Pan-African Parliament’s Call for Decentralization: Is it the Answer to African Union’s Inefficiencies?

The Pan-African Parliament, led by President Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira, has arrived in Nairobi for the Fifth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting (5th MYCM) of the African Union (AU). With a focus on the “Acceleration of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Implementation,” the summit aims to address critical issues surrounding continental and regional integration, institutional reforms, and the future of African governance. Ahead of the major meetings, President Charumbira is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with foreign ministers and ambassadors, setting the stage for key deliberations.

The issue of decentralisation of the AU is expected to be at the top of the agenda for the African Parliament as the continental body highlighted the issue during the AU Retreat on Reforms held in Kigali last June. At the last meeting, the Parliament’s Speaker raised alarm over the centralization of business processes and systems within the African Union Commission (AUC). Despite the initial intention to eliminate inefficiencies, centralization has unexpectedly led to further setbacks, creating a paradoxical situation.

The immense diversity of the continent, encompassing 54 countries and over 3,000 distinct ethnic groups, poses challenges for member states and the Pan-African Parliament, limiting their influence over budgeting, proposals, and initiatives. This has resulted in growing suspicions and resistance among member states toward the mandates of the African Union. In response, the call for decentralization has emerged as a solution to foster collaboration and inclusivity among the diverse nations of Africa.

Addressing the skepticism among African citizens regarding the effectiveness of the African Union and its various organs and agencies, President Charumbira proposed decentralizing business systems and processes, including recruitment, to enhance efficiency and ensure timely service delivery. However, the centralization of decision-making authority within the African Union Commission, similar to the European Commission, has proven to be a challenging hurdle.

It is on record that President Charumbira has consistently emphasized the indispensable role played by the Pan-African Parliament as a continental legislative body. Recognizing its significance in implementing representative democracy, popular participation, and continental integration. Hence, he actively supports the recommendations put forth by the Reform Unit during the June meeting. The President has also contributed his own insights and recommendations for the success of the Reform Process, specifically focusing on the Pan-African Parliament’s role within the AU architecture.

The Pan-African Parliament’s participation in the AU Mid-Year Summit in Nairobi demonstrates a resolute commitment to advancing the objectives of the African Union. As discussions center around continental integration, regional integration, institutional reform, division of labor, and the implementation of Agenda 2063, expectations are high for the Parliament to contribute to the development of practical frameworks and policies that effectively address the diverse needs and aspirations of Africa’s nations and peoples.

As the summit unfolds, all eyes across the African continent and Diaspora remain focused on the outcomes and potential reforms that may shape the future of the African Union, paving the way for a more united and prosperous Africa. Through their active engagement in the AU Mid-Year Summit, the Pan-African Parliament is anticipated to assert its influence and advocate for greater transparency, accountability, and efficiency within the African Union.