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The traditional pre–Ordinary Session engagement between the Bureau of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) and African Ambassadors accredited to the Republic of South Africa, held yesterday at the Parliament Headquarters in Midrand, dissected the political and socio-economic challenges facing the African continent.
The meeting of African Ambassadors with the leadership of the PAP has become a platform to discuss the most pressing issues and agree on the priorities to be included in the programme of the Ordinary Session of the PAP. Today’s engagement took place ahead of the opening ceremony of the Second Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the PAP, scheduled from 15 May to 02 June 2023. The Session will be guided by the AU theme of the year for 2023: “The Year of AfCFTA: Acceleration of the African Continental Free Trade Area Implementation.”
In his opening welcome remarks, the President of the PAP, Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira reiterated the importance of the consultation with African Diplomats, which he describes as an effective feedback mechanism in ensuring that the plight of citizens in all member states of the African Union (AU) is brought to the fore and duly addressed by African legislators.
“Our regular interactions are crucial in ensuring that Parliamentarians, as the representatives of the African citizens, are kept abreast of all the developments taking place throughout the continent. As a reminder, our role as the continental Parliament is to ensure that Africans are involved in discussions and decision-making on the problems and challenges facing the continent. As we meet today, the continent is plagued by various challenges on several fronts including peace and security, climate change and economic development. The programme of the upcoming Ordinary Session seeks to address these challenges as we set out to facilitate and oversee the implementation of AU policies, objectives and programmes,” said Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira.
The current conflict in Sudan was extensively discussed during the meeting. Ambassadors were informed of the provision in the programme of the Session to delve into the peace and security situation on the continent with a briefing to Parliamentarians expected from the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS). In line with the AU theme of the year, the Diplomatic Corps was also sensitized on the scheduled seminar aimed at unbundling of the AfCFTA Agreement and reviewing strategies to accelerate the landmark accord.
Additionally, The PAP is expected to hold the 3rd African Parliamentarians Summit on Climate Policy and Equity. The Summit seeks to galvanise a critical mass of stakeholders capable of catalysing broad support for pro-poor, just, equitable, locally led and science-based decisions in nationally determined contributions (NDCs) implementation and overall climate action.
Finally, the leadership confirmed that the Second Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament will be officially opened on 15 May 2023 by H.E. Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of Comores and Chairperson of the African Union. On the other hand, H.E.Dr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya is expected to grace the opening of the 3rd African Parliamentarians Summit on Climate Policy and Equity.
SOURCE: PAN AFRICAN PARLIAMENT
