Closing Ceremony of the Sixth Ordinary Session of the Sixth Pan-African Parliament (15 November)

The Sixth Ordinary Session of the Sixth Pan-African Parliament concluded on Saturday, 15 November, marking the end of a demanding and eventful sitting that brought to the fore both the institution’s ongoing progress and the structural challenges it continues to confront. Among the key agenda items was an important update on the ongoing review of the Rules of Procedure, presented by Hon. Mahamat Saleh Ahmat Khayar (Chad), Rapporteur of the Committee on Rules, Discipline and Privileges. His briefing reaffirmed the Parliament’s commitment to strengthening internal governance, improving procedural clarity, and ensuring institutional alignment with AU directives.

Yet, despite the significance of these governance reforms, the Session was unable to proceed with one of its most consequential responsibilities: the Presentation and Adoption of the Resolutions and Recommendations of the 5th Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament. These instruments—intended to guide oversight, shape continental parliamentary priorities, and articulate PAP’s collective voice—could not be tabled due to the absence of the required quorum for decision-making.

This inability to adopt resolutions is not merely a procedural inconvenience; it has far-reaching implications for the continuity of PAP’s legislative and advisory mandate. The delay stalls follow-up actions from the previous session, complicates coordination with AU organs, and risks diminishing stakeholder confidence at a time when continental governance structures are expected to demonstrate unity, efficiency, and responsiveness. It also reinforces the urgent need for consistent participation from Member States to ensure that PAP can effectively discharge its responsibilities on behalf of Africa’s citizens.

During the closing ceremony, 2nd Vice President Dr. Ashebir Gayo acknowledged the many challenges that Members faced throughout the Session, including logistical and domestic constraints that affected attendance. He emphasized that the Bureau acted under instructions from the Assembly of Heads of State to address procedural concerns, noting that some of the required adjustments were corrections rather than full-scale amendments.

1st Vice President Hon. Habib echoed these reflections, underscoring how unforeseen circumstances had limited the Parliament’s ability to hold some scheduled meetings and complete parts of its planned agenda. His message reinforced the broader need for institutional resilience and enhanced operational support.

In his concluding remarks, President Chief Fortune Charumbira expressed deep appreciation for Members who remained steadfastly engaged despite the long hours and complex agenda. He provided an update on ongoing advocacy regarding Members’ allowances, explaining that a comprehensive legal submission had been made to the AU and that the Bureau awaits the rescheduled meeting after the previous one was postponed. He further outlined the timeline for upcoming statutory meetings, noting the impact of the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly, the BRICS Summit, and Ramadan on scheduling options. He confirmed that PAP’s next Ordinary Session will take place in June, in partnership with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, which will convene a global parliamentary conference on food, climate, and sustainability.

President Charumbira urged Members to remain in the Chamber for the joint engagement with the EU delegation later that afternoon, stressing the importance of maintaining strong representation in international parliamentary diplomacy. He closed by wishing all Members a safe journey home and extended early greetings ahead of Christmas, the New Year, and Ramadan.