Pan-African Parliament Urges Diplomatic Corps to Address Funding Challenges and Enhance Peace Initiatives
The Bureau of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), led by President Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira, convened a significant meeting today with the African Diplomatic Corps accredited to South Africa. This gathering focused on preparations for the Fourth Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament, scheduled for November 4-15, 2024. Representatives from various parliamentary groupings participated, including Brazilian Ambassador H.E. Benedicto Fonseca Filho for the Group of Latin America and the Caribbean (GRULAC), High Commissioner Joan Thomas Edwards of Jamaica for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and His Excellency Mahash Saeed Alhameli of the United Arab Emirates for The Arab League.
The meeting aimed to strengthen the operational capacities of the Parliament and align strategic objectives with those of African diplomats to achieve the “#AfricaWeWant” vision. Hon. Charumbira emphasized the PAP’s mammoth role within the African Union (AU) given its mandate to oversee initiatives like Agenda 2063 and to promote good governance and human rights across the continent and its Diaspora.
However, he noted that PAP faces substantial operational challenges due to funding constraints. The PAP’s budget, previously set at $19 million before COVID-19, remains reduced by over 70%. Hon. Charumbira explained, “The pre-COVID budget has not been reinstated… missions by committees to Cote d’Ivoire, Tanzania… were halted.” This financial gap impacts PAP’s ability to fulfill its oversight and legislative roles, a challenge that necessitates the AU’s “Africa Beyond Aid” initiative as African institutions seek more sustainable funding. The African Parliament reiterated its stance securing Africa’s economic self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on foreign assistance.
The issue of continental peace and security, particularly in light of ongoing violence in Chad and Sudan, was raised as a matter of urgency. Hon. Charumbira condemned recent attacks on diplomatic sites and military bases, labeling them as violations of international law, noting, “PAP will never tolerate such barbarity.” He further advocated for PAP’s active role in the AU’s “Silencing the Guns” initiative, which aims to curb insurgencies and unconstitutional governments across Africa.
In particular, the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations encouraged the parties in conflict in Sudan, of course, to cease hostilities and resort to dialogue as a means of resolving conflicts. As PAP, we want to say the instances of terrorism, violence, extremism and constitutional changes of government, civil wars, which continue to block the continent of Africa despite the commitment of the embassies to silence the guns by 2030. It is deplorable and this Parliament will stand always high to loudly say this is an abomination of this continent and we should all join together to make sure we say this is an abomination of this continent and we should all join together to make sure we show those people that are involved that they are not acceptable in our society. _H.E. Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira (President, Pan-African Parliament)
A statement of solidarity with Palestine from the Pan-African Parliament was also agreed upon in the meeting. Hon. Charumbira confirmed that “as an African parliament, any opportunity that presents itself, we also make sure that we make a statement in support of Palestine.”
In addition, the Bureau of the Pan-African Parliament urged the diplomatic corps to advocate for institutional reforms within the AU to improve efficiency, and clarify the AU’s fragmented governance structure. Hon. Charumbira likened the slow pace of reform to “trying to teach an elephant to dance,” lamenting the lack of development of efficient oversight mechanisms and clear reporting structures within the AU.
This push for reform, supported by figures such as Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Kenyan President William Ruto, aims to streamline operations and empower PAP as a legislative body within the AU framework. Hon. Charumbira urged the assembled diplomats to advocate for PAP’s financial and structural needs, noting that sustainable reform and adequate funding are essential to achieving Africa’s vision of peace, prosperity, and global influence. As PAP prepares for its Fourth Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament in November, this meeting serves to brief diplomatic corps on the business of the parliament in regards to AU’s agenda. This diplomatic convergence aligns with Africa’s advocacy for fairer international policies and strengthened south-south partnerships.
