Tendai Keith Guvamombe
The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) is reinforcing its mandate as the genuine Voice of the African People by committing to consistent engagement with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
This assurance was delivered by PAP President Chief Fortune Charumbira during the Third Civil Society Engagement held at the PAP Headquarters in Midrand, South Africa.
Chief Charumbira acknowledged Africa’s persistent socio-economic struggles, stating, “Africa remains behind on all statistics—be it education, infrastructure, food, agriculture, technology—but we are told to have the best in terms of natural resources, good soils, best climatic conditions and everything that supports life.”
He emphasised that when Parliament and CSOs gather, they are fundamentally seeking practical solutions to bridge this gap and improve the quality of life for all Africans.
The President stressed that as a continental parliament, the PAP believes success is impossible without the active participation of civic society, which complements its work.
He reminded delegates that the PAP, established in 2004, was a deliberate move to ensure active citizen participation after African founding fathers realised the African Union (AU) was initially a “union of member states and not a union of African citizens.”
Crucially, Chief Charumbira positioned the PAP as the vital link between the people and the executive level of the AU.
He guaranteed that when CSOs engage the PAP and provide recommendations on various issues, the Parliament takes those findings directly to the Heads of States.
“We make a presentation and say this is what the citizens are thinking or saying,” he affirmed, solidifying PAP’s role as the indispensable organ ensuring citizen recommendations drive the continental agenda.
