By Clement Akoloh | Parliamentary Affairs Correspondent
MIDRAND, South Africa, July 16, 2026 — President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), H.E. Dr. Fateh Boutbig, has called on journalists across Africa to continue serving as responsible partners in promoting democracy by providing accurate, objective and balanced coverage of the work of the continental Parliament.
Speaking during a virtual pre-session press conference on Thursday ahead of the First Ordinary Session of the Seventh Legislature, Dr. Boutbig stressed that credible journalism remains indispensable to ensuring African citizens are well informed about the decisions, debates and oversight responsibilities of the Pan-African Parliament.
“The media are indispensable partners in communicating the work of Parliament to the people of Africa,” he said, urging journalists to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in reporting the activities of the institution.
The First Ordinary Session of the Seventh Legislature will be held from 17 July to 1 August 2026 at the Pan-African Parliament Headquarters in Midrand, South Africa.
Dr. Boutbig described the session as the formal commencement of the Seventh Legislature’s parliamentary programme and an important milestone in advancing the mandate of the Pan-African Parliament within the African Union’s governance framework.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the newly elected Bureau to strengthening the effectiveness, credibility and visibility of the institution while enhancing its role as the parliamentary voice of the people of Africa.
According to him, Members of the Pan-African Parliament will deliberate on several pressing continental issues, including democratic governance, peace and security, regional economic integration, sustainable development and the implementation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
He added that the Parliament’s Permanent Committees would also undertake oversight and policy discussions on matters affecting African citizens, with the aim of supporting stronger governance and more responsive public institutions across Member States.
The PAP President further underscored the Parliament’s commitment to supporting the African Union Theme of the Year 2026, emphasizing that legislative action and parliamentary oversight have a critical role to play in improving water security and sanitation across the continent.
He called on citizens, civil society organisations, academia and the media to actively follow the proceedings through the Pan-African Parliament’s official communication platforms, reiterating the institution’s commitment to transparency, accountability and greater public participation in continental governance.
The First Ordinary Session is expected to bring together Members of the Pan-African Parliament, Speakers of National and Regional Parliaments, representatives of African Union organs and institutions, Member States, development partners and other stakeholders to deliberate on policies and strategies aimed at deepening African integration and accelerating the continent’s socio-economic transformation.
The session is expected to produce recommendations and resolutions that will contribute to ongoing African Union initiatives and reinforce the Pan-African Parliament’s role in promoting democratic governance, accountability and people-centred development across Africa.
Source: parliamentnews360.com
