By Tendai Keith Guvamombe
The President of the Pan-African Parliament, H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, recently met with Norwegian Ambassador to Sæther, the Ambassador of Norway to South Africa, in Midrand, South Africa. Their discussions centered around strengthening parliamentary cooperation and tackling the numerous challenges facing the African continent. This meeting highlights the crucial role of the Pan-African Parliament in uniting Africa through diplomatic ties and engagements.
As the highest legislative body in the African Union, the Pan-African Parliament plays a vital role in promoting democratic governance, accountability, and transparency across the continent. Through diplomatic efforts like this meeting, the Parliament aims to foster stronger relationships with international partners, such as Norway, to address common challenges and advance African interests.
Chief Charumbira has consistently emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation among African nations, urging legislators to “Think Africa Above All” . This vision is reflected in the Parliament’s efforts to engage with global leaders and organizations, promoting African perspectives and solutions to global problems. The meeting with Ambassador Sæther demonstrates the Parliament’s commitment to parliamentary diplomacy, which is essential for building bridges between nations and fostering a more integrated and prosperous Africa.
About Pan-African Parliament
The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) is the legislative body of the African Union (AU), which is a continental organization that aims to promote economic, political, and social integration among its 55 member states. The PAP was established in 2004 and is headquartered in Midrand, South Africa.
The main objectives of the Pan-African Parliament are:
1. To promote democratic governance, accountability, and transparency in Africa.
2. To facilitate the participation of African citizens in the decision-making processes of the African Union.
3. To exercise oversight over the executive organs of the African Union.
4. To harmonize and coordinate the policies and laws of African countries.
5. To promote African unity, solidarity, and cooperation.
The Pan-African Parliament has several key functions, including:
1. Law-making: The PAP has the power to make laws and regulations for the African Union.
2. Oversight: The PAP exercises oversight over the executive organs of the African Union, including the African Union Commission and the African Union Council of Ministers.
3. Budgetary control: The PAP has the power to approve and control the budget of the African Union.
4. Representation: The PAP represents the interests of African citizens and promotes their participation in the decision-making processes of the African Union.
The Pan-African Parliament is composed of 250 members, who are elected by the national parliaments of the member states of the African Union. The members serve a five-year term and are divided into five regions, each representing a different region of Africa.
The Pan-African Parliament has several organs, including:
1. The Plenary Assembly: This is the main deliberative organ of the PAP, which meets twice a year to discuss and adopt laws and resolutions.
2. The Bureau: This is the executive organ of the PAP, which is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Parliament.
3. The Committees: The PAP has several committees, which are responsible for examining and reporting on specific issues, such as trade, security, and social affairs.
4. The Regional Caucuses: The PAP has five regional caucuses, which represent the different regions of Africa and provide a platform for members to discuss regional issues.
Overall, the Pan-African Parliament plays a critical role in promoting African unity, democracy, and development, and in providing a platform for African citizens to participate in the decision-making processes of the African Union
