Peace and Security status on the continent will take centre stage in Egypt when the Committee on Cooperation, International Relations and Conflict Resolutions meets in Cairo as part of the August Sittings of the Permanent Committees of the 5th Parliament of the Pan African Parliament (PAP), from 02 to 10 August 2019.
Hosted by the Egyptian House of Representatives, the Sitting will deliberate on an effective and sustainable response to violent extremism as well as countering terrorism; the Rule of Law; and Human Rights in Africa among others.The Rt. Hon. Ali Abdel Aal Sayed Ahmed, Speaker of the House of Representatives, is expected to deliver the opening address.
TheRt. Hon. Roger Nkodo Dang, President of the PAP, indicates that the Committee on Cooperation has further been tasked with unpacking issues related to conflict and flawed elections along with inclusive democracies, managing diversity and sustainable peace.
“In light of the current fragile peace and security situation on the continent, the fact that this consultation is held in the country that currently assumes the chairmanship of the African Union bears particular significance. This will allow for the harmonisation of positions as we strive to provide African solutions to African problems,” says the Rt. Hon. Nkodo Dang.
The PAP President has also praised the Arab Republic of Egypt for constantly offering a platform to the continental Parliament to hold important consultations closer to the citizens of Africa. In fact, the first Ordinary Session of the PAP, outside its seat in Midrand (South Africa), was held in Egypt in October 2016. Egypt also hosted the PAP Committee on Agriculture as part of the August Sittings of the Permanent Committees in 2018.
The August Sittings of the Permanent Committees of the 5th Parliament of PAP will be guided by the African Union theme of 2019; ‘Year of Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons in Africa; Towards durable Solutions to Forced Displacement.’
The meeting in Egypt will be led by Hon. Abdoubakar Kone Sidiki, Chairperson of the PAP Committee on Committee on Cooperation, International Relations and Conflict Resolution.