AU Executive Council Commends Pan-African Parliament Under Chief Charumbira’s Leadership
By Tendai Keith Guvamombe
The recently concluded 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union has marked a historic turning point for the Pan-African Parliament (PAP). Foreign Affairs Ministers from across the continent gathered in Addis Ababa to formally endorse the Parliament’s latest activity report, offering high praise for the institution’s rapid transformation.
The Council specifically highlighted the current Bureau’s leadership and the successful reinstatement of the Clerk of Parliament as key drivers behind the body’s newfound stability and operational efficiency.
The endorsement comes at a time when the PAP is aggressively implementing its 2024–2028 Strategic Plan. Ministers noted with satisfaction how the Parliament has moved beyond internal administrative hurdles to focus on its core mandate of oversight and continental integration.
This includes its increasingly vital role in AU Election Observation Missions and its leadership in high-level discussions surrounding justice and reparations for the continent. By aligning its legislative agenda with the African Union’s broader goals, the PAP is finally becoming the “Voice of Africa” it was intended to be.
A major highlight of the commendation was the Parliament’s recent string of successes in parliamentary diplomacy. The Executive Council lauded the PAP for its collaboration with South Africa’s National Assembly in hosting the prestigious P20 conference.
This event positioned African legislators at the heart of global economic discussions. Furthermore, the Council celebrated the breakthrough Joint Declaration secured with the European Parliament, which specifically targets the restitution of African artifacts.
This diplomatic win is seen as a massive step forward in the continent’s fight to reclaim its stolen cultural heritage.As the Pan-African Parliament moves forward with this renewed mandate, the focus remains on building an “ethical and capable” legislative body.
The Executive Council’s support provides the necessary political capital for the PAP to continue its oversight functions and advocate for the rights of all Africans on the global stage. Stakeholders believe that with this momentum, the Parliament will play a decisive role in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the realization of Agenda 2063.
