Monday, March 18, 2024

Over 600 Delegates across the Commonwealth Fraternity to attend the 66th CPC Conference in Ghana

Under the distinguished patronage of the Rt Hon Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Parliament of Ghana will host the 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference which will be held from 30th September to 6th October 2023 at the Accra International Conference under the theme: “The Commonwealth Charter 10 years on: Values and Principles for Parliaments to Uphold."
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The inauguration of the 27th Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers Conference (CSPOC) has marked a momentous occasion as it has been unveiled by His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the esteemed President of Uganda. The grand opening ceremony has served as a platform for leaders, dignitaries, and representatives from across the Commonwealth to converge and engage in meaningful discussions.

The Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Anita Among has played a pivotal role in extending a warm welcome to her counterparts and other distinguished leaders present at the conference. Among other leaders is the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament and technical staff from Parliament.

The gathering is not only celebrating the rich diversity within the Commonwealth but also fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding.

H.E Yoweri Museveni's involvement in inaugurating the conference has underscored the significance of the event on the global stage. His presence has not only added prestige but also highlighted Uganda's commitment to promoting dialogue and cooperation among Commonwealth nations.

The Speaker's welcoming address has set the tone for the conference, emphasizing the shared values and goals that bind Commonwealth countries together. The exchange of ideas and experiences during the conference promised to strengthen the ties between the participating nations, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity.

As leaders engage in discussions over the course of the conference, it is evident that the 27th CSPOC is aimed to address pressing issues facing member nations. The exchange of insights, best practices, and collaborative strategies shall play a crucial role in shaping the future direction of the Commonwealth.

The official opening ceremony, graced by the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E Museveni and led by the Speaker of Parliament, has not only showcased Uganda's hospitality but also emphasized the nation's dedication to diplomatic initiatives. The event is a testament to the Commonwealth's enduring commitment to democratic values, human rights, and socio-economic development.

In conclusion, the official opening of the 27th Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers Conference is a moment of significance, marked by the presence of President Museveni and the warm welcome extended by the Speaker of Parliament. The conference stands as a beacon of unity, providing a platform for leaders to collaborate, exchange ideas, and collectively address the challenges and opportunities facing the Commonwealth in the 21st century.

[post_date_unix] => 1704450737 [post_date] => January 5, 2024 [post_modified] => January 5, 2024 [post_author_url] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/author/parliamentnews360/ [post_author_name] => Clement Akoloh [post_author_email] => senaakoloh@gmail.com [post_comments_no] => 0 [post_comments_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/inauguration-of-27th-commonwealth-speakers-and-presiding-officers-conference-cspoc-uganda/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [1738] => Array ( [post_id] => 1738 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 1739 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/over-600-delegates-across-the-commonwealth-fraternity-to-attend-the-66th-cpc-conference-in-ghana/ [post_title] => Over 600 Delegates across the Commonwealth Fraternity to attend the 66th CPC Conference in Ghana [post_title_attribute] => Over 600 Delegates across the Commonwealth Fraternity to attend the 66th CPC Conference in Ghana [post_excerpt] => Under the distinguished patronage of the Rt Hon Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Parliament of Ghana will host the 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference which will be held from 30th September to 6th October 2023 at the Accra International Conference under the theme: “The Commonwealth Charter 10 years on: Values and Principles for Parliaments to Uphold." [post_content] =>

Under the distinguished patronage of the Rt Hon Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Parliament of Ghana will host the 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference which will be held from 30th September to 6th October 2023 at the Accra International Conference under the theme: “The Commonwealth Charter 10 years on: Values and Principles for Parliaments to Uphold."

The Rt. Hon. Speaker who also doubles as the President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and the President of the Ghana Branch of the Association will preside over the General Assembly on Thursday, 5th October, 2023, and also chair the Elections Committee of the Association. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Association and will participate in the deliberations at the Meeting of the Executive Committee.

The 7-day Conference aimed at fostering dialogue and cooperation among member countries to address pressing global challenges within the context of Commonwealth Values will be attended by Speakers and Presiding Officers, Parliamentarians, Clerks-to-Parliaments, Parliamentary Staff, and key Stakeholders in the parliamentary governance sector.

Addressing a Press Conference in Parliament on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, to announce the upcoming international event to be hosted by the Parliament of Ghana on behalf of the Rt. Hon. Speaker, the Clerk to Ghana’s Parliament, Mr. Cyril Kwabena Oteng Nsiah, who doubles as the Ghana Branch Secretary of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, said the conference will emphasize the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in addressing identified challenges and highlight the role of parliaments in shaping policies that benefit their citizens.

According to him, the Parliament of Ghana expects to host about six hundred (600) delegates, observers, and accompanying officials from 56 National Branches (National Legislatures) and 111 Sub-National Branches (State/Provincial Legislatures) across the nine (9) geographic regions of the Commonwealth.

He also noted that the 66th CPC will be held alongside other Conferences, Meetings, and Workshops at the Accra International Conference Centre, including the 66th CPA General Assembly; Meetings of the CPA Executive Committee; 39th CPA Small Branches Conference; Meetings of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP); Meeting of Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) networks; 57th Meeting of the Society of Clerks at the Table (SoCATT); and Presentation of the 2023 Commonwealth Parliamentarian of the Year awards.

This year’s conference will commence officially with an opening ceremony on Wednesday, 4th October, 2023 under the distinguished patronage of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana and Vice-Patron of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the Keynote Speaker.

The opening ceremony will be followed by workshops to discuss various topics relating to security, human rights, environment, economy, gender, and other cross-cutting issues. The Hon. Minister of National Security is expected to lead discussions at the Host nation’s workshop which will be organized by Ghana to deliberate on the topic: Combating the threat of terrorism to Statehood: the Role of Parliament.

Prior to the official opening of the Conference, there will be an Inaugural Lecture in memory of Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka on Monday, 2nd October, 2023 from 19:00 to 20:00 GMT at the Accra International Conference Centre, Ghana.

Hon. Monjowa Lifaka is a former Deputy Speaker of Cameroon who was a passionate champion of the CPA and served as CPA Chairperson from November, 2017 until her demise in April, 2021. The Lecture which is to pay tribute to her is opened to the general public. A paper will be presented by Ms. Betty Abeng, Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth Education Trust, with Dr. Leslie Casely-Hayford, a Ghana-based international education development expert as the discussant.

Background Information

In September 2019, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), at its 64th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) held in Kampala, Uganda adopted a request from Ghana among those from other commonwealth nations to host the 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), was founded in 1911 as the Empire Parliamentary Association, which metamorphosed into the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in 1948.

The Association, which had five (5) branches at its inception, currently has one hundred and eighty-one (180) national and sub-branches across the nine (9) regions of the Commonwealth. The Association has a number of organs including Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians, the CPA Small Branches Network, the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities, and the Commonwealth Youth Parliament.

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC), an annual conference of CPA, was first held in the United Kingdom in 1948. The Conference was held bi-annually until 1961 when it became an annual event, organized on a rotational basis in all regions of the Commonwealth across the world.

The CPA Africa Region has hosted the highest number of Conferences. The 66th CPC which will be held in Accra, Ghana will be the 17th time the CPA Africa Region is hosting the Conference.

Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com

[post_date_unix] => 1695764502 [post_date] => September 26, 2023 [post_modified] => September 26, 2023 [post_author_url] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/author/parliamentnews360/ [post_author_name] => Clement Akoloh [post_author_email] => senaakoloh@gmail.com [post_comments_no] => 0 [post_comments_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/over-600-delegates-across-the-commonwealth-fraternity-to-attend-the-66th-cpc-conference-in-ghana/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [1723] => Array ( [post_id] => 1723 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 1724 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/pap-mps-need-to-help-ratify-free-movement-of-people-protocol-to-enhance-afcfta-implementation-hon-alhagie-mbow/ [post_title] => PAP MPs Need to Help Ratify Free Movement of People Protocol to Enhance AfCFTA Implementation – Hon Alhagie Mbow [post_title_attribute] => PAP MPs Need to Help Ratify Free Movement of People Protocol to Enhance AfCFTA Implementation – Hon Alhagie Mbow [post_excerpt] => The Chairperson of the Western African Caucus of the Pan-African Parliament and Senator in the Gambia Parliament, Hon. Alhagie Mbow, has urged his colleague Members of the Pan-African Parliament to ensure the ratification of the Protocol on Free and Safe Movement of People, and Goods and services across the continent in their various countries to justify their role as representatives of the African people.  [post_content] =>

The Chairperson of the Western African Caucus of the Pan-African Parliament and Senator in the Gambia Parliament, Hon. Alhagie Mbow, has urged his colleague Members of the Pan-African Parliament to ensure the ratification of the Protocol on Free and Safe Movement of People, and Goods and services across the continent in their various countries to justify their role as representatives of the African people.

According to him, this falls in line with the African Union Theme for 2023, “Accelerating the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which has also been adopted as the headline theme for the ongoing Second Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament which is being held from May 15 to June 2, 2023, in Midrand, South Africa.

“If you look at the protocol to the Treaty establishing the African Community relative to the Free Movement of Persons and the right of residence under the right of establishment, you would realize that actually 32 countries have signed but we have only 4 that have actually ratified it.

“You know ratification is the part that the Members of Parliament would have to do before it becomes effective. So, I think the Members of PAP have a crucial role to play, especially when we are talking about the AFCTA where we need to have people who are free to move from one country to the other and where they can also have the right to reside,” he indicated.

The Caucus Chair made the call on the APPN-PAP Virtual Media Brief platform where members of the African Parliamentary Press Network (APPN) engaged him in a discussion on some of the activities in the ongoing PAP session.

Hon. Alhagie Mbow emphasized the need to also ensure safe movement and not only a free movement of people from one African country to the other. Because according to him, “If you look at the migration pattern that is ongoing on the continent, particularly in Western Sahara and West Africa itself, we are seeing something which is really undesirable.”

Another area that he indicated needed to be worked on is silencing the guns. “Last year and the year before, you’ve seen some things coming up in Western Africa dealing with coup D’états which is something we don’t want to see on the continent. And again, we see what is happening in Eastern Africa in Sudan. Those things are things that are not desirable on the continent at this point in time.”

“I think we are trying to turn the corner where we can work together as Africans, where we create our own market, where we move products and services from one country to the other, where we trade among ourselves which we think is for the betterment of the African population,” he indicated in the media briefing.

The PAP Virtual Media Brief which is streamed live to the world on the internet, is an initiative of the APPN Secretariat hosted in Accra, Ghana by the Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica).

The objective of the Daily Virtual Briefing exercise is to: Bring the larger membership of the APPN up to speed on the various subject matter areas of the ongoing Session of the Continental Parliament to facilitate accurate reportage; Provide a platform for the officials of PAP to give first-hand information to the Parliamentary journalist across the continent and the general public about their work at PAP, and clarify thorny issues that may have arisen during plenary discussions; and Create a rapport and a working relationship between the actors at the Continental Parliament and the Parliamentary journalist under the umbrella of the APPN to deepen their publicity agenda towards the Pan African Parliament.

The APPN is a network of Parliamentary journalists and Communication Officers from the various Parliaments and National Assemblies across the continent who are dedicated to leading advocacy and the dissemination of Parliamentary information to the ordinary people on the continent and beyond. The network currently has a presence in 28 African countries.

Source:Clement Akoloh||parlimentnews360.com

[post_date_unix] => 1684937859 [post_date] => May 24, 2023 [post_modified] => May 24, 2023 [post_author_url] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/author/parliamentnews360/ [post_author_name] => Clement Akoloh [post_author_email] => senaakoloh@gmail.com [post_comments_no] => 0 [post_comments_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/pap-mps-need-to-help-ratify-free-movement-of-people-protocol-to-enhance-afcfta-implementation-hon-alhagie-mbow/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [1709] => Array ( [post_id] => 1709 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 1710 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/unconstitutional-changes-in-govt-among-topical-issues-discussed-at-1st-ordinary-session-ghanas-pap-delegation/ [post_title] => Unconstitutional Changes in Govt among Topical Issues Discussed at 1st Ordinary Session – Ghana’s PAP Delegation [post_title_attribute] => Unconstitutional Changes in Govt among Topical Issues Discussed at 1st Ordinary Session – Ghana’s PAP Delegation [post_excerpt] => Peace and security, integration of the Continent, unconstitutional changes of government and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) were the issues that featured prominently on the Agenda for the First Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan African Parliament. [post_content] =>

Peace and security, integration of the Continent, unconstitutional changes of government and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) were the issues that featured prominently on the Agenda for the First Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan African Parliament.

This is according to a Report of the Representatives from the Parliament of Ghana to the Pan-African Parliament on the Ordinary Session held from Monday, October 24th to Friday, November 11th 2022, in Midrand, South Africa under the theme, “Building Resilience in Nutrition on the African Continent: Accelerate the Human Capital, Social and Economic Development”.

The Report which was signed by the Head of the Delegation to the PAP, Hon. Joseph Osei Owusu and the scheduled Officer - Acting Deputy Clerk, Mr. Eric Owusu, was presented at plenary to the Parliament of Ghana just before it left for recess at the end of March, 2023.

It indicated that the House was unanimous that the growth of the continent would depend on the level of peace and security environment available and therefore called on the African Union to work towards ending the several ongoing conflicts in Africa.

“The House also acknowledged that, Africa could progress only when elements of true democracy are adhered to by the people of Africa. The House therefore called on countries that had not ratified the Charter on Democratic Elections and Governance to do so.

“The ratification of the Charter and adherence to the principles expressed by the Charter would be expected to curtail the unconstitutional changes of government in Africa,” the report said.

It reported on the 18 resolutions which were adopted by the House which were enumerated as the following: 1. Congratulations to the Federal Republic of Ethiopia and Tigray People’s Liberation Front on the signing of the Peace Agreement; 2. Solidarity and support to the Government and the People of the Republic of Mozambique in resolving the conflict; 3. Support for the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline Project; 4. Lifting of unilateral economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwean Government by the United States, United Kingdom and the European Union.

The others include: 5. Immediate end to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC); 6. Ratification and implementation of the Additional Protocol to the African Charter on Human And Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol); 7. Advancement of democratic governance through the implementation of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) and enhanced citizen engagement; 8. Effective operations of the African Continental Free Trade Area; 9. Formulation of model law on food and nutrition security in Africa; and 10. Formulation of model law on policing for Africa.

The rest of the resolutions adopted by the PAP are: 11. Elimination of harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks; 12. Promotion of ratification of the Protocol on Persons with Disability and the Protocol on Older Persons; 13. Formulation of model law on labour migration in Africa; 14. Formulation of model law on Gender Parity in Africa; 15. Promotion of African Union Ten-Year Action Plan to Eradicate Child Labour, Forced Labour, Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery (2020-2030); 16. Formulation of model law on statelessness; 17. Formulation of model law on cooperatives in Africa; and 18. Formulation of model law on factoring in Africa.

The Members of Ghana’s Parliamentary Delegation to the Pan-African Parliament include: Hon. Joseph Osei Owusu, First Deputy Speaker and Leader of the Delegation; Hon. Frank Annor Dompreh, Majority Chief Whip; Hon. Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, Minority Chief Whip; Hon. Collins Dauda, Member; and Hon. Ophelia Mensah, Member.

Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com

[post_date_unix] => 1682182556 [post_date] => April 22, 2023 [post_modified] => April 22, 2023 [post_author_url] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/author/parliamentnews360/ [post_author_name] => Clement Akoloh [post_author_email] => senaakoloh@gmail.com [post_comments_no] => 0 [post_comments_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/unconstitutional-changes-in-govt-among-topical-issues-discussed-at-1st-ordinary-session-ghanas-pap-delegation/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [1703] => Array ( [post_id] => 1703 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 1704 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/pap-president-charges-youth-to-be-driving-force-for-afcfta-implementation/ [post_title] => PAP President Charges Youth to be Driving Force for AfCFTA Implementation [post_title_attribute] => PAP President Charges Youth to be Driving Force for AfCFTA Implementation [post_excerpt] => The President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has encouraged the youth to be the driving force behind the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). H.E. Chief Fortune Z. Charumbira called on young people to tap into opportunities offered by intra-African trade, and play a leading role in accelerating Africa’s industrialisation and economic transformation. [post_content] =>

The President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has encouraged the youth to be the driving force behind the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). H.E. Chief Fortune Z. Charumbira called on young people to tap into opportunities offered by intra-African trade, and play a leading role in accelerating Africa’s industrialisation and economic transformation.

The President of the Continental Parliament was addressing students gathered at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) on the occasion of the 2023 African Union (AU) Model Summit under the theme of the Year for 2023, “Acceleration of the African Continental Free Trade Area Implementation.”

Convened by the African Union Southern Africa Regional Office (AU-SARO), the AU Model Summit is essentially a simulation exercise of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government Proceedings. As a student-based activity, it involves students being assigned to the African Union Member States in groups of five representing different delegations of the 55 Member States.

The objective of the Model Summit is to sensitise the citizenry, especially African youth on the continental integration policies, programs, and what they mean to the ordinary citizenry. The platform is further intended to familiarise participants on the operations and procedures of the AU policy organs and their decision-making processes.

H.E. Chief Charumbira said that young people must make their voice heard to ensure that the implementation process of the AfCFTA is responsive to their needs, as the future of the African continent. The leader of Africa’s Parliament believes that harnessing the potential of the landmark continental agreement will help the youth overcome difficulties in accessing formal employment and decent jobs. 

The President further pledged the PAP’s commitment to ensuring that the youth fully play their role and reap the benefits of what he described as one of the most important African projects to date.

“I am pleased to say that the PAP can and should play an instrumental role in driving youth inclusion and participation in continental policies and programmes in general and in the implementation of the AfCFTA in particular. One of the primary objectives of the PAP as enunciated in Rule 4 of the PAP Rules of Procedure is to facilitate the effective implementation of the policies and objectives of the African Union. The PAP is indeed intended as a platform for African citizens, especially the youth to make contributions to decision-making on the problems and challenges facing the continent,” said H.E. Chief Charumbira.

He added: “You must insist that you are part of the action, do not be bystanders. As your Parliament, we exist to ensure that your concerns are considered by the decision-making structures of our Union. Africa has the world's youngest population, with over 400 million young people aged 15 to 35 years. To galvanise Africa's accelerated economic growth agenda, the youth must be a prime anchor of the AfCFTA. In that regard, we must include the youth in all facets of the AfCFTA implementation.”

H.E. Chief Charumbira identified the production capability of the African continent as an area requiring the youth’s intervention. The leader of the PAP called for the ingenuity, proactiveness and passion of young people to reduce Africa’s dependency on raw material exports and imports, a sine qua non for the successful implementation of the AfCFTA.

“Africa imports billions of dollars’ worth of products that can be produced locally utilising the continent’s abundant resources. As you continue your studies, you must focus on how to create opportunities for production, and how to stimulate demand among African countries in order to unlock the potential of intra-trade on the continent. The AfCFTA is aiming to address this challenge. If we get it right, we will lift millions of people out of poverty especially by empowering youth to change the continent’s business environment.”

Finally, the leader of Africa’s premier parliamentary forum said that young people must dare to take charge now as he called on governments to deliberately include youths in policy and decision-making platforms, integrating their needs into trade policies, enhancing their participation in cross-border trade.

“You are not the leaders of tomorrow; you are leaders in training. You must take the bull by the horns and insist on being part of the action today. In this regard, I applaud the training that the AU-SARO is providing in collaboration with tertiary institutions such as UJ , and I hope you will use it in your lifetime for the greater good of the citizens of our respective countries and the peoples of Africa. This platform is critically important not only in raising awareness among our youths on the operations, working modalities, policies and programmes of the AU and its Organs, but also in inspiring our youth to possibly pursue a career path as policy makers and future leaders," H.E. Chief Charumbira concluded.

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The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) President H.E Chief Fortune Charumbira has urged the PAP Committees, Regional Caucuses, Women and Youth Caucuses to adopt “SMART Principle” in developing Committee Workplans.

He was speaking at the currently ongoing sitting of the Permanent Committees of the sixth Parliament of the PAP in Midrand, South Africa, where Committees, Women and Youth Caucuses Chairpersons made Presentations on their Workplans and expected results of Committee sittings.

The sitting is being held under the African Union Theme of the Year for 2023, “The Year of AFCFTA: Accelerating the Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area”.

Developed by George Doran, Arthur Miller and James Cunningham in their 1981 article aimed at ways of writing management goals and objectives, the acronym SMART means “Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-based”

“Our Committees, Youth and Women need to come up with specific goals and adopt a more effective planning process if we are to achieve our objectives,” said H.E Chief Charumbira while commenting and making his Presentation on “the mandate of the Permanent Committees and expected output from African legislators”.

“While devising plans, our teams need to focus on defining the evidence which will prove that you are making progress and reevaluate when necessary. In all that you do, you also need to make sure that you can reasonably accomplish your goals within a certain time frame.

“We don’t need a situation where we just implement activities for the sake of pushing time. Your goals should align with your values and long-term objectives. As continental legislators we need to set a realistic ambitious end-date for task prioritisation and motivation,” said H.E Chief Charumbira emphasising that Africa counts on the work of the PAP Committees.

H.E Chief Charumbira also challenged the Committees to work towards the harmonization or coordination of the laws in the AU Member States.

“As our committees, you should examine, discuss or express an opinion on any matter, either on its own initiative or at the request of the Assembly or other policy organs and make any recommendations it may deem fit relating to, inter alia, matters pertaining to the respect of human rights, the consolidation of democratic institutions and the culture of democracy, as well as the promotion of good governance and the rule of law.

“Always debate, express an opinion and make actionable recommendations on issues relevant to the people of Africa such as Poverty and Unemployment, Illicit Financial Flows, Climate Change, Food Security & Nutrition, Unconstitutional Changes of Government, Corruption, Terrorism and Unilateral sanctions impeding development in African countries,” he added.

The President further accentuated that the Committees must facilitate the effective implementation of the policies and objectives of the OAU/AEC, Agenda 2063, African Continental Free Trade Area, AU Shared Values, Flagship Projects: Inga Dam Project, Single African Air Transport Market and Facilitate attainment of AU Theme of the Year: “The Year of AFCTFTA: Accelerating the AFCFTA Implementation”.

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The Pan-African Parliament’s (PAP) leadership has directed Permanent Committees to give full expression to the aspirations of the African people as the Sitting of Permanent Committees and other Organs commenced today in Midrand.

The March Sittings of Permanent Committees of the sixth Parliament being held under the African Union Theme of the Year for 2023, “The Year of AfCFTA: Accelerating the Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area” in Midrand, South Africa will run from 6 March to 17 March.

Gracing the opening ceremony were high-level guests, including South Africa’s Hon. Candice Mashego-Dlamini, Deputy Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation representing the President of the Republic of South Africa, H.E Cyril Ramaphosa.

Also present was the Rt Hon. Lady Justice Tujilane R. Chizumila, Judge of the African Court on Human and People’s Rights and Professor Mirjam Van Reisen of the European Parliament.

Cognizant of the strides the PAP has made in the past eight months, President H.E Chief Fortune Charumbira said the Permanent Committees are the main drivers in giving vent to the expectations of the African citizenry.

“For our Committees to be able to contribute to the redress of the issues confronting Africa, we need to be clear on the full catalogue of issues that are adversely affecting our people. We must, therefore, utilize these sittings to conduct a microscopic environmental scan, draw up a detailed list of the challenges facing our citizens and develop work plans that prioritize and respond to the identified issues. Our focus must remain firmly fixed on the needs and expectations of the African citizenry and only then can we remain relevant as a continental oversight and representative institution,” said H.E Charumbira.

Central to discussions was also the pivotal role the Committees play in the implementation of the AU theme of the year for 2023. H.E Charumbira urged the Committees to review their work plans to ensure that they are in line with the theme to accelerate implementation of the AfCFTA. There were also concerted calls for collaboration with other AU organs, Regional and National parliaments as PAP drives the attainment of Agenda 2063 and other AU Flagship Projects, among them, the Integrated High Speed Train Network, Formulation of an African Commodities Strategy, Implementation of the Grand Inga Dam Project, Establishment of a Single African Air Transport Market and the Great African Museum.

Republic of South Africa Deputy Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Hon Candice Mashego-Dlamini commended the PAP for coming up with programmes that speak to the needs of African people and reiterated South Africa’s commitment to supporting the PAP.

“I wish to reiterate our commitment to provide all the necessary support to facilitate the work of the Pan African Parliament and our resolve to build the permanent PAP precinct in South Africa,” said Hon Mashego-Dlamini.

Underscoring the African Court on Human and People’s Rights’ willingness to collaborate with the PAP, Rt. Hon. Lady Justice Tujilane R. Chizumila said tremendous progress has been made in the democracy and human rights spheres yet a lot of work remains to be done.

“Our Court continues to work tirelessly to ensure human and people’s rights are protected. ACHPR has resolved to play its part while at the same time continuing collaboration between the ACHPR and PAP’” said Rt. Hon. Justice Chizumila.

Meanwhile, the continental Parliament saw the swearing-in of new Members of Parliament from Angola. These include Hon Manueal Domingos Augusto, Hon Maria Roea Antonia Gilberts Typinge (Mrs), Hon Adalberto Costa Junior, and Hon Abel Epalanga Chivukuvuku.

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The Pan-African Parliament's (PAP) President, H.E Chief Fortune Charumbira has said that the Continental legislative body should be a beacon of hope for the aspirations, dreams and ideals of the people of Africa.

He was speaking at the Official Opening Ceremony of the Permanent Committees of the sixth Parliament of the PAP which is being held under the African Union Theme of the Year for 2023, “The Year of AFCFTA: Accelerating the Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area” currently underway in Midrand, South Africa.

“Whatever we do, during these Committee sessions and beyond, should be focused on meeting and exceeding our stakeholders and stockholders’ expectations of what the PAP can and should deliver,” said H.E Charumbira.

“As the continental representative institution, we are the big brother of all Parliamentary institutions on the continent. This must inspire us to lead by example in spearheading the universal representative and oversight role, albeit without the full legislative functions of a Parliament.

“The PAP must give full expression to the people’s voice on the continent in line with our mandate of “ensuring the full participation of African peoples in the economic development and integration of the continent.” Equally importantly, we must also play a decisive role on the demand side of accountability like any Parliament by making sure that the AU and Member States take heed of the people’s voice and common interests in every programme, policy and collective decision. Doubtless, we can only effectively fulfil this function through our committees,” he added.

H.E Charumbira also disclosed that the Bureau is pleased with the progress made so far since they assumed office.

“I am pleased to report that the feedback we have been receiving about the PAP over the past eight months or so have been highly complementary. Speaking at the official opening of the PAP-PRC Retreat on 19 December 2022, the Minister of International Relations and Co-operation of the Republic of South Africa, Hon. Dr. Naledi Pandor, acknowledged the excellent work that has been done by the Pan African Parliament since June 2022 and declared that “there is no one who can sway my belief that the Bureau has made extensive efforts to bring back the Pan African Parliament to what it should be”.

In the same vein, during the 45th Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) held in January 2023, Ambassadors roundly acknowledged the rapid turnaround of the PAP and credited us with a “vibrancy” that had not been seen at the PAP in a long time. This huge vote of confidence from a previously hostile constituency is a reflection of the strides we have made in our transformative agenda. We must, therefore, applaud ourselves for this changing public perception which confirms that we have gone some way in “Reviving, Renewing, Repositioning and Reinvigorating the Pan African Parliament” in line with our avowed strategic thrust,” added H.E Charumbira.

He further urged the PAP Committees to have a pivotal role to play in ensuring that Member States and AU Organs are held to account for the commitments they make towards the implementation of AFCFTA - African Continental Free Trade Area.

“Committees must thus review their work plans to ensure that they include activities aimed at facilitating the accelerated implementation of the AFCFTA. However, before moving on to the 2023 Theme, Committees must also review what they did in the preceding year and the tangible outcome and impact of their activities in support of the 2022 Theme of the Year, “Strengthening Resilience in Nutrition and Food Security on the African Continent”. The lessons drawn from the preceding year should be harnessed in enhancing the effectiveness of our committees in fulfilling their mandate and driving the attainment of the 2023 Theme of the Year.”

Meanwhile, H.E. Charumbira also called for collaboration with other AU organs and regional and national parliaments.

“PAP must play its part in driving the attainment of Agenda 2063 and other AU Flagship Projects, among them, the Integrated High-Speed Train Network, Formulation of an African Commodities Strategy, Implementation of the Grand Inga Dam Project, Establishment of a Single African Air Transport Market and the Great African Museum. Clearly, the dream of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens, representing a dynamic force in the international arena” requires all hands on deck. It is imperative, therefore, that our committees work with other AU Organs, national and regional Parliaments in pursuit of our mandate and driving the objectives of the Union.”

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Rt. Hon. Lady Justice Tujilane R. Chizumila, Judge of the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights delivers a message of solidarity to Pan-African Parliamentarians during the Opening of the Sitting of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) Permanent Committees and other Organs.

Rt. Hon. Lady Justice Chizumila addresses PAP

She called for a partnership between the Continental Parliament and the Continental Court in protecting human rights across the continent.

“PAP plays a critical role in advancing issues to do with human rights and democracy in Africa. We are committed to working closely with PAP to protect human rights as we believe that our working together can help protect Human Rights in Africa,” said Lady Justice Chizumila.

#PAPMarchSittings

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