By Tendai Guvamombe
In a powerful address at the ongoing 4th Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament in Midrand, Johannesburg, President H.E. Chief Fortune Zephania Charumbira emphasized the critical role of the institution in promoting peace, security, and stability on the continent.
Charumbira highlighted the unique advantage of the Pan-African Parliament, having at least five representatives from each member state, providing a vital entry point for initiating dialogue and finding lasting solutions through parliamentary diplomacy
However, he lamented that the PAP has not received a budget allocation for these missions over the past four years, with concerns raised that their efforts would duplicate those of the Peace and Security Council.
The president’s remarks came during the session themed “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Learning in Africa.”
Charumbira underscored the importance of education in achieving Africa’s development goals and called for collective action to promote peace, emphasizing that it is everyone’s responsibility.
“As PAP we must and can do more to contribute to the promotion of peace,
security and stability on the continent.
We are the only institution which enjoys the singular advantage of having
representation of at least five Members in each Member State.We can leverage on the presence of these MPs as an entry point to initiate
dialogue and hopefully find a durable solution through Parliamentary
Diplomacy
Unfortunately, for the past four years or so, we have not been given a budget to
carry out these missions and when we lobby for it we are told that we are
duplicating the functions of the Peace and Security Council.
Peace is everyone’s responsibility and we should all play our part in bringing
lasting peace which facilitate sustainable economic development.”
As the 4th Ordinary Session continues, the Pan-African Parliament is poised to address the continent’s pressing challenges and chart a path towards sustainable development and peace. With its unique representation and parliamentary diplomacy, the PAP is well-positioned to drive positive change in Africa
