) member states.

Delivering his speech at the Second Pan-African Parliament’s Dialogue with Civil Society, Carew highlighted the importance of integrating civil society into the political framework to ensure inclusive and transparent governance. He stated that ensuring continuous dialogue between parliamentarians and civil society is essential for representing diverse interests, promoting transparency, and enhancing the legitimacy of parliamentary decisions.

Carew underscored the AU’s unique position as a people-centric organization. He drew an analogy, likening the relationship between the state and its citizens to the two sides of a coin, emphasizing that both are indispensable for a functional society. “The narrative must change; parliamentarians and civil society should and can work as one. This entails a change of mindset and the realization that our days on this planet are limited,” he said.

He outlined several benefits of ongoing dialogue between parliamentarians and civil society. Civil society provides varied viewpoints that can enrich decision-making, ensures transparency, holds parliamentarians accountable, and brings invaluable grassroots insights. Engaging with civil society builds public trust in governance, encourages participation of marginalized groups in political processes, fosters understanding and cooperation aiding conflict resolution, and facilitates effective policy implementation.

Carew also linked this collaborative spirit to the AU’s Agenda 2063, a strategic framework for the continent’s socio-economic transformation. He emphasized that civil society and parliamentarians can work together to raise awareness, advocate for policy changes, and monitor progress towards Agenda 2063’s goals. “By working together in a coordinated and collaborative manner, African civil society and parliamentarians can effectively contribute to the realization of Agenda 2063’s vision for a united, prosperous, and peaceful Africa,” he asserted.

The upcoming roll-out of ECOSOCC National Chapters is expected to create robust networks at the national level, providing new platforms for PAP representatives to engage with CSOs. This initiative aims to bring policymakers and civil society closer, fostering a collaborative environment to drive the continent’s development agenda forward.

Concluding his speech, Carew extended an invitation to the ECOSOCC20 Commemorative Events, scheduled to take place in Accra from 16th to 20th July 2024. These events will celebrate the 20th anniversary of both ECOSOCC and PAP, marking two decades of their efforts to bridge the gap between the people and policymakers.

29/06/2024

As we mark the International Day of Parliamentarism this June 30th, President of the Pan African Parliament , H E Chief Fortune Charumbira, has charged members of the Continental Parliament to take the message of the African Union theme for the year to all citizens of Africa.
Earlier this year, the AU declared 2024 the “Year of Education”. Theme of the year is “Educate and Skill Africa for the 21st Century”. Building on the Transformative Education Summit of 2022, the AU’s Heads of States are committed to addressing the global education crisis and making progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4): to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” It is the first time that the AU considered and chose education as their theme and signaling a strong message towards achieving SDG4.

According to the President, the Pan-African Parliament plays a very important role in ensuring that policies and treaties of the African Union are translated into national legislations and enforced by Member States in line with Article 3(1) of the PAP Protocol. Article 3 of the Pan-African Parliament’s Protocol states that, “The objectives of the Pan-African Parliament shall be to: (a) Give a voice to the African peoples and the Diaspora; (b) facilitate the effective implementation of the policies and objectives of the AU…”

He stressed that the Parliament discharges its mandate in the AU governance system by being the link between the people of Africa and the AU organs, adding that, “It is worth noting that the PAP in exercising this mandate undertakes annual activities aimed at promoting the theme for the year. These activities are aimed at promoting awareness of the particular theme on the AU priorities and policy directions for the year. It is in the light of this that the Pan-African Parliament has organized this one-day workshop”.

Addressing Members of the Pan-African Parliament, dignitaries from the diplomatic community, Academia, Civil Society Organizations, and the media at a workshop on the AU theme for the year, H E Chief Fortune Charumbira tasked Hon Koudio Kouakuo Bertin, the Chairman of the Committee on Education, Culture, Tourism and Human Resources, to develop a document for adoption by plenary that MPs can take back to their respective countries for debate at the national parliament. He noted that the various national parliament upon debating on this report can also make inputs to it. These inputs will then be added to the recommendations of the Pan-African Parliament, which will be sent to the AU during its February meeting at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

H E Chief Fortune Charumbira emphasized the need for the Pan-African Parliament and National Parliaments to mobilise domestic resources for the transformation of the education sector.

“African parliamentarians have a critical role to play in ensuring that adequate resources are allocated to this important sector nationally and continentally. We need to leverage on our control of the national purse to mobilize adequate resources to equip young people with quality education and in-demand skills, and to empower all children regardless of gender, status, level of education or ability, so that no one is left behind. Together we can spearhead an educational turnaround in Africa!” he challenged.

27/06/2024

It's all calm in the Nairobi CBD. Anti-riot police officers stationed in several places including Moi and Kenyatta Avenue.

27/06/2024

Kenya Update: Roads blocked as demos kick off in Migori Town

27/06/2024

Nairobi city currently

26/06/2024

How To Prevent Kenya-Level Protests In Nigeria

When the Cybersecurity Levy was to be implemented by the Central Bank of Nigeria, there was no street protest. Just social media trends against it. And President Tinubu overruled the CBN and ordered the suspension of the levy. No matter what you think about Tinubu, at least you must admit that by that act, he demonstrated control over his government and signalled that he feels the pulse of the public in a way that President Ruto of Kenya does not.

What happened in Kenya could have been prevented. Since it was not prevented, it should not be allowed to reoccur unnecessarily. African leaders should now learn a lesson from it. Do not allow things to spiral out of control before you act.

Please do not allow your aides to cage you and give you only news that they have carefully curated and sanitised. Be on social media yourself to keep tabs on what influencers are saying. Watch the morning TV shows personally, especially the ones notorious for being against you and your government. Read the papers and popular columnists firsthand. Listen to grassroots radio stations. In short, don't isolate yourself from your people. Watch, hear and read what the media is feeding them and what is trending. Then, use that information to be proactive in your policies and pronouncements.

That is what General Buhari did not do. His own minister, Rotimi Amaechi, admitted that "the President does not read". And we saw a glimpse of that when he signed a document with his name wrongly spelt and then allowed an aide to upload it on social media.

Buhari's failure to be hands on is why we had . EndSARS did not start on the streets. It started on social media, with influencers, like Segun Awosanya, , and moved to the streets, where it became leaderless. The creator, who had good intentions, watched his creation become almost a Frankenstein monster. And once a protest becomes leaderless, it is hard to contain it without bloodshed.

Let us not be aloof and say it cannot happen in Nigeria. Look at the types of things Peter Obi has been posting on social media. They are getting increasingly alarming. Working in tandem with Arise TV, this steady dribble of propaganda and misinformation can ignite a Kenya-style protest if left unchecked.

If I were to hazard a guess, I would say that the President should watch two historically volatile states, Kano and Rivers. If anything can ignite future protests in Nigeria, it would be Kano and Rivers.

The crisis of monarchical proportions playing out in Kano can suddenly erupt into street protests. If I were the President, I would call the Governor and the two competition Emirs to A*o Rock and urge them to resolve the crisis judicially rather than politically and for all parties involved (especially Emir Sanusi) to desist from making public statements and addressing large crowds until the issue has been judicially resolved.

Additionally, I would promise that whoever fails to get the Emirate will be compensated by a plum Federal Government position.

As for Rivers, I would just assert myself as President and order my minister to stop being a meddlesome interloper. Rivers is too volatile, and whatever Wike brings to the table is nowhere near enough to take the risks being taken in Rivers.

Let us learn from the Kenyan protests and take proactive action. Because many Nigerians, especially those who are disappointed with the results of the last election, watched the Kenyan protests with glee and are even now scheming to replicate it in Nigeria. God forbid!

Reno Omokri

25/06/2024

Uhuru Park plane set on fire

25/06/2024

Kenyan Revolution: Power now with the pple. 13kgs pure gold as lawmakers go into hiding.

25/06/2024

Best picture from Kenyan protest

25/06/2024

Section of the Kenyan Parliament burnt by protesters as lawmakers hide in tunnels to save their lives

25/06/2024

25/06/2024

Kenyan citizens took to the street to protest new tax bill

23/06/2024

Adel bin Abdul Rahman Al A*oomi, the Speaker and President of the Arab Parliament البرلمان العربي, has arrived in South Africa in anticipation of the opening of the 3rd Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan African Parliament(PAP) on Monday, where he will serve as the Guest Speaker. His visit is a testament to the growing rapport between the legislative bodies of the جامعة الدول العربية - League of Arab States and the African Union.

The Pan-African Parliament, headquartered in Midrand, South Africa, is set to host its first plenary session since July 2023. This session will address issues of substantial interest to the Arab Parliament, especially on peace and security in Africa, including deliberations on the African Union’s Common Position on UN Security Council reforms. The agenda also includes consultations on the zero draft of the revised OAU Convention for the elimination of mercenaries in Africa. Additionally, the session will feature an update from the Government of South Africa regarding the court case it has filed against Israel.

Al A*oomi, a seasoned Bahraini politician, has been a member of Bahrain’s Council of Representatives, the lower house of the national parliament, since 2006. He was elected Speaker and President of the Arab Parliament in 2020 and was re-elected for a new two-year term on October 1, 2022, a term that is set to conclude this year.

*About the Arab Parliament*

The Arab Parliament, established in 2005, is the legislative and supervisory arm of the Arab League. Its creation was part of a broader movement toward democracy and international pressure for political reform within the Arab region. Initially functioning as a provisional parliament, it gained permanent status in 2012 after the Council of the League adopted its statutes.

Based in Cairo, Egypt, the Arab Parliament meets twice a year for sessions in March and September, each lasting two months. It comprises four main committees: Foreign, Political, and Security Affairs; Economic and Financial Affairs; Legislative, Legal, and Human Rights Affairs; and Social, Cultural, Gender, and Youth Affairs. These committees are supported by the General Secretariat, which provides technical expertise.

The Arab Parliament is unique within the Arab League’s framework due to its voting system. Unlike other Arab League organs, which operate on state or regime votes, the Arab Parliament uses individual member votes, enhancing its role as a forum for dialogue and decision-making. Its members, 88 in total, are nominated by the national parliaments of the 22 Arab League States, representing the Arab nation as a whole rather than individual governments.

The relationship between the Arab Parliament and the Pan-African Parliament has been marked by significant events, including the visit of PAP President H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira to Cairo on February 11, 2023, for the 5th Congress of Speakers of Arab Councils and Parliaments. This visit highlighted the commitment to strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation and addressing shared challenges.

Al A*oomi’s participation as a guest speaker at the PAP session is expected to further solidify this cooperation, fostering dialogue on mutual interests and promoting regional stability and development. The collaborative efforts between the Arab and African parliaments aim to address pressing issues such as security, economic development, and human rights, contributing to the broader goals of both regions.

22/06/2024

EFFECTIVE RESULTS-BASED MANAGEMENT AND STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR THE BUREAU AND BUREAUX OF THE PAN-AFRICAN PARLIAMENT.

The Pan African Parliament (PAP) has recommenced its activities, marking the occasion with a joint workshop for the PAP Bureau and the Chairpersons of the Permanent Committees (Bureaux). This workshop is aimed at addressing the continent's strategic goals and overcoming operational challenges. The workshop is being held ahead of the 3rd Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) scheduled for 24 June to 5 July 2024 in Midrand, South Africa.
Central to the workshop was a presentation by Mrs. Botho Keba Bayendi, Director of Strategic Planning and Delivery at the African Union Commission. Mrs. Bayendi provided an in-depth overview of Agenda 2063, the African Union's ambitious blueprint for transforming Africa into a global powerhouse of the future. She detailed the 10-Year Implementation Plan and highlighted several Continental Moonshots aimed at accelerating progress in key areas such as infrastructure development, economic growth, and technological innovation.
To address the apparent gaps in planning and ex*****on, Dr. Dr. Remember Miamingi from Integrate Africa Advisory delivered a comprehensive session on result-based planning, budgeting, monitoring, and evaluation. Dr. Miamingi emphasized the importance of aligning resources with outcomes to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the AU's initiatives.
A critical issue discussed during the workshop was the funding of the Pan-African Parliament and the African Union. It was revealed that Member States' contributions constitute only about 6% of the overall budget, with over 90% being funded by external partners. This heavy reliance on external funding has raised concerns about the sustainability and autonomy of the AU's programs.
Some Members of Parliament (MPs) argued that the crux of the problem lies not in the budget itself but in the political will and governance issues within Member States. These MPs stressed the need for stronger political commitment to ensure that the AU's objectives can be met effectively.
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Structure and Functions of the Pan-African Parliament
The Pan-African Parliament's organizational structure includes the Bureau and Permanent Committees, which are vital to its operations. The Bureau, composed of a president and four vice-presidents representing the five AU regions, oversees the management and administration of the Parliament and its organs.
The PAP has ten Permanent Committees and one ad hoc committee, each with mandates that mirror those of the AU Specialized Technical Committees. These committees can have up to 30 members each and cover a wide range of critical areas:
Committee on Education, Culture, Tourism, and Human Resources
Committee on Cooperation, International Relations, and Conflict Resolution
Committee on Gender, Family, Youth, and People with Disabilities
Committee on Monetary and Financial Affairs
Committee on Trade, Customs, and Immigration Matters
Committee on Health, Labour, and Social Affairs
Committee on Transport, Industry, Communications, Energy, Science, and Technology
Committee on Rules, Privileges, and Discipline
Committee on Justice and Human Rights
Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environment
Committee on Audit and Public Accounts (CAPA)
The Pan-African Parliament is guided by the Protocol to the Abuja Treaty and its Rules of Procedure. Its primary objectives and functions include:
Facilitating and overseeing the implementation of AU policies, objectives, and programs.
Promoting human rights, democratic institutions, good governance, transparency, and the rule of law across AU organs, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and Member States.
Raising awareness among Africans about the AU’s objectives and programs, fostering continental solidarity, cooperation, and development.
Contributing to the harmonization and coordination of Member States’ legislation.
Coordinating RECs' policies, measures, programs, and activities.
Preparing and adopting its budget and Rules of Procedure.
Electing its Bureau members and making recommendations on the AU budget.
Composition of the PAP
The Parliament comprises five members from each Member State that has ratified the Protocol establishing it, including at least one woman per Member State. This structure ensures that the diversity of political opinions within national parliaments is reflected in the PAP.